Patents by Inventor Michael A. Balzer
Michael A. Balzer 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).
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Patent number: 11623734Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a wing flap of an aircraft includes a support fitting configured to be coupled to a wing of the aircraft. The apparatus also includes a first link, pivotably coupled to the support fitting and configured to be pivotably coupled to the wing flap, and a second link, separably coupled to the support fitting and configured to be pivotably coupled to the wing flap.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2021Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Christopher G. Glassmoyer, Michael A. Balzer, Jan A. Kordel
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Publication number: 20220185449Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a wing flap of an aircraft includes a support fitting configured to be coupled to a wing of the aircraft. The apparatus also includes a first link, pivotably coupled to the support fitting and configured to be pivotably coupled to the wing flap, and a second link, separably coupled to the support fitting and configured to be pivotably coupled to the wing flap.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2021Publication date: June 16, 2022Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Christopher G. Glassmoyer, Michael A. Balzer, Jan A. Kordel
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Patent number: 10759516Abstract: A wing flap includes a flap body and a torque member. The torque member is integrally formed with at least a portion of the flap body.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jan A. Kordel, Michael A. Balzer, Mark M. Bleazard, Jacob D. Virnig, Wendell C. K. Choy, Gregory M. Santini
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Patent number: 10647407Abstract: A wing flap includes a flap body. The flap body includes an upper skin, a lower skin opposite the upper skin, and a plurality of spars that extend between the upper skin and the lower skin. The wing flap also includes a torque member that is coupled to the flap body. A portion of the torque member is contiguous with at least one of the upper skin and the lower skin.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jan A. Kordel, Michael A. Balzer, Mark M. Bleazard, Jacob D. Virnig, Wendell C. K. Choy, Gregory M. Santini
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Patent number: 10597141Abstract: A wing flap includes a flap body. The flap body includes an upper skin, a lower skin opposite the upper skin, and a plurality of spars that extend between the upper skin and the lower skin. The wing flap also includes a torque member that is coupled to the flap body. A portion of the torque member is contiguous with at least one of the upper skin and the lower skin.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2018Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jan A. Kordel, Michael A. Balzer, Mark M. Bleazard, Jacob D. Virnig, Wendell C. K. Choy, Gregory M. Santini
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Patent number: 10501166Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control a gap between movable aircraft wing components are disclosed. An example apparatus includes spoiler including a first panel and a second panel, a flexible tip extending from an intersection of the first and second panels; and a rub block coupled to a surface of the second panel, the rub block positioned to engage a flap to maintain a distance between the spoiler and the flap and to enable the flexible tip to perform deform to change aerodynamic properties of the spoiler.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2017Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Michael A. Balzer, Jan A. Kordel
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Publication number: 20190300147Abstract: A wing flap includes a flap body and a torque member. The torque member is integrally formed with at least a portion of the flap body.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2018Publication date: October 3, 2019Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jan A. Kordel, Michael A. Balzer, Mark M. Bleazard, Jacob D. Virnig, Wendell C. K. Choy, Gregory M. Santini
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Publication number: 20190300149Abstract: A wing flap includes a flap body. The flap body includes an upper skin, a lower skin opposite the upper skin, and a plurality of spars that extend between the upper skin and the lower skin. The wing flap also includes a torque member that is coupled to the flap body. A portion of the torque member is contiguous with at least one of the upper skin and the lower skin.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2018Publication date: October 3, 2019Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jan A. Kordel, Michael A. Balzer, Mark M. Bleazard, Jacob D. Virnig, Wendell C. K. Choy, Gregory M. Santini
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Publication number: 20190300148Abstract: A wing flap includes a flap body. The flap body includes an upper skin, a lower skin opposite the upper skin, and a plurality of spars that extend between the upper skin and the lower skin. The wing flap also includes a torque member that is coupled to the flap body. A portion of the torque member is contiguous with at least one of the upper skin and the lower skin.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2018Publication date: October 3, 2019Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jan A. Kordel, Michael A. Balzer, Mark M. Bleazard, Jacob D. Virnig, Wendell C. K. Choy, Gregory M. Santini
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Publication number: 20170283034Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control a gap between movable aircraft wing components are disclosed. An example apparatus includes spoiler including a first panel and a second panel, a flexible tip extending from an intersection of the first and second panels; and a rub block coupled to a surface of the second panel, the rub block positioned to engage a flap to maintain a distance between the spoiler and the flap and to enable the flexible tip to perform deform to change aerodynamic properties of the spoiler.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2017Publication date: October 5, 2017Inventors: Michael A. Balzer, Jan A. Kordel
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Patent number: 9688384Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control a gap between movable aircraft wing components are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a body having a trailing edge and a leading edge. The leading edge is to be coupled to an aircraft wing. The trailing edge is to engage a flap of the aircraft wing. The body includes a structure located between the trailing edge and the leading edge. The structure is to engage the flap to maintain a distance between the body and the flap.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2012Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael A. Balzer, Jan A. Kordel
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Patent number: 8870125Abstract: A system for pneumatically actuating a split flap hingedly mounted near or at a trailing edge of an airfoil. The system includes a bladder system disposed between the split flap and the upper surface of the airfoil. The split flap is a small-chord (usually 1-3% of total wing chord) long-span lower panel which separates from the airfoil trailing edge by means of a hinge or a flexible lower skin. Deployment of the split flap is actuated pneumatically by the inflatable bladder system. The split flap may exist at a fixed wing trailing edge, a moving flap trailing edge, or an empennage trailing edge. The pneumatic bladder provides distributed force to extend and retract the split flap. This pneumatic approach eliminates extra drag, reduces cost and weight, and lessens flutter concerns.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2011Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael A. Balzer, Gregory M. Santini, Michael K. Klein
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Patent number: 8567726Abstract: Aircraft trailing edge devices, including devices having forwardly positioned hinge lines, and associated methods are disclosed. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a wing and a trailing edge device coupled to the wing. The trailing edge device can be movable relative to the wing between a stowed position and a deployed position, with the trailing edge device having a leading edge, a trailing edge, an upper surface, and a lower surface. The upper surface can have an intersection point with the wing when the trailing edge device is in the stowed position. The motion of the trailing edge device relative to the wing can include rotational motion about a hinge line positioned forward of the intersection point, and a gap can be positioned between the trailing edge of the wing and the leading edge of the trailing edge device when the trailing edge device is in the deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Douglas S. Lacy, Jan A. Kordel, John V. Dovey, Michael A. Balzer, Seiya Sakurai, Neal V. Huynh
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Publication number: 20130020444Abstract: A system for pneumatically actuating a split flap hingedly mounted near or at a trailing edge of an airfoil. The system includes a bladder system disposed between the split flap and the upper surface of the airfoil. The split flap is a small-chord (usually 1-3% of total wing chord) long-span lower panel which separates from the airfoil trailing edge by means of a hinge or a flexible lower skin. Deployment of the split flap is actuated pneumatically by the inflatable bladder system. The split flap may exist at a fixed wing trailing edge, a moving flap trailing edge, or an empennage trailing edge. The pneumatic bladder provides distributed force to extend and retract the split flap. This pneumatic approach eliminates extra drag, reduces cost and weight, and lessens flutter concerns.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Michael A. Balzer, Gregory M. Santini, Michael K. Klein
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Publication number: 20120018588Abstract: Aircraft trailing edge devices, including devices having forwardly positioned hinge lines, and associated methods are disclosed. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a wing and a trailing edge device coupled to the wing. The trailing edge device can be movable relative to the wing between a stowed position and a deployed position, with the trailing edge device having a leading edge, a trailing edge, an upper surface, and a lower surface. The upper surface can have an intersection point with the wing when the trailing edge device is in the stowed position. The motion of the trailing edge device relative to the wing can include rotational motion about a hinge line positioned forward of the intersection point, and a gap can be positioned between the trailing edge of the wing and the leading edge of the trailing edge device when the trailing edge device is in the deployed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Douglas S. Lacy, Jan A. Kordel, John V. Dovey, Michael A. Balzer, Seiya Sakurai, Neal V. Huynh
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Patent number: 8038103Abstract: Aircraft trailing edge devices, including devices having forwardly positioned hinge lines, and associated methods are disclosed. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a wing and a trailing edge device coupled to the wing. The trailing edge device can be movable relative to the wing between a stowed position and a deployed position, with the trailing edge device having a leading edge, a trailing edge, an upper surface, and a lower surface. The upper surface can have an intersection point with the wing when the trailing edge device is in the stowed position. The motion of the trailing edge device relative to the wing can include rotational motion about a hinge line positioned forward of the intersection point, and a gap can be positioned between the trailing edge of the wing and the leading edge of the trailing edge device when the trailing edge device is in the deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2009Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Douglas S. Lacy, Jan A. Kordel, John V. Dovey, Michael A. Balzer, Seiya Sakurai, Neal V. Huynh
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Patent number: 7766282Abstract: Trailing edge device catchers and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment includes a wing having a wing support, a trailing edge device carried by and movable relative to the wing and having a device support, and a coupling connected between the wing and the trailing edge device. The coupling can include a pivot joint that includes a pivot element aligned along a pivot axis and connected between the wing support and the device support. The coupling can further include an actuator coupled between the wing and the trailing edge device, with the actuator having a first position in which the trailing edge device is stowed, and a second position in which the trailing edge device is deployed, with an air flow gap located between the wing and the trailing edge device when the trailing edge device is in the second position. A cam track is carried by one of the wing and the trailing edge device and has opposing cam track surfaces fixed relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2007Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jan A. Kordel, Seiya Sakurai, Michael A. Balzer, John V. Dovey
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Publication number: 20100170998Abstract: Aircraft trailing edge devices, including devices having forwardly positioned hinge lines, and associated methods are disclosed. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a wing and a trailing edge device coupled to the wing. The trailing edge device can be movable relative to the wing between a stowed position and a deployed position, with the trailing edge device having a leading edge, a trailing edge, an upper surface, and a lower surface. The upper surface can have an intersection point with the wing when the trailing edge device is in the stowed position. The motion of the trailing edge device relative to the wing can include rotational motion about a hinge line positioned forward of the intersection point, and a gap can be positioned between the trailing edge of the wing and the leading edge of the trailing edge device when the trailing edge device is in the deployed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2009Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Douglas S. Lacy, Jan A. Kordel, John V. Dovey, Michael A. Balzer, Seiya Sakurai, Neal V. Huynh
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Patent number: 7708231Abstract: Aircraft trailing edge devices, including devices having forwardly positioned hinge lines, and associated methods are disclosed. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a wing and a trailing edge device coupled to the wing. The trailing edge device can be movable relative to the wing between a stowed position and a deployed position, with the trailing edge device having a leading edge, a trailing edge, an upper surface, and a lower surface. The upper surface can have an intersection point with the wing when the trailing edge device is in the stowed position. The motion of the trailing edge device relative to the wing can include rotational motion about a hinge line positioned forward of the intersection point, and a gap can be positioned between the trailing edge of the wing and the leading edge of the trailing edge device when the trailing edge device is in the deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Douglas S. Lacy, Jan A. Kordel, John V. Dovey, Michael A. Balzer, Seiya Sakurai, Neal V. Huynh
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Publication number: 20090146016Abstract: Trailing edge device catchers and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment includes a wing having a wing support, a trailing edge device carried by and movable relative to the wing and having a device support, and a coupling connected between the wing and the trailing edge device. The coupling can include a pivot joint that includes a pivot element aligned along a pivot axis and connected between the wing support and the device support. The coupling can further include an actuator coupled between the wing and the trailing edge device, with the actuator having a first position in which the trailing edge device is stowed, and a second position in which the trailing edge device is deployed, with an air flow gap located between the wing and the trailing edge device when the trailing edge device is in the second position. A cam track is carried by one of the wing and the trailing edge device and has opposing cam track surfaces fixed relative to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2007Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jan A. Kordel, Seiya Sakurai, Michael A. Balzer, John V. Dovey