Aircraft Propulsion And Steering On Land Or Water Patents (Class 244/50)
  • Patent number: 8991740
    Abstract: A combination rotor and wheel assembly for an unmanned vehicle with ground and aerial mobility has a rotor arm adapted to be attached at an inner end thereof to a vehicle body. A rotor is rotatably connected to an outer end of the rotor arm about a rotor axis, and a rotor drive mounted on the rotor arm rotates the rotor such that the rotor exerts an upward lift force on the rotor arm. An open spoked wheel is rotatably connected about the rotor axis independent of the rotor The diameter of the wheel is greater than that of the rotor, and a bottom edge of the wheel is below the rotor. A wheel drive rotates the wheel. Vehicles can have various numbers and orientations of the rotor and wheel assembly to provide aerial and ground mobility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Draganfly Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Orville Olm, Greg Wood, Zenon Dragan
  • Patent number: 8985505
    Abstract: The invention provides an aircraft landing gear arrangement, comprising a bogie including a steerable axle pivotally mounted to said bogie. A locking mechanism is provided to lock the steerable axle in the straight ahead position, where the locking mechanism includes an over-center linkage arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Paul Briancourt
  • Publication number: 20150076280
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for improving efficiency of aircraft gate services and reducing time spent by an aircraft parked parallel to an airport terminal wherein aircraft utilities and gate services provided during turnaround are supported by an arrangement of flexibly movable, service and utility-carrying extendable passenger boarding bridges that enable passenger and baggage exchange concurrently with connection of utilities and provision of gate services to the aircraft. Baggage transfer is facilitated by conveyors mounted on one or more loading bridges and designed to provide a direct connection between an aircraft and a terminal. Aircraft are maneuvered by a pilot into and out of a parallel parking location in a forward direction by an engines-off electric taxi system, enabling loading bridge, utility, and service connections to be made to multiple aircraft doors as soon as the aircraft reaches a parking location and then quickly disconnected upon departure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Isaiah W. Cox, Joseph J. Cox, Jan Vana
  • Patent number: 8979019
    Abstract: An aircraft taxi drive system includes a motor that is configured to transfer power to an aircraft wheel via a drive chain, such that the motor rotates the aircraft wheel via the drive chain. In some examples, the drive chain is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the drive chain, such as an exterior surface of the drive chain, is engaged with a driven sprocket that is mechanically connected to an aircraft wheel. In the second position, the drive chain is disengaged from the driven sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Christensen, Louie T. Gaines, David L. Charles
  • Patent number: 8973866
    Abstract: A landing gear for an aircraft has a set of axially spaced wheels rotatable about a common axis drive by a transverse flux drive. In another feature, a transverse flux drive includes a first rotor and a second rotor. One of the first and second rotors is positioned radially inwardly of the other. A single stator is positioned radially intermediate the first and second rotors. In another feature, a landing gear combination for use on an aircraft has a nose wheel assembly including at least one nose wheel to be associated with a nose cone on an aircraft. A main landing gear assembly is also associated with the aircraft. A transverse flux motor provides on-ground propulsion and/or braking to the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Lubomir A. Ribarov, Jacek F. Gieras
  • Patent number: 8967939
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving parked aircraft with a tractor via an aircraft lift dolly which includes a hinged gate to entrap the aircraft nose gear. The aircraft lift dolly may be removably detachably coupled to the tractor through two attachment points to an intermediate connecting towbar. The aircraft lift dolly includes a lift mechanism having a lift carriage which is selectively elevated. The lift carriage includes a fixed forward chock and a rear chock that it repositioned longitudinally with respect to the forward chock and is hingedly coupled. The chocks are positioned about the aircraft nose gear without movement of the aircraft. Elevating the lift cradle elevates the chocks and the nose gear cradled therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hammonds Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl L. Hammonds
  • Patent number: 8955793
    Abstract: Aircraft landing gear comprised of a wheel hub motor/generator includes alternating rotors and stators mounted with respect to the wheel support and wheel. The invention in certain embodiments can provide motive force to the wheel when electrical power is applied, e.g. prior to touch-down, thus decreasing the difference in relative velocities of the tire radial velocity with that of the relative velocity of the runway and reducing the sliding friction wear of the tire. After touchdown the wheel hub motor/generator may be used as a generator thus applying a regenerative braking force and/or a motorized braking action to the wheel. The energy generated upon landing may be dissipated through a resistor and/or stored for later use in providing a source for motive power to the aircraft wheels for taxiing and ground maneuvers of the aircraft. Methods and apparatuses for nose gear steering and ABS braking using the disclosed invention are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Steven Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20150034761
    Abstract: An elastic device for coupling between an aircraft landing gear wheel and a coaxial motorization member for motorization of the wheel. The elastic device comprises a plurality of arms to be rotationally coupled to the motorization member adjacent a first radially inner end and which are to be linked to the wheel adjacent their radially outer opposite end, the arms being substantially rigid in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the wheel and flexible in directions substantially transverse to the plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Laurent Tizac, Cedric Lesage
  • Patent number: 8944368
    Abstract: An aircraft steering actuator has a driving shaft for connection to a drive source, the driving shaft defining a first axis, and a driven shaft for substantially perpendicular connection to a landing gear axle of an aircraft, the driven shaft defining a driven axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, in which the driving shaft and driven shaft are connected in driving engagement by a ball-worm gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Elliot, Arnaud Didey
  • Patent number: 8942915
    Abstract: Method for identifying an airplane in connection to parking of the airplane at a gate or a stand, for possible connection of a passenger bridge (1) or a loading bridge to a door of an airplane, where the airplane is positioned and stopped at a predetermined position using a touchless measurement of the distance between the airplane and a fixed point, where the distance is indicated on a display (6) mounted in front of the pilot of the airplane on for instance an airport building (7), which display (6) shows the position of the airplane (5) in relation to a stop point for the airplane and shows the current airplane type, where the distance measurement and display are caused to be activated by a computer system (20) belonging to the airport or manually, and wherein an antenna (16) is caused to receive information (17) transmitted by an airplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: FMT International Trade AB
    Inventor: Per Thelander
  • Publication number: 20150021431
    Abstract: A method for accelerated power push back of an aircraft equipped with a pilot-controlled engines-off taxi system that drives the aircraft without reliance on the aircraft's main engines or tugs is provided. An aircraft is quickly and efficiently moved out of a gate where it is positioned in a nose-in orientation. The pilot controls the taxi system to drive the aircraft in reverse along a perpendicular path away from the terminal to a location where there is sufficient space for the aircraft to stop and turn, and the aircraft is turned and driven in a forward direction to a takeoff runway. Pilot reliance on ground personnel guidance during push back maneuvers is minimized by providing a monitoring system designed to monitor gate and ramp areas around the aircraft in any visibility or environmental conditions and provide feedback to the pilot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Stefan Kracht, Jan Vana, Joseph J. Cox, Isaiah W. Cox
  • Patent number: 8924040
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for reversing an aircraft on the ground comprising driving the aircraft using at least one self-propelled undercarriage wheel. An apparatus for controlling at least one of speed and at least one direction of an aircraft having a self-propelled nosewheel, on the ground, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a control arm; a control unit; means for transmitting information to said self-propelled nosewheel; means for receiving information at said self-propelled nosewheel; and means for controlling at least one of the speed and direction of said nosewheel; whereby airport ground staff can intuitively control the movements of said aircraft by holding said arm and moving it in the direction of required movement of said aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventors: Jonathan Sidney Edelson, Isaiah Watas Cox
  • Patent number: 8905347
    Abstract: The invention provides a steering resetting method for an aircraft undercarriage that includes a leg in which a steerable bottom portion is mounted to slide against a suspension force generated by a shock absorber, the undercarriage being provided with a controllable steering member for causing the steerable bottom portion to swivel in response to an angular position setpoint, the undercarriage also including at least one angular position sensor adapted to generate an electrical signal representative of the angular position of the steerable bottom portion and suitable for use in controlling the steering member; the method comprises the step, performed when the steerable bottom portion is in an indexed angular position while the aircraft is in flight and the undercarriage is fully extended, of setting the electrical signal from the sensor to a determined reset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Messier-Bugatti-Dowty
    Inventor: Michaël Benmoussa
  • Publication number: 20140353423
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for propelling an object across a surface is disclosed. A motor is disposed at a location of a wheel of the object and draws electrical power directly from a power supply in order to generate a constant mechanical motion such as a constant rotation. A transmission receives the constant mechanical motion from the motor and generates a variable mechanical motion such as a variable-speed rotation at a wheel. Rotation of the wheel propels the object across the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Richard A. Himmelmann
  • Patent number: 8899516
    Abstract: A landing gear for an aircraft has a pair of spaced wheels, and a drive and steering arrangement operable to drive each of the wheels in either rotational direction. The drive and steering arrangement includes two permanent magnet rotors, with each of the permanent magnet rotors connected to rotate with one of the wheels. A single stator is positioned to drive both of the rotors. The drive and steering arrangement is mounted between the pair of wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: JHamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Lubomir A. Ribarov, Jacek F. Gieras
  • Patent number: 8899517
    Abstract: A landing gear, including an elongate axle pivotally connected to a bogie beam, the landing gear further including a locking device for locking the axle at a substantially fixed orientation with respect to the bogie beam, the locking device including first and second barrier arms that are movable between a first configuration, in which they define a barrier so as to maintain the maintain the axle in the substantially fixed orientation with respect to the bogie beam, and a second configuration, in which the axle may pivot about the bogie beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Messier-Dowty Limited
    Inventor: Ian Bennett
  • Patent number: 8894005
    Abstract: A landing gear assembly includes a control system configured to output an amount of operation corresponding to an operated physical amount; a wheel; a landing gear supported by a frame of the aircraft, and configured to rotatably support the wheel; a steering system configured to steer the wheel using the amount of operation as a command value; and a detection sensor configured not to output a detection signal when the aircraft flies in air, and to output the detection signal when the aircraft stays on ground. When the detection sensor does not output the detection signal, or when speed of the aircraft is higher than first limitation speed, the steering system orients rotation of the wheel in a longitudinal direction of the aircraft in disregard of the amount of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Precision Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuto Onomichi, Kazunari Tada, Takeshi Otani, Hiroshi Morimoto
  • Publication number: 20140332622
    Abstract: An electric taxi system (ETS) for an aircraft may include an annular output gearbox positioned between a wheel and a main strut of a main landing gear of the aircraft. The output gearbox may surround a brake piston assembly of the wheel of the aircraft. One or more selectively operable engaging assemblies, for selectively coupling the ETS with the wheel of the aircraft, may be positioned between the output gearbox and the wheel of the aircraft. The one or more selectively operable engaging assemblies may be coupled with an output gear of the output gearbox to rotate with the output gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: DAVID LANE CHARLES, DONALD JEFFREY CHRISTENSEN
  • Patent number: 8886402
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an actively variable shock absorbing system for actively controlling the load response characteristics of a shock absorbing strut. In one embodiment the shock absorbing system comprises a controllable valve adapted for actively varying a load response characteristic of the shock absorbing strut. The shock absorbing system further comprises an electronic control system comprising an input for receiving a signal from a sensor, an algorithm adapted to determine an optimal position for the controllable valve in view of the sensor signal, and an output for sending a control signal to the controllable valve to place the valve in the optimal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Armorworks Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Ken-An Lou
  • Patent number: 8874285
    Abstract: An aircraft steering angle control system is provided that minimizes the amount of skidding of an airframe that is turning on a low-? taxiway surface, such as an icy taxiway surface, and allows for directional control of the airframe by a steering command. The aircraft steering angle control system outputs an operation signal related to a steering angle as a control command signal for a nose steering wheel, and includes: a nose steering wheel envelope protection function including a reference steering angle setting unit that calculates a reference steering angle on the assumption that the airframe is not skidding; a skid detection unit that detects a skidding state of the airframe based on the reference steering angle; and a switch unit that selects a control command signal for the nose steering wheel in conjunction with the skid detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohei Funabiki, Tomoko Shinkawa, Yasuhiro Yamaguchi, Takuro Yamaji
  • Patent number: 8857544
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for motorizing a wheel (2), the system comprising a motor unit (4), a drive member (6) secured to the wheel (2) and a clutch device (7) connects the output shaft (8) of the motor unit (4) to the drive member (6). According to the invention, the motor unit (4) comprises an electric motor (11) and is carried by an un-sprung part of a suspension strut (3) of an aircraft so that the latter can be made to move along the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Olivier Essinger, Cesare Stacchi
  • Publication number: 20140284421
    Abstract: A motor-driven landing gear apparatus for an aircraft may include one or more motors attached to a bogie of the landing gear. At least one wheel-driving device may be attached to an axle of the landing gear. At least one telescoping shaft may interconnect the at least one motor and the at least one wheel-driving device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Med Osman, Louie Timothy Gaines
  • Patent number: 8833693
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for selectively transmitting force, the device comprising a first element and a second element that is movably mounted on the first element, a friction member being arranged between the first element and the second element to exert a friction force between them, which force presents a maximum value that depends on prestress imparted by a presser member. The device includes control means for varying the prestress imparted by the presser member to the friction member and arranged, where appropriate, to substantially release the prestress imparted by the presser member so that the prestress becomes substantially zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Messier-Bugatti-Dowty
    Inventors: Arnaud Lafitte, Gérard Balducci
  • Patent number: 8833694
    Abstract: A split circumference wheel assembly is provided for an aircraft landing gear wheel configured to maximize the space available within a landing gear wheel well to support a motor driver assembly with drive means that drives the aircraft wheel on the ground. The split circumference wheel assembly includes separable inboard and outboard support walls that are spaced axially apart a maximized distance so that the motor driver assembly is completely contained within the maximized space defined. A preferred wheel assembly employs a demountable flange and a locking ring to integrally and removably support the motor driver assembly within the maximized wheel volume to drive one or more aircraft wheels and move the aircraft independently on the ground. The wheel and motor driver assembly described herein are designed to be retrofitted in an existing aircraft wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventors: Neal Gilleran, Robert Sweet, Scott Perkins
  • Patent number: 8827202
    Abstract: A method of managing the steering of aircraft undercarriage wheels carried by a steerable bottom portion of the undercarriage, the bottom portion being associated with steering control including a steering member suitable for steering the bottom portion of the undercarriage in response to a steering order. The method comprises the steps of (1) monitoring the pressures of the tires carried by the wheels, and in response to detecting at least one of the following events: (1A) the pressure of one of the tires is less than a first predetermined threshold, and ( 1B) the difference between the pressures of two of the tires is greater than a second determined threshold; (2) activating the steering control, if the steering control is not activated; and (3) implementing a steering control relationship that is modified compared with a nominal control relationship used when the tires are properly inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Messier-Bugatti-Dowty
    Inventors: Michael Benmoussa, Jerome Fraval
  • Publication number: 20140246539
    Abstract: A drive system for rotating a wheel of an aircraft landing gear includes a motor operable to rotate a first drive pinion via a first drive path and a driven gear adapted to be fixed to the wheel. The drive system has a first configuration in which the first drive pinion is capable of meshing with the driven gear to permit the motor to drive the driven gear via the first drive path. One of the first drive pinion and the driven gear comprises a first sprocket and the other of the first drive pinion and the driven gear comprises a series of rollers arranged to form a ring. Each roller being rotatable about a roller axis at a fixed distance from an axis of rotation of the first drive pinion or driven gear, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventor: Arnaud Didey
  • Patent number: 8820675
    Abstract: The invention disclosed is a self-propelled aircraft undercarriage for driving an aircraft on the ground, comprising: an axle; a strut supporting said axle; at least one wheel rotatably mounted on said axle; and drive means for driving said at least one wheel; characterized in that said drive means is disk shaped and is external to said wheel. In one embodiment of the invention, said drive means is mounted on said axle between said strut and said wheel. In a second embodiment, said drive means is mounted on said axle, on the side of said wheel furthest from said strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventors: Isaiah W. Cox, Hans J. Walitzki, Jonathan Edelson
  • Publication number: 20140239120
    Abstract: A bias steered landing gear system comprises a bogie beam, a first landing gear axle pivotally mounted to the bogie beam, and a steering actuator assembly. The first landing gear axle is pivotable through an axle steering range which includes a maximum inboard steering angle and a maximum outboard steering angle. The steering actuator assembly is operable to apply a steering force to steer the first landing gear axle through the axle steering range between the maximum inboard steering angle and the maximum outboard steering angle. The maximum inboard steering angle is substantially larger than the maximum outboard steering angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dennis W. Martin, James Acks
  • Publication number: 20140239119
    Abstract: A landing gear system comprises a bogie beam, a landing gear axle pivotally mounted to the bogie beam, a steering rack, a linear actuator assembly, and a steering control link. The steering rack is secured transversely to the bogie beam and is longitudinally spaced apart from the landing gear axle. The linear actuator assembly is operable to laterally translate the steering rack. The steering control link is longitudinally extendable and has an actuator end secured to the steering rack, and an axle end of the steering control link engaged with the landing gear axle. The steering control link and the landing gear axle are pivotable relative to the bogie beam about a common axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dennis W. Martin, James Acks
  • Patent number: 8807479
    Abstract: A drive ring may be configured to receive a drive key from a wheel rim in a bushing on the ring. The bushing may include a slot with clearance to allow movement of the drive key within the slot during axial or rim flexure events. The axial or rim flexure events may occur for example, during taxiing of a vehicle and the loads of the vehicle can impart flexure forces on the connection between the wheel rim and the drive system. In one exemplary embodiment, the bushing may be movable on the drive ring to accommodate movement of the drive key during flexure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David Lane Charles, Douglas Wise, Donald Jeffrey Christensen
  • Patent number: 8794564
    Abstract: In specific embodiments, a vehicle propellable through fluids or along surfaces, comprises a main work section and a plurality of propulsion units for propelling the main work section. The main work section supports one or more payloads. The propulsion units each include a rotor system and a ring-shaped wheel at least partially arranged about the rotor system and rotatable about the rotor system. The ring-shaped wheel is arranged at a banked angle relative to the rotor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Neurosciences Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald B. Hutson
  • Patent number: 8794566
    Abstract: In specific embodiments, a vehicle propellable through fluids comprises a main work section and a plurality of propulsion units. The main work section includes a payload support hub, a payload support structure rotatable in 360° about the payload support hub in at least one axis, and a core including at least one microprocessor, the core at least partially nested within the payload support hub. The at least one microprocessor is adapted to substantially maintain an orientation of the payload support structure relative to a horizon line as the vehicle is propelled. One or more payloads are mountable on the rotatable payload support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Neurosciences Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald B. Hutson
  • Publication number: 20140209733
    Abstract: A helicopter tug system features a helicopter with skids. A powered track assembly features a microprocessor connected to a power supply, a drive hub and an idler hub, a track located on the drive hub and the idler hub, a motor connected to the drive hub and the power supply, a receiver connected to the microprocessor, and a clamp located on a track assembly top. A caster support features a caster support frame having a wheel and the clamp located on a caster support frame top. The system features a radio control unit with a transmitter and a radio control power supply. A first powered track assembly is attached to the first helicopter skid and a first caster support is attached to the second helicopter skid. The radio control unit sends a first signal to the first track assembly to move the helicopter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: Anthony Y. Chan
  • Publication number: 20140203136
    Abstract: Systems and methods for ground-based aircraft thrust systems are provided. In particular, some embodiments use an electromechanical thrust assembly to accelerate aircraft using ground-based energy for takeoff. The assembly can include one or more sleds, one or more maglev tracks, and/or one or more linear motors. Airplanes are loaded onto a sled (e.g., a saddle-shaped sled) that supports and balances the airplane instead of the landing gear aboard the aircraft. The sled levitates above the ground using high-density permanent magnet arrays. Magnetic levitation forces are varied along the assembly to account for lift provided by airflow over the wings. An aircraft thrust system includes a magnetically levitated saddle-shaped sled with airbags that support an aircraft during takeoff acceleration coupled with a linear motor that spans the length of the distance needed for takeoff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Exhaustless, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven P. Endres
  • Patent number: 8788117
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method according to which an aircraft (10) is moved along the ground by means of at least two separate appliances (12) connected to the aircraft independently from each other or other appliances. A control element is provided for moving an aircraft, said element sending instructions to at least two separate appliances in order to move the aircraft along the ground by means of the appliances. The invention also relates to an appliance (12) for implementing the method according to the invention, which can communicate with an identical appliance in order to transmit and/or receive at least one datum relating to a position and/or a movement of one of the appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignees: Airbus (S.A.S.), Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Carsten Frings, Christophe Cros
  • Patent number: 8774983
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a towbarless airplane tug configured for receiving a landing gear of an airplane and towing the airplane thereby at an actual speed is disclosed. The towbarless airplane tug includes a chassis configured for receiving thereon at least a portion of the landing gear, and a propulsion arrangement configured to move the towbarless airplane tug in a direction along a trajectory. The towbarless airplane tug further includes a controller configured to compare between the actual speed of the towbarless airplane tug, when towing the airplane, and a predetermined desired speed thereof, and to direct the propulsion arrangement to maintain the actual speed of the towbarless airplane tug if: the actual speed is lower than the desired speed, and the actual speed was maintained within a predefined speed range during a predefined period that preceded the comparing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Arie Perry, Ran Braier
  • Patent number: 8757539
    Abstract: The invention solves the question of a system for transporting airplanes about airport apron from the parking location to the takeoff runway and from the landing location to the parking location with engines switched off. The system is made up of guiding grooves (5) in which guiding pins (9) installed in docking stations (8) move and are catch-fitted preferably to the front wheel (10) of the airplane (4). The guiding grooves (5) are covered from above by pivotable gratings (11) of a segmental design that open giving way to guiding pin (9) sliding in the guiding groove (5) and close following the passage of the guiding pin (9). Switching devices (12) are installed at locations of abrupt curves in the guiding grooves (4) as well as at locations of changes in direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Slavomir Malicki
  • Publication number: 20140158820
    Abstract: An aircraft landing gear comprising: 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: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Fraser WILSON, Jeremy BEDARRIDES, Vladimir PLATAGEA
  • Patent number: 8746612
    Abstract: An aircraft having wheels with hydraulically-actuating friction brakes and independent drives for driving the wheels in rotation and enabling the aircraft to move in stages of independent drive when engines of the aircraft are inactive. A main hydraulic circuit with a pressure source powers the brakes when the pressure source is active; with an alternative braking circuit for enabling the brake system at least when the engines of the aircraft are stopped. The alternative braking circuit includes an accumulator that is used for parking braking and is kept under pressure by the pressure source of the main circuit when the pressure source is active. An auxiliary hydraulic circuit pressurized by an auxiliary pump and power system enables the independent drives to be actuated. The auxiliary hydraulic circuit is connected to the alternative braking circuit to maintain an operating pressure in the accumulator of the alternative braking circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Messier-Bugatti-Dowty
    Inventors: David Delloue, Hervé Charuel
  • Patent number: 8746378
    Abstract: Here invented are efficient road vehicles having special aerodynamic shapes, with stabilizing provisions that enable aerodynamic efficiency. It is a vehicle that is configured to include a carriage part that encloses a driver and passenger riding in tandem. This car width is for persons seated in single file, enabling a narrow width that makes a body shaped like an airship practical, where that shape is characterized by a very low drag coefficient in free flow conditions. This body is elevated on struts above a wheel system to enable such free flow aerodynamic conditions, thus, the drag coefficient of the airship is made applicable to this road vehicle. The wheel system includes wheels on each side of the vehicle that are arranged in horizontal columns, to which the struts are attached. The horizontal columns act as individual aerodynamic entities that function independently of the carriage aerodynamic operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: James K. Bullis
  • Publication number: 20140138479
    Abstract: An electrical power supply device for an aircraft on the ground, the device including two electricity generators driven by an auxiliary power unit, wherein the first generator is connected by a selective connection/disconnection mechanism to an aircraft network and to an electrical taxiing network, and is configured to deliver either a first AC voltage to the aircraft network when it is connected to that network, or an AC voltage or a power to the taxiing network when it is connected to that network, and wherein the second generator is connected by the connection/disconnection mechanism to the aircraft network to deliver the first AC voltage to that network solely when the first generator is powering the taxiing network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicants: TURBOMECA, HISPANO-SUIZA
    Inventors: Sebastien Vieillard, Serge Berenger, Serge Thierry Roques, Pascal Dauriac
  • Publication number: 20140138478
    Abstract: A method for reducing airline fleet carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions and fees associated with the emission of greenhouse gases is provided. The method is implemented by equipping at least a substantial portion or all of the aircraft in an airline's fleet with onboard wheel drive means capable of translating torque through aircraft wheels and controllable to move the aircraft on the ground independently without complete reliance on the aircraft's engines or the use of external tow vehicles. One or more drive wheels, each of which may be powered by onboard electric, hydraulic, or other wheel drive means, are controllable to move each aircraft efficiently during ground travel without increasing carbon emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: BOREALIS TECHNICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Isaiah W. Cox, Rodney T. Cox, Jan Vana, Aaron Bianco, Aaron Sichel, Joseph Goldman
  • Patent number: 8727274
    Abstract: A method of managing a ground connection of an aircraft having landing gear with wheels that are subjected to static loads, some of which wheels are fitted with respective braking devices and others are fitted with respective independent drive devices, the method including the step of causing a modification to a distribution of the static loading to which the wheels of the landing gear are subjected in such a manner as to: increase the loading on at least some wheels fitted with respective braking devices, during a braking stage; and increase the loading on at least some wheels fitted with respective independent drive devices, during an independent drive stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Messier-Bugatti-Dowty
    Inventor: Anthony Sorin
  • Publication number: 20140124617
    Abstract: An electric taxi system (ETS) for an aircraft may comprise drive motors mounted coaxially with wheels of the aircraft. A clutch assembly may be interposed between the drive motor the wheel. The clutch assembly may transmit torque from the motor to the wheel when the wheel and a rotor of the motor rotate at the same rotational speed. The clutch assembly may self-disengage a rotor of the motor from the wheel when the wheel rotates faster than the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: DONALD J. CHRISTENSEN, Todd Langston, David Lane Charles, Rudy Velasquez
  • Patent number: 8702032
    Abstract: A method of taxing an aircraft with an electric taxi system (ETS) comprising of drive units producing airflow through rotors to pre-cool drive motors and produce rotation of aircraft wheels. The drive motors may be used to produce reverse motion of the aircraft and of operating the drive motors independently of one another so one can operate at a rate of speed and/or direction that is different from the second one of the drive units which may provide enhanced maneuverability of the aircraft during taxing. The drive motors may be controlled to produce regenerative power producing a deceleration of the aircraft that does not shift a center of gravity of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lane Charles, Louie Timothy Gaines, Donald J. Christensen, John Brian Dempster
  • Patent number: 8690180
    Abstract: A towing adapter can be used during towing of an airplane. The adapter is made of rigid steel with a rubber under-coating and includes two Velcro straps. The device is strapped to two folding struts that are folded down from the wheel assembly of the aircraft. It has a specific angle that keeps the struts at a certain angle with respect to each other, so that struts are accessible to users and is prevented from falling down and injuring someone or causing damage. The device can be easily removed when the towing is finished, and the struts are folded back up onto the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: HG Aircraft Products LLC
    Inventors: Ronald R. Baade, John E. Callahan, Gary C. Good
  • Patent number: 8694238
    Abstract: In a system and method of navigating a plurality vehicles consisting of one or more standalone tugs, or one or more tug propelled aircraft, or some combination thereof on the grounds of an airport, a virtual safety zone is electronically defined around each vehicle. Movement of each vehicle on the grounds of an airport is controlled based on the virtual safety zones defined around the plurality of vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbH
    Inventor: Sathya Vagheeswar Venkatasubramanian
  • Publication number: 20140091173
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft wheel comprising a rim adapted to receive a tire, and a hub connected to the rim (2) in order to receive bearings for guiding the wheel in rotation about an axis of rotation (X) on an axle of the aircraft, the wheel including at least one dog (10) that projects laterally from the rim in order to present two parallel faces (11) and that is pierced by an orifice (12) extending from one face to the other along a generally orthoradial direction (Y).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: MESSIER-BUGATTI-DOWTY
    Inventors: Mirca BARBU, Sébastien REMOND
  • Patent number: 8684300
    Abstract: An aircraft landing gear comprising: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventors: Fraser Wilson, Jeremy Bedarrides, Vladimir Platagea
  • Patent number: 8684299
    Abstract: Device for driving at least one wheel of an aircraft landing gear, which includes at least one turbine machine incorporated into the landing gear of the aircraft. Advantageously, the turbine machine is a pneumatic turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S)
    Inventors: Guillaume Bulin, Christophe Cros, Juluan Gaultier