Patents by Inventor Alan W. Falls

Alan W. Falls has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11940042
    Abstract: Breathing systems and methods for a gearbox is described. Embodiments preferably create a closed system for air within the gearbox. As an operating gearbox warms the air or fluid within, or an altitude change causes air to expand or contract, increased pressure can result and air can escape through tubing to a cannister. The cannister can receive the expanding air in an impermeable cavity that is proximate to a bladder open or partially open to an exterior environment. Air can press on the bladder, expanding the cavity and shrinking the bladder until a pressure equilibrium is reached. As operation of the gearbox is lowered or powered off, or another altitude change occurs, the air can cool and/or retract into the gearbox. The bladder can then expand and press on the cavity until equalizing the pressure within the cannister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Falls, Charles H. Speller
  • Publication number: 20240035558
    Abstract: Breathing systems and methods for a gearbox is described. Embodiments preferably create a closed system for air within the gearbox. As an operating gearbox warms the air or fluid within, or an altitude change causes air to expand or contract, increased pressure can result and air can escape through tubing to a cannister. The cannister can receive the expanding air in an impermeable cavity that is proximate to a bladder open or partially open to an exterior environment. Air can press on the bladder, expanding the cavity and shrinking the bladder until a pressure equilibrium is reached. As operation of the gearbox is lowered or powered off, or another altitude change occurs, the air can cool and/or retract into the gearbox. The bladder can then expand and press on the cavity until equalizing the pressure within the cannister.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Alan W. Falls, Charles H. Speller