Details Patents (Class 244/129.1)
  • Patent number: 7938365
    Abstract: The invention relates to a holder module for affixing lines of various thicknesses in an aircraft, as well as to a holder system comprising two of the above-mentioned holder modules. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method that makes it possible to lead lines reliably and in an ordered manner through an aperture in a structural component of an aircraft. Finally, the invention relates to an aircraft that is equipped with a plurality of the above-mentioned holder modules, as well as to the use of a plurality of the holder modules according to the invention in an aircraft. The holder module comprises a basic body as well as at least one cross arm. The basic body comprises at least one bearing face to accommodate or support a line. Corresponding to the basic body, the cross arm, too, comprises at least one counter-bearing face that interacts with the bearing face of the basic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Guthke, Lueder Kosiankowski, Lutz Zeuner
  • Patent number: 7926505
    Abstract: In present-day aircraft a drain mast is used on the underside of the fuselage in order to discharge grey water to the external environment. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention there is no need to provide such a drain mast in that a transfer unit is used as a connection unit, and buffer storage spaces are used between the wash basins and the vacuum waste-water system. The transfer unit comprises a self-opening valve with a floating body for automatic discharge. This purely mechanical function and the simple design result in low susceptibility to malfunction and in a long service life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Hoffjann, Harald Gruendel
  • Publication number: 20110084170
    Abstract: An aircraft tail section has a first tail component and a second tail component, the first tail component being positioned further forward than the second tail component with respect to a nose of the aircraft. Each tail component has two surfaces, each of the two surfaces of at least one of the first and second tail components comprises a solar panel configured to collect solar energy. Each tail component is rotatable with respect to a centerline of the aircraft such that an offset angle of between zero degrees and 180 degrees is formed between corresponding surfaces of the first and second tail components. Preferably, the tail components are rotated into (i) a takeoff and landing configuration that is substantially horizontal, and (ii) a crosswise configuration during flight such that collection of solar energy is maximized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation
    Inventor: ROBERT PARKS
  • Publication number: 20110084169
    Abstract: A system and method for mounting engine control units. The engine control unit (ECU) mounting system is placed within a compartment of the light aircraft, aft of the firewall. The ECU mounting system uses a bracket that holds the electrical control units. The electrical control units are mounted through a firewall and are accessible via the adjacent compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: MALIBU AEROSPACE
    Inventor: Chad W. Menne
  • Patent number: 7883057
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a device for hanging a ceiling panel may include a clevis for attachment to a support structure, and a hinge for attachment to the ceiling panel. The clevis may include a pin and a first locking member. The hinge may include an elongated slot and a second locking member. The elongated slot may be adapted to be slid over the pin of the clevis. The second locking member may be adapted to engage the first locking member to lock the hinge and the ceiling panel into position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Michael S Lewis
  • Patent number: 7878586
    Abstract: A system for anticipating the needs of at least one passenger onboard a mobile platform (such as a train, marine vessel, aircraft or automobile) is provided. The system includes a passenger seating area for receipt of the passenger. The passenger seating area includes a seat that has a seat back that moves into a reclined position, a tray table that is operable to be positioned to provide a surface for use by the at least one passenger, and a light source disposed for illumination of at least a portion of the passenger seating area. The system includes a camera that acquires an image of the passenger, and a gesture control module that generates activity data that includes at least one activity that the passenger is performing as recognized in the image of the at least one passenger acquired by the camera. The system further includes a smart control module that moves the seat back, positions the tray table, activates or deactivates the light source and performs combinations thereof based on the activity data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Heidi J. Kneller, Calsee N. Robb, William A. Harkness, Buddy L. Sharpe, James P. Schalla
  • Publication number: 20110011975
    Abstract: Quasi-isotropic chopped prepreg is used to make parts found in aerospace vehicles. Exemplary aerospace parts that are made using quasi-isotropic chopped prepreg include aircraft window frames, wing fairing supports, flange supports, frame gussets, rudder actuator brackets, shear ties, seat pedestals, cargo floor flange supports, storage bin fittings, antenna supports, torque tube pans, handle boxes, side guide fittings, wing box covers and intercostals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Hexcel Corporation
    Inventors: Bruno S. Boursier, Jack D. Fudge
  • Publication number: 20100320320
    Abstract: A structure for an aerospace vehicle includes a composite beam chord clamped between first and second metal plates. The beam chord is clamped at a force that precludes or reduces beam chord delamination under axial loading during operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Max U. Kismarton
  • Publication number: 20100320323
    Abstract: An insulation package is provided for insulating a cabin of a vehicle that includes, but is not limited to at least one wrapping foil and at least one core layer of an insulation material. The wrapping foil envelopes the core layer at least in some regions and includes, but is not limited to at least one opening for feeding-through a holding element. On the wrapping foil a fastening element is arranged that is designed to establish a mechanical connection with the holding element fed through the opening. This can be a positive-locking or a non-positive-locking connection. By integrating the fastening element in the insulation package, the expenditure for separate fasteners can be saved so that the installation time and the different components can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Rainer MUELLER, Stefan NILL
  • Publication number: 20100258675
    Abstract: A ram-air duct (10) includes a ram-air inlet duct (20) and a ram-air outlet duct (30) arranged downstream of the ram-air inlet duct (20) and in fluid communication with the ram-air inlet duct (20). At an inlet (22) of the ram-air inlet duct (20) a movable element is arranged and adapted to set an inlet parameter (E) of the inlet (22). At an outlet (32) of the ram-air outlet duct (30) a movable element is arranged and adapted to set an outlet parameter (A) of the outlet (32). The outlet parameter (A) and the inlet parameter (E) are linked together by a function (ƒ), so that an outlet parameter (A) corresponding to a value (f(E)) of the function (ƒ) is assigned to each inlet parameter (E).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Scherer, Alexander Solntsev, Ruediger Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7806368
    Abstract: A roll-on/roll-off, aircraft-borne sensor pod deployment system having an operator station and a sensor pallet system and method of using same. The operator station has a base platform, a shelter box mounted on the base platform for accommodating a human operator, and a computer installed inside the shelter box. The sensor pallet system has a base platform, a linear system mounted on the base platform, a rotational system mounted on the linear system, a mechanical arm attached to the rotational system, a sensor pod attached to the mechanical arm, and an electrical control system that provides power to the deployment system and controls movements of the sensor pallet system. In operation, the sensor pod can be retracted into a compact, stowing position, or extended out an opening in the aircraft for an unobstructed field of view. The deployment system optionally includes an apparatus and method for sealing the aircraft opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: West Virginia University
    Inventors: James E. Smith, Roy S. Nutter, Jr., Gregory J. Thompson, Zenovy S. Wowczuk, Gerald M. Angle, II
  • Publication number: 20100247903
    Abstract: A part (5) of composite material having a wedge (13) between two zones (11, 15), the second zone (15) being shorter than the first zone (11), whose structure comprises from its outer surface (21) to its inner surface (23): a first section (31) formed from at least two continuous sheets (41) extending parallel to its outer surface (21), the gradient of the wedge (13) being between 20% and 50%; a wedge (33) in the shape of a triangular prism with its larger surface (27) dimensioned in such a way that it forms a wedge having a gradient of less than 20%; a second section (35) formed by a plurality of continuous sheets (45) extending parallel to the surface bounded by the said first section (31) with the said wedge (33) placed upon it. The invention also relates to a process for manufacture of the part (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: AIRBUS ESPANA S.L.
    Inventors: Vicente MARTINEZ VALDEGRAMA, Jose Luis LOZANO GARCIA, Jose Orencio GRANADO MACARRILLA
  • Patent number: 7802753
    Abstract: Unsafe electric energies can exist in aircraft fuel tanks as a result of static build-up or induced currents from lightning strikes. The invention provides an aircraft having a ground circuit 19 and including a fuel tank having a fuel probe circuit having its own ground circuit. Multiple discharge paths allow the safe discharge of electricity from the tank before it reaches levels where an arc, spark or other electric discharge, able to ignite fuel in the tank, could occur. The discharge paths all pass via a conductive foam having a relatively high impedance that allow static bleed, but does not significantly increase the risk of currents induced by lightning reaching levels at which an ignition-causing electrical discharge might occur. The foam is securely bonded to both the aircraft ground circuit and the fuel probe ground, the bonds having a large area of surface-to-surface contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus UK Limited
    Inventors: Franklin George Tichborne, Kim Michael Ley
  • Publication number: 20100219294
    Abstract: A composite beam chord is between first and second reinforcement plates. The beam chord includes a first ply of reinforcing fibers with a fiber orientation of +? degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the beam chord and a second ply of reinforcing fibers with a fiber orientation of ?? degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis. The angle ? is between 2 and 12 degrees for suppression or delay of ply splitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Max U. Kismarton
  • Publication number: 20100219295
    Abstract: The invention discloses a retractable optical sensor (1) composed of an EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infrared Remote) sensor (2) which is fastened to an articulated structure (3) that is actuated by an actuator (4); the structure (3) accomplishes angular movement whose turning point is located in an end that is mounted to an articulation support (5); the articulation support (5) is fastened to the support (6) which is fastened to the aircraft structure (7); the actuator (4) is electrically or hydraulically actuated and it has an end united to a support (8) which is fastened to the aircraft structure (7); the opposite end of the actuator (4) is articulated to the structure (3) and it promotes angular movement of the structure (3); the EO/IR sensor (2) presents a cylindrical shape having a spherical end; an articulated door (9) solidary to the movement of the structure (3) is mounted close to said spherical end; the movement of the door (9) is limited by the rods (10) for actuating the door, and the rods (10) are als
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Mario Sergio Dias Ferraz
  • Patent number: 7784737
    Abstract: A vehicle including a body having an exterior surface and a protrusion extending outward from the surface. The vehicle further includes a fairing mounted on the surface directly adjacent and behind the protrusion. The fairing has a forward end, an aft end opposite the forward end, and opposing sides extending between the forward end and the aft end. The opposing sides become progressively closer together from the forward end to the aft end so that the bracket has a tapered shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert Michael Lee, Brian G. Evans
  • Publication number: 20100213316
    Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a cable from being damaged by rubbing against a helicopter. SOLUTION: A protection frame 2 is installed on a side surface of a machine body below a winch 11 equipped with a helicopter 10. A supporting groove 213 of a circular cross section long in a horizontal direction is formed on the protection frame 2, and a slide-contact body 3 of a cylindrical shape is rotatably fitted in the support groove 213. A part of the peripheral surface of the slide-contact body 3 fitted from an opening part of the supporting groove 213 is exposed, and the cable 12 hung down from the winch 11 is brought into contact with the exposed portion. The slide contact body 3 is divided into two or more parts, and it is formed by continuously aligning the divided slide-contact bodies 30 of the cylindrical shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: AERO ASAHI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masahiro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7775147
    Abstract: A latch including a first electrical explosive device disposed between first and second surfaces and a second electrical explosive device disposed between said first and second surfaces in series with said first electrical explosive device. In the illustrative embodiment, the vehicle is a missile or torpedo, the first surface is a drag door and the second surface is a vehicle body. In this embodiment, the first electrical explosive device is coupled to the vehicle body on a first end of the device and to a common series attachment on another end thereof and the second electrical explosive device is connected to the common series attachment on a first end and to the drag door on a second end thereof. An arrangement is included for activating the electrical explosive devices to effect a deployment of the drag door with a high degree of reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Daniel M. Crawford, Bruce E. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20100193637
    Abstract: A differential pressure-controlled locking mechanism (10) comprises a housing (12), as well as a first pressure chamber (14) which is arranged in the housing (12) and which is connectable to a first ambient zone. A second pressure chamber, arranged in the housing (12), is connectable to a second ambient zone and is separated from the first pressure chamber (14) by a mobile separating device (18). The separating device (18) is in an inactive position when the pressure in the first pressure chamber (14) is equal to the pressure in the second pressure chamber. Conversely, the separating device (18) is movable from its inactive position into a differential pressure position when a predetermined differential pressure acts on the separating device (18). An actuation element (22), which is held in a first position by the separating device (18) when the separating device (18) is in its inactive position, is movable into a second position when the mobile separating device (18) is in its differential pressure position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Maik Szarszewski
  • Publication number: 20100187367
    Abstract: A roller assembly comprises a first race and a second race. The second race is coaxial with the first race and is axially movable relative to the first race. The first and second races are movable between a static axial position and a dynamic axial position relative to one another. The roller assembly includes at least one biasing member that is operative to bias the first and second races from the dynamic axial position toward the static axial position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Bruce A. Dahl
  • Publication number: 20100170989
    Abstract: A composite material elongate structural member, such as a spar, for use in an aerospace structure, comprises a web disposed between upper and lower flanges. The web may include a clockwise twist about an axis parallel to the length L at a first portion towards the wing-root-end of the spar and a counter-twist in the anticlockwise direction at a second portion towards the wing-tip-end of the spar. The geometry of the spar may vary non-linearly along its length (L) so that the developed width of the spar as measured from a distal edge of the upper flange via the web to a distal edge of the lower flange varies linearly with increasing distance along the length (L). The risk of causing, during fabrication of the spar, undesirable creasing, stressing or stretching of composite material layers in a region in which the geometry of the member varies non-linearly may be reduced by means of such an arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: AIRBUS UK LIMITED
    Inventor: Ian L. Gray
  • Patent number: 7748662
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerial fire suppression utilizing a potable fire retardant chemical dispensing system, readily adaptable, without extensive aircraft modification, to various makes of aircraft, for dispensing current types of forest and range fire fighting chemicals. The aerial delivery system is self contained and reusable. It enables cargo/utility aircraft to carry and dump a load, under control. The aerial delivery system is capable of attachment at the wing box, pressurized delivery from the nozzles, and nozzles directed straight downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Evergreen International Aviation, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Hale, Daniel A. Kottman, Christopher B. Harris
  • Publication number: 20100155537
    Abstract: A structural, energy absorbing composite element for aircraft structures includes a metallic or nonmetallic skin shell with a porous filler material insert positioned within the skin shell. The porous filler material is a material having ligaments that collapse resulting in a densification of the porous filler material in response to impact loading or a compression force sufficient to cause failure of the combined assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Eugene Barland, Benjamin Scott McKinnie
  • Publication number: 20100155524
    Abstract: A monomolecular carbon-based film can be placed on an aircraft part, such as the leading edge designed to directly impinge against air during flight, ascent or descent, in order to form a smooth surface having increased lubricity and reduced air friction. The aircraft part may be in the form of a helicopter rotor, wing, propeller, fin, aileron, nose cone, and the like. The monomolecular carbon-based film can be deposited on the aircraft part, for example, using a reactor that includes a bed of silica and through which emissions from a diesel engine are passed. The monomolecular carbon-based film decreases air friction and increased lift of a modified aircraft that includes an aircraft part treated with the film. It also provides a structured shock absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas C. Maganas
  • Patent number: 7726604
    Abstract: A roll-on/roll-off, aircraft-borne sensor pod deployment system having an operator station and a sensor pallet system and method of using same. The operator station has a base platform, a shelter box mounted on the base platform for accommodating a human operator, and a computer installed inside the shelter box. The sensor pallet system has a base platform, a linear system mounted on the base platform, a rotational system mounted on the linear system, a mechanical arm attached to the rotational system, a sensor pod attached to the mechanical arm, and an electrical control system that provides power to the deployment system and controls movements of the sensor pallet system. In operation, the sensor pod can be retracted into a compact, stowing position, or extended out an opening in the aircraft for an unobstructed field of view. The deployment system optionally includes an apparatus and method for sealing the aircraft opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: West Virginia University
    Inventors: James E. Smith, Roy S. Nutter, Jr., Gregory J. Thompson, Zenovy S. Wowczuk, Gerald M. Angle, II
  • Publication number: 20100126101
    Abstract: A floor beam assembly, system, and method for supporting floor beams within a structure are provided. According to one embodiment, a floor beam assembly for installing a floor beam within a structure is provided. The assembly includes at least one floor beam, wherein at least a portion of each floor beam comprises a composite material. The assembly also includes at least one support bracket attached to a structure, wherein each support bracket is configured to support at least a portion of a floor beam thereon. In addition, the assembly includes at least one conductive element extending from the at least one support bracket and configured for electrically communicating with the at least one support bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Wood, Charles R. Saff
  • Patent number: 7721996
    Abstract: A fabrication method for providing a relatively smooth surface associated with lightning strike protection for composite materials joined with fasteners recessed below the surface is described. The method includes coating at least one of a head of the fastener and a preformed dielectric insert with an adhesive, inserting the preformed dielectric insert into the recess such that the adhesive engages both contours of the recess and the preformed dielectric insert, and removing any excess adhesive from the surface area of the composite material and a top surface of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kathryn Louise Gehrett, James Francis Kirchner, Kelly Lee Clark
  • Patent number: 7708226
    Abstract: A device for detecting synchronous errors of high-lift surfaces such as landing flaps or slats on aircraft, having an optical conductor which is laid over at least two adjacent high-lift surfaces, a light source and an optical receiver which are allocated to different ends of the optical conductor, as well as an evaluation unit for determining a synchronous error of the high-lift surfaces on the basis of the light signal received from the optical receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Schievelbusch
  • Publication number: 20100102171
    Abstract: Structures, systems and methods provide a load-bearing aircraft flooring within an aircraft's fuselage. Load-supporting aircraft flooring systems preferably are provided with a longitudinally separated series of transverse bridges having an upper doubler flange which defines latitudinally separated upper openings, and a latitudinally separated series of beams which include an upper flange and a pair of separated depending web flanges received within respective upper openings of transverse bridges. The upper flanges and web flanges of the beams may thus be connected to the transverse bridges. The transverse bridges may include latitudinally separated Y-shaped supports which define the upper openings thereof. According to certain embodiments, the Y-shaped supports include an upper fork region and a lower support post region. The beams may include opposed bridge fixation fingers protruding outwardly from the upper flange of the beam for joining the beams to a respective underlying one of the transverse bridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Silvio Luiz Francisco OSORIO, Erich Robert Schaay, Marcos Dressler Arantes
  • Publication number: 20100090062
    Abstract: A drill-elastic and flexurally rigid rod element (10) for supporting and guiding a movable flap (24) relatively to a wing (26) of an aircraft, wherein the rod element encompasses a cross-shaped profile cross section and first and second fastening sections (20, 22) and is made of a fiber composite material and the rod element can be fastened to the wing in a fixed manner via the first fastening sections (20) and to the flap (24) via the second fastening sections (22). The rod element and the fastening sections are laminated from a plurality of unidirectional, preimpregnated fibrous layers—prepreg layers—which are bonded to one another in the area of the fastening sections as well as in the cross-shaped cross section core area (28) and which are separated from one another in each case by a separating film inserted between the prepreg layers outside of the areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Alois Wagner
  • Patent number: 7690598
    Abstract: An aircraft exhaust vent assembly for venting an exhaust gas through a window opening formed in an airplane fuselage. The aircraft exhaust vent assembly has an enclosure connected to the airplane fuselage and at least partially disposed within the window opening. An inlet is formed in the enclosure and connectable to an exhaust gas source for directing the exhaust gas into the enclosure. An outlet is formed in the enclosure for venting said exhaust gas to the exterior of the airplane fuselage. An outlet flap is connected to the enclosure for movement between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the outlet flap substantially seals the outlet in the enclosure when the exhaust gas is not supplied to the enclosure. In the second position, the outlet flap does not seal the outlet in the enclosure to allow for venting of the exhaust gas to the exterior of the airplane fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Wesley M. Plattner
  • Patent number: 7686250
    Abstract: The invention is a mount for an electronic display device. The mount comprises a mount member that has a top face and a bottom face. Portions of the mount member are configured to engage portions of a mounting surface within the cockpit of an airplane. The mount also comprises a containment member spaced therefrom the mount member. A joint member is disposed in frictional contact with portions of the respective mount member and containment member. A base member, which may be configured for engagement with a portion of the electronic display device, may be connected to the joint member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventors: Hugo L. Fortes, Armand Wong, Robert Alfonso, Alex Rodrigo, Raul Segredo, Stylian Cocalides
  • Publication number: 20100073899
    Abstract: A Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) support system incorporates a unitary tray having a rear boss and an integral Air Cooling System (ACS) plenum and an ACS conduit through the rear boss communicating with the plenum. A tray support and alignment element provides a flange with tray attachment studs extending from a front surface, wall attachment studs extending from a rear surface, and an ACS aperture. The wall attachment studs are received in spaced holes in a mounting structure and the tray attachment studs are received in bores in the rear boss of the tray. Insertion of the tray attachment studs aligns the ACS conduit in the rear boss and the ACS aperture in the flange. A backing plate engages the wall attachment studs to secure the tray support and alignment element to the mounting structure. The backing plate includes an ACS spud aligned with the ACS aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: John Edward Davison
  • Patent number: 7682682
    Abstract: The object of this invention is a stiffener stop in particular for a primary structural panel of the “skin+stiffener” type for aircraft, said stop consisting of an initial slope connected to the normal height of the stiffener and a final slope, wherein at least one interval having a slope nearly equal to zero with respect to the plane of the base skin in the stop area is inserted between the two aforesaid slopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Leon-Dufour, Bruno Sarpy
  • Patent number: 7681836
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft comprising a device, for example an optical device, for detection and/or measurement of atmospheric disturbances in the path of the aircraft. This measurement device is placed in the pressurized zone between the aircraft nose and the compartment of the landing gear. It comprises: a structure box (18) designed to resist pressurization forces, aerodynamic fairing (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Pierre Mirand, Michel Lacabanne
  • Publication number: 20100065686
    Abstract: An aircraft heated floor panel (10) comprising a weight-supporting level (20) and a heat-generating level (22) positioned below the weight-supporting level (20). The panel (10) can be characterized by the absence of a metal layer over its weight-supporting level (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Kurt M. Tauscher, Richard J. Carpino, II
  • Publication number: 20100065681
    Abstract: A floor structure in an aircraft includes a plurality of seat rails that extend parallel in relation to each other, and at least one floor panel. The floor panel extends over the seat rails and rests on the individual seat rails. In order to be able to fasten interior equipment components to the seat rails situated underneath the floor panels, the at least one floor panel includes a plurality of through-holes through which the interior equipment components of the aircraft can be locked into place on the seat rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: AIRBUS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Johannes Gonnsen, Manfred Kook, Markus Fokken, Michael Dupont, Norbert Möllers, Ralf Schliwa
  • Publication number: 20100044512
    Abstract: A drainage device for letting out a fluid that is present between the exterior skin and the interior lining of an aircraft, wherein the drainage device comprises a collecting vessel and an outlet line. The collecting vessel is designed to collect the fluid that is present between the exterior skin and the interior lining and the outlet line is connected to the collecting vessel and is designed to let out the collected fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: AIRBUS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Carsten Paul
  • Publication number: 20100019088
    Abstract: A tank module for an aircraft is designed for being fitted into the aircraft fuselage from outside. The tank module comprises at least one receptacle and a shell section that forms an outer end of the tank module and is connected to the receptacle. The shell section can be fitted into a fuselage opening in such a way that the receptacle is positioned in the interior of the aircraft fuselage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Claus Hoffjann, Wolfgang Zierold
  • Patent number: 7651055
    Abstract: A drainmast for discharging fluid from a body in motion, such as an aircraft in flight, may include a barrier disposed at a distal portion of the drainmast. The barrier may extend downstream from the drainmast trailing edge, and may be disposed at a negative angle of attack to a local free-stream airflow, thereby forming a downdraft over the barrier to prevent migration of discharged fluid towards an aircraft skin. In some embodiments, the drainmast may include one or more vanes, disposed internally within a discharge conduit of the drainmast, for deflecting fluid flow within the drainmast towards a direction of free-stream airflow outside the drainmast. Methods for channeling fluid away from an external surface of an aircraft in flight are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Turner, Andrew Appleby, Robert L. Hoover
  • Publication number: 20100012767
    Abstract: A light multi-purpose aircraft comprises a fuselage (1); a wing (2); a fin assembly (3); a landing gear (4); a main power plant (5); an auxiliary power plant (7); pylons (10); outboard suspension objects (9) arranged on the undersurface and at the ends of the wing (2); at least one outboard suspension object (9) being arranged on the undersurface of the wing (2) and at least one outboard suspension object (9) being arranged at each end of the wing (2); a gun mount (8) or a guidance and tracking mount arranged in the lower part of the fuselage (1); a controlling integrated complex of airborne electronic equipment (17) with an electric power supply system (16) and an armament control complex (19) incorporating an on-board electronic guidance and tracking system (20); a defense system (21); a multi-purpose control panel (22); a group interaction system (23); an armament control system (24) which are related to each other and to the controlling integrated complex of airborne electronic equipment (17) through a mu
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2006
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Oleg Fedorovich Demchenko, Nikolai Nikolaevich Dolzhenkov, Konstantin Fedorovich Popovich, Vladimir Petrovich Shkolin, Arkady Iosifovich Gurtovoi, Vladimir Grigorievich Kuznetsov, Vyacheslav Nikolaevich Nikitin, Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Ilin, Viktor Lavrentievich Bozhanov, Valery Grigorievich Kodola
  • Patent number: 7648101
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling the deployment of a towline connecting a mooring craft to an ejected object comprising the steps of monitoring velocity to determine when a point for optimum braking has been achieved and then engaging a brake system to retard deployment of the towline, a DC motor augments and controls the brake system. The DC motor further controls the retrieval of the object. A cutter mechanism uses a first blade to grip the towing cable to maintain tension thereon as a second blade cuts the cable. A spring biased boom in combination with spring biased fins on the ejected object rapidly deploys the object from its storage housing. A locking mechanism secures the deployment mechanism in a stable locked position upon the object reaching its fully extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Peckham, Thomas E. Gay, Keith Lepine, John A. Zahoruiko, John J. Devlin, Scott Colby
  • Patent number: 7641146
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an aircraft comprises a plurality of hoop frame support members and a landing gear enclosure comprising a curved surface. The plurality of support frame support members abut against and extend over the curved surface to provide support to the landing gear enclosure. In another embodiment, loads are transferred from a landing gear strut through a strut fitting, through at least one inner surface of the landing gear enclosure, through at least one outer surface of the landing gear enclosure, and into the plurality of hoop frame support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Wood, Lamvien H. Ngo
  • Publication number: 20090283633
    Abstract: A supply device in a passenger cabin, such as an aircraft passenger cabin, includes a first panel or “function panel” having one or more comfort elements, operating elements, visual display elements, and communication elements; and a second panel or an “infill panel”, which includes flexible supply channels. The panels are guided and lined up in a rail system of a PSC channel that is arranged in the direction of flight above a passenger seat row. The function panels are individually positionable in the PSC channel relative to the passenger seat row, wherein the infill panel synchronously follows a linear actuating movement of the function panel, and in this process automatically compensates for the distance dimension S1 between function panels that are positioned so as to be spaced apart from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: AIRBUS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Uwe Schneider
  • Patent number: 7618008
    Abstract: Nowadays in aircraft on-board inert gas generation systems (OBIGGS) are used to generate inert gases. Cooled bleed air of engines or auxiliary turbines is fed to said OBIGGS systems. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air supply device for an OBIGGS system in an aircraft is proposed that comprises a bleed position (1,2). By way of the bleed position (1,2), air from an air conditioning unit (4,5) on board the aircraft can be bled and can be fed to the OBIGGS system. There is thus no need for an additional heat exchanger and an additional ram-air channel. Maintenance expenditure and air resistance are thus reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Scherer, Ruediger Schmidt, Alexander Solntsev
  • Publication number: 20090242420
    Abstract: An aerospace platform includes a structure having a cavity and a light-transmissive portion that exposes the cavity to sunlight. The aerospace platform further includes a fluid heating system. The fluid heating system includes a fluid-carrying, thermally absorptive structure within the cavity, and a solar collector for collecting light transmitted through the light-transmissive portion and focusing the collected light onto the absorptive structure. The thermally absorptive structure has a high surface absorptivity that retains thermal energy when exposed to solar irradiance and heats fluid contained therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Shailesh Atreya, Michael F. Stoia, Tina R. Stoia, Russell K. Jones
  • Publication number: 20090224103
    Abstract: The invention is based on a partition wall in an aircraft, wherein the partition wall comprises a support element and a tension-mounted material. According to the invention, the support element is composed of individually formed system components, and the tension-mounted material is supported by the support element such that an area-shaped partition wall is created in the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Neumann, Michael Mosler, Matthias Breuer
  • Patent number: 7581700
    Abstract: Adjustable fittings for attaching support members to fluid conduits, including aircraft fuel conduits, are disclosed herein. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a fluid conduit carried by an aircraft and a housing fixedly attached to the fluid conduit. The housing can include a first attachment feature having one of a projection extending outwardly from the housing or an aperture extending at least partially through the housing. The system further includes a support member having an attachment portion positioned proximate to the attachment feature. The attachment portion includes a support member aperture positioned over at least a portion of the first attachment feature. An adjustable fitting couples the support member to the housing. The adjustable fitting can include a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and an engagement portion at the second side positioned within at least a portion of the support member aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James A. Carns, Theron L. Cutler, Mark A. Shelly, Benjamin P. Van Kampen
  • Publication number: 20090212161
    Abstract: An aircraft (10) having a cabin (14) with a plurality of potable-water-using stations (22) that drain graywater to a transfer tank (24). The graywater ejection system pressurizes the transfer tank (24) at appropriate times and/or places, so that graywater can be ejected through a drainmast (26) without the help of gravity. This graywater ejection system eliminates the need for a discharge line from the transfer tank (24) and frees the aircraft's fuselage (12) from having an inconvenient port associated with such a discharge line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Bryan J. MacKulin, Mark A. Hampson
  • Publication number: 20090184203
    Abstract: A wall element having at least one cooling channel formed therein, the wall element presenting an inside surface and an outside surface, the channel comprising a hole and a diffusion portion, the hole opening out at one end in the inside surface, and at the other end in a diffusion portion where it forms an orifice, the diffusion portion flaring around said orifice and being defined by a bottom wall and a side margin. Said bottom wall presents a first plane portion into which the hole opens out, and a second plane portion situated in front of the first plane portion, said first and second plane portions being inclined in the thickness of the wall. The oriented angle of inclination of said first plane portion is less than the positive oriented angle of inclination of said second plane portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventor: Eric Bernard Dominique BRIERE