Patents by Inventor Nathan Todd

Nathan Todd 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: 7069137
    Abstract: A turbine valve control system is provided. The turbine valve control system includes a variable flow metering device, a first sensor, a second sensor, a third sensor, a fourth sensor, memory, and processing circuitry. The variable flow metering device is capable of meeting a plurality of predetermined mass flow rates by varying positioning of the flow metering device. The processing circuitry is configured to receive the signals, determine whether the flow is subsonic or sonic, and implement a corresponding one of the first and second computer program codes to calculate a combined coefficient of discharge times area that will generate a desired mass flow rate for the flow metering device. A method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Precision Engine Controls Corp.
    Inventor: Nathan Todd Miller
  • Patent number: 6882924
    Abstract: A turbine valve control system is provided. The turbine valve control system includes a variable flow metering device, a first sensor, a second sensor, a third sensor, a fourth sensor, memory, and processing circuitry. The variable flow metering device is capable of meeting a plurality of predetermined mass flow rates by varying positioning of the flow metering device. The first sensor is configured for detecting variable positioning of the flow metering device and generating a first output signal that is a function of the positioning of the flow metering device. The second sensor is configured for detecting fluid pressure upstream of the flow metering device and generating a second output signal that is a function of the detected upstream fluid pressure. The third sensor is configured for detecting fluid pressure downstream of the flow metering device and generating a third output signal that is a function of the detected downstream fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Precision Engine Controls Corp.
    Inventor: Nathan Todd Miller
  • Publication number: 20040216782
    Abstract: A metering valve for industrial gas turbine engines includes a valve body, a flow tube, an orifice plate, a central flow body, and a mover. The valve body has an inlet and an outlet. The flow tube is carried for axial movement in slidable and sealing engagement with the valve body at an inlet end and an outlet end. The orifice plate has an outlet. The central flow body is provided on an upstream end of the orifice plate and has an annular seal configured to seat into engagement with the outlet end of the flow tube when the flow tube is moved to a downstream position. The central flow body also includes a central, protruding flow diverter upstream and central of the annular seal. The mover is provided in the valve body and is configured to carry the flow tube for displacement of the output end toward and away from the central flow body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: E. Joseph Mares, Nathan Todd Miller, Mark Robert Huebscher
  • Patent number: 6702048
    Abstract: A system and method of calibrating a differential steering system in a vehicle is provided. An initiation signal is received. At least one operating condition of the vehicle is monitored. A variable activation signal is applied to an actuation device operable to initiate a flow of pressurized fluid to a steering motor when the at least one operating condition is within a predetermined range. The rotation of the steering motor is monitored. A data point indicative of the value of the variable activation signal applied to the actuation device is captured when the steering motor begins to rotate in response to energization of the actuation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Nathan Todd Schenkel, Jeffrey Michael Thate
  • Publication number: 20030089547
    Abstract: A system and method of calibrating a differential steering system in a vehicle is provided. An initiation signal is received. At least one operating condition of the vehicle is monitored. A variable activation signal is applied to an actuation device operable to initiate a flow of pressurized fluid to a steering motor when the at least one operating condition is within a predetermined range. The rotation of the steering motor is monitored. A data point indicative of the value of the variable activation signal applied to the actuation device is captured when the steering motor begins to rotate in response to energization of the actuation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Nathan Todd Schenkel, Jeffrey Michael Thate