Patents by Inventor Thomas Afshari

Thomas Afshari 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: 12716414
    Abstract: A method of and system for self-check diagnostics. The system includes a pump control circuit that is configured for operating a first motor to rotate a first gear of a pump and a second motor to rotate a second gear of the pump. The pump control circuit also includes a sensor for determining a position and/or a velocity of the first gear. The system also including a diagnostic circuit that is configured to perform a diagnostic check to determine at least one of a gear wear parameter based on the sensor, a calibration drift of the sensor, or an obstruction in the pump using the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2026
    Assignee: Project Phoenix, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Afshari
  • Publication number: 20260210355
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a position adjustment circuit to receive a gap setpoint and a gap feedback signal corresponding to a gap width between a pair of meshing gear teeth of a first gear and a second gear. The position adjustment circuit outputs a gap adjustment signal corresponding to a difference between the gap setpoint and the gap feedback signal. The apparatus includes a motion control circuit to provide a first speed demand signal to the first motor that drives the first gear and a second demand signal to the second motor that drives the second gear, and dynamically synchronize position between the pair of meshing gear teeth such that the gap width between the pair of meshing gear teeth is within a predetermined range of the gap setpoint by adjusting at least one of the first speed demand signal or the second speed demand signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2025
    Publication date: July 23, 2026
    Inventor: Thomas AFSHARI
  • Publication number: 20260139694
    Abstract: A linear actuator system includes a linear actuator and an integrated pump assembly connected to the linear actuator to provide fluid to operate the linear actuator. The integrated pump assembly includes a pump with two fluid drivers, each fluid driver comprising a prime mover and a fluid displacement assembly to be driven by the prime mover such that fluid is transferred from a first port of the pump to a second port of the pump. The pump assembly also includes two valve assembles to isolate the pump from the system. The linear actuator system also includes a controller that establishes the pump in a normal mode of operation in which the prime movers are independently driven and switches to a fail-safe mode of operation in which only one prime mover is operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2025
    Publication date: May 21, 2026
    Inventor: Thomas Afshari
  • Publication number: 20260126257
    Abstract: A rifle with tapered interfaces has a receiver, a barrel extension connected to the receiver at a first interface, a barrel connected to the barrel extension at a second interface, a barrel nut element connected to the barrel extension at a third interface and to the barrel at a fourth interface, and at least two of the first, second, third, and fourth interfaces being tapered interfaces. The tapered interfaces may be stably tapered such that a wedging effect is generated. The barrel extension may have two tapered interfaces. The barrel extension may have a forward external tapered interface connecting to the barrel nut element and a forward internal tapered interface connecting to the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2025
    Publication date: May 7, 2026
    Applicant: 03312004 LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Afshari
  • Patent number: 12535071
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a position adjustment circuit to receive a gap setpoint and a gap feedback signal corresponding to a gap width between a pair of meshing gear teeth of a first gear and a second gear. The position adjustment circuit outputs a gap adjustment signal corresponding to a difference between the gap setpoint and the gap feedback signal. The apparatus includes a motion control circuit to provide a first speed demand signal to the first motor that drives the first gear and a second demand signal to the second motor that drives the second gear, and dynamically synchronize position between the pair of meshing gear teeth such that the gap width between the pair of meshing gear teeth is within a predetermined range of the gap setpoint by adjusting at least one of the first speed demand signal or the second speed demand signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2026
    Assignee: Project Phoenix, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Afshari
  • Patent number: 12523442
    Abstract: A rifle with tapered interfaces has a receiver, a barrel extension connected to the receiver at a first interface, a barrel connected to the barrel extension at a second interface, a barrel nut element connected to the barrel extension at a third interface and to the barrel at a fourth interface, and at least two of the first, second, third, and fourth interfaces being tapered interfaces. The tapered interfaces may be stably tapered such that a wedging effect is generated. The barrel extension may have two tapered interfaces. The barrel extension may have a forward external tapered interface connecting to the barrel nut element and a forward internal tapered interface connecting to the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2026
    Assignee: 03312004 LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Afshari
  • Patent number: 12460636
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a torque adjustment circuit to receive a torque setpoint and a torque feedback signal corresponding to a differential torque between a pair of meshing gear teeth of a first gear and a second gear. The torque adjustment circuit is further configured to output a torque adjustment signal corresponding to a difference between the torque setpoint and the torque feedback signal. The apparatus also includes a motion control circuit to provide a first speed demand signal to a first motor that drives the first gear and a second demand signal to a second motor that drives the second gear, and dynamically synchronize torque between the pair of meshing gear teeth such that the differential torque between the pair of meshing gear teeth is within a predetermined range by adjusting at least one of the first speed demand signal or the second speed demand signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2025
    Assignee: PROJECT PHOENIX, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Afshari
  • Patent number: 12421985
    Abstract: A linear actuator system includes a linear actuator and an integrated pump assembly connected to the linear actuator to provide fluid to operate the linear actuator. The integrated pump assembly includes a pump with two fluid drivers, each fluid driver comprising a prime mover and a fluid displacement assembly to be driven by the prime mover such that fluid is transferred from a first port of the pump to a second port of the pump. The pump assembly also includes two valve assembles to isolate the pump from the system. The linear actuator system also includes a controller that establishes the pump in a normal mode of operation in which the prime movers are independently driven and switches to a fail-safe mode of operation in which only one prime mover is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2025
    Assignee: Project Phoenix, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Afshari
  • Publication number: 20250035111
    Abstract: A method of and system for self-check diagnostics. The system includes a pump control circuit that is configured for operating a first motor to rotate a first gear of a pump and a second motor to rotate a second gear of the pump. The pump control circuit also includes a sensor for determining a position and/or a velocity of the first gear. The system also including a diagnostic circuit that is configured to perform a diagnostic check to determine at least one of a gear wear parameter based on the sensor, a calibration drift of the sensor, or an obstruction in the pump using the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2022
    Publication date: January 30, 2025
    Inventor: Thomas Afshari
  • Patent number: 12060878
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a hydraulic gear pump with a first gear having a plurality of first gear teeth and a second gear having a plurality of second gear teeth. The hydraulic system also includes a control valve and a control circuit. The control circuit controls the pump to adjust at least one of a flow in the hydraulic system to a flow set point or a pressure in the hydraulic system to a pressure set point, and concurrently establishes an opening of the control valve to adjust at least one of the flow to the flow set point or the pressure to the pressure set point. The control circuit establishes a position of a first tooth relative to a position of a second tooth to seal a fluid path from the outlet of the hydraulic gear pump to the inlet of the hydraulic gear pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: Project Phoenix, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Afshari
  • Patent number: 12060883
    Abstract: A pump having at least two fluid drivers and a method of delivering fluid from an inlet of the pump to an outlet of the pump using the at least two fluid drivers. Each of the fluid drives includes a prime mover and a fluid displacement member. The prime mover drives the fluid displacement member to transfer fluid. The fluid drivers are independently operated. However, the fluid drivers are operated such that contact between the fluid drivers is synchronized. That is, operation of the fluid drivers is synchronized such that the fluid displacement member in each fluid driver makes contact with another fluid displacement member. The contact can include at least one contact point, contact line, or contact area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: Project Phoenix, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Afshari
  • Publication number: 20240151486
    Abstract: A rifle with tapered interfaces has a receiver, a barrel extension connected to the receiver at a first interface, a barrel connected to the barrel extension at a second interface, a barrel nut element connected to the barrel extension at a third interface and to the barrel at a fourth interface, and at least two of the first, second, third, and fourth interfaces being tapered interfaces. The tapered interfaces may be stably tapered such that a wedging effect is generated. The barrel extension may have two tapered interfaces. The barrel extension may have a forward external tapered interface connecting to the barrel nut element and a forward internal tapered interface connecting to the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Applicant: 03312004 LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Afshari
  • Patent number: 11867203
    Abstract: A linear actuator system includes a linear actuator and at least one integrated pump assembly connected to the linear actuator to provide fluid to operate the linear actuator. The integrated pump assembly includes a pump with at least one fluid driver comprising a prime mover and a fluid displacement assembly to be driven by the prime mover such that fluid is transferred from a first port of the pump to a second port of the pump. The pump assembly also includes two valve assembles to isolate the pump from the system. The linear actuator system also includes a controller that establishes at least one of a speed and a torque of the at least one prime mover to exclusively adjust at least one of a flow and a pressure in the linear actuator system to an operational set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Project Phoenix, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Afshari
  • Patent number: 11846283
    Abstract: A fluid-driven actuator system includes a fluid-driven actuator and at least one proportional control valve and at least one pump connected to the fluid-driven actuator to provide fluid to operate the fluid-driven actuator. The at least one pump includes at least one fluid driver having a prime mover and a fluid displacement assembly to be driven by the prime mover such that fluid is transferred from the pump inlet to the pump outlet. The fluid driven actuator system also includes a controller that establishes at least one of a speed and a torque of the at least one prime mover to adjust at least one of a flow in the fluid system to a flow set point and a pressure in the fluid system to pressure set point and a concurrently establishes an opening of the at least one proportional control valve to adjust at least one of the flow to the flow set point and the pressure to the pressure set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Project Phoenix, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Afshari
  • Publication number: 20230313795
    Abstract: A pump having at least two fluid drivers and a method of delivering fluid from an inlet of the pump to an outlet of the pump using the at least two fluid drivers. Each of the fluid drives includes a prime mover and a fluid displacement member. The prime mover drives the fluid displacement member to transfer fluid. The fluid drivers are independently operated. However, the fluid drivers are operated such that contact between the fluid drivers is synchronized. That is, operation of the fluid drivers is synchronized such that the fluid displacement member in each fluid driver makes contact with another fluid displacement member. The contact can include at least one contact point, contact line, or contact area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventor: Thomas AFSHARI
  • Publication number: 20230279856
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a position adjustment circuit to receive a gap setpoint and a gap feedback signal corresponding to a gap width between a pair of meshing gear teeth of a first gear and a second gear. The position adjustment circuit outputs a gap adjustment signal corresponding to a difference between the gap setpoint and the gap feedback signal. The apparatus includes a motion control circuit to provide a first speed demand signal to the first motor that drives the first gear and a second demand signal to the second motor that drives the second gear, and dynamically synchronize position between the pair of meshing gear teeth such that the gap width between the pair of meshing gear teeth is within a predetermined range of the gap setpoint by adjusting at least one of the first speed demand signal or the second speed demand signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventor: Thomas AFSHARI
  • Publication number: 20230250820
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a torque adjustment circuit to receive a torque setpoint and a torque feedback signal corresponding to a differential torque between a pair of meshing gear teeth of a first gear and a second gear. The torque adjustment circuit is further configured to output a torque adjustment signal corresponding to a difference between the torque setpoint and the torque feedback signal. The apparatus also includes a motion control circuit to provide a first speed demand signal to a first motor that drives the first gear and a second demand signal to a second motor that drives the second gear, and dynamically synchronize torque between the pair of meshing gear teeth such that the differential torque between the pair of meshing gear teeth is within a predetermined range by adjusting at least one of the first speed demand signal or the second speed demand signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventor: Thomas AFSHARI
  • Patent number: 11713757
    Abstract: A pump having at least two fluid drivers and a method of delivering fluid from an inlet of the pump to an outlet of the pump using the at least two fluid drivers. Each of the fluid drives includes a prime mover and a fluid displacement member. The prime mover drives the fluid displacement member to transfer fluid. The fluid drivers are independently operated. However, the fluid drivers are operated such that contact between the fluid drivers is synchronized. That is, operation of the fluid drivers is synchronized such that the fluid displacement member in each fluid driver makes contact with another fluid displacement member. The contact can include at least one contact point, contact line, or contact area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: PROJECT PHOENIX, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Afshari
  • Publication number: 20230194202
    Abstract: A firearm assembly has a barrel and a barrel receiving unit for receiving the barrel. A primary barrel nut is disposed over the barrel and mating with the barrel receiving unit. A primary end of the barrel is mated to a barrel extension. The primary barrel nut has an internal shoulder making contact with a shoulder of the barrel extension. A secondary barrel nut is disposed over the barrel and mating with the primary barrel nut to align the barrel with the barrel receiving unit. The internal shoulder of the primary barrel nut and the shoulder of the barrel extension can be flat or beveled. The secondary barrel nut has an internal shoulder contacting a shoulder of the barrel. The internal shoulder of the secondary barrel nut and the shoulder of the barrel are beveled or tapered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2022
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Applicant: 03312004 LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Afshari
  • Patent number: 11655831
    Abstract: An accumulator for storing fluid that includes a shell that defines an interior volume of the accumulator. The shell includes at least one port for providing fluid to a fluid system. The accumulator also includes an accumulator shaft disposed in the interior volume and extending at least partially across the interior volume from a first interior surface of the shell along a longitudinal axis of the shell, e.g., a central axis. The accumulator includes a piston-plate disposed in the interior volume such that the piston-plate and a second interior surface of the shell define a chamber in the interior volume. The accumulator further includes a motor disposed in the interior volume. The accumulator is configured such that rotational movement of the motor translates to linear movement of the piston-plate along the accumulator shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: PROJECT PHOENIX, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Afshari