Patents by Inventor Florence V. Hutcheson

Florence V. Hutcheson 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: 10252792
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for noise reduction for lift-augmentation wing-sections (e.g., flaps, slats, elevons, etc.) by the use of flow disruption devices placed upstream of vortex generation locations. The flow disruption devices may reduce the noise radiating from side edges of lift-augmentation control wing sections. An embodiment flow disruption device may include a body configured to protrude into a flow over a vehicle's surface, wherein the body is coupled to the vehicle upstream of a side edge of a structure of the vehicle such that a wake produced by the body introduces unsteadiness and a flow velocity deficit in a vortex formation region of the side edge of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF NASA
    Inventors: Florence V. Hutcheson, Thomas F. Brooks
  • Publication number: 20160311524
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for noise reduction for lift-augmentation wing-sections (e.g., flaps, slats, elevons, etc.) by the use of flow disruption devices placed upstream of vortex generation locations. The flow disruption devices may reduce the noise radiating from side edges of lift-augmentation control wing sections. An embodiment flow disruption device may include a body configured to protrude into a flow over a vehicle's surface, wherein the body is coupled to the vehicle upstream of a side edge of a structure of the vehicle such that a wake produced by the body introduces unsteadiness and a flow velocity deficit in a vortex formation region of the side edge of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Florence V. Hutcheson, THOMAS F. BROOKS
  • Patent number: 7484930
    Abstract: A reduction in noise radiating from a side of a deployed aircraft flap is achieved by locating a slot adjacent the side of the flap, and then forcing air out through the slot with a suitable mechanism. One, two or even three or more slots are possible, where the slot is located at one or more locations selected from a group of locations comprising a top surface of the flap, a bottom surface of the flap, an intersection of the top and side surface of the flap, an intersection of the bottom and side surfaces of the flap, and a side surface of the flap. In at least one embodiment the slot is substantially rectangular. A device for adjusting a rate of the air forced out through the slot can also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Florence V. Hutcheson, Thomas F. Brooks