Patents Assigned to Textron
  • DIRECT DRIVE ROTATION DEVICE FOR PASSIVELY MOVING FLUID
    Publication number: 20150211544
    Abstract: The device is configured for moving a fluid within a gearbox. In one illustrative embodiment, the device includes a base portion coupled to a rotatable member within the gearbox. An inlet portion of the device is configured to draw the fluid from a reservoir portion of the gearbox. The device is configured to utilize a centrifugal force for moving the fluid from the inlet portion toward the base portion along an interior surface of a conical portion. In another illustrative embodiment, the device includes a conical portion having an external threaded portion configured to capture a fluid during a rotation of the device. In such an embodiment, the threaded portion is configured to utilize a centrifugal force for moving the fluid captured by the threaded portion along an exterior surface of the conical portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Sinuses, Walter West Riley
  • HYBRID SPHERICAL AND THRUST BEARING
    Publication number: 20150211573
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a bearing features an elastomeric portion having an opening therethrough, a member disposed within the opening of the elastomeric portion, and a separation feature disposed between the member and the elastomeric portion. The member comprises a conical body portion arranged such that an interior diameter of the conical body portion is smaller than an exterior diameter of the conical body portion. The separation feature prevents contact between the member and the elastomeric portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Drew Sutton, Frank B. Stamps
  • Method of splicing composite core
    Patent number: 9090026
    Abstract: A method of splicing together a first composite core and a second composite core can include: positioning a first flange of the first composite core adjacent to a second flange of the second composite core, applying an adhesive, and locating a first magnet and a second magnet to provide a pressure on the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Hethcock, Jonathan A. Freeman
  • System and method for reduced flammability of an aircraft fuel system
    Patent number: 9090356
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling the flammability of fuel vapors in an aircraft main fuel tank that is located in whole or in part in the fuselage contour. The method comprises a fuel system architecture and fuel consumption sequencing maintaining liquid fuel in said main tanks during all normal operations. Ceasing the withdrawal of fuel from the main tank when the fuel reaches a predetermined level thereby limiting the volume and flammability exposure time of the fuel vapor ullage. Once the predetermined level is met the fuel is supplied from wing tanks throughout the remainder of the mission. The predetermined main tank fuel level at which wing tank fuel begins to be consumed is determined by the aircraft flight reserves fuel volume stored in the main tank as well as the amount necessary to continuously submerge the main tank fuel pumps during the entire mission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Scott Montgomery
  • Low profile jettisonable door system
    Patent number: 9090329
    Abstract: A jettisonable door system for an aircraft includes an upper hinge having a forward portion that is hingedly coupled to an airframe of the aircraft, the upper hinge having an aft portion that is releasably secured to an upper outboard plate with an upper pin. The jettisonable door system further includes a lower hinge having a forward portion that is hingedly coupled to the airframe of the aircraft, the upper hinge having an aft portion that is releasably secured to a lower outboard plate with a lower pin. A rotation of the upper pin releases the upper hinge from the upper outboard plate and a rotation of the lower pin releases the lower hinge from the lower outboard plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Sumner, Philip J. Bookout
  • System and method of constructing composite structures
    Patent number: 9090027
    Abstract: A method of constructing a composite component includes at least one of laterally and longitudinally aligning a material strip relative to a concavity of a layup tool, at least one of laterally and longitudinally extending the material strip to a predetermined location relative to the layup tool, wherein the material strip is substantially rectangular, and vertically abutting the material strip to the concavity of the layup tool, wherein the longitudinally extending the material strip includes at least one of (1) measuring a longitudinal distance of the material strip and (2) aligning a longitudinal end of the material strip with a longitudinal distance indicium and wherein the laterally extending the material strip includes at least one of (1) measuring a lateral distance of the material strip and (4) aligning a lateral end of the material strip with a lateral distance indicium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Drew Sutton, Loan Thanh Vo, Frank Bradley Stamps, Nolan Phillips
  • Mechanical and magnetic control system for magnetorheological actuators
    Patent number: 9090334
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of provided boosted actuation to an aircraft flight control device includes receiving an input from a pilot input device via a mechanical input member, providing mechanical energy to a driving member of a controlled-slippage actuator, and varying the strength of a magnetic field applied to a magnetorheological (MR) fluid disposed between the driving member and a driven member of the controlled-slippage actuator based on the relative positions of the mechanical input member and a mechanical output member that is in mechanical communication with the driven member and the aircraft flight control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Eric Covington, Jr., Brady G. Atkins
  • Method of making a composite article having an internal passageway
    Patent number: 9090042
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Elliott, Charles J. Kilmain, Sherman S. Lin, Ron Measom, Walter Riley
  • Rotor hub bearing system
    Patent number: 9085357
    Abstract: The bearing system is configured for treating and reacting dynamic loading within a rotor hub of rotorcraft. The bearing system includes an outer member having a plurality of alternating outer elastomeric layers and shim layers. The outer member has an inboard surface configured for bonding to an inboard bearing support, and the outer member has an outboard surface configured for bonding to an outboard bearing support. The bearing system has an inner member bonded to an interior surface of the outer member. The inner member can include a rigid inner core, as well as a plurality of elastomeric layers and shim layers configured to react torsional movements of the rotor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Hunter Davis, Frank B. Stamps
  • Fuel drain valve for a turbine engine
    Patent number: 9086016
    Abstract: A valve assembly for an engine, the valve assembly can include a housing; an in-flow port configured for connection with a drain line; a first out-flow port configured for connection with a fuel line; a second out-flow port configured for connection with a disposal line; and a passageway that is rotatable with a handle, the passageway being operable to redirect a flow of a fluid between the fuel line and the disposal line. The handle is configured to impede an attachment of the fluid source to a water wash connection when the passageway is in a position to direct the flow of the fluid from the drain line to the fuel line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Mast, Joshua A. Edler, Karl R. Burge, Nicholas J. Plagianos
  • Center lap tool machine for large transmission gears
    Patent number: 9079282
    Abstract: A machine system and method for simultaneously lapping a first machining surface of a hollow shaft and an opposing second machining surface of the hollow shaft, the machine system having a brake subsystem for securing the hollow shaft in a relatively stationary position while a drive subsystem rotates a lapping tool within the hollow shaft such that the lapping tool laps the first machining surface with an abrasive surface of a top lap while simultaneously lapping the second machining surface with an abrasive surface of a bottom lap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Royce Moore, Monte Smith, Richard Pae, Greg Turner
  • AUTOMATED MAGNETIC PARTICLE AND FLUORESCENT PENETRANT DEFECT DETECTION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20150192526
    Abstract: A system and method to inspect flaws associated with a part. The system includes a first image capturing device configured to capture a first set of images of the part and a computer operably associated with first image capturing device and configured to receive and analyze the first set of images. The method includes treating the part with a magnetic particle and fluorescent penetrant processing, capturing a first set of images of an outer surface of the part with the first image capturing device, and identifying a part defect with an algorithm associated with the computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Nissen, Edward Hohman
  • AUTOMATED NITAL ETCH INSPECTION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20150193919
    Abstract: A system and method to inspect flaws associated with a part. The system includes a first image capturing device configured to capture a first set of images of the part and a computer operably associated with first image capturing device and configured to receive and analyze the first set of images. The method includes treating the part with a nital etchant solution, capturing a first set of images of an outer surface of the part with the first image capturing device, and identifying a part defect with an algorithm associated with the computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Nissen, Edward Hohman
  • Helicopter rotor yoke
    Patent number: 9073625
    Abstract: A helicopter rotor yoke includes a composite laminate having a plurality of plies of fibers disposed in a polymeric matrix. The polymeric matrix includes a toughened polymer at one of a location or zone that experiences high strain levels during use of the rotor yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore W. Ingram, III, James L. Braswell, Jr., Dharam J. Reddy
  • Tracking table assembly
    Patent number: 9073639
    Abstract: Disclosed is a foldable tracking table assembly comprising a primary leaf, and a secondary leaf rotatably secured to the primary leaf and a table bracket secured to the opposite end of the primary leaf The table bracket in turn is secured to an adapter plate which is atop one or more pillow blocks. The pillow blocks are disposed atop linear rails upon which the pillow blocks are capable of longitudinally traversing. Adjacent the linear rail is a serrated track parallel to the at least one rail and a serrated pawl capable of locking engagement with the serrated track. A solenoid facilitates the locking engagement of the pawl with the serrated track wherein a user of the table assembly manually activates the solenoid withdrawing the serrated pawl from locking engagement with the serrated track thereby allowing the table assembly to traverse the linear rail to a position that accommodates the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Thisius, Matthew R. Harrell
  • Multilink constant velocity joint
    Patent number: 9074638
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a rotor hub system comprising a floating plate, a plurality of drive link trunnions each comprising a pivoting arm and positioned radially about the floating plate, wherein each drive link trunnion is coupled to the floating plate via the pivoting arm, and a housing disposed about the floating plate, coupled to each of the drive link trunnions, and configured to couple to a mast. Included is an apparatus comprising a floating plate, a plurality of drive link trunnions each comprising a pivoting arm and positioned radially about the floating plate, wherein each drive link trunnion is coupled to the floating plate via the pivoting arm, and wherein the drive link trunnions are configured to move the floating plate in response to a force applied to the drive link trunnions, and a housing disposed about the floating plate and coupled to each of the drive link trunnions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Foskey, Frank B. Stamps, Richard Rauber
  • Pilot control system with pendent grip
    Patent number: 9067672
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a control assembly includes a post, a grip, and a shaft. The post has a top, a bottom, and a body joining the top to the bottom. The shaft has a first end coupled proximate to the body below the top and a second end opposite the first end coupled to the grip. The shaft positions at least part of the grip directly over the top of the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Travis L. Yates, Bradley D. Linton, Chad R. Haugeberg
  • System and method for improving a workpiece
    Patent number: 9068908
    Abstract: A method of modifying a workpiece includes providing a workpiece, determining a load stress profile associated with a load condition, the load stress profile comprising a load stress greater than a material stress limit of the workpiece, determining a residual stress profile, the residual stress profile comprising a residual stress less than the material stress limit of the workpiece, and providing the workpiece with the residual stress profile, wherein a sum of the load stress and the residual stress is less than the material stress limit of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan T. Ehinger, Ron Woods, David Bockmiller
  • Customizable pedal system
    Patent number: 9069372
    Abstract: A pedal system including a support base, a first lever including a root portion and a terminal portion formed such that the terminal portion interfaces with the root portion at a bend in the first lever of a first predetermined angle, the root portion of the first lever being pivotally mounted to the support base such that the first lever is rotatable in a first plane of rotation about an axis of rotation at or near the support base, a second lever including a root portion and a terminal portion formed such that the terminal portion interfaces with the root portion at a bend in the second lever of a second predetermined angle, the root portion of the second lever being pivotally mounted to the support base such that the second lever is rotatable in a second plane of rotation about the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Pasquale Spina, Brad Linton
  • Convertible helicopter ring member
    Patent number: 9067676
    Abstract: A convertible helicopter ring member includes a ring member and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism orients the ring member substantially in-plane with a tail rotor of a helicopter during a first mode of helicopter operation and orients the ring member substantially off-plane with the tail rotor of the helicopter during a second mode of helicopter operation that is different from the first mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: J. Donn Hethcock, Mark E. Dreier, Dudley Smith, Robert Lee Robinson