Patents by Inventor Barbara Kern

Barbara Kern 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: 8356771
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling for joining two frame segments within a fuselage cabin structure of an aircraft. The frame segments may comprise a Z-shaped or I-shaped cross-sectional geometry, optionally including a recess. Towards the top and the bottom, respectively, the frame segments are equipped with a header flange and a footer flange. According to the invention, at least one side plate is arranged in the area of one side of the web, and at least one counter plate is fitted in the area of an opposing side of the web. Because of the side plates and counter plates butted and riveted symmetrically on both sides against the webs of the frame segments to be joined, the coupling is moment-free and can be configured in a weight-optimized way. For further increase of rigidity, the header flanges may additionally be riveted with the side plates and/or counter plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Barbara Kern, Hermann Benthien
  • Publication number: 20100012783
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling for joining two frame segments within a fuselage cabin structure of an aircraft. The frame segments may comprise a Z-shaped or I-shaped cross-sectional geometry, optionally including a recess. Towards the top and the bottom, respectively, the frame segments are equipped with a header flange and a footer flange. The side plates comprise an L-shaped cross-sectional geometry, while the counter plates may comprise an L-shaped or T-shaped cross-sectional geometry. According to the invention, at least one side plate is arranged in the area of one side of the web, and at least one counter plate is fitted in the area of an opposing side of the web. Because of the side plates and counter plates butted and riveted symmetrically on both sides against the webs of the frame segments to be joined, the coupling is moment-free and can be configured in a weight-optimized way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Barbara Kern, Hermann Benthien