Patents by Inventor Albert G. Brand
Albert G. Brand 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).
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Publication number: 20180273167Abstract: In one embodiment, a rotorcraft comprises a fuselage, a tail boom, a rotor system, and a centrifugal blower system. The centrifugal blower system comprises a centrifugal blower configured to generate thrust using an airflow, wherein the centrifugal blower is located within the tail boom. The centrifugal blower system also comprises a plurality of ducts configured to control the thrust generated by the centrifugal blower, wherein the plurality of ducts is located on a portion of the tail boom surrounding the centrifugal blower, and wherein the plurality of ducts comprises one or more adjustable ducts configured to vary a size of an associated duct opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2017Publication date: September 27, 2018Inventors: Matthew R. Carr, Matthew E. Louis, Kirk L. Groninga, Daniel B. Robertson, Frank B. Stamps, Albert G. Brand, Eric A. Sinusas
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Publication number: 20170313434Abstract: A rotorcraft includes a fuselage having a fuel tank receiving assembly with a fuel tank positioned therein. The fuel tank including a plurality of interconnected fuel bags operable to contain liquid fuel. A network of straps is disposed about the fuel tank forming a restraint assembly. The network of straps includes at least one perimeter strap extending at least partially about at least two fuel bags and at least one surrounding strap extending at least partially about the at least two fuel bags. The at least one perimeter strap has at least two intersections with the at least one surrounding strap.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2016Publication date: November 2, 2017Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventors: Martin Peryea, Michael Reaugh Smith, Douglas Hamelwright, JR., Albert G. Brand, Nicholas J. Plagianos, Joshua Emrich, Timothy Carr
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Patent number: 9656745Abstract: According to one embodiment, a trim actuator for a pilot input device includes a driven member and a driving member configured to receive mechanical energy from a power source. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid is disposed between the driving member and the driven member and configured to transmit a variable amount of mechanical energy from the driving member to the driven member such that the driven member moves in a first direction. An output member configured to be coupled between the driven member and the pilot input device. A spring is in mechanical communication with the output member and configured to apply a force in a second direction opposite of the first direction. A magnetic circuit is configured to control movement of the pilot input device by varying the strength of a magnetic field delivered towards the first MR fluid.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2015Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey C Latham, Albert G Brand, Jean-Sébastien Plante, Guifré Julio, Marc Denninger
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Patent number: 9517842Abstract: Some examples of an aircraft engine barrier filtration system include an engine barrier filter layer positioned near an aircraft engine intake. The filter layer filters aircraft engine intake air. The system includes a check valve assembly positioned adjacent to the engine barrier filter layer. The check valve assembly permits the engine intake air to flow into the engine through the filter layer during a first aircraft operation mode and to prevent air flow away from the engine through the filter layer during a second aircraft operation mode that is different from the first aircraft operation mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.Inventor: Albert G. Brand
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Publication number: 20160221674Abstract: According to one embodiment, a trim actuator for a pilot input device includes a driven member and a driving member configured to receive mechanical energy from a power source. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid is disposed between the driving member and the driven member and configured to transmit a variable amount of mechanical energy from the driving member to the driven member such that the driven member moves in a first direction. An output member configured to be coupled between the driven member and the pilot input device. A spring is in mechanical communication with the output member and configured to apply a force in a second direction opposite of the first direction. A magnetic circuit is configured to control movement of the pilot input device by varying the strength of a magnetic field delivered towards the first MR fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2015Publication date: August 4, 2016Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey C. Latham, Albert G. Brand, Jean-Sébastian Plante, Guifré Julio, Marc Denninger
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Patent number: 9248759Abstract: A movable seat assembly for a vehicle comprises a predetermined path having an operational location at a first end and an ingress/egress location at a second end, and a seat that travels along the predetermined path between the operational location and the ingress/egress location, wherein the seat has an operational orientation at the operational location and an ingress/egress seat orientation at the ingress/egress location; the ingress/egress seat orientation being substantially angled relative to the operational seat orientation. Another moveable seat assembly for a vehicle comprises a predetermined path having an operational location at a first end, an ingress/egress location at a second end, and a standby location along the path there between; and a seat that travels along the predetermined path between the operational location, the standby location, and the ingress/egress location; wherein the position of the seat is adjustable at the operational location.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventors: Albert G. Brand, John R. Wittmaak, James M. McCollough, James H. Harse, Richard H. Adams, Jr.
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Publication number: 20150344141Abstract: Some examples of an aircraft engine barrier filtration system include an engine barrier filter layer positioned near an aircraft engine intake. The filter layer filters aircraft engine intake air. The system includes a check valve assembly positioned adjacent to the engine barrier filter layer. The check valve assembly permits the engine intake air to flow into the engine through the filter layer during a first aircraft operation mode and to prevent air flow away from the engine through the filter layer during a second aircraft operation mode that is different from the first aircraft operation mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2014Publication date: December 3, 2015Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventor: Albert G. Brand
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Publication number: 20150015039Abstract: A movable seat assembly for a vehicle comprises a predetermined path having an operational location at a first end and an ingress/egress location at a second end, and a seat that travels along the predetermined path between the operational location and the ingress/egress location, wherein the seat has an operational orientation at the operational location and an ingress/egress seat orientation at the ingress/egress location; the ingress/egress seat orientation being substantially angled relative to the operational seat orientation. Another moveable seat assembly for a vehicle comprises a predetermined path having an operational location at a first end, an ingress/egress location at a second end, and a standby location along the path there between; and a seat that travels along the predetermined path between the operational location, the standby location, and the ingress/egress location; wherein the position of the seat is adjustable at the operational location.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Albert G. Brand, John R. Wittmaak, James M. McCollough, James H. Harse, Richard H. Adams, JR.
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Patent number: 8857763Abstract: A movable seat assembly for a vehicle comprises a predetermined path having an operational location at a first end and an ingress/egress location at a second end, and a seat that travels along the predetermined path between the operational location and the ingress/egress location, wherein the seat has an operational orientation at the operational location and an ingress/egress seat orientation at the ingress/egress location; the ingress/egress seat orientation being substantially angled relative to the operational seat orientation. Another moveable seat assembly for a vehicle comprises a predetermined path having an operational location at a first end, an ingress/egress location at a second end, and a standby location along the path there between; and a seat that travels along the predetermined path between the operational location, the standby location, and the ingress/egress location; wherein the position of the seat is adjustable at the operational location.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2012Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventors: Albert G. Brand, John R. Wittmaak, James M. McCollough, James H. Harse, Richard H. Adams, Jr.
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Patent number: 8840058Abstract: A system and method to control fuselage torque of an aircraft. The system includes a tail boom having a first surface that creates a high-pressure region in a downward rotorwash and a second surface that creates a low-pressure region in the downward rotorwash. The difference in pressure regions creates a lateral force that opposes the fuselage torque.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2012Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventors: Albert G. Brand, Jimmy Narramore, James H. Harse, Brendan P. Lanigan
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Patent number: 8814078Abstract: A tail boom adapted for counteracting a fuselage torque created by an engine carried by a fuselage of a rotary aircraft. The tail boom is positioned within the rotorwash from the rotary and includes a first side surface contoured to create a low-pressure region of an airfoil and a second opposing side surface contoured to create a high-pressure region of an airfoil. The pressure difference between the high-pressure region and the low-pressure region causes the tail boom to move towards the low-pressure region, resulting in a lateral force opposing the torque on the fuselage.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2010Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventors: Albert G. Brand, Jimmy Narramore, James H. Harse, Brendan P. Lanigan
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Publication number: 20130193732Abstract: A movable seat assembly for a vehicle comprises a predetermined path having an operational location at a first end and an ingress/egress location at a second end, and a seat that travels along the predetermined path between the operational location and the ingress/egress location, wherein the seat has an operational orientation at the operational location and an ingress/egress seat orientation at the ingress/egress location; the ingress/egress seat orientation being substantially angled relative to the operational seat orientation. Another moveable seat assembly for a vehicle comprises a predetermined path having an operational location at a first end, an ingress/egress location at a second end, and a standby location along the path there between; and a seat that travels along the predetermined path between the operational location, the standby location, and the ingress/egress location; wherein the position of the seat is adjustable at the operational location.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventors: Albert G. Brand, John R. Wittmaak, James M. McCollough, James H. Harse, Richard H. Adams, JR.
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Publication number: 20130087653Abstract: A tail boom adapted for counteracting a fuselage torque created by an engine carried by a fuselage of a rotary aircraft. The tail boom is positioned within the rotorwash from the rotary and includes a first side surface contoured to create a low-pressure region of an airfoil and a second opposing side surface contoured to create a high-pressure region of an airfoil. The pressure difference between the high-pressure region and the low-pressure region causes the tail boom to move towards the low-pressure region, resulting in a lateral force opposing the torque on the fuselage.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2010Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.Inventors: Albert G. Brand, Jimmy Narramore, James H. Harse, Brendan P. Lanigan
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Publication number: 20120280079Abstract: A system and method to control fuselage torque of an aircraft. The system includes a tail boom having a first surface that creates a high-pressure region in a downward rotorwash and a second surface that creates a low-pressure region in the downward rotorwash. The difference in pressure regions creates a lateral force that opposes the fuselage torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.Inventors: Albert G. Brand, Jimmy Narramore, James H. Harse, Brendan P. Lanigan
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Patent number: 5435489Abstract: Nozzles for discharging high velocity air are positioned on either side of an aircraft engine exhaust duct exit. High velocity air is discharged tangential to an outer surface of each nozzle and follows the contour thereof. The nozzles are positioned so that when the high velocity air separates from the outer surface of the respective nozzles, it flows outwardly relative to the aircraft's fuselage structure. The high velocity air from the nozzle closest to the aircraft's fuselage structure impinges on the exhaust gas stream, deflecting the stream away from the fuselage. The high velocity air from the nozzle furthest from the fuselage creates a low pressure area which deflects the exhaust gas stream away from the fuselage. In combination, the two nozzles deflect the exhaust gas stream away from the fuselage to a significant degree.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1994Date of Patent: July 25, 1995Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventors: Julian L. Jenkins, Tommie L. Wood, Albert G. Brand
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Patent number: D677947Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventors: Albert G. Brand, John R. Wiitmaak, James M. McCollough, James H. Harse, Richard H. Adams, Jr.