Heath E Kouns

US Patent:

8285146, Oct 9, 2012

Filed:

Apr 28, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/658434

Inventors:

K. Peter Lo - Blacksburg VA, US
Norris E. Lewis - Christiansburg VA, US
Heath E. Kouns - Pearisburg VA, US
Martin J. Oosterhuis - Blacksburg VA, US

Assignee:

Moog Inc. - East Aurora NY

International Classification:

H04B 10/00

US Classification:

398114

Abstract:

The present invention relates generally to optical rotary joints () for enabling optical communication between a rotor and a stator, improved methods of mounting such optical rotary joints on supporting structures such that the rotor and stator remain properly aligned, and to improved optical reflector assemblies for use in such optical rotary joints. The improved optical rotary joint enables optical communication between a rotor and a stator, said rotor having a longitudinal axis, and comprises: at least one optical source () mounted on one of said rotor and stator for transmitting an optical signal in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis; at least one first reflector () mounted on the other of said rotor and stator for reflecting the optical signal transmitted from the source, said first reflector comprising a concave first reflective surface (), a line (L) in a plane taken through said first reflective surface being configured as a portion of an ellipse having first and second focal points (F, F), the first focal point being positioned substantially coincident with said rotor axis; a second reflector () having a second reflective surface () configured as a portion of a cone and positioned at the second focal point of the elliptical surface for receiving light reflected from said first reflective surface and for reflecting light in a different direction as a function of the apex angle of the second reflective surface; and a receiver () arranged to receive light reflected by the second reflective surface.

US Patent:

8611753, Dec 17, 2013

Filed:

May 31, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/507043

Inventors:

K. Peter Lo - Blacksburg VA, US
Norris E. Lewis - Christiansburg VA, US
Heath E. Kouns - Pearisburg VA, US
Martin J. Oosterhuis - Blacksburg VA, US

Assignee:

Moog Inc. - East Aurora NY

International Classification:

H04B 10/00

US Classification:

398114, 2940701, 2940704, 2940709, 294071, 385 65, 385 83

Abstract:

The present invention relates generally to optical rotary joints () for enabling optical communication between a rotor and a stator, and to improved methods of mounting such optical rotary joints on supporting structures such that the rotor and stator remain properly aligned.

US Patent:

20030075992, Apr 24, 2003

Filed:

Oct 19, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/041793

Inventors:

Heath Kouns - Pearisburg VA, US

International Classification:

H02J001/00

US Classification:

307/149000

Abstract:

A varying signal, which may be a feedback signal, is combined with a control signal to control the actuators (and ) of a switch. The method compensates for varying temperature conditions as well as variations in the manufacturing process of the actuators (and ) and a member () of the switch that is attached to the actuators (and ), which member () changes positions to change the state of the switch. The varying signal, in combination with the control signal, determines a pulse width, during which time energy is applied to the actuators (and ).

US Patent:

20120280115, Nov 8, 2012

Filed:

May 31, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/507044

Inventors:

K. Peter Lo - Blacksburg VA, US
Norris E. Lewis - Christiansburg VA, US
Heath E. Kouns - Pearisburg VA, US
Martin J. Oosterhuis - Blacksburg VA, US

International Classification:

G02B 5/10
G01J 1/42
G02B 17/08

US Classification:

250216, 359857, 359664, 359708

Abstract:

The present invention relates generally to optical rotary joints () for enabling optical communication between a rotor and a stator, and to improved optical reflector assemblies for use in such optical rotary joints.

US Patent:

20230110644, Apr 13, 2023

Filed:

Mar 23, 2021

Appl. No.:

17/913684

Inventors:

- East Aurora NY, US
Heath E. Kouns - Christiansburg VA, US

International Classification:

G01D 5/20
H02K 24/00
G01P 3/488
H05K 1/18

Abstract:

A variable reluctance resolver with a stator assembly including a printed circuit board having a first surface and a second surface. A plurality of inductors coupled with the annular printed circuit board first surface, wherein the plurality of inductors are in electrical connection with a power source. The variable reluctance resolver also having a rotor including a body with a first surface and a second surface, an annular recess located in the rotor first surface. The annular recess including a radially inner surface and a radially outer surface, wherein the annular recess defines a width variable with angular position. The plurality of inductors are located at least partially within the annular recess and the rotor is operable to rotate relative to the stator assembly.