Patents Assigned to Textron
  • ROTOR HUB VIBRATION ATTENUATOR
    Publication number: 20170259911
    Abstract: A vibration attenuation system for attenuating vibrations in a mast of an aircraft includes a weight attached to the mast but free to orbit about the mast. The weight can be comprised of one or more weight assemblies. Embodiments can include a single weight, or plural weight assemblies wherein each weight assembly can include a mechanical interconnecting mechanism so that each weight assembly receives feedback regarding the position and movement of one or more other weight assemblies. Each weight can be associated with a spring that urges the weight towards a neutral position. Rotation of the mast can cause the weight to orbit about the mast and self-excite such that the weight acts against the urging of the spring towards an attenuating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2016
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Jouyoung Jason Choi, David Heverly, Michael Seifert, Michael Smith, Frank Brad Stamps, Thomas Parham, JR., Amarjit Olenchery Kizhakkepat
  • Large Cell Core Stiffened Panels with Solid Inserts
    Publication number: 20170259521
    Abstract: A core stiffened panel includes first and second skins having a large cell core and a solid insert joined therebetween. The solid insert has a side surface at least a portion of which is adjacent to the large cell core and may be joined to the large cell core. The first skin, the second skin and the solid insert may be formed from composite materials such as carbon composite materials and preferably have generally matching coefficients of thermal expansion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: James Everett Kooiman, George Ryan Decker, Keith Alan Stanney, Robert Mark Chris
  • Prime mover RPM limiting control
    Patent number: 9758040
    Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a vehicle prime mover based on the engagement status of one or more safety restraints of the vehicle. In various implementations the method comprises monitoring, via a RPM controller of the vehicle, an operational status of vehicle, monitoring, via the RPM controller, the engagement status at least one passenger safety restraint of the vehicle, and limiting, via the RPM controller, a rotational speed, e.g., revolutions per minute (RPM) of one or more prime mover of the vehicle when the vehicle is in a On operational status and the at least one safety restraint is in a disengaged status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Shane Christopher Reid, John Lawrence Stocks, Matthew Lawrence O'Donnell
  • Joining structural members using foam
    Patent number: 9757883
    Abstract: One aspect of a process of forming an aircraft component includes bonding a first end of a honeycomb structure to a surface of an aircraft skin member, the honeycomb structure including multiple connected cells. Foam is sprayed on a second end of the honeycomb structure opposite the first end. The process also includes curing the foam on the second end of the honeycomb structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: James Donn Hethcock, Dave Carlson, Paul K. Oldroyd
  • Carbon canister including liquid separator
    Patent number: 9759167
    Abstract: A fuel vapor storage and recovery apparatus (1) comprising at least one main vapor storage compartment (3) filled with an adsorbent material, at least one vapor inlet port (7), at least one atmospheric vent port (8), and at least one purge port (9). The vapor inlet port (7) being connectable to a fuel tank venting line and the purge port (9) being connectable to an engine air intake line, wherein the main vapor storage compartment (3) comprises a purge buffer zone (14) as well as first vapor distribution chamber (10), wherein the first fuel vapor distribution chamber (10) includes a liquid trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Piers Catton, Karsten Danielowski, Bjoern Stell, Tho Truong Huynh
  • Individual blade control utilizing pneumatic muscles
    Patent number: 9751624
    Abstract: One example of a rotorcraft blade control system includes a mechanical linkage to connect to a rotorcraft blade including a feather axis and a pneumatic muscle connected to the mechanical linkage. The system also includes a movement member connected to the mechanical linkage, the pneumatic muscle and the movement member to move the mechanical linkage to control movement of the rotorcraft blade on the feather axis. The pneumatic muscle can be a first pneumatic muscle and the movement member can be a second pneumatic muscle or a bias spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: Troy Schank
  • Device for storing and delivering an aqueous additive
    Patent number: 9752482
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for storing and delivering an aqueous additive for catalytic exhaust-gas denitrogenization in a motor vehicle. The device comprises a storage vessel (1) enclosing a storage volume (2), comprises at least one delivery pump (8) for the additive, and comprises means for heating at least parts of the storage volume (2), wherein the device is characterized in that the storage vessel (1) is at least partially of double-walled form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Volker Treudt, Thomas Wagner
  • Operating fluid reservoir having an integrated venting and/or air admission valve
    Patent number: 9752695
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved operating fluid reservoir (1) having a venting and/or air admission valve. The operating fluid reservoir (1) is characterized in that a valve housing (10) is formed integrally with an operating fluid reservoir wall (2). A vent opening (3), via which a valve housing interior (11) is in fluid communication with a vent line (5), is embodied as a through opening (3) through the operating fluid reservoir wall (2). A valve body (20), which is arranged in the valve housing interior (11), can be introduced into the valve housing interior (11) via an introduction opening (16) in the valve housing (10). The valve body (20) comprises a holding device (23; 14, 24), by means of which the valve body (20) is held movably in the valve housing (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: KAUTEX TEXTRON GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Ibrahim Koukan, Roland Linsenboll, Jaroslav Maglovski
  • Active vibration isolation with direct fluid actuation
    Patent number: 9745055
    Abstract: A method of isolating vibrations between vibrating bodies includes determining a pressure differential between a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber of a liquid inertia vibration eliminator (LIVE) unit, and selectively injecting fluid into or withdrawing fluid from the LIVE unit based on the pressure differential. A system for isolating vibrations between bodies includes a vibration isolator including fluid, a fluid regulator valve in fluid communication with the vibration isolator to selectively flow fluid through the vibration isolator, a pressurized fluid source in fluid communication with the fluid regulator to supply fluid to the fluid regulator, a controller in signal communication with the fluid regulator to control fluid flow between the fluid regulation valve and the vibration isolator, and at least one sensor in signal communication with the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: David E. Heverly, II, Taeoh Lee, Michael R. Smith, James E. Wright
  • Water-evacuator for air conditioner
    Patent number: 9745068
    Abstract: A method for retrofitting an aircraft air conditioning unit drainage system comprises the step of removing drain pipe from the unit housing. A hole from which the drain pipe extends is plugged. A first location within a unit housing is determined where during operation of the unit air pressure is lower than at a second location. A second location below the first location is also determined where pooling occurs. A first and a second conduit with first and second internal diameters are respectively located at the first and the second locations. The first conduit and the second conduit are connected to a third conduit which extends generally vertically and which has a third internal diameter that is generally equal to the first internal diameter. A fourth conduit with a fourth internal diameter that is less than the second internal diameter is connected to the third conduit below the second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Textron Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Hodges, Nallusamy Paraman, Robert Ferenc
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ROTATING ROTOR BLADES FROM A DISTANCE
    Publication number: 20170241474
    Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a rotary blade movement system including a retaining member configured to receive a rotor blade, a graspable arm, and a coupling mechanism operable to removably couple the retaining member to the graspable arm. The rotor blade movement system is configured to enable a user to adjust the position of the rotor blade by moving the graspable arm. The coupling mechanism can be a ball and socket joint. In one aspect, there is a method of rotating a rotor blade using a rotary blade movement system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Ricky Jenkins, Robert Matson, William Sumner, Brian Lafon
  • Gearbox with Passive Lubrication System
    Publication number: 20170241539
    Abstract: A lubrication system includes a reserve housing configured to retain a lubrication fluid. A supply line in fluid communication with the reserve housing is configured to provide pressurized lubrication fluid to the reserve housing. An overflow tube has an overflow port, the overflow tube being configured to prevent the volume of the lubrication fluid from exceeding a certain amount. A metering jet is configured to allow the lubrication fluid to flow from the reserve housing onto a component, such as a bearing, in the gearbox at a predetermined rate. The metering jet provides flow of the lubrication fluid onto the bearing even when the supply line no longer provides pressurized lubrication fluid to the reserve housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventors: Scott D. Poster, David A. Elliott, Gary A. Cope
  • Rotor brake with integrated impeller
    Patent number: 9739326
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rotor brake includes a first braking surface having an opening therethrough, a second braking surface adjacent to the first braking surface, and an impeller disposed between the first and second braking surfaces such that rotation of the impeller pulls fluid through the opening of the first braking surface and expels the fluid out through a gap between the first and second braking surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: Gary S. Conway
  • SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING A PLANETARY CARRIER WITHIN A GEARBOX
    Publication number: 20170234421
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for supporting a planetary carrier within an aircraft gearbox includes a retainer for engaging a rotor mast and for supporting the planetary carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Scott POSTER
  • Device for storage and delivery of an additive for catalytic denitrification of exhaust gasses on a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 9732654
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for storage and delivery of an additive for catalytic denitrification of exhaust gasses on a motor vehicle. The device comprises a storage container (1) of thermoplastic material, with at least one component selected from a group comprising a delivery pump (7), a heating device, a filter element, a quality sensor and a fill level sensor, wherein the component is arranged inside the storage container (1) above an opening (9) and/or above an outer recess in a container floor (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Volker Treudt, Thomas Wagner
  • Fuel tank with supporting element
    Patent number: 9731866
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel tank (1) made from thermoplastic material, having a top (2) and a bottom (3), which are supported upon one another via at least one column-shaped supporting element (4), wherein the supporting element (4) is connected positively and/or materially to a wall (6) of the top (2), on the one hand, and to a wall (6) of the bottom (3), on the other hand, in such a way that it can absorb tensile forces caused by a pressure within the tank, wherein the supporting element (4) is designed as a one-piece solid profile which has a ribbed profile, at least in cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Frank Quant, Thomas Wagner, Harald Lorenz
  • System and method for linkage length adjustment
    Patent number: 9731819
    Abstract: A rotor system has a rotor, an axis of rotation about which the rotor may be rotated, a linkage system having a first adjustable length portion and a second adjustable length portion, wherein the second adjustable length portion is configured to provide a relatively finer adjustment of an overall effective length of the linkage system as compared to the first adjustable length portion and wherein the rotor is configured to rotate about the axis in response to changing the overall effective length of the linkage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: Mark A. Wiinikka
  • Closure system
    Patent number: 9731595
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closure system on a fuel tank (2) of thermoplastics with barrier properties for hydrocarbons. The closure system comprises at least one orifice (4), with a closure cap (5) which closes the orifice (4) in a sealing manner and which cooperates in a form-fitting manner with closure means provided at the circumference of the orifice (4) and encloses at least one first sealing means between it and a tank wall (3). The closure system (1) according to the invention is distinguished in that the tank wall is sealed in the region of the orifice (4) with at least one second sealing means, which covers and/or shields a part of the tank wall surfaces exposed to hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hartmut Wolf
  • COMPOSITE RIB ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20170225766
    Abstract: In one aspect, there is a rib assembly for an aircraft wing including a rib web having a top and a bottom, the rib web includes a first laminate, a second laminate, and a honeycomb panel having an array of large cells disposed between the first laminate and the second laminate, each cell having a width of at least 1 cm; and a plurality of skin flanges for fixedly attaching the rib web to a skin of the wing, each skin flange has a base member having a first portion and a second portion and a vertical member extending from the base member. The plurality of skin flanges can be attached to the top and the bottom of the rib web such that the second portion of the base member and the vertical member are attached to the rib web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Carlson, John R. McCullough, Paul K. Oldroyd, Carl A. May, James E. Kooiman
  • Sinusoidal circular wing and spokes for a closed wing aircraft
    Patent number: D796414
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Carlos Alexander Fenny, Rohn Lee Olson, Andrew James Zahasky