Patents Assigned to Textron
  • Motor vehicle door assembly with canopy assembly
    Patent number: 6811207
    Abstract: A motor vehicle (2) including a door assembly (4) configured to provide support for a canopy assembly (12) attached to the door assembly. The canopy assembly includes a canopy (18) and at least one canopy support member (20 and 22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Textron Automotive Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Dalpizzol, Keith Riha
  • Drive-by-wire lawn mower
    Patent number: 6808032
    Abstract: The mower has at least two independently driven wheels that are each capable of bi-directional rotation. The at least two wheels are independently driven so that operation of the at least two wheels causes the at least two wheels to independently rotate which propels and steers the mower. A microprocessor controls the operation of the at least two wheels in accordance with signals received by the microprocessor. The mower has at least one controller. The at least one controller sends signals to the microprocessor that the microprocessor uses to control the operation of the at least two wheels. The operation of the at least one controller causes the at least two wheels to propel and steer the mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Wuertz, Terrance G. Benson
  • Molded electronic assembly
    Publication number: 20040206537
    Abstract: A molded electronic assembly of the present invention includes a wiring harness with connectors connected thereto, and a molded body formed to encapsulate the wiring harness and provide access to the connectors. The molded may comprise a plastic material such as polyurethane or other moldable material. A conductive coating may be placed on the outer surface of the molded body to provide electrical shielding. Additionally, the wiring harness may be shielded with a wrapping of metallic tape or the like. The molded electronic assembly of the present invention may include a grounding fixture or grommet that provides mechanical properties of a structural fixture and allows for ground wires to be terminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Marsh, Joseph R. Frissora
  • Self-punching fastener for pressing into a metal sheet which achieves optimal safety against rotation and pressing out
    Publication number: 20040202524
    Abstract: A self-punching fastener (10), which in a way is safe against rotation and pressing out and which can be pressed into a metal sheet member (40) having an annular body, the side of which facing the metal sheet has radially disposed projections (15, 25), which, during the pressing-in, are pressed into the metal sheet member (40) and thereby secure the fastener (10) against rotation, wherein in the center an interior thread (11) is positioned and, wherein on the side facing the metal sheet member (40) in the set state there is provided an annular depression (12) into which the material displaced during the setting is pressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: TEXTRON Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co. oHG.
    Inventors: Gerold Ross, Detlef Ludwig
  • Flexible threaded fastener
    Publication number: 20040202526
    Abstract: A fastener includes a head, a threaded member, and a resilient shank portion interconnecting the head portion and the threaded portion. The shank portion includes a first end adjacent the head and a second end adjacent the threaded member. The shank includes a tubular section having an inner wall and an outer wall between the first end and the second end. The tubular section has a curved axial profile. The tubular section is axially elastically deformed as the fastener is torqued down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
    Inventor: Troy J. Bunch
  • Brake and accelerator pedals for golf and utility vehicles made of molded plastic
    Patent number: 6802232
    Abstract: A golf car having a frame supported on a plurality of wheels, a pedal system, and a pedal arm assembly operably coupled to the pedal system for actuating either a brake system or drive system of the golf car. The pedal arm assembly includes an arm pivotally coupled at least indirectly to the frame and a pedal member extending therefrom. The pedal arm assembly is injection molded such that the arm and the pedal member are integrally molded as a single member that is generally resistant to corrosion. The pedal arm assembly may also include an internal reinforcement member that is encapsulated within the pedal arm assembly for improved structural rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Buckley, Scott A. Walterman
  • One-piece flag nut
    Patent number: 6796907
    Abstract: A one-piece flag nut having a flag portion protruding perpendicularly to the axis of a nut portion thereof such that during installation, as the flag nut rotates, the flag portion catches on any nearby structure and acts as a wrench during the installation process. The one-piece flag nut is formed by an extrusion process, and preferably formed to have ribs provided on the flag portion thereof which provide strength to the flag nut. The outer edges of the flag portion are preferably rolled to prevent the flag portion from being hung up on the structure during the installation process, thus preventing the flag nut from being properly seated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: James T. McGuire, Kenneth G. Lowry
  • Brake system having boosted hydraulic accumulator
    Patent number: 6796407
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake system includes a hydraulic accumulator that stores much of the energy generated upon brake pedal depression. The stored energy can be used to maintain the brakes in their fully engaged state and to help return an applied brake pedal to its released position, in which case return fluid flow to the master cylinder is damped to avoid undesirable severe kickback of the brake pedal. A booster is provided to automatically boost the energy storage capacity of the accumulator during normal brake and hold cycles in order to provide sufficient energy accumulation to compensate for relatively severe pressure drops occurring, e.g., during prolonged periods of storage at extremely low temperatures. The booster may comprise an indexing arm that is acted upon by the system's brake pedal to selectively move a variable thickness spacer on the indexing arm into and out of engagement with the accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignees: Hayes Brake LLC, Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Buckley, Scott A. Walterman, Brian Bigsby
  • 180-degree adjuster
    Patent number: 6796693
    Abstract: A headlamp adjuster configured for engagement with a reflector of a headlamp assembly. The headlamp adjuster includes a U-shaped structure which is engaged with a screw and which is engageable with the reflector. The screw is prevented from translating substantially upon rotation, but the headlamp adjuster is configured such that rotation of the screw causes the U-shaped structure to translate thereby moving the reflector. The screw includes an externally threaded shaft portion which is threadably engaged with an internally threaded bore of the U-shaped structure. The U-shaped structure may be a single piece which is engaged with the screw and is engageable with the reflector, or may include a U-shaped member which is engaged with the screw and a slide member, where the slide member is engageable with the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: James Patrick Clinch, Karl Schmitt, Usman Yusuf Shami
  • Planing landing craft
    Patent number: 6792886
    Abstract: An improved landing craft includes a hull that supports bow and stern ramps for enabling vehicles to drive through during loading and unloading. The drive-through arrangement also enables the crew to load and unload the craft much faster and more easily than existing vessels. A ballasting arrangement can be used to trim the hull when it is to be beached or to be extracted and/or during loading/unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignees: Biophan Technologies, Inc., Textron Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Maloney, John Richards, Robert A. Stringer, Charles S. Whipple, Jr.
  • Gage thickness measurement by use of inductive sensors
    Patent number: 6793865
    Abstract: A measuring gage for determining the thickness of a non-metallic material utilizes an inductive sensor positioned on one side of the material to be measured and a metallic object placed on the opposite side. The output of the sensor is used to determine the distance between the sensor and the metallic object, and hence the thickness of the material. The movement of the sensor and the metallic object can be computer controlled to map the thickness of the material along a predetermined path and produce a cross-sectional thickness profile. The output of the sensor can be used in conjunction with a computer controller responsible for adjusting the size of a score line to prepare an airbag deployment section in a vehicle trim panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Textron Automotive Company Inc.
    Inventors: Kelvin L. Kapteyn, James Michler
  • Digitally controlled direct drive valve and system and method for manufacturing the same
    Patent number: 6789558
    Abstract: An electrical command signal to a direct drive valve is compensated by a digital signal processor to cause the output hydraulic fluid flow from the valve to conform to a desired predetermined flow. The compensation is accomplished by measuring flow from the valve using a standard direct drive valve code. This flow is compared to a desired flow and the difference is taken on a point to point basis. A compensation is then calculated to change the command signal so as to cause the flow to be according to the desired flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: HR Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Kim L. Coakley, Russell L. Bessinger, Rex J. Blake
  • Method for applying BSR elastomer
    Patent number: 6776944
    Abstract: A method for mounting interior vehicle trim parts in which two trim parts are supported adjacent one another and in which a bead of buffer material is disposed between mating surfaces of the two trim parts. The bead is included to reduce noises such as buzzes, squeaks and rattles produced by contact and relative motion between the first and second trim parts at their mating surfaces. The bead is mechanically locked into a recess in one of the mating surfaces by forming a recess in the mating surface then applying buffer material in the recess. The buffer material is applied in such a way as to form the bead. The bead is allowed to mechanically connect to the first trim part as a result of the hardening of the buffer material within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Textron Automotive Company Inc.
    Inventors: Josh Kelman, Brian Pour, Ed Shortridge
  • Bulb shield
    Patent number: 6776515
    Abstract: A bulb shield for use in an automotive headlamp assembly, and a method for making same. The bulb shield includes a cup portion and a portion which extends from the cup portion and is configured for mounting to a reflector of the automotive headlamp assembly or to another, proximate structure. When the bulb shield is mounted, the cup portion is generally horizontally aligned with a headlamp bulb in the automotive headlamp assembly, thereby eliminating a “hot spot” which would otherwise be viewable when looking into the headlamp beam. The bulb shield includes a part made of a glass and polymer blend, and at least a portion of the part includes a vacuum aluminized coating. Such a bulb shield is relatively inexpensive and easy to make, yet can withstand the high temperatures which are typically experienced in an automotive headlamp assembly. Additionally, the bulb shield may include a complex cup shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Elco Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Karl R. Schmitt
  • Fuel tank
    Patent number: 6772790
    Abstract: A fuel tank for a motor vehicle has means for delivering fuel from the tank to the engine, means for the introduction of air into and the venting of air from the tank, and a filler pipe which can be closed at its intake end and which at its outlet end into the interior of the tank has at least one valve which can sealingly close at least upon a blowback of fuel thereto. At least one second valve is disposed in the filler pipe in the region of the outlet end thereof. The first valve in the filler pipe can be bridged by way of the second valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Reiner Viebahn, Christoph Adams
  • Hydraulic punch driver
    Patent number: 6772521
    Abstract: A hydraulic punch driver which includes a hydraulic pump section a hydraulic ram section, and a hydraulic hose which connects these two sections together. Because the hydraulic hose is flexible, the operator is able to manipulate the ram section such that it can be positioned at an angle relative to the pump section; a hose guard can be provided on the hose to protect the hose and to prevent overflexing of the hose. Such flexibleness allows the operator to use the punch driver in virtually any position such that the ram can operate as necessary and the operator can operate the pump handle, regardless of the environmental conditions of the place of use. The pump section also includes a coupler which allows a handle thereof to swivel 360 degrees to further allow the operator to grip and actuate the pump handle with maximum comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Greenlee Textron Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Nordlin, Thomas Gene Boese
  • Cable cutter/crimper mechanism
    Patent number: 6766581
    Abstract: A tool for cutting/crimping a workpiece, such as a cable, includes an automatic rapid blade advance such that a blade on a movable jaw of the tool advances toward cutting the cable every time the handles of the tool are closed. The automatic rapid blade advance also advances the blade on the movable jaw toward cutting the cable every time the handles of the tool are opened up until the blade on the movable jaw first encounters a resistive force from the cable. The tool also includes an automatic blade return such that the blade on the movable jaw will automatically return to its original position after the blade has cut through or crimped the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Greenlee Textron Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Nordlin
  • Multi-bladed tail rotor hub design for coriolis relief
    Patent number: 6764280
    Abstract: A multi-bladed tail rotor assembly is disclosed that provides higher aerodynamic performance, damage tolerant design with 10,000-hour life expectancy, and which requires low maintenance through the use of composites and elastomerics. The tail rotor hub assembly includes two stacked yoke assemblies having multi-bladed teetering rotors, each mounted on a single drive mast. Each yoke assembly includes a yoke hub having a transverse bore therethrough, a bearing assembly disposed within the bore, and retention means for aligning and securing the bearing assembly within the bore. Each bearing assembly includes a trunnion portion having trunnion arms that extend outwardly from a trunnion body portion, and an elastomeric bearing disposed about each trunnion arm. The tail rotor assembly utilizes a composite twist strap flexure to accommodate collective pitch control integral with each rotor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Ajay Sehgal, Cecil Covington, David Haynie, Joseph Zierer, Eric Boyle
  • Console heating and cooling apparatus
    Patent number: 6763666
    Abstract: A temperature controlled storage container integrated into the trim member of a vehicle comprising a storage container integrated into said trim member. A thermoelectric heat pump is employed to provide temperature control to the storage container and to selectively heat or cool the container. Optionally, a duct is added that is in communication with the thermoelectric heat pump wherein the duct is also in communication with air intake resulting from motion of the vehicle and wherein the duct is also capable of venting outside of said vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Textron Automotive Company Inc.
    Inventor: Ching Fong
  • Hydraulic hose pair grommet
    Patent number: D494450
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Schultz, Joseph B. Diller