Patents by Inventor Tom M. Bakken

Tom M. Bakken 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: 10054166
    Abstract: A valve actuator assembly that include an actuator and an actuator mounting assembly. The actuator mounting assembly may be secured to a valve shaft without the actuator present, and the actuator may be secured to the actuator mounting assembly later. This can make it easier to mount the actuator mounting assembly, especially in cramped spaces. In some cases, the actuator may be wired where it is convenient, and then moved to the actuator mounting assembly and secured to the mounted actuator mounting assembly, sometimes with a simple snap attachment. In some cases, a button, lever or other mechanism may release the actuator from the actuator mounting assembly for easy removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc
    Inventors: Tom M. Bakken, Matthew Decker
  • Publication number: 20170241560
    Abstract: A valve actuator assembly that include an actuator and an actuator mounting assembly. The actuator mounting assembly may be secured to a valve shaft without the actuator present, and the actuator may be secured to the actuator mounting assembly later. This can make it easier to mount the actuator mounting assembly, especially in cramped spaces. In some cases, the actuator may be wired where it is convenient, and then moved to the actuator mounting assembly and secured to the mounted actuator mounting assembly, sometimes with a simple snap attachment. In some cases, a button, lever or other mechanism may release the actuator from the actuator mounting assembly for easy removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Tom M. Bakken, Matthew Decker
  • Patent number: 8287207
    Abstract: A self-centering shaft adapter may include a first jaw, a second jaw, and an actuation mechanism, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw define an opening for receiving a shaft therein. The actuation mechanism may be able to exert a force upon the first jaw and the second jaw creating a movement in the first jaw and the second jaw in opposite directions. The movement of the first jaw and the second jaw may increase or decrease the size of the opening. In some cases, the opening may maintain a relatively constant center regardless of the size of the opening. In some cases, the actuation mechanism may be a wedge. In other cases, the actuation mechanism may be a double-threaded screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Tom M. Bakken, David A. Burger, Bruce E. Tischer, Dennis R. Grabowski
  • Publication number: 20090052982
    Abstract: A self-centering shaft adapter may include a first jaw, a second jaw, and an actuation mechanism, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw define an opening for receiving a shaft therein. The actuation mechanism may be able to exert a force upon the first jaw and the second jaw creating a movement in the first jaw and the second jaw in opposite directions. The movement of the first jaw and the second jaw may increase or decrease the size of the opening. In some cases, the opening may maintain a relatively constant center regardless of the size of the opening. In some cases, the actuation mechanism may be a wedge. In other cases, the actuation mechanism may be a double-threaded screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Tom M. Bakken, David A. Burger, Bruce E. Tischer, Dennis R. Grabowski