Patents Assigned to Textron
  • Publication number: 20080237391
    Abstract: A projectile has the ability to generate and provide power to components located in two sections of the projectile which have relative rotation to each other. The projectile has a pair of generators allowing the powering of components in two sections. The projectile has a force-producing device for altering the direction of the projectile as the projectile moves along the longitudinal axis of the projectile and the relative rotational position of the force-producing device on the projectile is controlled by a generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: HR Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: M. Robert Mock, John Marshall, Grant Sweer
  • Publication number: 20080238130
    Abstract: A window assembly cooperating with a window frame on a golf car includes a first window pane coupled to the window frame. The first window pane defines a lower portion arranged adjacent to a body of the golf car. A message holder is disposed on the lower portion of the first window pane. The message holder according to one embodiment is integrally formed with the first window pane and is adapted to removably accept a message therein. The message holder according to another embodiment is fixedly coupled to the first window pane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Simmons, Charles Greif
  • Publication number: 20080243313
    Abstract: A governor configured to regulate the rotational velocity of one or more rotors of an aircraft by adjusting a collective blade pitch of the one or more rotors. In one embodiment, the governor comprises a control monitor, a maximum pitch module, a rotor module, and a pitch adjustment module. The control monitor is configured to monitor one or more flight control inputs that are controllable by an operator of the aircraft. The maximum pitch module is configured to dynamically determine a maximum collective blade pitch based on the one or more flight control inputs monitored by the control monitor. The rotor module is configured to monitor information related to the rotational velocity of the one or more rotors. The pitch adjustment module is configured to (i) receive information related to the rotational velocity of the one or more rotors from the rotor module and (ii) adjust the collective blade pitch of the one or more rotors to regulate the rotational velocity of the one or more rotors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Mathew Schaeffer
  • Publication number: 20080225536
    Abstract: A rotorcraft, such a helicopter or a tiltrotor aircraft, includes a light emitting device configured to provide light at a tip of a rotor blade. The light emitting device includes a light emitting diode arranged on the rotor blade, and a power source, wherein the power source is configured to power the light emitting diode due to a movement of the rotor blade. The power source may include a piezo-electric material configured to create a voltage due to movements of the rotor blade or an electrical generator including a stationary magnet assembly and a moveable coil assembly arranged on a shaft that rotates the rotor blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Landry
  • Publication number: 20080217188
    Abstract: The invention concerns a hollow body of plastic material, in particular a fuel tank, which was obtained by extrusion blow molding, having at least one line which is stationarily laid in its interior, wherein the hollow body is distinguished in that the line is at least region-wise joined in material bonded relationship to the inside wall of the hollow body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: KAUTEX TEXTRON GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Borchert, Gerd Wolter, Harald Lorenz, Dirk Eulitz, Timo Kramer
  • Publication number: 20080210501
    Abstract: A front electric brake assembly for assisting vehicle braking is provided. The front electric brake assembly includes a spindle that includes at least one mounting flange. A shaft extends substantially perpendicular from the spindle. An electric brake mounts to the at least one mounting flange of the spindle. A hub assembly rotates about the shaft and interconnects with the electric brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: Warren Clark
  • Publication number: 20080209880
    Abstract: A riding mower assembly may include a mower frame, first and second wheels, and a steering assembly. The steering assembly may include a steering frame member fixed to the mower frame, a first steering arm rotatably coupled to a first end of the steering frame member and having the first wheel coupled thereto, a second steering arm rotatably coupled to a second end of the steering frame member and having the second wheel coupled thereto, an actuation mechanism, and a cross-member. The actuation mechanism may include a first end coupled to the steering frame member and a second end coupled to the first steering arm. The actuation mechanism may include a motor having an actuation arm extending therefrom that rotates the first steering arm. The cross-member may have a first end coupled to the first steering arm and a second end coupled to the second steering arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Quinn Derby, Martin M. Carlson, Christian Stanton Carver Bryant, Kenneth R. Wilson, Scott Chartrand
  • Publication number: 20080209882
    Abstract: A lawn mower, in particular a reel lawn mower, can include an articulating swing-out arm for supporting a reel assembly. The swing-out arm can include main and secondary members. The main member and the mower can be coupled to a first joint assembly which can define a first axis therethrough and can be operable to provide for rotation of the main member relative to the mower about the first axis. The main and secondary members can be coupled to a second joint assembly which can define a second axis therethrough and can be operable to provide for rotation of the secondary member relative to the main member about the second axis. The secondary member can also be coupled to the reel assembly. The swing-out arm can be operable to locate the reel assembly in a mowing position underneath the mower and a servicing position outside of the mower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: Ryan Lee Hensley
  • Publication number: 20080211217
    Abstract: An adjustable steering system for a golf car includes a steering column assembly and a shaft having a cylindrically shaped body and a non-circular engagement end axially extending from the body. A first U-joint includes a first yoke connected to the shaft and a second yoke connected to the steering column assembly. A second U-joint includes a first yoke member having a pair of deflectable members and an oppositely positioned pair of forks. The deflectable members receive and frictionally engage the engagement end of the shaft. A second yoke member includes a pair of forks to engage the pair of forks of the first yoke member. The engagement end of the shaft is releasably engaged by the deflectable members permitting an engagement length of the engagement end positioned between the deflectable members to be axially varied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: Anthony J. Sanville
  • Publication number: 20080211438
    Abstract: A method for protecting against overcharging a battery of a light-weight utility vehicle during regenerative braking includes controlling a regenerative braking process such that a predetermined activation amount of braking torque is produced by a motor of the vehicle when braking torque within a full braking range is initially requested. The predetermined activation amount of braking torque is less than the full braking range. The method additionally includes reading a voltage across a battery of the vehicle induced by a current generated by the motor as the activation amount of braking torque is produced. The method further includes increasing the amount of braking torque produced by the motor, if the voltage across the battery is less than a specified battery voltage threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Oliver A. Bell, Warren Clark
  • Patent number: 7418846
    Abstract: A lock box with a locking mechanism using a puck lock is provided that also has a handle for moving a locking bar from a locking to an unlocking position. Furthermore, the puck lock is permanently attached to the exterior of the lock box eliminating the possibility of losing the puck lock. The construction of the puck lock makes tampering with the locking system of the lock box impractical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Greenlee Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Derrick L. James, John W. Kroening
  • Patent number: 7416238
    Abstract: A convertible cargo bed assembly for a utility vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a single piece molded main body having a pair of integrally formed hip restraints that each include a passenger hand hold integrally formed within the respective hip restraint. The assembly additionally includes a molded pivoting panel that has a cargo deck side and a seat side. The cargo deck side functions as a portion of a cargo deck when the pivoting panel is in a deployed position. The seat side has at least one full-sized seat cushion coupled thereto. That is the full-sized seat cushion is approximately the same size as the forward facing driver's and passenger's seats. Therefore, when the pivoting panel is transitioned from the deployed position to a stowed position, wherein the convertible cargo bed provides a full-sized rear facing seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Steven W. Houston
  • Patent number: 7415931
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for the controllable deployment of a samara wing from a spinning housing by use of an active deployment system. The active deployment system operates to deploy the samara wing as a function of time, for example a step function, or a monotonic function. The samara wing may be attached to a base, which may include a releasable portion. The active deployment system may include an electronic control unit and release means. Suitable release means include, but are not limited to pin actuators, explosively actuated cutters, and the like. Suitable electronic control units include programmable electronic sequencers and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Textron Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. McConville, James A. Hollowell, Ralph L. Nardone, Norman C. Lariviere, Dean E. Rich, Robert Kingsley
  • Publication number: 20080196371
    Abstract: Real-mower accessories according to the present teachings are electrically driven. The electrically powered accessories use electric motors that can be operated independently of the transport wheels of the mower. Electrically powered accessories can use the on-board power source of the mower to which it is attached along with the control assembly thereon. The electrically powered accessories enable rotational rates and direction of rotation of the components of the electrically powered accessories to be easily adjusted and changed independently of other components of the mower. The electrically powered accessories can provide a more efficiently powered accessory. The electrically powered accessories can allow a user to independently verify the speed and direction of the electrically powered accessory relative to the other electrically powered accessories or other electrically driven components of the mower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Christian Stanton Carver Bryant, Kenneth R. Wilson, Martin M. Carlson, Carlos A. Bellot, Harry L. Derby
  • Publication number: 20080196372
    Abstract: A turf cutting unit includes a reel assembly having a plurality of blades rotatable relative to the ground. A groomer includes a plurality of spaced apart and vertically oriented cutting plates fixed to a driven shaft. The groomer is moveable between a first position where the cutting plates engage the turf and a second position where the cutting plates are spaced apart from the turf. A method of operating a turf cutting unit is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Wilson, Jonathan Maturan
  • Publication number: 20080196373
    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: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Wilson, Jonathan Maturan
  • Patent number: 7413802
    Abstract: Energy active composite yarns include at least one textile fiber member of either an elastic or inelastic material, and at least one functional substantially planar filament, which surrounds or covers the textile fiber member. The composite yarns can include an optional stress-bearing member, which also surrounds or covers the textile fiber member. The composite yarns may be multifunctional, meaning the functional substantially planar filament can exhibit combinations of electrical, optical, magnetic, mechanical, chemical, semiconductive, and/or thermal energy properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Textronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Eleni Karayianni, George W. Coulston, Thomas A. Micka
  • Patent number: 7414544
    Abstract: A power situation indicator configured to provide power information in a rotorcraft is presented. The power situation indicator includes a detection unit configured to detect a current value of each of a plurality of control parameters, each of the plurality of control parameters including a pre-determined operating limit; a calculation unit configured to normalize on a common power scale (a) the current value and (b) the pre-determined operating limit of each of the plurality of control parameters, and a display unit configured to dynamically display on the common power scale a first moveable indicator and a second moveable indicator. The first moveable indicator is driven by one of the plurality of control parameters having the highest normalized current value and the second moveable indicator is driven by one of the plurality of control parameters having its normalized current value that is the closest to its corresponding normalized pre-determined operating limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Oltheten, Jeffery Erwin
  • Patent number: 7414412
    Abstract: An operator presence control assembly for a walk-behind greens mower includes a handle supported on a frame of the walk-behind greens mower, a ribbon switch on the outer perimeter of the handle, and a circuit including the ribbon switch. The circuit is completed by applying a threshold pressure to the ribbon switch, and a device selectively energizeable via the circuit in accordance with the threshold pressure applied to the ribbon switch. As the user of the greens mower grips the handle, the ribbon switch completes a circuit to energize a switch to engage an electromagnetic clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Berkeley
  • Publication number: 20080191887
    Abstract: A detection system operating on a scalable Radiation Sensor Unit (RSU) data stream employs a detection module triggering an alarm based on fee dynamic temporal features of gross count. Two spectroscopic buffers, one holding a long-term background and one holding the integrated detection event data are passed on for identification. The detector data incorporates sets of counts measured at channelized gamma energies. Each multi-channel data set is reduced to highly accurate peak locations. The absolute energy of the peaks is determined using innovative techniques and the background peaks and other secondary peaks are eliminated to provide a concise list of corrected source peak locations and intensities. This, together with spectral region analysis results is used with pattern recognition algorithms to identify fee source isotope or combination of isotopes from a standard library.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: TEXTRON SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Mullikin, Thomas E. Saunders