Aircraft Propulsion And Steering On Land Or Water Patents (Class 244/50)
-
Patent number: 12162456Abstract: A method of taxiing an aircraft may comprise determining, via a controller, whether the aircraft is taxiing with fewer brakes active than a total number of brakes; and modifying, via the controller, a brake pressure supplied to an active brake of the aircraft as a function of pedal deflection in response to determining the aircraft is taxiing with fewer brakes active relative to the total number of brakes.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2021Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATIONInventor: Marc Georgin
-
Patent number: 12152967Abstract: A system and method are provided that monitors ground level ambient air in an airport ground environment while aircraft equipped with electric taxi drive systems and ground level visual monitoring assemblies are driven with the electric taxi drive systems during ground travel. Monitoring assemblies with detection elements having configurations similar to pitot tubes modified with a sensor array are provided to generate data about components in the ground level ambient air identified to adversely affect aircraft engine health. The detection elements may be cooperatively mounted with the ground level visual monitoring assemblies. Ambient air flow is directed into the detection elements to contact the sensor array during electric taxi drive system-powered ground travel. Real time data related to the identified components generated by the sensor array is processed and analyzed, engine health is monitored, and a predictive scheduled of engine maintenance may be developed from the analyzed real time data.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2021Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: Borealis Technical LimitedInventor: Jan Vana
-
Patent number: 12145720Abstract: A method of operating an aircraft is disclosed including, during a non-braking time period, taxiing the aircraft by using driving torque provided by a landing gear drive system, and not providing a braking torque from the landing gear brake system, and, during a braking time period, providing the brake command device at one or more command levels within a sub-range of a brake command range, and controlling the landing gear drive system, in response to the level of the brake command device, to reduce the driving torque provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2020Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITEDInventor: Carlos Cuesta Castro
-
Patent number: 12128863Abstract: A method for detecting a fault within a brake mechanism on an aircraft is disclosed. In various embodiments, the method includes activating, by a brake control unit, the brake mechanism; receiving, by the brake control unit, a wheel speed data for a wheel associated with the brake mechanism; determining, by the brake control unit, a wheel speed characteristic for the wheel associated with the brake mechanism; and detecting, by the brake control unit, whether the brake mechanism is faulty based on a comparison of the wheel speed characteristic and a wheel speed deceleration database.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2021Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATIONInventor: Resham Bains
-
Patent number: 12122535Abstract: An exemplary aircraft transport jack includes a vertical structure having a vertical axis, a bottom end, and a top end, a connector above the bottom end operable to detachably secure the vertical structure to an aircraft member, a wheel assembly with wheels positioned on opposing sides of the vertical structure, and an actuator coupled to the vertical structure and the wheel assembly and operable to move the wheel assembly axially relative to the vertical structure between a lowered position with the wheels on a ground and a raised position with the bottom end on the ground and the wheels above the ground.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2021Date of Patent: October 22, 2024Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventors: Alvin Jones, Vitthal Vishnuthreeth Arakeri, Kevin Knott
-
Patent number: 12116124Abstract: A folding wing system for an aircraft, comprises a support structure mountable on the aircraft, and a wing segmented into at least a first and a second segment. The support structure is connected to the first segment via a first hinged connection and the first segment is connected to the second segment via a second hinged connection such that the wing is foldable from a cruise position to a folded position. The support structure is connected to a strut via a third hinged connection. The second segment has a bearing supporting a distal end of the strut both slidably and pivotably. A first drive is configured to drive one of the first and third hinged connections, and a second drive is configured to drive one of the second hinged connection, the bearing, and the other one of the first and third hinged connections.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2020Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Assignee: VOLARE GmbHInventor: Andreas Fürlinger
-
Patent number: 12117364Abstract: A method for monitoring an epicyclic gear train of an aircraft includes the following steps: acquiring, at a predetermined sampling frequency, first values (5(ti)) of a signal formed by a progressive mechanical wave generated in the epicyclic gear train; measuring, at a plurality of successive instants, values (Vmes _r(tj)) of a speed of rotation of at least one of the toothed wheels of the gear train; calculating values (Vc(tj)) of a speed of rotation of a point of contact between two toothed wheels of the epicyclic gear train; determining second values (S(ç½)) of the signal formed by a progressive mechanical wave generated in the epicyclic gear train, the second values being sampled depending on a phase of the point of contact and forming secondary mechanical wave data; and using the secondary mechanical wave data (S(ç½)) to detect an anomaly related to the operation of the epicyclic gear train.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2020Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINESInventors: Josselin Xavier Coupard, Valentin Francis Joël Facquet, Julien Christian Pascal Griffaton
-
Patent number: 12091163Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to skid and roll along an environmental surface. A rollable UAV includes an airframe assembly, a propulsion system, and a logic device configured to communicate with the propulsion system. The airframe assembly includes a cylindrical rolling guard configured to allow the UAV to roll along an environmental surface in contact with the cylindrical rolling guard. The logic device is configured to determine a rolling orientation for the UAV corresponding to the environmental surface, maneuver the UAV to place the cylindrical rolling guard of the airframe assembly in contact with the environmental surface, and roll the airframe assembly of the UAV along the environmental surface at approximately the determined rolling orientation while the cylindrical rolling guard is in contact with the environmental surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2022Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignee: FLIR Unmanned Aerial Systems ULCInventors: Glen Johannesson, Albert Pegg, Dmytro Silin
-
Patent number: 12091164Abstract: A metering pin for use in a multi-actor damping system is disclosed herein. The multi-actor damping system may be used in a shock strut assembly to alter a damping curve of the shuck strut assembly. The metering pin may be configured to transition the multi-actor damping system from a first damping actor configuration to a second damping actor configuration. The first damping actor configuration may correspond to a first damping curve. The second damping actor configuration may correspond to a second damping curve. The first damping curve being different than the second damping curve.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2020Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATIONInventor: Kyle M. Madey
-
Patent number: 12084170Abstract: An aircraft landing gear is disclosed including a shock-absorbing main leg having a sprung part for attachment to an aircraft and an un-sprung part including a slider and an axle carrying at least one wheel, the wheel having a toothed ring gear; a drive transmission mounted externally on the sprung part, or on the un-sprung part, of the main leg, the drive transmission having at least one motor and a drive pinion for meshing with the toothed ring of the wheel; and an actuator for lifting the drive transmission into and out of driving engagement with the toothed ring and for maintaining the driving engagement as the landing gear deflects during a ground taxiing operation. Also, a method of operating the aircraft landing gear.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2023Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITEDInventors: Fraser Wilson, Jeremy Bedarrides, Vladimir Platagea
-
Patent number: 12084192Abstract: A device is for assisting the piloting in acceleration of an aircraft in taking in order to control its speed. The comprises a control member, adapted to be actuated by a pilot from a neutral position to define a taxiing piloting command for controlling the speed of the aircraft and a central controller, adapted to operate pilot at least one engine of the aircraft to apply the taxiing command defined by the pilot. The taxiing piloting command is an acceleration or deceleration command of the aircraft during taxiing.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2022Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: DASSAULT AVIATIONInventors: Angélique Beaucamp, Laurent Fillet, Nicolas Le Corre
-
Patent number: 12077027Abstract: The present disclosure discusses a transportation vehicle configured for transforming between a drive mode and a flight mode. The vehicle includes a chassis with a body coupled thereto and a plurality of fenders coupled to the body. Each of the fenders includes a rim comprising spokes and a tire configured to rotate during drive mode and a suspension configured to pivot the plurality of fenders from a substantially vertical orientation during drive mode to a substantially horizontal orientation during flight mode. Each of the fender also includes a propulsion mechanism configured to rotate independently of the rim to generate lift during flight mode and a motor configured to independently provide rotational force to the tire built into the rim during drive mode and rotational force to the propulsion mechanism during flight mode.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2021Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: Everon CorporationInventor: Lukasz Opalinski
-
Patent number: 12037106Abstract: A landing gear system controller for controlling a landing gear system of an aircraft. The controller is configured to receive a request to operate a non-landing gear system element of the aircraft, and to cause operation of at least part of the landing gear system of the aircraft during a take-off or landing procedure on the basis of the request.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2019Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITEDInventors: Sean Kerr, Martin Downey
-
Patent number: 12024278Abstract: An aerial vehicle has a passenger cabin for receiving at least one passenger, a load-bearing structure beneath the cabin, and a propulsion system including a number of propulsion units, which propel the aerial vehicle for powered flight and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL). The propulsion units are preferably carried by support arms attached to the load-bearing structure and extending upwards therefrom so as to support the propulsion units at a level above the cabin. The aerial vehicle is preferably reconfigurable to a compact configuration after landing, with at least some of the propulsion units overlapping the cabin and/or each other, while still allowing passenger transfer in and out of the vehicle, thereby facilitating efficient use of space for implementing a vertiport.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2023Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: FLYON AEROSYSTEMS LTD.Inventors: Oren Tal, Reuven Tal
-
Patent number: 11971724Abstract: An unmanned vehicle control system includes: a determination unit that determines whether or not to output a heating request for a hydraulic oil based on hydraulic oil data supplied to a hydraulic actuator disposed in an unmanned vehicle and operated by the hydraulic oil; a vehicle receiver that receives a heating command for the hydraulic oil generated based on the heating request; and a heating processor that executes a heating process of the hydraulic oil based on the heating command.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2020Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Masanori Ogihara, Misato Maeda, Katsuki Awamori
-
Patent number: 11940027Abstract: An aircraft brake temperature control system (BTCS) 100 for controlling a temperature of a brake 220 of a landing gear 201 of the aircraft 200. The BTCS 100 includes a controller 110 configured to cause at least one fluid moving device 230, 231, 232 to drive a flow of fluid onto the brake 220, selectively in one of a plurality of modes, to control the temperature of the brake 220. The BTCS 100 may be incorporated into an aircraft system 1000 with at least one fluid moving device 230, 231, 232, wherein the aircraft system is on an aircraft 200.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2021Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Airbus Operations LimitedInventors: Utsav Oza, Kurt Bruggemann, Rob Hurley
-
Patent number: 11926172Abstract: An apparatus, system and method capable of providing a stabilizing drive system for a robotic vehicle. The apparatus, system and method may include at least a robot body base; at least two drive wheels within the robot body base; a processing system having non-transitory computing code associated therewith which, when executed by the processing system, causes to be driven the at least two drive wheels; and a plurality of ball casters within the robot body base, wherein the ball caster are positioned relative to the robot base and to the at least two drive wheels so as to lower a center of gravity of the robot and provide stabilization of the driving.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2019Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Inventors: Danny Peters, Jarrett Gayne
-
Patent number: 11878790Abstract: A feedback system senses a steering position of a nose wheel assembly for an aircraft. The nose wheel assembly has a first element rotatably associated with a second element about an axis, and the rotational position of the first element relative to the second element corresponds to the steering position of the nose wheel assembly. The feedback system includes a first magnetic field sensor fixedly positioned relative to the first element and configured to sense a first element orientation. A second magnetic field sensor is fixedly positioned relative to the second element and configured to sense a second element orientation. The feedback system further includes a controller programmed to determine the steering position of the nose wheel according to the sensed first element orientation and the sensed second element orientation.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2022Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: Safran Landing Systems Canada Inc.Inventor: Robert Kyle Schmidt
-
Patent number: 11851167Abstract: A steering apparatus may comprise a steering collar, a first linear actuator, a first drive gear, a crankshaft, and a sun gear, wherein the sun gear is disposed within the collar, wherein the first drive gear is fixed to the crankshaft and coupled to the sun gear such that the collar rotates about the sun gear in response to rotation of the crankshaft, wherein the first linear actuator is coupled between the crankshaft and the collar.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2022Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATIONInventor: Korey Michael Reber
-
Patent number: 11845544Abstract: One embodiment is an aircraft including a main body, a plurality of propulsion assemblies, and a plurality of hinges, wherein each of the plurality of propulsion assemblies is rotatably coupled to the main body using a hinge from the plurality of hinges. In an example, the aircraft includes four motor support arms and each motor support arm rotatably couples a specific propulsion assembly to a specific corresponding hinge on the main body of the aircraft and increases a span of the aircraft when the aircraft is in the flight configuration and reduces the footprint of the aircraft when the aircraft is in a storage configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2020Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS, INC.Inventor: Kip Gregory Campbell
-
Patent number: 11834158Abstract: Aircraft landing gears include at least one wheel, an electric taxiing system including an electric taxiing motor, brakes capable of slowing down or stopping the rotation of the wheel, and a cooling system for cooling the electric taxiing motor and the brakes. The cooling system includes ventilation means capable of mixing a first air flow originating from the brakes and a second air flow originating from outside the landing gear and of ventilating the electric taxiing motor with a mixture of the two air flows.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2019Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignees: SAFRAN ELECTRICAL & POWER, SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMSInventors: Thierry Fontalbat, Loic Blanco, Christophe Cassagnet, Florent Challas, Quentin Galy, Eric Wissemer, Sylvain Jaber
-
Patent number: 11814159Abstract: A nose-wheel steering system is disclosed. In various embodiments, the system includes an actuator; a strut; and a gearing mechanism operably coupling the actuator to the strut, the gearing mechanism including a steering collar attached to the strut, and idler gear engaged with the actuator and a pinion having a first gear engaged with the idler gear and a second gear engaged with the steering collar.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2021Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATIONInventors: James Acks, Korey Michael Reber, Ronald Kucera
-
Patent number: 11801945Abstract: A helicopter tug apparatus for loading, transporting, and unloading a helicopter landing skid includes a plurality of landing skid loading units. The loading units are arranged to support the landing skid, and each of the loading units includes a skid cradle with a plurality of tug rollers configured to engage the landing skid. The loading units each include a drive track, and at least one motor for operating the skid cradle and the drive track. The rollers are reverse synchronized with the drive track, such that when the drive track moves the loading unit under the landing skid, the tug rollers turn in reverse to avoid placing lateral force on the landing skid.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2021Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Inventors: Anthony Chan, Tracy Haeggstrom
-
Patent number: 11780569Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an aircraft taxi system, comprising the steps of: generating a traction command (Com) to control an electric motor of a wheel drive actuator; detecting whether or not an external brake command, intended to control braking of the wheel via the brake, is generated; if an external braking command is generated, producing a predetermined minimum command (Cmp) to control the electric motor so that the drive actuator applies a strictly positive predetermined minimum motor torque to the wheel during braking; detecting whether a speed of the aircraft becomes zero and, if so, inhibiting the predetermined minimum command (Cmp) so that the drive actuator applies zero torque to the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2021Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMSInventors: Pierre-Yves Liegeois, Laurent Boissard, Djemouai Hadjidj
-
Patent number: 11772440Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a unique design of multi-purpose wheels for use in multi-purpose vehicles capable of operating in different transportation modes in different mediums such as flying mode and driving mode. Advantageous design of multi-purpose wheels and vehicles of the present disclosure allow for easy and convenient change in transportation mode of such vehicles without need for any special purpose transportation infrastructure. In one aspect, a multi-purpose tool includes a first set of blades configured to enable an object to which the multi-purpose tool is attached to operate in a first mode of transportation; a second set of blades configured to enable the object to operate in a second mode of transportation; and an engagement mechanism coupled to the first set of blades and the second set of blades for switching operation of the object between the first mode of transportation and the second mode of transportation.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2019Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Inventor: Ali Salem
-
Patent number: 11753151Abstract: A landing gear controller (120) to control extension and retraction of a landing gear for an aircraft, the landing gear controller (120) configured to cause, during an aircraft take-off or landing procedure, a landing gear extension and retraction system (110) to perform only a first portion of a landing gear extension or retraction process, on the basis of a status of the aircraft and prior to receiving a command for the landing gear to be extended or retracted.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2022Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Airbus Operations LimitedInventor: David Marles
-
Patent number: 11738865Abstract: An unmanned vehicle having a launch configuration and one or more operational configurations. In the launch configuration, one or more engines resides within an engine bay. The unmanned vehicle is generally shaped like a projectile and can be launch from any tube-shaped deployment system using an initial propulsor. The engine bay can be opened, and the engines can be moved into a generally external position with respect to the engine bay for operation of said engines. In some embodiments, the one or more engines can pivot to direct thrust in multiple directions. In some embodiments, the unmanned vehicle includes flight control surfaces to further improve the flight characteristics of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2022Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Hyalta Aeronautics, Inc.Inventor: Scott R. Kempshall
-
Patent number: 11738613Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a plurality of arms and a land/air drive assembly attached to each arm. The land/air drive assembly includes (i) a multi-speed motor assembly; (ii) a propeller having a first diameter and driven by the motor assembly at a first speed; and (iii) a ground drive wheel having a second diameter greater than the first diameter and driven by the motor assembly at a second speed slower than the first speed. A drive assembly orientation actuator is positioned between each arm and each drive assembly, wherein the orientation actuator is configured to, on command, rotate the drive assembly between a flight position and ground drive position approximately perpendicular to the flight position.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2022Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Inventors: Christopher Cade Spikes, Daniel Caleb Kumler
-
Patent number: 11708862Abstract: A clutch arrangement for between an engine and a propeller of a drivetrain of a roadable aircraft. The arrangement includes an engine shaft, a propeller shaft, a stationary clutch arrangement housing, and an engagement member which is rotationally locked to and axially slidable relative to propeller shaft. The engagement member includes a first engagement structure for engaging a corresponding engagement structure associated with the engine shaft for setting the clutch arrangement in a propeller propulsion mode, in which rotational propulsion torque is transmitted from the engine shaft to the propeller shaft via the engagement member. The engagement member further includes a second engagement structure for engaging a corresponding engagement structure associated with the clutch arrangement housing for setting the clutch arrangement in a propeller locked mode, in which the propeller shaft is rotationally locked to the clutch arrangement housing by means of the engagement member.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2020Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: NINGBO GEELY AUTOMOBILE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CO.Inventor: Johannes Larsson
-
Patent number: 11708153Abstract: In one or more embodiments, the ground roll assist system is based on the electric in-wheel motors integrated with the main landing gear of an aircraft and linked to the aircraft control system. It is well known that modern electric motors possess superior torque density characteristics, potentially exceeding best in class internal combustion engines by more than an order of magnitude. Furthermore, electric motors performance is generally thermally limited, which makes it possible to achieve even higher performance for a short period of time.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2020Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: ZeroAvia, Inc.Inventor: Valery Miftakhov
-
Patent number: 11708152Abstract: A landing gear controller (120) to control extension and retraction of a landing gear for an aircraft, the landing gear controller (120) configured to cause, during an aircraft take-off or landing procedure, a landing gear extension and retraction system (110) to perform only a first portion of a landing gear extension or retraction process, on the basis of a status of the aircraft and prior to receiving a command for the landing gear to be extended or retracted.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2022Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: Airbus Operations LimitedInventor: David Marles
-
Patent number: 11702193Abstract: Braking systems and methods for an electrical vertical takeoff and landing aircraft are provided. A braking system may contain a pilot control device, brakes, wheels, sensors, and a controller. Pilot controls the pilot control device to transmit information to the controller such that the aircraft will slow down.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2022Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: BETA AIR, LLCInventors: Lochie Ferrier, Riley Clinton Griffin
-
Patent number: 11673663Abstract: A multi-modal vehicle includes a frame, a rotor pivotally mounted to the frame, the rotor including a first position and a second position circumferentially spaced from the first position, and a motor coupled to the rotor and configured to rotate the rotor, wherein, when the rotor is disposed in the first position, the rotor is configured to generate lift when actuated by the motor, wherein, when the rotor is disposed in the second position, the rotor is configured to engage a surface to transport the vehicle when actuated by the motor.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2018Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignees: The Texas A&M University System, University of MarylandInventors: Moble Benedict, Hunter Denton, Vikram Hrishikeshavan
-
Patent number: 11667372Abstract: An aircraft includes a body defining an interior compartment configured to hold at least one of a passenger and a payload, a battery system, a plurality of arms coupled to and extending from the body, and a plurality of propulsion devices configured to provide thrust to fly the aircraft. Each of the plurality of propulsion devices is coupled to a respective one of the plurality of arms. The plurality of propulsion devices are powered by the battery system. Each of the plurality of propulsion devices is selectively pivotable about at least one axis. The plurality of propulsion devices include at least one of (i) counter rotating ducted fans and (ii) ionizing electrode engines.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2020Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: Duplicent, LLCInventor: Curren Krasnoff
-
Patent number: 11660920Abstract: The current technique provides an unmanned vehicle that is capable of travelling in the air, on the ground and/or in the water. The driving force of the unmanned vehicle is provided by at least one propelling module that includes a motor, a shaft and a propeller. The propelling module is coupled to a chassis. The chassis includes one or more support elements that each couples to one or more aileron member. An aileron member is configured to tilt with or about the support element to change fluid flux about the aileron member and thus change a position of the propelling force.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2019Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.Inventors: Giulio Ricotti, Alessandro Nicolosi, Juri Giovannone, Francesco D'Angelo, Stefano Corona
-
Patent number: 11643193Abstract: An aircraft landing gear bogie beam including first and second ends and a mounting bearing for connection to an aircraft landing gear main strut between the ends. Each end has a respective axle, and each axle defines a wheel mounting portion on each side of the bogie beam. The bogie beam is arranged to enable the first and second axles to each pivot relative to the bearing about a respective longitudinal axis of the bogie beam by an amount that is sufficient to place a wheel rim of a wheel assembly in contact with the ground in the event of a tyre of the wheel assembly deflating.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Inventor: Robert Kyle Schmidt
-
Patent number: 11634215Abstract: A flying object according to the present invention has been developed to have a plurality of rotor blades or jet engines, and to reduce the risk of a crash even if any one of the rotor blades or jet engines is damaged. The flying object comprises: a flying fuselage; a plate-shaped protection member having a plurality of through-holes formed on the same circumference thereof; a driving means arranged in each of the through-holes; and a tilting means for tilting each of the driving means, or a rotating means for rotating the protection member around a shaft member, wherein the diameter of the protection member, the interval between the rotational axes of the rotor blades facing each other, the length of the shaft member, and the length of the flying fuselage have a predetermined ratio.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2020Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Inventor: Yang Woo Nam
-
Patent number: 11618588Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for preventing aircraft rollover upon a water landing comprising: a deployable first and/or second boom affixed by a first end to the aircraft and capable of deployment substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the aircraft; and a first and/or second air bladder attached to a second end of the first and/or second boom, wherein the first and/or second air bladders are configured to inflate when an aircraft lands in the water, wherein deployment of the first and second boom and air bladder prevents aircraft rollover upon water landing; or a deployable keel affixed by a first end to the aircraft and capable of deployment substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis and opposite a rotor of the aircraft upon a water landing, wherein the keel is sized to prevent aircraft rollover upon deployment; or both.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2020Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.Inventors: Scott David Poster, Martin Peryea
-
Patent number: 11524771Abstract: The invention provides a drive system for rotating a wheel of an aircraft landing gear. The drive system includes a motor operable to rotate a drive pinion, and a driven gear adapted to be mounted to the wheel. The drive system has a first configuration in which the drive pinion is capable of meshing with the driven gear to permit the motor to drive the driven gear and a second configuration in which the drive pinion is not capable of meshing with the driven gear. The drive system includes a linear positioning actuator for moving the drive pinion relative to the driven gear. The positioning actuator has a first end and a second end, the first end having a pivotal connection with a pivot axis spaced at a fixed distance from an axis of rotation of the driven gear, and the second end having a pivotal connection with a pivot axis spaced at a fixed distance from an axis of rotation of the drive pinion.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2019Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITEDInventor: Arnaud Didey
-
Patent number: 11524773Abstract: A drone includes a surrounding cage which can be disassembled from a propeller-carrying internal base. In another aspect, a drone includes at least one fastening clip which attaches arcuate external ribs to a periphery of a central and internal frame, whereafter the fastening clip can be removed for disassembly of the ribs from the frame. Yet another aspect provides a flying drone employs a fastening clip including a snap fit and a generally U-shaped body. A further embodiment has a flying drone with at least one light externally mounted adjacent a periphery of a central propeller-carrying base, located between a pair of external ribs.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2021Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: UAVPatent Corp.Inventors: Giuseppe Santangelo, Yawar Afzali, Matteo Pizzolante
-
Patent number: 11492055Abstract: A parking robot for a transportation vehicle having a holding device for firmly holding a wheel of the transportation vehicle and housing at least one drive installation on two opposite sides. The drive installation has a height-adjustable running gear having at least one parking robot wheel and adjusts the holding device relative to the at least one parking robot wheel between a lowered and a raised position. The parking robot autonomously moves to a receiving position on the wheel of the transportation vehicle, in which receiving position the holding device firmly holds the wheel, and by adjusting the holding device to the raised position by the running gear, raises the firmly held wheel of the transportation vehicle relative to the respective parking robot wheels.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2019Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Inventors: Julius Ibenthal, Theodoros Tzivanopoulos
-
Patent number: 11479370Abstract: A turnaround monitoring system and method are configured to monitor a turnaround of an aircraft at an airport. The turnaround monitoring system and method include receiving, by a turnaround analysis control unit, turnaround data regarding the aircraft at the airport, and determining, by the turnaround analysis control unit, a turnaround status of the aircraft based on the turnaround data.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2019Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Garoe Gonzalez Parra, Millie Irene Sterling, Darren Macer
-
Patent number: 11479367Abstract: An assistance vehicle designed for supplying electrical energy to an electric taxiing device of an aircraft landing gear when the aircraft is moving over the ground. The assistance vehicle includes an autonomous energy source, a connector enabling it to be coupled to the aircraft and to electrically power the electric taxiing device. When an assistance instruction comprising the aircraft position is received, the assistance vehicle moves in an autonomous manner so as to reach the position of the aircraft, is automatically connected to the electric taxiing device when the assistance vehicle reaches the position of the aircraft and switches into freewheeling mode. When the assisted move has finished, the assistance vehicle is separated from the electric taxiing device and switches back into tractor mode. Thus, the electrical power supply system of the aircraft is simplified by externalizing the electrical supply of the electric taxiing device.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Airbus Operations SASInventor: Alexandre Ricaud
-
Patent number: 11433993Abstract: A nose landing gear system is disclosed. In various embodiments, the nose landing gear system includes an electric motor; a hydraulic pump connected to the electric motor; a gearbox connected to the electric motor; and a clutch configured to mechanically couple the gearbox to a steering collar.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2019Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Goodrich CorporationInventor: Jason Bradley Allen
-
Patent number: 11428316Abstract: The invention provides an engagement method for engaging a first gear element with a second gear element, at least the second gear element being mounted to move between a meshing position and a disengaged position by means of an actuator. The engagement method including a step of driving at least one of the gear elements in rotation so as to establish a non-zero difference in speed of rotation between said gear elements, and a step of controlling the actuator to perform the following in succession: moving at least the second gear element towards the meshing position; on detecting contact between the gear elements, stopping the movement of the second gear element; and on detecting an ideal angular position for engaging said gear elements, moving the second gear element as quickly as possible into the meshing position.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2019Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMSInventors: Julien Fraim, Frédérik Giraud, Frédéric Martin, Alexandre Veillon
-
Patent number: 11338047Abstract: A method for disinfecting a water system of an aircraft includes letting-in of hot water at an inlet of the water system by a first ground service unit; flushing the hot water from the inlet, through water pipes of the water system, to an outlet of the water system; and letting-out of the hot water at the outlet, by the first ground service unit or a second ground service unit; the hot water being flushed into the inlet and out of the outlet over a predefined disinfection period; and the hot water being provided at the inlet via a continuous-flow heater of the first ground service unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2019Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Inventors: Sebastian Flashaar, Michael Rempe, Axel Schreiner
-
Patent number: 11332237Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the torque of a drive device (1) for rotating wheels (2) of an aircraft comprising actuators for selectively driving rotating wheels of the aircraft to ensure its movement on the ground, comprising the step of regulating a torque generated by the drive device according to a torque setpoint (4) issued by the pilot. According to the invention, the method involves the step of generating, as long as the torque setpoint is not sufficient to guarantee a stable movement speed of the aircraft, a replacement torque setpoint (5) to allow the aircraft to move at a stable speed, and substituting the replacement torque setpoint for the torque setpoint generated by the pilot.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMSInventor: Laurent Boissard
-
Patent number: 11260992Abstract: A dolly for placement beneath a landing gear of an aircraft that enables transport of the aircraft without rolling the tire of the aircraft. The dolly includes a platform for a tire to rest on and a channel for positioning the tire. The dolly includes a winch for translating the dolly and aircraft tire relative to each other such that the landing gear is brought to rest on the platform, and one or more stops for securing the aircraft landing gear with respect to the dolly. Once positioned, the dolly can be used while transporting the aircraft, either by hand pushing, a hand towbar, a motorized tug with a towbar, or other mode. The dolly is useful for moving aircraft in tight spaces and is also useful for transporting aircraft with damaged landing gear or flat tires.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2020Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: West Metro Aviation, LLCInventor: Michael Wiskus
-
Patent number: 11249494Abstract: A monitoring system for an aircraft has sensors that are used to sense the presence of objects around the aircraft for collision avoidance, navigation, or other purposes. At least one of the sensors may be configured to sense objects around the aircraft and provide data indicative of the sensed objects. The monitoring system may use information from the sensor and information about the aircraft to determine an escape envelope including possible routes that the aircraft can follow to avoid colliding with the object. The monitoring system may select an escape path based on the escape envelope and control the aircraft to follow the escape path to avoid collision with one or more objects.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2018Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: A{circumflex over ( )}3 by Airbus LLCInventors: Arne Stoschek, Zachary Thomas Lovering, Alexander Dean Naiman, Cedric Cocaud
-
Patent number: 11231088Abstract: A method for engaging a first gear element with a second gear element is provided. The second gear element is mounted to be mobile between a meshing position and a position of disengagement using an actuator. The method includes driving one or more of the first and second gear elements in rotation to form a non-zero rotation speed difference between the first and second gear elements and controlling the actuator to successively displace the second gear element to the meshing position, and when an intermediate position of the second gear element is detected, stop the displacement of the second gear element, and when an angular position of engagement of the first and second gear elements is detected, displace the second gear element to the meshing position.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2019Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMSInventors: Julien Fraim, Frédérik Giraud, Frédéric Martin, Alexandre Veillon