Patents Assigned to Textron
  • Window Mounted Raft System
    Publication number: 20120193474
    Abstract: An inflatable life raft system for an aircraft includes a window coupled to a fuselage portion of the aircraft. A mechanism is used to selectively detach the window from the fuselage. An inflatable life raft is deployable to the exterior of the aircraft upon detachment of the window from the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Brian D. Lafon, Robert G. Capwell
  • CF bearing with steady pitching moment
    Patent number: 8231346
    Abstract: A centrifugal force bearing having a means for providing a steady pitching moment is disclosed. The centrifugal force bearing may optionally comprise a coning means. A rotor system having the centrifugal force bearing is disclosed. A rotary-wing aircraft having the centrifugal force bearing is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Frank B. Stamps, Richard Rauber
  • Sculptured bearing liner and bearing assembly
    Patent number: 8231280
    Abstract: A sculptured bearing liner includes an inner surface defining a cavity configured to receive a bearing, an outer surface and a reduced thickness portion extending from one of the inner surface and the outer surface. A bearing assembly includes a bearing liner having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a reduced thickness portion extending between the inner surface and the outer surface, the inner surface defining a cavity. The bearing assembly further includes at least one bearing disposed in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: K. Myron Jackson
  • Apparatus for detecting imbalances in a paired line
    Patent number: 8232807
    Abstract: A device for measuring and isolating noise-creating imbalances in a paired telecommunications line has an internal circuit. The internal circuit includes a pulse generator. Pulses provided by the pulse generator are applied to an interface which includes balanced pathways to the conductors. The pulses are applied simplex (longitudinally) to the pair of conductors. Upon encountering a fault in the pair, a reflected metallic voltage signal is received by the interface. The reflected metallic voltage signal is sampled by an analog-to-digital converter. Data relating to the sampled signal is displayed for detection and location of faults on the pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Durston, Robert G. Crick
  • Device and Method for Repairing Structural Components
    Publication number: 20120189807
    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: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Denver Whitworth, Brian French, Vance Cribb
  • Weight-on-gear sensor
    Patent number: 8226030
    Abstract: A weight-on-gear sensor for use on an aircraft with landing skids having a bracket and a displacement sensor attached to the bracket is disclosed. The bracket has a center member connecting a first end member to a second end member. The center member has a centerline and the end members extend from the centerline of the center member. Mounting members extend along the centerline of the center member to facilitate attachment of the bracket to a cross tube. The displacement sensor connects the first end member to the second end member. The displacement sensor is parallel to, and offset from, the centerline of the center member so that when a bending moment is applied to the center member the first displacement sensor is either elongated or shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: James Grant Mast, Charles Eric Covington, Paul Eugene Darden, William L. McKeown
  • Torque coupling for rotary-wing aircraft
    Patent number: 8226355
    Abstract: A torque coupling (13) for a rotor head (11) of a rotary-wing aircraft has upper and lower plates (29, 31) configured for rotation with a rotor mast (19). Drive links (33) pivotally connected to the upper and lower plates (29, 31) pivot about a pivot axis generally parallel to and radially offset from an axis of rotation of the plates. Each link (33) is engaged with adjacent drive links (33) to form a continuous ring of links, such that motion of one link (33) about its pivot axis causes motion in an opposite direction of each adjacent link (33) about its pivot axis. Drive elements (25) connect the drive links (33) to an assembly configured to receive rotor blades. The drive elements (25) may be components of a universal joint, a multiple trailing-link configuration, a pad-bearing configuration, or another type of articulating assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Frank B. Stamps, Richard Rauber
  • Controlling groomer assembly depth penetration
    Patent number: 8225587
    Abstract: A turf cutting unit includes a reel assembly mounted to a frame and having a plurality of reel blades rotatable about a reel axis extending substantially parallel to the ground. A drivingly rotatable groomer includes a plurality of spaced apart and substantially vertically oriented cutting plates. An adjustment mechanism is operable to move the reel assembly relative to the turf to set a turf cutting height. The adjustment mechanism is operable to adjust the position of the cutting plates to set a depth of cut that the groomer cutting plates engage the turf. The adjustment mechanism limits a maximum depth of cut of the groomer cutting plates based on the cutting height of the reel assembly. A method of operating a turf cutting unit is also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Wilson, Jonathan Maturan
  • Multiple Drive-Path Transmission with Torque-Splitting Differential Mechanism
    Publication number: 20120180597
    Abstract: A transmission for a rotary-wing aircraft has a differential torque-splitting mechanism associated with an input shaft. The differential has a drive disk coaxial with the shaft and integral in rotation with the shaft, a first driven member coaxial with the shaft and generally adjacent the drive disk, and a second driven member coaxial with the shaft and generally adjacent the drive disk. At least one pin engages each of the drive disk, the first driven member, and the second driven member. The first driven member is configured to drive a first transfer gear, and the second driven member is configured to drive a second transfer gear for supplying torque to a bull gear associated with a rotor mast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Frank B. Stamps, Dudley Smith, Charles J. Kilmain, Ryan Ehinger, Bob Collins
  • Single-piece propeller and method of making
    Patent number: 8221084
    Abstract: A method for making a propeller product is disclosed. The propeller is formed using polyurethane cores adhered to a laminate hub to form a core assembly. An encapsulating structural laminate skin is then formed on the core assembly using a resin-transfer-molding process to create a single-piece composite propeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Danny Ball, Kevin Pfeiffer
  • Method and apparatus for Z-direction reinforcement of composite laminates
    Patent number: 8214981
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for Z-direction reinforcement of composite laminates is disclosed. Discrete fibers are pulled through a fiber composite preform in the Z-direction by barbed needles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Donn J. Hethcock, Scott J. Drennan, Ken D. Cominsky
  • Operator selectable electric vehicle performance switch
    Patent number: 8219270
    Abstract: An operator selectable performance control system for an electric vehicle, is provided. In various embodiments, the system includes a motor structured and operable to provide motive power and regenerative braking forces to the vehicle and a mechanical brake assembly structured and operable to exert mechanical braking forces to the vehicle. The system additionally includes a controller operable to control the application of motive power and regenerative braking forces of the motor. The system further includes an operator selectable switch structured and operable to changeably select one of a plurality of vehicle performance routines executable by the controller for affecting maximum vehicle speed and an amount of regenerative braking implemented during vehicle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Lenart, Anthony Williams
  • Variable stiffness support
    Patent number: 8215606
    Abstract: A variable stiffness support has a support housing that is configured to adjust the orientation of an internal elastomer assembly. The support housing includes an adjustment mechanism, and the elastomer assembly includes an outer ring that encircles an elastomeric material, a central bushing embedded in the elastomeric material, and a plurality of shims embedded in the elastomeric material in a parallel planar fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Haynes, David L. Williams, Michael R. Smith, Robert J. Pascal
  • Removable Horizontal Stabilizer for Helicopter
    Publication number: 20120168559
    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 air-foils extend outboard from the tailboom to provide aerodynamic pitch stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: William D. Dennison, Carl A. May
  • Techniques for direct encasement of circuit board structures
    Patent number: 8209859
    Abstract: A technique for processing an electronic apparatus (e.g., manufacturing an assembled circuit board, treating an assembled circuit board, etc.) involves applying encasement material to an area of the circuit board assembly while leaving at least a portion of the circuit board assembly exposed. The technique further involves causing the applied encasement material to harden (e.g., heating the encasement material in a curing oven, applying radiation, providing a chemical catalyst, etc.). Application and hardening of the encasement material may take place shortly after circuit board assembly (e.g., by automated equipment at a manufacturing facility in order to treat newly assembled boards) or at some later time in the field (e.g., by a technician servicing a legacy board).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Textron Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Louis H. Feinstein
  • Textile-based electrode
    Patent number: 8214008
    Abstract: Textile-based electrodes include a fabric portion having stretch-recovery non-conductive yarns and an electrically conductive region having stretch-recovery 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. In addition, two garments with textile based electrodes are disclosed. First, a wrist band for use with a cardiac patient remote monitoring system includes two fabric layers with integral textile-based electrodes. The skin contacting surface of the band includes a conductive region formed as a continuous ring or stripe. A connector links the conductive region to a lead to a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Textronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Qaizar N. Hassonjee, Juan Cera, Robert-Michael Bartecki, Thomas A. Micka, Claudia Schultze, Stacey B. Burr, Eleni Karayianni
  • Universal jig tool
    Patent number: 8205865
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a rectangular jig tool that has a substantially rectangular body with a square cross-sectional shape, and this able to be held in a vice. The device has a number of features which enable the drilling of aircraft parts. First, the longitudinal slot is used to receive one portion of a part, and allow another portion to extend over a recess in the tool. When the drill passes through the part, it does not damage the tool because the recess accommodates. An optional clip-on feature is also provided which holds the parts in the longitudinal channel so that they are secured during drilling. Other parts are inserted such that they extend out away from a longitudinal slot in the tool for uninterfered drilling. Another features includes a longitudinal corridor/slit arrangement that allows a number of parts to be securely held and stick out from the device for drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Haytham Awadi
  • Pendant switch
    Patent number: D662477
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: John Todd Hagan, Derrick Lavell James, Ronald G. Axon
  • Plastic canister
    Patent number: D664435
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Tom Schneider
  • Plastic canister
    Patent number: D664436
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Tom Schneider, Klaus Dorries