The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 02, 2008
Filed:
Oct. 26, 2006
Justin C. Morse, Ruckersville, VA (US);
Lawrence E. Rainey, Barboursville, VA (US);
Andre Richards, Charlottsville, VA (US);
Justin C. Morse, Ruckersville, VA (US);
Lawrence E. Rainey, Barboursville, VA (US);
Andre Richards, Charlottsville, VA (US);
Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, Los Angeles, CA (US);
Abstract
A steering system for a vessel is provided. The steering system includes an electric motor assembly and a steering linkage for transmitting the rotational output of the electric motor assembly to the vessel's rudder. The steering system may include at least three linkage members. The steering system may provide a variable output torque that corresponds at least partially with the variable required torque of the rudder at different rudder angles. The steering system may partially decouple the electric motor assembly from vertical movements in the rudder. Embodiments may include additional motor assemblies and steering linkages. The additional motor assemblies and steering linkages may provide an opposing force to reduce flutter within the system and/or be used to reduce the load of any one electric motor assembly.