Patents Assigned to Hydro-Aire, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8041490
    Abstract: The system and method for monitoring wear of one or more aircraft parts, such as an aircraft brake, an aircraft tire, a standby system, and landing gear. One or more sensors are provided for sensing a parameter of usage, and an estimate of usage of the part can be determined based upon the signal indicating the sensed value of the parameter of usage of the aircraft part. A plurality of sensors can be provided for sensing usage of a plurality of parts of the aircraft, and the estimate of usage of the part can be stored for access of the estimate by ground personnel. As applied to monitoring wear of an aircraft brake, a linear brake wear indicator attached to the brake moves a discrete distance when the brake is actuated, and a linear position encoder measures the distance traveled by the linear brake wear indicator as an indication of brake usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Hydro-Aire, Inc.
    Inventor: Garrett H. DeVlieg
  • Publication number: 20110226569
    Abstract: A brake system control unit controls one of first and second portions of a wheel brakes electric brake actuators to activate one of the first and second portions of the actuators and deactivate the other during an inhibited braking mode. The control unit controls the activated portion of the brake actuators to generate a braking force greater than the commanded braking force of the brake pedal command, such as twice the commanded braking force, to compensate for the deactivated portion of the brake actuators. The inhibited braking mode is discontinued during emergency braking when the commanded braking force is greater than or equal to a predetermined braking force. The inhibited braking mode is also discontinued when failure of one or more brake actuators is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: HYDRO-AIRE, INC.
    Inventor: GARRETT H. DEVLIEG
  • Publication number: 20110213536
    Abstract: The method for reducing aircraft carbon brake wear involves monitoring the commanded initiation of braking, and setting a residual brake clamping force to a predetermined minimum residual brake clamping force, which is maintained following the commanded initiation of braking to prevent release of braking during taxiing of the aircraft. The minimum residual brake clamping force is applied despite a commanded release of braking until at least one predetermined control logic condition occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: HYDRO-AIRE, INC., A SUBSIDIARY OF CRANE CO.
    Inventors: Gary DeVlieg, John Gowan
  • Patent number: 7988242
    Abstract: The method for reducing aircraft carbon brake wear involves monitoring the commanded initiation of braking, and setting a residual brake clamping force to a predetermined minimum residual brake clamping force, which is maintained following the commanded initiation of braking to prevent release of braking during taxiing of the aircraft. The minimum residual brake clamping force is applied despite a commanded release of braking until at least one predetermined control logic condition occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Hydro-Aire, Inc., Subsidiary of Crane Co.
    Inventors: Gary DeVlieg, John Gowan
  • Patent number: 7991531
    Abstract: A wheel speed transducer including a magnetic device associated with a wheel and a sensor device associated with the axle of the wheel provides data indicative of the velocity of the wheel. A processor located at the axle receives the wheel speed data and processes it to perform antiskid control functions. The velocity data is stored in a data concentrator also associated with the axle. A tire pressure sensor, a brake temperature sensor and a brake torque sensor, each associated with the wheel, send data to the processor at the axle, for storage in the data concentrator. A transmitting antenna associated with the axle and in communication with the data concentrator transmits stored data to a receiving antenna associated with the wheel. A data port at the wheel and in communication with the receiving antenna provides an interface to an external device for receiving the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Hydro-Aire, Inc.
    Inventors: John Gowan, Gary DeVlieg
  • Patent number: 7954910
    Abstract: The method for reducing aircraft carbon brake wear involves monitoring the commanded initiation of braking, and setting a residual brake clamping force to a predetermined minimum residual brake clamping force, which is maintained following the commanded initiation of braking to prevent release of braking during taxiing of the aircraft. The minimum residual brake clamping force is applied despite a commanded release of braking until at least one predetermined control logic condition occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Hydro-Aire, Inc., Subsidiary of Crane Co.
    Inventors: Gary DeVlieg, John Gowan
  • Patent number: 7946394
    Abstract: The system and method for monitoring wear of one or more aircraft parts, such as an aircraft brake, an aircraft tire, a standby system, and landing gear. One or more sensors are provided for sensing a parameter of usage, and an estimate of usage of the part can be determined based upon the signal indicating the sensed value of the parameter of usage of the aircraft part. A plurality of sensors can be provided for sensing usage of a plurality of parts of the aircraft, and the estimate of usage of the part can be stored for access of the estimate by ground personnel. As applied to monitoring wear of an aircraft brake, a linear brake wear indicator attached to the brake moves a discrete distance when the brake is actuated, and a linear position encoder measures the distance traveled by the linear brake wear indicator as an indication of brake usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Hydro-Aire, Inc.
    Inventor: Garrett H. DeVlieg
  • Publication number: 20110106389
    Abstract: The method and system for increasing accuracy of clamping force of electric aircraft carbon brakes, once braking has been commenced, provides a first pair of electric brake actuators with a range of low brake clamping force responsive to low brake clamping force commands, and a second pair of electric brake actuators with a range of high brake clamping force responsive to high brake clamping force commands. The first pair of electric brake actuators is actuated to apply a minimum residual braking force once wheel braking is commenced, and the second pair of electric brake actuators is actuated only when the commanded braking force is in the high range of brake clamping force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: HYDRO-AIRE, INC.
    Inventors: GARY DeVLIEG, JOHN GOWAN
  • Patent number: 7878602
    Abstract: The method and system for increasing accuracy of clamping force of electric aircraft carbon brakes, once braking has been commenced, provides a first pair of electric brake actuators with a range of low brake clamping force responsive to low brake clamping force commands, and a second pair of electric brake actuators with a range of high brake clamping force responsive to high brake clamping force commands. The first pair of electric brake actuators is actuated to apply a minimum residual braking force once wheel braking is commenced, and the second pair of electric brake actuators is actuated only when the commanded braking force is in the high range of brake clamping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hydro-Aire, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary DeVlieg, John Gowan
  • Publication number: 20100315219
    Abstract: A wheel speed transducer including a magnetic device associated with a wheel and a sensor device associated with the axle of the wheel provides data indicative of the velocity of the wheel. A processor located at the axle receives the wheel speed data and processes it to perform antiskid control functions. The velocity data is stored in a data concentrator also associated with the axle. A tire pressure sensor, a brake temperature sensor and a brake torque sensor, each associated with the wheel, send data to the processor at the axle, for storage in the data concentrator. A transmitting antenna associated with the axle and in communication with the data concentrator transmits stored data to a receiving antenna associated with the wheel. A data port at the wheel and in communication with the receiving antenna provides an interface to an external device for receiving the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: HYDRO-AIRE, INC., a subsidiary of Cane Co.
    Inventors: John Gowan, Gary H. DeVlieg
  • Patent number: 7837279
    Abstract: The adaptive brake application and initial skid detection system allows rapid brake application and prevents deep initial skids. Brake torque is compared with a predetermined threshold brake torque. Wheel velocity error signals are also generated to indicated the difference between the wheel velocity and a reference velocity signal. A torque bias modulator integrator responsive to brake torque signals adjusts the wheel velocity error signals to provide an anti-skid control signal. The torque bias modulator integrator can also be initialized to the value of the measured brake torque when the wheel velocity error signals indicate the beginning of a skid. Brake torque difference signals are generated to indicate the difference between brake torque and a commanded brake torque, and an adjusted brake torque error signal is generated in response to the brake torque difference signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Hydro-Aire, Inc.
    Inventors: Bijan Salamat, Robert D. Cook
  • Publication number: 20100280727
    Abstract: An anti-skid brake control system for a multi-wheeled vehicle includes both a paired function and an individual function. The paired function controls the wheels of the vehicle in unison. The individual function controls the wheels of the vehicle individually. A paired/individual logic circuit alternatively activates and deactivates the paired function and the individual function. A method for controlling the skid of a vehicle utilizing a paired function and a individual function is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: HYDRO-AIRE, INC., SUBSIDIARY OF CRANE CO.
    Inventors: Harris K. Butler, III, Scott A. Brittian
  • Publication number: 20100268404
    Abstract: The method and system for increasing accuracy of clamping force of electric aircraft carbon brakes, once braking has been commenced, provides a first pair of electric brake actuators with a range of low brake clamping force responsive to low brake clamping force commands, and a second pair of electric brake actuators with a range of high brake clamping force responsive to high brake clamping force commands. The first pair of electric brake actuators is actuated to apply a minimum residual braking force once wheel braking is commenced, and the second pair of electric brake actuators is actuated only when the commanded braking force is in the high range of brake clamping force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: HYDRO-AIRE, INC.
    Inventors: GARY DeVLIEG, JOHN GOWAN
  • Publication number: 20100258987
    Abstract: The shock and vibration isolation system for hard mounting of a manifold of a brake control valve protects the brake control valve manifold from shock and vibration by incorporation of shock and vibration isolators in mounting feet of the manifold. The shock and vibration isolators have a pre-selected natural frequency chosen to protect components of the brake control valve damaging shock and vibration. The shock and vibration isolators each include a silicone rubber insert portion, a first outer sheath secured about a first end of the silicone rubber insert portion, a second outer sheath member secured about a second end of the silicone rubber insert portion, with a gap between the first and second outer sheaths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Hydro-Aire, Inc., a subsidiary of Crane Co.
    Inventor: Ernest Blazic
  • Publication number: 20100258989
    Abstract: The shock and vibration isolation system for hard mounting of a manifold of a brake control valve includes shock and vibration isolators that can be assembled in the mounting feet of the manifold of the brake control valve. The shock and vibration isolators have a pre-selected, predetermined natural frequency operative to protect components of the brake control valve from shock and vibration. Each of the shock and vibration isolators includes a radially inner generally spool shaped rigid insert portion and a radially outer generally spool shaped vibration insulating sheath portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: HYDRO-AIRE, INC. A SUBSIDIARY OF CRANE CO.
    Inventor: Ernest Blazic
  • Publication number: 20100250027
    Abstract: The method for reducing aircraft carbon brake wear involves monitoring the commanded initiation of braking, and setting a residual brake clamping force to a predetermined minimum residual brake clamping force, which is maintained following the commanded initiation of braking to prevent release of braking during taxiing of the aircraft. The minimum residual brake clamping force is applied despite a commanded release of braking until at least one predetermined control logic condition occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: HYDRO-AIRE, INC., SUBSIDIARY OF CRANE CO.
    Inventors: Gary DeVlieg, John Gowan
  • Publication number: 20100250028
    Abstract: The system and method for monitoring wear of one or more aircraft parts, such as an aircraft brake, an aircraft tire, a standby system, and landing gear. One or more sensors are provided for sensing a parameter of usage, and an estimate of usage of the part can be determined based upon the signal indicating the sensed value of the parameter of usage of the aircraft part. A plurality of sensors can be provided for sensing usage of a plurality of parts of the aircraft, and the estimate of usage of the part can be stored for access of the estimate by ground personnel. As applied to monitoring wear of an aircraft brake, a linear brake wear indicator attached to the brake moves a discrete distance when the brake is actuated, and a linear position encoder measures the distance traveled by the linear brake wear indicator as an indication of brake usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: HYDRO-AIRE, INC.
    Inventor: Garrett H. DeVLIEG
  • Patent number: 7805233
    Abstract: A wheel speed transducer including a magnetic device associated with a wheel and a sensor device associated with the axle of the wheel provides data indicative of the velocity of the wheel. A processor located at the axle receives the wheel speed data and processes it to perform antiskid control functions. The velocity data is stored in a data concentrator also associated with the axle. A tire pressure sensor, a brake temperature sensor and a brake torque sensor, each associated with the wheel, send data to the processor at the axle, for storage in the data concentrator. A transmitting antenna associated with the axle and in communication with the data concentrator transmits stored data to a receiving antenna associated with the wheel. A data port at the wheel and in communication with the receiving antenna provides an interface to an external device for receiving the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Hydro-Aire, Inc., Subsidiary of Crane Co.
    Inventors: John Gowan, Garrett H. DeVlieg
  • Patent number: 7789469
    Abstract: The method and system for increasing accuracy of clamping force of electric aircraft carbon brakes, once braking has been commenced, provides a first pair of electric brake actuators with a range of low brake clamping force responsive to low brake clamping force commands, and a second pair of electric brake actuators with a range of high brake clamping force responsive to high brake clamping force commands. The first pair of electric brake actuators is actuated to apply a minimum residual braking force once wheel braking is commenced, and the second pair of electric brake actuators is actuated only when the commanded braking force is in the high range of brake clamping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Hydro-Aire, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary DeVlieg, John Gowan
  • Publication number: 20100222942
    Abstract: A taxi brake inhibit system overcomes problems of discontinuities in pedal “feel” that can occur by use of a taxi brake inhibit system, by adding a new pedal “feel” logic in which twice the brake force is commanded for a given brake pedal application when taxi brake inhibit is active. The taxi brake inhibit system relies upon two different brake force vs. brake pedal application curves to compensate for the difference in deceleration that is achieved for a given brake pedal application depending upon whether the taxi brake inhibit is active or inactive. Such system effectively eliminates undesirable deceleration bumps, yaw effects and changes in pedal feel during braking. The taxi brake inhibit feature is also shut off to both fore-aft brake pairs if any non-normal taxi brake inhibit condition exists on either fore-aft brake pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: HYDRO-AIRE, INC.
    Inventors: GARRETT H. DEVLIEG, JOHN GOWAN