Patents by Inventor Peter J. Cross

Peter J. Cross 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: 5820071
    Abstract: A coupler/decoupler is suitable for connecting one mechanical system to another and, upon application of sufficient force, resettably disengaging the first mechanical system from the second. In particular, the coupler/decoupler couples the pilot's or co-pilot's controls to the primary flight control system in a helicopter. In the event that the primary flight control system jams, applying a selected force to the controls causes the coupler/decoupler to disengage the primary flight control system, allowing the control to move again. In addition, the coupler/decoupler is configured to transmit a signal when the primary flight control system is disengaged, which activates a backup flight control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company
    Inventor: Peter J. Cross