Patents Assigned to Textron
  • Patent number: 9439526
    Abstract: A system for quickly attaching and detaching a coat rod or cargo restraint system to the interior surfaces of an aircraft to optimize the limited space aboard an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Textron Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Woodruff, Allan D. Schrag
  • Patent number: 9442076
    Abstract: One example of a method includes heating a ground steel part that has been chemical-etched. The method also includes detecting defects caused by grinding and watermarks caused by chemical etching by imaging the steel part with an infrared camera to capture infrared radiation from regions of the steel part that include defects and watermarks. Imaging the steel part can include imaging regions of the steel part at long-wavelengths of infrared radiation to detect defects on the regions of the steel part and generating a first image wherein the defects are visible in the image and the watermarks are not visible in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Shepherd, David R. Schlichte, Catherine Ferrie
  • Patent number: 9434247
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel tank (1) for a motor vehicle with at least one filler pipe (3) which extends partially outside the filling volume (5) of the fuel tank (1), with at least one refuelling venting path from a refuelling venting device (10) to a fuel vapor filter (9), and with at least one operational venting path to the fuel vapor filter (9). The fuel tank (1) comprises at least one operational venting line (14) which is attached to the filler pipe (3) inside the filling volume of the fuel tank (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ibrahim Koukan, Lothar Maigre
  • Publication number: 20160250829
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer composite having barrier properties, objects, in particular fuel containers, comprising the same, a process for producing the multilayer composite or the objects comprising the same and also the use of the multilayer composite or the objects for reducing the emission of volatile organic compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: KAUTEX TEXTRON GMBH & CO., KG
    Inventor: Holger LUEHN
  • Patent number: 9428056
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer-storage media are provided for displaying a real-time image in a cockpit of an aircraft. Use of a synthetic vision application is provided with a gradient-type feature such that a level of synthetic enhancements applied to an image may be adjusted to a synthetic vision application value that is less than 100 percent. The synthetic vision enhancement may be overlaid with the original image, according to the synthetic vision application value, to generate a modified image. Additional information may overlay the original image with the synthetic vision application such as a three-dimensional weather representation. The synthetic vision application may be used in conjunction with a high-definition camera to generate the original image. The modified image may be updated in real-time such that an updated view is continuously modified with an updated synthetic vision enhancement to provide accurate real-time views.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Textron Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Joseph Kneuper, Jason Michael Decker, Isaac Wayne Stanfield
  • Patent number: 9415772
    Abstract: A utility vehicle having a first axle that is coupled to first and second wheels, an internal combustion engine that drives a first output shaft, an electric drive motor that drives a second output shaft, and a torque transfer device coupled to the first axle and the first and second output shafts. The torque transfer device is operable in a first mode to receive torque from the first output shaft only and output a motive force to the first axle, a second mode to receive torque from the second output shaft only and output the motive force, a third mode to receive torque from the first output shaft and the second output shaft simultaneously and output the motive force, and a fourth mode to receive torque from the first output shaft and output a drive force to the second output shaft cause the electrical drive motor to generate electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Trenton Munsell, Christopher K. Furman
  • Patent number: 9417054
    Abstract: An assembly includes a fish tape device or a duct rodding device having digital measurement unit attached thereto. A tape is housed in the fish tape device or a duct rodding device and is paid out of the device. The digital measurement unit includes an optical sensor which is positioned proximate to the tape. As the tape is passed by the optical sensor, the optical sensor uses digital image correlation to take successive images of the tape to determine a length measurement of tape that has passed by the optical sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventors: Wilbur Keith Moffatt, Nathan Daniel Gove
  • Patent number: 9417137
    Abstract: A liquid based ice protection test system for testing an aircraft part having a first heating element comprises a tub configured for retaining a low temperature bath. The system also includes a first support member for suspending the aircraft part in the tub and a first temperature sensing device for sensing temperatures from one or more locations of a skin of the aircraft part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Vicki S. Johnson, Derek W. Rounds, Lawrence R. Nelson, Jeffrey G. Wyckoff, Robin L. Young
  • Publication number: 20160229171
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a repair laminate for a composite part having an exposed surface includes applying a release film to the exposed surface and forming an uncured ply stack assembly on the release film. The uncured ply stack assembly is formed by forming and compacting a series of uncured ply stacks. The release film and ply stack assembly is then removed from the exposed surface. A bonding material is then applied to the exposed surface, and the uncured ply stack assembly is applied to the bonding material. The ply stack assembly and bonding material are then cured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Denver Ray Whitworth, Vance Newton Cribb, III, Dumitru Radu Jitariu
  • Publication number: 20160229531
    Abstract: A rotorcraft includes a proprotor coupled to the wing and a pusher propeller. Power is transferred from the proprotor to the pusher propeller with the use of a torque splitter. The torque splitter contains several gears, including a ring gear which rotates on an axis. The power outputted by the torque splitter is increased or decreased by selectively slowing down the rotation of the ring gear by the use of a clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Robertson, Dudley E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20160221672
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a trim actuator for a pilot input device includes a driven member and a driving member configured to receive mechanical energy from a power source. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid is disposed between the driving member and the driven member and configured to transmit a variable amount of mechanical energy from the driving member to the driven member. An output member configured to be coupled between the driven member and the pilot input device. A magnetic circuit configured to deliver a magnetic field towards the MR fluid. The magnetic circuit is configured to control movement of the pilot input device by varying the strength of the magnetic field delivered towards the first MR fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Geoffrey C. Latham, Carlos A. Fenny, Jean-Sébastian Plante, Brady Atkins, Guifré Julio, Marc Denninger, Charles Eric Covington, Paul Wilson
  • Publication number: 20160221674
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a trim actuator for a pilot input device includes a driven member and a driving member configured to receive mechanical energy from a power source. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid is disposed between the driving member and the driven member and configured to transmit a variable amount of mechanical energy from the driving member to the driven member such that the driven member moves in a first direction. An output member configured to be coupled between the driven member and the pilot input device. A spring is in mechanical communication with the output member and configured to apply a force in a second direction opposite of the first direction. A magnetic circuit is configured to control movement of the pilot input device by varying the strength of a magnetic field delivered towards the first MR fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey C. Latham, Albert G. Brand, Jean-Sébastian Plante, Guifré Julio, Marc Denninger
  • Patent number: 9399334
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the riveted fastening of an accessory to a plastics fuel tank (11, 12), the riveted fastening taking place at the time of the production of the tank by extrusion blow-molding of a split tubular preform or two web-like extruded preforms made of thermoplastic material by using a multi-part die after or during the molding of two complementary shells. The accessory (4) has been provided or is provided with at least one opening. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the riveted fastening takes place by means of at least one prefabricated rivet pin (9) made of thermoplastic material. The rivet pin has been obtained in a separate production process, for example by injection-molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Carsten Elsasser, Jochen Hild, Timo Kraemer, Achim Kupper, Harald Lorenz, Christoph Mehren, Thomas Wagner
  • Patent number: 9399984
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a radial fluid device comprises a cylinder block, a first plurality of pistons, a second plurality of pistons, a first cam, a second cam, and a cam rotation device. Each of the first plurality of pistons are slidably received within a different one of a first plurality of radially extending cylinders. Each of the second plurality of pistons are slidably received within a different one of a second plurality of radially extending cylinders. The first cam is disposed about the first plurality of radially extending cylinders. The second cam is disposed about the second plurality of radially extending cylinders. The cam rotation device is coupled to the first cam and the second cam. The cam rotation device is operable to rotate the first cam in a first direction and the second cam in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos A. Fenny, James E. Sobel
  • Patent number: 9399513
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a constant velocity (CV) joint includes a first yoke, a second yoke, and a control mechanism. The first yoke is configured to be rotatably coupled to an input device about a first axis and configured to receive the input device through a first opening. The second yoke is rotatably coupled to the first yoke about a second axis and rotatably coupled to an output device about a third axis. The control mechanism is adapted to constrain the first yoke and the second yoke so as to achieve a substantially CV characteristic between the input device and the output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Drew A. Sutton, Christopher Foskey, Dudley Smith, Frank B. Stamps
  • Patent number: 9399512
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a bearing is situated in a rotor system. The bearing features a housing having a first opening therethrough, a first member disposed within the first opening and having a second opening therethrough, and an elastomeric bearing disposed within the second opening and having a third opening therethrough configured to receive a shaft. The first member having at least one substantially curved surface. A sliding element bearing disposed between the housing and the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Hunter Davis, Frank B. Stamps
  • Patent number: 9400021
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an actuation system includes a plurality of threaded member portions, a plurality of roller nuts, a driving member configured to receive mechanical energy from a power source, a plurality of driven members, and a magnetorheological (MR) fluid disposed between the plurality of driven members and at least one braking surface. An output member may be coupled between the rotor system and either the plurality of threaded member portions or the plurality of roller nuts and configured to translate linearly in response to the threaded member portions advancing or receding within the roller nuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Pasquale Spina, Carlos A Fenny, Jean-Sebastian Plante, Marc Denninger
  • Publication number: 20160207611
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an aircraft may include a retractable or extendable landing gear. The landing gear may include a wheel connected to an axle, a strut configured to resist longitudinal compression, and a linear actuator that is partially disposed within an opening of the strut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos A. Fenny, Brent C. Ross, Kevin Kell, Andrew Baines
  • Patent number: 9393607
    Abstract: An assembly includes a die and a punch which cut a hole in a workpiece. The die has a base wall having outer and inner surfaces and a passageway extending therethrough, and a wall extending from the base wall. The inner surface of the base wall has at least one portion which is angled relative to a central axis of the die. The punch includes a body having a bore therethrough, a leading edge on the body which is capable of piercing and cutting a workpiece, and cutting edges on the body for cutting a hole in the workpiece. The leading edge has inclined surfaces between the bore and the piercing points which engage with the portion of the inner surface of the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventor: William F. Nordlin
  • Patent number: 9394063
    Abstract: A method of repairing a component comprises identifying a non-compliant surface of the component, wherein the non-compliant surface is not within an allowable tolerance, cold spraying a powder comprising a metal onto the non-compliant surface, and forming a coating comprising the metal over the non-compliant surface, wherein an outer surface of the coating is within an allowable tolerance. In an embodiment, the method of repairing an outer component further comprises machining the outer surface of the coating. In an embodiment, the component is a shaft, a rotor mast, an input quill, or a bearing. In an embodiment, the component contains electronic equipment during the cold spraying, and wherein the cold spraying does not damage the electronic equipment. In an embodiment, the component is repaired without subjecting the component to a hydrogen embrittlement bake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Myron Jackson, Walter West Riley