Restraint Positioning And Protective Devices Patents (Class 244/122AG)
  • Patent number: 6129313
    Abstract: A device for protection of a spinal column of a pilot during an ejection shock comprises an ejectable seat with a seat back having tensioners integrated therein, a rigid framework and a buttock support. To prevent concentration of the weight of the upper portion of the body on the lumbar/abdominal region, the buttock support is lowered through use of an electromagnetic arrangement retracting connection elements between the seat back and the rigid framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventors: Pierre Valery, Marc Valery, Jean Valery
  • Patent number: 5979827
    Abstract: The present invention includes a device for enabling a pilot to maintain a conscious state at a high G-force. The device comprises a platform and seat radially movable about an axis. The device also comprises a mechanism for moving the platform in order to optimize the position of the pilot with respect to the G-force so that the pilot is conscious.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Bruce Alan Corcoran
  • Patent number: 5746395
    Abstract: A helicopter safety system provides an increased likelihood of survivability without injury during "survivable" helicopter crashes. The system provides spinal compression for precompressing an operator's spine in response to a crash signal from a crash sensor. Also included is a strap tensioning device which tensions an inertia reel strap and thus restraining the operator's upper body more effectively in the helicopter seat. Preferably, the strap tensioning device is initiated simultaneously with the spinal compression. Also included are energy absorbers connected to the seat pan, for example, between the seat pan and the seat frame, and airbags connected to the harness. The harness also includes a cross coupling element to provide for a lateral support configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: LME Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Richard Peck, Ronald Wayne Oates
  • Patent number: 5732907
    Abstract: An ejection seat buckle assembly and an arm restraint system incorporating such a buckle assembly wherein the buckle of the assembly includes latch and strike portions each having a respective cable guide ring integrally formed therewith. Arm restraint cables passing through the guide rings deploy safety nets or pull the sleeves or arms of an occupant inward toward the occupant's torso or lap to prevent arm injury during seat ejection from an aircraft. In one embodiment, the guide rings are formed integrally with the latch and strike portions by forming generally oval shaped openings in lap belt adjusters mounted to respective latch and strike engagement portions by latch hinges. In another embodiment, the cable guide rings are D-shaped rings integral with the latch and strike of the ejection seat buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Capewell Components Company Limited Partnership
    Inventor: John F. Limbach
  • Patent number: 5653465
    Abstract: A seat has a shell structure (2) which is rigid, as a whole. On a side of the shell structure which is intended to receive the driver's body, there are one or more inflatable cushions (4a, 5a). With the present invention, the possibility of varying the inflation pressure of the cushions (4a, 5a selectively during movement of the vehicle is also envisioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Ferrero, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Pietro Ferrero
  • Patent number: 5542627
    Abstract: A quick release coupling apparatus and method used to connect and quickly disengage a night vision assembly from a pilot's helmet. The quick release coupling apparatus includes a locking element disposed on a pilot's helmet. An aperture is disposed on the night vision assembly to be attached to the pilot's helmet. The locking element of the pilot's helmet is passed into the aperture of the night vision assembly wherein the locking element is engaged and retained by a collet. The collet is biased against the locking element by a wire that is wrapped around the collet. As such, the collet engages the locking element and prevents the locking element from being withdrawn out of the night vision assembly, thereby firmly joining the night vision assembly to the pilot's helmet.Springs or similar repelling elements are disposed between the night vision assembly and the pilot's helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Crenshaw, Roy H. Holmes, Albert M. Baril
  • Patent number: 5464246
    Abstract: The present invention is a torso protection system having braided tubes that inflate upon side or oblique impact to protect the torso of a seated vehicle occupant. Prior to inflation, the braided tubes are mounted in the undeployed state along both sides of the occupant's seat. When an impact is detected, a gas generator generates, inflating the braided tubes. As the braided tubes inflate, their diameters increase and their lengths decrease substantially. The braided tubes then pull out of their storage locations and form bolsters on either side of the seated occupant. The inflated tubes prevent the torso of the occupant from directly colliding with interior side structures of the vehicle and restrict the lateral motion of the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Simula Inc.
    Inventors: Mynor Castro, Gershon Yaniv, Dirk J. Hardtmann, David J. Romeo
  • Patent number: 5427331
    Abstract: Seat structure is provided for supporting a person. An inflatable cushion is coupled to the seat structure in a position for bearing at least a part of the force exerted by the person when supported by the seat structure. A source of gas under pressure is provided for inflating the cushion. A control arrangement including a pressure sensor and a valve is coupled to the cushion and to the source for maintaining the pressure of the gas in the cushion at a given level. Also provided is a pressure release mechanism including an outlet and an outlet valve independent of the control arrangement for deflating the cushion to allow the force exerted by the person supported by the seat structure, when high acceleration forces are encountered, to be born primarily by the seat structure. In one embodiment, the pressure release mechanism is a flexible strap for compressing the cushion when the outlet valve is opened for increasing the rate of deflation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald L. Stroud
  • Patent number: 5415366
    Abstract: An arm restraint system for an ejection seat of an aircraft. The arm restraint system includes a pair of shrouds that are attached to the seat and each contain an outer channel. Extending through each outer channel is a corresponding strap that is coupled to the cockpit and fastened to a ring on the belt of the pilot. When the seat is ejected, the straps are pulled and the shrouds are deployed onto the arms of the pilot. The shrouds extend to a position which captures the wrists of the pilot, thereby preventing both sideward and upward movement of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventor: Bradley Mastrolia
  • Patent number: 5367402
    Abstract: A helmet mounted night vision device for a pilot that is automatically propelled away from the pilot before the pilot ejects from an aircraft, thereby preventing injury to the pilot caused by the night vision device striking the ejecting pilot. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention night vision device is a binocular device, having a right optical assembly and a left optical assembly that are viewed by the right and left eyes of the pilot, respectively. The right and left optical assemblies are each attached to elongated arm members. Each of the arm members, supporting the optical assemblies, are pivotably coupled to a common mounting plate that is removably attachable to the helmet of the pilot. Prior to ejection, the left and right optical assemblies are joined in front of the eyes of the pilot, thereby forming the binocular device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventors: Roy H. Holmes, Albert M. Baril
  • Patent number: 5362098
    Abstract: A device for providing crash protection to people aboard a land, air, sea space vehicle. A crash sensor mounted on the vehicle is used to sense a crash, impact or jarring motion. Data from the crash sensor is then transmitted via wireless communication by a signal transmitter to a signal receiver mounted on a harness worn by a crew member or passenger. When a crash signal is received, inflation mechanisms inflate inflatable bladders mounted on the harness, thereby protecting the person wearing the harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Frederick C. Guill
  • Patent number: 5322245
    Abstract: An integrated pilot protection and restraining system having a circular bearing structure configured to surround the neck of the wearer, and a non-conformal helmet which is detachably coupled to and rotatably supported by the bearing structure. An automatic helmet rotation system is provided for controlling rotation of the helmet in response to movements of the wearer's head in order to maintain the helmet in a predetermined position with respect to the wearer's head. The system further includes a restraining anchor disposed on a rear portion of the bearing structure at its non-rotating base proximate to the base of the wearer's neck. The restraining anchor is coupled to a retractable restraining device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: David Clark Company Incorporated
    Inventor: John W. Bassick
  • Patent number: 5320383
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a deployable supplemental inflatable restraint, which, after a deployment, vents supplemental inflatable restraint internal contenst to a vehicle passenger compartment, a signal line for sensing deployment of the supplemental inflatable restraint, a command generator for developing a command responsive to the sensed deployment, and an atmosphere control system for providing a flow of fresh air into the vehicle passenger compartment responsive to the developed command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Tai L. Chan, Robert G. Wooley, Thomas R. Barszcz, James M. Lawlis, John M. Sohn, Richard R. Kaminski
  • Patent number: 5318252
    Abstract: An aviator suit is provided with a sewn-on channel of hook and eye material which encloses an elongated line that extends to a floor bracket by a shear fastener. The enclosed line prevents snagging on objects within a cockpit and becomes easily removed when the VELCRO gives way during ejection when forces are exerted upon the enclosed channel line. A simplified snubber plug is releasably clamped to the aviator's seat and becomes released after the aviator has cleared a cockpit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Grumman Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Armand J. Aronne
  • Patent number: 5301903
    Abstract: An assembly for restraining the upper limbs of an occupant of a seat, particularly an aircraft ejector seat, includes a storage unit which is adapted to be fixedly secured to an upper back portion of the seat. The storage houses a pair of movable cover members and first and second bladder units. The cover members and bladder units are connected by means of straps to a quick release mechanism which mates with a corresponding fitting carried by the occupant and then to a fixed structure adjacent the seat. When it is desired to deploy the restraint assembly, a tension is applied to the straps which causes the cover members to extend around opposite sides and laterally inward of the occupant's body, about respective arms of the occupant, and the bladder units to extend about the occupant's neck. The bladder units are then inflated so as to permit undesirable movement of the occupant's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Grumman Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Armand J. Aronne
  • Patent number: 5267708
    Abstract: A head support apparatus for protecting the head of a subject positioned in a vehicle against the detrimental effects of acceleration. Generally, the invention comprises a beam housing attachable to a support device for supporting a subject's upper body while positioned in the vehicle. The beam housing has a side opening on each side thereof and a channel formed in the interior of the housing, extending from one side opening to the opposite side opening. Beam housing support is provided for rigidly supporting the beam housing to the support device within a y-z plane defined by the intersection of a y-axis and a z-axis, but allowing rotation about an x-axis. The x, y and z axes define an orthogonal coordinate system wherein the x-axis extends through the subject's face to the back of the head, the y-axis extends laterally from ear-to-ear, and the z-axis extends vertically from the top of the head through the subject's chin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corp.
    Inventors: Conrad B. Monson, Emily L. Howard, Steven L. Hecq, Curtis E. Thompson, William J. Adams
  • Patent number: 5176342
    Abstract: A goggles emergency release apparatus is disclosed wherein an actuator, ptioned adjacent the goggles latching mechanism, drives a wedge into the mechanism to push a release pin into the open position and push the goggles away from the helmet. The actuator receives its initiation power when the ejection seat movement closes a microswitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Daniel J. Schmidt, Thomas J. Dillon, Ricky L. Greth
  • Patent number: 5152479
    Abstract: A reclining ejection seat (1) for an aircraft which includes an arm support (7) composed of two parts (8,10) which are moveable fore and aft. A first part (8) carries flying controls (9) and is adjustable for reach. A second part (10) which is adjustable for comfort, locates the elbow of a pilot (11) and supports his forearm. The arm support (7) permits the pilot (11) to maintain adequate control over his arm movements even when the aircraft is carrying out very high speed maneuvers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: British Aerospace Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Geoffrey J. Ash, Timothy S. Valentine
  • Patent number: 5131608
    Abstract: An ejection seat (1), supported on ejection gun guide rails (2) and moveable between an upright position to a reclining position thus affords the pilot greater protection from the effects of high "g" forces. Movement of the seat (1) is effected by hydraulic acutators (3), (4), guided by an arcuate track (15). The invention has the further advantage of allowing ejection from an upright or a reclining position or any intermediate transitional position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: British Aerospace plc
    Inventors: Geoffrey J. Ash, Timothy Valentine
  • Patent number: 5072897
    Abstract: A harness fitting has a first member which is secured to the vest of a pilot while a second member is secured to a cockpit floor. The first member has vertical torso restraint straps attached thereto which limits the upward displacement of a pilot, relative to his seat, during normal flight. This results in minimizing injuries that might occur as a result of negative "G" conditions during which time the head of the pilot may be injured during contact with a canopy. Arm and leg restraints are connected to the fitting so that they become pulled in during pilot ejection, thereby reducing the possibility of limb injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: Grumman Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Armand J. Aronne
  • Patent number: 5056739
    Abstract: A safety harness device of the inertia type wherein the rewind spring is connected to a fluid pressure actuated portion that is normally inoperative during ordinary operations of the safety harness, but which, when actuated by the user, serves to pull upon the rewind spring to rapidly haul in the user, without injury to him however, against the back of his seat prior to ejection regardless of accelerating forces obtaining at that time. A pressure responsive regulator valve provides substantially constant flow of control fluid to control the velocity of the haulback force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Company
    Inventor: Robert C. LeVay
  • Patent number: 5046687
    Abstract: A restraint system is provided for restraining a pilot in a safe position during high-acceleration conditions. A stationary harness portion is attached to the pilot's body and haulback straps are connected in a slidable manner to the stationary harness. Under normal conditions, the pilot has some freedom of movement to lean forward or move from side to side. In the event of high acceleration or other emergency conditions, a pair of haulback straps that are slidably attached at the mid-torso position of the pilot are retracted to bring the entire back of the pilot against the back support of his seat. Lateral support pads positioned at the back and side of the pilot are moved to provide support to the sides, ribs and lumbar regions of the mid-torso and to restrain side-to-side movement of the pilot. The position of the lateral support pads is automatically adjusted according to the size of the pilot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Gerald F. Herndon
  • Patent number: 5033697
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting the head of a crew member sitting in a forward posture in a vehicle during high "G" accelerations is disclosed. The invention comprises an upper torso assembly secured to the crew member's upper torso and a head support member. The head support member is hingedly connected to the upper torso assembly for preventing the crew member's head from rotating forward when sitting in a forward lean posture during high G accelerations. The apparatus thereby maintains the proper head position for viewing aircraft displays and viewing the vehicle's external environment. The head support member further allows for free head mobility when the crew member is in the normal upright sitting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventors: Kenton M. Munson, Jordan Wiener
  • Patent number: 5026006
    Abstract: Safety enclosures for use in high speed vehicles such as aircraft and high speed trains. The safety enclosures include an enclosure shell which preferably has two shell walls separated by a crash resistant intermediate material which also provides thermal insulation against fires and acoustic attenuation. The enclosures also advantageously include cooling systems which utilize a refrigerant which is expanded through tubes connected along the inner wall of the enclosure shell. A compressed air supply is provided which supplies breathing air to passengers and is used to expand a crash bag. Air is supplied through both the crash bag at passenger contacting panels and through supply lines which exhaust near the passengers' heads. A motor driven door assembly is controlled to close as the crash bag is being deployed. Exhaust ports having check valves allow positive pressure to be maintained in the cabin of the enclosures to exclude smoke and fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Inventors: Landon D. Tinder, Richard F. Tinder
  • Patent number: 4967985
    Abstract: An aircrew support system for supporting a pilot's head, and optionally his torso, during high g maneuvers, enabling him to maintain his head in an upright position and thereby increasing his awareness of the situation at all times outside the cockpit comprises at least one head support line (3) adapted for connection between the pilot's head/helmet (4) and the seat (1), accelerometers for measuring the g force acting on the pilot/aircraft and a tension structure for applying a continuously variable tension to said support line of a magnitude determined by the magnitude of the current g force acting on the pilot/aircraft. The support system may include a restraint system, for restraining the pilot in a predetermined position during ejection and for disconnecting the support line on ejection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: British Aerospace Plc
    Inventor: Richard S. Deakin
  • Patent number: 4925133
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining useful conciousness and reducing the risk of injury for a subject exposed to high levels of acceleration while in a vehicle. A buoyancy force suit is provided for supporting the subject with a buoyancy force. The buoyancy force suit includes at least two layers of flexible material, each layer being relatively impermeable to a substantially incompressible fluid locatable in a space between the layers. The suit fits over substantially the entire subject, including the subject's neck. A fluid reservoir is provided for maintaining a constant fluid level within the buoyancy force suit during acceleration. The fluid reservoir is supported at substantially the subject's eye level for maintaining an optimal fluid pressure gradient for ensuring an efficient blood supply to the subject's brain. Means are provided for securely suspending the buoyancy suit within the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen G. Wurst, William J. Adams, Kenton M. Munson
  • Patent number: 4923147
    Abstract: A seat insert insertable within the existing seat of a vehicle for maintaining a crew member of the vehicle in a forward posture during high G acceleration. An elongated head support member is provided for supporting the crew member's head during a forward leaning posture. A back plate assembly including at least one back plate is connected to the head support member for supporting the spine in its natural curvature. Means being connected to the back plate assembly are provided for pivoting the back plate assembly forward relative to the seat of the vehicle. Means are provided for transfering any G-induced weight from the spine to the back plate assembly and ultimately to the existing seat of the vehicle. The head support member is restrained in such a manner so as to maintain the crew member's head in an "eyes up" attitude during a forward lean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Adams, Robert E. Zegler, Conrad B. Monson
  • Patent number: 4909459
    Abstract: A head restraint for the occupant of a vehicle seat is disclosed, which rrains the forward and downward movement of the occupant's head when subjected to large deceleration forces. The restraint includes a strap assembly which encircles the back of the occupant's head and releasably connects to his helmet adjacent to each of his ears at two locations. A retaining strap is slidably connected by a loop to the strap assembly and extends behind the head to a restracting means fixed in the seat. The retracting means pulls the head back against the seat when the deceleration forces exceed a predetermined level, as during flight maneuvers. During normal flight conditions, the occupant is able to move his head freely from side to side as the strap assembly slides through the loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Michael H. Patterson
  • Patent number: 4899961
    Abstract: A lateral head restraint system providing support to a pilot's head during ejection or high-acceleration flight maneuvers. The lateral head restraint system includes inflating bladders positioned on opposite sides of a pilot's head. The bladders inflate from a compressed wedge position, sweeping through an arc on each side of the headrest structure. Inflation of the bladders centers the pilot's head into the correct control position and restricts lateral movement. When fully inflated, the bladders permit the pilot to lean forward or turn his head to either side. Further, an unobstructed field of vision is provided. The lateral head restraint system is incorporated into the ejection seat and remains fully operational during the ejection procedure to protect the pilot's head from injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Gerald F. Herndon
  • Patent number: 4883243
    Abstract: An ejection seat includes a rigid shell adapted to closely surround the head of a pilot during ejection to restrain lateral movement of the pilot's head. The pilot's head is supported within the shell during ejection at a position that causes it to be aligned with the pilot's spinal column. During normal flight conditions, the pilot's head is supported in a forwardly pivoted position by a front panel. In this forwardly pivoted position, the pilot's head is free to move about to check for other aircraft. In one embodiment, the front panel slides rearwardly into the shell during ejection. In another embodiment, the front panel is divided into two sections, each of which pivots inwardly into the shell during ejection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Gerald F. Herndon
  • Patent number: 4877202
    Abstract: An improved aircraft ejection seat system is described which embodies a forward leaning position for an occupant of the aircraft providing enhanced acceleration tolerance for an occupant during ejection from the cockpit, comprising a platform supporting at a rearward end thereof a seat having a seat back and seat pan sized and configured for accommodating the occupant, a forwardly disposed cowling integral with and faired to the platform for providing windblast protection to the occupant, a solid or cushioned upright wall member disposed centrally of the platform and extending between the seat and cowling and supporting an inclined chest plate for supporting the chest of the occupant in the forward leaning position, a head rest and a shield disposed near the upper end of the plate for shielding the occupant's head upon ejection from the aircraft, and a restraint harness for holding the occupant in the forward leaning position against the plate upon ejection from the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Allen D. Disselkoen, Jr., Robert F. Gargiulo, James E. Haywood, Keith H. Heise, Darrell H. Holcomb, Stuart C. Kramer, Gregory R. Miller, Jeffrey S. Nicholson, Jeffrey J. Olinger, Curtis H. Spenny
  • Patent number: 4871131
    Abstract: A system for retracting a pilot into an ejection seat during either normal flight or an emergency ejection procedure. A pair of haulback straps are wound on a haulback reel that is rotatably driven by a gas-powered motor. The motor receives pressurized gas from the aircraft's bleed air during normal flight and from a pyrotechnic cool gas generator during an ejection. The rate of gas flow to the motor is controlled by a servovalve. The actual rotational velocity of the haulback reel is measured by a tachometer and compared to a desired haulback velocity profile. A control signal that is proportional to the difference between the actual haulback velocity and the desired haulback velocity is applied to the servovalve so that the desired haulback velocity is achieved. The desired haulback velocity may vary as a function of time from the start of an ejection procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Coral A. Bernier, Douglas E. Swanson
  • Patent number: 4834322
    Abstract: A high "g" protection system for a crewmember of an aircraft includes a seat and an upper torso support. The upper torso support is preferably secured to the crewmember's suit and to the seat. The torso support has a support plate and a support member which allow the crewmember to be supported and restrained while in a leaned forward or crouched position while enhancing the crewmember's tolerance to "g" forces. Another embodiment of the invention uses a pair of approximately positioned armrests to provide torso support. The seat is provided with a repositionable seat pan which allows the crewmember's knees to be raised bringing him into a more crouched position or, conversely, allows the crewmember's knees to be lowered reducing the crewmember's angle of crouch, as may be desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen G. Wurst
  • Patent number: 4787576
    Abstract: A G-protective ejection seat assembly for an occupant of the cockpit of an aircraft. The assembly includes a cradle having a rigid, non-articulated upper portion and a rigid lower portion pivotally attached to the upper portion. The upper portion is pivotally attached to the aircraft for selected angular movement within the cockpit between an upright position and a reclined position. The cradle upper portion includes arm rests movable therewith for supporting hand flight controls. Foot flight controls are mounted to the cradle lower portion which is formed by a pair of leg rests. The assembly includes a separable, non-articulated ejection seat removably carried by and stationary with respect to the cradle upper portion during non-ejection use. The seal is moved with the cradle upper portion as the cradle upper portion pivots between the upright and reclined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael B. McGrady, James M. Huber, Gerald F. Herndon, Stephen F. Sielaff, Jerry T. Shearer
  • Patent number: 4784352
    Abstract: A seat system for a crewmember of an aircraft is disclosed which provides support and restraint to the crewmember while in a crouched as well as an erect position. The crewmember is secured by means of a strap harness to an insert which is positioned behind and in contact with the crewmember's back. The insert is rotatably connected to the seat providing multi-axis rotation to the insert relative to the seat. The insert's multi-axis rotation allows the crewmember to turn in the seat while secured to the insert. The insert also has a limited degree of translational movement toward as well as away from its connection to the seat; this allows the crewmember to lean forward, backward and laterally in the seat while still secured to the insert. A mechanism locks the insert into a desired forwardly inclined position. Instead of an insert, however, the crewmember's upper torso may be directly connected, at the crewmember's back, to the seat by means of a strap system or a rigid extendable support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene A. Smith, Barbara J. Courter, Kenton M. Munson, Stephen G. Wurst
  • Patent number: 4739953
    Abstract: Seat with protecting shell, fastened to a floor contained inside two hinged hollow hemispheres, suitable to close onto each other, provided with a back constituted by articulated segments. The seat is furthermore equipped with safety devices housed within special hollows provided inside the same shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Inventor: Onorato Soffiantini
  • Patent number: 4720064
    Abstract: A continuous main strap (10) has a front H-shaped configuration and a rear X-shaped configuration. Strap (10) extends from one side of the waist diagonally up and across the back, down the front, across and under the buttocks, up the front, and diagonally down and across the back to the opposite side of the waist. A chest strap (30) completely encircles the chest and forms the horizontal portion of the "H". An integral thigh strap and lap belt (20) is attached to the buttocks portion (16) of strap (10) and extends upwardly and laterally outwardly to side waist fittings (56) on vertical front webs (14) of strap (10), through fittings (56), and inwardly to an adjustable connector (26). Each fitting (56) has a cam lock snubber (66) for releasably securing strap (20) against movement relative to fitting (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Gerald F. Herndon
  • Patent number: 4676462
    Abstract: An arm restraint system for an aircraft ejection seat comprises triangular nets, each secured at one of its corners to a respective upper point on the side of the seat back and at another of its corners to a respective lower point on the side of the seat back. The remaining corner of each net is secured to one end of a respective retraction line which passes through a respective reversing arrangement at the front of the respective side wall of the seat, along a respective conduit extending along the side of the seat, to gas-powered line-retraction device mounted in the seat back. In the normal position, each line, from its point of attachment to the net, extends through an eye provided on a respective projectile carried by the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Engineering Patents & Equipment Limited
    Inventor: James W. Martin
  • Patent number: 4667902
    Abstract: A pilot arm retention system for an aircraft ejection seat which includes ertia reels and a parachute is comprised of a pair of nets connected between respective sides of the seat and a pair of deployment straps which are releasably coupled to the inertia reel straps and parachute risers and routed down over the front of the seat through a pair of snubbers to fixed points on the cockpit floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Thomas J. Zenobi
  • Patent number: 4667904
    Abstract: In the operation of modern tactical aircraft, crew members are subjected to periodic high acceleration loads that cause fatigue and a decrease in operating capacity. Restraining the torso of a crew member and pulling the crew member back against the ejection seat (2) of the aircraft would help prevent such fatigue. Known restraint and haul back apparatus for use during ejection are not adapted for repeated in flight use. The invention provides a single mechanism that retracts torso restraint straps (6) any number of times during in flight maneuvering and also retracts straps (6) for ejection. A loop (7) of each strap (6) extends around an inflatable member (28). When in flight acceleration loads exceed a preset limit, engine bleed air inflates member (28) to expand loops (7). This retracts straps (6) and positions the crew member. Member (28) is allowed to deflate when the acceleration subsides. When the ejection procedure is initiated, a gas generator (44) inflates member (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Gerald F. Herndon
  • Patent number: 4664341
    Abstract: A head restraint system is disclosed that is designed to protect the pilot's head against severe lateral forces. A circular track surrounds and is affixed to the pilot's helmet. The track is attached by two cables to a seat back. During normal flight conditions, the cables provide a small but constant tension to the helmet, and allow the pilot's head free movement in all directions. A spring loaded inertia reel will lock the cables in place when the lateral forces exceed a predetermined level. The system will also provide afterward head support during the pilot's emergency ejection from the aircraft, and the cables are automatically severed when the pilot is separated from the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Cummings
  • Patent number: 4651951
    Abstract: Apparatus for detaching helmet-mounted equipment (6) from the helmet (4) of a vehicle-mounted user (1) includes a quick-release fastening (8) securing the equipment to the helmet. A removal cord (11) passes from the equipment by way of a guide (10) and is attached to the vehicle (12). The action of the apparatus is to remove the equipment from the helmet to a position of safety when the user has to leave the vehicle in an emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: Ferranti Plc
    Inventor: Robert J. McFarlane
  • Patent number: 4650137
    Abstract: A thermal blast shield (64) is located on an aircraft (10) between two adent seats (20 and 22) to be stored in a housing (62) during normal aircraft operation. The thermal blast shield includes cables (84 and 86) passing through fairleads attached to the aircraft and then connected to the seats to pull the shield out of the housing and fully deploy it as the seat is ejected. A break-away mechanism (100, 102) causes the cables to break/separate after the thermal blast shield is fully deployed and jamming/locking mechanisms (104, 106) further control deployment of the thermal blast shield and preclude its post-deployment retraction. The thermal blast shield can be stowed window-shade like or accordianfold-like, and can be formed of a variety of flexible thermal resistant, blast resistant materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Frederick C. Guill
  • Patent number: 4638510
    Abstract: A neck protection device (10)for a driver (10) or other occupant of a high performnace vehicle adapted to reduce motions or loading in the neck and upper torso is described. The device includes in combination a stiff yoke (12) with a high collar (11) extending up from the yoke and a set of tethers (15, 15a and 15b) for attachment to the lateral and rear portions of a helmet (16) and collar. The high collar extends upward to adjacent the center of gravity of the head and helmet which is at about eye level of the occupant. The tethers on the collar allow needed head movements and yet reduce the potential for fatigue and crash injury by carrying forces which would otherwise be transmitted through the neck and by reducing extreme motions of the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Inventor: Robert P. Hubbard
  • Patent number: 4592523
    Abstract: During ejection from a high performance aircraft, high wind blast conditions create danger of injuries caused by the flailing of limbs out of their desired positions. The invention provides a system that restrains the arms, legs, and head with one simple mechanism. A side net (28) and a knee strap (40) are attached to each of two center straps (22). Straps (22) extend forwardly from seat (2) to a tension fuse fitting (46) and down to snubbers (48). Deployment of straps (20, 40) and nets (28) is initiated by an inflatable member (20) that projects horizontally forwardly over the helmet (100) of the seat occupant. Deployment is completed by tensioning of straps (22) by upward movement of seat (2). When straps (22) reach a given tension, fittings (46) release straps (22) which drop down between the knees of the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1986
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Gerald F. Herndon
  • Patent number: 4508294
    Abstract: An air bag restraint system is disclosed for protecting an occupant in a t during ejection from a vehicle, particularly an aircraft. In one preferred embodiment, an air bag member is deployed from a stored position frontally to the chest of the occupant and guided upward and downward along tracks on either side of the seat so that the upper body of the occupant is enclosed within the seat just prior to ejection. In another preferred embodiment, the air bag is stowed within a cover about a semicircular hoop releasably connected to the seat about the chest of the occupant. At the initiation of the ejection sequence, the cover is released and the air bag inflated, expanded into the proper shape by external restraint straps, so that the head, arms and torso of the occupant are encapsulated at the time of ejection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1985
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Daniel L. Lorch
  • Patent number: 4482112
    Abstract: A windblast arm protector assembly for use by an occupant of an open-type ejection seat of an aircraft. The assembly includes, for each arm of the seat occupant, a full length fabric sleeve member which is independent of any garment body, which is a part of the seat's restraint system (rather than an item of personal protective equipment), and which is shaped and dimensioned from the shoulder area to its wrist area in the form of a flexed (i.e., bent) arm. During ejection of the seat and occupant together, the sleeve member is pulled forwardly and adjacent to the occupant's sides by associated co-acting components of the assembly, such that the arm is not extended into the windblast and is protected from it. Unlike the prior art, this arm protector assembly restrains the wrist area of the seat occupant's arm near the seat ejection handle, while the arm is restrained over its entire length. As a result, the windblast load is uniformly applied, and the restrained arm is protected from injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Robert J. Cummings
  • Patent number: 4477041
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved ejection seat restraint system for protecting the head and neck and spinal cord from injuries resulting from rapid forward deceleration and ejection from aircraft. The neck of human beings is at risk from lethal spinal cord injury with rupture of the atlanto-occipital membrane which holds the base of the skull to first cervical vertebra. Such lethal injuries according to the invention are prevented by a single inertial reel connection to the helmet of the user, at a point, aligned with or slightly above the superior nuchal line of the skull of the user. The helmet includes forehead padding, a wrap around cup shaped chin strap and an adjustable nape strap. The webbing for the inertial reel connection is preferably medium to soft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1984
    Inventor: Michael Dunne
  • Patent number: 4474347
    Abstract: A crashworthy vehicle seat comprises a seat bucket member suspended by supporting webs engaged with rotary energy absorbers attached to the overhead of the vehicle. Beneath the seat bucket member, pairs of extensible and compressible energy absorbers are attached between the seat bucket member and the floor of the vehicle. Upon impact, the rotary energy absorbers and the extensible and compressible energy absorbers are arrayed to permit controlled and energy absorbing movement to reduce the probability of injury to the occupant of the seat. In the one form of the seat it accommodates itself to fore and aft forces acting upon it. In a modified form of the seat the design is optimized to accommodate these forces. In further forms of the seat the design is arranged for a sideward or lateral facing seat and the design is optimized to accommodate lateral forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1984
    Assignee: ARA, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard Mazelsky
  • Patent number: 4466662
    Abstract: A powered articulated headrest system for use with a seat structure having a backrest, such as the ejection seat of a high performance aircraft, e.g., a combat aircraft. The headrest system includes: a headrest assembly which is movably connected to the backrest; and, an electro-hydraulic actuator assembly for moving the headrest from an original (and normal) position above the backrest to any one of an infinite variety of positions which are rearward and downward of the headrest, and for moving the headrest from these other positions to the original position. The actuator assembly is controlled by the occupant of the seat, e.g., the pilot of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Alexander B. McDonald, Joseph T. Mannix