Corrugated Panels Patents (Class 244/123.12)
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Patent number: 12043385Abstract: A control surface for an aircraft may comprise an outer skin and a core coupled to the outer skin. The core may include a plurality of corrugations. A height of the core may decrease in a direction extending from a leading edge of the control surface to a trailing edge of the control surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2021Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: ROHR, INC.Inventor: Jennifer Davis
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Patent number: 11530049Abstract: A detachable cargo mirror assembly for use on a rotorcraft surface that includes a bracket for mounting to a surface on the rotorcraft, the bracket comprising a base portion and a retainer portion having a first pair of opposing holes, an elongated arm having two opposing ends, a first end for coupling with the bracket and a second end coupled to a mirror apparatus, the first end having a passage; and a releasable connector that engages with the first pair of opposing holes and the passage in the elongated arm when the elongated arm is in a first position to display a desired image on the mirror apparatus. The detachable cargo mirror assembly can be removed or in a stowed position when not in use.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2020Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: Textron Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Brian Lafon, Ricky Jenkins, Sean Morgan, William P. Sumner, William L. Neal
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Patent number: 11319052Abstract: A leading-edge arrangement for a flow body has a curved skin panel having outer and inner sides, and a three-dimensional reinforcing lattice. The curvature of the outer side of the lattice corresponds to the curvature of the inner side of the skin panel. The outer side of the lattice has attachment points connected to the inner side of the skin panel. The lattice is constructed as a three-dimensional framework having a interconnected framework members that form at least one layer of interconnected three-dimensional bodies.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2018Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Anthony Warren, Marco Biondini
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Patent number: 10974807Abstract: An aircraft wing has a plurality of wing segments mounted on a wing spar by joints that allow relative movement between the spar and the wing segments. Tuning of coefficients of thermal expansion is employed to reduce induced stresses from changes in temperature.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2018Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Robert Erik Grip, Blaine Knight Rawdon
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Patent number: 10843416Abstract: A composite reinforcement structure including a first skin having a first end and a second end and a second skin having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first skin and the first end of the second skin are coupled. A corrugated spar is disposed between the first skin and the second skin and is bonded to the first skin and the second skin.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2017Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace CorporationInventors: Brenden Autry, Bryan Williams, Mauro Mori, Mark Chapman
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Patent number: 10843785Abstract: A pressure bulkhead for an aircraft comprising a pressurized zone, the pressure bulkhead made of a composite material and comprising a front panel intended to be faced towards the pressurized zone; and a rear panel, substantially parallel to the front panel and intended to be located farther from the pressurized zone than the front panel. The pressure bulkhead further comprises a plurality of longerons located between the front panel and the rear panel, each one of them being attached to the front panel and to the rear panel; and a plurality of stiffeners, some of them being attached to the front panel and a remainder of them being attached to the rear panel.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Airbus Operations S.L.Inventors: Carlos García Nieto, Francisco José Cruz Domínguez, Juan Pablo Juste Mencía, Nuria Colmenarejo Matellano, Alejandro Martínez Cañizares
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Patent number: 10745147Abstract: A detachable cargo mirror assembly for use on a rotorcraft surface that includes a bracket configured to mount to a surface on the rotorcraft, the bracket comprising a base portion and a retainer portion having a first pair of opposing holes, an elongated arm having two opposing ends, a first end for coupling with the bracket and a second end coupled to a mirror apparatus, the first end having a passage: and a releasable connector configured to engage with the first pair of opposing holes and the passage in the elongated arm when the elongated arm is in a first position to display a desired image on the mirror apparatus. The detachable cargo mirror assembly can be removed or in a stowed position when not in use.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2016Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventors: Brian Lafon, Ricky Jenkins, Sean Morgan, William P. Sumner, William L. Neal
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Patent number: 10717511Abstract: An aircraft includes a wing and a wing box. The wing is joined to the wing box at a side of body joint. The wing and the wing box each includes lower skin and a plurality of stringers on the skin. Ends of at least some of the stringers at the side of body joint have a web cutout and a base that is spanwise tapered to a knife edge at the skin.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2017Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Zeaid Fouad Hasan, Jeffrey F. Stulc, Phillip Roger Pratt, James A. Backlund, Jr., Nickolas Scott Ellerbeck, Lyle Ray Deobald
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Patent number: 10017260Abstract: Nacelles are provided having a tubular casing, open at its opposite axial ends, with an inner wall and an outer wall which are connected to each other at the front end along a leading edge and at the rear end along a trailing edge and which enclose, together with the leading edge and the trailing edge, a cavity. To prevent the formation of ice at least in the zone of the leading edge of the nacelle, a separating member made of porous material is arranged inside the cavity to divide the cavity into an inner cavity, between the inner wall and the porous separating member, and an outer cavity, between the outer wall and the porous separating member, and to put the inner cavity in fluid communication with the outer cavity only in a front zone of the cavity in contact with the leading edge, and a two-phase fluid is contained in the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: FINMECCANICA—SOCIETA' PER AZIONIInventors: Antonio Moscatelli, Gianni Mancuso
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Patent number: 9962878Abstract: A multi-level unitary safety surface tile. The tile may be of monolithic construction. The tile may include rubber. The tile may include an upper level and a lower level. Hollow protrusions may extend between the levels. At least one protrusion may include resilient walls extending from the upper layer and converging to a protrusion bottom-cap in the lower level. Inter-protrusion ribs may span between and support adjacent protrusions. With the lower layer disposed upon an underlayer, the protrusions may support the upper level. The tile may attenuate impact forces incident upon the upper layer. The tile may constitute a unitary safety surface. The tile may include structures facilitating interlocking of adjoining tiles into a multi-tile unitary safety surface. Protrusion extensions and/or support ribs may support the structures. The tile may be manufactured in a one-piece molding process utilizing mold forms maintained parallel to opposable faces of a mold press.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2016Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Playsafer Surfacing LLCInventor: Morris Hassan
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Patent number: 9765512Abstract: A structure comprising a space frame including a plurality of strut sections which cross at one or more locations within the space frame to define a node at each respective crossing location, wherein the strut sections are laminates comprising a plurality of ply layers, and wherein the ply layers of the crossing strut sections are interleaved at the node(s). Also a method of forming the structure. Also An aerofoil structure, comprising a space frame defining a cage adapted to receive upper and lower covers so as to form upper and lower aerodynamic surfaces of the aerofoil, and at least one spar extending generally spanwise across the structure, wherein the spar includes a spar web and upper and lower spar caps, and wherein the spar web is disposed on one of an interior or exterior side of the cage, and the spar caps are attached to the other of the interior or exterior side of the cage.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Airbus Operations LimitedInventor: Stephen Williams
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Patent number: 9745069Abstract: An air-liquid heat exchanger assembly for an environmental control system of an aircraft includes a heat exchanger, a controller, and a bypass valve. The heat exchanger includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber has a first inlet that is provided a liquid and a first end that is provided air. The second chamber is arranged adjacent the first chamber. The bypass valve is operably coupled to the controller. The bypass valve having an inlet coupled to a first outlet of the first chamber, a first outlet coupled to a second inlet of the second chamber, and a second outlet coupled to a bypass conduit. The controller adjusts a position of the bypass valve to control the flow of liquid through the second chamber and the bypass conduit.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2013Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventor: Brian R. Shea
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Patent number: 9701391Abstract: An aircraft structure 101 comprising a skin panel 111, having an outer surface forming an external face of the structure, and an inner surface internal to the structure, the aircraft structure 101 also comprising a plurality of stringers 150 extending along a length of the inner surface of the skin panel, and an inner panel 112 spaced apart from the inner surface of the skin panel 111, so as to form an internal cavity adjacent to the skin panel, and wherein the stringers 150 are located within the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2011Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Airbus Operations LimitedInventor: Timothy Axford
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Patent number: 9340274Abstract: An impact protection plate is provided for mounting on the structure of an aircraft. The impact protection plate includes a first layer, close to the aircraft, made of a fiber-reinforced plastic having a wave-shaped pattern of alternating elevations and depressions, the transverse tensile strength of the fiber-reinforced plastic being greater than 50 MPa. The impact protection plate includes a second layer situated on the first layer, remote from the aircraft, and is made of a fiber-reinforced plastic, the elongation at break of the reinforcement fibers being greater than 3%.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2012Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbHInventors: Peter Starke, Michael Fischer, Martha Wachinger
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Patent number: 9193443Abstract: An air-sucking vehicle tail section component or wing section component includes an outer delimitation part having microperforation including boreholes, and inner delimitation part having a plurality of suction boreholes including fluid connections to the microperforation boreholes, and connecting elements. The inner delimitation part is connected via the connecting elements to the outer delimitation part. The outer delimitation part includes a continuously curved shape. The inner delimitation part includes two or more planar inner delimitation part components, which are each connected to one another at one edge to form a connection edge, and the connection edge is configured to be attached to the outer delimitation part. A type of framework structure is thus provided, which causes increased stability and can split impacting objects in particular if two inner delimitation part components are used on the vehicle tail section component or wing section component.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventor: Wolfgang Voege
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Patent number: 9016551Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting device in an aircraft. In one aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed for assembling a metal securement member of the mounting device. In another aspect of the invention, a mounting device is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed for installing and using a mounting device in an aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2006Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Brad L. Kirkwood, Paul S. Gregg, Gerry D. Miller, Jeff D. Will, David W. Evans
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Patent number: 8720824Abstract: Joining arrangement for the lateral boxes (11, 11?) of a horizontal tail stabilizer with a central tubular box and manufacturing method for said box. The boxes (11, 11?) are joined using an intermediate joining part (31) that comprises a central box (33, 63, 73), upper (35, 35?) and lower (37, 37?) lateral flaps, fitting plates (A) for the trimming device and fitting plates (B) for the pivoting device, the join being made with rivets between the skins (15, 15?; 17, 17?) of the lateral boxes (11, 11?) and said flaps (35; 35?; 37; 37?). The method for manufacturing the intermediate joining part (31) comprises steps to: a) Provide preforms suitable for forming said part (31); b) Form and cure the part (31) made from said preforms using an RTM method.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Airbus Operations S.L.Inventors: Loreto Martinez Fernández, Antonio De Julián Aguado
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Patent number: 8523111Abstract: A method of stiffening a rib (19, 20) during the assembly of an aircraft wing is described. A stiffener panel (40, 41) is attached to a face of the rib (19, 20). The rib is aligned with one or more wing components with the stiffener panel (40, 41) attached. An assembly operation such as drilling (16) is performed with the rib aligned and the stiffener panel attached. The stiffener panel (40, 41) is removed from the rib after the assembly operation. The stiffener panel has a resilient external sealing ring which is mounted on a face of the panel and forms an external perimeter of a vacuum cavity; and at least one resilient internal sealing ring which is mounted on the panel (20, 21) within the perimeter defined by the external sealing ring and forms an internal perimeter of the vacuum cavity. The stiffener can be attached to the rib by a vacuum clamping force, the vacuum being sealed by the external and internal sealing rings. The internal sealing ring(s) seal any holes which are present in the rib.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2009Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Airbus Operations LimitedInventor: Stephen Williams
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Patent number: 8424805Abstract: An airfoil structure including a plurality of molded monolithic members that extend in a side-by-side manner along the spanwise direction of the airfoil structure. Each molded monolithic member is realized from continuous material that is molded to form a corrugated portion with top and bottom flange portions extending from the corrugated portion. As a result of the molding operation, the corrugated portion is integrally formed with and structurally joined to the top and bottom flange portions. The top flange portions of the side-by-side arrangement of molded monolithic members define a portion of the top surface of the airfoil structure. The bottom flange portions of the side-by-side arrangement of molded monolithic members define a portion of the bottom surface of the airfoil section. The corrugated portions of the side-by-side arrangement of monolithic members define internal support structures (preferably closed-cell cores) extending along the spanwise direction of the airfoil structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Inventor: Donald Smith
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Patent number: 8292227Abstract: The structural strength of an aircraft wing is continuously tailored along its length to closely match continuously varying imposed wing loads. The wing includes upper and lower skins each formed from panels joined together. Each of the skin panels includes a stiffening web sandwiched between and joined to the inner and outer facesheets. The web has a repeating pattern and at least one dimension that continuously varies along the length of the panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2008Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Victor Stuhr, Alan Keith Prichard, Joseph R. Olivadoti
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Patent number: 8245971Abstract: A curved element, a wing, a control surface and a stabilizer for an aircraft. The curved element (7) is of a composite material and comprises surfaces (14, 21) provided with a plurality of profile reinforcements (20, 25). The profile reinforcements constitute an integrated part of the structure of the surfaces and have a directed strength effect. The profile reinforcements may be arranged in a manner constituting a latticed support structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2007Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Patria Aerostructures OyInventors: Juha Mäkelä, Juha Halme, Lauri Halme, Mikko Hoffrén
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Publication number: 20120132751Abstract: An aerofoil structure (1) comprising at least two spars (2, 4) spaced apart in a fore and aft direction so as to define a fuel carrying volume between the spars, and at least one longitudinal corrugated reinforcing member (6, 7) disposed between the spars, each reinforcing member being corrugated in the longitudinal direction to form a series of forward ridges (9) on a forward side of the reinforcing member and a series of aft ridges (8) on an aft side of the reinforcing member, wherein each reinforcing member is directly attached by its forward ridges to one of the spars or to the aft ridges of an adjacent one of the reinforcing members, and wherein each reinforcing member is directly attached by its aft ridges to one of the spars or to the forward ridges of an adjacent one of the reinforcing members. Also, a method of manufacturing an aerofoil structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2010Publication date: May 31, 2012Inventors: David Groves, Christopher Payne
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Patent number: 8114501Abstract: A fiber reinforced core panel having natural contour contains a series of adjacent low density strips where the longitudinal axes of the low density strips are substantially parallel. The major face of each strip is disposed within the first or second side of the core panel. The core panel also contains a continuous fibrous reinforcement sheet which is threaded through the low density strips such that the fibrous reinforcement sheet is disposed between adjacent strips and adjacent to the major faces of the low density strips. The fiber reinforced core panel contains a natural contour in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the low density strips, a natural contour in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axes of the low density strips, or a natural contour in both the directions parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the low density strips.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2011Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Anthony S. Brandon, Ryan W. Johnson, James A. Renninger
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Patent number: 8091829Abstract: A lifting structure for aircraft is essentially applicable to a horizontal stabilizer that includes two side symmetrical boxes that converge at one end (its root) thereof in a shared center area in order to connect integrally in the central area. Both boxes connect by a single part that constitutes a center rib with a double T-shaped profile. The root of the side boxes overlap converging on the inside surfaces of the wings of the center rib. The connection is ensured with rivets (lap joint). The proposed connection simplifies the assembly process (single part) and lead to a weight reduction since a carbon fiber connecting rib can be used.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Airbus Operations, S.L.Inventors: Gonzalo Ramírez Blanco, Daniel Barroso Vloedgraven, Jose Luis Lozano García, Miguel Luque Buzo
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Patent number: 7922126Abstract: An aircraft component, such as a wing, has perforations through an outer wall for boundary layer suction. In the space between the outer wall and inner wall partition walls form pressure channels and suction channels that are adjacent to each other and alternate, which channels communicate with the perforations. For example, alternating channels may be formed by a corrugated structure having trapezoidal corrugations providing a larger area for the suction channels than for the pressure channels. The pressure channels may be coupled to a hot-air reservoir by a control device, lines and valves, and the suction channels may be coupled to a vacuum reservoir, unless a short-circuit valve is used to cross connect the lines.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2010Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventor: Juergen Meister
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Patent number: 7923096Abstract: An impulse-absorbing structural component, particularly for an aircraft, has an impulse-absorbing layer and a covering layer applied thereto. The impulse-absorbing layer is made of a material that has a higher capacity for elongation at its breaking point than does the covering layer, and has a regular pattern of elevations and depressions. If a mass impacts on the covering layer, an intercept bag forms in the impulse-absorbing layer, and absorbs the kinetic energy of the mass. Viewed in the direction of the spread of the intercept bag, the structural component has structure beyond the impulse-absorbing layer, such that the formation of the intercept bag can take place without further interaction with the structural component.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbHInventor: Peter Starke
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Patent number: 7851048Abstract: A fiber reinforced core panel having a first side and an opposing second side. The core panel contains a series of adjacent low density strips having at least three faces and having a length to width aspect ratio of at least 5:1. The longitudinal axis of the low density strips are substantially parallel and the cross-section of each strip has a major face, a first edge face, and a second edge face. The major face of each strip is disposed within the first or second side of the core panel and the major face of each strip is disposed within an opposite face of the core panel than the major face of the adjacent strips. The core panel also contains a continuous fibrous reinforcement sheet which is threaded through the low density strips such that the fibrous reinforcement sheet is disposed between adjacent strips and adjacent to the major faces of the low density strips.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Milliken & Co.Inventors: Anthony S. Brandon, Ryan W. Johnson, James A. Renninger
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Patent number: 7802759Abstract: To provide an aircraft wing which has both high bending flexibility in the wing chord direction and high capacity to maintain the wing shape in the wing span direction, and to which morphing aircraft technology can be applied in the high-speed regime where aerodynamic forces are high. The wing is formed by arranging a plurality of CFRP rods having maximum anisotropic stiffness in the axial direction, so as to be parallel to the wing span direction, and filling the gaps between the CFRP rods with an elastic material.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Japan Aerospace Exploration AgencyInventors: Takashi Ishikawa, Yutaka Iwahori, Tomohiro Yokozeki, Shin-ichi Takeda
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Patent number: 7780116Abstract: A structure (2) for an aircraft (1) comprises transverse walls (3-8) connected to longitudinal walls (9-12); each wall (3-12, 18, 18B) comprises two jackets (19) of composite material disposed on either side of an intermediate arrangement (20); a wall includes a corrugated core (70) presenting corrugations extending along an axis (Z) substantially parallel to the jacket, such that the capacity of the wall to absorb energy in the event of an impact along said axis is increased; a wall includes a zone of weakness (45) encouraging controlled degradation of the wall in the event of such a shock.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2007Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: EurocopterInventor: Hervé Payen
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Publication number: 20100181427Abstract: A curved element, a wing, a control surface and a stabilizer for an aircraft. The curved element (7) is of a composite material and comprises surfaces (14, 21) provided with a plurality of profile reinforcements (20, 25). The profile reinforcements constitute an integrated part of the structure of the surfaces and have a directed strength effect. The profile reinforcements may be arranged in a manner constituting a latticed support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2007Publication date: July 22, 2010Inventor: Juha Makela
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METAL SHEETS AND PLATES HAVING FRICTION-REDUCING TEXTURED SURFACES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING SAME
Publication number: 20100127125Abstract: Metal sheets and plates having friction-reducing textured surfaces and methods of manufacturing these metal sheets and plates are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, there is provided a transportation vessel that includes at least one metal product having at least one surface that is substantially grooved, wherein the substantially grooved surface forms a riblet topography, the riblet topography including a multiplicity of adjacent permanently rolled longitudinal riblets running along at least a part of the surface, and wherein the riblet topography is coated with at least one coating sufficiently designed and applied to preserve the riblet topography. In an embodiment, the multiplicity of adjacent permanently rolled longitudinal riblets results in a friction-reducing textured surface. In an embodiment, metal product is used in fabricating at least a portion of an aircraft. In an embodiment, metal product is used in fabricating at least a portion of a rotor blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Inventors: Ming Li, James M. Marinelli, Jianto Liu, Paul E. Magnusen, Simon Sheu, Markus B. Heinimann, John Liu, Luis Fanor Vega -
Patent number: 7669799Abstract: A multifunctional member with a first active member (30), which is adapted to contract if exposed to a temperature above a first transition temperature range. A second active member (40), which is adapted to contract if exposed to a temperature above a second transition temperature range. A core member (20), which is adaptive for deformation. The first and second active members (30, 40) are attached on opposite or different sides of the core member (20). A heat source operatively connected to the first and second active members (30, 40) to expose them to transition temperatures. The first active member (30) contracts while above the first transition temperature range causing the second active member (40) to expand, wherein the second active member (40) is below the second transition temperature range.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: University of Virginia Patent FoundationInventors: Dana M. Elzey, Haydn N. G. Wadley
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Patent number: 7566489Abstract: A shock-absorbing structure component has two cover layers and an intermediate layer that is arranged between them. The intermediate layer extends in an alternating form between the cover layers, with the material of the intermediate layer being selected such that it has a higher capacity elongation prior to breaking than that of the outer cover layer. The energy of an impact can thus be absorbed as the intermediate layer is stretched into a bag shape and the inner cover layer breaks off progressively.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2005Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbHInventor: Peter Starke