Patents Assigned to Textron
  • Infrared suppressing exhaust system
    Patent number: 9334060
    Abstract: A method of managing aircraft exhaust includes providing hot air at a hot air mass flow rate, providing cold air at a cold air mass flow rate, and mixing the hot air and the cold air at a variable hot air mass flow rate to cold air mass flow rate ratio, wherein the variable hot air mass flow rate to cold air mass flow rate ratio is selectively maintained independent of at least one of (1) a variation in the hot air mass flow rate and (2) a variation in a translational speed of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Robertson, Dudley E. Smith, Robert M. Laramee
  • Hybrid fluid elastomeric damper
    Patent number: 9334920
    Abstract: A damper includes a housing that forms a fluidly sealed cavity for receiving a fluid therein. The fluid is configured to change fluid properties as electrical energy is induced. An electrical subsystem provides electrical energy to the fluid, which is monitored with a control subsystem. The method includes inducing the fluid with electrical energy to change the dampening effects of the damper in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Modrzejewski, Bryan Judd, Dan Sottiaux, Frank B. Stamps, Emily Schofield
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MEASURING TORQUE IN A TILTROTOR AIRCRAFT
    Publication number: 20160122039
    Abstract: A method for calculating torque through a rotor mast of a propulsion system of a tiltrotor aircraft includes receiving the torque being applied through a quill shaft of the rotorcraft. The quill shaft is located between a fixed gearbox and a spindle gearbox, and the spindle gearbox is rotable about a conversion access. The torque through the rotor mast is determined by using the torque through the quill shaft and the efficiency loss value between the quill shaft and the rotor mast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan T. Ehinger, David R. Bockmiller
  • Rotorcraft flapping lock
    Patent number: 9327831
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flapping lock for a rotor system includes a downstop, a flapping stop, and an actuator. The downstop is in mechanical communication with a shaft. The flapping stop is in mechanical communication with a rotor hub. The actuator is operable to move the downstop towards the flapping stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Schank, Frank B. Stamps
  • Elastomeric bearing with tapered shims
    Patent number: 9327832
    Abstract: The centrifugal force bearing includes a plurality of tapered metal shims such that the thicker end of each tapered metal shim near the inner portion of bearing. The bearing can include a plurality of tapered elastomeric members that are consequently tapered so that the inner portions are narrower than the outer portions. The tapered metal shims can increase the axial stiffness in the direction of the centrifugal force, thereby reducing the axial deflection under loading, as compared to non-tapered shims. Further, reducing axial deflection reduces clearance issues that may arise when the rotor blade is allowed to axial deflect significant distances. As such, the tapered metal shims can increase the capacity of the bearing. Tapering the metal shims can decrease the compression induced shear strain near the outer portions of the elastomeric member, where loads are typically higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Sottiaux, Frank B. Stamps
  • Self-centering aircraft flap position command apparatus
    Patent number: 9327826
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling positioning of flaps in an aircraft includes a shift lever movable to each of a plurality of shift lever positions to control positioning of the flaps of the aircraft to each of a respective plurality of associated flap positions. A shift lever indexing plate includes a plurality of engagement positions associated with the plurality of shift lever positions, respectively, the shift lever being coupled to an engagement member, the engagement member moving with the shift lever and being biased to selectively engage a selected one of the plurality of the engagement positions associated with a selected one of the shift lever positions to command the aircraft flaps to the flap position associated with the selected one of the shift lever positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Nieman
  • Water-evacuator for air conditioner
    Patent number: 9322570
    Abstract: A system and method for removing condensate from an air conditioning unit is disclosed. A conduit includes an outlet portion that is connected to a chamber of a housing of the unit at a first location, and an inlet portion that is connected to the chamber at a second location where condensate accumulates. A gravitational separator portion which extends below the second location is connected to the outlet portion and the inlet portion. A draining portion having an orifice for allowing condensate to exit the conduit is connected to the gravitational separator portion below the second location. The first location is chosen such that during operation of the unit the pressure at the first location is less than the pressure at the second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Hodges, Nallusamy Paraman, Robert Ferenc
  • Multi-stage debulk and compaction of thick composite repair laminates
    Patent number: 9314978
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Denver Ray Whitworth, Vance Newton Cribb, III, Dumitru Radu Jitariu
  • Non-metallic debris monitoring system
    Patent number: 9316573
    Abstract: A system and method to detect particles in a fluid stream. The system includes a separator configured to separate particles from bubbles passing through the fluid stream and a sensor configured to detect the particles. The method includes passing the fluid stream through the separator, separating the particles from bubbles passing through the fluid stream, and detecting the presence of the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Chavez, Ryan Ehinger, Joseph Gerardi, Monte McGlaun, Eric Olson
  • Antilock braking system with directional control
    Patent number: 9315177
    Abstract: A system and method for adjusting a yaw of an aircraft having an antilock braking system is disclosed. The antilock braking system includes a controller configured to receive a directional input from a rudder. The controller is further configured to deliver a braking output to at least one of a left wheel brake and a right wheel brake. A position of the rudder indicates a pilot's desired steering response, and to allow for braking optimization by the antilock braking system, the pilot depresses fully the left wheel brake pedal and the right wheel brake pedal. The controller receives the directional input after both the right wheel brake pedal and the left wheel brake pedal have been fully depressed. The controller then delivers the braking output and a pressure on one of the left wheel brake and the right wheel brake is reduced in accordance with the directional input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventor: Gary E. McKay
  • Bimetallic shaft for gearbox systems to limit wear and corrosion
    Patent number: 9309917
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first shaft member including a first material and having a first shaft axis, a first distal end having a first diameter, and a first proximate end, and a second shaft member including a second material different from the first material, and having a second shaft axis, a second proximate end having a second diameter, and a second distal end. A joint permanently affixes the first distal end of the first shaft member to the second proximate end of the second shaft member such that the first shaft axis is aligned with the second shaft axis, where the first distal end substantially abuts the second proximate end, and wherein the first diameter is substantially identical to the second diameter. The second shaft member protrudes through a housing, the housing including a seal sealing against an outer diameter of the second shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Poster, David Bockmiller, Mark Przybyla
  • Fast cure process
    Patent number: 9302455
    Abstract: A method for fast curing a component made from composite laminate. The method rapidly raising the temperature of the component by applying heat at an accelerated temperature for a ramp time, holding the temperature of the component at a set temperature for a set dwell time, and removing heat from the component to slow curing process. The method may additionally include inspecting the component after removing the component from heat, and curing the component a final time to equivalent or better strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Textron Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Boone, Engin Sabuncu
  • In-situ, multi-stage debulk, compaction, and single stage curing of thick composite repair laminates
    Patent number: 9302436
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a repair laminate for a composite part having an exposed surface includes applying a bonding material to the exposed surface and forming an uncured ply stack assembly on the bonding material. The uncured ply stack assembly is formed by forming and compacting a series of uncured ply stacks. The ply stack assembly and bonding material are then cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc
    Inventors: Denver Ray Whitworth, Vance Newton Cribb, III, Dumitru Radu Jitariu
  • Variable radial fluid devices in series
    Patent number: 9303638
    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 coupling 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 coupling device is operable to couple the cylinder block to a cylinder block of a second radial fluid device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos A. Fenny, James E. Sobel
  • System and method for mapping two-dimensional image data to a three-dimensional faceted model
    Patent number: 9305390
    Abstract: A method for mapping a two-dimensional image data onto a three-dimensional graphic model of an object includes taking a plurality of two-dimensional images of the object. Each two-dimensional image has data, such as temperature data, which is desired to be represented on the three-dimensional graphic model. The three-dimensional model of the object is viewed on a graphic user interface. The three-dimensional model has a plurality of facets, each facet being configured for selectively receiving the data from the two-dimensional images, so that the two-dimensional images are mapped onto the facets of the three-dimensional model. The three-dimensional model can then be analyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Schlichte, Robert M. Laramee, Robert A. Shepherd, Brian P. Corbett
  • Flight control laws for vertical flight path
    Patent number: 9304516
    Abstract: A flight control system and method for controlling the vertical flight path of an aircraft, the flight control system includes a stable decoupled model having a decoupled lateral equation of motion and a decoupled longitudinal equation of motion and a feedback command loop operably associated with the stable decoupled model. The feedback command loop includes a vertical flight path angle control law; an altitude control law; and a vertical speed control law.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Thomas Christensen, Shyhpyng Jack Shue, Troy Sheldon Caudill
  • Distributed ice protection control system
    Patent number: 9296483
    Abstract: The present application includes a distributed ice protection system that utilizes a distributed control system with a server/client communication protocol to prevent single point failures, reduce affected system loss when a failure occurs, improve required maintenance turn around time, and provide a tailorable, interactive, integrated, cross platform solution for a variety of aircraft ice protection requirements. The distributed ice protection system includes master servers and control modules that are compatible with a variety of aircraft platforms. The control modules interface with individual anti-ice and de-ice hardware components on the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Brandon J. Mancuso
  • Method and apparatus for improved vibration isolation
    Patent number: 9297439
    Abstract: A vibration isolator having a housing defining a fluid chamber, piston assembly, tuning passage, and a switchable fluid path assembly for changing the isolation frequency of the vibration isolator. The piston assembly is resiliently disposed within the housing. A vibration tuning fluid is allowed to flow within the housing. Actuation of a valve in the switchable fluid path assembly selectively controls fluid flow within the fluid path of the switchable fluid path assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Smith, Frank B. Stamps
  • Self tuning vibration absorber
    Patent number: 9296476
    Abstract: A system and method to adjustably create a reacting force in response to a vibrating force of a vibrating structure. The system includes an adjustable vibration absorber that creates a range of reacting forces. The method includes continuously monitoring the reacting force and the vibrating force with a sensor system operably associated with a control unit having an algorithm to determine if adjustment of the vibration absorber is required. If required, the control unit commands a driver to selectively adjust the vibration absorber such that the reacting force equals the vibrating force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Seifert, Frank Bradley Stamps, Michael R. Smith, David E. Heverly
  • ROTOR YOKE AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20160083086
    Abstract: A rotor yoke manufactured by a process comprising preparing a molded rotor yoke in a closed cavity tool and possibly machining at least one portion of the molded rotor yoke to form the rotor yoke. In the preferred embodiment, the preparing of the molded rotor yoke is accomplished by applying layers of uncured low-flow composite material and a layer of uncured high-flow adhesive; substantially enclosing the uncured molded rotor yoke in the closed cavity tool; and applying pressure so as to compress the uncured molded rotor yoke; and curing the uncured molded rotor yoke. During the curing process, the high-flow adhesive bleeds out of the molded rotor yoke, thereby preventing marcels from forming through movement of the low-flow composite material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventors: FRANK B. STAMPS, PAT TISDALE, BRYAN MARSHALL, TOM CAMPBELL