Patents Issued in May 9, 2023
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Patent number: 11643182Abstract: An aircraft with an aircraft structure that comprises a radome cover opening kinematic and a radome cover shell that is adapted to enclose equipment in a nose region of the aircraft in a closed position. The radome cover opening kinematic may enable movements of the radome cover shell between the closed position and an opened position and vice versa. The radome cover opening kinematic may include a guiding rail that is attached to the radome cover shell, and at least three rollers that are attached to the aircraft structure, wherein a first and a second roller are arranged on opposing sides of the guiding rail, and wherein the second and a third roller are arranged on the same side of the guiding rail.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventors: Jan Boehme, Yann Le Cadet, Martin Lazak
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Patent number: 11643183Abstract: An aircraft (1) having a wing (3) and a wing tip device (4) at the tip of the wing (3), the wing tip device (4) having front and rear spars (14, 13), wherein the wing tip device (4) has a cross-brace spar (18) that links the front and rear spars and is oriented such that it is oblique to the front and rear spars (14, 13).Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2018Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Airbus Operations LimitedInventors: Sarabpal-Singh Bhatia, Samuel Phillips
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Patent number: 11643184Abstract: A wing assembly include at least one fuel tank having a tank outboard end. In addition, the wing assembly includes a stout wing rib located proximate the tank outboard end and extending between a front spar and a rear spar. The wing assembly also includes at least one outboard wing rib located outboard of the stout wing rib and defining an outboard wing bay. The wing assembly also includes an upper skin panel and a lower skin panel each coupled to the front spar, the rear spar, the stout wing rib, and the outboard wing rib. A plurality of bead stiffeners are coupled to the upper skin panel and/or the lower skin panel and are spaced apart from each other within the outboard wing bay.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Forouzan Behzadpour, Daniel M. Levine
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Patent number: 11643185Abstract: A system to arrest flap over-travel employs a track engaging a flap to a support structure. The track has a deployment profile determining flap motion relative to the support structure during travel between an extended position and a normal retracted position. The deployment profile has a transition portion extending beyond the normal retracted position and terminating in a detent. A resiliently mounted catcher is configured to be displaced by the transition portion during over-travel of the flap beyond the normal retracted position and captured in the detent in a maximum retracted position thereby restraining the flap.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2019Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Kevin R. Tsai, Bryan J. Gruner
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Patent number: 11643186Abstract: A duct for a ducted-rotor aircraft may include internal structural components such as a spindle that is supported by a fuselage of the aircraft, first and second annular spars that are attached to an end of the spindle, a central hub that supports a motor of the aircraft, a plurality of stators that extend from the central hub to the second spar, and a plurality of ribs that are attached to the first spar and the second spar at respective opposed ends. The spindle may include an attachment interface to which the first and second spars are attached. The attachment interface may be disposed at the second end of the spindle. The attachment interface may define first and second arc-shaped planar surfaces to which the first and second spars, respectively, are attached.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2019Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventors: Karl Schroeder, William Anthony Amante, Joseph Richard Carpenter, Jr., Christopher Marion Johnson
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Patent number: 11643187Abstract: There is provided a blade angle feedback assembly for an aircraft-bladed rotor rotatable about a longitudinal axis and having an adjustable blade pitch angle. The assembly comprises a feedback device coupled to rotate with the rotor, the feedback device having a root surface having a first edge, first position markers extending from the root surface and oriented substantially parallel to the axis, the first position markers circumferentially spaced from one another, at least one second position marker extending from the root surface and positioned between two adjacent first position markers at an angle thereto, the at least one second position marker having an end positioned adjacent to the first edge and non-flush therewith, and at least one sensor mounted adjacent the feedback device and configured to detect a passage of the first position markers and the at least one second position marker as the feedback device rotates about the axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2019Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventor: Michael Smith
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Patent number: 11643188Abstract: An aircraft includes a plurality of control targets, avionics devices and a control switch unit. The control targets each includes a power line communication unit configured to perform communication via a power line. The avionics devices are respectively connected with the control targets via exclusive-use signal lines. The avionics devices are configured to control the control targets via the signal lines. The avionics devices each includes a PLC unit configured to perform communication via the power line. The control switch unit is configured to, when an abnormality occurs in any of the avionics devices, cause another one of the avionics devices to control the control target which has been controlled by the any of the avionics devices, via the power line.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2019Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATIONInventors: Kei Suzuki, Iwao Murata, Yuichi Nagai
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Patent number: 11643189Abstract: A wingtip device to attach to a wing of an aircraft includes an aerofoil portion and a connection spar arranged to be received in a connection spar receiving portion of the wing of an aircraft. The spar includes a first through hole in a first portion of the connection spar and a second through hole in a second rearward portion of the connection spar, the second portion being rearward of the first portion with respect to a direction of flight. The first and second through holes are arranged to receive a retaining pin that is to be inserted through both the first and second through holes.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Airbus Operations LimitedInventors: Thomas Barnett, Andrew Scaife, Lee Proudler
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Patent number: 11643190Abstract: A vortex generator apparatus for an aircraft includes a surface section having a receiving recess, a vortex generator having a first edge, an opposite second edge and a vortex generator surface component extending from the first edge to the second edge, wherein the first edge is fixedly arranged in or adjacent to the receiving recess. The vortex generator surface component includes at least one electroactive polymer assembly, wherein the at least one electroactive polymer is switchable into an extended state by applying an electrical voltage and into a neutral state by removing the electrical voltage. The electroactive polymer assembly and the vortex generator surface component are configured to retract the vortex generator surface component completely into the receiving recess in the neutral state of the electroactive polymer assembly and to extend the vortex generator surface component from the receiving recess in the extended state.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventors: Peter Linde, Matthias Hegenbart, Hermann Benthien
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Patent number: 11643191Abstract: An aircraft landing gear assembly having a reinstating geometry in which a lock link can be moved to assume a first locking condition to inhibit movement of a stay when a main strut is in a deployed condition and a second locking condition to inhibit movement of the main strut when in a stowed condition. An unlock actuator is coupled between a first element of the stay and the lock link such that the actuator can break the lock link from the first locking condition and force it to assume the second locking condition by operational force in a single direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2022Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Inventor: Ian Robert Bennett
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Patent number: 11643192Abstract: A bogey undercarriage having at least two axles, each carrying at least two wheels, wherein at least one of the axles carries a wheel fitted with a rotary drive device and no brake device, while the other wheels are provided with brake devices and no movement devices is provided. A braking method applied to such an undercarriage is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2019Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMSInventors: Jérôme Gui, Jean-Yves Ravel, Christophe Devillers
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Patent number: 11643193Abstract: An aircraft landing gear bogie beam including first and second ends and a mounting bearing for connection to an aircraft landing gear main strut between the ends. Each end has a respective axle, and each axle defines a wheel mounting portion on each side of the bogie beam. The bogie beam is arranged to enable the first and second axles to each pivot relative to the bearing about a respective longitudinal axis of the bogie beam by an amount that is sufficient to place a wheel rim of a wheel assembly in contact with the ground in the event of a tyre of the wheel assembly deflating.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Inventor: Robert Kyle Schmidt
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Patent number: 11643194Abstract: A blade positioning system and method are provided to dynamically measure blade position during flight of a rotorcraft. In the context of a method, a blade of the rotorcraft is repeatedly illuminated by a light source during flight of the rotorcraft while the blade is rotating. The method also includes detecting radiation scattered from the blade in response to illumination of the blade. The method further includes determining at least one of a blade pitch angle, a blade flap angle, a blade leading position or a blade lagging position based upon the radiation that is scattered from the blade and detected. A rotorcraft is also provided that includes a chip-scale light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor configured to illuminate the plurality of blades while the blades are rotating in order to permit blade position to be measured or to illuminate terrain beneath the rotorcraft in order to provide an altitude measurement.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2019Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Keyvan Sayyah, Pamela R. Patterson, Raymond Sarkissian, Oleg M. Efimov, Biqin Huang, David L. Hammon
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Patent number: 11643195Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a rotor blade comprising a blade tip attached to the outboard end of the rotor blade. The blade tip has at least two sides that are tapered together to an edge. The length of the blade tip extending away from the outboard end to the edge is a distance that is greater than half the thickness of the outboard end. When the rotor blade is operating in a folded configuration, air flows over the sides in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the rotor blade. The sides have profiles that minimize or prevent separation of the air flow from the blade tip.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventor: Bryan Kenneth Baskin
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Patent number: 11643196Abstract: An electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft including a teetering propulsor assembly is provided. Teetering propulsor assembly may include a propeller that includes a hub and blades. Hub of propeller may be mechanically connected to a teeter mechanism of propulsor assembly that may be configured to allow the propeller to pivot about a teeter axis relative to the electric aircraft. Thus, teeter mechanism allows for a rotational axis of propeller to move during teetering of propeller. Teeter mechanism may include one or more springs that reduce teetering or prevent teetering of the propulsor at certain rotational speeds of propeller.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2022Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: BETA AIR, LLCInventors: Daniel Spira, Kyle Brookes, David Churchill, Mark Page
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Patent number: 11643197Abstract: A swashplate assembly includes: a mounting sleeve configured for coupling to and around an upper portion of a gearbox, wherein the mounting sleeve extends downwards from the upper portion of the gearbox; a tilt sleeve coupled to the mounting sleeve, wherein the tilt sleeve has a curved exterior surface; a non-rotating swashplate ring positioned around the tilt sleeve, wherein the non-rotating swashplate ring has a first set of pitch control connectors and an anti-rotation connector; a rotating swashplate ring rotatable about the non-rotating swashplate ring, wherein the rotating swashplate ring has a second set of pitch control connectors and a drive link connector; and a first bearing system mounted between the non-rotating swashplate ring and the rotating swashplate ring.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2018Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.Inventors: Scott David Poster, Charles Hubert Speller, Mark Adam Wiinikka
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Patent number: 11643198Abstract: The present vertical lift vehicle system can include a single internal combustion engine, a single propeller, and a plurality of small ducts. The small ducts can connect to a single main duct acting as a combustion chamber, wherein the combustion chamber combines air from the small ducts with propane, wherein when ignited the contents of the main duct produce added thrust to the vehicle as it exits the main duct.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2019Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Inventor: Curtis Miller
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Patent number: 11643199Abstract: Vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, especially electric VTOL (e-VTOL) aircraft include a fuselage (which may include a pair of ground-engaging skids) defining a longitudinal axis of the aircraft, forward and aft pairs of port and starboard aerodynamic wings extending laterally outwardly from the fuselage and forward and aft pairs of port and starboard rotor pods each being in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the fuselage. In specific embodiments, each of the forward and aft pairs of port and starboard rotor pods comprises a forward and aft pair of rotor assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: EVE UAM, LLCInventors: Adilson Melo, Alberto Dei Castelli, Fabio Zaroni, Felipe Nahime Cursino, Fernando Rodrigues Vianna, Flavia Renata Dantas Alves Silva, Geraldo Carvalho, Igor Miranda Rodrigues, Julio Cesar Graves, Luiz Antonio Madeira, Jr., Luiz Felipe Ribeiro Valentini, Rafael Desideri de Freitas, Rafael Estefano Reis Cleto, Ricardo Takeshi Demizu, Rodrigo Takashi Lourenco Kawasaki, Thalerson Augusto Mortari Alves, Vinicius Magalhaes Cunha, Yasser Mahmud Abdallah
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Patent number: 11643200Abstract: An air mobility craft is provided. The air mobility craft includes a fuselage that has a boarding space and a boarding gate and a plurality of wings disposed on the fuselage. A plurality of rotors are disposed on the wings. A first number of the plurality of rotors are tilting rotors configured to tilt upward or downward for lifting or cruising of the fuselage and a remaining number of the rotors are lifting rotors.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Keun Seok Lee, Hyun Woo Jun, Se Hwan Park, Jae Hyung Kim
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Patent number: 11643201Abstract: A vertical take-off and/or landing aircraft comprising: a fuselage having a longitudinal axis; a pair of semi-wings protruding from the fuselage in a transversal direction with respect to the longitudinal axis; a pair of a predetermined breaking areas of the semi-wings defining respective preferred rupture sections at which the respective semi-wings are designed to break, during operation, in a controlled way moving along a preferred collapse trajectory in the event of impact; and at least one fluidic line configured to convey at least one service fluid from and/or towards at least one said semi-wing and crossing at least one of said preferred rupture sections; the aircraft comprises a self-sealing coupling movable between a first configuration in which it enables the flow of said service fluid from and/or towards the semi-wing, and a second configuration in which it prevents the above-mentioned flow and the spilling of the service fluid from the fluidic line; the self-sealing coupling is movable from the firType: GrantFiled: October 31, 2019Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: LEONARDO S.P.A.Inventors: Roberto Vanni, Andrea Antoni
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Patent number: 11643202Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to a drone having selectively actuated arms. In one embodiment, a drone includes arms connected to a body. Individual ones of the arms have a first end and a second end with the first end forming a connection with the body. The drone further includes rotor units individually including a propeller attached to a motor and mounted to the second end of the individual ones of the arms. Additionally, actuator units are integrated with the arms. Individual ones of the actuator units include electromagnetic cells that when activated induce an electromagnetic motive force that flexes the arms.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2019Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Yuyang Song, Taehwa Lee, Hideo Iizuka, Umesh N. Gandhi
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Patent number: 11643203Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle, including: a propelling device configured to generate a downward airstream; a package carrier; and wheels arranged so as to allow the package carrier to stand alone. The package carrier includes: vertical members which surround a package in a horizontal direction to prevent falling of the package; support members configured to support a load of the package at positions; and a coupling device configured to hold vertical members so as to enable relative horizontal movement. The support members are each fixed to a corresponding one of the vertical members. The wheels are each mounted to the corresponding one of the vertical members, and enable the relative horizontal movement of the vertical members under a state in which the wheels are on the ground. Through the relative horizontal movement of the vertical members, the package is separable from the support members.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2018Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: RAKUTEN GROUP, INC.Inventor: Kenichi Lee
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Patent number: 11643204Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for gas transport is disclosed. The UAV includes a fuselage enclosing a volume, and a gas reservoir enclosed within the fuselage, filling at least a majority of the volume. The gas reservoir is configured to receive and store a gas at a pressure no greater than 100 bar. The UAV also includes a propulsion system having at least one engine, each of the at least one engine coupled to a prop that is driven by the at least one engine using energy derived from the gas stored in the gas reservoir. The UAV also includes a control system communicatively coupled to the propulsion system and configured to operate the unmanned aerial vehicle to autonomously transport the gas. The UAV may have a footprint while on the ground, and the footprint of the UAV may be no larger than three standard parking spaces.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State UniversityInventor: Ivan Ermanoski
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Patent number: 11643205Abstract: A flying machine storage container is provided that comprises multiple charging stations and a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism is configured to secure flying machines in the charging stations and securely close charging circuits between the storage container and the flying machines. A system for launching flying machines is also provided. The system comprises two regions and a transition region between the two regions. The two regions each constrain the positioning of a flying machine and the transition region enables a flying machine to move from the first region to the second region to reach an exit. A flying machine having sufficient performance capabilities will be able to successfully launch. Centralized and decentralized communication architectures are also provided for communicating data between a central control system, multiple storage containers, and multiple stored flying machines stored at each of the storage containers.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: VERITY AGInventors: Federico Augugliaro, Raffaello D'Andrea, Markus Hehn, Mark W. Mueller, Philipp Reist, Markus Waibel
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Patent number: 11643206Abstract: An exemplary unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) mountable to a conductor of an aerial power transmission line system includes a body having a rotor system, a motivation system attached to the body to motivate the UAV along the conductor, a battery carried by the body and electrically connected to at least one of the rotor system and the motivation system, a monitoring tool mounted with the body and an inductive coil carried by the body and in electric connection with the battery, wherein the inductive coil is configured to harvest electricity from the aerial power transmission line system and charge the battery.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2022Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventors: Kirk Landon Groninga, Daniel Bryan Robertson, William Benjamin Johns
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Patent number: 11643207Abstract: An aircraft operable to transition between thrust-borne lift in a VTOL orientation and wing-borne lift in a biplane orientation. The aircraft has an airframe including first and second wings with first and second pylons coupled therebetween. A distributed thrust array is coupled to the airframe including a plurality of propulsion assemblies coupled to the first wing and a plurality of propulsion assemblies coupled to the second wing. A UAV carrier assembly is coupled between the first and second pylons. The UAV carrier assembly has a plurality of UAV stations each configured to selectively transport and release a UAV. A flight control system is configured to control each of the propulsion assemblies and launch each of the UAVs during flight.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventors: Brent Chadwick Ross, Steven Ray Ivans, Jeffrey Paul Nissen
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Patent number: 11643208Abstract: The present disclosure provides an assembly including at least one adjustable coupling mechanism. In one aspect, the first coupling mechanism includes a first component having a central axis parallel to its outside surface. The first component further includes an inside surface defined by a bore formed in the first component along a central bore axis. The central bore axis is offset from the central axis. The first component can be coupled to the assembly, uncoupled, rotated about its central axis, and recoupled to change a distance between the first coupling mechanism and another part of the assembly. The first component further includes a plurality of holes formed circumferentially around the bore bottom and extending through the bore bottom and the bottom surface of the first component that can be used to removably couple the first component to the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Keith R. Hollen, Sean C. Sundberg, Tim W. Hossfeld, Nathan M. Knibb, Hans Luke Heindl
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Patent number: 11643209Abstract: An aircraft loading system is configured to tether equipment within an aircraft. The loading system has a wedge shaped bracket that has a front plate joined to two side plates and a bottom plate. A middle plate is parallel to the front plate and joins the two side plates. A front opening is arranged through the bottom plate between the front plate and the middle plate. The front opening is configured to accommodate an attachment ring. The attachment ring is used to tether the equipment within the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: Brett Kiser
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Patent number: 11643210Abstract: A modular bar and shop space for an aircraft galley is disclosed. In embodiments, the bar and shop space includes an aircraft monument installable either adjacent to a galley complex or as a standalone. The monument has upper and lower portions disposed behind upper and lower panels; the upper portion includes chiller and warmer compartments. The lower portion includes storage shelving and is deployable into the space in front of the monument. When the lower portion deploys, the vertical upper panel tracks downward into a horizontal workdeck above the storage shelving. The deployed workdeck may be used as a counterspace for a snack bar or social area for passengers, or as additional temporary workspace for cabin crew.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Jack D. Davies, Hsin-I Tsai
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Patent number: 11643211Abstract: A storage bin assembly includes a fixed bin portion, an articulating bin portion, and an articulation system. The fixed bin portion is configured to be mounted to an aircraft, and has a cavity configured for storage of luggage. The articulating bin portion is coupled to the fixed bin portion, and includes a shelf configured for supporting luggage. The articulation system movably couples the articulating bin portion to the fixed bin portion. The articulating bin portion is movable from a first position in which the articulating bin portion is proximate to the fixed bin portion to a second position at which the articulating bin portion is separated from the fixed bin portion and lower than the fixed bin portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2018Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Amar Patel, Amruthesh Shivashankar, Vinay Siddalingappa, Ganeshprasad Kalavar, Rejo Jayaraj, Tom Thomas, Premananda Kanthi
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Patent number: 11643212Abstract: A frame member, a monument for a vehicle, and a vehicle are provided. The frame member includes an extrusion that has a spar with first and second opposing surfaces and first and second opposing ends. The spar includes a first retention lip extending from the first planar surface along the first end at an acute angle relative to the first planar surface. The spar includes a rub strip protrusion extending from the first planar surface between the first and second ends. The rub strip protrusion includes a third end and a second retention lip extending from a third surface facing the first retention lip. The second retention lip and the third surface form an acute angle. The extrusion also includes at least two panel protrusions extending from the second planar surface of the spar. A rub strip can include retention tabs with outward-facing notches that engage the first and second retention lips.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2018Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Sougand Talebpour, Roland Mair, Russell W. Keck, Tomas Armenta, Paul T. Bridgeman, Franco M. Cagnina
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Patent number: 11643213Abstract: A galley cart includes walls defining an interior cavity extending between a front and a rear of the galley cart and the interior cavity extending between a top end and a bottom end. A supply port is provided in flow communication with the interior cavity and a return port is provided in flow communication with the interior cavity. A barrier is positioned between the supply port and the return port within the interior cavity of the cart to define a supply chamber and a return chamber to control airflow through the interior cavity.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventor: Thomas Joseph Moran
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Patent number: 11643214Abstract: A cold regulating valve for a heat exchanger system of an aircraft propulsion system, where the cold regulating valve includes an open frame which delimits an opening, two shutters with an external convex shape slidably mounted on the open frame between a closed position and an open position, a mechanism linked to the shutters and mobile between a first position and a second position, and wherein the mechanism moves the shutters from the closed position to the open position when it moves from the first position to the second position and vice versa, and an actuator acting on the mechanism to move it from the first position to the second position and vice versa. The specific embodiment of the cold regulating valve generates a low drag when the shutters are in a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)Inventors: Michael Berjot, Julien Cayssials, Adeline Soulie
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Patent number: 11643215Abstract: A system includes a concentration sensor, a flow sensor, and a controller. The concentration sensor is configured to measure a concentration of a contaminant in a cabin of an aircraft. The flow sensor is configured to measure a flow rate of air into the cabin. The controller is configured to determine whether a concentration measurement of the contaminant in the cabin exceeds a first concentration threshold. The controller is configured to, in response to determining that the concentration measurement does not exceed the first concentration threshold, control the flow rate of air into the cabin based on a flow rate setpoint. The controller is configured to, in response to determining that the concentration measurement exceeds the first concentration threshold, control the flow rate of air into the cabin based on a flow rate setpoint and a correction factor that is based on a flow sensor tolerance.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Christopher James White, Jan Ludvik
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Patent number: 11643216Abstract: An anti-icing protection system for an aircraft engine nacelle, the nacelle comprising an inner shroud, an air intake lip forming a leading edge of the nacelle, the protection system comprising a heat exchanger device including at least one heat pipe configured to transfer heat emitted by a heat source to the inner shroud.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2019Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SASInventors: Alain Porte, François Pons, Gregory Albet, Maxime Zebian
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Patent number: 11643217Abstract: A method of operating an aircraft electrical power distribution system comprises determining a measure of ambient pressure; and setting a target operating voltage in accordance with the measure of ambient pressure. The method further comprises controlling the operating voltage in accordance with the set target operating voltage. The target operating voltage may refer to a distribution voltage of the aircraft. An aircraft electrical power distribution system is also disclosed, comprising: a sensor configured to determine a measure of ambient pressure; a controller configured to set a target operating voltage in accordance with the measure of ambient pressure, and a voltage regulator configured to regulate the operating voltage in accordance with the set target value.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plcInventor: Matthew S. Cartwright
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Patent number: 11643218Abstract: An assembly for mounting an aircraft engine to an aircraft includes an engine casing flange having a first annular wall extending radially to terminate at an annular rim. A second flange of an additional engine component mounted aft of the engine casing includes a second annular wall. An aft mount bracket has an annular body extending uninterrupted about the center axis and a spigot extending axially from the annular body, the spigot extending circumferentially about an entire circumference of the annular body. The aft mount bracket is axially disposed between the engine casing flange and the additional engine component, with corresponding holes in the first annular wall, second annular wall and aft mount bracket being circumferentially aligned, and the spigot radially abutting the annular rim of the engine casing flange.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventor: Bosko Blagojevic
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Patent number: 11643219Abstract: This disclosure describes example reconfigurable propulsion mechanisms, example multi-rotor aerial vehicle apparatuses, and methods that may be used to alter the yaw torque polarity produced by one or more propulsion mechanisms in response to a detected loss of thrust produced by another propulsion mechanism of the aerial vehicle. For example, each reconfigurable propulsion mechanism may be configured to move between a normal operating position and a reconfigured operating position. When a reconfigurable propulsion mechanism is in a normal operating position, the yaw torque has a first polarity, such as clockwise. In comparison, when the same reconfigurable propulsion mechanism is in the reconfigured operating position, the yaw torque polarity produced by the propulsion mechanism is reversed and has a second polarity, such as counter-clockwise.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael Szmuk, Marco Antonio De Barros Ceze, Max Maria Jacques Opgenoord
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Patent number: 11643220Abstract: An electricity production system for an aircraft comprising a fuel cell, with an anode and a cathode, supplying an electric motor, a first feed pipe between the anode and a hydrogen source, a compressor, a second feed pipe between the inlet of the compressor and an oxygen source, a first transfer pipe between the outlet of the compressor and the cathode, a valve, an upstream pipe between the outlet of the compressor and the valve, a downstream pipe between the valve and an air outlet, and a controller which controls the position of the valve and the flow rate of the compressor. Such an electricity production system thus provides better control of the air flow supplied to the fuel cell on the basis of the electrical power required for the electric motor providing propulsion.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: AIRBUS SASInventor: Didier Poirier
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Patent number: 11643221Abstract: A starting/generating system for an aircraft turbine engine, the starting/generating system comprising at least one brushless drive motor/generator, at least one control module and at least one power module, the power module being configured to supply/receive electric power from the brushless drive motor/generator, the control module being connected to the brushless drive motor/generator by a control cable in order to control its operation, in which system the power module is configured to be mounted in the housing of the non-pressurized zone so as to be located adjacent to the brushless drive motor/generator and the control module is configured to be mounted in a pressurized zone of the aircraft, the control module being connected to the power module by a two-way communication cable in order to control its operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2019Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: SAFRAN ELECTRICAL & POWERInventors: Philippe Lapalus, Florent Nierlich
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Patent number: 11643222Abstract: A method for manufacturing the trailing edge ribs and the bearing ribs of trailing edges of aircraft lifting surfaces, in which the trailing edge ribs and the bearing ribs are made by joining simple C-shaped parts and/or simple L-shaped parts so as to obtain the final trailing edge ribs and bearing ribs. The manufacturing of the simple C-shaped parts uses the same tooling both for the trailing edge ribs and the bearing ribs, and the manufacturing of the simple L-shaped parts uses the same tooling both for the trailing edge ribs and the bearing ribs.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2019Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS S.L.Inventors: Francisco Javier Honorato Ruiz, Jesús Javier Vázquez Castro, Enrique Guinaldo Fernández, Carlos García Nieto, Iker Vélez De Mendizábal Alonso
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Patent number: 11643223Abstract: A facility for simplifying the facilities and tools required to assemble a first aircraft fuselage section and a second aircraft fuselage section by the ends thereof, these sections being fragile, large elements. The facility includes a logistics trolley that can be moved on the floor and immobilized in a position to carry the first section, at least one adjustable support installed on the floor at another position that is adjustable with six degrees of freedom, to carry the second section. Each support can be commanded to adjust the position of the second section in relation to the first section, such as to position one end of the second section in geometric conformity with one end of the first section. This arrangement enables all movements to be made directly on the floor, obviating the need to provide lifting machines or overhead traveling cranes within the assembly facility.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)Inventors: Cédric Godard, Florian Collado, Jacques Bouriquet, Jean-Marc Datas, Nicolas Darbonville, André Aquila
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Patent number: 11643224Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for inspecting a wing panel. Some methods include advancing a wing panel through a Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) station, and inspecting the wing panel with inspection heads at the NDI station. The wing panel may be suspended beneath a strongback during inspection and/or advancement, such as by using vacuum couplers and/or adjustable-length pogos of the strongback, and suspending may include enforcing a contour to the wing panel using the vacuum couplers and/or pogos. Other methods include receiving a wing panel at an NDI station and inspecting a portion thereof during movement through the NDI station. Some systems include a track, a strongback to suspend a wing panel beneath it and to advance along the track, and an NDI station disposed at the track to inspect the wing panel while suspended.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel R. Smith, Darrell D. Jones, James C. Kennedy, Jeremy Evan Justice
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Patent number: 11643225Abstract: Cell-based systems may interlock in a reconfigurable configuration to support a mission. Space systems, for example, of a relatively large size may be assembled using an ensemble of individual “cells”, which are individual space vehicles. The cells may be held together via magnets, electromagnets, mechanical interlocks, etc. The topology or shape of the joined cells may be altered by cells hopping, rotating, or “rolling” along the joint ensemble. The cells may be multifunctional, mass producible units. Rotation of cell faces, or of components within cells, may change the functionality of the cell. The cell maybe collapsible for stowage or during launch.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2017Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: THE AEROSPACE CORPORATIONInventors: Henry Helvajian, Randy Villahermosa
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Patent number: 11643226Abstract: Provided herein are various enhancements to spacecraft or other vehicles, including spacecraft docking mechanisms and vehicle mating systems. In one example, a vehicle mating mechanism includes a latch assembly of a vehicle having soft capture elements and hard capture elements. The soft capture elements accept a bar element of a mating vehicle and retain the bar element to within an envelope that provides a soft capture with the mating vehicle. The hard capture elements move within the envelope to engage the bar element and draw the bar element toward the vehicle to provide a hard capture with the mating vehicle. The vehicle mating mechanism can also include a cup-cone interface element of the vehicle that mates with a cup-cone interface element of the mating vehicle during the hard capture to establish an alignment between the vehicle and the mating vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Jonathan Michael Markcity, Christopher Leighton Brown
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Patent number: 11643227Abstract: A spacecraft servicing system to provide in-orbit servicing through the umbilical connectors of a spacecraft. In one embodiment, a manipulator arm maneuvers a servicer umbilical to form an electrical connection between a servicer spacecraft and an umbilical connector of a client spacecraft, the umbilical connector conventionally used solely for ground-based operations. In one feature, the electrical connection is used to provide power or software upgrades to the client spacecraft.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Astroscale Israel, Ltd.Inventors: Arie Halsband, Rami Shamir, Nevo Taaseh
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Patent number: 11643228Abstract: Modular containerization systems and methods may include a plurality of modular units that may be removably coupled together in various configurations. Each modular unit may receive a container, and each container may receive one or more objects. In addition, each modular unit may include various sensors and processing aid or indicators, such as a container presence sensor, a scale, a stow-to-light indicator, a container complete button and indicator, and a container removal indicator. Further, each modular unit of a modular container system may be in communication with a controller to coordinate various processes associated with the system, including container placement, container filling, and container removal processes using the various sensors and processing aids or indicators.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2019Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Elliot New, Daniel Lange, Andrew Owen Roberts
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Patent number: 11643229Abstract: A wrap machine assembly including a pallet having a top surface having goods thereon and a side surface. The top surface is located above a floor. The wrap machine assembly also includes a wrapping machine having a base and a wrapping arm including a roll of wrap film. The base of the wrapping machine has at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel. A portion of the wrapping machine is positioned adjacent the side surface of the pallet. The wrapping arm encircles the goods on the pallet, with a circle of rotation of the wrapping arm forming a periphery of a wrap circle area. The at least front wheel of the base of the wrapping machine is located within the wrap circle area when the pallet is viewed from above. No part of the wrapping machine is located under the pallet.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2019Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: COUSINS PACKAGING INC.Inventors: Neil G. Cousins, Srbislav Z. Davidovic
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Patent number: 11643230Abstract: A wrapping machine comprising a base and a wrapping arm connected to the base and configured to be movable relative to the base. The wrapping arm includes a carriage vertically movable on the wrapping arm, with the carriage having a roll of wrap film. The wrapping machine also includes a bumper assembly movable with the wrapping arm. The bumper assembly includes a bumper and an actuator, wherein engagement of the bumper with an external object will actuate the actuator to stop movement of the wrapping arm about the product. The wrapping arm can include side tubes connected by a connection tube, with the side tubes forming a link recess between the side tubes. Each of the side tubes includes an exteriorly facing slot, with the carriage riding on the side tubes along the slot. A link moves within the link recess to move the carriage.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: COUSINS PACKAGING INC.Inventors: Neil G. Cousins, Srbislav Z. Davidovic
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Patent number: 11643231Abstract: An automated tying tool includes slider, guide rail, first guide claw, second guide claw, frame, tensioning wheel, cutter, stepwise material feeding mechanism, and material pushing rod. First and second guide claws are mounted on frame via rotation of central pin. Cutter and tensioning wheel are mounted in frame. Guide rail is adjacent to frame. Slider engages with guide rail. An automated tying method includes: stepwise material feeding mechanism being loaded with ties, and conveying ties at fixed interval in each binding cycle; slider driving ties to slide from predetermined position to binding position; tie body of ties being curled in guide slots in first and second guide claws; causing tail portion of ties to pass through a hole at head portion of ties; tensioning wheel rotating to tighten ties; and cutter cutting tightened ties. A tying tool may include a material feeding, distributing, and pushing mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2019Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: SHENZHEN SWIFT AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Xiuyi Xu