Patents by Inventor Eric C. Boyle

Eric C. Boyle 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).

  • Methods for separating rotor blade cuffs from rotor blade bodies
    Patent number: 11091254
    Abstract: A rotor blade disassembly method includes applying spanwise support to a rotor blade body and heating a bond disposed on an end of the rotor blade body. The method also includes removing the spanwise support from the rotor blade body and exerting shear stress on the bond using weight of the rotor blade body. A blade disassembly system is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan Lehto, Eric C. Boyle, Sven R. Lofstrom, David Littlejohn
  • Apparatus and methods for making rotorcraft rotor blades
    Patent number: 10569906
    Abstract: A method of making a rotor blade assembly includes receiving a sheath assembly and a blade body at a blade assembly tool. The sheath assembly is spread by applying force to an interior surface of the sheath assembly. The blade body is inserted within the interior of the sheath assembly, registered with the sheath assembly, and the force removed from the interior surface of the sheath assembly such that the sheath assembly collapses on the blade body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Littlejohn, Sven Roy Lofstrom, Eric C. Boyle
  • METHODS FOR SEPARATING ROTOR BLADE CUFFS FROM ROTOR BLADE BODIES
    Publication number: 20190135421
    Abstract: A rotor blade disassembly method includes applying spanwise support to a rotor blade body and heating a bond disposed on an end of the rotor blade body. The method also includes removing the spanwise support from the rotor blade body and exerting shear stress on the bond using weight of the rotor blade body. A blade disassembly system is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Ryan Lehto, Eric C. Boyle, Sven R. Lofstrom, David Littlejohn
  • Methods for separating rotor blade cuffs from rotor blade bodies
    Patent number: 10196140
    Abstract: A rotor blade disassembly method includes applying spanwise support to a rotor blade body and heating a bond disposed on an end of the rotor blade body. The method also includes removing the spanwise support from the rotor blade body and exerting shear stress on the bond using weight of the rotor blade body. A blade disassembly system is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan Lehto, Eric C. Boyle, Sven R. Lofstrom, David Littlejohn
  • APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MAKING ROTORCRAFT ROTOR BLADES
    Publication number: 20180002038
    Abstract: A method of making a rotor blade assembly includes receiving a sheath assembly and a blade body at a blade assembly tool. The sheath assembly is spread by applying force to an interior surface of the sheath assembly. The blade body is inserted within the interior of the sheath assembly, registered with the sheath assembly, and the force removed from the interior surface of the sheath assembly such that the sheath assembly collapses on the blade body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: David Littlejohn, Sven Roy Lofstrom, Eric C. Boyle
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SEPARATING ROTOR BLADE CUFFS FROM ROTOR BLADE BODIES
    Publication number: 20170291724
    Abstract: A rotor blade disassembly method includes applying spanwise support to a rotor blade body and heating a bond disposed on an end of the rotor blade body. The method also includes removing the spanwise support from the rotor blade body and exerting shear stress on the bond using weight of the rotor blade body. A blade disassembly system is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: Ryan Lehto, Eric C. Boyle, Sven R. Lofstrom, David Littlejohn
  • Composite rotor blade and method of manufacture
    Patent number: 6659722
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a rotor blade and method of manufacture thereof. The rotor blade of the present invention incorporates a number of novel features in order to increase its reliability and strength while reducing its weight. In certain embodiments, the rotor blade of the present invention incorporates a flexural strap in place of traditional pitch bearings. In certain embodiments, the rotor blade of the present invention is manufactured using a unique fiber placement layup technique to reduce failure modes and maximize the fatigue strength of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Ajay Sehgal, Eric C. Boyle, Christopher Finch, Robert S. Thompson
  • Composite rotor blade and method of manufacture
    Publication number: 20020164251
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a rotor blade and method of manufacture thereof. The rotor blade of the present invention incorporates a number of novel features in order to increase its reliability and strength while reducing its weight. In certain embodiments, the rotor blade of the present invention incorporates a flexural strap in place of traditional pitch bearings. In certain embodiments, the rotor blade of the present invention is manufactured using a unique fiber placement layup technique to reduce failure modes and maximize the fatigue strength of the part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Ajay Sehgal, Eric C. Boyle, Christopher Finch, Robert S. Thompson
  • Tail rotor yoke assembly
    Patent number: D455113
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Ajay Sehgal, Eric C. Boyle, Glen A. Shimek