Patents by Inventor Richard K. Larsen

Richard K. Larsen 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).

  • Resettable non-explosive actuator
    Patent number: 6467987
    Abstract: A non-explosive actuator includes a housing, a push rod extending into one end of the housing and a plurality of dogs within the housing. A plunger is inserted into an opposite end of the housing and the push rod is depressed and locked in place. Depressing the push rod causes the dogs to engage the plunger and prevent it from being withdrawn from the housing. Unlocking the push rod eventually causes the dogs to release the plunger and allow the plunger to be withdrawn from the housing. The actuator may be reused after the plunger is removed from the housing. The actuator may be reused simply by re-inserting the plunger into the housing and re-depressing the push rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Larsen, Christopher M. Gibson, Michael J. McGill
  • Actuation system with passive compensation for transient loads
    Patent number: 5607123
    Abstract: A thrust-vectoring actuation system for rocket nozzles in provided with force attenuation means in order to limit transient loads which the nozzle and associated structure experience during engine startup and shutdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventor: Richard K. Larsen
  • Actuation system with active compensation for transient loads
    Patent number: 5560559
    Abstract: A thrust-vectoring actuation system for a rocket nozzle is provided with a force sensor to enable detection of transient loads during startup and shutdown of a rocket engine. A motor responds to transient loads in excess of a predetermined threshold to drive the rocket nozzle in a direction of compliance with the transient loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: AlliedSignal, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard K. Larsen
  • Passive overload disconnect mechanism for actuation systems
    Patent number: 5488879
    Abstract: A passive disconnection mechanism for use in a multiple-motor actuation system. The mechanism disengages a failed motor from the remainder of the system to preserve system operability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: AlliedSignal, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Larsen, William W. Fellows
  • Fault-tolerant linear electromechanical actuator
    Patent number: 5214972
    Abstract: A linear electromechanical actuator includes back-to-back screw-type actuators whose screw nuts are secured together. During operation, the leadscrew of one screw-type actuator is rotated while the leadscrew of the other screw-type actuator is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Aerospace
    Inventors: Lowell L. V. Larson, Richard K. Larsen