Windows Patents (Class 244/129.3)
  • Patent number: 8366046
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hexcel Corporation
    Inventors: Bruno S. Boursier, Jack D. Fudge
  • Publication number: 20130026296
    Abstract: There is provided a cockpit window of an aircraft and the aircraft in which an electromagnetic shield film for preventing electromagnetic noise can be reliably and easily provided at low cost. An electromagnetic shield film is provided to a window part, and a conductive film is provided between the electromagnetic shield film and an outer retainer made of a conductive material. The conductive film is connected to the electromagnetic shield film via a connecting member is provided so as to be led to an outer perimeter side of the window part along an outer perimeter part of the window part, and is electrically connected to the outer retainer. With this configuration, a film made of a conductive material is formed without a gap at a joint portion between the window part and the outer retainer. Also, the conductive film is assumed to have flexibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Yokoi
  • Patent number: 8353137
    Abstract: A compression mounted window assembly is disclosed that includes a circular window having opposed front and rear planar surfaces and an outer periphery having forward and rearward chamfered edge surfaces, a compressible gasket circumscribing the outer periphery of the window, a housing with a portal having an annular seat for accommodating the window circumscribed by the gasket, wherein the annular seat has a first chamfered abutment surface corresponding to the forward chamfered edge surface of the window, an annular bezel operatively associated with the housing for compressively retaining the window assembly within the annular seat of the portal, and structure for securing the bezel to the housing, wherein the bezel has a second chamfered abutment surface corresponding to the rearward chamfered edge surface of the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan L. Boer, Eric L. Lovaasen, Kevin J. Benning
  • Patent number: 8349986
    Abstract: The present invention provides poly(ureaurethane)s including a reaction product of components comprising: (a) about 1 equivalent of at least one polyisocyanate; (b) about 0.1 to about 0.9 equivalents of at least one branched polyol having 4 to 18 carbon atoms and at least 3 hydroxyl groups; (c) about 0.1 to about 0.9 equivalents of at least one aliphatic diol having 2 to 18 carbon atoms; and (d) at least one amine curing agent, wherein the reaction product components are essentially free of polyester polyol and polyether polyol; compositions, coatings and articles made therefrom and methods of making the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Rukavina, Robert Hunia
  • Patent number: 8336824
    Abstract: A device for protecting and guiding at least one cable (22) that connects a direct-vision window (10) of an aircraft cabin that is provided for blocking an opening, and connects its support (14), includes a cable chain (26) that can deform along a winding plane and protect and guide the cable (22), on both sides of the cable chain (26), a first support (28) that is articulated relative to the direct-vision window (10) so as to be able to pivot around an axis of articulation (36) that is essentially parallel to the release translation and a second support (30) that is articulated relative to the support (14) so as to be able to pivot around an axis of articulation (38) that is essentially parallel to the release translation and the first and second supports (28, 30) have a square cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventor: Olivier Biancalana
  • Patent number: 8318299
    Abstract: A fire retardant, transparent panel and method of making the panel, that is especially well suited for use on mobile platforms, and particularly on aircrafts. The panel is a composite of a transparent matrix and a plurality of fire-retardant nanoparticles. The nanoparticles have a diameter less than the visible spectrum of light, and in one form between about 0.1 nm to about 400 nm in diameter. The nanoparticles may be arranged randomly or in predetermined patterns within the matrix during manufacturing of the panel. The panel is lightweight, transparent and yet highly fire retardant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: John N Harris
  • Patent number: 8313817
    Abstract: A foam mount of an aircraft window has a groove to receive an electro chromic window. The foam mount is painted by placing a blank in the groove to divide the foam mount into a first section designated to face the exterior of the aircraft and an opposite second section. The groove and the first section are coated with an electric conductive paint, and the second section is covered with a decorative paint. The conductive coating on the foam mount and the conductive coating of the electrodes of the electro chromic window provide an RF shielding to prevent electronic signals from personal electronic equipment from passing through the cabin and door windows of the aircraft. A mask is also provided to coat one section of the foam mount while covering the other section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc
    Inventors: Mitchell V. Bruce, Brian L. Smith, Thomas R. Scarniac
  • Patent number: 8297556
    Abstract: A window element for insertion in a window cutout in an outer skin of an aircraft, with a window frame for accommodating a window package and a press-on frame. The window frame can be attached to the inside of the outer skin in the region of the window cutout and can be riveted to the external skin, wherein for attaching the press-on frame at least one press-on frame fitting is connected to the window frame and to the outer skin, in particular is riveted to the window frame and to the outer skin, and the window frame comprises an essentially L-shaped or rectangular cross-sectional geometric shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Krahn
  • Publication number: 20120267480
    Abstract: An aircraft component wherein the component is a partition or a light cover, and wherein the aircraft component is molded or formed from a thermoplastic polymer composition including: a siloxane-containing copolymer in an amount effective to provide a total of 0.2 to 6.5 wt % of siloxane units based on the total weight of the polymers in the thermoplastic polymer composition, a bromine-containing polymer in an amount effective to provide 9 to 13 wt % of bromine, based on the total weight of the polymers in the thermoplastic polymer composition, and optionally a third polymer, wherein the wt % of the siloxane-containing copolymer, the bromine-containing polymer, and the optional third polymer, sum to 100 wt %, and 0.05 to 10 wt % of a light diffuser additive, based on the total weight of polymers in the thermoplastic polymer composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Paul Dean Sybert, James Franklin Hoover, Laura G. Schultz Hume
  • Patent number: 8292228
    Abstract: Electrically dimmable windows for aircraft are powered by energy harvesting devices on-board the aircraft. The harvested energy is stored and used to control the opacity of the windows based on individual window opacity settings selected either by passengers or a cabin attendant. Each window has an associated control circuit that controls the electrical power applied to the window based on the selected opacity setting. The control circuit includes a low energy usage processor that remains in a sleep mode until a change in the opacity setting is detected. Each control circuit may include a radio transceiver that receives control signals from a transmitter operated by the cabin attendant in order to simultaneously remotely control the opacity settings of multiple windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Bradley J. Mitchell, Bret L. Lamoree, Brock J. Prince, Henry V. R. Fletcher, III
  • Patent number: 8286915
    Abstract: An aircraft having a fuselage of composite type and more particularly to that of aircraft fuselage panels bearing cabin windows. The invention thus concerns a fuselage panel bearing a window comprising a composite structure cast in one piece, the structure comprising a main portion and at least one opening to accommodate a window, the structure having, on a zone surrounding the opening, a thickness more or less constant and greater than the thickness of the main portion of the structure. The invention also concerns an aircraft comprising a composite fuselage, the latter comprising such a panel or a similar panel made of metal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Alain Depeige, Jean-Claude Lacombe
  • Publication number: 20120256052
    Abstract: The invention relates to a window ring for a window of an aircraft, wherein the window ring is substantially formed of a light-guiding substrate, comprises at least one light inlet region to couple light into the substrate, and at least one light exit region which is formed in such a way that light coupled into the substrate exits in it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: DIEHL AIRCABIN GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas BECKER, Joerg MAEDER
  • Publication number: 20120241559
    Abstract: An aircraft window has an inner window assembly retained on an outer window assembly by a plurality of interlocking clips and receptacles positioned around the perimeter of the window. The interlocking clips and receptacles produce a retention force that compresses a seal against an outer structural the window to seal an internal cavity between the inner and outer window assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: James E. Ebner, Eric Allen Bryan, Jeffrey Lee Kelsey
  • Publication number: 20120228428
    Abstract: An aircraft transparency includes a first ply having a first major surface and a second major surface. A second ply is spaced from the first ply and has a third major surface and a fourth major surface. A polymeric interlayer is located between the first and second plies. At least one bore extends through the first and second plies and the interlayer. A high strength bushing is located in the bore, with an outer sidewall of the bushing in direct contact with the material of the first and second plies. In one embodiment, the bore is a tapered bore and the bushing has a tapered outer sidewall. In another embodiment, the bore is a cylindrical bore and the bushing has a cylindrical outer sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO, INC.
    Inventors: Luis E. Deganis, Di Song, Sherman D. Stewart
  • Patent number: 8262823
    Abstract: A lightweight, structurally strong skin panel having one or more transparent areas forming see-through windows, and a method of making same. A pre-impregnated resin tape comprised of a plurality of fibers impressed into a resin is provided. A metal sheet is provided. The pre-impregnated resin tape and the metal sheet are layered onto a molding tool such that the metal sheet and the pre-impregnated resin tape are aligned one atop the other. The tool, metal sheet, and pre-impregnated resin tape are heated such that the resin flows and at least partially covers the metal sheet and the fibers. The resin and fibers are substantially transparent to form a see-through window portion in the skin panel. The transparent window skin panel eliminates the bulky and heavy frame structure traditionally employed on aircraft, and which has heretofore limited the size of aircraft windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Paul S Nordman
  • Publication number: 20120223183
    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: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: HEXCEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bruno S. Boursier, Jack D. Fudge
  • Publication number: 20120217345
    Abstract: An observation port (4) in a primary structure (13) of a helicopter cabin (0) is disclosed, which is arranged between a pilot's seat (2) and a co-pilot's seat (3). The observation port (4) is delimited from the interior by an inner screen (15), and from the atmosphere by an outer screen (16), wherein the pilot can observe the space underneath the helicopter cabin (0) through the observation port (4). As a result of the configuration of the observation port (4) the pilot can assume an ergonomic and relaxed seating position at any time, even when he is executing flights with suspended loads. By means of the observation port (4) and the windows (15, 16), which extend laterally between the two pilots' seats (2, 3), a novel unrestricted vertical visual frame of reference onto the suspended load is achieved, wherein the length of the load cable has practically no influence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Marenco Swisshelicopter AG Engineering & Consulting
    Inventor: Martin Stucki
  • Publication number: 20120217346
    Abstract: A foam mount has a shape of an enclosed frame surrounding an open area, the frame in cross section having a peripheral surface; an inside surface opposite to the peripheral surface, the inside surface defining the open area. The inside surface includes a groove having an open end and the open end of the groove faces the open area of the foam mount. A coating is applied over selected surfaces of the foam mount, wherein the coating has a visible light transmission of less than 15%. Also disclosed is a method of coating an electric conductive coating over the visible light blocking coating and a decorative coating over selected surfaces of the foam mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Cole Eberle, Jeffrey B. Masiwchuk, Mitchell V. Bruce, Brian L. Smith, Thomas R. Scarniac
  • Patent number: 8245975
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle window consisting of a transparent composite material, wherein the composite material comprises fibers and a matrix material such that the vehicle window is capable of withstanding structural loads occurring in the window region and can substantially provide the window function even in spite of damage to the vehicle window (damage-tolerant), the fibers and the matrix material being transparent and substantially having the same refractive index. The invention proposes vehicle windows which are damage-tolerant, load bearing, cost-saving, easy to handle and require less installation space than conventional vehicle windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Bengt Abel, Klaus Edelmann, Arne Hartwig, Klaus Hoppmann, Jens Wleting
  • Publication number: 20120207968
    Abstract: The invention relates to a selective dyeing method used for dyeing a substrate (10), selectively within a first exposed surface portion (S1) of said substrate. For this purpose, the substrate consists of a material (2) that is impervious to a dye with the exception of the first portion of the exposed surface. In particular, the impervious material can form a layer which covers a base portion (3) of the substrate in a second portion (S2) of the exposed surface. The substrate is heated such that the dye (C) penetrates a pervious material (1) which constitutes the first portion of the exposed surface. The method is particularly useful for eliminating light diffused by the walls of a multilayer structure which is supported by means of ocular glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Samuel Archambeau, Jérôme Ballet, Jean-Paul Cano, Stéphane Perrot
  • Patent number: 8240608
    Abstract: A fastening device for at least one pair of window panes, especially aircraft windshield window panes, each having a window pane retainer equipped with a frame that is applied to the borders of receptacle openings for the window panes, wherein the frames have a pair of posts facing one another provided with matching profiles that can mate the aforementioned posts, one inside the other, in a fastening line of the window pane retainer on the common border to the openings that receive the pair of panes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventor: Patrick Lieven
  • Publication number: 20120193474
    Abstract: An inflatable life raft system for an aircraft includes a window coupled to a fuselage portion of the aircraft. A mechanism is used to selectively detach the window from the fuselage. An inflatable life raft is deployable to the exterior of the aircraft upon detachment of the window from the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Brian D. Lafon, Robert G. Capwell
  • Patent number: 8210475
    Abstract: An aircraft in which it is possible to replace windshield panes of the mineral type with windshield panes of the organic type and vice versa, without the frame of the aircraft structure having to be modified. The pane is held in place on the frame by a window pane retainer specific to the pane. The frame has no through-holes opening to the outside of the aircraft for fastening the pane. The window pane retainer specific to a pane of the organic type has pins passing through the acrylic panes. The disclosed embodiments also relate to a method of replacing a pane of a first type with a pane of a second type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Samuel Burgunder, Pascal Chaumel, Patrick Lieven, Christophe Mialhe
  • Publication number: 20120119031
    Abstract: A hybrid frame is fabricated by initially forming a stack of fibrous layers in an annular pattern. An annular metal trim is separately formed to conform with the annular pattern. The trim is trapped in a lower mold having a complementary lower mold channel. The stacked layers are trapped atop the trim in the lower mold channel. An upper mold is pressed atop the stacked layers for compression co-molding together in the lower mold the stacked layers and trim to co-form the hybrid frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Bobby Jack Ainsworth
  • Patent number: 8177168
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Hexcel Corporation
    Inventors: Bruno S. Boursier, Jack D. Fudge
  • Publication number: 20120112006
    Abstract: A foam mount of an aircraft window has a groove to receive an electro chromic window. The foam mount is painted by placing a blank in the groove to divide the foam mount into a first section designated to face the exterior of the aircraft and an opposite second section. The groove and the first section are coated with an electric conductive paint, and the second section is covered with a decorative paint. The conductive coating on the foam mount and the conductive coating of the electrodes of the electro chromic window provide an RF shielding to prevent electronic signals from personal electronic equipment from passing through the cabin and door windows of the aircraft. A mask is also provided to coat one section of the foam mount while covering the other section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: PPG Industries OHIO, INC.
    Inventors: Mitchell V. Bruce, Brian L. Smith, Thomas R. Scarniac
  • Patent number: 8157214
    Abstract: An aircraft window darkening system includes a movable slide that darkens an aircraft window when in a closed position and does not darken the aircraft window when in an open position. The darkening system also includes a motor which is coupled to the slide in order to move the slide. The motor may be attached to a window frame of an aircraft window. The slide may have a handle for moving the slide. The motor may be disposed behind a region covered by a frame cover and behind a holding ring, so that the motor is accessible from the aircraft cabin when the holding ring is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Schwarz, Oleg Graf
  • Patent number: 8123168
    Abstract: A window assembly for a mobile platform, for example, a commercial aircraft. The window assembly includes a reveal member that is retained within an opening in an interior panel of the mobile platform without the use of independent retaining clips or adhesives. In one embodiment the reveal member is generally rectangular in shape and includes a flange adjacent to each of the four corners thereof. The flanges engage the opening in the structural panel so that the reveal member can be held in a precise position within the opening in the interior structural panel without external fastening clips or adhesives. The window assembly is lighter in weight than existing window assemblies, and can also be easily removed without special tools or disassembly procedures, and also is retrofittable to existing mobile platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Lon E Switzer, Robert D Dixon, Fred P Seibert, Scott Laverne, Michael J Zizzo, Gregory W Nelson, Gennady V Shankov, James G Trimble
  • Patent number: 8116975
    Abstract: A landmark information system in an aircraft, by which landmark information system data relating to informing, instructing and entertaining passengers may be visually presented. An aircraft equipped with a landmark information system is also provided. The landmark information system comprises an aircraft window with at least one pane and a control unit. The at least one pane is coated with a translucent display that is coupled to the control unit, which, for the purpose of presenting information, is equipped to supply electrical current in a targeted manner to the display. Furthermore, the landmark information system comprises a landmark determination device which may provide geographic data relating to landmarks, for presentation on the translucent display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Mikael Stavaeus, Jan Peter, Wolfgang Suess, Lars Rowold
  • Patent number: 8104715
    Abstract: A window arrangement is provided for enlarging a window area in an aircraft. The window arrangement includes, but is not limited to at least one first installation element. The at least one first installation element is designed to convey fluids, and furthermore includes, but is not limited to a transparent region which covers a first window region such that light waves in the visible spectrum can be let through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Nicholas Brownjohn, Georg Mühlthaler, Rainer Müller
  • Patent number: 8105645
    Abstract: A foam mount of an aircraft window has a groove to receive an electro chromic window. The foam mount is painted by placing a blank in the groove to divide the foam mount into a first section designated to face the exterior of the aircraft and an opposite second section. The groove and the first section are coated with an electric conductive paint, and the second section is covered with a decorative paint. The conductive coating on the foam mount and the conductive coating of the electrodes of the electro chromic window provide an RF shielding to prevent electronic signals from personal electronic equipment from passing through the cabin and door windows of the aircraft. A mask is also provided to coat one section of the foam mount while covering the other section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell V. Bruce, Brian L. Smith, Thomas R. Scarniac
  • Publication number: 20120017514
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft opening window comprising at least one pane (2) equipped with a movable frame (3), the assembly comprising the said movable frame (3) and the said at least one pane (2) being movable relative to a fixed frame (1), an element (4) for maneuvering the said movable assembly, a device for locking/unlocking and opening/closing the said movable assembly actuated by the said maneuvering element (4) and means for guiding and supporting the said movable assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (S.A.S)
    Inventors: Luc Lamat, Noel Maurens
  • Patent number: 8096506
    Abstract: A method for making a window frame for installation in the exterior shell of an aircraft, which comprises at least one outer flange, an inner flange, and a vertical flange arranged perpendicular to and between these two flanges, contemplates that first a semifinished part comprising multiple, individual substructures is made, which next is inserted into a molding tool, into which, under pressure and temperature, resin is injected, and that the component made in this manner subsequently is hardened in the molding tool. The semifinished part has a layer structure, which comprises a web material, fiber bundles, or a combination of fiber bundles and web material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Jens Bold
  • Publication number: 20120001025
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fastening systems in an aircraft. It comprises on the one hand a ring-shaped base (2) and on the other hand arms (4, 6) borne by the ring-shaped base (2), extending outward from the latter and bearing systems supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Lionel SABADIE, Romain DURAND, Marc TOMASI, Jean-Claude BRIOIS
  • Patent number: 8087615
    Abstract: A particular method includes installing a window assembly in a structure by coupling a window frame body of the window assembly to a first surface of an interior side of an outer skin of the structure. The method also includes coupling the window frame body to a second surface of an interior side of an inner skin of the structure. The method also includes coupling the window frame body to a portion of the structure between the outer skin and the inner skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Wood
  • Patent number: 8082707
    Abstract: An improved vibration damping apparatus is provided for use with window structures, including windows used in vehicles, aircraft, and spacecraft. The vibration damping system includes at least two separate layers of solid material that are typically substantially clear at visible wavelengths, in which the two layers are spaced-apart by a predetermined distance to form a space or gap therebetween. This gap will be of a size and shape to enhance vibration damping when it is filled with a gaseous compound, such as air. The air-film vibration damping system created by the above structure can be applied to an external pane of a window structure, or to the interior pane of a window structure, or perhaps to both an exterior pane and an interior pane of the same window structure, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Damping Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Lewis, Michael L. Parin
  • Publication number: 20110309187
    Abstract: An aircraft, with the ability to cruise at supersonic speeds, designed to increase cruise lift/drag ratio, reduce sonic boom and have greater downward visibility by having an ‘inverted’ nose profile that has greater inclination of the lower surfaces to the flight direction than the upper surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Sudarshan Paul Dev
  • Patent number: 8079185
    Abstract: A window element has a cover pane which is substantially flush with an outer skin of an aircraft or other transport, achieving a fluid-dynamically favorable, substantially unbulged exterior surface. As a result of the presence of an additional back-ventilated cover pane arranged in front of the actual outer pane of the window element, a fluid-dynamically favorable integration of the window element into the outer skin of an aircraft fuselage airframe is achieved. Any deformation, such as any buckling or bulging of the outer pane of the window element, as a result of a difference in pressure between the interior of the aircraft fuselage airframe and the exterior space at cruising altitudes, has no fluid-dynamically disadvantageous effect. The outer pane is covered by the cover pane which remains substantially undeformed with respect to the outer skin of the aircraft fuselage airframe, for example. Any deformation of the cover pane is largely eliminated by back-ventilation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Paspirgilis
  • Patent number: 8052088
    Abstract: A window panel adapted for installation relative to a structure. The panel includes a single piece of generally transparent injection-molded material configured to span one or more openings in the structure. The panel has panel attachment inserts for attaching the panel relative to the structure. The inserts are embedded in the material alongside at least one edge of the panel. The panel has a curvature that essentially continues a curvature of the structure surrounding the opening(s) when the panel is installed relative to the structure. This panel can be single-pane and can provide an essentially continuous window along an aircraft fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Wood, Terry A. Sewell
  • Patent number: 8042769
    Abstract: A modular aircraft window includes an outer pane and an inner pane each inserted in a substantially rectangular frame. A foldable shade is disposed on one of the frames and has a freely movable end that is coupled with an operating unit for opening and closing the shade. The assembly further includes at least one shade raising and lowering mechanism in one or both of the longitudinal parts of the frame and a drive mechanism mounted in the lower transverse part of the frame. The drive mechanism includes a threaded spindle which, in order to provide for a particularly stable and long-lasting construction of the drive mechanism, is movable solely translationally and is coupled with a transmission mechanism operating the at least one raising and lowering mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: FACC AG
    Inventors: Gottfried Steiner, Mario Staubmann
  • Patent number: 8033505
    Abstract: An airplane door window of a passenger plane, includes an outer pane, an inner pane, an intermediate pane situated parallel between the outer pane and inner pane and designed as an optical lens body for the inspection of impact surfaces for emergency slides, portable staircases or boarding fingers. The outer pane and the inner pane are spaced apart from each other, arranged substantially parallel to each other in a continuous window gasket, and form an intermediate space. The intermediate pane is inserted into a continuous groove of the window gasket, and extends essentially parallel to the outer pane and the inner pane over a partial area of the intermediate space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Jens Wieting
  • Patent number: 8015762
    Abstract: Window element (1, 23) with a covering tape (7, 36) and a covering means (8, 35) and comprising a window assembly (5, 25) which can be fixed in a hermetically sealed manner to the window frame (4, 24) by means of a retainer (15, 26), the window frame (4, 24) being enclosed by an encircling seal (11, 32) which has an encircling recess (12, 33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Krahn
  • Publication number: 20110186684
    Abstract: The invention relates to a window replacement for filling a window frame in an aircraft, in particular a passenger aircraft, the window replacement being fixable by means of a retainer in the window frame in place of the window assembly when the window assembly is removed. According to the invention, the window replacement comprises a panel-shaped element with at least a single curvature, the panel-shaped element, being made of a synthetic material. In one configurational variant, the window replacement according to the invention is formed by a monolithic panel-shaped element. In a second configurational variant, the panel-shaped element of the window replacement is formed by a sandwich panel. Both embodiments allow a weight reduction in comparison with a window replacement of a metallic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Ulrich Eberth, Mario Koeber
  • Patent number: 7988093
    Abstract: A window frame (1) for installation in the exterior (5) of an aircraft, which comprises in each case at least one outer flange (2), one inner flange, and one vertical flange (4) arranged perpendicular between these flanges, is manufactured from a fiber-reinforced synthetic resin, in which, first, a semifinished part comprising fiber material is inserted into a molding tool, in which, under pressure and temperature, resin is injected, and subsequently, the component made in this manner is hardened in the molding tool. The semifinished part can have a layer structure either made from a webbing material, from fiber bundles, or from a combination of fiber bundles and a webbing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Jens Bold
  • Patent number: 7988094
    Abstract: An erosion shield for an aircraft window includes an annular band having a radially outer brim and a radially inner clip. The shield is sized to cover a composite window frame having an outer rim and an inner sash around a central aperture in which is mounted a window pane. The clip is asymmetrical around the central aperture to protect the sash and permit assembly of the shield thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventors: Scott Ernest Ostrem, Kevin Steven Jackson, Stephen Frederick Joseph Wallace, Bobby Jack Ainsworth, Richard William Brigman
  • Publication number: 20110155851
    Abstract: Aircraft observation window (1) comprising external means of observation (10) permitting, the window (1) being in closed position, observation of the exterior in flight, and locking means (30) permitting the securing and locking of the window (1), the latter being in closed position in flight, furthermore comprising opening means (40) permitting opening of the external means of observation (10) when the aircraft is in flight, and securing means (50) permitting housing in a safe manner and securing of external means of observation (10), the same having been opened in flight. The invention furthermore relates to a method for rendering such observation window (1) practicable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: EADS CONSTRUCCIONES AERONAUTICAS, S.A.
    Inventors: Alejandro Morales Soto, Francisco Javier Arribas Leon
  • Patent number: 7968170
    Abstract: A single pane window for use in a jet aircraft. The single pane window includes a plurality of metal sheets. A fiber reinforced resin at least partially surrounds the plurality of metal sheets. The fiber reinforced resin is transparent. A cutout is formed within each of the plurality of metal sheets, with the cutout being filled by the transparent resin during the manufacturing process. The cutout forms an optically transparent window portion of the single pane window. The single pane window is lightweight and strong enough to form a load bearing portion of a fuselage of a commercial aircraft into which it is incorporated, and also does not require the bulky and heavy frame structure that has traditionally been required on window structures of jet aircraft. The single pane window also enables even larger windows to be incorporated on aircraft without increasing the weight or cost associated with such windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert G Albers, Paul S Nordman
  • Patent number: 7942369
    Abstract: A windscreen frame, and a method of production for a windscreen frame, designed to hold a windscreen in an opening in a wall, the frame including at least one upper horizontal frame section element, at least one lower horizontal frame section element and at least one vertical mounting, characterized in that it is a single unit in composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Souriau
    Inventors: Benjamin Mahieu, Bruno Cacciaguerra, Louis Peltier
  • Patent number: 7905452
    Abstract: A window frame for installation in the exterior shell of an aircraft, which comprises one outer flange, an inner flange, and a vertical flange extending between flanges. A window frame is fixed in its position via a plurality of holder elements being arranged substantially equidistance from each other over the periphery of the window frame, being distributed on the outer flange of the window frame. Each of the holder elements comprises a base plate having a face, a pin, a pin extending outwardly from the face of the base plate and a pin to, a downholder clip. The clip may be adapted for a press fit engagement with the pin. The outer surfaces of the pin include a sawtooth-like structure, which engages with hook-shaped clamping elements flexibly formed on the downholder clip and over which an annular locking element is displaced. The holder elements may include a thermoplastic material, which may be provided with reinforcement fibers and may be die cast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Jens Bold
  • Publication number: 20110042516
    Abstract: A window element for a double-shell skin field of an aircraft fuselage cell includes a window frame having a window module disposed in the frame, wherein the frame is disposed in an opening of the double-shell skin field, and wherein the frame is connected to the double-shell skin field by a surrounding embrasure profile positioned against a core structure of the skin field at least in some regions, wherein the core structure includes an inner and an outer covering layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Wolf-Dietrich Dolzinski, Norbert Heltsch, Arne Hartwig, Markus Mueller, Markus Joerg Weber, Jens-Ulrich Prowe, Paul Joern