Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Mast

Thomas M. Mast 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: 9086016
    Abstract: A valve assembly for an engine, the valve assembly can include a housing; an in-flow port configured for connection with a drain line; a first out-flow port configured for connection with a fuel line; a second out-flow port configured for connection with a disposal line; and a passageway that is rotatable with a handle, the passageway being operable to redirect a flow of a fluid between the fuel line and the disposal line. The handle is configured to impede an attachment of the fluid source to a water wash connection when the passageway is in a position to direct the flow of the fluid from the drain line to the fuel line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Mast, Joshua A. Edler, Karl R. Burge, Nicholas J. Plagianos
  • Patent number: 8998130
    Abstract: An inlet system for a rotorcraft includes a cowl door assembly and a plenum assembly. The cowl door assembly includes a door member, a cowl inlet opening, and a cowl inlet duct. The plenum assembly is configured to free float in relation to the cowl door. The plenum assembly includes a plenum duct with a plenum band configured to attach the plenum assembly to an inlet opening. An aft seal is located between the aft plenum flange and a firewall, the aft seal being configured to provide a compressive contact between the plenum assembly and the firewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary E. Dailey, Thomas M. Mast
  • Publication number: 20140305135
    Abstract: A valve assembly for an engine, the valve assembly can include a housing; an in-flow port configured for connection with a drain line; a first out-flow port configured for connection with a fuel line; a second out-flow port configured for connection with a disposal line; and a passageway that is rotatable with a handle, the passageway being operable to redirect a flow of a fluid between the fuel line and the disposal line. The handle is configured to impede an attachment of the fluid source to a water wash connection when the passageway is in a position to direct the flow of the fluid from the drain line to the fuel line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Texton Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Mast, Joshua A. Edler, Karl R. Burge, Nicholas J. Plagianos
  • Publication number: 20140060004
    Abstract: The exhaust system is located on each nacelle of a tiltrotor aircraft. The exhaust system includes a vector nozzle that is selectively rotatable in relation to each nacelle in order to achieve certain performance objectives. The vector nozzle can be oriented to provide maximum flight performance, reduce infrared (IR) signature, or even to reduce/prevent ground heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Mast, Keith C. Pedersen, David L. Miller, Steven Ray Ivans
  • Patent number: 8622396
    Abstract: A rotary aircraft exhaust system having an engine, an exhaust member in gaseous communication with the engine, and a longitudinally compressible bellow seal in sealing contact with both the engine and the exhaust member. The bellow seal is configured to provide a gaseous seal between the engine and the exhaust member while also allowing the exhaust member to move in the transverse, longitudinal, and pivoting directions relative to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Mast
  • Publication number: 20130087663
    Abstract: An inlet system for a rotorcraft includes a cowl door assembly and a plenum assembly. The cowl door assembly includes a door member, a cowl inlet opening, and a cowl inlet duct. The plenum assembly is configured to free float in relation to the cowl door. The plenum assembly includes a plenum duct with a plenum band configured to attach the plenum assembly to an inlet opening. An aft seal is located between the aft plenum flange and a firewall, the aft seal being configured to provide a compressive contact between the plenum assembly and the firewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Zachary E. Dailey, Thomas M. Mast
  • Publication number: 20120200045
    Abstract: An rotary aircraft exhaust system having an engine, an exhaust member in gaseous communication with the engine, and a longitudinally compressible bellow seal in sealing contact with both the engine and the exhaust member. The bellow seal is configured to provide a gaseous seal between the engine and the exhaust member while also allowing the exhaust member to move in the transverse, longitudinal, and pivoting directions relative to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Mast
  • Patent number: 8157267
    Abstract: A seal system is adapted for use in gas flow systems. The seal system has two seal faces and a longitudinally compressible seal spring-biased between the seal faces. The seal has a bellows configuration and opposite ends in sealing contact with the seal faces, such that at least one end of the seal is free to move relative to the corresponding seal face while maintaining the sealing contact. The seal system is particularly suited for use in sealing an engine to an exhaust member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Mast