Material Discharging And Diffusing Patents (Class 244/136)
  • Patent number: 11897614
    Abstract: An aircraft usable as a passenger aircraft and a fire fighter aircraft. The passenger aircraft includes a passenger area with passenger seats and a permanently installed fire extinguishing medium tank for storing fire extinguishing medium such as water, as well as a fire extinguishing medium nozzle for discharging the fire extinguishing medium. The passenger aircraft may be a type from an aircraft series also including a long-haul aircraft having a center tank for range extension. In the passenger aircraft, a center tank may be used as an extinguishing medium tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventor: Marc Wesseloh
  • Patent number: 11771076
    Abstract: A flight control method for controlling an aircraft includes obtaining wind information of an operation region during a spread operation performed by the aircraft. The flight control method also includes controlling a flight location of the aircraft based on the wind information and an allowable deviation of the spread region in the spread operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jiemin Zhou
  • Patent number: 11767103
    Abstract: The present invention is an Electric servo system which controls and automates gate openings based on GPS speed and position data that results in precise and reliable modern variable and constant rate application. The Electric servo system also allows for Mechanical gate linkages to remain intact, resulting in few changes to the aircraft and redundancy of emergency components. A Mechanical input connect/disconnect is used to effortlessly transfer between the automated Electric servo system and the Mechanical gate system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Inventor: Troy Reabe
  • Patent number: 11484737
    Abstract: According to an aspect, a computer-implemented method for water volume estimation includes detecting water based at least in part on sensor-based data; determining a volume of water based at least in part on the sensor-based data; determining a location at the water for an aircraft to retrieve water via a water retrieving apparatus; and translating the location of the water into pilot inputs to guide the aircraft to the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Carl John Pankok, Jr., Michael Paul Baran, Sean Scott Carlson, George Nicholas Loussides, Alexander Quinn Weintraub, Igor Cherepinsky
  • Patent number: 11465855
    Abstract: A powder/granular material spreader that allows easy cleaning of a passage for powder/granular material includes a housing that houses motors, a passage that extends through the housing and provides a passage for the powder/granular material, a roller provided in the passage to feed the powder/granular material and that is driven by one of the motors, and a spinner driven by the motor to spread the powder/granular material. The passage includes an integral first wall that shields the motor from the passage, an integral second wall that shields the motor from the passage, and an opening located at an inlet of the passage. The opening is integral with the first wall and the second wall. The housing includes an integral cover that covers tops and sides of the motors, and fits over an outer surface of the opening. A seal is provided at a location where the opening and the cover are connected with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryu Shinomiya, Masanori Yoshihara, Daisuke Hirajo, Masaru Nakazawa, Satoshi Kato
  • Patent number: 11208210
    Abstract: The invention provides a firefighting float plane having a fuselage and two floats mounted to the fuselage. The fuselage has a water tank with open and closed configurations. In some embodiments, the water tank is integrated into the fuselage, and/or both the water tank and the fuselage have a generally triangular cross-sectional configuration. The water tank has a closed bottom in its closed configuration and an open bottom in its open configuration. In some embodiments, the plane has specified ratio of water tank holding capacity to total power of two engine assemblies. It can optionally also have the above-noted fuselage configuration, tank configuration, or both. In some embodiments, the plane has dual propellers, two engine assemblies, and two tail booms, optionally together with specified ratio of water tank holding capacity to total power of two engine assemblies. It may also have the above-noted fuselage configuration, tank configuration, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: WIPAIRE, INC.
    Inventor: Robert D. Wiplinger
  • Patent number: 11046433
    Abstract: A gatebox system for delivering fire retardant fluid from a firefighting aircraft. A first and second gate opening are formed through a lower portion of a gatebox. The gates are hingedly connected along edges of the openings. A drive shaft in the gatebox is rotatable in gates-closing and gates-opening directions. Crank arms are fixed to the drive shaft and coupled to the gates by connecting links, which define an over-center geometry while the gates are at a closed position, such that weight of the fluid on the first gate induces torque on the drive shaft in the gates-closing direction. Rotation of the drive shaft in the gates-opening direction enables control of the fluid flow from the hopper according to an angular position of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventor: Victor D. Trotter
  • Patent number: 11040773
    Abstract: An aerial spraying apparatus (unmanned aerial vehicle system) includes one or more drones (unmanned aerial vehicles), and a station on the ground that is connected by wire to at least one of the one or more drones. Each of the one or more drones is equipped with a drone side cable connected to the station or another drone, and a drone side cable mechanism that performs paying out or pulling in of the drone side cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Furukawa, Yuji Ishitsuka, Shinrak Park
  • Patent number: 10983247
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes various systems and methods for measuring environmental parameters. In one embodiment, such as system comprises a pole that is equipped with various instruments (sensors) at various heights along the length of the pole. With such an instrumented pole, a local vertical profile of parameters that relate to wind conditions and air quality can be obtained. These parameters can include one or more of wind speed and direction, air turbulence, air temperature and humidity, concentrations of pollutant gases within the air, and concentrations of pollutant particles within the air. In some embodiments, the system can further measure other parameters that are relevant to the migration of the air and, therefore, the pollutants it contains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Kiran Bhaganagar, Prasanna R V Kolar, Sudheer Reddy Bhimireddy, Jordan Nielson
  • Patent number: 10697319
    Abstract: A washing system is described for a gas turbine engine with an axial compressor, comprising: an inlet screen at the air flow inlet of the compressor to protect the compressor from foreign object damage, an arrangement of nozzles and manifolds for spraying the washing liquid, and a washing liquid supply system connected to the arrangement; the inlet screen comprises a supporting structure and a filtering net fixed to the supporting structure; the arrangement of nozzles and manifolds is integrated in the supporting structure of the inlet screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.r.l.
    Inventors: Pierenzo Morriello, Gianfranco Pittella, Daniele Marcucci, Marco Frattallone
  • Patent number: 10640191
    Abstract: A drain mast for draining liquids from an aircraft, comprising a tube that comprises an internal rim connected to the internal surface of the tube, the internal rim being located in a plane inclined with respect to the horizontal plane of the aircraft and having its lowest part located on the second end of the tube, an aperture for evacuating the liquid, the aperture being located at the lowest part of the internal rim and in the face of the tube facing the incoming airflow, the internal rim and the aperture being configured such that at the second end, the liquid is directed by gravity through the internal rim to the aperture and wherein, in use, the drained liquid flowing from the aperture is pushed by the incoming airflow to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS S.L.
    Inventors: Carlos Casado Montero, José Ángel Hernanz Manrique, Alberto Molina Parga
  • Patent number: 10513344
    Abstract: An auxiliary power unit assembly for an aircraft, including an engine assembly including an internal combustion engine, a first duct in fluid communication with an inlet of the internal combustion engine and configured to be in fluid communication with an environment of the aircraft, and a second duct configured to be in fluid communication with the environment. The second duct may be in fluid communication with an inlet of a compressor drivable by the internal combustion engine or with a compartment receiving the engine assembly. A filter extends across the first duct. The filter is removable from the first duct through an opening in a wall of the first duct, the opening accessible from an exterior of the engine assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Luc Dionne, Bruno Villeneuve, Maxime Courtois, Behzad Hagshenas, Andre Julien
  • Patent number: 10508628
    Abstract: An inlet assembly for an auxiliary power unit for an aircraft, including a particle separator and a plenum having first and second inlets. A first duct configured to deliver air to an engine of the auxiliary power unit is in fluid communication with an outlet of the plenum. A second duct configured to deliver air to a compartment containing the auxiliary power unit is in fluid communication with the outlet of the plenum. The assembly is selectively configurable between a first configuration where the plenum is in fluid communication with the environment of the aircraft through the second inlet and through the particle separator, and a second configuration where the plenum is in fluid communication with the environment of the aircraft through the first inlet independently of the particle separator. An auxiliary power unit assembly and a method of feeding air to an auxiliary power unit assembly are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Luc Dionne, Bruno Villeneuve, Maxime Courtois, Behzad Hagshenas, Andre Julien
  • Patent number: 10508626
    Abstract: An inlet assembly for an auxiliary power unit for an aircraft, including a duct configured to provide fluid communication from an environment of the aircraft to an inlet of an engine of the auxiliary power unit, and a filter received in and extending across the duct. The filter includes a first filter portion permeable to air, positioned across only part of the duct and defining a transverse edge in the duct; a second filter portion permeable to air and extending from the transverse edge to an end downstream of the transverse edge, and a collection member impermeable to water. The collection member extends between the downstream end and a duct wall. The first and second filter portions are non-parallel and the second filter portion and the collection member are non-parallel. An auxiliary power unit assembly and a method of feeding air to an internal combustion engine are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Luc Dionne, Bruno Villeneuve, Maxime Courtois, Behzad Hagshenas, Andre Julien
  • Patent number: 10400758
    Abstract: Systems and methods can control a pumping system. Operating characteristics of a driving apparatus are obtained. The driving apparatus is operatively coupled to a pump and operates to effect operation of the pump. Additionally, instructions are provided to an electronic speed controller. In particular, the instructions direct the electronic speed controller to control activity of the driving apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shimeng Bei, Xumin Wu, Jiyuan Ao, Yijun Guan, Xiaolong Wu
  • Patent number: 10327973
    Abstract: A device and method for scattering cremation ashes including an elongated container body having a receiving space and a scattering element, the device configured as a walking stick and having an actuator for scattering cremation ashes present in the container body upon actuating the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Inventors: Bart Stok, Henricus Johannes Antonius Maria Tibosch
  • Patent number: 10273003
    Abstract: A multi-tank system and aircraft for dispersing firefighting materials includes a fuselage, a pair of wings, a first storage tank, a second storage tank, a first opening, a second opening, a first closure, a second closure, and an actuator. The first opening is disposed forward of a center of gravity of the aircraft and the second opening is disposed rearward of the center of gravity of the aircraft to maintain stability of the aircraft. The first opening is coupled to the first storage tank and the second opening is coupled to the second storage tank; a fuselage keel beam is positioned around the perimeters of the first and second openings. The actuator is configured to open the first closure and the second closure, in order to disperse firefighting materials such as water, fire retardant, or a mixture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventors: Britton Coulson, Wayne Coulson
  • Patent number: 9957047
    Abstract: A water scooping apparatus for an aircraft comprising an extendible tubular member having a first end and an opposite end, wherein the first end is pivotally attached to the aircraft, a duct for fluidly connecting the extendible tubular member at the first end to a water tank, a floater connected to the opposite end of the extendible tubular member, wherein the floater is provided with an intake opening for taking in water; wherein the intake opening is fluidly connected to the extendible tubular member; wherein the water scooping apparatus is operable between a resting position in which the extendible tubular member is substantially retracted, and an operating position in which the extendible tubular member extends downwards from the aircraft at an angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: JABE BEHEER B.V.
    Inventor: Jack Benedik
  • Patent number: 9851183
    Abstract: A cassette designed for accommodating a payload. The cassette is exposed to an air flow when dispensed from a vehicle in motion. The cassette includes a base portion and a peripheral supporting portion connected to each other. The base portion and the peripheral supporting portion form a space for the accommodation of the payload. An opening is arranged in the cassette opposite the base portion. Through the opening the pay load can exit. The base portion includes at least one orifice through which the air flow will flow pressing against and separating the payload from the cassette when dispensed from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Robert Melin, Martin Ringstedt, Gunnar Byström
  • Patent number: 9840326
    Abstract: A firefighting aircraft adapted for use in an unmanned aircraft system includes a storage tank for firefighting fluid, having a plurality of filling ports spaced from one another. A probe carries a conduit that is in fluid communication with the storage tank. The conduit receives water from a body of water overflown by the aircraft. A filling system for controls the flow of water to and from the storage tank, and includes a remotely and automatically operable valve respectively associated with each filling port. A control system is in communication with each valve, and is operative to command the position of each valve to regulate the flow of fluid through each filling port. A baffle may be further provided internal to the storage tank at least partially defining a first chamber within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: BOXAIR ENGINEERING, LLC
    Inventor: John S. Stupakis
  • Patent number: 9635772
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus configured to mount a power supply unit to an electronic device includes a case and a locking member. The case includes a side wall and a division plate. A receiving space is defined between the side wall and the division plate. The receiving space receives the power supply unit. The division plate defines a locking hole. The locking member is pivotally mounted on the side wall. The locking member includes a pressing pole and a locking tab. The locking member is rotated on the side wall to have the pressing pole press a power supply unit and the locking tab positioned in the locking hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Peng-Kuei Wang, Tung-Ho Shih
  • Patent number: 9416801
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for draining fluid from a structure on an aircraft. The apparatus comprises a drainage tube, a housing, a number of inlet holes in the housing, and a number of outlet holes in the housing. The drainage tube has first end that connects to a structure on an aircraft and a second end opposite the first end. The housing connects to the structure. The drainage tube is located within the housing. Air flows into the housing during flight of the aircraft through the number of inlet holes in the housing. The air flows out of the housing during flight of the aircraft through the number of outlet holes. The air flowing into the housing through the number of inlet holes and out the housing through the number of outlet holes directs fluid out of the drainage tube and away from the structure during flight of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Henry Willie, David F. Cerra
  • Patent number: 9266612
    Abstract: A spreader for an aircraft comprises a throat assembly operable to couple to a gatebox, the throat assembly comprising an air intake portion operable to direct airflow into the spreader, a material intake portion operable to receive material released from a gatebox, a fan assembly comprising a plurality of vanes that divide the fan assembly into a plurality of compartments, wherein the vanes are comprised of molded material, and a connection mechanism operable to couple the fan assembly to the throat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Texas Transland LLC
    Inventor: Larry D. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9180325
    Abstract: An aerial retardant delivery system comprising a retardant tank mountable in the fuselage of an aircraft. The tank includes a pressure opening in fluid communication with the fuselage such that pressure in the fuselage may act on retardant contained in the tank. The tank includes an outlet extending through a sidewall of the aircraft's fuselage, through which retardant may be delivered to a target. The system also includes a discharge gate operative to open and close the outlet. An actuation mechanism is disposed on the exterior of the tank and operatively coupled to the at least one discharge gate. A variable flow controller controls the discharge gate open position in order to provide retardant over a desired area of terrain. A one-way flapper is disposed in the pressure opening and is operative to allow pressure in the fuselage to enter the tank while inhibiting retardant from spilling from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventor: Leonard K. Parker
  • Patent number: 9178241
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating electrical energy at altitude, comprising a tether connecting a substantially ground level location, part to a platform at an elevated location, the tether comprising a conduit coupled to an electrical generator at the platform, the conduit arranged to allow the flow of a fuel fluid from the substantially ground level location to the elevated location, and the electrical generator being operable to convert energy in the fuel fluid to electrical energy at the elevated location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Davidson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Peter Davidson, Hugh Edmund Murray Hunt, Christopher John Burgoyne
  • Patent number: 9151272
    Abstract: A method may involve transmitting power between a tethered aerial vehicle equipped with wind turbines for generating power and a ground station configured to interconnect the generated power to an electrical distribution network. The power may be transmitted using high voltage, high frequency AC electrical signals, and transformers at the ground station and the aerial vehicle can scale the AC voltage for use at the respective locations. Converters at the ground station and the aerial vehicle can then convert the transformed voltage to DC. The AC voltage may be transmitted through the tether at a resonant frequency of the tether based in part on an internal capacitance between multiple conductive paths on the tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Goessling, Leo Francis Casey
  • Patent number: 9138604
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods associated with the aerial delivery of materials in a manner that is inexpensive, accurate, efficient, and effective. More specifically this disclosure teaches deploying an aerial delivery container holding some material from an aircraft and releasing the material from the aerial delivery container, all in a controlled manner, while the aerial delivery container is airborne. With reference to the exemplary embodiments, the apparatuses, systems and methods of the present disclosure are taught within the context of releasing a firefighting suppressant over a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William Worden Cleary, John A. Skorupa, Ty F. Bonnar
  • Patent number: 9095806
    Abstract: A filter housing (10) having a raw-side inlet (12) and a clean-side outlet (14) for media to be filtered and a forward-mounted part designed as a cyclone pre-separator (20) including at least one fastening region (32) of a first part (30) made substantially of plastic is fastened to the raw side, and a second part (40) braced between the first part (30) and the filter housing (10). The fastening region (32) of the first part (30) is screwed to the filter housing (10) using metal fastening elements (50, 54, 56, 60), and—at the upper side facing away from the filter housing (10) it has at least one pressing contour (70) for compensating for at least one dimension tolerance of the elements fastened together. The contour is substantially plastic material, which can be deformed by means of applying a force generated by the screwing together of the metal fastening elements (50, 52, 56, 60), in particular which can be melted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventors: Jörg Menβen, Stefan Becker, Kai Hilarius, Oliver Steins
  • Patent number: 9045228
    Abstract: An arrangement at an aircraft of a dispenser unit for countermeasures. The arrangement including a wall of an aircraft fuselage. A dispensing nozzle is arranged on the dispenser unit through which the countermeasures are dispensed. The dispenser unit is arranged within the aircraft fuselage. An aperture for dispensing the countermeasures is arranged in the wall of the aircraft fuselage. The aperture is arranged to substantially coincide with the dispensing nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Robert Melin
  • Patent number: 8985519
    Abstract: The system comprises an outer container which is fixed, directly and fully, in the hold of the transport aeroplane (AC), and in which there is an inner container that can be moved longitudinally and brought from a first or carrying position in which it is situated fully inside the outer container into a second or off-loading position (P2) in which it is longitudinally offset towards the rear of the aircraft (AC) so that a part of the inner container is then situated outside the transport aeroplane (AC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: MBDA France
    Inventor: Benoit Jaurand
  • Patent number: 8985518
    Abstract: An air guide for a dispenser. At least one air scoop is configured to guide an air stream to a feeding out opening for chaffs on the dispenser in order to facilitate packages of chaffs to be released from the dispenser. A control unit is configured to control the air stream through the at least one air scoop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Saab AB
    Inventor: Christer Zätterqvist
  • Patent number: 8978703
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for receiving liquids in an aircraft and/or releasing liquids therefrom, especially during the flight, said device being arranged especially in an airplane. The aim of the invention is to provide a device which can receive large quantities of liquids in a rapid, reliable and flexible manner. To this end, the device can include a tank module with at least one tank container that is connected to a collector using a connecting shaft and a bulkhead module that can be connected to the tank module by the collecting tank. A closing element in the open position releases liquid from the tank module. In addition, a refueling module which is connected to the tank module by a supply line and a tube arranged on a winding device, and a receiving element attached to the tube, can provide refueling of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Zoltan von Mohos
  • Patent number: 8979029
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for carrying and dropping ammunition for a transport airplane. The system includes a container which contains at least one load, in particular ammunition, which is capable of being brought into a drop position, in which a portion is located outside the airplane, and from which a load can be dropped, usually by simply releasing the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: MBDA France
    Inventors: Benoît Jaurand, Frédéric Michaud
  • Patent number: 8967029
    Abstract: A device for the aerial release of mosquitoes includes an unmanned aerial vehicle operable by remote control. It carries a container holding a central processing unit and a mosquito breeding bin, which is a self-contained volume housing mosquitoes and a mosquito food having a toxin suitable to be transmitted by mosquito bite after the mosquito consumes the mosquito food. A release tube is connected to the mosquito breeding bin and sized to release mosquitoes from the mosquito breeding bin. A valve is connected to the release tube and is operable by remote control so that when opened, the mosquitoes have an open pathway out of the container through the release tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: TMARS Associates, Trustee for Toxic mosquito aerial release system CRT Trust
    Inventor: S. Mill Calvert
  • Patent number: 8950186
    Abstract: A system and method for supplementing fuel feed pressure and flow within an aircraft fuel system. The fuel system includes boost and override fuel pumps delivering fuel from the tanks to a fuel manifold, and a jettison fuel pump. The method includes the steps of: (a) sensing whether the aircraft engine is operating near maximum power; (b) upon sensing the condition, operating the jettison fuel pump in fluid interconnection with the override fuel pump to deliver fuel to the fuel manifold; and (c) upon sensing the cessation of the condition, deactivating the jettison fuel pump. The system includes a monitoring circuit signaling when the aircraft engine speed is greater than a predetermined threshold, and a fuel system control circuit operating a jettison fuel pump enable circuit portion in response to the signal while omitting other jettisoning operations. The jettison fuel pump consequently functions as an override fuel pump assist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: William H. McCabe
  • Publication number: 20150021438
    Abstract: A drainage mast able to drain effectively the liquid contained in the compartment of an aircraft when the pressure within the compartment is lower than the outside pressure without using any pressure control active device and without causing any significant perturbation to the aerodynamic behavior of the aircraft. The drainage mast is configured with a cross section area decreasing from its entry section to the compartment to its outlet section and is disposed at an acute angle ? relative to the compartment in the airflow direction. The entry and outlet sections have two perpendicular symmetry axes of different length, the entry section is arranged with its longer axis of symmetry substantially parallel to the airflow direction. The drainage mast has a symmetrical configuration with respect to a plane substantially perpendicular to the fuselage envelope passing through the longer axis of symmetry of the entry section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Carlos Casado Montero, Jose Angel Hernanz Manrique, Jose Grana Otero, Ignacio Esteban Parra Fabian, Miguel Angel Gallego Lorenzo
  • Patent number: 8915466
    Abstract: An aircraft (1) having an airframe (2) extending along an anteroposterior plane of symmetry (P1) in elevation transversely separating a first side (11) of said aircraft (1) from a second side (12) thereof, said aircraft (1) being provided with hoist means (20) including a winch (21) provided with a drum for winding a hoist cable (22), said hoist means (20) including a beam (30) for guiding said cable, said beam (30) extending from a first end (31) constituting an inlet end for said cable (22) to a second end (32) constituting an outlet end for said cable (22). The hoist means (20) have a counterweight (23), said counterweight including said winch (21) that is fastened to said first end (31), said second end (32) being located on said second side (12) while said winch (21) and said first end (31) are located on said first side (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters
    Inventors: David Figoureux, David Ayache, Christophe Gaillard
  • Patent number: 8905348
    Abstract: A casing for installation in more than one circumferential position, includes a shell into which fluid may drain, a pre-installation bottom dead center of the shell, a first post-installation bottom dead center of the shell wherein the first post-installation bottom dead center of the shell is circumferentially rotated a first number of degrees in a first direction from the pre-installation bottom dead center of the shell. The non-limiting embodiment further discloses a first ramp disposed between the first post-installation bottom dead center of the shell and the pre-installation bottom dead center of the shell for directing fluid from the first post-installation bottom dead center of the shell to the pre-installation bottom dead center of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Clarkson, Thomas J. Robertson
  • Patent number: 8857768
    Abstract: A drainmast which releases water into an airstream traveling in a fore-aft direction includes a water-discharging exit on its underside for communicating with the airstream, a post-exit stage on its underside situated aft of the water-discharging exit, where the water-discharging exit is vertically offset downward from the post-exit stage. The drainmast also includes a fairing having a mounting flange and a mast projecting downward from the mounting flange, the mast having a main body with a window and a door fastened to the main body to close the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Michael John Giamati
  • Patent number: 8833701
    Abstract: A method of reducing the amount of water in a region of air including: forming seed ice crystals; dispensing the seed ice crystals towards the region of air; allowing water in the region of air to freeze or deposit onto the seed ice crystals; and allowing the resulting ice crystals to move from the region of air so as to reduce the amount of water in the region of air. An ice crystal seeding assembly arranged to reduce the amount of water in a region of air, the seeding assembly includes an ice crystal seeder and dispensing means, the dispensing means being arranged to dispense seeded ice crystals towards the region of air so that water in the region of air freezes or deposits onto the seed ice crystals and that the resulting ice crystals move from the region of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Christopher G Bright
  • Patent number: 8827208
    Abstract: A smoke generation device for an aircraft which enables viewing of wake vortices of an aircraft over a variable distance without modifying the aircraft flight domain. This is achieved by placing a part of the smoke generation device inside the aircraft and using a liquid flow regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus
    Inventors: Jean Cammas, Audrey Camps
  • Publication number: 20140246545
    Abstract: An aircraft for distributing granular material on a target area is provided. The aircraft includes an electric sifter, which includes a motor to distribute the granular material on the target area and a screen on the bottom surface of the electric sifter. The screen allows the granular material to pass through the screen to the target area. The aircraft also includes a circuit to activate the motor, one or more power sources to power the motor and the circuit, and an interface for an operator to control the circuit. The granular material is stored in the electric sifter. The operator manipulates the interface to signal the circuit to activate the motor. The electric sifter distributes the granular material when the motor is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Beaugavin Markov
  • Patent number: 8820422
    Abstract: An aerial retardant delivery system comprising a retardant tank mountable in the fuselage of an aircraft. The tank includes a pressure opening in fluid communication with the fuselage such that pressure in the fuselage may act on retardant contained in the tank. The tank includes an outlet extending through a sidewall of the aircraft's fuselage, through which retardant may be delivered to a target. The system also includes a discharge gate operative to open and close the outlet. An actuation mechanism is disposed on the exterior of the tank and operatively coupled to the at least one discharge gate. A variable flow controller controls the discharge gate open position in order to provide retardant over a desired area of terrain. A one-way flapper is disposed in the pressure opening and is operative to allow pressure in the fuselage to enter the tank while inhibiting retardant from spilling from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Leonard K. Parker
  • Patent number: 8820421
    Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a system and method for fire extinguishing in forests. The fire extinguishing system herein includes a first storage tank, a second storage tank, a first fire extinguishing element, a second fire extinguishing element, a cover provided on top side of the first storage tank, a compressed air inlet, an air regulator, one or more hosing hasps, one or more tarpaulin hoses, one or more hooks, one or more clips and locks, a nozzle attached to a bottom side of the tank and a pipe to lead compressed air to nozzle. In the first stage the helicopter carries the sand tank from the station/depot to the firing woods and starts bombarding the sand around and top of the fire and a second helicopter carries the water tank from the station to the top of the bombarded flames and starts spraying water before the flame starts again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Naser Rahgozar
  • Publication number: 20140239123
    Abstract: A system and methods for deployment operations from an airborne vehicle are presented. A designated location of a target is received at a flight control system coupled to a location tracking guided container comprising an agent. The location tracking guided container is ejected at an ejection point from the airborne vehicle approximately above the designated location of the target to descend at a descent rate and a descent angle. A calculated path to the designated location is calculated based on the designated location and a current location of the location tracking guided container. The location tracking guided container is aerodynamically guided by a glide control structure to fly along the calculated path from the ejection point to a load release altitude near the designated location of the target. The agent is delivered to the designated location of the target by releasing the agent at the load release altitude near the designated location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Zachary C. Hoisington, Blaine Knight Rawdon
  • Patent number: 8807484
    Abstract: An aircraft comprises an outer aerodynamic surface and an exhaust duct having an opening in the outer aerodynamic surface. The duct has a duct wall curved at the opening so as to blend with the aerodynamic surface downstream of the duct. At least one fixed flow diverter is provided for diverting high temperature exhaust gas exiting the duct away from the aerodynamic surface immediately downstream of the duct opening. The curved duct wall provides low aerodynamic drag in cruise. The flow diverter(s) give aircraft designers freedom in terms of where the duct opening can be positioned without compromising the structural integrity of the aircraft through excessive heating of the aerodynamic surface immediately downstream of the duct opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventors: Hugo Alexandre Duart Mendes Raposeiro, Bruno Stefes, Holger Bammann, Thomas Selchert, James Brown, Heiko Rothe, Alexander Solntsev
  • Publication number: 20140224935
    Abstract: An aircraft liquid dispensing system is provided, comprising a flexible and collapsible reservoir positioned within a pressurized aircraft interior, wherein the reservoir is secured to the aircraft by a restraint assembly; a fill port located on the reservoir; a liquid control valve fluidically coupled to one end of the reservoir; a discharge tube fluidically connected between the liquid control valve and an exterior surface of the aircraft; and wherein the reservoir is adapted to collapse and release liquids contained therein responsive to a pressure differential between the aircraft interior and outside the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Richard J. Lazes
  • Patent number: 8777165
    Abstract: An aircraft fuel system has a fuel tank with first and second cells separated by one or more baffles. A venting system reduces pressure difference between the interior and exterior of the fuel tank, and an inerting system supplies oxygen-depleted gas to the fuel tank. The baffles permit the flow of fluid between the cells. The venting system has one or more vent nozzles within the fuel tank and in fluid communication with one or more vent ports. The inerting system has one or more inerting nozzles for injecting oxygen-depleted gas into the first and second cells. A control device varies the ratio between the total flow rates of the oxygen-depleted gas into the first and second cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventors: Paul Roscoe, Emmanuel Lehuunho
  • Patent number: 8757551
    Abstract: A foreign object damage protection system comprises a sensor for detecting a foreign object, a fluid in a reservoir, a means for dispensing the fluid, the means for dispensing the fluid in communication with the reservoir, and a control unit, whereby when the sensor detects a foreign object, the control unit causes fluid to be dispensed from the reservoir through the means for dispensing and towards the foreign object. The sensor is attachable to one or more locations on an aircraft, such as a wing, nose, windshield, fuselage or tail. The sensor can be a radar sensor, weather radar sensor, weather radar sensor modified to detect objects at short ranges, infra-red sensor, forward-looking infrared sensor, a light detection and ranging sensor, motion sensor, thermal sensor, or video sensor. The system provides a way to protect an aircraft from striking foreign objects, such as birds, in the path of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Zamir Margalit
  • Publication number: 20140145035
    Abstract: An aircraft comprises an aircraft body, and apparatus, carried by the body, for discharging a persistent vapor of bird repellant into an elevated airspace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: The Boeing Company