Patents Assigned to Textron
  • METHOD OF MAKING A COMPOSITE ARTICLE HAVING AN INTERNAL PASSAGEWAY
    Publication number: 20150328874
    Abstract: In one particular embodiment, a method for making a fiber-reinforced, composite article having an internal passageway includes providing a layup tool, fiber placing a base layup onto the layup tool, and generating a groove in the base layup. The method further includes placing a mandrel in the groove, fiber placing a top layup onto the base layup and the mandrel, curing the base layup and the top layup, and removing the mandrel from the base layup and the top layup. In another particular embodiment, the mandrel is replaced with a non-removable tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: DAVID A. ELLIOTT, CHARLES J. KILMAIN, SHERMAN S. LIN, RON MEASOM, Walter Riley
  • Temperature adaptive fluid damping system
    Patent number: 9188190
    Abstract: A temperature adaptive fluid damping system is provided. One embodiment of the temperature adaptive fluid damping system comprises two fluid chambers, a piston in fluid communication with the fluid chambers, and a fluid path between the fluid chambers. An elastomeric retaining element adjacent to the fluid path is constrained to deform substantially perpendicular to the fluid path, so that the retaining element is operable to vary the cross-sectional area of the fluid path inversely to a change in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bosworth, Frank B. Stamps
  • LIGHT-CURABLE EPOXY COATING
    Publication number: 20150322287
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rotorcraft includes a body, a rotor system with a blade, and a component. The rotor system is coupled to the body of the rotorcraft. The component includes a metal portion, a temperature-sensitive portion adjoined to the metal portion, and a light-cured epoxy layer on the surface of the metal portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Michael Ishmael, Frank Bradley Stamps, Daniel P. Sottiaux
  • CYLINDER MOWER BEDBAR ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20150319921
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a multi-piece bedbar assembly for cylinder mower. The multi-piece bedbar assembly generally includes a bedbar comprising an elongated metal structure having a back, a bottom, and a face disposed between the back and the bottom. The bedbar assembly additionally includes a pair of adjustment arms that are separate and distinct from the bedbar and are connectable to the bedbar back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert James Pilon, JR., Richard Michael Krzesicki
  • Power Safety Instrument System
    Publication number: 20150321769
    Abstract: A power safety system is configured to provide power information in an aircraft. The power safety system includes a power safety instrument having a power required indicator and a power available indicator, each being located on a display. A position of the power required indicator and the power available indicator represent the power available and power required to perform a hover flight maneuver. The power safety system may be operated in a flight planning mode or in a current flight mode. The power safety system uses at least one sensor to measure variables having an effect on the power required and the power available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: James M. McCollough, Erik Oltheten, Nicholas Lappos
  • Autorotative enhancement system
    Patent number: 9180964
    Abstract: An autorotative enhancement system comprises a transmission having a driveshaft configured to couple to an engine. A mast is configured to couple to multiple rotor blades. An autorotative assist unit is configured to the transmission and is configured to store energy during normal operation and drive the rotor blades through the transmission to provide supplemental autorotative assistance upon loss of engine power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Dudley E. Smith, Cory M. Hitte, Bryan Marshall, Carlos Alexander Fenny
  • Actuation system for an active element in a rotor blade
    Patent number: 9180965
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present application, an actuation system is configured for actuation of an airfoil member with a flap mechanism. The actuation system can include an upper drive tape and a lower drive tape, each partially wrapped around a first bearing and second bearing. An inboard frame can be actuated by at least one linear actuator. Similarly, an outboard frame can be actuated by at least one linear actuator. The inboard frame is coupled to the upper drive tape, while the outboard frame is coupled to the lower drive tape. An actuation of the inboard frame and outboard frame in a reciprocal manner acts move a flap input lever reciprocally upward and downward. A flap mechanism is configured to convert the movement of the flap input lever into rotational movements of the airfoil member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Troy C. Schank, Peter H. Kintzinger, Jonathan A. Knoll, Christopher E. Foskey
  • Actuation system for an active element in a rotor blade
    Patent number: 9180966
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present application, an actuation system is configured for actuation of an airfoil member with a flap mechanism. The actuation system can include an upper drive tape and a lower drive tape, each partially wrapped around a first bearing and second bearing. An inboard frame can be actuated by at least one linear actuator. Similarly, an outboard frame can be actuated by at least one linear actuator. The inboard frame is coupled to the upper drive tape, while the outboard frame is coupled to the lower drive tape. An actuation of the inboard frame and outboard frame in a reciprocal manner acts move a flap input lever reciprocally upward and downward. A flap mechanism is configured to convert the movement of the flap input lever into rotational movements of the airfoil member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Troy C. Schank, Peter H. Kintzinger, Jonathan A. Knoll, Christopher E. Foskey
  • BEARING RACEWAY HEAT DISTRIBUTION USING HEAT PIPES
    Publication number: 20150316106
    Abstract: A system and method to cool a bearing. The system includes a heat pipe extending through a thickness of an inner ring of the bearing from a first surface to an opposing second surface and a cooling lubricant in fluid communication with the first surface. The method includes exposing the first surface of the roller bearing to lubricant and transferring heat energy through the heat pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth Myron Jackson, Monte Alan McGlaun
  • CONTROLLED CONTACT TURF WHEEL FOR TURF-CARE VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20150314643
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a controlled contact turf wheel for a turf-care vehicle, wherein the controlled contact turf wheel comprises a plurality of annular ground contact ribs, a plurality of annular grass passage channels disposed between the ribs. The controlled contact turf wheel is structured and operable to allow grass to pass through the channels as the controlled contact turf wheel rolls across the ground without flattening, compressing or compacting the grass against the ground, thereby minimizing residual uncut/partially cut wheel lines in the cut path of the turf-care vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: Textron, Inc.
    Inventor: Linton Linn Lewis
  • FLUID TRANSFER CHAMBER FOR AIRCRAFT FLUID TRANSMISSION LINES
    Publication number: 20150314858
    Abstract: One example of an aircraft fuel transfer chamber includes a chamber housing including a first sub-chamber defining a first inlet to be connected to an outer tube of a first aircraft fuel line assembly. The first sub-chamber receives fuel leaked into the outer tube of the first aircraft fuel line assembly from an inner tube of the first aircraft fuel line assembly. The chamber housing also includes a second sub-chamber connected to the first sub-chamber, the second sub-chamber defining a second inlet to be connected to an outer tube of a second aircraft fuel line assembly. The second sub-chamber receives fuel leaked into the outer tube of the second aircraft fuel line assembly from an inner tube of the second aircraft fuel line assembly. The chamber housing defines an outlet connected to the first inlet and the second inlet to transfer leaked fuel toward a drain of the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Leachman
  • Fixed engine and rotating proprotor arrangement for a tiltrotor aircraft
    Patent number: 9174731
    Abstract: A tiltrotor aircraft includes a fuselage; a wing member having a first rib, a second rib, a first spar, second spar; and an upper wing skin; an engine disposed at a fixed location relative to the wing member; and a proprotor having a spindle gearbox, rotor mast, and a plurality of rotor blades drivable in rotation about the rotor mast, the spindle gearbox being rotatable about a conversion axis. The spindle gearbox is located above the upper wing skin of the wing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Brent C. Ross, David R. Bockmiller, John R. McCullough, David G. Carlson
  • Method for analyzing and designing armor in a vehicle
    Patent number: 9175932
    Abstract: Properly identifying the most vulnerable areas and quantifying the effectiveness of armor at those locations is critical to achieving efficient armor integration. A method for designing protective armor for a vehicle includes the deriving shotlines through an element; computing a probability of kill value for each shotline in each element; calculating a probability of kill intensity for each element; ranking the elements according to highest probability of kill intensity; mapping the elements in a 3D CAD environment to visually depict the elements having the highest probability of kill intensity; and designing armor taking into account the elements having the highest probability of kill intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Haynes, William D. Girard, Kendall E. Goodman, Kelly R. Tingen
  • Elastomeric signal transmission and motion amplification
    Patent number: 9175673
    Abstract: A system and method to amplify displacement includes a housing forming a cylindrical chamber having an elastomeric material disposed therein. The chamber being sealed with a first membrane and a second membrane. The first membrane being attached to a first end having and the second membrane being attached to a second end, the first end having a greater diameter than the second end. The method including producing an input displacement with a driver attached to the first membrane, which in turn results in an amplified output displacement at the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Troy C. Schank, Frank B. Stamps
  • Apparatus for attaching a member to a core-stiffened structure and a combination thereof
    Patent number: 9175474
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a member to a honeycomb core-stiffened structure includes a body and one or more elements extending from the body configured to be adhesively bonded to one or more walls of a honeycomb core of the honeycomb core-stiffened structure. The apparatus further includes a fitting for attaching the member to the apparatus. A honeycomb core-stiffened structure includes a honeycomb core and an apparatus for attaching a member to the honeycomb core. The apparatus includes a body and one or more elements extending from the body configured to be adhesively bonded to one or more walls of the honeycomb core of the honeycomb core-stiffened structure. The apparatus further includes a fitting for attaching the member to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Carl A. May, James D. Hethcock, Jr., John R. McCullough, Ronald K. Cox
  • ROTORCRAFT VIBRATION ISOLATION SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20150308534
    Abstract: A rotorcraft vibration isolation system includes a plurality of liquid inertia vibration elimination (LIVE) units mounted on a first rotorcraft surface, an accumulator mounted on a second rotorcraft surface at a location that is remote from locations of the plurality of LIVE units, and a fluid passage to connect the accumulator to the plurality of LIVE units in parallel. The fluid passage has sufficient length to traverse between the location of the accumulator and each location of each LIVE unit. During rotorcraft operation, the second rotorcraft surface experiences lesser periodic vibration than the first rotorcraft surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Smith, Frank Bradley Stamps, Taeoh Lee, David E. Heverly, II
  • ELASTOMERIC BEARING HAVING TAPERED LAYERS
    Publication number: 20150307187
    Abstract: A rotor hub for an aircraft that includes a yoke, a rotor mast; and a hub spring assembly. The hub spring assembly includes an upper outer member; an upper inner member; and an upper spring member having a plurality of elastomeric layers and shim layers sandwiched between the upper outer member and the upper inner member, the shim layers being tapered such that a thickness of each shim layer is smaller at a side portion as compared to the thickness of the shim at a center portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Burnett
  • Humidity control for abrasive blasting systems
    Patent number: 9168635
    Abstract: An abrasive blasting system includes an air subsystem being adapted to provide pressurized air, a fluid subsystem being adapted to provide fluid, a mixer being adapted to mix the fluid with the pressurized air, and a media subsystem being adapted to provide abrasive media. The method includes pressurizing the air, mixing the fluid with the air, thereby changing the relative humidity of the air, and blasting a surface of a structure with abrasive media mixed with the fluid and the pressurized air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Bishop, Jimmy D. Amerson, Steven Millican
  • Blade-pitch control system with feedback swashplate
    Patent number: 9169735
    Abstract: A blade-pitch control system for controlling a pitch angle of blades on a rotor has an input swashplate assembly having non-rotating and rotating portions, the rotating portion being operably connected to blade grips. A feedback swashplate assembly has non-rotating and rotating portions, the rotating portion being connected to the yoke for movement with the yoke during flapping of the yoke. Linear actuators connect the non-rotating portion of the input swashplate assembly to the non-rotating portion of the feedback swashplate assembly. Motion of the yoke during flapping causes a corresponding motion of the feedback swashplate assembly and input swashplate assembly for providing selected pitch-flap coupling between flapping motion of the yoke and pitch motion of the grips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Frank B. Stamps
  • Armed tiltrotor aircraft
    Patent number: D743320
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Brent C. Ross, Jeremy Chavez, Steven Ivans