Patents by Inventor Robert E. Black
Robert E. Black 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).
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Patent number: 8808131Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes two planetary gear sets having two outputs. A variator drives a ring gear of the second planetary gear set, and a transmission input shaft is driven by the engine, which also drives the variator and the planetary input. Second and third output shafts are connected to a transmission output shaft. A first clutch is connected to the first output shaft, a second clutch is connected to the second planetary output and engages a first drive gear. A third clutch is connected to the first output shaft and releasably engages the first drive gear, a fourth clutch is connected to the first drive gear and releasably engages the second output shaft, and a fifth clutch is connected to the first drive gear and releasably engages the third output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: John M. Seipold, Glen P. Calvert, Robert E. Black, Michael G. Cronin
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Publication number: 20130226416Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes two planetary gear sets having two outputs. A variator drives a ring gear of the second planetary gear set, and a transmission input shaft is driven by the engine, which also drives the variator and the planetary input. Second and third output shafts are connected to a transmission output shaft. A first clutch is connected to the first output shaft, a second clutch is connected to the second planetary output and engages a first drive gear. A third clutch is connected to the first output shaft and releasably engages the first drive gear, a fourth clutch is connected to the first drive gear and releasably engages the second output shaft, and a fifth clutch is connected to the first drive gear and releasably engages the third output shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2012Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: John M. Seipold, Glen P. Calvert, Robert E. Black, Michael G. Cronin
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Patent number: 8322252Abstract: A transmission is provided for a mobile machine. The transmission may have a plurality of available gear combinations selectively engaged to produce multiple stepped output ratios. The transmission may also have a first fluid pump and a second fluid pump. The first fluid pump may be configured to pressurize a first flow of fluid. The second fluid pump may have variable displacement to pressurize a second flow of fluid. At least one of the first and second flows of fluid may be directed to cause selective engagement of the plurality of available gear combinations.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael G. Cronin, Robert E. Black
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Patent number: 7762195Abstract: A gas generating propulsion system includes an igniter containing an igniter propellant and an auto igniter. A rocket motor is coupled to the igniter and has a housing containing a main propellant, a rocket motor throat and a nozzle. A release port extends through a portion of the rocket motor. This gas release port has a variable diameter through bore in fluid communication with the main propellant. In this way, the through bore has a variable area that forms an unobstructed open area with a cross-section effective to discharge gas generated by the main propellant such that a pressure increase within the housing remains below a safety value for the housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2008Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Aerojet - General CorporationInventors: Mark P. Friedlander, III, Robert E. Black, III, Julia Venarchick
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Publication number: 20090044716Abstract: A gas generating propulsion system includes an igniter containing an igniter propellant and an auto igniter. A rocket motor is coupled to the igniter and has a housing containing a main propellant, a rocket motor throat and a nozzle. A release port extends through a portion of the rocket motor. This gas release port has a variable diameter through bore in fluid communication with the main propellant. In this way, the through bore has a variable area that forms an unobstructed open area with a cross-section effective to discharge gas generated by the main propellant such that a pressure increase within the housing remains below a safety value for the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventors: Mark P. Friedlander, III, Robert E. Black, III, Julia Venarchick
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Publication number: 20080078173Abstract: A transmission is provided for a mobile machine. The transmission may have a plurality of available gear combinations selectively engaged to produce multiple stepped output ratios. The transmission may also have a first fluid pump and a second fluid pump. The first fluid pump may be configured to pressurize a first flow of fluid. The second fluid pump may have variable displacement to pressurize a second flow of fluid. At least one of the first and second flows of fluid may be directed to cause selective engagement of the plurality of available gear combinations.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2007Publication date: April 3, 2008Inventors: Michael G. Cronin, Robert E. Black
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Patent number: 7334692Abstract: A modular stand-alone shelving system comprising left and right vertical support members, each having front and rear corner posts connected by a welded grid of horizontal and vertical rods. A plurality of shelves formed of sheet metal are disposed between the vertical support members, each shelf including hook elements formed near the corners thereof for engaging and resting on horizontal rods of the grid. A back member extends between the vertical support members and also includes hook elements formed near the corners thereof for engaging and resting on horizontal rods in the grid. Upper corners of the back member include first and second hooks disposed in planes spaced apart by the thickness of the vertical rods. When installed, the hooks rest on horizontal rods and straddle a vertical rod, preventing motion of the back member and rhombic distortion. The back member prevents rhombic distortion in the X and Z directions.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Wire Weld, Inc.Inventor: Robert E. Black
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Patent number: 6966264Abstract: An embodiment of the rocket motor of this invention employs an insensitive munitions approach that, when subjected to elevated external temperatures, is activated by thermal expansion of the main propellant and gas generation from a secondary insensitive munitions charge. In a preferred embodiment, the rocket motor also includes a pressure equalizing system that accommodates changing temperature conditions during storage as well as varying gas pressure inherent in gun-launched systems in a manner that allows for thinner case cylinder design and increased propellant volume.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2003Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Solberg, Robert E. Black
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Publication number: 20040050282Abstract: An embodiment of the rocket motor of this invention employs an insensitive munitions approach that, when subjected to elevated external temperatures, is activated by thermal expansion of the main propellant and gas generation from a secondary insensitive munitions charge. In a preferred embodiment, the rocket motor also includes a pressure equalizing system that accommodates changing temperature conditions during storage as well as varying gas pressure inherent in gun-launched systems in a manner that allows for thinner case cylinder design and increased propellant volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventors: Mark A. Solberg, Robert E. Black
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Patent number: 6619029Abstract: An embodiment of the rocket motor of this invention employs an insensitive munitions approach that, when subjected to elevated external temperatures, is activated by thermal expansion of the main propellant and gas generation from a secondary insensitive munitions charge. In a preferred embodiment, the rocket motor also includes a pressure equalizing system that accommodates changing temperature conditions during storage as well as varying gas pressure inherent in gun-launched systems in a manner that allows for thinner case cylinder design and increased propellant volume.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Solberg, Robert E. Black
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Publication number: 20030079464Abstract: An embodiment of the rocket motor of this invention employs an insensitive munitions approach that, when subjected to elevated external temperatures, is activated by thermal expansion of the main propellant and gas generation from a secondary insensitive munitions charge. In a preferred embodiment, the rocket motor also includes a pressure equalizing system that accommodates changing temperature conditions during storage as well as varying gas pressure inherent in gun-launched systems in a manner that allows for thinner case cylinder design and increased propellant volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2001Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: Mark A. Solberg, Robert E. Black
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Patent number: 6447007Abstract: A multi-level output inflator for inflating an airbag in the event of a vehicle crash, comprising a housing, a wall section disposed in the housing to define separate primary and secondary combustion chambers therein. A primary initiator and primary propellant are disposed within the primary combustion chamber, and a secondary initiator and secondary propellant are disposed with the secondary combustion chamber. The housing comprises a primary nozzle in communication with the primary combustion chamber, and a secondary nozzle in communication with the secondary combustion chamber. The primary and secondary initiators may be fired separately, simultaneously, or in a timed sequence to inflate the air bag at different rates and levels depending on the nature of the vehicle crash. A method of assembling the components of the inflator is also described and covered.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Atlantic Research CorporationInventors: Michael DiGiacomo, Robert E. Black, Chester A Copperthite, Mark S. Derstine, Robert Rovito
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Publication number: 20020007886Abstract: A gas generator capable of quickly producing a large quantity of substantially solids-free nontoxic gas useful as a propellant in halon replacement fire suppression systems is provided. The double base castable propellant composition is formulated from a major amount of ammonium nitrate, a minor amount of nitrocellulose, at least one selected high energy nitrate ester plasticizer, a thermal scavenger, and at least one burning rate modification and control additive to achieve a burning rate of 0.2 inches per second or greater at 1000 psia. The burning rate is further enhanced by the configuration of the solid propellant, which is formed to have dimensions selected to enhance the burning rate. The gas generator composition and physical arrangement synergistically produce an optimally rapid burning rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 1999Publication date: January 24, 2002Inventors: JAMIE B. NEIDERT, ROBERT E. BLACK
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Patent number: 6277296Abstract: Fire suppressant compositions which are substantially free of ammonium nitrate and which comprise potassium nitrate in an amount sufficient to generate at least about 10 wt. % potassium carbonate when combusted. Most preferably, a guanidine salt, such as guanidine nitrate, is used in combination with the potassium nitrate. The compositions employed in the present invention have low pressure exponents, high burning rates and low flame temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Atlantic Research CorporationInventors: Robert S. Scheffee, Jamie B. Neidert, Robert E. Black, III, Robert D. Lynch, James D. Martin
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Patent number: 5994988Abstract: A circuit breaker (10) has a housing (12). A crossbar (114) is pivotally connected to the housing to pivot about an axis (117) between open and closed positions. A load contact arm (110) is pivotally connected to the crossbar (114). The load contact arm (110) is capable of pivoting about the axis (117). A cam mechanism (140) is mechanically coupled to the load contact arm (110). The cam mechanism (140) is slideably mounted within the crossbar (114) for movement between first and second positions. In the first position of the cam mechanism (140), the load contact arm (110) pivots through an angle (.beta.) about the axis, relative to the crossbar (114) between the "touch" and closed positions, and the load contact arm (110) pivots together with the crossbar (114) through an angle (.alpha.) about the axis (117) between the open and "touch" positions. (2) In the second position of the cam mechanism (140), the load contact arm (110) is free to pivot about the axis (117) through the angle .alpha.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: James E. Ferree, Bernard DiMarco, Robert E. Black
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Patent number: 5909161Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker includes a generally "Z" shaped intermediate latch structure which has upper and lower substantially planar sections that are each bent at an angle with respect to a center pivot section. The upper portion of the intermediate latch includes one or two latch surfaces. One of these latch surfaces engages the cradle of the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker, to latch the operating mechanism when the circuit breaker is closed. The other latch surface engages a trip bar or an intermediate latch bar, which is rotated by the trip unit when an overcurrent condition occurs. The lower portion of the intermediate latch structure also includes a latch surface which may engage a trip bar. This latch surface is sloped such that when the latch surface of the trip bar is moved along this sloped latch surface, the trip bar rotates.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1997Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Assignee: Siemens Energy & AutomationInventors: Bernard DiMarco, Neal Reeves, Robert E. Black
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Patent number: 5872495Abstract: A thermal and magnetic trip unit for a multi-pole circuit breaker includes a thermal structure having a bimetallic element and one or more heater elements. Each of the heater elements and a portion of the bimetallic element is generally "U" shaped defining a conductive path which extends from one leg of the U to the other leg. The heater elements and bimetallic element may be configured in parallel to reduce the level of current flowing through the bimetallic element and thus increase the current level at which the bimetallic element will trip the breaker. Alternatively, the heater elements may be configured in series with the bimetallic element, by inserting electrical insulators between the bimetallic element and each of the heater elements and connecting the various "U" shaped elements using a connecting bus which connects the second leg of one element to the first leg of the next element.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1997Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: Bernard DiMarco, James E. Ferree, Robert E. Black
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Patent number: 5296827Abstract: A pivoting lower contact arm arrangement and a circuit breaker including the arrangement. The pivoting lower contact arm arrangement includes a pivoting lower contact arm and a biasing arrangement. The biasing arrangement maintains the contact arm in an operating position with a first force, and biases the arm from a blown-open position toward the operating position with a second force. The first force is greater than the second force to provide increased separating speed when the pivoting lower contact arm blows apart from a pivoting upper contact arm of the circuit breaker and moves from its operating position. The biasing arrangement also variously provides magnetic shielding and coupling between the pivoting lower contact arm and other current carrying components of the circuit breaker. The magnetic shielding enhances the blow-apart forces between the pivoting upper contact arm and the pivoting lower contact arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1992Date of Patent: March 22, 1994Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: Bernard DiMarco, Robert E. Black, Stephen D. Cella
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Patent number: 5184099Abstract: A pivoting lower contact arm arrangement and a circuit breaker including the arrangement. The pivoting lower contact arm arrangement includes a pivoting lower contact arm and a biasing arrangement. The biasing arrangement maintains the contact arm in an operating position with a first force and biases the arm from a blown-open position toward the operating position with a second force. The first force is greater than the second force to provide increased separating speed when the pivoting lower contact arm blows apart from a pivoting upper contact arm of the circuit breaker and moves from its operating position. The biasing arrangement also variously provides magnetic shielding and coupling between the pivoting lower contact arm and other current carrying components of the circuit breaker. The magnetic shielding enhances the blow-apart forces between the pivoting upper contact arm and the pivoting lower contact arm.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1991Date of Patent: February 2, 1993Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: Bernard DiMarco, Robert E. Black, Stephen D. Cella
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Patent number: 5021270Abstract: The moisture or water vapor barrier protection of a composite pressure vessel suitable for use as a composite cased solid propellant rocket motor is improved by immersing the pressure vessel, during pressure testing thereof, in a curable liquid polymer solution, optionally containing electrically conductive material such as metallic flakes or powder, so that the solution may flow into open voids, cracks or fractures in the pressure vessel and subsequently curing the curable liquid polymer in said voids, cracks or fractures.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1989Date of Patent: June 4, 1991Assignee: Thiokol CorporationInventors: Robert E. Black, Jr., Don C. Carson, Frederick W. Van Name