Patents by Inventor Charles Eric Covington
Charles Eric Covington 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: 20220033064Abstract: An aircraft includes an electronically controlled engine (ECE) and a first and a second throttle control assembly. The first throttle control assembly includes a first throttle fly button configured to command a FLY mode and a first throttle idle button configured to command an IDLE mode. The second throttle control assembly includes a second throttle fly button configured to command the FLY mode and a second throttle idle button configured to command the IDLE mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2021Publication date: February 3, 2022Applicant: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventors: Erik Oltheten, Darren Gregory Lang, Charles Eric Covington
-
Patent number: 11215439Abstract: A method and system to measure a parameter associated with a component, device, or system with a specified accuracy, including: providing one or more sensors operably disposed to detect the parameter; obtaining a coarse measurement of the parameter within a first range using the one or more sensors, wherein the first range includes minimum and maximum values for the parameter; obtaining a fine measurement of the parameter within a second range using the one or more sensors, wherein the second range is smaller than the first range and has a specified ratio to the first range that provides the specified accuracy; determining a current value of the parameter by combining the coarse and fine measurements; and providing the current value of the parameter to a communications interface, a storage device, a display, a control panel, a processor, a programmable logic controller, or an external device.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2020Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.Inventors: David Bryan Roberts, Charles Eric Covington, Brady Garrett Atkins
-
Publication number: 20210403147Abstract: A rotorcraft comprising a rotor blade designed to flap about a hinge point, a measurement system designed to measure blade flapping, and a processing system designed to alter blade flapping measurements. The processing system further comprises a correction process to alter a blade flapping measurement dependent on rotor RPM or rotor torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2020Publication date: December 30, 2021Applicant: Bell Textron Inc.Inventors: Charles Eric COVINGTON, Randall Lee JOHNSON, Hunter Barton NELSON, Michael David TRANTHAM
-
Patent number: 11174015Abstract: A multimode clutch assembly is positioned in a powertrain of a rotorcraft. The clutch assembly includes a freewheeling unit having a driving mode in which torque applied to the input race is transferred to the output race and an overrunning mode in which torque applied to the output race is not transferred to the input race. A bypass assembly has an engaged position that couples the input and output races of the freewheeling unit. An actuator assembly shifts the bypass assembly between engaged and disengaged positions. An engagement status sensor is configured to determine the engagement status of the bypass assembly. In the disengaged position, the overrunning mode of the freewheeling unit is enabled such that the clutch assembly is configured for unidirectional torque transfer. In the engaged position, the overrunning mode of the freewheeling unit is disabled such that the clutch assembly is configured for bidirectional torque transfer.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2020Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventors: Douglas Andrew Goodwin, David Andrew Prater, Eric Stephen Olson, David Bryan Roberts, Chia-Wei Su, Michael David Trantham, Charles Eric Covington
-
Patent number: 11117653Abstract: An rotorcraft including a pilot control, a pilot control position sensor connected to the pilot control and operable to generate a position signal indicating a position of the pilot control, a flight control computer (FCC) in signal communication with the pilot control position sensor and operable to provide a tactile cue in the pilot control in response to the position signal indicating the position of the pilot control exceeds a threshold associated with an operating limit, and further operable to determine a tactile cueing value for the tactile cue according to a relationship between the position of the pilot control and the threshold, and generate a cue control signal according to the tactile cueing value, and a tactile cue element connected to the pilot control and in signal communication with the FCC and operable to control action of the pilot control in response to the cue control signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2018Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.Inventors: Charles Eric Covington, Bradley Don Linton, Thomas Earl Johnson, Jr., Luke Dafydd Gillett, Robert Earl Worsham, II, Jillian Samantha Alfred
-
Publication number: 20210070430Abstract: A multimode clutch assembly is positioned in a powertrain of a rotorcraft. The clutch assembly includes a freewheeling unit having a driving mode in which torque applied to the input race is transferred to the output race and an overrunning mode in which torque applied to the output race is not transferred to the input race. A bypass assembly has an engaged position that couples the input and output races of the freewheeling unit. An actuator assembly shifts the bypass assembly between engaged and disengaged positions. An engagement status sensor is configured to determine the engagement status of the bypass assembly. In the disengaged position, the overrunning mode of the freewheeling unit is enabled such that the clutch assembly is configured for unidirectional torque transfer. In the engaged position, the overrunning mode of the freewheeling unit is disabled such that the clutch assembly is configured for bidirectional torque transfer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2020Publication date: March 11, 2021Applicant: Bell Textron Inc.Inventors: Douglas Andrew Goodwin, David Andrew Prater, Eric Stephen Olson, David Bryan Roberts, Chia-Wei Su, Michael David Trantham, Charles Eric Covington
-
Patent number: 10890668Abstract: A rotorcraft includes a flight control computer (FCC), a GPS receiver configured to calculate a groundspeed based on a first carrier signal, and an attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) configured to determine an acceleration of the rotorcraft. The AHRS is operable to receive an indication of the groundspeed from the GPS receiver and to calculate a velocity of the rotorcraft based on the indication of the groundspeed and the acceleration. The FCC is operable to receive an indication of the velocity from the AHRS, to generate the flight control device control signal according to the indication of velocity, and to send a flight control device control signal to one or more flight control devices.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventors: Robert Earl Worsham, II, Charles Eric Covington, Thomas Wayne Brooks
-
Publication number: 20200292410Abstract: An example of a rotor-state determining method for a rotor system includes, by a flight control computer, collecting data from a first sensor positioned on a first component of the rotorcraft, wherein the first sensor is isolated from movement of a rotor blade, collecting data from a second sensor positioned on a second component of the rotor system, wherein the second sensor detects movement of the rotor blade, filtering the data collected by the first sensor to remove noise from the data collected by the first sensor, filtering the data collected by the second sensor to remove noise from the data collected by the second sensor, calculating a difference between the filtered first data and the filtered second data to determine a parameter of the rotor blade, and responsive to the motion of the rotor blade, taking a corrective action.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2019Publication date: September 17, 2020Applicant: Bell Textron Inc.Inventors: Charles Eric COVINGTON, Michael David TRANTHAM, Evan Butler BENNETT
-
Patent number: 10745123Abstract: A rotorcraft includes a flight control computer (FCC), a first rotor system, and a second rotor system. The first rotor system includes a first swashplate coupled to a first rotor and a first multiple actuators configured to move the first swashplate. The second rotor system includes a second swashplate coupled to a second rotor and a second multiple actuators configured to move the second swashplate. The rotorcraft also includes a first communications channel coupled between the FCC, a first actuator of the first multiple actuators, and a second actuator of the second multiple actuators. The rotorcraft also includes a second communications channel coupled between the FCC and a third actuator of the first multiple actuators.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventors: Michael Trantham, Brady G. Atkins, Charles Eric Covington
-
Publication number: 20200232781Abstract: A method and system to measure a parameter associated with a component, device, or system with a specified accuracy, including: providing one or more sensors operably disposed to detect the parameter; obtaining a coarse measurement of the parameter within a first range using the one or more sensors, wherein the first range includes minimum and maximum values for the parameter; obtaining a fine measurement of the parameter within a second range using the one or more sensors, wherein the second range is smaller than the first range and has a specified ratio to the first range that provides the specified accuracy; determining a current value of the parameter by combining the coarse and fine measurements; and providing the current value of the parameter to a communications interface, a storage device, a display, a control panel, a processor, a programmable logic controller, or an external device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2020Publication date: July 23, 2020Inventors: David Bryan Roberts, Charles Eric Covington, Brady Garrett Atkins
-
Patent number: 10641597Abstract: A method and system to measure a parameter associated with a component, device, or system with a specified accuracy, including: providing one or more sensors operably disposed to detect the parameter; obtaining a coarse measurement of the parameter within a first range using the one or more sensors, wherein the first range includes minimum and maximum values for the parameter; obtaining a fine measurement of the parameter within a second range using the one or more sensors, wherein the second range is smaller than the first range and has a specified ratio to the first range that provides the specified accuracy; determining a current value of the parameter by combining the coarse and fine measurements; and providing the current value of the parameter to a communications interface, a storage device, a display, a control panel, a processor, a programmable logic controller, or an external device.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2018Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.Inventors: David Bryan Roberts, Charles Eric Covington, Brady Garrett Atkins
-
Publication number: 20200003908Abstract: A rotorcraft includes a flight control computer (FCC), a GPS receiver configured to calculate a groundspeed based on a first carrier signal, and an attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) configured to determine an acceleration of the rotorcraft. The AHRS is operable to receive an indication of the groundspeed from the GPS receiver and to calculate a velocity of the rotorcraft based on the indication of the groundspeed and the acceleration. The FCC is operable to receive an indication of the velocity from the AHRS, to generate the flight control device control signal according to the indication of velocity, and to send a flight control device control signal to one or more flight control devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2018Publication date: January 2, 2020Inventors: Robert Earl Worsham, II, Charles Eric Covington, Thomas Wayne Brooks
-
Publication number: 20190300169Abstract: A rotorcraft includes a fight control computer (FCC), a first rotor system, and a second rotor system. The first rotor system includes a first swashplate coupled to a first rotor and a first multiple actuators configured to move the first swashplate. The second rotor system includes a second swashplate coupled to a second rotor and a second multiple actuators configured to move the second swashplate. The rotorcraft also includes a first communications channel coupled between the FCC, a first actuator of the first multiple actuators, and a second actuator of the second multiple actuators. The rotorcraft also includes a second communications channel coupled between the CC and a third actuator of the first multiple actuators.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2018Publication date: October 3, 2019Inventors: Michael Trantham, Brady G. Atkins, Charles Eric Covington
-
Publication number: 20190257638Abstract: A method and system to measure a parameter associated with a component, device, or system with a specified accuracy, including: providing one or more sensors operably disposed to detect the parameter; obtaining a coarse measurement of the parameter within a first range using the one or more sensors, wherein the first range includes minimum and maximum values for the parameter; obtaining a fine measurement of the parameter within a second range using the one or more sensors, wherein the second range is smaller than the first range and has a specified ratio to the first range that provides the specified accuracy; determining a current value of the parameter by combining the coarse and fine measurements; and providing the current value of the parameter to a communications interface, a storage device, a display, a control panel, a processor, a programmable logic controller, or an external device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2018Publication date: August 22, 2019Inventors: David Bryan Roberts, Charles Eric Covington, Brady Garrett Atkins
-
Publication number: 20190241251Abstract: Systems and methods include providing an aircraft with a direct drive dual-concentric valve (D3V) having a body, an outer secondary spool coaxially located within a bore of the body and linearly displaceable relative to the body, an inner primary spool coaxially located within a bore of the secondary spool and linearly displaceable relative to the secondary spool and the body, and multiple motor assemblies coupled to the primary spool that provide selective displacement of the primary spool or the secondary spool. Each motor assembly includes a clutching mechanism that selectively couples a motor of the motor assembly to and from the primary spool.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2018Publication date: August 8, 2019Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventors: Brady Garrett Atkins, Robert Paul Reynolds, Carlos Alexander Fenny, Charles Eric Covington
-
Publication number: 20190161180Abstract: An rotorcraft including a pilot control, a pilot control position sensor connected to the pilot control and operable to generate a position signal indicating a position of the pilot control, a flight control computer (FCC) in signal communication with the pilot control position sensor and operable to provide a tactile cue in the pilot control in response to the position signal indicating the position of the pilot control exceeds a threshold associated with an operating limit, and further operable to determine a tactile cueing value for the tactile cue according to a relationship between the position of the pilot control and the threshold, and generate a cue control signal according to the tactile cueing value, and a tactile cue element connected to the pilot control and in signal communication with the FCC and operable to control action of the pilot control in response to the cue control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2018Publication date: May 30, 2019Inventors: Charles Eric Covington, Bradley Don Linton, Thomas Earl Johnson, JR., Luke Dafydd Gillett, Robert Earl Worsham, II, Jillian Samantha Alfred
-
Patent number: 10287026Abstract: A power demand anticipation system for a rotorcraft includes an engine subsystem having an engine with a power output. The power demand anticipation system also includes one or more sensors including a cyclic control sensor. The one or more sensors are operable to detect one or more flight parameters of the rotorcraft to form sensor data including a cyclic control position. A power demand anticipation module is in data communication with the engine subsystem and the one or more sensors. The power demand anticipation module is operable to anticipate a power demand of the engine using the sensor data to form a power demand anticipation signal. The engine subsystem is operable to adjust the power output of the engine based on the power demand anticipation signal received from the power demand anticipation module.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2017Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventors: Charles Eric Covington, Joseph Schaeffer, Robert Earl Worsham, II
-
Patent number: 10239610Abstract: In some embodiments, an actuator includes a chamber, a piston disposed within the chamber, and a tube. The chamber has a first port and a second port. The piston comprises a first surface, a second surface, and an elongated conduit coupling the first surface to the second surface. The first surface is disposed between the first port and the second port. The second surface is offset from the first surface. The tube is disposed at least partially within the elongated conduit of the piston. The tube comprises a third port disposed within the elongated conduit of the piston and a fourth port disposed outside of the elongated conduit of the piston.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.Inventors: Carlos A. Fenny, Carl T. Elving, Rodney M. Cahoon, Charles Eric Covington
-
Publication number: 20180354611Abstract: The system is configured for automation of rotorcraft entry into autorotation. The system can provide a means to assist the flight crew of a rotorcraft in maintaining rotor speed following loss of engine power. The system can automatically adjust control positions, actuator positions or both to prevent excessive loss of rotor speed upon initial loss of engine power before the flight crew is able to react. The system uses model matching to provide axis decoupling and yaw anticipation; it includes pitch control initially to assist in preventing rotor deceleration; and it makes use of collective, pitch, roll and yaw trim functions to provide tactile cueing to the pilot to assist when the pilot is in the loop. The system can reduce workload by assisting the crew with controlling rotor speed and forward speed during stabilized autorotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventors: Robert Earl Worsham, II, John Joseph Schillings, Charles Eric Covington
-
Patent number: 10106255Abstract: A tiltrotor aircraft can include a pylon rotatable about a conversion axis. A first differential planetary assembly can include a first housing; a first ring gear; a first differential planetary gear having a first output portion; and a first differential sun gear. A second differential planetary assembly can include a second housing; a second ring gear; a second differential planetary gear having a second output portion; and a second differential sun gear. The first output portion is coupled to the second housing such that the second housing rotates at a first output speed. Further, the second output portion is coupled to the shaft, the shaft being coupled to the pylon such that rotation of the shaft rotates the pylon.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2015Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Inventors: Charles Eric Covington, Eric S. Olson, David R. Bockmiller, Carlos A. Fenny