Patents Assigned to Textron
  • Mobile energy attenuating seat and safety harness for aircraft
    Patent number: 8991760
    Abstract: An energy attenuating seat system for an aircraft includes energy attenuating features and is also configured to provide mobility for the occupant. The system is configured to suspend the operator, or gunner, with a support from the roof of the aircraft. The system includes an armored seat or body harness for the occupant. The system provides energy attenuation in multiple directions. The system also optionally includes a floor tether in order to control the movements of the occupant. The system may also include an impact detection system to selectively change the tension of the support and/or floor harness. The system may also include one or more airbags either within in the fuselage of the aircraft, or included in the seat system in order to provide energy attenuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Amante, Darrell W. Wilkerson, Jerry A. Pongratz
  • Mechanical and Magnetic Control System for Magnetorheological Actuators
    Publication number: 20150083868
    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: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Charles Eric Covington, JR., Brady G. Atkins
  • EXTRUSION-BLOW-MOLDED FUEL TANK OF THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF
    Publication number: 20150083719
    Abstract: The invention relates to an extrusion-blow-molded fuel tank (1) of thermoplastic material comprising a tank wall of a composite of various layers obtained in various production operations, at least one first layer comprising at least one shell-shaped supporting shell (8) and a second layer of a thermoplastic material forming an adhesive bond with the supporting shell (8), and the supporting shell (8) having a greater strength than the second layer. The supporting shell (8) forms an inner layer of the tank and the second layer forms an outer skin of the tank, two supporting shells within the tank forming a supporting cage or a supporting housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Hutzen, Ulrich Karsch, Christoph Mehren
  • Multiple-yoke main rotor assembly
    Patent number: 8985951
    Abstract: The present application includes a main rotor assembly for an aircraft. The rotor assembly has a main rotor mast configured for rotation about a mast axis and two yokes pivotally connected to the mast for rotation therewith about the mast axis. Each yoke is independently pivotable relative to the mast about at least one flap axis that is generally perpendicular to the mast axis. In at least one embodiment, a torque splitter connects the yokes and allows for limited rotation of the yokes relative to each other about the mast axis. Each yoke is configured for the attachment of rotor blades extending generally radially relative to the mast axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Rauber, Frank B. Stamps, David A. Popelka, Patrick R. Tisdale, Tommie L. Wood
  • Passive cooling of transmission using mast mounted heat pipes
    Patent number: 8985517
    Abstract: A passive cooling system for an aircraft includes a rotor assembly and a closed heat pipe. The closed heat pipe is carried by the rotor assembly and configured to extract heat energy from a heat source positioned away from the rotor assembly and configured to dissipate the heat energy through the rotor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan T. Ehinger, Monte A. McGlaun
  • Multi-directional load joint system
    Patent number: 8985515
    Abstract: A structural joint includes a first member having a first base portion and a first leg portion. The structural joint further includes a second member having a second base portion and a second base portion. The first base portion and the second base portion are coupled together at an overlapping portion. The first leg portion and the second leg portion form a cavity for structurally coupling to a structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: John R. McCullough, David Gordon Carlson, James Donn Hethcock, Paul K. Oldroyd, Carl A. May
  • ROTOR BLADE AND STRUCTURAL SYSTEM FOR COUPLING THE ROTOR BLADE IN A ROTOR HUB
    Publication number: 20150078909
    Abstract: The rotor hub can include a rotor blade; a rotor yoke; a grip member having an inboard portion, an upper extension, and a lower extension; and a rotor blade having a root end coupled to the upper extension and the lower extension of the grip member with a first bolt, a second bolt, and a third bolt. The first bolt is located on a spanwise axis of the rotor blade. The second bolt is offset from the spanwise axis by a first chordwise distance and is offset from the first bolt by a first spanwise distance. The third bolt is offset from the spanwise axis by a second chordwise distance and is offset from the first bolt by a second spanwise distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Wiinikka, Nathan P. Green, Robert A. Self, Jr., John R. McCullough
  • DIRECT DRIVE ROTATION DEVICE FOR PASSIVELY MOVING FLUID
    Publication number: 20150068845
    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: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Sinuses, Walter West Riley
  • ARBOR ASSEMBLY FOR USE WITH A CUTTING DEVICE, SUCH AS A CUTTER OR HOLE SAW
    Publication number: 20150071721
    Abstract: An assembly is provided for forming holes in a workpiece. The assembly includes an arbor, a pin sleeve and a cutting device. The arbor has a nose having at least one threaded portion and at least one unthreaded portions on an external surface thereof. The arbor also has at least one pin passageway extending therethrough. The pin sleeve has at least one pin extending from a main body. The arbor extends through the pin sleeve. The cutting device has a back plate and a plurality of teeth extending therefrom. The back plate has a passageway defined by a wall with at least one threaded portion and at least one unthreaded portion. The at least one threaded portion of the cutting device is capable of engaging with the at least one threaded portion of the nose, and the at least one pin of the pin sleeve is capable of engagement with the at least one pin passageway of the arbor to secure the components together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: GREENLEE TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Arthur Piper, Timothy Beed
  • Rotor Position Determination System with Magneto-Resistive Sensors
    Publication number: 20150069175
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for determining a position of a rotor blade includes receiving a plurality of measurements from a plurality of magneto-resistive sensors and determining a position of the at least one magnet based on the received plurality of measurements. In this example, one of the plurality of magneto-resistive sensors and the at least one magnet moves with a rotor blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Troy C. Schank
  • Illuminated sidestick controller, such as an illuminated sidestick controller for use in aircraft
    Patent number: 8976043
    Abstract: A system and method for illuminating one or more sidestick controllers within a cockpit of an aircraft is described. In some embodiments, the system includes a sidestick controller having lighting components that display lighting behaviors representing the movement and/or control of an aircraft. In some embodiments, the system illuminates various different lighting components on a sidestick controller based on information received from aircraft control systems, cockpit lighting systems, and other systems associated with an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Edward Voros
  • Voltage monitoring for fireset
    Patent number: 8976503
    Abstract: An improved fireset for detonating an explosive includes a voltage monitor arranged to measure a voltage across a quickly dischargeable energy storage device (QDESD), such as a capacitor, and to perform a detonation sequence based at least in part on the voltage measured by the voltage monitor. The fireset employs feedback from the voltage monitor to promote accurate charging of the QDESD and accurate maintenance of charge during an armed state. The voltage monitor also promotes safety by allowing the fireset to indicate when the QDESD is discharged to a safe level, i.e., one which is assured not to result in detonation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob T. Overbey, Abel Livingstone
  • Independent blade control system with hydraulic cyclic control
    Patent number: 8973864
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a radial fluid device includes a cylinder block having a plurality of radially extending cylinders, a plurality of pistons, and a cam disposed about the plurality of radially extending cylinders. A first linear control is coupled to the cam and operable to reposition the cam along a first axis. A second linear control is coupled to the cam and operable to reposition the cam along a second axis. A third linear control is coupled to the cam and operable to resist movement of the cam along a third axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Carlos A. Fenny
  • Wireless Communication System For Interfacing Golf And Utility Vehicles With Consumer Electronics Devices
    Publication number: 20150066330
    Abstract: A utility vehicle having a plurality of wheels, a motive source providing a motive drive force to at least one of the plurality of wheels, and a vehicle master controller module operably coupled to the motive source. The vehicle master controller module provides a control signal to the motive source. The utility vehicle further includes a consumer electronics device and a wireless module being physically connected to the vehicle master controller module to permit two-way operational communication therebetween. The wireless module is also wirelessly connected to the consumer electronics device to permit two-way operational communication therebetween. The wireless module receives a wireless communication from the consumer electronics device in a first protocol and translates and transmits the wireless communication to the vehicle master controller according to a second protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Patrick WARDEN, Robert BRADLEY, Trenton MUNSELL
  • Systems and Methods of Constructing Composite Assemblies
    Publication number: 20150064013
    Abstract: A composite assembly has an outer spar component having an outer spar component inner profile, an inner spar component having an inner spar component outer profile substantially complementary to the outer spar component inner profile, and an adhesive disposed between the outer spar component and the inner spar component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Measom, Mitchell Elvin Rains
  • Dual Series Pitch Link Bearing
    Publication number: 20150060597
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a bearing is situated between a pitch link and a swashplate or a hub. The bearing comprises an outer housing having a first opening therethrough, an intermediate housing adjacent the housing inside the first opening and having a second opening therethrough, and an inner housing adjacent the intermediate housing inside the second opening and having a third opening therethrough. The inner housing comprising a first inner surface and a second inner surface defining the third opening. A first member is adjacent the first inner surface inside the third opening having a fourth opening therethrough. A second member is adjacent the second inner surface inside the third opening having a fifth opening therethrough coaxial with the fourth opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Drew Sutton, Frank B. Stamps
  • Anti-icing system for radomes
    Patent number: 8969765
    Abstract: An ice protection system for a structure has at least one electro-thermal heating element carried by the structure and a controller for selectively controlling the operation of each heating element. The controller operates each heating element according to a selected duty cycle defined by a pattern of time intervals, the controller selecting the duty cycle at least partially in response to measurements of ambient conditions about the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Gary S. Froman, Donavan Drewes
  • Aircraft landing gear assembly shimmy damper
    Patent number: 8967534
    Abstract: An aircraft vehicular assembly is provided that includes a nonelastomeric outer tubular member having an inner axial center bore with a tubular cylindrical frictional interface contiguous smooth inner surface segment, and a nonelastomeric inner member having an outer bonding surface segment. The nonelastomeric inner member is rotationally received in the outer member inner axial center bore with the nonelastomeric inner strut member rotatable within said outer member. An elastomer encompasses the nonelastomeric inner strut member outer bonding surface segment. The elastomer has an inner bonding surface segment and an outer grooved elastomer surface, the inner bonding surface segment is bonded to the nonelastomeric inner member outer bonding surface segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Joseph Bachmeyer, Doug Hodgson, Darrin M. Jones, Nicholas V. Anderson
  • Direct-drive control of aircraft stability augmentation
    Patent number: 8967552
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a stability augmentation system includes a master linkage, a stability augmentation motor, and three linkages. A first linkage is coupled to the master linkage and operable to receive movements representative of pilot commands from a pilot command system. A second linkage is coupled between the stability augmentation motor and the master linkage and operable to receive movements representative of augmentation commands from the stability augmentation motor. A third linkage is coupled to the master linkage and operable to transmit movements representative of blade position commands to a blade control system in response to the movements representative of pilot commands and the movements representative of augmentation commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Covington, Carlos A. Fenny, Brady G. Atkins
  • Rotor System with Torque-Splitter Assembly
    Publication number: 20150053814
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rotor head includes a yoke, a torque-splitter assembly, and a joint assembly. The torque-splitter assembly includes a spine assembly, a first trunion, and a second trunion. The spline assembly is configured to receive the drive shaft through a first opening. The spline assembly has a first plurality of outer splines oriented in a first direction and a second plurality of outer splines oriented in a second direction different from the first direction. The first trunion is disposed about the first plurality of outer splines. The second trunion is disposed about the second plurality of outer splines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Frank B. Stamps