Patents by Inventor Kurt M. Musial

Kurt M. Musial 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).

  • Aviation ground power unit connection system and method incorporating same
    Patent number: 7484689
    Abstract: The present technique provides a system and method for automatically releasing a power connection between an aircraft and a ground power unit. The power connection may have a release mechanism, such as a straight-pull coupling, which disconnects in response to movement of the aircraft or the ground power unit. The release mechanism also may disconnect in response to a critical tension within a power cable of the power connection. The power connection also may have a rotatable mount for the release mechanism, such that the power cable is alignable with tension in the power cable. The present technique also may have a variety of sensors to trigger a power shutdown and automatic release of the power connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt M. Musial, John T. Mead
  • Aviation ground power unit connection system and method incorporating same
    Publication number: 20040011918
    Abstract: The present technique provides a system and method for automatically releasing a power connection between an aircraft and a ground power unit. The power connection may have a release mechanism, such as a straight-pull coupling, which disconnects in response to movement of the aircraft or the ground power unit. The release mechanism also may disconnect in response to a critical tension within a power cable of the power connection. The power connection also may have a rotatable mount for the release mechanism, such that the power cable is alignable with tension in the power cable. The present technique also may have a variety of sensors to trigger a power shutdown and automatic release of the power connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Kurt M. Musial, John T. Mead