Patents Assigned to Textronics, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20250222336
    Abstract: A system includes a first sensor configured facilitate detecting a location of a golf cart, a second sensor configured to facilitate detecting tee shots taken at a tee box of a golf course, and a control system. The control system is configured to detect that the location of the golf cart is proximate a tee box area for the tee box, detect one or more tee shots at the tee box, record one or more tee shot timestamps associated with the one or more tee shots, detect when the golf cart leaves the tee box area, identify a respective tee shot timestamp of the one or more tee shot timestamps associated with a respective tee shot of the one or more tee shots immediately preceding the golf cart leaving the tee box area, and set the respective tee shot timestamp as a start of play for the golf cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2024
    Publication date: July 10, 2025
    Applicant: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Alexander Boehm
  • Publication number: 20250196995
    Abstract: A rotor-blade weight-carrier system includes a weight carrier positioned within a rotor blade and a plurality of weights positioned within the weight carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2023
    Publication date: June 19, 2025
    Applicant: Bell Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan HUBER, Brian Erik BARNES, Gary MILLER
  • Publication number: 20250160245
    Abstract: One embodiment is a control system for a vehicle cutting system, the vehicle cutting system comprising a cutting unit connected to a lift arm of a lift system via a yoke, the lift system comprising a lift actuator for lifting and lowering the lift arm, the cutting unit and the yoke. The control system comprising a sensor for sensing a displacement of the yoke from a nominal position relative to a central support of the yoke and for generating a displacement signal indicative of the sensed displacement; and a controller for processing the displacement signal and adjusting a position of the lift actuator based on the processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2023
    Publication date: May 22, 2025
    Applicant: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle Douglas Olason
  • Publication number: 20250153856
    Abstract: A rotorcraft propulsion system includes a mast coupled to a rotor assembly, a gear coupled to the mast, the gear during use producing an axial reaction force, a flexure shaft extending from the gear, where the flexure shaft does not rotate with the gear and the flexure shaft flexes in response to radial loads from the gear, and a load cell on the flexure shaft to measure the axial reaction force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2023
    Publication date: May 15, 2025
    Applicant: Bell Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Austin Thomas MCINTIRE, Brian Joseph Roppolo, Eric Stephen Olson
  • Publication number: 20250153860
    Abstract: An aircraft-transport skid system includes a first outer frame rail, a second outer frame rail, a first lower inner frame rail, a second lower inner frame rail, and a plurality of lateral support rails connecting the first outer frame rail, the second outer frame rail, the first lower inner frame rail, and the second lower inner frame rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2023
    Publication date: May 15, 2025
    Applicant: Bell Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Alvin JONES, Vitthal Vishnuthreeth ARAKERI
  • Publication number: 20250113768
    Abstract: One embodiment is a control system for a vehicle comprising a plurality of wheels, the control system comprising a master control unit (MCU); a plurality of traction systems corresponding to the wheels; and a plurality of rolling radius offset values stored in a memory device of the MCU and each corresponding to one of the wheels. The MCU determines for each wheel a command speed based on the rolling radius offset value for the wheel in combination with a tire diameter of the wheel, a steered angle of the vehicle, a traction pedal command, and vehicle geometry information, and provides the determined command speed for the wheel to the corresponding traction system, which controls a speed of the wheel based on the determined command speed received from the MCU.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2023
    Publication date: April 10, 2025
    Applicants: Textron Inc., Marlin Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Christopher Dickson, Brian Richard Bertolasi
  • Patent number: 12270467
    Abstract: An off-highway recreational vehicle includes side-by-side passenger and driver seats held within a chassis. The seats sit low in the chassis and are covered by a roll-over protection system (ROPS). The vehicle is powered by an engine rearward of the seats that utilizes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to provide power to the ground engaging members, wherein the CVT is cooled via air captured by a CVT intake body located adjacent the driver-side seat, between the frame and external panels of the utility vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Hunter Davis, Nathan Lundstrom, Logan Bastian, Stephen Deck, Judson Houston, Russell Conine, Deanna Mock, John Stocks, David Horne, Matthew Fields
  • Publication number: 20250076062
    Abstract: A method includes receiving operational data from a plurality of vehicles comprising a fleet of vehicles operating in an area of interest, the operational data indicating a motion and a corresponding location of the vehicle; processing the received operational data to identify events of interest, wherein each of the identified events of interest has an event type and has associated therewith a geographic area in which the event of interest occurred; and identifying clusters of the events of interest, wherein each of the clusters comprises multiple occurrences of ones of the events of interest having the same type and having associated therewith the same geographic area. A responsive action to mitigate operating conditions associated with the event type of the events of interest of the at least one of the identified clusters may subsequently be taken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2023
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Applicant: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Russell William King, Jonathan Daniel Bowen, Gregory August Theodosakis
  • Patent number: 12240189
    Abstract: A method for forming composite components includes disposing composite laminate over a mandrel. The method further includes infusing the composite laminate with a resin. A gelation of the infused resin is caused by applying a first environmental condition to the composite laminate and mandrel. At least a portion of the mandrel is deformed by applying a second environmental condition to the composite laminate and mandrel. The method further includes forming a composite structure by curing the composite laminate infused with resin. The deformed mandrel is removed from the composite structure after forming the composite structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Dean Dearman, Jared Mark Paulson, Paul K. Oldroyd, Paul Sherrill
  • Patent number: 12208644
    Abstract: A half-shaft assembly includes a first constant velocity (CV) joint, a second CV joint and an axial movement joint connected between the first CV joint and the second CV joint. The axial movement joint includes a first shaft coupled to the first CV joint and a second shaft coupled to the second CV joint, wherein mechanical input received on the first shaft is communicated to the second shaft, and wherein the second shaft slides axially within the first shaft. The axial movement joint further includes an axial boot cover coupled on a first end to the first shaft and on a second end to the second shaft that accommodates axial movement of the first shaft relative to the second shaft. The first constant velocity (CV) joint is coupled to provide torsional input received at an input to the first shaft, the first CV joint having a first CV boot cover. The second CV joint coupled to provide torsional output received from the second shaft to an output, the second CV joint having a second CV boot cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Hunter Scott Davis
  • Publication number: 20250000017
    Abstract: One embodiment is a cutting assembly for a mower, the cutting assembly comprising a cutting unit comprising a plurality of blades; a lift arm including a float plate, wherein the cutting unit is connected to the lift arm via a yoke and wherein a slot is provided in the float plate; a lift actuator comprising a lift pin disposed in the slot; and a control system for selectively controlling a position of the lift actuator; wherein the position of the lift actuator comprises one of a first operating position, in which the lift pin is positioned proximate a center of the slot and a second operating position, in which the lift pin is positioned between the center of the slot and an end of the slot proximate a body of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Applicant: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: William Christopher Dickson
  • Publication number: 20250002142
    Abstract: An aircraft landing gear shimmy damping device for aircraft landing gear with castering may include a centering cam engaged in a curvic slot in an internal diameter of an aircraft landing gear wheel spindle when the landing gear wheel is aligned with forward ground travel of the aircraft, engaging a landing gear wheel shimmy dampener. The centering cam may be pushed out of the curvic slot when the aircraft begins to turn, disengaging the landing gear wheel shimmy dampener, and may slide back into the curvic slot and (re)engage the shimmy dampener, when the landing gear wheel is realigned with forward ground travel of the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Applicant: Bell Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Loring Isaac
  • Patent number: 12129049
    Abstract: An electric pushback vehicle includes a frame having a forward portion and a rear portion. The vehicle further includes front drive axle and a rear drive axle configured to communicate power to ground engaging members. A traction battery is housed within the electric pushback vehicle and provides electric power to an electric motor to drive an output shaft. A transmission is connected to receive mechanical power from the electric motor through a torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor Douglas Roebuck, Brian Wallace Yoder, Patrick Dwaine Warden, Chase Cherek Schofield, Robert Charles Bradley, Anthony Christopher Morris, Joshua David Barnes, William Cole Koster, Ian Kendall Balk, James Chandler Liggett
  • Patent number: 12031607
    Abstract: A magnetorheological damper, wherein the damper comprises a housing that is at least partially filed with a magnetorheological fluid, and a magnetorheological valve disposed within the housing. The valve includes a magnetically permeable core having at least one coil reservoir formed therein, and at least one conductor coil, wherein each conductor coil is disposed around a portion of the core within a respective one of the coil reservoir(s). The valve additionally includes a fluid flow path adjacent the conductor coil(s). The fluid flow path is structured and operable to allow the magnetorheological fluid to flow adjacent the conductor coil(s). The valve further includes at least one coil cover, wherein each coil cover is disposed over a respective one of the coil(s) such that the respective coil is protected from exposure to magnetorheological fluid flowing through the fluid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Jared L. Trauernicht, Brian Russell Hopkins, Eric Nels Anderfaas
  • Patent number: 12018745
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission housing comprising an inner cover; and an outer cover connectable to the inner cover to provide the housing having an interior chamber defined therein. The housing outer cover comprises a primary clutch dome integrally formed within the housing outer cover and defining a primary clutch alcove within the interior chamber of the housing and an air duct integrally formed within the housing outer cover and extending from the primary clutch dome at a proximal end. The air duct structured and operable to direct air circulating within the interior chamber from the primary clutch alcove to an area of the interior chamber that is at an opposite end of the interior chamber from the primary clutch alcove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Hunter Scott Davis
  • Patent number: 12017527
    Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle is provided comprising a chassis, four wheels and a passenger compartment that includes a passenger seating structure. The vehicle additionally comprises a drivetrain operatively connected to at least one of the wheels comprising at least one drive shaft and at least one torque transfer device. Furthermore the vehicle includes a prime mover that is mounted to the chassis entirely forward of a front edge of the seating structure and operatively connected to the drivetrain. The prime mover is structured and operable to provide motive force to at least one of the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Dunne, Jr., Jon C. Charland, Jared Trauernicht, Hayden Barr, Eric Anderfaas
  • Patent number: 11975851
    Abstract: A hybrid power system for a vertical takeoff and landing (“VTOL”) aircraft including a first power source operable to provide a power output for at least a forward flight mode; and a second power source configured to provide a high specific power output for an altitude adjustment flight mode, the second power source including an auxiliary gas generator coupled to a turbine and a drive system. In other aspects, there is provided a VTOL aircraft and methods for providing power to a VTOL aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Bell Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Troy C. Schank
  • Publication number: 20240092423
    Abstract: A lightweight vehicle includes a pair of rear wheel assemblies, one or more front wheel assemblies, a universal assembly platform, and forward facing seating. The universal assembly platform includes a planar main vehicle chassis, a front suspension system connected to the planar main vehicle chassis and to which the one or more front wheel assemblies is mounted, and a rear suspension system connected to the planar main vehicle chassis and to which the pair of rear wheel assemblies is mounted. A front distal end of the one or more front wheel assemblies is longitudinally forward of a front end of the planar main vehicle chassis. The forward facing seating is mounted to the planar main vehicle chassis such that a portion of a seat bottom of the forward facing seating is located longitudinally rearward of an axis extending through a center of the pair of rear wheel assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Donny Lee Hammond, JR., Sam Dean Smith, Trevor Douglas Roebuck, Landon Niles Ball
  • Publication number: 20240083502
    Abstract: A lightweight vehicle includes a first wheel assembly including a first wheel rotatable about an axis, a second wheel assembly including a second wheel rotatable about the axis, a platform including a chassis and a rear suspension assembly coupling the first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly to the chassis, a first seat coupled to the chassis, and a second seat coupled to the chassis rearward of the first seat. At least a portion of the chassis has a planar shape. The second seat includes a bottom and a back. The back is positioned rearward of at least a portion of the bottom such that the second seat defines a forward-facing seating. At least a portion of the bottom of the second seat is positioned longitudinally rearward of a plane extending vertically upward from the axis about which the first wheel and the second wheel are rotatable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Donny Lee Hammond, Jr., Sam Dean Smith, Trevor Douglas Roebuck, Landon Niles Ball
  • Patent number: D1051024
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Andrew Duvall