Shields And Other Protective Devices Patents (Class 244/121)
  • Patent number: 8814080
    Abstract: An aerodynamic aft fairing of an engine pylon ensuring the mounting of an engine underneath a wing of an aircraft is provided. The aerodynamic aft fairing includes an outer lateral panel and an inner lateral panel assembled together at least by a bottom panel, the bottom panel comprising, on either side of the lateral panels, an extension forming an aerothermic barrier capable of channeling hot air flows leaving the engine. The inner lateral panel and the outer lateral panel are attached to the bottom panel by a first angle bar and a second angle bar, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Jean-François Dumont, Marc Lefort
  • Patent number: 8814092
    Abstract: An aircraft fuselage has at least one reinforcement frame (13), at least one crossbar (14) and at least one energy-absorbing structural element (2) that includes a compression beam (21) having a longitudinal axis Z and oriented substantially in the direction of compression forces to be absorbed upon an impact, the compression beam being attached at a first end (213) thereof to the crossbar (14) and at a second end (214) thereof to the reinforcement frame (13). The compression beam (21) is attached at least one of its ends (213, 214) via a shoulder bracket (22), wherein the shoulder bracket further has the function of cutting the compression beam (21) in case of an impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jérôme Milliere, David Andissac, Cécile Raulot, Olivier Vincent
  • Patent number: 8800923
    Abstract: A system and method of activating protection means (1) in order to protect the physical integrity of an occupant of an aircraft (10) during an accident is provided. The protection means (1) are activated when, firstly the acceleration of said aircraft (10) along a particular axis (X, Y, Z) of the coordinate system of the aircraft (10) is greater than a first variable threshold, and secondly when the speed variation of the aircraft along said particular axis (X, Y, Z) is greater than a second variable threshold. The first variable threshold and the second variable threshold each vary as a function of the stage of flight of the aircraft (10) in such a manner as to be minimized during predetermined accident-prone stages of flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters
    Inventor: Laurent Dock
  • Patent number: 8794570
    Abstract: A device (10) for protection of an external probe (12) of an aircraft that projects through an opening (14) that is made in the outside surface (16) of the aircraft. The protective device (10) includes a rigid flange (22) for attachment to the outside surface (16) of the aircraft and a flexible envelope (24) for protection of the probe. The flange is attached by rapid attachment elements to the outside surface of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignees: Airbus Operations S.A.S., Airbus S.A.S.
    Inventors: Christophe Vieules, Xavier Outters, Philippe Mereau
  • Publication number: 20140209735
    Abstract: A method, device, and system for rotary wing aircraft for the purpose of rescuing trapped or injured people from vertical surfaces and structures, and transferring individuals or objects at vertical surfaces generally. The device consists of a containment structure, boom, counterweight, attachment point, and cockpit controls. The device is quickly attached to specially modified and equipped rotary wing aircraft, and placed in service to rescue people trapped in a high-rise building due to fire or other hazard and to rescue trapped or injured hikers and climbers from steep mountainous terrain or vertical rock surfaces. Applications include depositing personnel onto a vertical surface or the upper reaches of a vertical structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: Peter L. Corey
  • Publication number: 20140209740
    Abstract: A device for mixing at least two separate streams of components which, when mixed, form a combined fluid stream. The device comprises a conduit with at least two separate passageways leading to exit openings at an end face of the conduit. Each passageway communicates with a separate component stream and is arranged to direct the separate component stream in a downstream direction. The exit openings each have a predetermined cross-sectional flow area. A separate channel is located at a downstream end of each passageway exit opening. The channels are arranged to redirect the flow from each passageway to an axial direction. A single mixing chamber communicates with all of the separate channels, the mixing chamber being arranged to receive each of the component streams at an upstream end thereof and to permit a mixing of the component streams. An outlet is arranged downstream of the mixing chamber through which the combined fluid stream is dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Bernard Guering, Alain Depeige
  • Publication number: 20140203143
    Abstract: A leaktight nose cone backplate for an aircraft having a first side oriented towards a radome zone intended to house a mobile antenna, and a second side opposite the first side and oriented towards a cockpit of the aircraft. The second side has at least one recess intended to receive at least one piece of cockpit equipment, each recess being partly delimited by a backplate structure forming a protrusion on the first side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Yves Durand, Bernard Guerring
  • Patent number: 8783611
    Abstract: An aircraft has an armor releasably attached to the body of an aircraft, an actuator connecting the armor to the body of the aircraft, and a control that, upon operation, actuates the actuator to release the armor from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Peryea, Jon Stewart Tatro
  • Patent number: 8784589
    Abstract: A method for reworking an electrically conductive layer of a composite skin is disclosed in which a patch replaces the altered section of the electrically conductive layer. The method is performed by removing a portion of the electrically conductive layer to reveal the underlying composite skin. A patch is formed, having an electrically conductive section coupled to an adhesive having a low dielectric breakdown strength, and is then introduced over the underlying composite skin such that the adhesive layer covers the underlying composite skin and overlaps an unremoved portion of the electrically conductive layer. The patch is applied such that the electrically conductive section within the patch covers the adhesive layer and overlaps the unremoved section of the electrically conductive layer. The adhesive layer preferably has a low dielectric breakdown strength, so that electricity from lightning which strikes the composite skin may be conducted through the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Patrice K. Ackerman, Steven D. Blanchard, Daniel J. Kovach
  • Publication number: 20140197274
    Abstract: A fuselage for an airplane including a frame comprising an upper truss and a lower truss extending from a front end of the fuselage towards the rear end of the fuselage, wherein the lower truss comprises one or more forward box beams, a plurality of support rings attached to the upper truss and lower truss, a front bulkhead connected to a first end of the upper truss and lower truss, a main bulkhead connected to the upper truss and lower truss, a pressure vessel adapted to fit within the frame between the front bulkhead and main bulkhead, and a skin adapted to fit over the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventor: William M. OTTO
  • Patent number: 8777161
    Abstract: Lightweight blast mitigating composite panels (10) include a first glass composite shell (14; 152), an intermediate, preferably honeycomb layer (56; 156), a reinforcing layer (60; 160), an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fiber (UHMWPE) layer (64; 164) and a second glass composite shell (15; 168) adhered together with fire resistant adhesive layers (54; 58, 63, 66; 154, 158, 163, 166). The UHMWPE layer (64; 164) includes top and bottom coatings (70, 71) of fire resistant thermoset plastic preferably in the form of a paste. The panels (10) have use in a wide range of applications including in a blast mitigating overhead storage bin (100). The storage bin (100) includes a main body portion (133) defining a storage area formed from composite unarmored and armored panel segments (137, 138; 128-132).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Clarence E Pollock, Mark J Perry, John R Bush, Jeremy D Seidt, Michael L Fisher
  • Patent number: 8758879
    Abstract: There is provided a composite hat stiffener, a composite hat-stiffened pressure web, and a method of making the same. The composite hat stiffener has a composite hat section having a first side and a second side. The composite hat stiffener further has a plurality of composite stiffening plies coupled to the composite hat section. The plurality of composite stiffening plies include a body ply coupled to the first side of the composite hat section, a wrap ply coupled the body ply, and a base ply coupled to the body ply and the wrap ply. The composite hat stiffener further has a pair of radius filler noodles coupled to the composite hat section and disposed between the plurality of composite stiffening plies. The composite hat stiffener further has an outer ply coupled to the second side of the composite hat section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Steven E. Pearson, Matthew M. Whitmer, Rebecca M. Dixon, Jason L. Firko, Douglas G. Marciniak, Kenneth D. Cominsky, Martin G. Andrews
  • Publication number: 20140166809
    Abstract: An aircraft windshield assembly includes at least one window pane, a frame against which the pane bears, at least one flange for clamping the pane against the frame, and at least one cavity delimited between the pane, the frame and the flange. A member of profiled cross-section substantially fills the cavity and over at least part of its periphery has formations in relief in the form of flutes which with a facing surface define seal-forming baffles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS S.A.S.
    Inventor: Francis Dazet
  • Patent number: 8752783
    Abstract: A fairing includes a fairing body having a fairing interior and an interior surface and a spray-on insulation foam layer provided on the interior surface of the fairing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John-Shyue Lin, Herbert L Hoffman, Hugh Poling
  • Publication number: 20140158827
    Abstract: A glare shield equipped with an emergency vision apparatus comprises a glare shield in a cockpit and a compartment recessed into the glare shield. A blower is disposed within the compartment. An inflatable first enclosure made of airtight material and having an expanded form when deployed and a deflated form when not in use is connected to the blower with a tubular air passageway. The first enclosure when in the deflated form is stored within the compartment. First and second clear members are disposed at respective first and second ends of the enclosure to enable a user to see through the first enclosure when expanded and observe a source of information at a distal end of the first enclosure while smoke or other particulate matter is in the environment. A switch operably is associated with the blower to activate the blower and thereby inflate the first enclosure when deployed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Bertil R.L. WERJEFELT, ALEXANDER K. WERJEFELT, CHRISTIAN WERJEFELT
  • Patent number: 8746619
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tail for improving anti-bird strike performance of an aircraft. A leading edge reinforcement having a shape of an isosceles triangle is located inside a tail leading edge. The leading edge reinforcement is spanwisely fixed in sections between respective spans formed by the wing rib inside the tail leading edge along the tail of the aircraft. An apex angle of the leading edge reinforcement is the same as an apex angle or arc transition of the tail leading edge skin. The leading edge reinforcement is fixedly connected with the small front beam by a leading edge reinforcement fixed surface. The present invention additionally installs a leading edge reinforcement in the original tail of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Northwestern Polytechnical University
    Inventors: Yulong Li, Jun Liu, Tao Suo, Zhongbin Tang, Jun Lv, Liangdao Zhou, Guangrong Zhu, Hao Cong, Zhengli Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140138484
    Abstract: A method of protecting individuals entering or exiting an aircraft is provided. The method includes prior to the individuals entering or exiting the aircraft, removably attaching an entryway head guard to a frame of an entryway of the aircraft to protect the individuals entering or exiting the aircraft, the entryway head guard comprising a main body made of a protective material, wherein the main body has a contour that complements the frame of the aircraft passenger entryway such that the entryway head guard is configured to fit against the frame. The method further provides that after the individuals enter or exit the aircraft, removing the entryway head guard from the door of the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: PB ROSS COMPANY
    Inventor: Pren B. Ross
  • Patent number: 8727281
    Abstract: An insulation package for thermal and acoustic insulation of a vehicle cabin has a cutout to allow a fastening device to pass through. An insulating element that is disposed in an area of the insulation package surrounding the cutout has an opening corresponding to the cutout for allowing a fastening device to pass through. At least part of the insulating element is aligned perpendicularly to an axis of the passthrough in the cutout and conformed so as to create a gap between a fastening device that has passed through and the insulation package. In this way, condensed water may be prevented from passing through the cutout in the insulation package and into the aircraft cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Müller, Robert Redecker
  • Patent number: 8714486
    Abstract: A hybrid frame is fabricated by initially forming a stack of fibrous layers in an annular pattern. An annular metal trim is separately formed to conform with the annular pattern. The trim is trapped in a lower mold having a complementary lower mold channel. The stacked layers are trapped atop the trim in the lower mold channel. An upper mold is pressed atop the stacked layers for compression co-molding together in the lower mold the stacked layers and trim to co-form the hybrid frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: The NORDAM Group, INC.
    Inventor: Bobby Jack Ainsworth
  • Patent number: 8708279
    Abstract: A composite structural member with fiber reinforcement comprising a plurality of layers oriented relative to a longitudinal direction of said member in directions including 0°, 90° and +/??, the relative proportion of layers in one of these orientations being variable along a transverse direction of said member so as to spatially adjust the rigidity of the member according to a defined distribution of mechanical stresses along this transverse axis. The rigidity of the member is adapted locally to the stress system so as to dissipate the force flux over the entire volume of said member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Denis Soula, Julien Guillemaut
  • Patent number: 8678314
    Abstract: Aircraft fuselage section (32) subjected to impacts of external bodies, the aircraft fuselage having a curved shape with at least a vertical symmetry plane (A-A) and a central longitudinal axis and comprising a skin (35) and a plurality of frames (37) arranged perpendicularly to said longitudinal axis (33), the aircraft fuselage section also comprising at least an inner reticular structure (51, 53) mounted on a supporting structure (41, 43) comprising longitudinal beams (39) attached to the skin (35) and interconnected with said frames (37), said inner reticular structure (51, 53) being arranged for creating at least one closed cell (75) with the skin (35) for improving its resistance and its damage tolerance to said impacts. Said inner reticular structure (51, 53) can be formed by panels (61), rods (65, 65?), cables (67, 67?) or belts (69, 69?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignees: Airbus Operations S.L., Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Esteban Martino Gonzalez, Eduardo Vinue Santolalla, Diego Folch Cortes, Pablo Goya Abaurrea, Enrique Guinaldo Fernandez, Julien Guillemaut
  • Patent number: 8678313
    Abstract: A method of protecting individuals entering or exiting an aircraft is provided. The method includes prior to the individuals entering or exiting the aircraft, removably attaching an entryway head guard to a frame of an entryway of the aircraft to protect the individuals entering or exiting the aircraft, the entryway head guard comprising a main body made of a protective material, wherein the main body has a contour that complements the frame of the aircraft passenger entryway such that the entryway head guard is configured to fit against the frame. The method further provides that after the individuals enter or exit the aircraft, removing the entryway head guard from the door of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: PB Ross Company
    Inventor: Pren B. Ross
  • Patent number: 8662449
    Abstract: An apparatus having a composite air-based structure with a first carbon nanotube infused material and a second carbon nanotube infused material. The first and second carbon nanotube infused materials each having a range of carbon nanotube loading selected to provide different functionalities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Applied NanoStructured Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tushar K. Shah, Mark R. Alberding, Harry C. Malecki, Samuel J. Markkula, John Anthony Hughes, Shawn C. Kline
  • Patent number: 8662448
    Abstract: There is provided an insulation system and method for a transport vehicle. The system has first and second frame members; a first rigid foam insulation member extending between the first and second frame members; a second rigid foam insulation member, where a first sidewall of the first insulation member integrates with a second sidewall of the second insulation member; and, a third rigid foam insulation member where the second sidewall of the first insulation member integrates with a first sidewall of the third insulation member. Each of the insulation members is surrounded by a protective layer. When the insulation members are integrated, the second and third insulation members impart one or more compression forces on the first insulation member and on the first frame member in order to secure the first insulation member in place without use of any fastener device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Adam R. Weston, Guillaume Cousineau-Bouffard
  • Patent number: 8662440
    Abstract: This invention relates to an aft pylon fairing (30) for a suspension system of an aircraft engine, comprising two side panels (44) assembled to each other by inner cross stiffening ribs (46) spaced at intervals from each other along a longitudinal direction (X) of the fairing, and also comprising a heat protection deck (32) designed to delimit an engine core flow (36). According to the invention, it also comprises two longitudinal connecting walls (58) offsetting the deck (32) from the ribs (46), each of these two longitudinal walls (58) being provided with a first side end (62) fixed to one or the other of the two side ends (60, 60) of the deck (32), and a second side end (64) rigidly fixed to the ribs (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Frederic Journade, Eric Renaud, Delphine Jalbert
  • Patent number: 8664576
    Abstract: A vehicle for launching from a gun such as a gas gun and having a housing; preferably incorporating a precessional attitude control system; and utilizing a flared base, fins, or active use of the attitude control system during passage through the atmosphere. Subtly canting the fins can produce desired spinning of the vehicle. The propulsion system can employ liquid, hybrid, or solid fuel. A removable aero-shell assists atmospheric flight with thermal protection being provided by anticipated ablation, an ablative aero-spike, or transpirational cooling. And a releasable sabot enhances the effectiveness of the launch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Quicklaunch, Inc.
    Inventors: John William Hunter, Harry E. Cartland, Philip James Sluder, Richard Edward Twogood
  • Publication number: 20140054419
    Abstract: A pressurized aircraft fuselage includes a pressure bulkhead installed on a fuselage structure, which forms a barrier between an internal pressurized cabin area and an outside area, wherein the edge of the pressure bulkhead is circumferentially attached to the fuselage structure by fastening means, wherein the fastening means include a pair of ring-shaped attachment frames made of an open or hollow profile, which are disposed at each side of the pressure bulkhead respectively, in order to form a clamping connection for the pressure bulkhead towards the fuselage structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Karim Grase, Ichwan Zuardy, Henning Scheel, Dieter Hachenberg, B. Claudio Vultaggio
  • Patent number: 8658955
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an optical assembly that includes an energy collection system that collects energy and a heat shield that axially restrains the energy collection system. The optical assembly further includes a sensor and a structure which supports the energy collection system such that the energy collection system directs the energy to the sensor. Other embodiments relate to a projectile that includes a propulsion system, a guidance system and an optical assembly as described above. Other embodiments relate to a method of directing a projectile that includes collecting energy using an energy collection system; directing the energy to a sensor; axially restraining the energy collection system using a heat shield; using a guidance system to determine the position of the projectile based on data received from the sensor; and directing the projectile toward the destination using a propulsion system that is commanded by a guidance system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Erik T. Dale
  • Patent number: 8657232
    Abstract: An installation of systems in aircraft fuselages such as thermophonic insulation mattresses and devices such as onboard systems, and bundles of electric wires or fluid ducts (air, water, oxygen, hydraulic fluid). A structure for fastening onto an aircraft fuselage includes at least frames and stringers, the structure further including: fuselage stabilizers connecting the frames and stringers, wherein two stabilizers of two consecutive frames face each other between the two consecutive frames; and a strip board connecting the two stabilizers and including a fastening mechanism arranged so as to receive corresponding fastening mechanisms of the insulation mattresses and the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Franck Dervault, Nicolas Dantou, Gilles Mercadier
  • Patent number: 8651423
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fireproof bulkhead, having a highly porous structure with an intumescent coating, the highly porous structure being formed as a reticulated foam or as a highly porous pimple or nub structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Berend Schoke
  • Patent number: 8651415
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for covering an end of a housing for an engine. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a structure, a flange, and a retaining feature. The structure is configured to cover an opening of a housing for an engine. The flange is comprised of a deformable material and is configured to extend from the structure around a circumference of the structure. The retaining feature is configured to extend from a middle portion of the structure such that the retaining feature and the flange form a channel configured to receive an end of the housing. The retaining feature is configured to extend into an inlet of the engine through the opening of the housing to form an interference fit with a portion of an interior surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Rick Earl Sparks
  • Publication number: 20140027574
    Abstract: An airbag system assembly configured to be positioned in the interior of a vehicle that includes an aft wall configured to be positioned forward of a passenger seat and an airbag system. The aft wall includes front and aft surfaces and the aft wall includes a first flap that is formed by a plurality of weakness lines in at least the front surface thereof. The airbag system includes at least a first airbag module having a first airbag support plate with front and aft surfaces. The first airbag support plate is secured to the front surface of the aft wall, and the first airbag support plate includes a first airbag that is configured to deploy in the event of a crash condition and that is disposed on the aft surface of the first airbag support plate. The first airbag is positioned adjacent the first flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: SICMA Aero Seat S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Marc OBADIA, John PAYNE, Jeremy CAILLETEAU, Nick LEE, Nathan KWOK, Jean-Marie DAOUT, Jake STORY, David KNOX
  • Patent number: 8636256
    Abstract: The invention relates to a curtain support assembly to receive a curtain rail for a curtain for separating at least two regions in a cabin of a vehicle, comprising one or several header components for covering a space formed between the curtain rail and a ceiling in the cabin. The assembly according to the invention comprises one or several load-bearing frame structures, each comprising at least one profile component, on which in each case on at least one side the header components are arranged. The frame structure may be made from standard components and may comprise header components that are hardly subjected to any mechanical loads and that are therefore less demanding to produce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Mosler, Andreas Neumann
  • Publication number: 20140001312
    Abstract: A primary fuselage structure for an aircraft, including circumferential frames, a floor structure having lateral ends connected to the circumferential frames, at least one strut supporting the floor structure and including a lower end fixed on a circumferential frame and an upper end fixed on the floor structure, and at least one failure-initiating element associated with the strut, including a first arrangement for fastening the strut to a circumferential frame, at a distance from the lower end of the strut, as well as a second arrangement for attaching the circumferential frame to the strut, away from the ends of the strut. A fuselage segment and aircraft, such as an airplane, including the primary fuselage structure are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Jerome Milliere, Jean-Marc Faure, Edmond Froger, Christian Rekert, Sandrine Monlouis-Bonnaire
  • Patent number: 8616498
    Abstract: In one of the embodiments of the disclosure, there is provided an aircraft insulation system and method for providing fire penetration resistance and/or thermal and acoustic protection. The aircraft insulation system comprises one or more insulation blankets, each having an inboard side and an outboard side. The aircraft insulation system further comprises a fire penetration resistant cover material having a heat seal adhesive, wherein the fire penetration resistant cover material covers the outboard side of the one or more insulation blankets. The aircraft insulation system further comprises an insulation cover film having a heat seal adhesive, wherein the insulation cover film covers the inboard side of the one or more insulation blankets. The aircraft insulation system further comprises a thermal heat seal that joins the fire penetration resistant cover material and the insulation cover film together to form a continuous insulation blanket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Zahid Hossain, Khashayar Borumand, Neha Sharma, Keith Couilliard, Gaurav Kumar, Sean M. Finerty, Sara Lynn Walter
  • Publication number: 20130344291
    Abstract: There is provided a composite hat stiffener, a composite hat-stiffened pressure web, and a method of making the same. The composite hat stiffener has a composite hat section having a first side and a second side. The composite hat stiffener further has a plurality of composite stiffening plies coupled to the composite hat section. The plurality of composite stiffening plies include a body ply coupled to the first side of the composite hat section, a wrap ply coupled the body ply, and a base ply coupled to the body ply and the wrap ply. The composite hat stiffener further has a pair of radius filler noodles coupled to the composite hat section and disposed between the plurality of composite stiffening plies. The composite hat stiffener further has an outer ply coupled to the second side of the composite hat section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Steven E. Pearson, Matthew M. Whitmer, Rebecca M. Dixon, Jason L. Firko, Douglas G. Marciniak, Kenneth D. Cominsky, Martin G. Andrews
  • Patent number: 8596578
    Abstract: A pressure bulkhead for a fuselage of an aircraft is configured for bounding a fuselage interior relative to an external environment. The pressure bulkhead includes a flat skin configured to span a cross-section of the fuselage and having a cavity disposed at a core region of the skin. The core region is radially bounded by a ring element. A plurality of radial stiffeners extend on the skin and provide stabilization of the skin. Each radial stiffener is fixed at an end to the ring element. A reinforcement element extends over the ring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Noebel, Boris Ehrhardt, Diego Quintana-Ruiz
  • Patent number: 8596182
    Abstract: A spall liner including a first plurality of flexible fabric plies of a first dimension secured together and secured to a first tie layer of a second, larger dimension. At least a second plurality of flexible fabric plies are secured together and secured to a second tie layer. The first and second tie layers are secured together. A cover includes separable fastener structure of a first type for removeably securing the liner to the inside hull of a vehicle equipped with separable fastener structure of a second type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Mann, Denise Mahnken, Michael E. McCormack, II, Martin Edward Smirlock, Robert C. Sykes
  • Patent number: 8573538
    Abstract: The invention relates to a structural configuration of the rear fuselage (4) of an aircraft with propeller engines (1) comprising propellers (23) formed in turn by blades (3), the mentioned propeller engines (1) being located at the rear part of the aircraft and the empennage (5) of the aircraft in turn being located behind the plane of the propellers (23), characterized in that the structural configuration of the rear fuselage (4) comprises an outer skin (6) and an inner skin (7), both skins (6, 7) being joined by means of radial elements (13) configuring cells (14), such that the obtained structural configuration maximizes the torsional strength of the rear fuselage (4) of the aircraft in the event of damage of the mentioned rear fuselage (4) due to the detachment of one of the blades (3) of the propeller engines (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.L.
    Inventor: Jorge Pablo Verde Preckler
  • Patent number: 8569668
    Abstract: An active vortex control system (AVOCS) includes a set of primary injectors that inject gas into a cavity to generate a vortex in front of and possibly around components inside the cavity. The vortex interferes with an external flow field in an opening to the cavity to protect the components from the external environment. Sets of secondary injectors may inject gas at a reduced mass flow into the cavity to compensate for energy losses to maintain the coherence of the vortex. The AVOCS is well suited for use in windowless endo- and exo-atmospheric interceptors to protect the electro-optical imagers and optical components from Earth atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Jose E. Chirivella, Anton VanderWyst
  • Publication number: 20130264423
    Abstract: An air vehicle with a slip protecting and gas sealing composite floor (1, 10) inside a fuselage, particularly a helicopter with a slip protecting and gas sealing composite floor (1, 10) inside a fuselage. Said slip protecting and gas sealing composite floor (1, 10) is built up of a profiled elastomer layer (2) provided at its bottom side with a cross-linking agent, n-layers (3) of a further component or a variety of different components and partially thermosetting resin covered by a profiled elastomer layer (2), a honey comb layer (4) and lower n-layers (5) of said further component or variety of different components and partially thermosetting resin, said honey comb layer (4) being sandwiched between said n-layers (3) and said lower n-layers (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • Patent number: 8536502
    Abstract: A vehicle for launching from a gas gun having a housing; preferably incorporating a precessional attitude control system; and utilizing a flared base, fins, or active use of the attitude control system during passage through the atmosphere. Subtly canting the fins can produce desired spinning of the vehicle. The propulsion system can employ liquid, hybrid, or solid fuel. A removable aero-shell assists atmospheric flight with thermal protection being provided by anticipated ablation, an ablative aero-spike, or transpirational cooling. And a releasable sabot enhances the effectiveness of the launch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Quicklaunch, Inc.
    Inventors: John William Hunter, Harry E. Cartland, Philip James Sluder, Richard Edward Twogood
  • Patent number: 8519312
    Abstract: A missile includes a separable shroud that covers a nose portion of the fuselage of the missile. The shroud covers and protects a seeker window and a seeker at the nose of the missile. The shroud is configured to remain coupled to the missile during and immediately after launch of the missile, and to separate during flight under the action of aerodynamic forces. Toward that end parts of the shroud are initially coupled together by a retainer, which allows the parts to separate during flight. The retainer may include one or more tension bands that break at a certain tension, and/or one or more weakened parts of the shroud, which break during flight. Parts of the shroud may include inward protrusions that make contact with an ogive portion of the nose of the fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Paul A. Merems
  • Publication number: 20130214093
    Abstract: A protective cover (10) for an instrument dome (12) extending from a body (20) of a vehicle, such as a missile. The cover (10) includes multiple segments (14 and 16) having trailing ends (18) connectable to the body (20) at joints (22) that allow for rotational movement. The cover (10) further includes a releasable holder (26) that includes a retention device (28) that holds leading ends (24) of the segments (14 and 16) together, and a release mechanism (30) for causing the retention device (28) to release the leading ends (24). The joints (22) hold the trailing ends (18) of the segments (14 and 16) to the body (20) through a predetermined range of motion beyond which the segments (14 and 16) will be released to separate from the body (20) when the segments (14 and 16) rotate beyond the predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Phillip Craige White, Robert L. Sisk, III, Brian S. Scott, Larry A. Coleman, Gary H. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130214090
    Abstract: Internal shield in the rear fuselage of an aircraft having a propulsion system formed by two engines mounted on each side of it; the rear fuselage having at least a vertical symmetry plane; the rear fuselage being made of a composite material; the internal shield being located in said vertical symmetry plane and extended in an area that covers the possible trajectories of a set of pre-defined fragments detached from one of said engines in a failure event that would impact on critical elements of the opposite engine; the internal shield having a flat shape and an energy absorption capability that allows stopping said fragments. The invention also refers to a method for determining the area of an internal shield and to an aircraft having said internal shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS S.L.
    Inventor: AIRBUS OPERATIONS S.L.
  • Publication number: 20130206908
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rotorcraft front windshield comprises a translucent material extending continuously between a point located twenty degrees above and forty degrees to the side of a design reference point and a point located thirty degrees below and forty degrees to the same side of the design reference point as the first point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130206909
    Abstract: A decompression unit is suitable for use in a decompression opening of a wall element of an aircraft. The unit includes a panel which can be mounted via a frame in or over the decompression opening. The panel can be moved out of the frame at a predetermined differential pressure ?p in order to open the decompression opening. In order to form a decompression unit of as simple a design as possible and with an optimum response behavior, the panel is formed by at least one hardened prepreg layer with at least one separating joint that is filled with cured resin as a predetermined breaking point. The separating joint breaks when the predetermined differential pressure is exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: FACC AG
    Inventors: Erich Pamminger, Bernhard Kammerer
  • Patent number: 8505455
    Abstract: A missile head has a shroud which forms its tip and which can be detached in its totality during flight from the fuselage of the missile. The missile head further has a rear part, which is connected to the fuselage, and a front nose, which can be disconnected from the rear part and forms the tip. A separating device separates the rear part from the fuselage and the nose from the rear part during flight. A physically small shroud can be achieved, and damage to the fuselage of the missile by separation of the shroud can be prevented, if the nose is split into at least two parts and the separating device is prepared to split the nose into these two parts during flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Diehl BGT Defence GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Gerd Fisch, Dirk Bross, Dominik Herrmann, Peter Mangold
  • Patent number: 8507042
    Abstract: Systems and methods for discontinuously applying an insulating primer to a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) component are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for mitigating electrical surface discharges from a CFRP component includes first applying an insulating primer to a metallic component. Next, an insulating primer is applied discontinuously to the CFRP component adjacent the metallic component. The discontinuous application of the insulating primer forms a primed portions and unprimed portions. The unprimed portions are configured to enable electrostatic dissipation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Aaron T. Purdy, Theresa N. Ward, J. Sidney Clements, Michael G. Anderson, Julie K. Bennett, Kevin D. Pate
  • Publication number: 20130187002
    Abstract: Protective shield against ice impacts on aircraft, wherein the shield comprises plies of composite material (1) having microcapsules (2), each microcapsule containing a healing agent (5). When a crack (4) produced on the shield reaches at least a microcapsule (2), the healing agent is spilled in the delaminated area. Some catalyst particles (3) can be included in the material and in that case, the healing agent (5) is polymerized reacting with the catalyst particles (3). If no catalyst particles (3) are included in the material, the healing agent (5) may also actuate when manually heated. Such kinds of materials allow recovering at least partially the impact strength of the shields after impact, which is particularly important in case of ice impacts that can be repetitive during operations in icing conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Airbus Operations, S.L.
    Inventors: Julien Guillemaut, Tamara Blanco Varela, Diego Folch Cortes, Pablo Goya Albaurrea, Esteban Martino Gonzalez, Eduardo Vinue Santolalla