Patents by Inventor Gerrit N. Veenstra

Gerrit N. Veenstra 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).

  • Retractable landing gear with self-braced folding strut
    Patent number: 5100083
    Abstract: A folding strut having upper and lower portions (14, 16/62, 64) are connected together by a pivotal joint (18, 66, 68) for folding movement relative to one another upon extension and retraction of the strut. The upper portion (14, 62) of the strut is pivotally mounted to the aircraft frame (52, 80). A locking brace (42, 44/84, 86) extends between the upper and lower strut portions (14, 16/62, 64) to brace the strut against folding. The upper and lower portions of the strut are axially aligned (C, F) when the strut is in a fully-deployed position and the locking brace (42, 44/84, 86) maintains the strut portions (14, 16/62, 64) in this axially-aligned position. The locking brace (42, 44/84, 86) is releasable to allow relative folding movement of the upper and lower portions (14, 16/62, 64) for retraction of the strut to a stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David T. Large, Gerrit N. Veenstra