Patents by Inventor Christoph Winkelmann

Christoph Winkelmann 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: 11958598
    Abstract: A wing for an aircraft is disclosed including a main wing, a leading edge high lift assembly having a leading edge high lift body, and a connection assembly movably connecting the leading edge high lift body to the main wing, wherein the connection assembly includes a drive system that is mounted to the main wing and connected to the leading edge high lift body for driving the leading edge high lift body between the retracted position and the extended position. The drive system includes a first drive unit and a second drive unit, the first drive unit has a first input section coupled to a drive shaft, a first gear unit and a first output section coupled to a first connection element and including a first output wheel. The second drive unit has a second input section coupled to the drive shaft, a second gear unit, and a second output section coupled to a second connection element and including a second output wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Winkelmann, Bernhard Schlipf
  • Publication number: 20230009445
    Abstract: An equipment unit for installation in an aircraft includes an enclosure, in which at least one movable mechanical element is arranged, a supply duct, and a non-return valve, wherein the enclosure includes an inflow port and an outflow port, wherein the supply duct is connected to the inflow port, wherein the non-return valve is connected to the outflow port, wherein the supply duct is connectable to a source of heated air providable in the respective aircraft, and wherein the enclosure is designed that air supplied through the supply duct enters the enclosure through the inflow port, picks up moisture from inside the enclosure and exits through the outflow port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Jan Haserodt, Christoph Winkelmann
  • Publication number: 20220324551
    Abstract: A drive system for driving a movable flow body is disclosed having a drive unit, a shaft, a torque sensing device, a no-back friction unit, and an axial bearing. The drive unit is coupled with the shaft to rotate the shaft, the torque sensing device is coupled with at least one of the drive unit and the shaft to detect a torque transferred from the drive unit into the shaft, the no-back friction unit is arranged between the axial bearing and an axial support means of the shaft, such that an axial load of the shaft is supported by the axial bearing, and the no-back friction unit is configured to substantially not counteract a rotation of the shaft in a first direction of rotation of the shaft and to apply a friction-induced additional torque to the shaft in an opposite second direction of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Jan HASERODT, Christoph WINKELMANN, Andreas FLEDDERMANN
  • Publication number: 20220324548
    Abstract: A wing for an aircraft is disclosed including a main wing, a leading edge high lift assembly having a leading edge high lift body, and a connection assembly movably connecting the leading edge high lift body to the main wing, wherein the connection assembly includes a drive system that is mounted to the main wing and connected to the leading edge high lift body for driving the leading edge high lift body between the retracted position and the extended position. The drive system includes a first drive unit and a second drive unit, the first drive unit has a first input section coupled to a drive shaft, a first gear unit and a first output section coupled to a first connection element and including a first output wheel. The second drive unit has a second input section coupled to the drive shaft, a second gear unit, and a second output section coupled to a second connection element and including a second output wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Christoph WINKELMANN, Bernhard SCHLIPF
  • Publication number: 20220266984
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for moving a movable aerodynamic surface of an aircraft is disclosed including an input section for introducing an externally provided rotary motion into the actuator assembly, and a geared rotary actuator having at least one actuator slice having a planetary gear with a sun gear couplable to the input section, a fixed gear attachable to a fixed component of the aircraft and an output gear couplable with the movable aerodynamic surface. At least one clutch is connected to the geared rotary actuator and is configured to couple the movable surface with the input section and to selectively decouple the movable surface from the input section, such that it is freely movable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventor: Christoph Winkelmann
  • Patent number: 11407495
    Abstract: To improve reliability and safety of an actuator assembly for a high-lift device, a torque sensing device is provided on a static structural part, which is used to mount the actuator of the actuator assembly to an aircraft interface, such as a rib or an interconnection strut. A controller determines a reaction torque value based on the output signal of the torque sensing device and monitors and controls the actuator based on the reaction torque value and predetermined load thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Winkelmann
  • Patent number: 10994827
    Abstract: A wing arrangement for an aircraft, comprising a wing having a base section and a tip section pivotably connected to base section such that the tip section is pivotable about a pivot axis between a deployed position and a stowed position. The wing arrangement also comprises a latching arrangement which includes an engagement portion, a latching actuator selectively movable between a first actuator position and a second actuator position, an elastically deformable structure, and a latching element. When the tip section is pivoted from the stowed or deployed position into an engagement position, the elastically deformable structure is initially deformed, and as the tip section pivots further into the deployed or stowed position, the elastic deformation of the elastically deformable structure decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignees: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH, AIRBUS OPERATIONS LTD.
    Inventors: Christoph Winkelmann, Wilfried Ellmers, Stephen Briancourt, David Brakes
  • Publication number: 20210061445
    Abstract: To improve reliability and safety of an actuator assembly for a high-lift device, a torque sensing device is provided on a static structural part, which is used to mount the actuator of the actuator assembly to an aircraft interface, such as a rib or an interconnection strut. A controller determines a reaction torque value based on the output signal of the torque sensing device and monitors and controls the actuator based on the reaction torque value and predetermined load thresholds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventor: Christoph WINKELMANN
  • Patent number: 10676174
    Abstract: A wing (9) having a base section (11) and a tip section (13) pivotably connected to the base section (11) such that the tip section (13) is pivotable between a deployed position and a stowed position in which the spanwise length of the wing (9) is smaller than in the deployed position. The wing arrangement also has an actuating arrangement (19) including a linear hydraulic actuator (21) coupled between the base section (11) and the tip section (13) such that it is operable to selectively move the tip section (13) between the deployed position and the stowed position, a first and a second hydraulic connection portion (79a, 79b) connected to the linear hydraulic actuator (21) such that they are in fluid communication with different chamber sections (27a, 27b) of a cylinder (25) of the linear hydraulic actuator (21), and a first hydraulic subsystem (81a) and a second hydraulic subsystem (81b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Christoph Winkelmann, Johannes Rupp
  • Publication number: 20200126063
    Abstract: A method for activating a portable contactless payment object of the timepiece or piece of jewellery type able to participate in the making of an electronic payment by tokenisation, the method including the following steps: obtaining of a payment token by an electronic device, in particular mobile, coming from a server of a trusted third party providing a payment service by tokens, and configuration of the portable object with a view to use thereof providing a transmission of the token included in the electronic device to the portable object with an activation terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: Swatch AG
    Inventor: Christoph Winkelmann
  • Patent number: 10597138
    Abstract: A wing (1) having a fixed wing (3) and a wing tip device (4) rotatable between a flight configuration and a ground configuration, a rotational joint (10) rotatably couples the wing tip device (4) to the fixed wing (3) and a locking mechanism (46) locks the wing tip device (4) in the flight and ground configurations. The locking mechanism (11) includes first and second locking members (51, 52) and first and second receiving members (53, 54), the locking mechanism (11) being configured to lock the wing tip device (4) in one of the flight configuration and ground configuration by receiving the first and second locking members (51, 52) in the first and second receiving members (53, 54) respectively, and to lock the wing tip device (4) in the other of the flight configuration and ground configuration by receiving the first locking member (51) in the second receiving member (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignees: Airbus Operations Limited, Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Benjamin Bishop, Christoph Winkelmann, Johannes Rupp
  • Patent number: 10597139
    Abstract: A latching device for a wing including a support structure (29), a latching bolt (35) having a longitudinal axis (36) and being slidably supported by the support structure (29) such that the latching bolt (35) is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The latching device (27) includes a first hydraulic actuator (47a) and a first connector assembly (38a) adapted to be connected to a first hydraulic system of an aircraft (1), and at least one second hydraulic actuator (47b) and a second connector assembly (38b) connected to a second hydraulic system. The first hydraulic actuator (47a) and the second hydraulic actuator (47b) are adapted to effect movement of the latching bolt (35) from the extended position into the retracted position independent of the other one of the at least one first hydraulic actuator (47a) and the at least one second hydraulic actuator (47b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignees: Airbus Operations Limited, Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Winkelmann, Johannes Rupp, Benjamin Bishop
  • Patent number: 10549839
    Abstract: A wing (5) having a base section (5) and a tip section (13), the base section (7) having a first end portion (9) and a second end portion (11), the tip section (13) having a third end portion (15) and a fourth end portion (17), wherein the second end portion (11) and the third end portion (15) are coupled so that the tip section (13) is pivotable with respect to the base section (7) about a pivot axis (19, 19?), and an actuating arrangement having an actuator (21) which is coupled to the base section (7) and the tip section (13) and which is operable to effect a pivotal movement of the tip section (13) relative to the base section (7) between a stowed position and a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignees: Airbus Operations GmbH, Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventors: Christoph Winkelmann, Johannes Rupp, David Brakes
  • Patent number: 10479480
    Abstract: A foldable wing for an aircraft includes a base wing having a base wing end region, a wing tip having a connection region, a first engagement means integrated into the base wing, a second engagement means integrated into the wing tip, and a drive mechanism coupled with the wing tip for moving the wing tip relative to the base wing. The first and second engagement means are adapted for engaging each other along a sliding course from a first position, in which the connection region of the wing tip and the base wing end region are in a flush contact to form a continuous wing, up to a second position, in which the first engagement means and the second engagement means disengage. The drive mechanism includes a first movement element and a second movement element at least partially extending in a spanwise direction, and supported in a linear guide each.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Winkelmann, Wilfried Ellmers, Jan Haserodt, Rico Weber, Ivan Petrov Ivanov
  • Patent number: 10472045
    Abstract: A system for locking a foldable wing tip on a wing end of an aircraft includes at least one engagement device, at least one locking device comprising a support, a latch element rotatably held in the support and a lock element movably held on the support, a latch drive device coupled with the latch element of the at least one locking device for selectively rotating the latch element at least to an open position, a closed position and a test position, a lock drive device coupled with the lock element of the at least one locking device for selectively varying a distance of the lock element to the latch element between a neutral position and a locking position, wherein the support includes a receiving space extending into an insertion opening designed for receiving the engagement device. The latch element includes a circumferential surface section that selectively covers the insertion opening in an open position and uncovers the insertion opening in a closed position of the latch element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Winkelmann, Johannes Rupp
  • Publication number: 20180334238
    Abstract: A wing arrangement for an aircraft, comprising a wing having a base section and a tip section pivotably connected to base section such that the tip section is pivotable about a pivot axis between a deployed position and a stowed position. The wing arrangement also comprises a latching arrangement which includes an engagement portion, a latching actuator selectively movable between a first actuator position and a second actuator position, an elastically deformable structure, and a latching element. When the tip section is pivoted from the stowed or deployed position into an engagement position, the elastically deformable structure is initially deformed, and as the tip section pivots further into the deployed or stowed position, the elastic deformation of the elastically deformable structure decreases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventors: Christoph Winkelmann, Wilfried Ellmers, Stephen BRIANCOURT, David BRAKES
  • Publication number: 20170355443
    Abstract: A latching device for a wing including a support structure (29), a latching bolt (35) having a longitudinal axis (36) and being slidably supported by the support structure (29) such that the latching bolt (35) is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The latching device (27) includes a first hydraulic actuator (47a) and a first connector assembly (38a) adapted to be connected to a first hydraulic system of an aircraft (1), and at least one second hydraulic actuator (47b) and a second connector assembly (38b) connected to a second hydraulic system. The first hydraulic actuator (47a) and the second hydraulic actuator (47b) are adapted to effect movement of the latching bolt (35) from the extended position into the retracted position independent of the other one of the at least one first hydraulic actuator (47a) and the at least one second hydraulic actuator (47b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Christoph WINKELMANN, Johannes RUPP, Benjamin BISHOP
  • Publication number: 20170355442
    Abstract: A wing (5) having a base section (5) and a tip section (13), the base section (7) having a first end portion (9) and a second end portion (11), the tip section (13) having a third end portion (15) and a fourth end portion (17), wherein the second end portion (11) and the third end portion (15) are coupled so that the tip section (13) is pivotable with respect to the base section (7) about a pivot axis (19, 19?), and an actuating arrangement having an actuator (21) which is coupled to the base section (7) and the tip section (13) and which is operable to effect a pivotal movement of the tip section (13) relative to the base section (7) between a stowed position and a deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Christoph WINKELMANN, Johannes RUPP, David BRAKES
  • Publication number: 20170355437
    Abstract: A wing (1) having a fixed wing (3) and a wing tip device (4) rotatable between a flight configuration and a ground configuration, a rotational joint (10) rotatably couples the wing tip device (4) to the fixed wing (3) and a locking mechanism (46) locks the wing tip device (4) in the flight and ground configurations. The locking mechanism (11) includes first and second locking members (51, 52) and first and second receiving members (53, 54), the locking mechanism (11) being configured to lock the wing tip device (4) in one of the flight configuration and ground configuration by receiving the first and second locking members (51, 52) in the first and second receiving members (53, 54) respectively, and to lock the wing tip device (4) in the other of the flight configuration and ground configuration by receiving the first locking member (51) in the second receiving member (54).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin BISHOP, Christoph WINKELMANN, Johannes RUPP
  • Publication number: 20170355441
    Abstract: A wing (9) having a base section (11) and a tip section (13) pivotably connected to the base section (11) such that the tip section (13) is pivotable between a deployed position and a stowed position in which the spanwise length of the wing (9) is smaller than in the deployed position. The wing arrangement also has an actuating arrangement (19) including a linear hydraulic actuator (21) coupled between the base section (11) and the tip section (13) such that it is operable to selectively move the tip section (13) between the deployed position and the stowed position, a first and a second hydraulic connection portion (79a, 79b) connected to the linear hydraulic actuator (21) such that they are in fluid communication with different chamber sections (27a, 27b) of a cylinder (25) of the linear hydraulic actuator (21), and a first hydraulic subsystem (81a) and a second hydraulic subsystem (81b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Christoph WINKELMANN, Johannes RUPP