Patents by Inventor Chad R. Pacheco

Chad R. Pacheco 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).

  • Publication number: 20250250012
    Abstract: An armored seating assembly for a rotorcraft or other aircraft (e.g., for a pilot or operator) includes a wing armor panel capable of rotational and vertical movement relative to the seat base when adjusted by the operator. For example, a carriage attached to the armor panel translates along a carriage slot in the seat base, stabilized in the carriage slot by orthogonal sets of bearings (e.g., lateral bearings and longitudinal bearings) and allowing the wing armor panel to be vertically adjusted relative to the seat base (e.g., to accommodate pilots of varying heights). The armor panel is coupled to the carriage by hinges allowing the panel to pivot or rotate away from the seat base, in order to facilitate entry to and egress from the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2024
    Publication date: August 7, 2025
    Inventors: Douglas E. Hoover, Chad R. Pacheco
  • Publication number: 20250153851
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat pan that is tilted automatically by way of a seat bucket moving up and down relative to a base structure. The seat bucket is pivotably coupled to a carrier. The carrier and the seat bucket each follow respective channels of a base structure. The movement of the seat bucket along the channel of the base structure causes the pivoting of the seat bucket relative to the carrier. The channels are shaped with an angular orientation resulting in the seat pan angle changing as the seat bucket moves up and down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2023
    Publication date: May 15, 2025
    Inventors: Douglas E. Hoover, Chad R. Pacheco
  • Publication number: 20250136283
    Abstract: A transformable canopy assembly includes one or more canopy mounts configured to couple the transformable canopy to a frame of a seat. The transformable canopy includes a canopy sub-assembly configured to rotate between a stowed and a deployed position. The canopy sub-assembly includes a canopy configured to provide lighting or sound mitigation when in the deployed position. The canopy sub-assembly includes one or more canopy support members coupled to the canopy. The transformable canopy includes a canopy frame lock configured to couple the canopy sub-assembly to the frame. When in the stowed position, the canopy sub-assembly is secured to the frame via the canopy frame lock, where the canopy frame lock prevents the canopy sub-assembly from rotating to the deployed position. When in the deployed position, the canopy sub-assembly forms an arcuate-shaped cover over at least a portion of one of a seatback or a seat pan of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2024
    Publication date: May 1, 2025
    Inventors: Archana Eswaran, Narain Jayaprakash, Chad R. Pacheco
  • Patent number: 12269599
    Abstract: A double-shear secured vehicle seating assembly includes an operator seat (e.g., for a pilot or operator of a rotorcraft or like vehicle) and a seat frame structure via which the operator seat is secured to floor tracks in the cabin floor. Floor track grippers attached to the underside of the seat frame structure “grip” the floor tracks by extending down and around an upper portion of the floor track. The floor track grippers are further united with the floor tracks by locking pins that extend through holes in the grippers as well as the floor track itself, which includes a rail and a plurality of evenly spaced holes extending through the rail. The locking pin fully pierces the floor track gripper on a first side, fully piercing the aligned hole in the rail, and at least partially piercing the floor track gripper on the opposing side, creating the double-shear condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Hoover, Chad R. Pacheco
  • Patent number: 12269600
    Abstract: A seat frame structure for a rotorcraft or other vehicle operator seat is convertible between non-breakover and breakover configurations. The structure includes fixed frame members mounted to the cabin floor (e.g., via floor tracks) and pivoting frame members for supporting the operator seat, the pivoting and fixed frame members connected by a bushing assembly. The seat frame structure includes a tilt controller with coupling pins extending into the fixed frame members, locking the structure into the non-breakover configuration. A control lever mounted to the seat frame structure controls the coupling pins via connecting cables; the occupant of the seat may, via the control lever, transition the seat frame structure to the breakover configuration by retracting the coupling pins into the pivoting frame members, enabling rearward rotation of the pivoting frame members (e.g., at least 80 degrees, or contact with the cabin floor).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Hoover, Chad R. Pacheco
  • Publication number: 20250042555
    Abstract: Seat mounted inboard flight controllers for aircraft pilot seats cause the flight controllers to move with the pilot and copilot seats as the seats are adjusted forward and aft. The flight controllers are tied to the seats and move with the seats via the extenders and flight controller mounting brackets. The two flight controllers are coupled together using a linear bearing. One half of the linear bearing is attached to the inboard side of the flight controller. The other half of the linear bearing attaches to the inboard side of the copilot cyclic flight controller. The flight controllers attach to a mounting bracket that extends down to the extenders that attach to the seats. A complete load path is formed between the pilot and copilot seats that support the flight controllers without mounting anything to the cockpit center column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2023
    Publication date: February 6, 2025
    Applicant: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Hoover, Chad R. Pacheco
  • Publication number: 20250033778
    Abstract: A seat frame structure for a rotorcraft or other vehicle operator seat is convertible between non-breakover and breakover configurations. The structure includes fixed frame members mounted to the cabin floor (e.g., via floor tracks) and pivoting frame members for supporting the operator seat, the pivoting and fixed frame members connected by a bushing assembly. The seat frame structure includes a tilt controller with coupling pins extending into the fixed frame members, locking the structure into the non-breakover configuration. A control lever mounted to the seat frame structure controls the coupling pins via connecting cables; the occupant of the seat may, via the control lever, transition the seat frame structure to the breakover configuration by retracting the coupling pins into the pivoting frame members, enabling rearward rotation of the pivoting frame members (e.g., at least 80 degrees, or contact with the cabin floor).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2023
    Publication date: January 30, 2025
    Inventors: Douglas E. Hoover, Chad R. Pacheco
  • Publication number: 20250033777
    Abstract: A double-shear secured vehicle seating assembly includes an operator seat (e.g., for a pilot or operator of a rotorcraft or like vehicle) and a seat frame structure via which the operator seat is secured to floor tracks in the cabin floor. Floor track grippers attached to the underside of the seat frame structure “grip” the floor tracks by extending down and around an upper portion of the floor track. The floor track grippers are further united with the floor tracks by locking pins that extend through holes in the grippers as well as the floor track itself, which includes a rail and a plurality of evenly spaced holes extending through the rail. The locking pin fully pierces the floor track gripper on a first side, fully piercing the aligned hole in the rail, and at least partially piercing the floor track gripper on the opposing side, creating the double-shear condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2023
    Publication date: January 30, 2025
    Inventors: Douglas E. Hoover, Chad R. Pacheco
  • Publication number: 20240343394
    Abstract: A controller using image sensors and eye tracking software tracks the position of the eyes of the pilot. The controller causes an actuator of a pilot seat to automatically adjust the seat position to the Design Eye Point (DEP). The automatic adjustment of the seat position to the design eye point reduces the workload of the pilot and ensures accurate position of the eyes within the design eye point. The reduced workload may be particularly advantageous during an emergency event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2023
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Inventor: Chad R. Pacheco
  • Patent number: 12049321
    Abstract: A bulkhead-mounted aircraft seat assembly configured for independent vertical and horizontal adjustment includes an aircraft seat (seatback and seat frame/cushion) for supporting a pilot, passenger, or other occupant. Parallel rails attach to the bulkhead and extend along the bulkhead (vertically or near vertically) with opposing slots set into each rail. A sled translates along the rails via paired sliding members set into the slots, each pair of sliding members connected to an axle extending through the sled. A four-bar linkage attached to the sled and to the aircraft seat; the four-bar linkage extends from a default position to allow the aircraft seat to translate along a horizontal linear rail under the seat while maintaining a stable vertical reference point above the cabin floor. The seat is independently configured for substantially vertical adjustment via a metering plate attached to the bulkhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad R. Pacheco
  • Patent number: 11945590
    Abstract: A seat base assembly for an aircraft seat includes parallel rails attached to an aircraft bulkhead, each rail including a slot extending vertically within the rail. The seat (e.g., seatback and seat frame) is attached to a sled capable of vertical translation relative to the bulkhead via slidable members that translate along the slots. The sled includes a hole for accommodating a locking pin controllable by the seat occupant. A metering plate attached to the seat base behind the sled is folded over a lateral axis into a forward and rear layer, the forward layer including holes for the locking pin wherein each hole corresponds to a desired seat height to which the seat may be adjusted by securing the locking pin through the sled hole and metering hole. In response to an impact event, the metering plate deforms to absorb impact energy and control downward deceleration of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad R. Pacheco
  • Publication number: 20240083582
    Abstract: A seat base assembly for an aircraft seat includes parallel rails attached to an aircraft bulkhead, each rail including a slot extending vertically within the rail. The seat (e.g., seatback and seat frame) is attached to a sled capable of vertical translation relative to the bulkhead via slidable members that translate along the slots. The sled includes a hole for accommodating a locking pin controllable by the seat occupant. A metering plate attached to the seat base behind the sled is folded over a lateral axis into a forward and rear layer, the forward layer including holes for the locking pin wherein each hole corresponds to a desired seat height to which the seat may be adjusted by securing the locking pin through the sled hole and metering hole. In response to an impact event, the metering plate deforms to absorb impact energy and control downward deceleration of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventor: Chad R. Pacheco
  • Publication number: 20240083583
    Abstract: A bulkhead-mounted aircraft seat assembly configured for independent vertical and horizontal adjustment includes an aircraft seat (seatback and seat frame/cushion) for supporting a pilot, passenger, or other occupant. Parallel rails attach to the bulkhead and extend along the bulkhead (vertically or near vertically) with opposing slots set into each rail. A sled translates along the rails via paired sliding members set into the slots, each pair of sliding members connected to an axle extending through the sled. A four-bar linkage attached to the sled and to the aircraft seat; the four-bar linkage extends from a default position to allow the aircraft seat to translate along a horizontal linear rail under the seat while maintaining a stable vertical reference point above the cabin floor. The seat is independently configured for substantially vertical adjustment via a metering plate attached to the bulkhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventor: Chad R. Pacheco
  • Patent number: 11530042
    Abstract: A passenger seating assembly with an integrated cabin attendant seat (CAS) is disclosed. In embodiments, a CAS folds down from a monument mounted to the cabin floor via a combined track fitting that secures into the left-side or right-side track rail. A group of passenger seats (e.g., two to five) faces opposite the CAS monument and includes left-side and right-side leg assemblies mountable to the track rails via track fittings. One rear portion of a leg assembly attaches to the combined track fitting to integrate the passenger seats and CAS monument, eliminating unused space between the passenger seats and CAS monument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodrigo A. Lalli, Chad R. Pacheco
  • Patent number: 11472559
    Abstract: An aircraft seat may include a backrest and a seat pan coupled to the backrest. The backrest may include a plurality of backrest panels. A set of backrest panels of the plurality of backrest panels may be coupled via a coil hinge. The coil hinge may include a first plurality of holes formed in a first backrest panel of the set of backrest panels. The coil hinge may include a second plurality of holes formed in a second backrest panel of the set of backrest panels. The coil hinge may include a coil spring wound through the first plurality of holes and the second plurality of holes. The first backrest panel and the second backrest panel may be configured to rotate about an axis through the coil hinge when the seat pan and the backrest actuate between a stowed position and a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad R. Pacheco
  • Publication number: 20210331803
    Abstract: A passenger seating assembly with an integrated cabin attendant seat (CAS) is disclosed. In embodiments, a CAS folds down from a monument mounted to the cabin floor via a combined track fitting that secures into the left-side or right-side track rail. A group of passenger seats (e.g., two to five) faces opposite the CAS monument and includes left-side and right-side leg assemblies mountable to the track rails via track fittings. One rear portion of a leg assembly attaches to the combined track fitting to integrate the passenger seats and CAS monument, eliminating unused space between the passenger seats and CAS monument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Rodrigo A. Lalli, Chad R. Pacheco
  • Patent number: 11001383
    Abstract: A suspension recline system for a stowable seat may comprise a suspension member comprising a first end configured to be coupled to a seat back of the stowable seat, and a second end configured to be coupled to a legrest for the stowable seat, wherein the suspension recline system is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The stowable seat may recline in response to the suspension recline system being moved to the deployed position. An end of the suspension member may be configured to be inserted into a slot disposed in the legrest, in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad R. Pacheco
  • Patent number: 10946968
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides an energy attenuating mounting foot comprising a load beam having a longitudinal axis, a top surface, a bottom surface, an inner track interface lobe, and an outer track interface lobe, the inner track interface lobe and the outer track interface lobe extending laterally from the load beam, and a channel along the longitudinal axis having a depth extending from the load beam bottom surface toward the top surface. In various embodiments, the inner track interface lobe has a first length extending in a direction from the bottom surface towards the top surface and the outer track interface lobe has a second length extending in a direction from the bottom surface towards the top surface, the first length being less than the second length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad R. Pacheco, Douglas Foisie
  • Patent number: 10807720
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a detachable cabin attendant seat (CAS). In various embodiments, the detachable CAS may comprise a first section, comprising, a first rod and a second rod, and a first post and a second post extending from the first section, wherein the first post and the second post are configured to be coupled to a mount assembly when the detachable CAS is in a stowed position and the first rod and the second rod are configured to be coupled to the mount assembly when the detachable CAS is in a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Chad R. Pacheco
  • Publication number: 20200269985
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a detachable cabin attendant seat (CAS). In various embodiments, the detachable CAS may comprise a first section, comprising, a first rod and a second rod, and a first post and a second post extending from the first section, wherein the first post and the second post are configured to be coupled to a mount assembly when the detachable CAS is in a stowed position and the first rod and the second rod are configured to be coupled to the mount assembly when the detachable CAS is in a deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Applicant: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chad R. Pacheco