Patents by Inventor William Zerull

William Zerull 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: 20080048514
    Abstract: A linear actuator system is described that includes a linear actuator, a first motor, and a second motor. The linear actuator is configured to transmit rotational motion to linear motion. The first motor is operatively connected to the linear actuator. The second motor is also operatively connected to the linear actuator. The first motor is configured to provide a different amount of force and a different speed to the linear actuator than the second motor. Methods of operating a linear actuator are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Benjamin Hoffmann, William Zerull, Richard Welch
  • Publication number: 20080012522
    Abstract: One or more magnets are mounted on the rotor of a motor/actuator and analog Hall Effect sensors are mounted on the stator of the motor actuator to provide the necessary feedback for both speed and position control of the rotor. The feedback system includes signal conditioning circuitry for conditioning the sinusoidal signal produced by the magnet and the Hall Effect sensors and a tracking converter observer algorithm executing on the system microprocessor to produce controlled motion. The controller (and other electronics) may be integrated into the housing of the motor or actuator to provide a compact, efficient system for use in a number of applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: Exlar Corporation
    Inventors: John Wiegers, Eric Hiner, William Zerull
  • Publication number: 20070137329
    Abstract: A bi-directional linear actuator in which the threads of the drive member and its follower are not exposed and where all force bearing components are concentrically connected to a load is disclosed. The actuator includes an actuator assembly having an output cylinder, an input shaft, transmission rollers therebetween, a prime mover, and a housing assembly. The output cylinder of the actuator assembly is moved between retracted and extended positions by the prime mover. Rotation of the prime mover produces a corresponding rotation of the input shaft. The input shaft carries a plurality of transmission rollers about its circumference. The output cylinder includes an internally threaded bore. By inhibiting the rotation of the output cylinder, the engagement of the threads of the output cylinder with the transmission rollers provides a corresponding linear movement in the output cylinder along its longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Victor Everson, William Zerull