Patents by Inventor Ward F. Winkelmann

Ward F. Winkelmann 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: 5085381
    Abstract: An apparatus for and method of depolying a movable aerosurface of an aerial vehicle from a folded position to an unfolded, operative flight position. The aerosurface, such as a fin for example, includes a pivotal base member and a control surface connected to the base member for movement relative thereto. An actuator effects pivotal movement of the aerosurface at a predetermined angular rate of deployment. During the initial depolyment cycle the control surface is deflected relative to the base member in a direction and manner imparting aerodynamic forces against the aerosurface to accelerate the angular rate of deployment of the aerosurface. Thereafter, the control surface is deflected in a reverse direction during a later portion of the deployment cycle to impart aerodynamic forces for decelerating and dampening the angular rate of aerosurface deployment to reduce arresting loads as the aerosurface approaches its fully unfolded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Carl M. Spiroff, Lawrence J. Long, Ward F. Winkelmann, Harold F. Steinmetz