Patents by Inventor Valentin Barba

Valentin Barba 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).

  • Publication number: 20060138281
    Abstract: A flight lock actuator that can be powered by two sources of stored energy when aircraft power has been switched off. A mechanical energy storage means and an electrical energy storage means provide a fully redundant energy storage system that stores sufficient energy to complete the actuator's extension stroke when aircraft power is removed. The actuator has a motor control system that limits the stroke velocity for both the extension and retraction strokes, including a damper feature capable of effectively braking the actuator during the back-driven extension stroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Inventor: Valentin Barba
  • Patent number: 6637200
    Abstract: A hydraulic actuator that is capable of substantial actuation but does not require a conventional pump, uses only deflectable membranes and passive valves, or, at most, a minimum of active valves, and, under certain circumstances, may be free to move when the actuator is de-energized, is provided. The actuator utilizes the deflectable membranes to move fluid throughout the actuator. The movement of the fluid actuates a shaft or other suitable device, as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Smiths Industries Aerospace Actuation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Valentin Barba, Khoi T. Vu
  • Publication number: 20030136122
    Abstract: A hydraulic actuator that is capable of substantial actuation but does not require a conventional pump, uses only deflectable membranes and passive valves, or, at most, a minimum of active valves, and, under certain circumstances, may be free to move when the actuator is de-energized, is provided. The actuator utilizes the deflectable membranes to move fluid throughout the actuator. The movement of the fluid actuates a shaft or other suitable device, as required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: Smiths Industries Aerospace Actuation Systems, Inc
    Inventors: Valentin Barba, Khoi T. Vu
  • Patent number: 6224022
    Abstract: An airplane high lift surface drive system having a first actuator connected to a first high lift surface and a second actuator connected to a second high lift surface, wherein the first actuator is electrically connected to the second actuator in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Smiths Industries Actuation Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Valentin Barba
  • Patent number: 5914576
    Abstract: A positive locking device is provided in order to prevent a motor from rotating after power has been removed. The positive locking device has a plate mounted on the motor which engages a disk or hub on the shaft of the motor. In another aspect of the invention, solid state circuitry for switching a permanent magnet motor and providing dynamic braking thereto is provided. The circuitry allows the back EMF generated by the armature coils of a permanent magnet motor to cause a current to flow through the motor when power is removed. This back EMF may be used to help produce smooth engagement of the locking device. In another aspect of the invention, a dynamic braking circuit for a dual armature permanent magnet motor is provided. By applying current to one or the other of two oppositely wound armature coils the motor is made to rotate in either direction. When power is removed from the active armature, this armature is short-circuited through a diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: GEC-Marconi Aerospace Inc.
    Inventor: Valentin Barba
  • Patent number: 5847522
    Abstract: A positive locking device is provided in order to prevent a motor from rotating after power has been removed. The positive locking device has a plate mounted on the motor which engages a disk or hub on the shaft of the motor. In another aspect of the invention, solid state circuitry for switching a permanent magnet motor and providing dynamic braking thereto is provided. The circuitry allows the back EMF generated by the armature coils of a permanent magnet motor to cause a current to flow through the motor when power is removed. This back EMF may be used to help produce smooth engagement of the locking device. In another aspect of the invention, a dynamic braking circuit for a dual armature permanent magnet motor is provided. By applying current to one or the other of two oppositely wound armature coils the motor is made to rotate in either direction. When power is removed from the active armature, this armature is short-circuited through a diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: GEC-Marconi Aerospace Inc.
    Inventor: Valentin Barba