Patents by Inventor Peter M. Ballard

Peter M. Ballard 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: 11927272
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a first sleeve defining a piston bore therein. A second sleeve defines a piston bore therein. The piston bore of the first sleeve and the piston bore of the second sleeve are axially aligned. A piston is slidingly engaged in the piston bores of the first and second sleeves. A seal carrier with a plurality of pieces is axially between the first sleeve and the second sleeve. The plurality of pieces of the multi-piece seal carrier are circumferentially spaced apart from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: August M. Coretto, Glenn Gradischer, Francis P. Marocchini, Peter M. Ballard, Scott J. Beloncik
  • Publication number: 20230294835
    Abstract: An actuator system can include a first actuator, a second actuator, a first actuator control device configured to control the first actuator, a second actuator control device configured to control the second actuator, a shared redundant actuator control device, and at least one transfer device operatively connected to the first, second, and shared redundant actuator control devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Susca, Francis P. Marocchini, Peter M. Ballard
  • Patent number: 11331629
    Abstract: A fiber bundle cartridge for a fiber membrane degassing system includes an inner sleeve including one or more perforations and a fiber bundle positioned radially outward from the inner sleeve. The fiber bundle has an annular shape defining a central bundle axis. The perforations of the inner sleeve define a plurality of inlets and/or outlets facing radially with respect to the central bundle axis. A fiber membrane degassing system includes a housing defining a cylindrical volume having at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The system includes at least one fiber within the cylindrical volume, where fluid flowing through the cylindrical volume from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet flows perpendicular to a longitudinal dimension of the fiber. A method of degassing a liquid includes directing a liquid volume through a fiber bundle in a direction radial to a longitudinally extending bundle axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Ferrarotti, Codrin D. Sandu, Aaron F. Rickis, Peter M. Ballard, August M. Coretto
  • Publication number: 20200376436
    Abstract: A fiber bundle cartridge for a fiber membrane degassing system includes an inner sleeve including one or more perforations and a fiber bundle positioned radially outward from the inner sleeve. The fiber bundle has an annular shape defining a central bundle axis. The perforations of the inner sleeve define a plurality of inlets and/or outlets facing radially with respect to the central bundle axis. A fiber membrane degassing system includes a housing defining a cylindrical volume having at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The system includes at least one fiber within the cylindrical volume, where fluid flowing through the cylindrical volume from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet flows perpendicular to a longitudinal dimension of the fiber. A method of degassing a liquid includes directing a liquid volume through a fiber bundle in a direction radial to a longitudinally extending bundle axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Ferrarotti, Codrin D. Sandu, Aaron F. Rickis, Peter M. Ballard, August M. Coretto
  • Patent number: 10458335
    Abstract: A minimum pressure shut-off valve closes off fuel flow responsive fuel pressure being below a predefined pressure. A sleeve includes at least a first flow window and a second flow window. The second window includes a notch providing a flow area based on an axial position of a spool moveable within the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Podgorski, Peter M. Ballard
  • Patent number: 10371267
    Abstract: A valve with a rotationally adjustable flow area can include a first member defining a first wall having a first opening therein, and a second member defining a second wall having a second opening therein, the first member being rotatable relative to the second member, and flow area through the valve being defined by fluidic communication between the first opening and the second opening that varies with relative rotational position between the first member and the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: August M. Coretto, Peter M. Ballard, Aaron F. Rickis
  • Publication number: 20180209547
    Abstract: A valve with a rotationally adjustable flow area can include a first member defining a first wall having a first opening therein, and a second member defining a second wall having a second opening therein, the first member being rotatable relative to the second member, and flow area through the valve being defined by fluidic communication between the first opening and the second opening that varies with relative rotational position between the first member and the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: August M. Coretto, Peter M. Ballard, Aaron F. Rickis
  • Patent number: 9416880
    Abstract: A rotary metering valve assembly includes a stationary body plate having a first contact surface. Also included is a valve plate having a second contact surface disposed in contact with the first contact surface of the stationary body plate, wherein the valve plate is configured to rotate relative to the stationary body plate. At least one of the first contact surface and the second contact surface comprises a surface flatness of less than about 2.4 ?m (about 93 ?in) and a surface roughness of at least about 0.2 ?m (about 8 ?in).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin M. Rankin, Peter M. Ballard, Todd Haugsjaahabink, Glen A. Pruden
  • Patent number: 9399953
    Abstract: A pump sharing valve for a gas turbine engine fuel system includes a housing having multiple ports. A sleeve is arranged in the housing and includes an inlet window and first, second and third windows axially spaced apart from one another. A spool is slidably received in the sleeve and includes a diameter and first and second cylindrical portions. The first cylindrical portion selectively connects the inlet window to the second and third windows. The second cylindrical portion selectively connects the inlet window to the first window. The spool is movable between first and second positions relative to the first, second and third windows to regulate flow. The first and second cylindrical portions respectively includes first and second widths. A first ratio corresponds to the first width to the spool diameter and a second ratio corresponds to the second width to the spool diameters. The first ratio is between 1.83 and 1.93 and the second ratio is between 1.22 and 1.32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter M. Ballard, Chris Bonn, Floyd Richard Emmons
  • Patent number: 9303784
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a pressure drop of a fluid is disclosed. A sleeve includes a plurality of flow passages in a wall of the sleeve. A member slides relative to the sleeve to reveal at least a portion of the plurality of flow passages to control flow of the fluid through the flow passages. The plurality of flow passages are at azimuthally-and axially-staggered locations around the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter M. Ballard, Chris Bonn
  • Patent number: 9249800
    Abstract: A bypass directional control valve has a valve sleeve, and two sets of outlet ports on each of two axial sides of the inlet ports. The outlet and the inlet ports all are formed to be cylindrical holes, and a diameter of the inlet ports is greater than a diameter of the outlet ports. A valve sleeve, a spool, a fluid flow system and a method are all also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Peter M. Ballard, Richard H. Bostiga
  • Patent number: 9212608
    Abstract: A method of metering fuel with a fuel valve. The method includes arranging a spool within to a sleeve along an axis, wherein the spool includes four seal lands. The sleeve includes a fuel inlet aperture, a fuel outlet aperture, and a shutoff port. A first cavity and a second cavity are defined between the spool, the sleeve, and subsets of the seal lands. The fuel inlet port and the fuel outlet port abut one such cavity. Sliding the spool along the axis results in the fuel outlet aperture extending longitudinally beyond the second seal land in the upstream direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Peter M Ballard, Thomas James Killen, Todd Haugsjaahabink
  • Publication number: 20150108385
    Abstract: A rotary metering valve assembly includes a stationary body plate having a first contact surface. Also included is a valve plate having a second contact surface disposed in contact with the first contact surface of the stationary body plate, wherein the valve plate is configured to rotate relative to the stationary body plate. At least one of the first contact surface and the second contact surface comprises a surface flatness of less than about 2.4 ?m (about 93 ?in) and a surface roughness of at least about 0.2 ?m (about 8 ?in).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin M. Rankin, Peter M. Ballard, Todd Haugsjaahabink, Glen A. Pruden
  • Publication number: 20150014569
    Abstract: A coated valve assembly includes a sleeve having a sleeve outer surface and a sleeve inner surface. Also included is a spool having a spool outer surface. Further included is a hardened surface formed on the sleeve inner surface and the spool outer surface. Yet further included is a coating disposed on the hardened surface of at least one of the spool outer surface and the sleeve inner surface, the second coating comprising a diamond-like carbon coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin M. Rankin, Peter M. Ballard
  • Publication number: 20140345694
    Abstract: A method of metering fuel with a fuel valve. The method includes arranging a spool within to a sleeve along an axis, wherein the spool includes four seal lands. The sleeve includes a fuel inlet aperture, a fuel outlet aperture, and a shutoff port. A first cavity and a second cavity are defined between the spool, the sleeve, and subsets of the seal lands. The fuel inlet port and the fuel outlet port abut one such cavity. Sliding the spool along the axis results in the fuel outlet aperture extending longitudinally beyond the second seal land in the upstream direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Peter M. Ballard, Thomas James Killen, Todd Haugsjaahabink
  • Publication number: 20140119956
    Abstract: A bypass directional control valve has a valve sleeve, and two sets of outlet ports on each of two axial sides of the inlet ports. The outlet and the inlet ports all are formed to be cylindrical holes, and a diameter of the inlet ports is greater than a diameter of the outlet ports. A valve sleeve, a spool, a fluid flow system and a method are all also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter M. Ballard, Richard H. Bostiga
  • Publication number: 20140090393
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a pressure drop of a fluid is disclosed. A sleeve includes a plurality of flow passages in a wall of the sleeve. A member slides relative to the sleeve to reveal at least a portion of the plurality of flow passages to control flow of the fluid through the flow passages. The plurality of flow passages are at azimuthally- and axially-staggered locations around the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Peter M. Ballard, Chris Bonn
  • Publication number: 20140075950
    Abstract: A minimum pressure shut-off valve closes off fuel flow responsive fuel pressure being below a predefined pressure. A sleeve includes at least a first flow window and a second flow window. The second window includes a notch providing a flow area based on an axial position of a spool moveable within the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: David J. Podgorski, Peter M. Ballard
  • Publication number: 20140076435
    Abstract: A pump sharing valve for a gas turbine engine fuel system includes a housing having multiple ports. A sleeve is arranged in the housing and includes an inlet window and first, second and third windows axially spaced apart from one another. A spool is slidably received in the sleeve and includes a diameter and first and second cylindrical portions. The first cylindrical portion selectively connects the inlet window to the second and third windows. The second cylindrical portion selectively connects the inlet window to the first window. The spool is movable between first and second positions relative to the first, second and third windows to regulate flow. The first and second cylindrical portions respectively includes first and second widths. A first ratio corresponds to the first width to the spool diameter and a second ratio corresponds to the second width to the spool diameters. The first ratio is between 1.83 and 1.93 and the second ratio is between 1.22 and 1.32.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter M. Ballard, Chris Bonn, Floyd Richard Emmons