Patents Assigned to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
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Patent number: 11417995Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for transmitting power and data together in a rotorcraft using a slip ring assembly is disclosed. According to one example, a computer-implemented method includes providing a slip ring assembly comprising a stationary element coupled to an airframe of a rotorcraft and a rotatable element rotatable relative to the stationary element and coupled to a rotor assembly of the rotorcraft. Power is transmitted from a power source associated with the airframe to an electronic device associated with the rotor assembly, the slip ring assembly being configured to complete an electrical circuit between the power source and the electronic device to provide power from the power source to the electronic device. Data is transmitted from a first data transceiver associated with the airframe to a second data transceiver associated with the rotor assembly via the electrical circuit completed by the slip ring assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2018Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft CorporationInventors: Aaron Kellner, William A. Welsh, Christopher M. Sutton
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Patent number: 11391384Abstract: A control valve for a multi-stage hydraulic actuator includes a valve body defining a translation axis, a spool disposed within the valve body and movable along the translation axis, and a flange. The flange is fixed relative to the spool and has an aperture disposed externally of the valve body to removably fix the spool to a spool of a redundant control valve independently connected to the multi-stage hydraulic actuator for mitigating force fights between actuators coupled to the control valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2019Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft CorporationInventor: David A. DeFusco
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Patent number: 11391356Abstract: A hybrid gear includes a first portion having a plurality of first engagement features formed from a first material and having a first stiffness and a second portion having a plurality of second engagement features in intermeshing arrangement with the plurality of first engagement features. The plurality of second engagement features is formed from a second material distinct from the first material and having a second stiffness. The first stiffness of the plurality of first engagement features is within 20% of the second stiffness of the plurality of second engagement features.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2019Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft CorporationInventors: Wei Hu, Shane Lewis, Bruce D. Hansen, Bryan Kenneth Baskin
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Patent number: 11377222Abstract: One aspect is a flight control system for a rotary wing aircraft that includes flight control computer configured to interface with a main rotor system, a translational thrust system, and an engine control system. The flight control computer includes processing circuitry configured to execute control logic. The control logic includes a primary flight control configured to produce flight control commands for the main rotor system and the translational thrust system. A main engine anticipation logic is configured to produce a rotor power demand associated with the main rotor system. A propulsor loads engine anticipation logic is configured to produce an auxiliary propulsor power demand associated with the translational thrust system. The flight control computer providing the engine control system with a total power demand anticipation signal based on a combination of the rotor power demand and the auxiliary propulsor power demand.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2019Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventor: Matthew T. Luszcz
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Publication number: 20220194571Abstract: A method of mounting a replacement tip section to an exposed end of a rotor blade includes removing an existing tip section from the rotor blade to create the exposed end of the rotor blade, installing the rotor blade having the exposed end onto a holding fixture, assembling the replacement tip section about the exposed end of the rotor blade, positioning a bonding fixture about the replacement tip section, and curing the replacement tip section to the exposed end of the rotor blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2021Publication date: June 23, 2022Applicant: Sikorsky Aircraft CorporationInventors: Joseph Pantalone, III, Timothy James Conti, Frank M. Caputo, Sven R. Lofstrom, Keith M. Schenone, Robert D. Higbie, Eric Charles Boyle, Alicia Fernandez
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Patent number: 11331713Abstract: A bond fixture includes a frame that defines a chamber for receiving a component. At least one bladder assembly is mounted to the frame and extends into the chamber to apply a pressure to an adjacent surface of the component. A caul assembly is positionable about the component and receivable within the chamber. The caul assembly heats a localized portion of the component.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: Sven Roy Lofstrom, David Littlejohn, Scott Oren Smith
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Patent number: 11313391Abstract: An actuator system for an aircraft includes an actuator, and a control valve system operatively connected to the actuator. The control valve system includes a first direct drive valve (DDV) mechanically connected to a second DDV. A backup valve system is operatively connected to the actuator. The backup valve system includes one of an electro-hydraulic servovalve (EHSV) and a DDV.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2018Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft CorporationInventor: David Anthony DeFusco
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Patent number: 11299293Abstract: A bond fixture includes a frame defining a chamber for receiving a component. At least one bladder assembly is connected to the frame. The at least one bladder assembly includes a pad for contacting the component. A position of the pad relative to the component is controlled by a pressure of the bladder assembly. A caul assembly is adapted to thermally couple to the component to heat a localized portion of the component.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: David Littlejohn, Sven Roy Lofstrom
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Patent number: 11279496Abstract: A landing assembly and method of landing an aircraft. The landing assembly includes a landing gear, a charging circuit, a sampling circuit and a processor. The charging circuit applies a charge to the landing gear and the sampling circuit measures a discharge rate of the electrical charge from the landing gear. The processor determines a contact between the landing gear and a surface from the discharge rate.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft CorporationInventor: Igor Cherepinsky
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Patent number: 11280397Abstract: A method of retrofitting a gear box assembly with an emergency lubrication system includes removing plugs from visual inspection ports of a gearbox housing, removing a breather from a breather port of the gearbox housing, and installing jet plugs into the respective visual inspection ports and breather port, wherein each jet plug includes a respective jet tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2019Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft CorporationInventors: Anthony G. Chory, Erin Carter
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Patent number: 11275373Abstract: A method for providing adaptive control to a fly-by-wire aircraft includes measuring via at least one first sensor a characteristic of at least one component of the aircraft and measuring via at least one second sensor a state of the aircraft. Using the characteristic of at least one component and the state of the aircraft, a determination of at least one of an actual damage and remaining life of the at least one component is made. The operational envelope of the aircraft is adapted based on the at least one of actual damage and remaining life of the at least one component. Adapting the operational envelope includes adjusting an outer boundary thereof to prohibit operation exceeding a safe operation threshold and generating an intermediate boundary of the operational envelope. Operation of the aircraft within the intermediate boundaries minimizes further damage accrual of the at least one component.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2017Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft CorporationInventors: Christopher A. Thornberg, Glen A. Knaust, Derek H. Geiger
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Patent number: 11268390Abstract: An exhaust system for an engine includes an exhaust nozzle located adjacent an outlet end of the engine to receive a primary flow of exhaust gasses expelled from the engine, an inlet opening formed between the exhaust nozzle and the outlet end of the engine through which a secondary flow is provided to the exhaust nozzle, and a vortex generator arranged within the exhaust system at a position where both the primary flow and the secondary flow are present. The vortex generator interrupts at least one of the primary flow and the secondary flow.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2018Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: Joseph Lawrence Simonetti, Donald W. Lamb, Jr., Patrick Ormande Bowles
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Patent number: 11255379Abstract: A spherical bearing which extends from and connects to a deformable component includes an outer member and an inner member. The inner member is pivotable relative to the outer member about an axis. The inner member has an opening formed therein that defines a plurality of coplanar contact surfaces shaped to accommodate and contact the component. The plurality of contact surfaces are movable to accommodate deformation of the component positioned within the opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2017Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: Bryan Kenneth Baskin, James Orbon, Stephen V. Poulin
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Patent number: 11242140Abstract: A method of mounting a replacement tip section to an exposed end of a rotor blade includes removing an existing tip section from the rotor blade to create the exposed end of the rotor blade, installing the rotor blade having the exposed end onto a holding fixture, assembling the replacement tip section about the exposed end of the rotor blade, positioning a bonding fixture about the replacement tip section, and curing the replacement tip section to the exposed end of the rotor blade.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2018Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: Joseph Pantalone, III, Timothy James Conti, Frank M. Caputo, Sven R. Lofstrom, Keith M. Schenone, Robert D. Higbie, Eric Charles Boyle, Alicia Fernandez
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Patent number: 11235869Abstract: An aircraft includes an airframe, an extending tail, a counter rotating, coaxial main rotor assembly including an upper rotor assembly and a lower rotor assembly, and a translational thrust system positioned at the extending tail. The translational thrust system provides translational thrust to the airframe. An upper hub fairing is positioned at the upper rotor assembly. A lower hub fairing is positioned at the lower rotor assembly. A shaft fairing is disposed between the upper hub fairing and the lower hub fairing. The upper hub fairing is substantially sealed to the shaft fairing and the lower hub fairing is substantially sealed to the shaft fairing.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2020Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas Alan Egolf, Robert D. Beatty, Gary Law, Chris P. Butler, Eric Lucien Nussenblatt, Edward Reed
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Patent number: 11235868Abstract: A vibration control assembly for an aircraft including a housing operatively coupled to the aircraft. Also included is a cage disposed within an interior region of the housing, the cage rotatable within the housing about a first axis. Further included is a gyroscope wheel disposed within the cage and rotatable about a second axis other than the first axis, wherein a controllable moment is imposed on the aircraft upon rotation of the gyroscope wheel to counter vibratory moments produced by the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2020Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: William A. Welsh, Yuriy Gmirya
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Patent number: 11225911Abstract: An inter-spool energy transfer system is provided and includes a first spool, a second spool, which includes components that are rotatable at a different speed as compared to components of the first spool and an inter-spool interface system coupled to at least one of the components of the first spool and at least one of the components of the second spool. The inter-spool interface system includes a controller, which is configured to supply power to one of the first and second spools and to draw power from the other of the first and second spools.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2016Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: Peter James Waltner, Tad Arthur Mondell, Jr.
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Patent number: 11220331Abstract: A bond fixture for bonding a component includes a frame defining a chamber for receiving the component. A first pad and a second pad are mounted to the frame. At least one of the first pad and the second pad is movable relative to the frame to adjust a pressure applied to the component. A caul assembly is adapted to be disposed in thermal communication with the component. The caul assembly heats a localized portion of the component.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2019Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: Sven Roy Lofstrom, David Littlejohn, Eric Boyle
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Patent number: 11203414Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for controlling an aircraft based on detecting and mitigating fatiguing conditions and aircraft damage conditions is disclosed. According to one example, a computer-implemented method includes detecting, by a processing system, a health condition of a component of the aircraft. The method further includes determining, by the processing system, whether the health condition is one of a fatigue condition or a damage condition. The method further includes implementing, by the processing system, a first action based at least in part on determining that the health condition is a fatigue condition to mitigate the fatigue condition. The method further includes implementing, by the processing system, a second action based at least in part on determining that the health condition is a damage condition to mitigate the damage condition.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2017Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft CorporationInventors: Ole Wulff, Derek H. Geiger, Mark W. Davis, Andrew M. Brookhart, Christopher A. Thornberg, Stephen T. Kubik
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Patent number: 11194349Abstract: A method of automating entry of an aircraft into autorotation includes detecting a loss of engine power, analyzing a sensed height and sensed airspeed of the aircraft, determining an adjusted position of one or more control surfaces of the aircraft in response to the sensed height and sensed airspeed, and automatically moving the one or more control surfaces to the adjusted position.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2017Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: Matthew A. White, Matthew T. Luszcz, Kevin L. Bredenbeck, William C. Fell, Jr.