Patents Assigned to Textron
  • System and method of simulating a drive-train system
    Patent number: 8452579
    Abstract: The present application includes a system and method of simulating a drive-train system including: developing a drive-train simulation model, the drive-train simulation model being represented in a tree-type typology, trimming the mathematical drive-train equation to a steady-state condition, and executing a time domain simulation of the drive-train system with a recursive algorithm. The recursive algorithm involves: performing an outward kinematics recursion, performing an inward dynamics recursion, and performing an outward acceleration recursion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Huron S. Perera
  • Multi-ratio rotorcraft drive system and a method of changing gear ratios thereof
    Patent number: 8449432
    Abstract: A multi-ratio rotorcraft drive system and a method of changing gear ratios thereof are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the multi-ratio rotorcraft drive system comprises a rotor system comprising one or more rotors and one or more engines. Each engine of the one or more engines is coupled to the rotor system through a multi-ratio transmission. The multi-ratio transmission comprises an output shaft coupled to the rotor system, an input shaft coupled to a respective engine of the one or more engines, a high speed clutch integrated into a high speed gear train, and a low speed clutch integrated into a low speed gear train. The high speed clutch and the low speed clutch are freewheeling clutches without a friction plate and are capable of disconnecting the output shaft and the input shaft in an overrunning condition when the output shaft spins faster than the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan T Ehinger, Carlos A Fenny, Charles J Kilmain, Eric A Sinusas, Kevin Worrell
  • Rotor hub for use with high-inertia blades
    Patent number: 8444382
    Abstract: A rotor hub has a yoke with radial arms allowing flapping of connected blades about a flap axis. A grip is rigidly attached to each blade, and a lead-lag bearing connects each grip to one of the arms, the bearing defining a lead-lag axis outboard of the flap axis. Each arm has a pair of straps located on opposite sides of the rotor plane for transferring centrifugal force from the blades to the central portion of the yoke. A pair of lead-lag dampers is provided for each grip, the dampers of each pair being located on opposite sides of the rotor plane and connecting an inboard end portion of the grip to the adjacent strap. In-plane motion of a blade causes rotation of the attached grip about the lead-lag axis, causing opposite motion of an inboard end portion of the grip. The dampers act to oppose rotation of the grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Frank B. Stamps, Patrick R. Tisdale, Mithat Yuce
  • Textile-based electrodes incorporating graduated patterns
    Patent number: 8443634
    Abstract: Textile-based electrodes incorporating graduated patterns include a fabric portion having non-conductive yarns and an electrically conductive region having electrically conductive yarn filaments. The electrodes can further include float yarns and can be configured in a textured or ribbed construction. When incorporated into a garment, the electrodes can be used to monitor biophysical characteristics, such as the garment wearer's heart rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Textronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly Scheffler, Keith Sherrill
  • Derived Rate Monitor for Detection of Degradation of Fuel Control Servo Valves
    Publication number: 20130124016
    Abstract: A system for detecting degradation of a servo valve; having a controller, a servo valve, a position sensor, and a rate monitor. The controller receives inputs and transmits command data. The servo valve has an actuator and is conductively coupled to the controller to receive command data from the controller and move the actuator in response to the command data. The position sensor operably associated with the servo valve for measuring movement of the actuator and transmits corresponding movement data to the controller. The rate monitor coupled to the controller and position sensor for receiving the command data and the movement data as inputs respectively. The rate monitor processes the inputs to produce a steady state rate error signal. The rate monitor compares the steady state rate error signal to selected operational limits and produces a telemetry output when the operational limits are exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: Joseph M. Schaeffer
  • Dual Mode Rotor Hub Assembly
    Publication number: 20130121827
    Abstract: A rotor hub assembly and method for controlling movement of a rotor blade relative to a swashplate. The hub assembly having an attachment device operably associated with the rotor blade and the swashplate. The attachment device provides pivot and rotational blade movement relative to the swashplate. A dual spring-rate damper is operably associated with the attachment device. The damper switches between a first spring rate and a second spring rate during flight to control movement of the rotor blade. The method includes the process of switching the damper between the first spring rate and the second spring rate during flight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Frank B. Stamps, Patrick Tisdale, John Corrigan
  • System and Method for Installing a Fastener Rod
    Publication number: 20130117997
    Abstract: A system and method for installing a fastener rod is provided. In one embodiment a fastener rod starter apparatus is provided and may include a first end for engaging a fastener rod, a second end for insertion into an insertion hole, and an elongated body of closed cell foam having sufficiently low density and high compressibility to displace fluid in the insertion hole and be compressed to allow installation of the fastener rod into the insertion hole. A method for installing a fastener rod may include lubricating an insertion hole with a fluid and inserting a starter element into the insertion hole. The starter element may have sufficiently low density and high compressibility to displace the fluid in the insertion hole and be compressed by the fastener rod inserted into the insertion hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Ryan T. Ehinger, Wayland Hill, Doug Mueller
  • Power Safety Instrument System
    Publication number: 20130120165
    Abstract: A power safety system is configured to provide power information in an aircraft. The power safety system includes a power safety instrument having a power required indicator and a power available indicator, each being located on a display. A position of the power required indicator and the power available indicator represent the power available and power required to perform a hover flight maneuver. The power safety system may be operated in a flight planning mode or in a current flight mode. The power safety system uses at least one sensor to measure variables having an effect on the power required and the power available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: James M. McCollough, Erik Oltheten, Nicholas Lappos
  • EMBEDDED CONDUCTOR HONEYCOMB CORE AND SANDWICH PANEL INCORPORATING SAME
    Publication number: 20130122245
    Abstract: A honeycomb core includes a first wall secured to a second wall and a conductor disposed therebetween. A honeycomb cell is formed between the first wall and the second wall and the conductor is configured to extend through the cell and a point where the first wall and the second wall are secured together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
  • Vibration Isolation System
    Publication number: 20130119591
    Abstract: A vibration isolator includes a housing having an upper fluid chamber, a lower fluid chamber, a piston, a tuning passage, and a linear inductance motor assembly for changing the isolation frequency of the vibration isolator. The piston is resiliently disposed within the housing. A vibration tuning fluid is located in the upper fluid chamber, the lower fluid chamber, and the tuning passage. The linear inductance motor assembly includes a magnet member and an inductance coil at least partially surrounding the magnet member. A control system is configured to selectively actuate the magnet member; wherein selective actuation of the magnet member selectively imparts a pumping force on the tuning fluid, thereby changing the isolation frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Taeoh Lee, Michael R. Smith, Frank B. Stamps, David E. Heverly, JR.
  • METHOD FOR THE RIVETED FASTENING OF AN ACCESSORY
    Publication number: 20130119077
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the riveted fastening of an accessory to a plastics fuel tank (11, 12), the riveted fastening taking place at the time of the production of the tank by extrusion blow-moulding of a split tubular preform or two web-like extruded preforms made of thermoplastic material by using a multi-part die after or during the moulding of two complementary shells. The accessory (4) has been provided or is provided with at least one opening. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the riveted fastening takes place by means of at least one prefabricated rivet pin (9) made of thermoplastic material. The rivet pin has been obtained in a separate production process, for example by injection-moulding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: KAUTEX TEXTRON GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Carsten Elsasser, Jochen Hild, Timo Kraemer, Achim Kupper, Harald Lorenz, Christoph Mehren, Thomas Wagner
  • Rotor Hub Bearing System
    Publication number: 20130121828
    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: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Hunter Davis, Frank B. Stamps
  • Method for the production of hollow bodies from thermoplastic plastic
    Patent number: 8440132
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Eckhardt, Matthias Franke-Maintz, Gerd Wolter
  • SKID LANDING GEAR SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20130112810
    Abstract: A skid landing gear assembly is provided. One embodiment of the landing gear assembly may include a first and a second skid member, and a forward and an aft cross member. The forward and aft cross-members may have integrated attachment members coupled to a forward portion and an aft portion of the first and second skid members. In more particular embodiments, the cross-members may be beam members with open cross-sections, and the skid members may be beam members with a closed cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: William A. Amante, Douglas H. Hamelwright, JR., Franklin J. Holik, Dale W. Springer, William D. Dennison, II
  • METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF HOLLOW BODIES FROM THERMOPLASTIC AND APPARATUS FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD
    Publication number: 20130112345
    Abstract: The invention refers to a method for the production of hollow bodies from thermoplastic, in particular for the production of motor vehicle tanks, in which the plastic is shaped as an extruded preform in the still plastic state or as a semi-finished product into at least two shells with the aid of at least one moulding die (3), with the use of heat, and the subsequently cooled and then dimensionally stable shells are placed one on the other and joined together into an essentially closed hollow body. As moulding die (3) is used at least one positive die which has essentially the contour of the shells. The shells are shaped by the plastic being laid against the positive die. The apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: KAUTEX TEXTRON GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Guido Bergmann, Carsten Elsasser, Marcus Schmitz
  • Rotor System Anti-Rotation Wear Protector
    Publication number: 20130105636
    Abstract: A rotating control system includes a member having at least one clevis defined by a pair of clevis arms disposed in a clevis plane, the at least one clevis having an axis of symmetry disposed in the clevis plane midway between the pair of clevis arms, a shaft member pivotally coupled between the pair of clevis arms, the shaft member having a shaft axis, the shaft axis disposed axially along the shaft member, and an anti-rotation device for limiting a rotation of the shaft member about the shaft axis, the anti-rotation device having a plurality of flanges configured to couple to the clevis arms of the member, the flanges extending from a surface of a base member, the anti-rotation device having at least one restraining member that protrudes toward the shaft member for limiting the axial rotation of the shaft member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Clifton B. Day, Danny Spivey, Brian S.M. Modrzejewski, Tim Stark, Farid Saiyed
  • Active Prop Rotor Stability System
    Publication number: 20130105637
    Abstract: A system and method for adjusting a rotor blade upon detection of a harmful force exerted on an aircraft wing includes a sensor attached to the wing and a subsystem operably associated with the sensor. The method includes sensing the force exerted on the wing with the sensor and determining whether the sensed force is potentially harmful to the structural integrity of the wing. The method further includes counteracting the harmful force by adjusting the rotor blade movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Frank B. Stamps, David A. Popelka, Charles Eric Covington, Thomas C. Parham
  • PYLON MOUNTING SYSTEM WITH VIBRATION ISOLATION
    Publication number: 20130105621
    Abstract: A pylon mounting system with vibration isolation is provided. The system generally includes a housing that defines a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber, a fluid disposed within the fluid chambers; a piston assembly at least partially disposed within the housing, and a tuning passage defined by the piston assembly for providing fluid communication between the fluid chambers. The piston assembly has a first arm and a second arm, and each arm has a tubeform bearing for providing pitch and roll stiffness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. Smith, Steven Spears, Frank B. Stamps, Michael S. Seifert
  • Cockpit center console
    Patent number: D682771
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Amante, Jedediah Bryce Goodell, Jeffery W. Erwin, Jeffery S. Greenwood, Joseph Daniel Leachman, Adrienne Ruth Sullivan, Troy S. Caudill
  • Display for an aircraft console
    Patent number: D683299
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Allan Schrag