Patents Assigned to Eurocopter
  • Patent number: 8475127
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a rotary wing aircraft with at least one main rotor, comprising a rotor head and rotor blades (12), arranged such that each rotor blade (12) is supported to be able to pivot or twist around the lengthwise axis of its blade on the rotor head and has at least one control flap (14) that can be deflected. According to the invention, the rotary wing aircraft is controlled solely by changing the respective blade pitch angle (X) by means of changing the flap control angle (Y) of the assigned control flaps (14) by the resulting blade pitch angle (X3) being set by applying the resulting flap angle (Y4) to the control flap (14), and the flap angle (Y4) being computed using an algorithm, the input quantities comprising the flap control angle (Y1) depending on the pilot primary control and the flap correction angle (Y2) depending on the secondary control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Jänker, Valentin Klöppel
  • Patent number: 8478457
    Abstract: A fatigue management system for determining the individual life of an aircraft, particularly the individual life of components of a helicopter, by means of an on board virtual load sensor and a method of operating a fatigue management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Bendisch, Falk Hoffmann, Antoine Rabourdin
  • Publication number: 20130164143
    Abstract: A laminated abutment (10) comprising an inner strength member (11), an outer strength member (12), and an elastomeric member (15) comprising a stack of main layers (20, 30) that are flexible and of secondary layers (40) that are rigid. The stack comprises at least one first main layer (20) and at least one second main layer (30), each first main layer (20) presenting, in a lead-lag plane (PTRA), a first thickness (e1) that varies between a minimum first thickness (e1min) on the pitch-variation axis (AXPAS) and a maximum first thickness (e1max) on the flapping axis (AXBAT), and each second main layer (30) presenting, in a lead-lag plane (PTRA), a second thickness (e2) that varies between a minimum second thickness (e2min) on the flapping axis (AXBAT) and a maximum second thickness (e2max) on the pitch-variation axis (AXPAS).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: EUROCOPTER
    Inventor: EUROCOPTER
  • Publication number: 20130164074
    Abstract: A device (10) for reversibly fastening a panel (5) to a structure (2) in order to close off a window (3) in said structure (2). Said device (10) is made up of a plurality of studs (15) suitable for being embedded in a bead of adhesive (50), each stud (15)being provided with two longitudinal orifices (16), said device having two extraction wires (30), each of which passes through a longitudinal orifice (16) in each stud (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: EUROCOPTER
    Inventor: EUROCOPTER
  • Patent number: 8469312
    Abstract: Maintenance steps on helicopters (10) comprising a casing (1), integrated into a lateral shell of a fuselage of a helicopter (11) for access from outside and a step (2) being pivotably mounted in the casing (1). The invention relates as well to methods for mounting and dismounting of such maintenance steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Gorlich, Gabriela Mihalascu, Klaus Koppel
  • Patent number: 8469667
    Abstract: A distributed mass device for reducing the vibration generated by a rotor, includes a support suitable for being constrained in rotation about an axis of rotation of the lift rotor. The distributed mass device further includes at least two main oscillating masses each provided with a through longitudinal recess, and each being connected to the support by respective deformable elements, the main oscillating masses being constrained to move solely in a horizontal plane by the deformable elements. The distributed mass device is provided with a secondary oscillating mass per main oscillating mass, each secondary oscillating mass being suspended inside the recess of the associated main oscillating mass by resilient elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventor: Vincent Girard
  • Patent number: 8464980
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power plant (10) having a single engine (13) together with both a main gearbox (MGB) suitable for driving the rotary wing (3) of a helicopter (1) and a tail gearbox (TGB) suitable for driving an anti-torque rotor (4) of a helicopter (1). The power plant (10) also includes a first electric motor (11) mechanically connected to said main gearbox (MGB) in order to be capable of driving said main gearbox (MGB), and a second electric motor (12) mechanically connected to said tail gearbox (TGB) in order to be capable of driving said tail gearbox (TGB).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventor: Bernard Certain
  • Publication number: 20130147204
    Abstract: A hybrid drive system for aircraft, in particular helicopters, with at least one energy generating module having an internal combustion engine and a generator that can be powered by the latter to generate electrical energy, and at least one electric motor for powering a drive means of the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicants: EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH, EADS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: EADS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH, EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • Publication number: 20130146706
    Abstract: A method of minimizing the consequences of an off-specification landing for the occupants of an aircraft (1) having a rotary wing (10) and a fuselage (7) extending along a longitudinal anteroposterior plane of symmetry (4) between a first side (5) and a second side (6) of said aircraft (1), said aircraft having landing gear provided with at least first contact means (21) connected by a first fastener device (30) to the fuselage and at least second contact means (22) connected by a second fastener device (50) to the fuselage, the first contact means and the first fastener device being arranged on said first side (5), the second contact means and the second fastener device being arranged on said second side (6). The fastener elements of said first and second fastener devices (30, 50) are then dimensioned differently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: EUROCOPTER
    Inventor: EUROCOPTER
  • Publication number: 20130149149
    Abstract: An abutment mechanism for limiting the flapping of the blades of a rotor (1). High abutment members (6) can be moved into an engagement position by return means (13) exerting an intrinsic return force (R), and into a disengagement position by a flyweight (10) exerting a centrifugal force (C) under the effect of the rotor (1) rotating. At least one magnetic type bistable latch (15) is in selective engagement with the high abutment members (6). When the rotor (1) is stationary and while it is starting to rotate, an engagement latch (15) engages with the high abutment member (6) to prevent it passing from the engagement position towards the disengagement position. At a predetermined centrifugal force threshold, the engagement of the engagement latch (15) with the high abutment member (6) is broken, and the high abutment member (6) quickly passes into the disengagement position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: EUROCOPTER
    Inventor: EUROCOPTER
  • Publication number: 20130147242
    Abstract: A protection device (10) having a set (11) of protection inflatable members (15, 20, 25) including left and right inflatable lateral means (20, 25) that are suitable for co-operating respectively with the left and right shoulder straps (6, 7), said device (10) possessing an inflator (30) for inflating said protection inflatable members (15, 20, 25). The device includes a headrest (35) carrying a nape airbag (15) of said set of inflatable members (15, 20, 25), the nape airbag (15) including one passage (16, 17) per inflatable lateral means (20, 25) in order to convey fluid to each inflatable lateral means (20, 25), said headrest (35) being provided with a hollow support (40) carrying said inflator (30) and with a fluid diffusion box (50) arranged in the nape airbag (15) so as to convey a fluid from the inflator (30) to the nape airbag (15) and to the inflatable lateral means (20, 25).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicants: EUROCOPTER, FISCHER + ENTWICKLUNGEN GMBH & CO KG, SCHROTH SAFETY PRODUCTS GMBH, EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: EUROCOPTER, EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH, SCHROTH SAFETY PRODUCTS GMBH, FISCHER + ENTWICKLUNGEN GMBH & CO KG
  • Publication number: 20130142658
    Abstract: A blade (1) having a fitting (2) for fastening to a hub and an aerodynamic element (10) having a main spar (20) surrounding a bushing (31) for transmitting centrifugal forces and connected to said fitting (2). The blade includes a transmission member (40) for transmitting torsional forces and co-operating with a torsion box. The fitting (2) includes an annular recess (200) defining a first recess (201) and a second recess (202) that are separated by a top separator (211) and a bottom separator (212) locally obstructing the annular recess (200), the blade (1) including a first ring (71) and a second ring (72) reversibly arranged respectively in the first recess (201) and in the second recess (202), each ring (71, 72) being fastened to the top separator (211) and to the bottom separator (212), a ring (71) including a fastener pin (73) passing through said bushing (31) and said fitting (2) in co-operation with the other ring (72).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: EUROCOPTER
    Inventor: Eurocopter
  • Publication number: 20130133465
    Abstract: A counterbalanced control stick system for a vehicle comprising: a shaft (2) rotationally mounted in a casing (22) and a joystick (1). Said joystick (1) is pivotably mounted and has a handgrip section (23). The opposed section of said joystick (1) is linked by said resilient means (10, 10.2) to adjustable fixing points (11.1). A plate (11) is provided offset from the joystick (1) is movable relative to said casing (22). The adjustable fixing points (11.1) are controlled by said movable plate (11). An angle sensor (7) is provided for detection of any angular moves of the shaft (2). Electronics (25) are provided to which signals generated by the rotation angle sensors are supplied. The signals are digitized and differing detected values are harmonized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • Publication number: 20130134256
    Abstract: A tail assembly (10) for a rotorcraft (20), the tail assembly (10) comprising a first stabilizer (3) extending transversely on either side of an anteroposterior plane (P1), and a second stabilizer (4, 4?) extending in elevation. Two propellers (31, 41) positioned on either side of the anteroposterior plane (P1) provide the rotorcraft (20) with at least part of its yaw control and its propulsion. The axes of the two propellers (31, 41) are situated in a plane substantially parallel to the horizontal plane (P3) and they intersect at a position in the anteroposterior plane (P1) of the rotorcraft (20) that is located between the front end of the rotorcraft (20) and the propellers (31, 41). Using both propellers (31, 41) of the tail assembly (10) simultaneously makes it possible to provide the rotorcraft (20) with longitudinal thrust while conserving its transverse thrust for the anti-torque function, it being possible to control these two thrusts independently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: EUROCOPTER
    Inventor: Eurocopter
  • Patent number: 8452525
    Abstract: A weighing system for detecting total weight, including optional external loads, and monitoring of center of gravity of a helicopter (2), comprising a fuselage (1), a landing gear (4), mounted to the fuselage (1) by flanges (10-13) and weighing cells (41-44). The weighing cells (41-44) are integral with the flanges (10-13) between the fuselage (1) and the landing gear (4). Attachment means are provided at the landing gear (4) for external loads (39, 40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Eurocopter, Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Sendlinger, Markus Wahnfried
  • Publication number: 20130127081
    Abstract: The invention provides an appliance for localized heating of a polymer material surface to be repaired by blowing a hot fluid inside a confinement chamber (2) that is defined by a deformable cap (1). The cap (1) is made of a blanket (6) incorporating a framework (7) for shaping the confinement chamber (2) under the effect of tensions applied locally by the framework (7) to the blanket (6) in its general plane (P). Force generator means (9) cause the framework (7) to change between a flexible state in which the framework (7) is arranged in the general plane of the blanket (6), and a rigid state for shaping the confinement chamber (2). The force generator means (9) comprise a force generator source that produces a suction, and the framework (7) is made up of strips of felt (8, 8?) housed in a pouch of the blanket (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: EUROCOPTER
    Inventor: EUROCOPTER
  • Publication number: 20130131896
    Abstract: A device (10) for assisted piloting of an aircraft having a rotary wing with a plurality of second blades (3?) and a propulsion unit with a plurality of first blades (2?). The device includes control means (30, 40) for delivering a movement order (O) for moving in a direction, said device (10) having a processor unit (20) for transforming said order (O) into an acceleration setpoint (C) along said direction, and then for transforming said acceleration setpoint (C) into at least one required longitudinal attitude setpoint (?*) that is transmitted to a first automatic system (26) for maintaining longitudinal attitude by controlling a longitudinal cyclic pitch of the second blades (3?), and into a first required load factor setpoint (Nx*) in a longitudinal direction that is transmitted to a second automatic system (25) for maintaining load factor by controlling the collective pitch of the first blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: EUROCOPTER
    Inventor: EUROCOPTER
  • Patent number: 8443659
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastener tool (101, 102) for fastening a transmission shaft (1), the tool being arranged at a free end (2, 3) of the transmission shaft (1), and also to a balancing bench (B) including the fastener tool (101, 102). The fastener tool is provided with centering elements (110, 110?) for centering the transmission shaft (1), which centering elements are deformable by centrifugal forces so as to come into contact with the transmission shaft as from a determined speed of rotation of the fastener tool (101, 102) about its axis of rotation (AX).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventors: Lucien Mistral, Philippe Hollier-Larousse
  • Publication number: 20130119187
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10) for varying blade pitch of a rotary wing aircraft (50) having a main rotor (11) with a plurality of blades (12), each blade (12) including at least one main flap (13) fastened to the trailing edge of the blade (12). The angle of inclination of each flap (13) is controlled via a swashplate (20). The device (10) makes provision for electric actuators controlled by a flight control system (54) to be mounted in a stationary frame of reference for the purpose of moving and varying the angle of inclination of the non-rotary plate of the swashplate (20). The electric actuators provide primary flight control and also multi-cyclic control for the purpose of attenuating noise and vibration as generated in particular by the blades (12) and the rotor (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: EUROCOPTER
    Inventor: Eurocopter
  • Publication number: 20130119192
    Abstract: An antivibration suspension device (10) comprising at least one tie bar (15) hinged via a bottom end (17) to suspension means (20), the suspension means (20) having a lever (25) extending from a distal end (26) supporting at least one flyweight (30) to a proximal end (27) having a first hinge (35) to a carrier structure (2), a tie bar (15) being hinged via a second hinge (40) to the lever (25). The device includes torsion return means (45) having a rotary actuator (46) with an outlet shaft (47) secured to said lever (25) to generate torque on said lever (25), said device having a computer (50) controlling said actuator (46) to adapt torsion stiffness of the lever (25) to flight conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: EUROCOPTER
    Inventor: EUROCOPTER