Patents Assigned to Textron
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LIMITING CYCLIC CONTROL INPUTS
    Publication number: 20130334361
    Abstract: A control system having a first loop configured to provide a longitudinal blowback value of a rotor blade during flight and a second loop associated with the first loop, the second loop being configured to provide a design maximum total flapping value and a lateral flapping value. A method includes calculating a flight control limit from the design maximum total flapping value and the lateral flapping value. An upper longitudinal cyclic control limit is calculated by adding the flight control limit to the longitudinal blowback value. A lower longitudinal cyclic control limit is calculated by subtracting the flight control limit from the longitudinal blowback value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Robert L. Fortenbaugh, Jose Manuel Rodriguez, Ronald Lorenz Kisor, Robert Blyth
  • Aircraft Cabin Door Pressure Vent System
    Publication number: 20130327892
    Abstract: Disclosed is an aircraft door including a handle-activated pressure relief system that avoids potentially dangerous pressure differences between the cabin and the atmosphere outside the aircraft. A flow path is created between the inboard and outboard handles on the door. A pressure vent door is located in the flow path. The vent door being is opened when either of the inboard and outboard handle assemblies are activated. Once either handle is rotated beyond a particular point, a spring in the supporting mechanics becomes over-center. At the same time, the vent door comes under the influence of a magnet, snapping the vent open. After the door has been opened, it can be relatched by operating the handles in the reverse direction. The magnet and spring hold the vent door open until the aircraft door is fully latched, sealed, and secured. Only then does the vent door sealingly close.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventors: Greg Gowing, Scott Weber, Elisabeth Archibald, Shad Plante, Matt Wiley
  • COMPRESSION-MOLDED PARTS HAVING AN EMBEDDED CONDUCTIVE LAYER AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME
    Publication number: 20130328226
    Abstract: A compression-molded part has a conductive layer embedded in the part during molding of the part. The conductive layer is generally adjacent an outer surface of the part and is preferably formed from a mesh, a foil, a pulled screen, or multiple layers of conductive elements. The part is preferably optimized for use on the exterior of an aircraft for lightning-strike or EMI protection or for use as an antenna. Methods for forming the panels of the invention include placing the conductive layer against a mold surface of a compression mold, then forming the compression-molded part with the conductive layer embedded in the part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Anthony P. Bergerson, Jason L. Hoyle
  • Removable horizontal stabilizer for helicopter
    Patent number: 8602351
    Abstract: An easily removable and lightweight horizontal stabilizer configured to provide aerodynamic stability for a rotorcraft. The horizontal stabilizer comprising a spar removably coupled to a tailboom with a removable spar attachment means, the spar being located transversely through a tailboom opening and configured to provide structural support for at least a first horizontal airfoil and a second horizontal airfoil. The first and second horizontal airfoils are configured to fittingly receive the spar so that the spar fits at least partially inside the first and second horizontal airfoils. The first and second horizontal airfoils extend outboard from the tailboom to provide aerodynamic pitch stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Dennison, Carl A. May
  • Tilt rotor aircraft with fixed engine arrangement
    Patent number: 8602347
    Abstract: The system of the present application includes an engine and pylon arrangement for a tilt rotor aircraft in which the engine is fixed in relation to a wing portion of the aircraft, while the pylon is rotatable. The pylon supports a rotor hub having a plurality of rotor blades. Rotation of the pylon allows the aircraft to selectively fly in a helicopter mode and an airplane mode, as well as any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Isaac, David A. Elliott, Brent C. Ross
  • Method for producing hollow bodies from thermoplastic material and device for carrying out the method
    Patent number: 8603280
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing hollow bodies from thermoplastic material, comprising the molding of at least two sheet-like, web-shaped preforms of plasticated thermoplastic material in a multi-part tool forming a cavity to form two complementary shells, and also the joining together of the shells to form a substantially closed hollow body, wherein the preforms are brought between open parts of the tool which each have part-cavities, the parts of the tool are then closed against a tool separator arranged between the preforms, and the preforms are inserted into the part-cavities with the use of differential pressure and molded. In a subsequent separate method step, the tools are reopened and internal components of the hollow body to be produced are fastened to the shells. Finally, the shells are joined together by reclosing the tools to form a closed hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Borchert, Carsten Elsasser, Christoph Mehren
  • Method and apparatus for improved vibration isolation
    Patent number: 8602400
    Abstract: A vibration isolator is disclosed having a housing which defines a fluid chamber. A piston, which is movable to and from a down position, is disposed within the housing. A vibration isolation fluid is disposed within the fluid chamber. A passage having a predetermined diameter extends through the piston to permit the vibration isolation fluid to flow from one fluid chamber to the other. An elastic element is provided for reducing transmission of vibrations from the piston to the housing when the piston is at the down position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Emery N. Ward, Michael R. Smith, Frank B. Stamps, David Haynie, Terry K. Thompson, David P. Shipman, James A. Wilson
  • Takeoff/Landing Touchdown Protection Management System
    Publication number: 20130325221
    Abstract: An air/ground contact logic management system for use with fly-by-wire control systems in an aircraft. The system includes a first sensor configured to provide an output signal to determine when the aircraft is in a transition region. A logic management system is in communication with the first sensor and is configured to receive and process the output signal and classify a mode of the aircraft. A controller receives signal data from the logic management system and communicates with a control axis actuator to regulate a level of control authority provided to a pilot. The control authority is individually regulated within each integrator as a result of the individual landing gear states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: Shyhpyng Jack Shue
  • System and method for the interactive display of data in a motion capture environment
    Patent number: 8599194
    Abstract: A system includes an analysis system for performing an analysis and a motion capture environment interfaced with the analysis system. The motion capture system includes at least one sensor-tracker for tracking a location of a tracked object within the motion capture environment and one or more computers collectively operable to generate a virtual reality environment corresponding to the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: George Steven Lewis, John Valentino, Christopher Michael Bothwell
  • Method for producing a fuel container for motor vehicles and fuel container for motor vehicles
    Patent number: 8590132
    Abstract: A method for producing a fuel container and a fuel container for motor vehicles. The method comprises the extrusion of web-type preforms, the shaping of the preforms to form shell-shaped intermediate products in a first step, and forming a container in the same molding tool in a second step, at least one tank-filling and/or operational venting device being fastened to the inner wall of at least one intermediate product between the first and second steps by a material and/or form-fitting joint in one work cycle, the wall of the intermediate product being penetrated by a connection fitting during assembly, with a use of at least one conduit section of variable length as a part of a vent line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Eulitz, Harald Lorenz, Gerd Wolter
  • Rijke tube cancellation device for helicopters
    Patent number: 8590827
    Abstract: An acoustic signature reduction system for application typically on an aircraft. The acoustic signature reduction system uses a controller, power supply, and a thermo-acoustic tube such as a Rijke tube or Sondhauss tube to generate a cancellation noise of equal amplitude and inverted to that of noise generated by rotor blades when rotating. Acoustic signature reduction system can use a damping valve to make an intermittent cancellation sound to match the n/rev signature of the rotor blades with respect to a given reference location. The n/rev timing is different depending on the reference location therefore a cone of silence is created. A forced air unit may also be used to modify the phase of the cancellation noise in order to move the cone of silence around the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: David Sparks
  • Constant-velocity drive system for gimbaled rotor hubs
    Patent number: 8590833
    Abstract: An aircraft rotor constant-velocity drive system having a differential mechanism that includes a drive disk configured to be integral in rotation with a mast, an upper member at least partially located above the drive disk, a lower member at least partially located below the drive disk, and at least one link connecting the upper member and the lower member to the drive disk such that the drive disk drives the upper member and the lower member in rotation with the drive disk and that the upper member and the lower member are allowed to rotate differently with respect to the drive disk. The link having opposing end joints and a central joint that pivotally engages the drive disk. The system also having a gimbal device configured to drive a rotor hub and to allow gimbaling of the rotor hub with respect to a mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Rauber, Frank B. Stamps, James Lee Braswell, Jr.
  • FOLDING CONFIGURATION FOR AIR VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20130306789
    Abstract: An air vehicle, as well as a method for folding an air vehicle for storage, may include a fuselage and a wing connected to the fuselage. The wing may include two ends positioned opposite from each other, and the wing may be substantially perpendicular to the fuselage. At least one of the ends may define a space therebetween the fuselage and the wing. The space may be sized to receive a potion of the wing when the wing is wrapped around the fuselage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Textron Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Suneal Guptaa, Jeremy Bley
  • FILLER NECK FOR AN AUXILIARY LIQUID RESERVOIR
    Publication number: 20130306665
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filler neck (1) for an auxiliary liquid reservoir for a motor vehicle, in particular for a urea reservoir, having a neck housing (9), which defines a mouth hole stub (10) for a filler nozzle (7) and a filling channel (11) leading into the reservoir, wherein a receiving structure for a filler nozzle (7) is provided within the neck housing (9). At least one venting path, which is of enlarged cross section, at least in a section or sections, and of chamber-like or labyrinth-like design, is formed within the neck housing (9), allowing a venting flow parallel and counter to the refilling volume to flow through the neck housing (9) during refilling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Agnes Eberhardt, Ralf Kolberg, Stefan Lenz, Jaroslav Maglovski
  • PIEZOELECTRIC LIQUID INERTIA VIBRATION ELIMINATOR
    Publication number: 20130306420
    Abstract: A tunable vibration isolator with active tuning elements having a housing, fluid chamber, and at least one tuning port. A piston is resiliently disposed within the housing. A vibration isolation fluid is disposed within the fluid chambers and the tuning ports. The tunable vibration isolator may employ either a solid tuning mass approach or a liquid tuning mass approach. The active vibration elements are preferably solid-state actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. Smith, Frank B. Stamps, Taeoh Lee, David E. Heverly, JR., Robert J. Pascal
  • Process for fabricating aircraft parts using an integrated form
    Patent number: 8585856
    Abstract: A fabrication process using an integrated form includes assembling at least two independent sections of composite laminate about a form, such that at least a portion of the sections overlap. A bonding agent is applied between the sections, at the overlap, and the form and laminate assembly are vacuum-bagged. The bag is sealed around a vent in the form, and about the laminate assembly. A vacuum is applied within the bag, to bond the sections, and the bagged assembly is autoclaved, to cure the bonded laminate sections. The vent allows equalization of autoclave pressures within and outside of the form, to prevent crushing or deformation of the form during cure. The form becomes an integral and permanent part of the final composite product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Boone, John W. Gallman
  • Aircraft occupant protection system
    Patent number: 8588996
    Abstract: An occupant protection system for an aircraft comprising a sensor system for sensing flight condition information and a control system, which includes an impending crash detection system and an impact detection system. The impending crash detection system receives flight information from the sensors determines whether a crash is likely to occur. If an impending crash is detected, the impending crash detection system activates impact modes of a first group of aircraft systems. The impact detection system receives flight information from the sensor system and determines whether an impact has occurred or is occurring. If an impact is detected, the impact detection system activates impact modes of a second group of aircraft systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Hill, Michael R. Smith, Charles E. Covington, Nicholas Lappos, Walter Sonneborn
  • Combined cyclic and collective controls
    Patent number: D693757
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Lee Yates, Bradley Don Linton
  • Cyclic control post and grip
    Patent number: D693758
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Lee Yates, Bradley Don Linton, Chad Richard Haugeberg
  • Collective control post and grip for a rotorcraft
    Patent number: D694168
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Lee Yates, Bradley Don Linton