Patents by Inventor R. Craig Hannah

R. Craig Hannah 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: 5845542
    Abstract: A balancing apparatus has a first circular race rotatable about a first axis. A first plurality of weights are movable within the first race. A locking member maintains the weights in a first position within the race until when a first predetermined angular velocity is reached and releases the weights when a second predetermined angular velocity is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: ETI Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: R. Craig Hannah, Paul Wierzba, John P. M. Doyle, Randy W. Perusse
  • Patent number: 5829318
    Abstract: A balancing arrangement for removing imbalance in a rotatable element includes a plurality of annular races provided in an enclosing structure and a plurality of movable weights disposed in each of the races for movement within the races during rotation of the rotating member. A fluid is also disposed in each of the races. The plurality of races can include a first race having a particular cross-sectional shape and a second race having a different cross-sectional shape so that shear forces exerted on the weights in each race during rotation of the rotating member are different. The balancing arrangement can also be constructed so that the weight of the weights in one of the races is different from the weight of the weights in the other race. In addition, more than two races can be employed and the races can be disposed in a common plane or in axially displaced positions with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: ETI Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: R. Craig Hannah, Paul Wierzba, John P. M. Doyle, Randy W. Perusse
  • Patent number: 5816115
    Abstract: A guide member is located circumferentially around a rotating member. A plurality of movable weights are mounted on and guided by the guide member. The guide member may have the shape of an I-beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: ETI Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Taylor, Paul Wierzba, R. Craig Hannah
  • Patent number: 5768951
    Abstract: A counterbalancing apparatus for dynamically balancing an out of balance rotating member. A first series of weights having identical size and weight are mounted to freely move within a first groove or race when the apparatus is rotating after being mounted to a shaft or other rotatable member. A second series of weights having identical size and weight are similarly mounted to freely move within a second groove or race located inside of the first race. The first series of weights is different in size and weight from the second series of weights. A locking apparatus locks and releases the weights at predetermined angular velocities. Fluids of different viscosities and race configurations are additionally used to vary weight dynamics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: ETI Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: R. Craig Hannah, Paul Wierzba, John P.M. Doyle, Randy W. Perusse
  • Patent number: 5724862
    Abstract: Method of removing imbalance from a rotating body. A plurality of weights movable in a first race are maintained in a first position relative to the race at a first predetermined rotation speed. The weights are maintained in said position until a second predetermined rotation speed is reached at which time the weights are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: ETI Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: R. Craig Hannah, Paul Wierzba, John P. M. Doyle, Randy W. Perusse
  • Patent number: 5613408
    Abstract: Apparatus to remove imbalance from a rotating member. A first pathway has a width and is positioned concentric to an axis with a circumference having a first radius. A second pathway is positioned concentric to the axis with a circumference having a second radius and is axially displaced from the first pathway. The second distance is greater than the first distance. Movable weights are positioned in each of the first and second pathways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: ETI Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Taylor, Paul Wierzba, R. Craig Hannah
  • Patent number: 5605078
    Abstract: A counterbalancing apparatus for dynamically balancing an out of balance rotating member. A first series of weights having identical size and weight are mounted to freely move within a first groove or race when the apparatus is rotating after being mounted to a shaft or other rotatable member. A second series of weights having identical size and weight are similarly mounted to freely move within a second groove or race located inside of the first race. The first series of weights is different in size and weight from the second series of weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: ETI Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Taylor, Paul Wierzba, R. Craig Hannah