Patents by Inventor Don S. Godwin

Don S. Godwin 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).

  • System and apparatus for determining the center of gravity of an aircraft
    Patent number: 6564142
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the center of gravity of an aircraft having a plurality of wheels includes the steps of determining the load on one of the plurality of aircraft wheels, determining the aircraft inclination with respect to level, relating the wheel load to the aircraft center of gravity based on the aircraft inclination. The load determination may be conducted by measuring the load on the nose wheel or at some selected point along the longitudinal axis spaced from the main landing gear. An inclinometer is used to measure the aircraft inclination at the time the load is determined. A processor may be provided for receiving the load cell signal and inclination information, and determining wheel load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Aero Modifications & Consulting, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Don S. Godwin, Kenneth D. Driver, Joseph C. Gray, Richard J. Gritter
  • System and apparatus for determining the center of gravity of an aircraft
    Publication number: 20020099497
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the center of gravity of an aircraft having a plurality of wheels includes the steps of determining the load on one of the plurality of aircraft wheels, determining the aircraft inclination with respect to level, relating the wheel load to the aircraft center of gravity based on the aircraft inclination. The load determination may be conducted by measuring the load on the nose wheel or at some selected point along the longitudinal axis spaced from the main landing gear. An inclinometer is used to measure the aircraft inclination at the time the load is determined. A processor may be provided for receiving the load cell signal and inclination information, and determining wheel load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Don S. Godwin, Kenneth D. Driver, Joseph C. Gray, Richard J. Gritter
  • System and apparatus for determining the center of gravity of an aircraft
    Patent number: 6353793
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the center of gravity of an aircraft having a plurality of wheels includes the steps of determining the load on one of the plurality of aircraft wheels, determining the aircraft inclination with respect to level, relating the wheel load to the aircraft center of gravity based on the aircraft inclination. The load determination may be conducted on the aircraft nose wheel using a lever apparatus including a frame having a forward end and an aft end the aft end including an attachment device located at the aft end for providing detachable engagement with the wheel axle. The lever apparatus also includes a pivot arm having a first end and a second end, the first end pivotally attached to the frame at a pivot point located between the forward end and the aft end of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Aero Modifications & Consulting, LLC
    Inventors: Don S. Godwin, Kenneth D. Driver, Joseph C. Gray, Richard J. Gritter