Patents by Inventor Lawrence E. Rainey

Lawrence E. Rainey 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).

  • Steering system and an associated vessel
    Patent number: 7418912
    Abstract: A steering system for a vessel is provided. The steering system includes an electric motor assembly and a steering linkage for transmitting the rotational output of the electric motor assembly to the vessel's rudder. The steering system may include at least three linkage members. The steering system may provide a variable output torque that corresponds at least partially with the variable required torque of the rudder at different rudder angles. The steering system may partially decouple the electric motor assembly from vertical movements in the rudder. Embodiments may include additional motor assemblies and steering linkages. The additional motor assemblies and steering linkages may provide an opposing force to reduce flutter within the system and/or be used to reduce the load of any one electric motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Justin C. Morse, Lawrence E. Rainey, Andre Richards
  • STEERING SYSTEM AND AN ASSOCIATED VESSEL
    Publication number: 20080098942
    Abstract: A steering system for a vessel is provided. The steering system includes an electric motor assembly and a steering linkage for transmitting the rotational output of the electric motor assembly to the vessel's rudder. The steering system may include at least three linkage members. The steering system may provide a variable output torque that corresponds at least partially with the variable required torque of the rudder at different rudder angles. The steering system may partially decouple the electric motor assembly from vertical movements in the rudder. Embodiments may include additional motor assemblies and steering linkages. The additional motor assemblies and steering linkages may provide an opposing force to reduce flutter within the system and/or be used to reduce the load of any one electric motor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Justin C. Morse, Lawrence E. Rainey, Andre Richards