Patents by Inventor Louis T. Kramer

Louis T. Kramer 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: 4470569
    Abstract: A slat system in which the slats are supported on tracks and the slats are actuated by a simple bell crank linkage oriented so that its plane of motion is parallel to the wing chord reference plane. The mechanism retracts to a collapsed over-center position and extends to an over-center position so as to lock the slat into the retract or extend positions. Each slat segment is driven by two identical mechanisms tied together by a synchronization link which provides redundancy. Either actuator can drive the surface alone, as the second actuator is driven through the synchronization lever, in case of power loss to the second actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Shaffer, Louis T. Kramer
  • Patent number: 4412665
    Abstract: A three wheeled, generally in line, articulated landing gear with the lever trailing the lever hinge axis, applied in a pair. Each shock strut, axle, and rolling assembly counter twist 90.degree. upon retraction about a laterally offset post to present the smallest frontal area or pod size. The twisting mechanism, the door links and the over center down lock are all tied mechanically to the gear so that no other sequencing is required during gear retraction or extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1983
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Louis T. Kramer, Franklin H. Butler, Donald C. Callas
  • Patent number: 4359199
    Abstract: A bogie type landing gear especially suitable for providing soft landing capabilities for short take-off and landing (STOL) aircraft wherein fore and aft wheels are mounted on opposite ends of a bogie which is pivotally attached to the lower end of a vertical shock strut. In one embodiment, a torque link pivotally connects the aft end of the bogie to the shock strut such that, under normal landing conditions, the front wheel will touch down first thereby reducing and directing the landing forces to minimize shock to the aircraft. The aft mounted torque links also act as a tension member during the initial landing stroke. In another embodiment, a damper acts as a tension stop for a soft landing arrangement as well as to dampen bogie motion over bumps with the torque links being separate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Louis T. Kramer, Franklin H. Butler, Anthony V. Camino
  • Patent number: 4290505
    Abstract: An aircraft brake which is circumferentially disposed about the aircraft axle and supported at two points symmetrical about a line perpendicular to a center line drawn through the aircraft axle. Clearance between the brake housing and the axle in the direction of the reacting couple to the braking load is essential in the geometry of mounting the brake to the shock strut and axle structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1981
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corp.
    Inventor: Louis T. Kramer