Patents by Inventor Helen DRIFFILL

Helen DRIFFILL 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).

  • Publication number: 20230242242
    Abstract: An aircraft wing is disclosed including a main wing element and a movable wing tip device attached to a tip end of the main wing element. The movable wing tip device can move relative to the main wing element to vary a span of the aircraft wing. An inductive coupler is arranged to inductively transmit data and/or power between the main wing element and the movable wing tip device. The inductive coupler removes the need for wires and cables to pass across a joint between the main wing element and a movable wing tip device. Additional embodiments include a method of maintenance, and a method of operating the aircraft wing to transmit data and/or power between the main wing element and the movable wing tip device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Henry EDWARDS, Helen DRIFFILL
  • Publication number: 20230242245
    Abstract: An aircraft is disclosed having a device and an aircraft wing. The aircraft wing includes a main wing element and a movable wing tip device attached to a tip end of the main wing element. The movable wing tip device includes an accumulator configured to store energy and the movable wing tip device can move relative to the main wing element to vary a span of the aircraft wing. The accumulator is configured to transmit power to the device. The accumulator enables energy to trickle between the main wing element and the movable wing tip device whilst still providing a suitable power source to the device. Additional embodiments include a method of maintenance, and a method of operating the aircraft wing to store energy in the movable wing tip device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Henry EDWARDS, Helen DRIFFILL