Patents by Inventor Kirby William Johnson

Kirby William 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: 4042191
    Abstract: A seal assembly for sealing the slot formed between the aft end of an extended leading edge flap and the leading edge of a wing includes a flexible, blade-type seal extending spanwise between the leading edge flap and the wing. The upper end of the seal is attached to the underside of the leading edge flap adjacent its aft end and extends downwardly therefrom. The bottom portion of the seal is normally spaced from the leading edge of the wing. The seal is flexible so that when air is flowing over the leading edge flap and the wing, airflow from the underside of the flap causes the lower end of the seal to move toward the leading edge of the wing and intimately engage the leading edge of the wing in sealing contact. After the bottom edge of the seal engages the leading edge of the wing, the differential pressure between the upper surface of the flap and the wing and the region below the leading edge flap maintains the seal in contact with the leading edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1977
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Kirby William Johnson