Patents by Inventor Thomas E. Bennington

Thomas E. Bennington 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: 5265828
    Abstract: A portable, temporarily installable and removable safety seat for the carriage of an infant or small child aboard an aircraft includes securing anchors which cooperate with the standard seat or cargo tiedown tracks of most passenger aircraft. The anchors permit the safety seat to be secured directly to the floor of the aircraft in the same manner as other standard seats or other articles. The safety seat may be made foldable or so the back may be removed from the bottom for more compact storage, and may be constructed of relatively sturdy but lightweight materials such as aircraft grade steel tubing or aluminum tubing. Preferably, all of the materials used in the safety seat will meet or exceed the appropriate standards for fire resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: Thomas E. Bennington
  • Patent number: 5240416
    Abstract: A simulator system adaptable to an actual craft or existing simulator is disclosed. The system comprises computer hardware and software capable of simulation, combinations of simulations and networked simulations. Computer inputs come from sensors attached on or near control and operation members. Computer output is sent to overlay displays and other components. Visual, audio and motion cuing systems are added to increase realism where appropriate to the simulation. All equipment may be quickly and easily installed or removed so as to make maximum use of an otherwise inoperative craft or allow for diversity and upgrading of existing simulators. By the use of computer program modifications and component construction, the system may be used to simulate a wide variety of craft, including air, ground, naval and space craft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Thomas E. Bennington
  • Patent number: 5009598
    Abstract: An aircraft flight simulator system adaptable to an actual inoperative aircraft not in flight provides instrument displays driven by a computer flight simulator program interacting with inputs from sensors attached to the actual aircraft control system and overlay switches. The computer may also drive visual displays placed in the cockpit windshield and side windows, as well as provide audio output and output for the operation of aircraft jacks to simulate inflight motion. All equipment may be relatively quickly and easily installed or removed so as to make maximum use of an otherwise inoperative aircraft on the ground, and by the use of computer program modifications, may be used to simulate a wide variety of aircraft. Realistic control handling is provided by feedback mechanisms attached to various aircraft control surfaces and the control column and which are coupled to the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Inventor: Thomas E. Bennington