Patents by Inventor Neal V. Huynh

Neal V. Huynh 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: 20180300970
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for operating flight control systems of aircrafts are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a flight control system including a processor to: based on data from first and second sensors, determine first and second values; based on the first and second values, determine a location of a jam in the flight control system, the location of the jam being determined based on a summation of the first and second values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventors: Neal V. Huynh, Robert S. Eick, Thomas G. Heineman, Michael D. Bills, Patrick M. Fahey, John C. Nicholas
  • Patent number: 10002472
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for operating flight control systems of aircrafts are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a flight control system including a processor to: based on data from first and second sensors, determine first and second values; based on the first and second values, determine a location of a jam in the flight control system, the location of the jam being determined based on a summation of the first and second values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Neal V. Huynh, Robert S. Eick, Thomas G. Heineman, Michael D. Bills, Patrick M. Fahey, John C. Nicholas
  • Publication number: 20170233064
    Abstract: A hydraulic system of an aircraft may include a system pump configured to provide hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic system at a first working pressure. The hydraulic system may further include a booster pump configured to supply hydraulic fluid to at least one boostable actuator at a second working pressure higher than the first working pressure. The boostable actuator may be operatively coupled to and configured to actuate at least one flight control surface of an aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Patrick J. McCormick, Neal V. Huynh, Timothy G. Overton, Alan Marx
  • Publication number: 20160328891
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for operating flight control systems of aircrafts are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a flight control system including a processor to: based on data from first and second sensors, determine first and second values; based on the first and second values, determine a location of a jam in the flight control system, the location of the jam being determined based on a summation of the first and second values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Neal V. Huynh, Robert S. Eick, Thomas G. Heineman, Michael D. Bills, Patrick M. Fahey, John C. Nicholas
  • Patent number: 9437056
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for operating flight control systems of aircrafts are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a flight control system including a first sensor and a second sensor. The example apparatus also includes a processor to, based on data from the first and second sensors, determine first and second input values and, based the input values, determine an approximate location of a jam in the flight control system of an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Neal V. Huynh, Robert S. Eick, Thomas G. Heineman, Michael D. Bills, Patrick M. Fahey, John C. Nicholas
  • Publication number: 20160104331
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for operating flight control systems of aircrafts are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a flight control system including a first sensor and a second sensor. The example apparatus also includes a processor to, based on data from the first and second sensors, determine first and second input values and, based the input values, determine an approximate location of a jam in the flight control system of an aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Neal V. Huynh, Robert S. Eick, Thomas G. Heineman, Michael D. Bills, Patrick M. Fahey, John C. Nicholas
  • Patent number: 8567726
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Douglas S. Lacy, Jan A. Kordel, John V. Dovey, Michael A. Balzer, Seiya Sakurai, Neal V. Huynh
  • Publication number: 20120018588
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Douglas S. Lacy, Jan A. Kordel, John V. Dovey, Michael A. Balzer, Seiya Sakurai, Neal V. Huynh
  • Patent number: 8038103
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Douglas S. Lacy, Jan A. Kordel, John V. Dovey, Michael A. Balzer, Seiya Sakurai, Neal V. Huynh
  • Patent number: 7891611
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling aircraft flaps and spoilers are disclosed. Systems in accordance with some embodiments include a wing having a trailing edge, and a flap positioned at least partially aft of the wing trailing edge and being deployable relative to the wing between a first flap position and a second flap position by operation of a first actuator. A spoiler can be positioned at least proximate to the trailing edge and can be movable among at least three positions, including a first spoiler position in which the spoiler forms a generally continuous contour with an upper surface of the wing, a second spoiler position deflected downwardly from the first, and a third spoiler position deflected upwardly from the first. A second actuator can be operatively coupled to the spoiler to move the spoiler among the first, second and third spoiler positions in a manner that is mechanically independent of the motion of the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Neal V. Huynh, Robert J. Bleeg, Ralph Scott Pepper, John A. Standley, Brian L. Bocksch
  • Publication number: 20100286849
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling aircraft flaps and spoilers are disclosed. Systems in accordance with some embodiments include a wing having a trailing edge, and a flap positioned at least partially aft of the wing trailing edge and being deployable relative to the wing between a first flap position and a second flap position by operation of a first actuator. A spoiler can be positioned at least proximate to the trailing edge and can be movable among at least three positions, including a first spoiler position in which the spoiler forms a generally continuous contour with an upper surface of the wing, a second spoiler position deflected downwardly from the first, and a third spoiler position deflected upwardly from the first. A second actuator can be operatively coupled to the spoiler to move the spoiler among the first, second and third spoiler positions in a manner that is mechanically independent of the motion of the flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Neal V. Huynh, Robert J. Bleeg, Ralph Scott Pepper, John A. Standley, Brian L. Bocksch
  • Publication number: 20100170998
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Douglas S. Lacy, Jan A. Kordel, John V. Dovey, Michael A. Balzer, Seiya Sakurai, Neal V. Huynh
  • Patent number: 7744040
    Abstract: Aircraft trailing edge devices, including devices with non-parallel motion paths, and associated methods are disclosed. A device in accordance with one embodiment includes a wing and an inboard trailing edge device coupled to the wing and movable relative to the wing between a first stowed position and a first deployed position along a first motion path. An outboard trailing edge device can be coupled to the wing outboard of the inboard trailing edge device, and can be movable relative to the wing along a second motion path that is non-parallel to the first motion path. An intermediate trailing edge device can be coupled between the inboard and outboard trailing edge devices and can be movable along a third motion path that is non-parallel to both the first and second motion paths. Each of the trailing edge devices can open a gap relative to the wing when moved to their respective deployed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Douglas S. Lacy, Kevin W. Beyer, Stephen T. Brown, Paul W. Dees, Neal V. Huynh, Jan A. Kordel, Clayton A. Prow, Seiya Sakurai
  • Patent number: 7708231
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Douglas S. Lacy, Jan A. Kordel, John V. Dovey, Michael A. Balzer, Seiya Sakurai, Neal V. Huynh
  • Publication number: 20090146017
    Abstract: Aircraft trailing edge devices, including devices with non-parallel motion paths, and associated methods are disclosed. A device in accordance with one embodiment includes a wing and an inboard trailing edge device coupled to the wing and movable relative to the wing between a first stowed position and a first deployed position along a first motion path. An outboard trailing edge device can be coupled to the wing outboard of the inboard trailing edge device, and can be movable relative to the wing along a second motion path that is non-parallel to the first motion path. An intermediate trailing edge device can be coupled between the inboard and outboard trailing edge devices and can be movable along a third motion path that is non-parallel to both the first and second motion paths. Each of the trailing edge devices can open a gap relative to the wing when moved to their respective deployed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Douglas S. Lacy, Kevin W. Beyer, Stephen T. Brown, Paul W. Dees, Neal V. Huynh, Jan A. Kordel, Clayton A. Prow, Seiya Sakurai
  • Patent number: 7475854
    Abstract: Aircraft trailing edge devices, including devices with non-parallel motion paths, and associated methods are disclosed. A device in accordance with one embodiment includes a wing and an inboard trailing edge device coupled to the wing and movable relative to the wing between a first stowed position and a first deployed position along a first motion path. An outboard trailing edge device can be coupled to the wing outboard of the inboard trailing edge device, and can be movable relative to the wing along a second motion path that is non-parallel to the first motion path. An intermediate trailing edge device can be coupled between the inboard and outboard trailing edge devices and can be movable along a third motion path that is non-parallel to both the first and second motion paths. Each of the trailing edge devices can open a gap relative to the wing when moved to their respective deployed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Douglas S. Lacy, Kevin W. Beyer, Stephen T. Brown, Paul W. Dees, Neal V. Huynh, Jan A. Kordel, Clayton A. Prow, Seiya Sakurai
  • Patent number: 7338018
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling aircraft flaps and spoilers. Systems in accordance with some embodiments include a wing having a trailing edge, and a flap positioned proximate to the wing trailing edge and being deployable relative to the wing between a first flap position and a second flap position by operation of a first actuator. A spoiler can be positioned at least proximate to the trailing edge and can be movable among at least three positions, including a first spoiler position in which the spoiler forms a generally continuous contour with an upper surface of the wing, a second spoiler position deflected downwardly from the first, and a third spoiler position deflected upwardly from the first. A second actuator can be operatively coupled to the spoiler to move the spoiler among the first, second and third spoiler positions in a manner that is mechanically independent of the motion of the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Neal V. Huynh, Robert J. Bleeg, Ralph Scott Pepper, John A. Standley, Brian L. Bocksch
  • Patent number: 7309043
    Abstract: Actuation device positioning systems and associated methods, including aircraft spoiler droop systems are generally disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a positioning system that includes an eccentric cam and a drive mechanism coupled to the eccentric cam to rotate the eccentric cam between a first cam position and a second cam position. The system can further include an actuation device having an anchor portion and a movable portion that is movable relative to the anchor portion, the anchor portion operatively coupled to the eccentric cam. The eccentric cam can be positioned to move the anchor portion to a first anchor position when the eccentric cam is rotated to the first cam position and to move the anchor portion to a second anchor position when the eccentric cam is rotated to the second cam position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark S. Good, Neal V. Huynh, Kelly T. Jones, Selya Sakurai
  • Patent number: 7243881
    Abstract: Trailing edge devices configured to carry out multiple functions, and associated methods of use and manufacture are disclosed. An external fluid flow body (e.g., an airfoil) configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes a first portion and a second portion, at least a part of the second portion being positioned aft of the first portion, with the second portion being movable relative to the first portion between a neutral position, a plurality of upward positions, and a plurality of downward positions. A guide structure can be coupled between the first and second portions, and an actuator can be operatively coupled between the first and second portions to move the second portion relative to the first portion. In one embodiment, a flexible surface can track the motion of the second portion and can expose a gap at some positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Seiya Sakurai, Stephen J. Fox, Kevin W. Beyer, Douglas S. Lacy, Paul L. Johnson, Stephen L. Wells, Jack S. Noble, Paul T. Meredith, Neal V. Huynh, Russell R. Christianson, Paul M. Vijgen, Michael F. Fitzpatrick, Clayton A. Prow, Edward W. Gronenthal
  • Patent number: 7059563
    Abstract: Aircraft control surface operating systems and apparatuses, and associated methods of use. In one embodiment, an aircraft system includes an actuator operably coupled to a control surface in one-to-one correspondence. The actuator can include at least a first fluid port and a second fluid port. A first fluid circuit can be configured to provide pressurized working fluid from a fluid source to the first fluid port on the actuator to retract the actuator. A second fluid circuit can be configured to similarly provide pressurized working fluid from the fluid source to the second fluid port on the actuator to extend the actuator. The aircraft system can further include an accumulator configured to store pressurized working fluid for actuator operation in the event of a pressure drop in the fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Neal V. Huynh