Patents by Inventor Michael Knight

Michael Knight 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).

  • Publication number: 20250187740
    Abstract: A throttle quadrant system for an aircraft includes: a first throttle handle to control a first engine of the aircraft, the first throttle handle having a first activatable visual indicator integrated therein; a second throttle handle to control a second engine of the aircraft, the second throttle handle comprising a second activatable visual indicator integrated therein; and at least one controller to control activation and operation of the first activatable visual indicator and the second activatable visual indicator. The at least one controller responds to first engine data related to operating status of the first engine to selectively activate the first activatable visual indicator. The at least one controller also responds to second engine data related to operating status of the second engine to selectively activate the second activatable visual indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2025
    Publication date: June 12, 2025
    Applicant: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hausmann, Gary Freeman, Michael Knight, Ozan Ates, Kristin Medin, Jim Jordan, Scott Bohanan
  • Patent number: 12258138
    Abstract: A throttle quadrant system for an aircraft includes: a first throttle handle to control a first engine of the aircraft, the first throttle handle having a first activatable visual indicator integrated therein; a second throttle handle to control a second engine of the aircraft, the second throttle handle comprising a second activatable visual indicator integrated therein; and at least one controller to control activation and operation of the first activatable visual indicator and the second activatable visual indicator. The at least one controller responds to first engine data related to operating status of the first engine to selectively activate the first activatable visual indicator. The at least one controller also responds to second engine data related to operating status of the second engine to selectively activate the second activatable visual indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hausmann, Gary Freeman, Michael Knight, Ozan Ates, Kristin Medin, Jim Jordan, Scott Bohanan
  • Patent number: 12180851
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments describe cover detection systems, controllers, and aircraft. The aircraft includes the controller and parts of the cover detection systems. A cover detection system includes an engine, a first sensor, a second sensor, an engine cover, and a controller. The engine has moving parts and defines a fluid opening. The fluid opening exposes the moving parts to an ambient environment. The first sensor component is located proximate to the engine and the second sensor component is configured to interact with the first sensor component. The engine cover assembly includes an engine cover and a second sensor. The engine cover is configured to cover the fluid opening. The controller is configured to determine whether the engine cover is installed on the engine based on an interaction between the first sensor component and the second sensor component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hausmann, Michael Knight
  • Publication number: 20240263563
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments describe cover detection systems, controllers, and aircraft. The aircraft includes the controller and parts of the cover detection systems. A cover detection system includes an engine, a first sensor, a second sensor, an engine cover, and a controller. The engine has moving parts and defines a fluid opening. The fluid opening exposes the moving parts to an ambient environment. The first sensor component is located proximate to the engine and the second sensor component is configured to interact with the first sensor component. The engine cover assembly includes an engine cover and a second sensor. The engine cover is configured to cover the fluid opening. The controller is configured to determine whether the engine cover is installed on the engine based on an interaction between the first sensor component and the second sensor component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Publication date: August 8, 2024
    Applicant: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hausmann, Michael Knight
  • Publication number: 20230399117
    Abstract: A throttle quadrant system for an aircraft includes: a first throttle handle to control a first engine of the aircraft, the first throttle handle having a first activatable visual indicator integrated therein; a second throttle handle to control a second engine of the aircraft, the second throttle handle comprising a second activatable visual indicator integrated therein; and at least one controller to control activation and operation of the first activatable visual indicator and the second activatable visual indicator. The at least one controller responds to first engine data related to operating status of the first engine to selectively activate the first activatable visual indicator. The at least one controller also responds to second engine data related to operating status of the second engine to selectively activate the second activatable visual indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hausmann, Gary Freeman, Michael Knight, Ozan Ates, Kristin Medin, Jim Jordan, Scott Bohanan
  • Publication number: 20220378638
    Abstract: Embodiments provide an aeromedical bio-containment module for use in a cargo plane. The aeromedical bio-containment module includes a fully integrated pallet system allowing for the module to roll onto the cargo plane. An integrated set of lugs allows the module to be locked into the cargo plane floor without the use of chains or other pallets. The aeromedical bio-containment module features a ward area for safe treatment of patients, an anteroom, and an office area for personnel. The aeromedical bio-containment module operates under a negative pressure system, and includes a full air filtration system to remove pathogens, particulates, and other airborne contaminants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: KNIGHT AEROSPACE
    Inventors: Michael KNIGHT, Bianca RHODES
  • Publication number: 20220313095
    Abstract: A temperature assessment system aligns and analyzes optical sensor data and thermal sensor data to perform temperature assessments in a physical environment. The temperature assessment system may include facial detection and distance verification components, using a combination of machine learning and heuristics-based techniques to generate bounding boxes and perform individual assessments for multiple different people within the environment. Assessments may include temperature assessments, thermal uniformity assessments, and mask detection, and the results of the assessments may be used to transmit outputs to monitoring systems, provide alert notifications, and control various output devices based on the assessment status of the individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Leandro Lichtensztein, Mariano Garagiola, Franco Zacco, Jorge Campos, Mario Campos, Michael Knight, Ken Mills
  • Patent number: 11263912
    Abstract: An aircraft includes an engine, a thrust reverser, landing gear, a brake system, a pilot input device, and a control system. The engine is configured to generate thrust directed to move the aircraft in a forward direction. The landing gear includes wheels. The brake system is configured to generate a braking force on the wheels. The pilot input device is positioned for use by a pilot of the aircraft. The control system is programmed to: determine whether the taxi operations are allowed; receive a request to achieve and hold a taxi speed at a desired taxi speed from the pilot input device; and command the engine, the thrust reverser, and the brake system to achieve and maintain the desired taxi speed in response to receiving the request to hold taxi speed only when the taxi operations are allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Bethany Davis, Michael Knight
  • Patent number: 11077934
    Abstract: An aircraft, a control surface arrangement, and a method of assembling an aircraft are disclosed herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the aircraft includes, but is not limited to, an airframe, a control surface, and a rotary actuator. The rotary actuator rotatably mounts the control surface to the airframe. The rotary actuator supports the control surface on the airframe and is configured to rotate the control surface with respect to the airframe when the rotary actuator is actuated. The rotary actuator is further configured to deliver torque to the control surface from a longitudinally intermediate portion of the rotary actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Knight, James Grieco
  • Publication number: 20210049919
    Abstract: An aircraft includes an engine, a thrust reverser, landing gear, a brake system, a pilot input device, and a control system. The engine is configured to generate thrust directed to move the aircraft in a forward direction. The landing gear includes wheels. The brake system is configured to generate a braking force on the wheels. The pilot input device is positioned for use by a pilot of the aircraft. The control system is programmed to: determine whether the taxi operations are allowed; receive a request to achieve and hold a taxi speed at a desired taxi speed from the pilot input device; and command the engine, the thrust reverser, and the brake system to achieve and maintain the desired taxi speed in response to receiving the request to hold taxi speed only when the taxi operations are allowed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Applicant: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Bethany Davis, Michael Knight
  • Patent number: 10907508
    Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite (“CMC”) center body may be positioned around an austenitic nickel-chromium-based superalloy attachment ring. The attachment ring may be integrally formed with a turbine engine case. The attachment ring may have a greater coefficient of thermal expansion than the center body. A plurality of pins may be inserted through apertures in the center body and coupled to the attachment ring. The pins may slide within the apertures, allowing the attachment ring to expand without applying a load on the center body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Knight, Fadi Iskander, Narek Geghamyan
  • Patent number: 10874822
    Abstract: An aircraft seat assembly for supporting a seat occupant, and a method for fabricating an aircraft seat assembly for supporting a seat occupant are provided. In one non-limiting example, the aircraft seat assembly includes a seat cushion supported by the seat structure. A vibration producing apparatus configured to produce vibrations conducive for inducing drowsiness. The vibration producing apparatus is disposed adjacent to or within the seat structure for transferring the vibrations to the seat occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Knight
  • Patent number: 10703484
    Abstract: An aircraft seat assembly for supporting a seat occupant, and a method for fabricating an aircraft seat assembly for supporting a seat occupant are provided. In one non-limiting example, the aircraft seat assembly includes a seat structure and a seat cushion that is supported by the seat structure. A vibration mitigating apparatus is operatively coupled to the seat structure to prevent or reduce vibrations from transferring to the seat occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Knight
  • Publication number: 20200155792
    Abstract: An aircraft seat assembly for supporting a seat occupant, and a method for fabricating an aircraft seat assembly for supporting a seat occupant are provided. In one non-limiting example, the aircraft seat assembly includes a seat cushion supported by the seat structure. A vibration producing apparatus configured to produce vibrations conducive for inducing drowsiness. The vibration producing apparatus is disposed adjacent to or within the seat structure for transferring the vibrations to the seat occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Knight
  • Publication number: 20200156795
    Abstract: An aircraft seat assembly for supporting a seat occupant, and a method for fabricating an aircraft seat assembly for supporting a seat occupant are provided. In one non-limiting example, the aircraft seat assembly includes a seat structure and a seat cushion that is supported by the seat structure. A vibration mitigating apparatus is operatively coupled to the seat structure to prevent or reduce vibrations from transferring to the seat occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Knight
  • Publication number: 20200140107
    Abstract: An aircraft includes a fuselage, an engine, a pylon, a nacelle cowling, and a gearbox assembly. The engine is spaced apart from the fuselage and the pylon is disposed between the fuselage and the engine. The accessory gearbox is fixed to the engine and is at least partially disposed in the pylon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Donald Freund, Douglas Klutzke, Michael Knight, Derek Muzychka
  • Publication number: 20190360353
    Abstract: A propulsion system for an aircraft includes (1) an engine configured to generate a mass flow, (2) a nozzle having a pathway having a throat and a trailing edge, one of the throat and the trailing edge configured to enlarge and contract, (3) a heat source disposed in the nozzle, (4) a first pressure sensor to sense the static pressure of the mass flow at the nozzle exit, (5) a second pressure sensor to sense the ambient pressure proximate the aircraft, and a (6) controller. The controller is coupled with the first and second pressure sensors, the heat source, and the throat or the trailing edge (whichever is configured to enlarge and contract). The controller receives the static and ambient pressures and when there is a disparity, the controller controls at least one of the heat source, the throat, and the trailing edge in a manner that reduces the disparity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: Timothy R. Conners, Joe Gavin, Donald Howe, Michael Knight
  • Patent number: 10414515
    Abstract: Aircraft, vision sensor systems, and methods of operating deployable vision systems are provided. An aircraft includes a fuselage and a vision sensor system. The fuselage defines an outer mold line and the vision sensor system includes a housing and a vision sensor package. The housing is selectively deployable between a retracted position and a deployed position and is disposed within the outer mold line in the retracted position and outside of the outer mold line in the deployed position. The vision sensor package is associated with the housing and is positioned to collect imaging information when the housing is in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Michaels, Michael Knight, Douglas Klutzke
  • Publication number: 20190193838
    Abstract: An aircraft, a control surface arrangement, and a method of assembling an aircraft are disclosed herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the aircraft includes, but is not limited to, an airframe, a control surface, and a rotary actuator. The rotary actuator rotatably mounts the control surface to the airframe. The rotary actuator supports the control surface on the airframe and is configured to rotate the control surface with respect to the airframe when the rotary actuator is actuated. The rotary actuator is further configured to deliver torque to the control surface from a longitudinally intermediate portion of the rotary actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Knight, James Grieco
  • Patent number: 10252705
    Abstract: A system is provided having a normal operational mode and a modulated operational mode. The system includes an input device configured to generate a command signal. The system further includes a brake controller configured to generate a brake actuation signal in response to the command signal. The system further includes a fluid source configured to provide fluid in response to the brake actuation signal. The fluid has a first portion and a second portion. The system further includes a return valve in fluid communication with the fluid source, and configured to return the first portion of the fluid to the fluid source when the system is in the modulated operational mode. The system further includes a wheel brake in fluid communication with the fluid source and configured to engage a wheel of the aircraft in response to at least the second portion of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Knight, Timothy Burns