Patents Assigned to Airbus Operation
  • SUPPORT ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20140158822
    Abstract: An assembly to support a wing leading or trailing edge device during deployment and retraction of the device includes a fixed support member attachable to the support structure of an aircraft wing, an intermediate link arm having one end pivotally mounted for rotation relative to the support member about a first axis and, a primary link arm having a first end pivotally mounted to the opposite end of the intermediate link arm for rotation relative to the intermediate link arm about a second axis. A second end of the primary link arm is for attachment to the device via a bearing element so that the device can move relative to the primary link arm in any direction when the intermediate and primary link arms rotate about the first and second axes, respectively, during deployment or retraction of the device from the aircraft wing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Anthony LANGLEY, Simon KING
  • AIRCRAFT COMPRISING A WING BOX AND A FUSELAGE PROVIDED WITH A CONNECTING DEVICE CONNECTED TO THE WING BOX
    Publication number: 20140158828
    Abstract: An aircraft comprising a wing box and a fuselage provided with a connecting device configured to be connected to the wing box and to transmit thereto stresses undergone by the fuselage during manoeuvres of the aircraft are provided. The connecting device is formed by a keel beam and a keel beam panel connected to the beam via a connecting portion of the beam, that is moreover provided with a main portion extending in a first, generally longitudinal direction and a transfer portion extending in a second direction different from the first direction and configured to be connected to the box. The main, transfer and connecting portions are configured to direct a major part of the stresses received by the beam in the second direction and transmit said major part of the stresses to the box by compression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Francois Loyant, Alexandre Legardez
  • DRAINING APPARATUS FOR DRAINING LIQUIDS FROM A VEHICLE, AIRCRAFT HAVING A DRAINING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DRAINING LIQUIDS FROM A VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20140158208
    Abstract: A draining apparatus for draining liquids from a vehicle includes a containment; a drain mast having an outlet opening and an inlet; and an actuator. The containment is adapted for being coupled with a structure of the vehicle, wherein the actuator is coupled with the drain mast and adapted for moving the drain mast into a retracted position and at least one extracted position relative to the containment, and wherein the containment is further adapted for accommodating the drain mast in the retracted position at least partially. The drainage apparatus has clear advantages regarding the parasitic drag compared to known drainage masts as it is only deployed into the flow when it is absolutely necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Becks, Raymond Lucas
  • ORIENTATION OF INTERFACING PROJECTIONS
    Publication number: 20140158294
    Abstract: A method of joining a first component to a second component, the method comprising preparing the first component by forming an array of elongate projections on a bond surface of the component, each projection having a centreline, a tip, and a base. The centreline at the tip of each projection is oriented at an angle with respect to the normal to the bond surface at its base, and the angular orientation of the tip centrelines varies across the array of projections. Next, the first component and a flexible layer are brought together so as to embed the projections in the flexible layer before hardening the flexible layer to form the second component. Also, a joint so formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Jonathan MEYER, Daniel JOHNS
  • Method and device for generating an optimum aerodynamic configuration of an aircraft during a flight
    Patent number: 8746623
    Abstract: A process and device for the automatic flight optimization of the aerodynamic configuration of an aircraft. The device (1) includes means (7, 8, 10) for determining and applying to the spoilers (6) of the aircraft commands for providing the aircraft with an optimum aerodynamic configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventor: Frédéric Sauvinet
  • Surface heating system and vehicle with a surface heating system
    Patent number: 8748784
    Abstract: A surface heating system is provided. The surface heating system includes a heatable surface element with a supporting structure on which a conductive layer is arranged that is completely covered by a cover layer. A first induction coil is configured separately of the heatable surface element and is connectable to an AC voltage source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Achim Bauer, Andre Zybala
  • Method and apparatus for fabricating a fibre reinforced thermoplastic composite structure
    Patent number: 8747585
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite structure comprising: placing a first layer of fiber reinforced thermoplastic material on top of a second layer of fiber reinforced thermoplastic material; providing a local heating source and locally heating a portion of at least the upper layer of thermoplastic composite material; and providing an ultrasonic transducer and locally introducing ultrasonic energy waves to the heated portion of the thermoplastic material such that ultrasonic consolidation of the fiber reinforced thermoplastic occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Ltd
    Inventor: David Inston
  • Apparatus for the production of an aircraft fuselage shell consisting of a fibre composite
    Patent number: 8746315
    Abstract: An apparatus for the production of a fuselage shell for an aircraft made of fiber composite, which is to be equipped with a plurality of stringers disposed spaced apart for reinforcement, comprising a main frame to form a supporting substructure having an outwardly curved mounting surface for positive mounting, having longitudinal mounting grooves for receiving of formed parts for deformably positioning the stringers relative to the mounting surface, wherein a plurality of short formed parts spaced apart from each other are disposed in each mounting groove, and which are adjustable relative to the corresponding mounting groove in the transverse direction (Y) by means of adjusters, and which can be raised in the vertical direction (Z) by means of lifters for guiding the stringers in the direction of a laminating adhesive bonding unit brought over the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Carsten Barlag, Joachim Piepenbrock
  • Layout apparatus, radio apparatus, and method for communicating in an airplane
    Patent number: 8750708
    Abstract: A layout apparatus for communicating includes, but is not limited to, a structural device, a first signal adjustment device and a radio device. The structural device is designed for configuring the layout of a room, and the first signal adjustment device is adapted for the electrical-optical conversion of an antenna signal. Furthermore, the first signal adjustment device and the radio device are arranged in the structural device, and the radio device is connected to the first signal adjustment device in such a manner that the antenna signal can be transmitted and/or received as a radio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Tim Fuss, Daniel Glaser
  • Electrical distribution method and device for an aircraft engine ignition system
    Patent number: 8749944
    Abstract: A device for electrical distribution in an ignition system of an engine of an aircraft provided with a primary electrical supply and a secondary electrical supply, a primary igniter, and a secondary igniter, is provided with an electrical supply system adapted to supply at least one of the igniters alternately via one or the other of the electrical supplies. The electrical supply system is provided with a switch adapted to supply one of the igniters to which it is connected via one or the other of the electrical supplies. A detecting means detects if the igniter that is connected to the switch is also connected to the other electrical supply. The switch may have a relay supplied via one of the electrical supplies so that, in the event of defect of this supply, the igniter to which the switch is connected will be connected to the other electrical supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: AIRBUS Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Julien Feau, Jean Luc Rivot, Thierry Clavel
  • Liquid fuel tank for measuring fuel volume
    Patent number: 8746058
    Abstract: Its object is to allow measurement of the volume of fuel (2) using optic fiber cables (3); it is characterized in that, adhered to one or more of the inner faces of the tank (1) there is at least one sheet (4) in which a plurality of optic fiber cables (3) with different lengths are included, located between the inner face of the tank and the sheet (4). One set of the ends (10) of the optic fiber cables (3) are disposed so that they are in contact with the fuel (2) when it reaches their level, thereby allowing measurement of the fuel level at all times. The preferred embodiment distributes the optic fiber cables (3) on two opposing lateral faces of the tank (1) so that they cross over one another and in opposite directions to measure any fuel level. It is applied in aeronautics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations, S.L.
    Inventors: Vicente Martínez Valdegrama, Luis Manuel Rodríguez Urbina
  • Materials and processes for coating substrates having heterogeneous surface properties
    Patent number: 8747952
    Abstract: A coating material includes: (A) a compound of formula (I) Ra4-nSiXan??(I), wherein: Xa is a hydrolysable radical; Ra is a non-hydrolysable radical; n is 2, 3 or 4; (B) a compound of formula (II) wherein: Xb is a hydrolysable radical; Rb is a non-hydrolysable radical without an epoxide function, an acryloxy function, a methacryloxy function and an isocyanate function; Yb is a non-hydrolysable radical with a crosslinkable function; p is 2 or 3; q is 1 or 2; the sum of p and q is less than or equal to 4; (C) a crosslinking agent; (D) an organozirconium, organotitanium or organoaluminum compound containing hydrolysable organic radicals; (E) a hydrolysis catalyst; (F) crosslinkable prepolymers of epoxy and epoxysiloxane resins, (G) optional corrosion inhibitors; (H) optional compounds for reducing the reactivity of component (D); wherein n and the sum of p +q are not at the same time each 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Papendick, Ottmar Schramm, Dominik M Raps
  • Flexible cable guide
    Patent number: 8745965
    Abstract: A flexible cable guide is provided that includes, but is not limited to a first chain link with a first longitudinal axis, a front region and a tubular first inner surface that extends in longitudinal direction, and a second chain link with a second longitudinal axis, a rear region and a tubular second inner surface that extends in longitudinal direction. The front region of the first chain link is connected to the rear region of the second chain link pivotably about a pivoting axis that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the chain links, such that it can be pivoted leftward and rightward referred to the first longitudinal axis up to a maximum pivoting angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Detlef Tiegs, Sten Gatzke
  • Lightning protection arrangement for an electronic unit
    Patent number: 8746611
    Abstract: Lightning protection arrangement for diverting a current, caused by a lightning strike, from an electronic unit which is fitted to an aerodynamic fairing of an aircraft. The device includes an electrically conductive mounting plate which is arranged on an outer side of a CFRP sandwich panel of the aerodynamic fairing. Furthermore, the device has an electrically conductive rear plate which is arranged on an inner side of the CFRP sandwich panel of the aerodynamic fairing and is connected electrically to the mounting plate. In this respect, a first group of attachment means provided for the electronic unit connects the electrical unit electrically to the rear plate. An electric current generated during a lightning strike is diverted with low resistance from the electrical unit via the rear plate and the mounting plate onto the fuselage of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Airbus Operations GmbH, Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Frederic Therond, Thomas Frontzek
  • Landing gear
    Patent number: 8746615
    Abstract: An aircraft landing gear is arranged such that in its deployed position it is configured to reduce, during the approach on landing, the noise generated by the interaction of the landing gear and the air flowing past the landing gear. Various means are described to reduce the amount of turbulent air flow generated in the region of the landing gear, including inverting and fairing the nose-gear shock-absorbing leg, providing faired twin in-line oleos and providing fairings that produce shielding air curtains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Neil Wood
  • System for actuating at least one positioning flap of an aircraft and a method for monitoring the system
    Patent number: 8746614
    Abstract: A method for actuating at least one positioning flap on each wing of an aircraft, which positioning flap is actuated by at least two flap coupling devices each including a flap actuator device, where at least on one flap actuator device for each positioning flap a brake mechanism is arranged by means of whose actuation an adjustment state of the respective flap actuator device can be locked, including the steps of: actuating each brake mechanism of a positioning flap individually, subsequently actuating the flap actuator device by means of the drive motor, in the case of a change in the adjustment state of the positioning flap by a predetermined extent, terminating actuation of the positioning flap concerned, and a system for implementing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Mark Heintjes
  • Method and system for piloting an aircraft
    Patent number: 8751070
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for aiding the piloting of an aircraft to climb to a safety altitude situated above an existing low-height flight trajectory comprised of a lateral trajectory and a vertical trajectory, in which the safety altitude is the altitude of the aircraft that avoids collision of the aircraft with surrounding terrain. The aircraft is guided along the existing lateral trajectory of the low-height flight trajectory in a horizontal plane; and the aircraft is brought to the safety altitude by subjecting the aircraft to a climb mode in a vertical plane, which causes the aircraft to climb according to a climb slope which is greater than or equal to a maximum slope according to the existing vertical trajectory of the low-height flight trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Fabien Silly, Pascale Louise-Babando, Vincent Markiton
  • Method and device for managing information in an aircraft
    Patent number: 8751512
    Abstract: A method and a device for managing information in an aircraft, including at least one device for outputting information for the crew and a plurality of equipment items adapted to transmit information items capable of being outputted on the output device. After a plurality of information items from the plurality of equipment items has been acquired and a context has been determined according to a predetermined model, the plurality of information items is filtered according to at least one rule, the at least one rule being associated with the context for selection of at least one information item. At least one selected information item is then outputted on the output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Yannick Deleris, Alexandre Broquet, Fabien Pascal
  • Connector for stiffening frames between an aircraft fuselage and a wing box
    Patent number: 8746621
    Abstract: The stiffening frames (14) of an aircraft fuselage (2) remain continuous while passing through an upper panel (5) of the wing box and extend over the ribs (3) situated in that box. The overall mechanical strength of the assembly is improved, despite the notches it is necessary to make in the panel (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: AIRBUS Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean Pierre Cabanac, Jerome Colmagro, Jean Marc Durand, Ludovic Fournie, Julien Guillemaut, Francois Loyant
  • Controllable valve for an aircraft
    Patent number: 8746280
    Abstract: A controllable valve is provided for a low-flammability fluid within an aircraft with at least one magnetic coil which, upon brief electrical excitation, moves a structural element provided therein from a first position to a second position in which the structural element is held by a permanent magnet after completion of the electrical excitation of the magnetic coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Lars Hoffmann