Patents by Inventor Joshua A. Eaton

Joshua A. Eaton 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).

  • Patent number: 11577944
    Abstract: A small-footprint level wind system enabling a winch to accept and operate tension members of differing sizes, simplifying the system, and reducing the system weight. Comprising an elongate support, a leadscrew, a guide substantially supported by the support, the guide adapted to accept a tension member. The guide designed to move along the support and to transfer tension member forces onto the support. Further comprising a motor, adapted to apply a motive onto the leadscrew, a shuttle connected the guide and leadscrew and adapted to transfer the motive force to the guide, moving the guide along the support. In many embodiments more than one component share the same longitudinal axis. Another aspect is providing direct tension member metering and load sensing within the guide. Another embodiment provides a load-bearing leadscrew without an additional support, instead having a direct connection between guide and leadscrew.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Inventors: James Haley, Joshua Eaton
  • Publication number: 20210403296
    Abstract: A small-footprint level wind system enabling a winch to accept and operate tension members of differing sizes, simplifying the system, and reducing the system weight. Comprising an elongate support, a leadscrew, a guide substantially supported by the support, the guide adapted to accept a tension member. The guide designed to move along the support and to transfer tension member forces onto the support. Further comprising a motor, adapted to apply a motive onto the leadscrew, a shuttle connected the guide and leadscrew and adapted to transfer the motive force to the guide, moving the guide along the support. In many embodiments more than one component share the same longitudinal axis. Another aspect is providing direct tension member metering and load sensing within the guide. Another embodiment provides a load-bearing leadscrew without an additional support, instead having a direct connection between guide and leadscrew.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: James Haley, Joshua Eaton
  • Publication number: 20210130144
    Abstract: A lightweight winch has the motor assembly centered with a housing within the winch drum where it may be easily accessed and removed from the winch drum. The winch comprises an improved, non-load bearing level wind mechanism for evenly winding cable about the winch drum. And a small-footprint level wind system having elongate support, a leadscrew, a guide substantially supported by the support, the guide adapted to accept a tension member. The guide designed to move along the support and to transfer tension member forces onto the support. Further comprising a motor, adapted to apply a motive onto the leadscrew, a shuttle connected the guide and leadscrew and adapted to transfer the motive force to the guide, moving the guide along the support. Also provides direct tension member metering and load sensing within the guide, and a load-bearing leadscrew having a direct connection between guide and leadscrew.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventors: James A. Haley, Joshua A. Eaton
  • Patent number: 10889475
    Abstract: A lightweight winch suitable for industrial applications has the motor assembly self-centered with a housing within the winch drum where it may be easily accessed and removed from the winch drum. The winch drum is supported by a bearing means capable of bearing heavy loads in addition to contributing to a compact profile of the winch. The winch comprises an improved, non-load bearing levelwind mechanism for evenly winding cable about the winch drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventors: James A. Haley, Joshua A. Eaton
  • Patent number: 10683196
    Abstract: A portable, lightweight, and low relief profile turntable is equipped for the universal mounting of different winches and winch-type apparatus suitable for use on the deck of a ship or other surface. The turntable is capable of mounting to an increased number of potential locations on deck where it may be easily manipulated to achieve a useful direction and an optical fleet angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventors: Joshua A. Eaton, James A. Haley
  • Publication number: 20180244507
    Abstract: A lightweight winch suitable for industrial applications has the motor assembly self-centered with a housing within the winch drum where it may be easily accessed and removed from the winch drum. The winch drum is supported by a bearing means capable of bearing heavy loads in addition to contributing to a compact profile of the winch. The winch comprises an improved, non-load bearing levelwind mechanism for evenly winding cable about the winch drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: James A. HALEY, Joshua A. EATON
  • Publication number: 20160167747
    Abstract: A portable, lightweight, and low relief profile turntable is equipped for the universal mounting of different winches and winch-type apparatus suitable for use on the deck of a ship or other surface. The turntable is capable of mounting to an increased number of potential locations on deck where it may be easily manipulated to achieve a useful direction and an optical fleet angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Joshua A. Eaton, James A. Haley