Details Patents (Class 244/129.1)
  • Patent number: 11958617
    Abstract: An environmental control system for use in an aircraft includes at least one component positioned along a length of the aircraft and a decompression panel assembly comprising an array of apertures. The array of apertures is based on a location of the decompression panel assembly along the length of the aircraft relative to the at least one component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Bryce Avery Vandyke, Megan E. Mahre, Douglas Dean Maben
  • Patent number: 11919624
    Abstract: An aircraft has retractable landing gear configured to reciprocate between a deployed position and a stowed position. A landing gear door installation includes a first door rotatably coupled to the aircraft about a first axis for movement between a raided position and lowered position. The door installation further includes a second door located aft of the first door and coupled to the aircraft for movement between a first position when the landing gear is in the stowed position, and a second position when the landing gear is in the deployed position. A portion of the first door overlaps a portion of the second door when the first door is in the raised position and the second door is in the first position so that the first door blocks deployment of the second door to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Safran Landing Systems Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Kyle Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11873114
    Abstract: An airframe-mounted package launching system including a package launching device mounted in an interior portion of an airframe structure proximate an external airframe opening, the package launching device including a launch bed configured to support a package during a launching process, and a launch assembly configured to impart a launching force to the supported package on the launch bed during the launching process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: AeroVironment, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Ifill, Filip Dziwulski, Jason A Litzinger
  • Patent number: 11834146
    Abstract: A simple and lightweight system for discharging water that can flow out through an orifice in an insulation blanket lining the walls of a fuselage of a transport vehicle such as an aircraft. The blanket has an impermeable collection plate having at least partially the shape of a channel, container or the like for collecting and discharging condensation water under the effect of gravity through an orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Aurélien Bardet, Jérome Terrier, Matthieu Escude
  • Patent number: 11739662
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine is provided having: a turbomachine; a fan section having a fan rotatable by the turbomachine; a nacelle enclosing the fan; and an engine controller positioned within the nacelle. The nacelle defines an inner surface radius (r) along the radial direction inward of the engine controller, wherein the engine controller defines a radial height (?r) along the radial direction, a total volume (V), and a normalized radius (r?). The normalized radius (r?) is a ratio of the inner surface radius (r) to the total volume (V) to cube root, and wherein these parameters are related by the following equation: 0 . 1 ? ( r ? ) - 1 < ? ? r r < K ? ( r ? ) - 4 / 3 , wherein the normalized radius (r?) is between 1.25 and 8 and K is equal to 40%, or the normalized radius (r?) is between 2.75 and 4.5 and K is equal to 65%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Harry Kirk Mathews, Jr., William Morton, Constantinos Minas
  • Patent number: 11720011
    Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a translucent display positioned such that a first face is a display face and that a second face is a projection face and at least one projector configured to project an image on the second face of the translucent display. The image is displayed on the first face. The system also includes at least one sensor configured to transmit a signal when triggered and a projector controller in communication with the at least one projector and the at least one sensor. The projector controller is programmed to receive a signal from the at least one sensor and instruct the at least one projector to project at least one image on the translucent display in response to the signal from the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Darren Carl McIntosh
  • Patent number: 11623726
    Abstract: An assembly having an aircraft door and auxiliary equipment. The aircraft door and the auxiliary equipment are connected by a flexible deformable bellows having creases. The door comprises a passing through hole and a support joinable to the first end of the bellows. The auxiliary equipment comprises a support joinable to the second end of the bellows and a projecting part. The projecting part is configured to have elevation movement and/or azimuth movement, and the projecting part crosses the interior of the bellows and the hole of the door and protrudes out of the door. At both ends of the bellows a clamp joins and tightens each end of the bellows with the corresponding support. There is a fixed joint between the first end of the bellows and the door and a movable joint between the second end of the bellows and the auxiliary equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space, S.A.U.
    Inventors: Ana Isabel González Fernández, Carlos Manuel Escribano Serrano, Ignacio Pereira González, Enrique García Isidoro, Daniel De Rábano García, Alicia Delgado Rosich
  • Patent number: 11613379
    Abstract: A hard landing indicator mountable to a landing gear of an aircraft is provided. The landing gear has components displaceable toward each other upon the aircraft experiencing a landing. The hard landing indicator includes a first portion securable to one of these components and a second portion that projects outwardly from the first portion and oriented toward another component of the landing gear to be positioned within a path of displacement of the second component toward the first component. The second portion is impacted by this component upon this component being displaced during a hard landing of the aircraft. The impact leaves a visual mark on the second portion of the hard landing indicator to indicate that a hard landing has occurred. A landing gear equipped with and a method of installing such indicator are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventor: John J. C. Ferneley
  • Patent number: 11600880
    Abstract: A system for rapid securement and disengagement of a battery assembly-type power source element is provided herein. The system can include a battery assembly that includes a battery element having opposite, opposing surfaces and configured to provide power to at least a portion of a vehicle. On the surface of the battery assembly a pin element can be disposed. The system also includes a receiver assembly configured to mechanically couple the battery assembly. The receiver assembly can include an insertion opening having a size configured to receive the battery assembly and a hook assembly. The hook assembly can include a hook configured to mechanically couple to the pin element of the battery assembly and shaft configured to drive the hook such that a distance between the insertion opening and the battery assembly is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: BETA AIR, LLC
    Inventors: James Laughlin, Raffaello Verna
  • Patent number: 11554880
    Abstract: A tie-down for attachment to an aft tail section of an aircraft for inhibiting damage to the aircraft when the aircraft is on the ground is disclosed. The tie-down has a mount member configured to attach to the aft tail section and a projection member supported by the mount member. The projection member extends in a generally downward direction from the mount member so as to provide a contact surface with the ground that is lower than the aft tail section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Inventor: Pete L. Nelson
  • Patent number: 11499724
    Abstract: A heater panel includes a core and a heater/dielectric layer including a positive thermal coefficient (PTC) heater layer between a pair of dielectric layers. A structural facing is included, wherein the heater/dielectric layer is bonded directly between the core and the structural facing. A second structural facing can be bonded to the core opposite the heater/dielectric layer. An impact layer can be bonded to the structural facing, e.g., the first structural facing described above, opposite the heater/dielectric layer. The heater layer can be formed by direct writing a heating element pattern onto a dielectric layer bonded to the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Jin Hu, Nathaniel Ching, Casey Slane, Galdemir Cezar Botura
  • Patent number: 11377195
    Abstract: An attachment housing is for fastening to an exterior side of an aircraft. The attachment housing has a functional compartment. The functional compartment is divided in two, and has a ventilation compartment and a protective compartment. A surrounding wall is configured to separate the ventilation compartment from an environment. The surrounding wall has at least one ventilation opening for air exchange between the ventilation compartment and the environment. A dividing wall is arranged between the ventilation compartment and the protective compartment. The dividing wall has at least one passage opening for air exchange between the ventilation compartment and the protective compartment. The passage opening is configured to counter act a penetration of water, moisture, or particles into the protective compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: LUFTHANSA TECHNIK AG
    Inventors: Oliver Thomaschewski, Tobias Adugna
  • Patent number: 11300477
    Abstract: Automated apparatus for performing maintenance functions on airfoil-shaped bodies having short chord lengths, the apparatus being movable in a spanwise direction along the airfoil-shaped body. In accordance with various embodiments, the apparatus comprises a blade crawler capable of supporting any one of a plurality of end effectors for performing a set of maintenance functions on an airfoil-shaped body, such as a blade component. Included in these functions are multiple options for nondestructive inspection, drilling, grinding, fastening, appliqué application, scarfing, ply mapping, depainting, cleaning, and painting devices that are attached as the end effector for the blade crawler. As a whole, the blade crawler reduces maintenance time, labor hours and human errors when robotic maintenance functions are performed on blade components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Joseph L. Hafenrichter, Gary E. Georgeson, Scott W. Lea
  • Patent number: 11230374
    Abstract: In one possible embodiment, an amphibious unmanned aerial vehicle is provided, which includes a fuselage comprised of a buoyant material. Separators within the fuselage form separate compartments within the fuselage. Mounts associated with the compartments for securing waterproof aircraft components within the fuselage. The compartments each have drainage openings in the fuselage extending from the interior of the fuselage to the exterior of the fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: AeroVironment, Inc.
    Inventors: Pavel Belik, Thomas Szarek, Gabriel E. Torres, Vernon P. Fraye
  • Patent number: 11136133
    Abstract: A passenger door arrangement for an aircraft segment, which arrangement comprises a passenger door, which is configured to assume a raised state and a lowered state, and a “girt bar,” for arming and disarming an escape slide, the girt bar not altering its position relative to the passenger door in the transition from disarming to arming, when the passenger door is in the lowered state. Additionally an aircraft segment, which comprises the passenger door portion and a fuselage portion, an external engagement arrangement being fixed to the fuselage portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventor: Michael Röder
  • Patent number: 11091270
    Abstract: Ventilation systems and methods for controlling moisture in a vehicle. The ventilation systems include one or more inlet ducts and outlet ducts that extend through an inner wall and into a gap formed at an outer wall. The ventilation systems provide for passive air flow with air moving into the one or more inlet ducts and into the gap. The air is cooled against the outer wall and vertically drops along the gap. Moisture in the air freezes against the outer wall while the air is in the gap. The less humid air then moves through the one or more outlet ducts and back into the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Jennifer Lynn Dickson
  • Patent number: 11052991
    Abstract: A fairing for an aircraft is disclosed in which the fairing comprises a first fairing portion configured to be fixedly attached to a first structural component and having a first edge; a second fairing portion configured to be fixedly attached to a second structural component and having a second edge, wherein the first edge and the second edge define an interface configured to enable relative movement between the first fairing portion and the second fairing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Eilken, Memis Tiryaki, Klaus-Peter Sanmann, Ghasem Moussavi
  • Patent number: 10940933
    Abstract: A door opening system with a deceleration mechanism may be adapted to control an opening of a door module that includes a door panel and a door frame. Deceleration mechanism may include strap that connects door panel with door frame, spool, and spool. Spool may receive one end of strap, is biased to roll up a first portion of strap, and adapted to perform a first unwinding of the first portion of strap. Spool may receive a second end of strap, is biased to roll up a second portion of strap, and adapted to perform a second unwinding of the second portion of strap from spool. Spool may include a braking apparatus that is adapted to decelerate the second unwinding when a velocity of the second unwinding is above a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Tendyra, Stephen Ward, Guido Borchers, Uwe Renner, Xaver Pascoe, Markus Buehlmeyer
  • Patent number: 10829206
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to reduce acoustic interactions between a propeller and a surface of an aircraft positioned downstream of the propeller includes a surface modification element of the surface of the aircraft. The surface modification element defines a modified contour of the surface. The modified contour is configured to decorrelate a phase distribution of a plurality of sound sources within a source field positioned on at least a portion of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Trevor Howard Wood, Kishore Ramakrishnan, Davide Giacché
  • Patent number: 10793252
    Abstract: An apparatus for covering an opening in a fuselage of an aircraft includes a track and a plurality of panels, coupled to the track. At least one of the panels is movable along the track relative to an adjacent one of the panels between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Kevin Tsai
  • Patent number: 10773789
    Abstract: A wing or stabilizer of an aircraft. The wing or stabilizer comprises a box portion, comprising at least one spar and an outer skin coupled to the at least one spar. The wing or stabilizer also comprises at least one panel, comprising an outer face-sheet and an inner face-sheet. In a fore-aft direction the outer face-sheet terminates at an outer free edge. In the fore-aft direction the inner face-sheet terminates at an inner free edge. The at least one panel also includes a core sandwiched between the outer face-sheet and the inner face-sheet. The inner face-sheet comprises a cantilevered portion. The cantilevered portion defines the inner free edge. The cantilevered portion is fastened to the outer skin of the box portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Young L. Zeon, Gerfried R. Achtner
  • Patent number: 10704592
    Abstract: A foil hinge system for a hydrofoil or airfoil includes a main foil body 1, substantially extending in a longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction T, a flap 2 hinged to the main foil body 1 arranged on a longitudinal end side of the main foil body 1, and a flexible element 3 connecting the main foil body 1 and the flap 2. Several rigid structures 4, 5 are arranged in such a manner on the flexible element 3, that they provide a dead stop when the flap 2 is in a maximum deflection with respect to the main foil body 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Inventor: Giovanni Galeotti
  • Patent number: 10678269
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an unmanned vehicle for transmitting signals. The unmanned vehicle includes a transmitting unit that is configured to transmit a signal towards an object. The unmanned vehicle also includes a control unit that is in communication with at least one companion unmanned vehicle. The control unit is configured to determine a position of the at least one companion unmanned vehicle relative to the unmanned vehicle. The control unit is further configured to control the transmitting element based on at least the position of the at least one unmanned vehicle such that the transmitting element forms a phased-array transmitter with a transmitting element of the at least one companion unnamed vehicle, the phased-array transmitter emitting a transmission beam in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: PROXY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Patrick C. Cesarano
  • Patent number: 10659135
    Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus receives reference timing information, determines one or more timeslots for transmitting a beacon based on the reference timing information, and transmits the beacon during a timeslot of the one or more timeslots. The beacon is transmitted in one or more directions respectively corresponding to a number of subslots of the timeslot. In another aspect, the apparatus determines a timeslot for receiving at least one beacon respectively from at least one connection point based on the reference timing information, wakes during the timeslot, monitors for the at least one beacon in one or more directions respectively corresponding to a number of subslots of the timeslot, and receives the at least one beacon in the at least one timeslot in at least one direction of the one or more directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Sundar Subramanian, Junyi Li, Ashwin Sampath
  • Patent number: 10619740
    Abstract: An aircraft wing has a fixed wing portion and a trailing edge flap movable with respect to the fixed wing portion to define a gap between the fixed wing and the flap. A seal assembly has a first rigid seal member fixed to the fixed wing portion and a second resilient seal member fixed to an upper surface leading edge portion of the flap. The trailing edge flap is deployable between a first flap position in which the trailing edge flap conforms to a profile of the fixed wing portion, a second flap position in which the trailing edge flap is deflected upwardly from the first flap position, and a third flap position in which the trailing edge flap is deflected downwardly from the first flap position. In the first flap position the first seal member contacts the second seal member to at least partially seal the gap, and in the second flap position the first seal member presses against the second seal member and deflects the second seal member to at least partially seal the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Tristan Vincent, Kim Sharp, David Hoptroff
  • Patent number: 10543897
    Abstract: There is provided a training system capable of performing work. The system has a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator exhibiting a generally planar transformational behavior. The system further has one or more heating elements for transforming the SMA actuator from an original shape to a trained shape, thereby performing work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jonathan K. Brown, Glenn Scott Bushnell, Dan J. Clingman
  • Patent number: 10539077
    Abstract: Device for draining liquids for an aircraft engine, comprising a collector designed to collect liquids drained from the engine, said device comprising means for pumping the liquids held in the collector and for discharging said liquids, and monitoring means designed to indicate when the liquids have been collected by the collector in an anomalous manner, said monitoring means being designed to be activated when the flow rate of collected liquids is greater than the delivery of the pumping means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: SAFRAN HELICOPTER ENGINES
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Pierre Claude Py, Philippe Jean René Marie Benezech, Sébastien Combebias, Sébastien Fouche, Lorenzo Huacan Hernandez, Eric Le Borgne, Lionel Napias, Maxime Quaireau, Philippe Roger, Cédric Zordan
  • Patent number: 10538277
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a structural reinforcement system. The system reinforces hollow cavities within various products to increase the structural rigidity of the product. The system generally includes a rigid carrier, a bonding material, and an insert. The rigid carrier provides the primary structural reinforcement within the cavity, and also serves as a substrate to carry the bonding material. The insert is provided to increase the structural rigidity of the reinforcement system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: SIKA TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Vincent Belpaire, Dominique Mellano, Yves Vandenberg
  • Patent number: 10483659
    Abstract: A grounding clip for an organic matrix composite guide vane with a metallic sheath comprises the organic matrix composite guide vane includes a body having a leading edge and a trailing edge opposite the leading edge and a root end extending between the leading end edge and the trailing edge. The metallic sheath is attached proximate the leading edge and extends to the root end. A metallic attachment fitting has a receiver configured to receive the root end of the organic matrix composite guide vane for coupling the organic matrix composite guide vane to the metallic attachment fitting. The grounding clip is coupled to the sheath proximate the root end; wherein the grounding clip is electrically connected to the metallic attachment fitting and the metallic sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Lyders, Nicholas D. Stilin, Kevin M. Bell
  • Patent number: 10421532
    Abstract: A connecting rod assembly for a flight control surface actuation system, the assembly comprising a connecting rod for connecting a flight control surface to a rotary actuator and a position sensor mounted to the connecting rod for sensing the position of the connecting rod relative to a rotary actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS SAS
    Inventor: Laurent Schwartz
  • Patent number: 10353199
    Abstract: An HUD unit is equipped with a first display and a second display. The light irradiating directions of the first display and the second display are adjusted so that the first image irradiated from the first display, reflected by the front window of a vehicle and visually recognized by the driver of the vehicle and the second image irradiated from the second display to the eye point of the driver and visually recognized by the driver are visually recognized in a state of being arranged side by side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiro Takamatsu, Masahide Nagata, Takao Kanai
  • Patent number: 10174674
    Abstract: A device for extraction of bleed air from flowing air at or in an aircraft engine includes an adjusting device for adjustment of an inlet cross section of an opening for the bleed air in or at a wall during operation of the aircraft engine. The opening for the bleed air is arranged in or at a deformable base and the adjusting device acts on the deformable base for modifying the inlet cross section of the opening relative to the flowing air. The deformable base is part of a metallic housing in the aircraft engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND LTD & CO KG
    Inventor: Robert Thies
  • Patent number: 10086945
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve (10) for controlling the internal pressure p in a cabin of an aircraft, comprising a first flap (11) and a second flap (12), wherein the flaps (11, 12) control a pressure-changing fluid flow (L) between the surroundings and the cabin through an opening (15) of a limiting element (14) of the cabin. In order to increase the inflow volume of the fluid, according to the invention at least one of the flaps (11, 12) is adjustable in the inflow position in respect of the opening (15) in the direction of the surroundings, such that the flow surface of the flap (11, 12) is increased for the air flow (L). Furthermore according to the invention at least one of the flaps (11, 22) has a closure device (21) which reduces an outflow of the fluid that had previously flowed in during an inflow process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Nord-Micro GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Martin Steinert, Axel Springer
  • Patent number: 10087781
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a centering device for a nacelle of a turbojet engine providing the flush centering of an outer downstream panel of a thrust reverser with respect to a cowl of a fan casing. The centering device includes, in one single piece: a sub plate allowing the fixing of the centering device to the fan casing; a first positioning arm integrally formed with the sub plate, protruding upstream, in such a manner as to form, with respect to a directing axis (A) of the nacelle; a first radial abutment designed for guiding the cowl of the fan casing; and a second positioning arm, integrally formed with the sub plate, protruding downstream, in such a manner as to form, with respect to the directing axis (A) of the nacelle, a second radial abutment designed for guiding the outer downstream panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Hazem Kioua, Xavier Raymond Yves Lore, Olivier Conet, Xavier Holay
  • Patent number: 10011343
    Abstract: A self-aligning structural attachment and a corresponding method are disclosed. The self-aligning structural attachment includes a main body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the main body is attached to (i) a CIP of a support system and (ii) a clevis on an airframe of an aircraft. Further, the self-aligning structural attachment includes a first attachment fitting disposed on the proximal end, wherein the first attachment fitting is a slide-and-swivel attachment fitting. Still further, the self-aligning structural attachment includes a second attachment fitting disposed on the distal end, wherein the second attachment fitting is a slide attachment fitting. Yet still further, the self-aligning structural attachment includes a pivoting hinge disposed between the first attachment fitting and the second attachment fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Timothy Todd King, Kenneth G. Davis, Matthew R. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9771895
    Abstract: An exhaust nozzle liner assembly of a gas turbine engine includes a first liner, a second liner spaced from the first liner by a gap, a seal assembly located at least partially within the gap to provide a continuous surface defined by the first liner, the seal assembly and the second liner, and a seal retainer to retain the seal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: George J. Kramer
  • Patent number: 9663231
    Abstract: A titanium seat track may include a track plate formed of one of cold and hot rolled titanium. The track plate may include a top surface and a bottom surface. The titanium seat track may also include a titanium U-shaped channel formed of cold worked titanium sheet. The titanium U-shaped channel may include a first side wall and a second side wall extending from a base and terminating in a first channel edge and a second channel edge, respectively. The first channel edge and the second channel edge may be continuously welded to the bottom surface of the seat track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Tibor Albert Koncz
  • Patent number: 9663246
    Abstract: A method for installing an electric system into an aircraft fuselage. The object to provide a method for simply and quickly installing an electric system into an aircraft fuselage, wherein the electric system is as little heavy and space consuming as possible, and wherein a wide range of customized alternatives of the electric system is possible, is achieved by the steps of providing a fuselage element extending along an aircraft longitudinal axis and including an outer skin and an interior surface, providing a foil sheet of an electrically insulating substrate material, attaching said foil sheet on the inner side of said fuselage element, applying particles of electrically conductive material onto the inner surface of said attached foil sheet opposite the outer skin in a predetermined pattern, such that the accumulated particles of electrically conductive material form electric conductor elements along said inner surface of said foil sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Eckart Frankenberger
  • Patent number: 9637219
    Abstract: A fairing transition is provided for covering a gap between a movable body and a fixed body on a vehicle that includes, but is not limited to a base plate that is attachable to a vehicle, a cover plate that is attachable to the base plate. The base plate and the cover plate include, but are not limited to a correspondingly formed connecting profile having positive fit on surfaces that face each other, with the connecting profile configured to slide the cover plate onto the base plate. Furthermore, the cover plate is lockable to the base plate in an end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Sascha Timm, Gerd Stahl, Uwe Henning
  • Patent number: 9623959
    Abstract: An aircraft having an aircraft fuselage that has an outer skin includes an air sucking fuselage component with an outer surface that is perforated at least in some regions, and a suction profile body. The suction profile body is arranged on the outer skin, forms a local bulge in the outer skin, and further includes a suction opening that is arranged at a location at which there is the lowest pressure, for example at a position furthest away from the outer skin. The suction opening is connected to a suction connection of the air sucking fuselage component. In this way laminarization of the flow at the air sucking fuselage component may take place without the use of active air conveying devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Géza Schrauf, Hubert Stuke
  • Patent number: 9617864
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a guide vane assembly including a first airfoil, including a first airfoil trailing edge, a second airfoil, including a second airfoil leading edge, positioned aft the first airfoil to create a gap therebetween, and a seal assembly disposed within the gap to engage the first airfoil trailing edge and the second airfoil leading edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael C. Firnhaber, Enzo DiBenedetto
  • Patent number: 9597968
    Abstract: A boot-like shroud or cover that forms a compressive seal around the charging receptacle of an electric vehicle is provided to shield a charging port housing and a charging port hinge pocket. The boot-like shroud or cover may be configured as an integral part of the charging handle or a separate part that easily attaches to the handle for outdoor use. The part may also be suitable for use in conjunction with multiple vehicle types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David A. Schoener, John P. Person, Lisa K. Hackney
  • Patent number: 9457886
    Abstract: Disclosed is a winglet radome assembly, which can include at least one antenna assembly that can send and receive signals, such as radio waves. Some implementations of the winglet radome assembly can be secured to a wing of an aircraft, such as a fixed-wing aircraft. In addition, the winglet radome assembly can be configured to secure to a distal end of the wing and can be securely adapted to a variety of aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SIERRA NEVADA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Timothy M. Hazen
  • Patent number: 9440595
    Abstract: A panel-ECU bracket attachment system that prevents the placement of an ECU at an incorrect location within a motor vehicle. The panel-ECU bracket attachment system includes a panel, e.g. an instrument panel, with a first ECU bracket attachment site and a second ECU bracket attachment site. The first ECU bracket attachment site has a first pair of alignment pins spaced apart by a first distance therebetween and the second ECU bracket attachment site has a second pair of alignment pins spaced apart by a second distance therebetween. The second distance is not equal to the first distance. The instrument panel-ECU bracket attachment system also includes a first ECU bracket with a first pair of pin apertures that are spaced apart from each other by the first distance and a second ECU bracket with a second pair of pin apertures that are spaced apart from each other by the second distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Joseph Quijano, Samuel L. Sowles
  • Patent number: 9365280
    Abstract: A gutter profile for draining liquids on an aircraft, comprising a connecting section for connecting the gutter profile to an outer skin of the aircraft and comprising a drain section for forming a drain cross-section of the gutter profile. The drain section is pre-tensioned into a ground position which opens the drain cross-section and has a flow guiding device for transferring the drain section into a flight position which closes the drain cross-section. An aircraft having such a gutter profile is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Hinnik Gensch, Hauke Kirstein
  • Patent number: 9211955
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting engines and nacelles relative to aircraft wings are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first support structure to be coupled to a wing, a second support structure to be coupled to the wing and a nacelle. The support structures are coupled to opposite sides of the nacelle. The support structures are to be coupled to opposite sides of an engine to enable thrust loads to be reacted through the support structures to the wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Jack W. Mauldin, David W. Kwok, John A. Weidler, Antonio B. Gonzales, Edward L. Lawson, Andrew C. Kulak
  • Patent number: 9149909
    Abstract: A stringer manufacturing method for machining one end portion of an elongated member that is provided with a cap flange, a web, and a base flange and that has an inverted T-shape in a front view, an I-shape in a front view, or a T-shape in a front view into a desired shape to obtain a desired stringer. The one end portion of the elongated member is machined into a desired shape by using a vertical articulated robot (1) that has at least 6 axes and that has, at the tip of a valve unit (13), an abrasive nozzle assembly (14) that injects ultrahigh-pressure water containing abrasive and a catcher cup (15) that recovers the ultrahigh-pressure water ejected from the abrasive nozzle assembly (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD., FLOW JAPAN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kanazawa, Yasuo Baba
  • Patent number: 9038949
    Abstract: An assembly for shielding an aircraft from electromagnetic energy may include a window mounting configured to be conductively coupled to an aperture in a fuselage of an aircraft. The window mounting may include a window pane having an electromagnetically-reflective coating for reflecting electromagnetic energy. The window pane may remain electrically isolated from the fuselage prior to the electromagnetic energy exceeding a frequency of approximately 1 GHz. The window mounting may further include a capacitive gasket capacitively coupling the window pane to the fuselage after the frequency of the electromagnetic energy reflected by the window pane exceeds approximately 1 GHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Kirchoff, Patrick M. Njeim, Thomas K. Morrow, Joel J. Peterson, Michael R. Sirkis, Ryan L. Carlson, Bruce J. Donham, Jim Sears
  • Patent number: 9010681
    Abstract: A supporting half-structure for an aircraft engine nacelle is provided that includes at least one longitudinal beam and a front half-frame, the beam and the half-frame being formed of composite materials. The half frame has an open section, and the half-structure defines a structure selected from the group consisting of: the beam and the front half-frame form a one-piece part; the beam has an extension with an open section, the shape of which matches that of the front half-frame, the extension being attached to the half frame; and the front half-frame has an extension with an open shape, the shape of which matches the beam, wherein the extension is attached to the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventors: Alexandre Bellanger, Florent Bouillon, Laurent Dubois
  • Patent number: 9010687
    Abstract: This invention proposes an insulation blanket for an aircraft, the said blanket coming in the form of a strip of insulation material of elongated shape having two more or less parallel longitudinal edges (12). This blanket comprises: at least one bar (14) extending over one face of the insulation blanket (6), from one longitudinal edge (12) to the other thereof, as well as means for holding (18) the said bar (14), and the bar (14) bears at least one system support intended to receive a system (30, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: AIRBUS Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Julie Holvoet, Pierre Charon, Olivier Philippe