Patents by Inventor Johnny Edward Banks

Johnny Edward Banks has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Method and apparatus for planar actuation of a flared surface to control a vehicle
    Patent number: 6723972
    Abstract: The invention is, in its various embodiments and implementations, a method and apparatus for planar actuation of a flared surface to control a vehicle. In one aspect, the invention comprises an apparatus for controlling a vehicle capable of moving through a fluid medium. The apparatus includes a flare; a planar yoke operably associated with the flare; a plurality of actuators capable of moving the planar yoke to manipulate the flare through the operable association between the planar yoke and the flare; and a load bearing structure through which the translating means imparts a moment from the flare to the vehicle. In a second aspect, the invention comprises a method for controlling the maneuvering of a vehicle capable of moving through a fluid medium. The method includes moving a planar yoke to deflect at least a portion of a flare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne K. Schroeder, Johnny Edward Banks
  • Method and apparatus for planar actuation of a flared surface to control a vehicle
    Publication number: 20020079404
    Abstract: The invention is, in its various embodiments and implementations, a method and apparatus for planar actuation of a flared surface to control a vehicle. In one aspect, the invention comprises an apparatus for controlling a vehicle capable of moving through a fluid medium. The apparatus includes a flare; a planar yoke operably associated with the flare; a plurality of actuators capable of moving the planar yoke to manipulate the flare through the operable association between the planar yoke and the flare; and a load bearing structure through which the translating means imparts a moment from the flare to the vehicle. In a second aspect, the invention comprises a method for controlling the maneuvering of a vehicle capable of moving through a fluid medium. The method includes moving a planar yoke to deflect at least a portion of a flare.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Wayne K. Schroeder, Johnny Edward Banks
  • Method and apparatus for non-propulsive fin control in an air or sea vehicle using planar actuation
    Patent number: 6247666
    Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, is an apparatus for controlling the roll, pitch, and yaw attitudes of an air or sea vehicle. The apparatus includes an actuator including an actuation plane and an actuation mechanism, capable of displacing the actuation plane at three points; at least three non-propulsive fins; and a linkage between the actuator and each one of the fins, the linkage communicating the actuation plane's displacement to the respective one of the fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Brian C. Baker, Johnny Edward Banks