Patents by Inventor Kirby W. Johnson

Kirby W. Johnson 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: 4189121
    Abstract: A leading edge flap system for the tapered wing of an aircraft and more particularly, the spanwise flap segments and their linkage mechanism allow a relatively large leading edge bullnose member to be extended and unfolded out from a wing cavity. Each of the spanwise flap segments is supported from the leading edge of the wing by a pair of linkage mechanisms which are spaced apart spanwise and attached towards each spanwise end portion of the flap segment. The spanwise spaced apart linkage mechanisms are interconnected by a torque tube which is rotated through a fixed number of degrees by an actuator. By altering the geometry of the linkage mechanism, a differential motion is applied between the spanwise ends of the flap segment to torsionally twist the panel in a spanwise direction thereby varying the flap deflection angle spanwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1980
    Assignee: Boeing Commercial Airplane Company
    Inventors: Philip M. Harper, Kirby W. Johnson