Patents Assigned to Textron
  • OPERATING FLUID CONTAINER
    Publication number: 20140246440
    Abstract: The invention relates to an operating fluid container for a motor vehicle, said container including a container body which is assembled from at least two injection-moulded shells (2a, 2b) of thermoplastic plastics material which are complementary to each other. The shells (2a, 2b) are provided in each case with integrally moulded structures which extend into the free container volume in such a manner that they bring about a restriction of a fluid surge created, for instance, in the container. At least some of the structures on each of the two shells are to welded together at least in part or in a punctiform manner approximately in the joining plane (8) of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Christian Kopiec
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING COMPOSITE CORE
    Publication number: 20140246149
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite core can include: wrapping a mandrel in a mandrel wrapping process by securing a mandrel with a winding jig; orienting the composite material at a wrap angle to the mandrel; and depositing the composite material around a circumference of the mandrel. The method can further include assembling the wrapped mandrels in a tool and applying a pressure to the composite material during a curing cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Phillip A. Kendrick, Paul K. Oldroyd, Levi H. Armstrong, Elizabeth Oberle
  • BEARING WITH A SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY COMPONENT
    Publication number: 20140248011
    Abstract: The bearing assembly includes one or more elastomeric members loaded in a precompression by a shim that includes a shape memory alloy. The shape memory alloy is configured to generate the precompression in the elastomeric members upon a temperature change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Sottiaux, Frank B. Stamps
  • Constant Velocity Joint with Spring Rate Control Mechanism
    Publication number: 20140248150
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a constant velocity (CV) joint includes a first yoke, a second yoke, and three bearings. 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 first bearing is disposed about the first axis adjacent to the first yoke, the second bearing is disposed about the second axis adjacent to the first yoke or the second yoke, and the third bearing disposed about the third axis adjacent to the second yoke. The first and third bearings torsionally constrain movement the first yoke and the second yoke so as to achieve a substantially CV characteristic between the input device and the output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Drew Sutton, Frank B. Stamps, Christopher Foskey
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING COMPOSITE CORE
    Publication number: 20140246142
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite core can include: wrapping a mandrel in a mandrel wrapping process by securing a mandrel with a winding jig; orienting the composite material at a wrap angle to the mandrel; and depositing the composite material around a circumference of the mandrel. The method can further include assembling the wrapped mandrels in a tool and applying a pressure to the composite material during a curing cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Phillip A. Kendrick, Paul K. Oldroyd, Levi H. Armstrong, Elizabeth Oberle
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING COMPOSITE CORE
    Publication number: 20140246143
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite core can include: wrapping a mandrel in a mandrel wrapping process by securing a mandrel with a winding jig; orienting the composite material at a wrap angle to the mandrel; and depositing the composite material around a circumference of the mandrel. The method can further include assembling the wrapped mandrels in a tool and applying a pressure to the composite material during a curing cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Phillip A. Kendrick, Paul K. Oldroyd, Levi H. Armstrong, Elizabeth Oberle
  • System and method for economic usage of an aircraft
    Patent number: 8825237
    Abstract: The present application relates to a system and method for providing real-time indications of economic impact of aircraft operations to an aircraft operator. The system and method allow the aircraft operator to reduce economic impact during flight of the aircraft. Such an analysis and cue to the aircraft operator allows the operator to make real-time changes during flight to reduce damage of life-limited aircraft components, thereby reducing the economic impact of aircraft operation that is directly associated with maintenance and component replacement. The system and method can also include pre-flight and post-flight analysis methods for reduction of economic impact of flight operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Eric Covington, Brian E. Tucker, Thomas B. Priest, David A. Platz, James M. McCollough
  • System and method of protecting an engine and other aircraft components from damage that may otherwise occur from a fuel control unit failure
    Patent number: 8825342
    Abstract: The system for mitigating an overspeeding condition of a turbine engine can include a sensor for measuring an actual speed of a gas generator turbine of the turbine engine and a processor for deriving a delta, the delta being a comparison between the actual speed of the gas generator turbine and a predicted gas generator turbine speed. The system is configured for detecting the overspeeding condition when delta is higher than a predetermined threshold. A method of detecting an overspeeding condition during operation of a turbine engine can include measuring an actual speed of a gas generator turbine, then evaluating a delta between the actual speed of the gas generator turbine and a predicted speed of the gas generator turbine, then comparing the delta to a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Schaeffer, Areian A. Kouros, Christopher Cawelti, Curtis L. Moore, Michael D. Trantham
  • Rotor System Shear Bearing
    Publication number: 20140241886
    Abstract: A shear bearing for a rotor system has a four bar linkage and a grip configured to retain a flexural yoke and the grip is connected between a first set of opposing links of the four bar linkage. A rotor system has a flexural yoke and a shear bearing configured to perform at least one of transmitting forces to the yoke and receiving forces from the yoke, wherein the yoke is free of cavities for receiving the shear bearing. A rotational system has a flexural yoke and a damper disposed on a surface of the yoke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Drew Sutton, Frank B. Stamps
  • On-Board Water Spray System For Aircraft
    Publication number: 20140239085
    Abstract: A system for simulating wet runway conditions by using a liquid container that is placed inside an aircraft. The liquid container is connected to a nozzle that sprays water in front of the wheels of the aircraft. A valve is used to control the flow of water from the nozzle. Systems, such as the braking system of the aircraft, can then be tested in wet runway conditions simulated by the system. The amount of water sprayed from the nozzle can also be electronically controlled in relation to the speed of the aircraft, such that the nozzle sprays a nearly uniform layer of liquid in front of the wheels. The system can also be modified to include two tanks to manipulate the center of gravity of the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Textron Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary E. McKay
  • Airfoil shaped tail boom
    Patent number: 8814078
    Abstract: A tail boom adapted for counteracting a fuselage torque created by an engine carried by a fuselage of a rotary aircraft. The tail boom is positioned within the rotorwash from the rotary and includes a first side surface contoured to create a low-pressure region of an airfoil and a second opposing side surface contoured to create a high-pressure region of an airfoil. The pressure difference between the high-pressure region and the low-pressure region causes the tail boom to move towards the low-pressure region, resulting in a lateral force opposing the torque on the fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Albert G. Brand, Jimmy Narramore, James H. Harse, Brendan P. Lanigan
  • Drop separator
    Patent number: 8813781
    Abstract: A drop separator for the bleeding line of a fuel container, comprising a drop separator housing that is connected to a space surrounded by the filler tube of the fuel container, preferably directly to the refueling channel of the filler tube, and at least two bleeding line connections, wherein the housing is divided by at least one partition into at least two separate gas paths, wherein a first gas path is designed as a gas inlet channel and a second gas path as a gas outlet channel. The gas inlet channel is closed on the end face by a lid and communicates via a passage of a surrounding wall of the drop separator housing with the filler tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Waldemar Nickel, Manfred Prueser
  • RADIAL FLUID DEVICE WITH MULTI-HARMONIC OUTPUT
    Publication number: 20140231579
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a radial fluid device comprises a cylinder block, first and second pluralities of pistons, a first cam disposed about the first plurality of radially extending cylinders, and a second cam disposed about the second plurality of radially extending cylinders. The second cam has at least one more lobe than the first cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: Carlos A. Fenny
  • LIQUID CONTAINER FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE, IN PARTICULAR A FUEL CONTAINER
    Publication number: 20140231424
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid container (1) for a motor vehicle, in particular a fuel container (1), having at least one filler tube (4) and having means for operational and filling ventilation, comprising at least one operational ventilation line (7) which is connected to an equalizing volume of the liquid container (1) and at least one filling ventilation opening (9) which opens into the equalizing volume. The fuel container (1) according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that the operational ventilation opening (7) is connected to the filler tube (4) outside the container volume, in a manner which forms a siphon (8), and that the connection of the operational ventilation line (7) to the filler tube (4) is arranged in such a way that liquid is collected in the siphon (8) during each filling operation and closes the operational ventilation line (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: KAUTEX TEXTRON GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Ibrahim Koukan
  • RADIAL FLUID DEVICE WITH VARIABLE PHASE AND AMPLITUDE
    Publication number: 20140234102
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a radial fluid device comprises a cylinder block, first and second pluralities of pistons, a first cam disposed about the first plurality of radially extending cylinders, and a second cam disposed about the second plurality of radially extending cylinders. The direction of rotation of the second cam is independent of the direction of rotation of the first cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: Carlos A. Fenny
  • Situation Responsive Audio System
    Publication number: 20140233759
    Abstract: A method of controlling an audio system includes generating a situation response model for a situation parameter, determining a situation parameter value, and at least one of (1) providing an audio system output as a function of the situation response model and the situation parameter value and (2) receiving an audio system input as a function of the situation response model and the situation parameter value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: James M. McCollough, Tom Brooks, David Steinhoff, Lynn Morgan
  • Integrated aircraft flight control units
    Patent number: 8812177
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an integrated aircraft trim assembly features a shaft, a mechanical stop, a trim motor, a clutch, and a measurement device. The mechanical stop device is operable to at least partially prevent rotation of the shaft outside of an allowable range of motion. The trim motor has an output component in mechanical communication with the shaft. The clutch separates the trim motor from the shaft. The measurement device is proximate to the shaft and operable to measure a position of the shaft and communicate the measured position to a flight control computer operable to change a position of a flight control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Travis L. Yates, Bradley D. Linton
  • Camshaft
    Patent number: 8807106
    Abstract: A camshaft assembly configured to rotate about an axis of rotation within the engine of a motor vehicle to provide timing between cyclic operation of engine components is provided. The camshaft assembly includes a member for providing timing to a first engine component. The member includes a cam surface configured to drive the timing of the first engine component, and an opening. The camshaft assembly also includes a camshaft body cast to the member and configured to engage the opening of the member. The camshaft body includes a lobe configured to drive the timing of a second engine component, and a journal configured to allow efficient rotation of the camshaft body about the axis of rotation. The member is formed from a first material and the camshaft body is formed from a second material, thereby allowing the camshaft assembly to withstand two levels of stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Johnson, Richard M. Kritzman
  • Device and method for repairing structural components
    Patent number: 8808823
    Abstract: A device and method to repair a structural component. The device includes a plug that bonds to the structural component. The plug includes a flange and a solid shank extending from the flange, the solid shank being disposable in an opening of the structural component. The device further includes disc that bonds to the structural component such that, when bonded, the disc covers the solid shank of the plug. The method includes bonding the plug to the structural component such that the solid shank of the plug is disposed in the opening of the structural component. The method further includes bonding the disc to the structural component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Textron Innovatons Inc.
    Inventors: Denver Whitworth, Brian French, Vance Cribb
  • Helicopter Skid Landing Gear
    Publication number: 20140224928
    Abstract: A cross tube for a helicopter skid landing gear, including a monolithic metallic tube having a central portion extending transversely between two end portions with longitudinal central axes of the central portion and of the end portions being located in a plane, where the central portion has inner and outer heights, the end portions each have inner and outer heights, and the inner and outer heights of one of the central portion and the end portion are respectively greater than the inner and outer heights of the other of the central portion and the end portion. A skid tube with two portions with cross-sections having one or both of different orientations with respect to one another and different dimensions with respect to one another, and a method of forming a structural tube for a helicopter skid landing gear are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicants: UNIVERSITE LAVAL, BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Simon BERNIER, Robert Clive FEWS, Michel GUILLOT, Augustin GAKWAYA, Jocelyn BLANCHET, Xavier Jean-Gilles ELIE-DIT-COSAQUE, Julie LEVESQUE, Giuseppe AQUINO