Patents Assigned to Textron
  • Patent number: 8540453
    Abstract: An apparatus for joining a first member and a second member includes means for joining the first member and the second member, means for transferring shear loads between the first member and the second member separate from the means for joining the first member and the second member, and means for providing a compression preload to the means for transferring shear loads between the first member and the second member. An assembly includes a first member, a second member, and means for joining the first member and the second member. The assembly further includes means for transferring shear loads between the first member and the second member separate from the means for joining the first member and the second member and means for providing a compression preload to the means for transferring shear loads between the first member and the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Hethcock, Rodney H. Jones, Carl A. May
  • Publication number: 20130241502
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electrical system comprises a generator, a battery, and a regulator. The generator is operable to provide electrical energy at a plurality of voltage levels. The battery is in electrical communication with the generator. The regulator is operable to compare a charge level of the battery to a reference charge level, determine a voltage level for the generator based on the comparison, and provide a signal indicative of the determination toward the generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Chandler Sowden
  • Publication number: 20130241124
    Abstract: A dual frequency damper includes a liquid inertia vibration eliminator (LIVE) portion and a fluid damper portion. LIVE portion and fluid damper portion operate in series and function so that dual frequency damper is optimized in both stiffness and damping at multiple frequencies. LIVE portion acts as a frequency dependent switch to selectively cause low frequency oscillatory forces to be treated primarily by the high spring rate and high damping rate characteristics of the fluid damper portion, and also to select high frequency oscillatory forces to be primarily treated by the low spring rate and low damping rate characteristics of the LIVE unit portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bosworth, Mithat Yuce, Frank B. Stamps, Michael R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130233850
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid reservoir (1), in particular for an aqueous urea solution, comprising a buffer storage means (2) arranged on the bottom of the liquid reservoir (1) in the installation position, a liquid delivery unit (3), at least one, preferably a plurality of first filter elements (4) arranged on the bottom in the installation position outside the buffer storage means (2), each of which first filter elements is connected to the liquid delivery unit (3) via a liquid line (5), the first filter elements (4) being constructed such that the filter fabric of the first filter elements (4) is permeable to the liquid located in the liquid reservoir (1) and impermeable to air, a second filter element (6) being arranged between the interior of the buffer storage means (2) and the liquid delivery unit (3), which second filter element is constructed such that the filter fabric of the second filter element (6) is permeable to the liquid located in the liquid reservoir (1) and impermeable to air, the bre
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: KAUTEX TEXTRON GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Volker Treudt
  • Patent number: 8528177
    Abstract: A mandrel extraction tool includes an actuator assembly and a first mandrel interface arm operably associated with the actuator assembly and adapted to engage a first mandrel. The mandrel extraction tool further includes a second mandrel interface arm operably associated with the actuator assembly and adapted to engage a second mandrel, the second mandrel interface arm being slidingly coupled with the first mandrel interface arm, such that the first mandrel interface arm moves generally linearly with respect to second interface arm when the actuator assembly is actuated. A method for extracting a mandrel includes providing a mandrel extraction tool, engaging the mandrel extraction tool with a mandrel, and applying a force to the mandrel to linearly extract the mandrel from a first portion of a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. Morin, Michael Greene
  • Publication number: 20130228573
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of hollow bodies from thermoplastic plastic. The method comprises the extrusion of at least two sheet-like preforms consisting of thermoplastic plastic, the introduction of the preforms into a preferably multipart molding die with a molding cavity which at least partially defines the contour of the hollow body to be manufactured, and the shaping of the preforms inside the die, using a vacuum and/or gas pressure in the first heat of the material. The method is distinguished in that at least two preforms to be shaped into a hollow body and to be connected are extruded successively, that is to say sequentially, in time and are shaped simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Eckhardt, Matthias Franke-Maintz, Gerd Wolter
  • Publication number: 20130228572
    Abstract: The invention concerns a fuel tank made of thermoplastic material with at least one sheet-like stiffening element (1) which is connected to the tank wall, consists of material that has a higher modulus of elasticity than the base material of the fuel tank and which is connected to the fuel tank with interlocking engagement on the outer side thereof, the stiffening element (1) not being completely enclosed by the base material of the outer tank wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: KAUTEX TEXTRON GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Raimund Helmig, Ulrich Karsch, Harald Lehmann
  • Patent number: 8523116
    Abstract: A panel-mounted control stick for aircraft providing for roll and pitch input that emulates the response of a traditional floor-mounted control stick. The panel-mounted control stick incorporates a pitch beam input assembly and a roll input assembly for translating the movements of the control stick into movements of aircraft control surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Textron Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy Phillip Taylor
  • Patent number: 8523102
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reconfiguring flight control of an aircraft during a failure while the aircraft is flying. The method and apparatus provide a control law that is software-implemented and configured to automatically send flight control data to a mixing/mapping matrix and a reconfiguration management tool configured to communicate with the mixing/mapping matrix in order to safely transfer authority from a failed actuator to a back-up actuator. A sensor management tool is provided for input to the reconfiguration management tool in order to smooth any transient conditions that may occur during reconfiguration. The method and apparatus provide for a way of smoothing any possible transient situation that might otherwise occur by employment of a fader, the fader being used to gradually convert positioning of failed actuators and positioning of reconfigured actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Shyhpyng Jack Shue, John James Corrigan, Eric Thomas Bird, Tommie Lynn Wood, Alan Carl Ewing
  • Publication number: 20130224025
    Abstract: A tiltrotor rotor hub comprises first and second configurations of yokes arranged in two parallel and axially offset planes, each having an equal number of two or more yokes substantially equally spaced about a mast, wherein a portion of each yoke overlaps with a portion of each azimuthally adjacent yoke. Another tiltrotor rotor hub is selectively positionable for operation in helicopter/airplane/transition modes and comprises substantially parallel and axially offset first and second planes, each containing a plurality of blade yokes arranged about a central axis and a portion of each yoke overlaps with a portion of each azimuthally adjacent yoke. Another tiltrotor rotor hub is coupled to a tiltrotor mast and comprises a stacked arrangement of blade yokes wherein a portion of each yoke overlaps with a portion of each azimuthally adjacent yoke, and a plurality of mounting components coupling each yoke to the overlapping azimuthally adjacent yoke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Foskey, Frank B. Stamps
  • Publication number: 20130221580
    Abstract: The present application relates to a method and system that can be utilized to manufacturing composite structures in a closed cavity mold. The tool system includes a closed cavity tool with spring members that when in compression apply pressure to a preform located within the closed cavity mold. During a curing cycle, the spring members provide substantially constant pressure to the preform, thereby preventing voids and porosity in the cured composite structure. Further, the substantially constant pressure, provided by the spring members, acts to more effectively conform the preform to the geometry defined by a void in the closed cavity mold during the curing cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Stephen K. Bishop, Robert J. Greenberg, Forrest W. Henry
  • Publication number: 20130221153
    Abstract: The system is configured for automation of rotorcraft entry into autorotation. The system can provide a means to assist the flight crew of a rotorcraft in maintaining rotor speed following loss of engine power. The system can automatically adjust control positions, actuator positions or both to prevent excessive loss of rotor speed upon initial loss of engine power before the flight crew is able to react. The system uses model matching to provide axis decoupling and yaw anticipation; it includes pitch control initially to assist in preventing rotor deceleration; and it makes use of collective, pitch, roll and yaw trim functions to provide tactile cueing to the pilot to assist when the pilot is in the loop. The system can reduce workload by assisting the crew with controlling rotor speed and forward speed during stabilized autorotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
  • Patent number: 8521384
    Abstract: A turf maintenance vehicle all-wheel drive traction control system includes a primary wheel propelling the vehicle. A first motor rotates the primary wheel. A traction control system has a first portion communicating with the first motor to monitor either a first motor current demand or a rotational speed of the primary wheel or the first motor and generates a traction control value. A secondary wheel rotated by a second motor steers the vehicle in a vehicle non-slip condition. A traction control system second portion determines a secondary wheel steering angle value. A speed threshold limit stored in the traction control system compared to the traction control value generates a slippage occurrence message indicative of a primary wheel traction loss event. A second motor drive signal created by comparing the steering angle value and the slippage occurrence message energizes the second motor during the traction loss event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Sean C. O'Connor, Gregory Merriweather, Harry L. Derby, V, Martin M. Carlson, Kenneth R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8520896
    Abstract: A method for measuring an infrared signature of a moving target includes: tracking the moving target with a tracking system along a path from a start position to an end position, measuring infrared radiation data of the moving target along the path, repositioning the tracking system to the start position, retracing the path to measure the infrared radiation data of the background, and determining the infrared signature of the moving target by comparing the infrared radiation data of the moving object with the infrared radiation data of the background without the moving object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Shepherd, David R. Schlichte, Richard A. Shepherd, Kendall E. Goodman
  • Patent number: 8517309
    Abstract: The integrally stiffened panel includes one or more stiffeners oriented in one direction, and one or more stiffeners oriented in a different direction. The stiffeners are integral with a sheet member and intersect at a joint. The joint is configured to incorporate a pocket at the stiffener intersections. The pocket geometry is inverse to the stiffener geometry, and thereby provides moment and stiffness continuity across the joint and between adjacent intersecting stiffeners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20130213364
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel tank (1) for a motor vehicle comprising a venting line (2) which communicates with the atmosphere via at least one fuel vapour filter (5), comprising at least one filler pipe (6) and comprising at least one recirculation line (8) for recirculating fuel vapours during refuelling, via which the venting line (2) is connected to the filler pipe upstream of the fuel vapour filter (5) in the direction of flow, at least one reducing member (9) being provided in the recirculation line for altering the flow cross section depending on the refuelling volumetric flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Kautex Textron Gmbh & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ibrahim Koukan
  • Publication number: 20130212853
    Abstract: An alignment tool for a pitch link comprises first and second pitch link retainers, wherein the distance between the retainers is adjustable to accommodate the length of the pitch link; and a measurement system for measuring the displacement of a rod end from an adjustment member of the pitch link, comprising first and second measurement reference points fixedly associated with the first and second retainers, respectively. Another alignment tool for a pitch link comprises first and second retainers having an adjustable distance there between; and a stabilization mechanism for stabilizing the tool on a surface. A method for adjusting and aligning a pitch link, in part comprising the steps of securing the pitch link to the alignment tool; measuring and recording a baseline length displacement of the pitch link; loosening the pitch link jam nuts; and adjusting the pitch link on the alignment tool to match the previously recorded displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Amanda Werner, Dominic Przano, Geoffrey Latham
  • Publication number: 20130213973
    Abstract: Fuel tank made of thermoplastic material comprising baffle components provided therein in the form of at least one baffle element (2) comprising at least one wall portion (4) which is clamped approximately centrally and/or at the end, so that said wall portion may perform relative movements in relation to the tank, caused by splashing movements of the fuel, at least one fastening foot being provided for the clamping, the base thereof being provided with at least one through-hole, through which the fastening foot is riveted and/or welded to the tank wall (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: KAUTEX TEXTRON GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Klaus Esser
  • Publication number: 20130216384
    Abstract: A rotary system includes a retention member and a flexible yoke having an opening forming a bridge. The rotary system is further provided with two bearing assemblies, a first bearing assembly extending through the opening of the yoke and configured to secure a rotor blade to the retention member and a second bearing assembly extending through the opening of the flexible yoke and configured to secure the rotor blade to the bridge. The second bearing element includes a bearing element having a first surface forming a spherical contouring and an opposing integral second surface forming a conical contouring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Frank B. Stamps, Bryan W. Marshall, Terry K. Thompson, Orion Braziel, David Popelka, Patrick Tisdale
  • Publication number: 20130216399
    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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Troy C. Schank, Frank B. Stamps