Patents by Inventor Ron Vaughan

Ron Vaughan 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: 10648428
    Abstract: A thrust reverser system for a gas turbine engine includes a support structure, a transcowl, an actuator, and a hydraulic assist mechanism. The actuator is configured to supply an actuation force to the transcowl to thereby move the transcowl between the stowed and deployed positions. The hydraulic assist mechanism is coupled to the transcowl and is configured to react reverse thrust loads on the transcowl at least when the transcowl is translating between the stowed position and the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Steve Abel, James Wawrzynek, Patrick Hinke, Ron Vaughan
  • Patent number: 10330046
    Abstract: Actuator assembly includes a housing assembly, a ball screw, a ball nut, and a lock. The ball screw is rotationally mounted on and extends from the housing assembly, is coupled to receive an actuator drive torque, and is configured, upon receipt thereof, to rotate. The ball nut is rotationally supported on the ball screw and is configured, in response to rotation of the ball screw, to translate thereon between a stowed position and a deployed position. The lock is disposed at least partially within the housing assembly and is configured to move between a lock position and an unlock position. The lock prevents the ball nut from translating out of the stowed position when the lock is in the lock position and the ball nut is in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Paul T. Wingett, Kevin K. Chakkera, Ron Vaughan, Dan Birchak, Albert Kang, Rich Gockel, Bill Ryan, Brent Bristol
  • Publication number: 20180058374
    Abstract: A thrust reverser system for a gas turbine engine includes a support structure, a transcowl, an actuator, and a hydraulic assist mechanism. The actuator is configured to supply an actuation force to the transcowl to thereby move the transcowl between the stowed and deployed positions. The hydraulic assist mechanism is coupled to the transcowl and is configured to react reverse thrust loads on the transcowl at least when the transcowl is translating between the stowed position and the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Steve Abel, James Wawrzynek, Patrick Hinke, Ron Vaughan
  • Patent number: 9816586
    Abstract: An aircraft engine nacelle door operating system locking manual drive unit includes a housing, an input drive shaft, an output drive shaft, a lock shaft, and a lock spring. The input drive shaft, the output drive shaft, and the lock shaft are all rotationally mounted in the housing. The output drive shaft continuously engages and mates with the input drive shaft, and he lock shaft extends at least partially into and engages the input drive shaft. The lock shaft is movable between a lock position, in which it engages and mates with the output drive shaft, and an unlock position, in it is disengaged from the output drive shaft. The lock spring supplies a bias force to the lock shaft that urges the lock shaft toward the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kevin K Chakkera, Timm E Hartman, Ron Vaughan, Stephen Birn
  • Patent number: 9777812
    Abstract: An actuator includes a housing assembly, an actuator shaft, an actuation member, and an anti-rotation rod. The actuator shaft is rotationally mounted in the housing assembly, is adapted to receive a drive torque, and is configured, upon receipt of the drive torque, to rotate. The actuation member is mounted on the actuator shaft, and is configured to translate in response to rotation of the actuator shaft. The anti-rotation rod is coupled to the actuator housing and extends therefrom. The anti-rotation is rod configured to at least selectively engage, and thereby prevent rotation of, the actuation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ron Vaughan, Kevin K. Chakkera, Paul T. Wingett
  • Patent number: 9701414
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling the movement of an aircraft engine cowl door between an open position and a closed position. The system includes an electric motor, at least one actuator, and an electrically operated brake. The actuator is coupled to the motor and is operable to move the cowl door between the closed and the open position. The electrically operated brake is coupled to the electric motor and the at least one actuator and is configured, upon being energized, to supply a unidirectional resisting torque load to the electric motor that does not prevent motor rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ron Vaughan, Leroy Allen Fizer, James Wawrzynek, Kevin K. Chakkera, Mohamed A. Salam, William Warr, Stephen Birn
  • Patent number: 9650993
    Abstract: An aircraft thrust reverser actuation system includes a plurality of actuator assemblies that are each configured, upon receipt of a drive torque, to move to a position. The rotary hydraulic motor is coupled to each of the actuator assemblies and is configured, upon receipt of hydraulic fluid, to rotate and supply the drive torque to each of the actuator assemblies. The control valve is in fluid communication with the rotary hydraulic motor and is configured, upon receipt of electrical current, to move to a valve position based on the magnitude of the received electrical current, to thereby control the direction and flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor. The valve control is configured, upon receipt of thrust reverser commands, to supply the electrical current to the control valve and selectively vary the magnitude of the electrical current based on the positions of the actuator assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kevin K. Chakkera, Ron Vaughan, Steve Abel
  • Publication number: 20170059020
    Abstract: An actuator includes a housing assembly, an actuator shaft, an actuation member, and an anti-rotation rod. The actuator shaft is rotationally mounted in the housing assembly, is adapted to receive a drive torque, and is configured, upon receipt of the drive torque, to rotate. The actuation member is mounted on the actuator shaft, and is configured to translate in response to rotation of the actuator shaft. The anti-rotation rod is coupled to the actuator housing and extends therefrom. The anti-rotation is rod configured to at least selectively engage, and thereby prevent rotation of, the actuation member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ron Vaughan, Kevin K. Chakkera, Paul T. Wingett
  • Patent number: 9512910
    Abstract: An actuator includes a housing assembly, an actuator shaft, an actuation member, and an anti-rotation rod. The actuator shaft is rotationally mounted in the housing assembly, is adapted to receive a drive torque, and is configured, upon receipt of the drive torque, to rotate. The actuation member is mounted on the actuator shaft, and is configured to translate in response to rotation of the actuator shaft. The anti-rotation rod is coupled to the actuator housing and extends therefrom. The anti-rotation is rod configured to at least selectively engage, and thereby prevent rotation of, the actuation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ron Vaughan, Kevin K. Chakkera, Paul T. Wingett
  • Patent number: 9488130
    Abstract: A VAFN system is provided for a fan case of an engine. The system includes a motor; a gearbox; an actuator; a nozzle; and a drive coupling extending between the gearbox and the actuator and configured to transmit the mechanical torque from the motor to the actuator. The drive coupling includes an external tube extending from a first one of the gearbox or the actuator, the external tube defining first and second slots extending in a longitudinal direction, and an internal tube extending from a second one of the gearbox or the actuator and at least partially extending within the external tube, the internal tube including a pin with first and second ends respectively positioned within the first and second slots such that the internal tube is configured to translate within the external tube and to be rotatably coupled to the external tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kevin K. Chakkera, Ron Vaughan
  • Publication number: 20160312511
    Abstract: An aircraft engine nacelle door operating system locking manual drive unit includes a housing, an input drive shaft, an output drive shaft, a lock shaft, and a lock spring. The input drive shaft, the output drive shaft, and the lock shaft are all rotationally mounted in the housing. The output drive shaft continuously engages and mates with the input drive shaft, and he lock shaft extends at least partially into and engages the input drive shaft. The lock shaft is movable between a lock position, in which it engages and mates with the output drive shaft, and an unlock position, in it is disengaged from the output drive shaft. The lock spring supplies a bias force to the lock shaft that urges the lock shaft toward the lock position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kevin K. Chakkera, Timm E. Hartman, Ron Vaughan, Stephen Birn
  • Publication number: 20160290283
    Abstract: A fluid-powered thrust reverser actuation system includes electromechanical speed control to implement multiple mid-stroke speeds. The system may also be configured to implement two different operational modes—a normal operational mode and a rejected take-off operational mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ron Vaughan, Kevin K. Chakkera, James Wawrzynek, Leroy Allen Fizer
  • Publication number: 20160047334
    Abstract: Actuator assembly includes a housing assembly, a ball screw, a ball nut, and a lock. The ball screw is rotationally mounted on and extends from the housing assembly, is coupled to receive an actuator drive torque, and is configured, upon receipt thereof, to rotate. The ball nut is rotationally supported on the ball screw and is configured, in response to rotation of the ball screw, to translate thereon between a stowed position and a deployed position. The lock is disposed at least partially within the housing assembly and is configured to move between a lock position and an unlock position. The lock prevents the ball nut from translating out of the stowed position when the lock is in the lock position and the ball nut is in the stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Paul T. Wingett, Kevin K. Chakkera, Ron Vaughan, Dan Birchak, Albert Kang, Rich Gockel, Bill Ryan, Brent Bristol
  • Patent number: 9188081
    Abstract: Actuator assembly includes a housing assembly, a ball screw, a ball nut, and a lock. The ball screw is rotationally mounted on and extends from the housing assembly, is coupled to receive an actuator drive torque, and is configured, upon receipt thereof, to rotate. The ball nut is rotationally supported on the ball screw and is configured, in response to rotation of the ball screw, to translate thereon between a stowed position and a deployed position. The lock is disposed at least partially within the housing assembly and is configured to move between a lock position and an unlock position. The lock prevents the ball nut from translating out of the stowed position when the lock is in the lock position and the ball nut is in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Paul T. Wingett, Kevin K. Chakkera, Ron Vaughan, Dan Birchak, Albert Kang, Rich Gockel, Bill Ryan, Brent Bristol
  • Publication number: 20150300294
    Abstract: An aircraft thrust reverser actuation system includes a plurality of actuator assemblies that are each configured, upon receipt of a drive torque, to move to a position. The rotary hydraulic motor is coupled to each of the actuator assemblies and is configured, upon receipt of hydraulic fluid, to rotate and supply the drive torque to each of the actuator assemblies. The control valve is in fluid communication with the rotary hydraulic motor and is configured, upon receipt of electrical current, to move to a valve position based on the magnitude of the received electrical current, to thereby control the direction and flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor. The valve control is configured, upon receipt of thrust reverser commands, to supply the electrical current to the control valve and selectively vary the magnitude of the electrical current based on the positions of the actuator assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kevin K. Chakkera, Ron Vaughan, Steve Abel
  • Publication number: 20150107220
    Abstract: A VAFN system is provided for a fan case of an engine. The system includes a motor; a gearbox; an actuator; a nozzle; and a drive coupling extending between the gearbox and the actuator and configured to transmit the mechanical torque from the motor to the actuator. The drive coupling includes an external tube extending from a first one of the gearbox or the actuator, the external tube defining first and second slots extending in a longitudinal direction, and an internal tube extending from a second one of the gearbox or the actuator and at least partially extending within the external tube, the internal tube including a pin with first and second ends respectively positioned within the first and second slots such that the internal tube is configured to translate within the external tube and to be rotatably coupled to the external tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kevin K. Chakkera, Ron Vaughan
  • Publication number: 20150078879
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling the movement of an aircraft engine cowl door between an open position and a closed position. The system includes an electric motor, at least one actuator, and an electrically operated brake. The actuator is coupled to the motor and is operable to move the cowl door between the closed and the open position. The electrically operated brake is coupled to the electric motor and the at least one actuator and is configured, upon being energized, to supply a unidirectional resisting torque load to the electric motor that does not prevent motor rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Ron Vaughan, Leroy Allen Fizer, James Wawrzynek, Kevin K. Chakkera, Mohamed A. Salam, William Warr, Stephen Birn
  • Publication number: 20140230583
    Abstract: An actuator includes a housing assembly, an actuator shaft, an actuation member, and an anti-rotation rod. The actuator shaft is rotationally mounted in the housing assembly, is adapted to receive a drive torque, and is configured, upon receipt of the drive torque, to rotate. The actuation member is mounted on the actuator shaft, and is configured to translate in response to rotation of the actuator shaft. The anti-rotation rod is coupled to the actuator housing and extends therefrom. The anti-rotation is rod configured to at least selectively engage, and thereby prevent rotation of, the actuation member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ron Vaughan, Kevin K. Chakkera, Paul T. Wingett
  • Publication number: 20130264399
    Abstract: Actuator assembly includes a housing assembly, a ball screw, a ball nut, and a lock. The ball screw is rotationally mounted on and extends from the housing assembly, is coupled to receive an actuator drive torque, and is configured, upon receipt thereof, to rotate. The ball nut is rotationally supported on the ball screw and is configured, in response to rotation of the ball screw, to translate thereon between a stowed position and a deployed position. The lock is disposed at least partially within the housing assembly and is configured to move between a lock position and an unlock position. The lock prevents the ball nut from translating out of the stowed position when the lock is in the lock position and the ball nut is in the stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Paul T. Wingett, Kevin K. Chakkera, Ron Vaughan, Dan Birchak, Albert Kang, Rich Gockel, Bill Ryan, Brent Bristol
  • Publication number: 20130145743
    Abstract: A thrust reverser actuation system (TRAS) for a case assembly of an aircraft is provided. The TRAS includes a fuel-driven motor; one or more actuators coupled to the fuel-driven motor; and a transcowl coupled to the actuators such that the fuel-driven drives the transcowl during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ron Vaughan, Michael McGill, Kevin K. Chakkera, Larry Portolese, Mark Behnke