Patents by Inventor Robert D. Yeary

Robert D. Yeary 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).

  • Method and apparatus for tactile cueing of aircraft controls
    Patent number: 7098811
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for tactile cueing of aircraft controls (21) is disclosed. The apparatus of the present invention warns pilots of approaching limits on certain aircraft performance parameters. The most common warnings are for rotor speed exceeding a moving limit. The present invention uses tactile cueing through the collective stick (21). Tactile cueing means that the pilot does not need to scan the intruments to ascertain proximity to the aforementioned limits. Instead, the pilot can operate the aircraft within proper limits by touch, while maintaining situational awareness outside of the cockpit (20). The method and apparatus of the present invention provides customary friction resistance up to a limit position that is continuously updated. According to the present invention, continued motion of the collective (21) in a direction beyond that limit position results in a breakout force and an increasing resistive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Augustin, Allen L. Bertapelle, Mark E. Dreier, Bradley D. Linton, William L. McKeown, Robert D. Yeary