Control System Having Electrical Or Electronic Component Patents (Class 454/74)
  • Patent number: 11878800
    Abstract: An environmental control system of an aircraft includes a plurality of inlets for receiving a plurality of mediums including a first medium, a second medium, and a third medium and an outlet for delivering a conditioned flow of the second medium to one or more loads of the aircraft. A ram air circuit includes a ram air shell having at least one heat exchanger positioned therein. At least one compressing device is arranged in fluid communication with the ram air circuit and the outlet. The at least one compressing device includes at least one compressor and at least one turbine operably coupled via a shaft. A heat exchanger is arranged in fluid communication with the at least one compressing device. The second medium output from the at least one compressing device is cooled by the third medium. The second medium is fresh air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Louis J. Bruno, Tony Ho, Aiden Coutin
  • Patent number: 11851192
    Abstract: An environmental control system of an aircraft includes a plurality of inlets for receiving a plurality of mediums including a first medium and a second medium and an outlet for delivering a conditioned flow of the second medium to one or more loads of the aircraft. A ram air circuit includes a ram air shell having at least one heat exchanger positioned therein. A compressing device is arranged in fluid communication with the ram air circuit and the outlet. The compressing device including a first compressor, a second compressor, and at least one turbine operably coupled via a shaft. The first compressor and the second compressor are arranged in parallel with respect to a flow of the second medium and the first medium is used as a heat sink by another component within the environmental control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Louis J. Bruno, Tony Ho, Aiden Coutin
  • Patent number: 11591075
    Abstract: Provided are embodiments for a system for offloading non-thrust loads. The system includes one or more thrust loads, and one or more non-thrust loads, and a controller that is operably coupled to the one or more thrust loads and the one or more non-thrust loads. The controller is configured to control the thrust loads and non-thrust loads, receive input from one or more sources, and identify a phase of flight based at least in part on the received input. The controller is also configured to offload one or more non-thrust loads during the phase of flight, and restore the one or more non-thrust loads. Also provided are embodiments for method for offloading non-thrust loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian St. Rock, Stephen E. Tongue, Matthew Robert Pearson, Juan de Bedout
  • Patent number: 11577842
    Abstract: The invention relates to a module (23) for recovery of energy of an aircraft cabin (5) comprising at least one air outlet (16) from the cabin and at least one fresh air inlet (15) into the cabin, the said module comprising: a turbine engine (30) comprising a compressor (31) and a turbine (32) mechanically coupled to one another; a cabin-air recovery duct (42) designed to be able to link the air outlet (16) from the cabin and the said turbine (32); a cabin-air injection duct (41) designed to be able to link the compressor (31) and fresh air inlet (15) into the cabin; an emergency duct (43) designed to be able to link a high-pressure air source and the said turbine (32); a control unit (25) configured to be able, according to predetermined operational conditions, to activate either a routine mode, in which the said turbine (32) is exclusively supplied by the air evacuated from the cabin (5), or an emergency mode, in which the said turbine (32) is exclusively supplied by the air provided by the high-pressure air
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: LIEBHERR-AEROSPACE TOULOUSE SAS
    Inventors: David Lavergne, Fabrice Laborde, Julien Daumas, Patrick Favreau
  • Patent number: 11273917
    Abstract: A system includes a manifold, a power unit, and a throttle valve. The manifold is configured to receive cabin discharge air from a cabin. The cabin discharge air includes cabin discharge air from a waste region of the cabin. The auxiliary power unit is fluidically coupled to the manifold and configured to draw cabin discharge air from the manifold. The throttle valve is configured to control flow of cabin discharge air from the manifold to the power unit. A method includes receiving a pressure measurement for the manifold and a pressure setpoint for the manifold representing a predetermined flow of cabin discharge air from the cabin to the manifold. The method includes determining and outputting, based on the pressure measurement and the pressure setpoint, a control signal for at least one manifold inlet configured to control flow of cabin discharge air from the cabin to the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Zug
  • Patent number: 11241653
    Abstract: A generator of inert gas from an airflow, in an inerting system for at least one aircraft fuel tank is disclosed. The generator includes a system with an air inlet and means for distributing the airflow to a plurality of air separation modules arranged in parallel on the air system to deplete oxygen in the air and generate a nitrogen-enriched inert gas at the outlet. The generator also includes a programed control unit for the distribution means to selectively supply air to a single, a portion or all of the air separation modules, depending on the flight phase of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: ZODIAC AEROTECHNICS
    Inventor: Christophe Claris
  • Patent number: 11047237
    Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a first medium at a first pressure, a second medium at a second pressure, and a medium conditioning sub-system. The medium conditioning sub-system includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a turbine. The turbine receives the first medium and the second medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Louis J. Bruno, Harold W. Hipsky
  • Patent number: 11008948
    Abstract: A system includes a venturi duct, a first delta P sensor, a second delta P sensor, and an ECS controller. The venturi duct is configured to receive a first bleed air flow or a second bleed air flow. The first and second delta P sensors are configured to sense a first and second pressure difference between a first point and a second point of the venturi duct. The first and second delta P sensors are configured to sense pressure difference over different pressure ranges. The ECS controller is configured determine a flow rate of an ECS air flow based upon the first pressure and/or second sensed pressure differences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. DeRoy, Patrick Yung, John M. Maljanian, Jeffry K. Kamenetz, Mark Vignali, John A. Schwemmer
  • Patent number: 10988262
    Abstract: A pressure control system includes an overboard valve in indirect communication with a first enclosed environment and in direct communication with a second enclosed environment. The first environment is suitable for human occupancy and configured to receive pressurized air from an environmental control system. The second environment is configured to receive the pressurized air from the first environment. An inboard valve is configured to supply a discharge of pressurized air from the second environment. An outflow valve is configured to regulate a discharge of air from the first environment to an area outside the first and second environments. A positive pressure relief valve configured to regulate a discharge of air from the first environment. A negative pressure relief valve configured to regulate an ingress of air into the first environment. A control valve is configured to regulator and supply pressurized air from the first environment to a compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Horner, Gerard McCoy, Andrew Zug, Melissa Dopkins
  • Patent number: 10718545
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an air conditioner capable of guiding air in a desired direction with an adjusted speed without marring the appearance to solve the above-described problems. An air conditioner comprising a ceiling-embedded type indoor unit configured to discharge air into an indoor room through an air outlet simultaneously sucking indoor air through an air inlet, wherein a air conditioner comprises, a main flap configured to guide a direction of air discharged from a air outlet in a preset direction, and a sub-flap configured to guide the direction of air between the main flap and the sub-flap in the preset direction, wherein a length of a main flap in a direction where air flows is longer than that of the sub-flap in the direction where air flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ajiki Tomohito, Shinji Goto
  • Patent number: 10431214
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods, systems and other embodiments directed to determining an information domain match for a natural language (NL) input (e.g., a spoken utterance), and confirming whether the NL input is correctly matched to the information domain. For example, after receiving an NL input, a first information domain to which the NL input belongs and a feature value set may be determined based on a semantic pattern matching technique. Further, a second information domain to which the NL input belongs, and a corresponding confidence score related to the second information domain may be determined. The second information domain may be determined based on a first statistical classification technique. Based on the determined feature value set and the confidence score related to the second information domain, it may be confirmed whether the NL input correctly belongs to the first information domain, e.g., based on a second statistical classification technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Voicebox Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Yikun Guo, Safiyyah Saleem, Jiayuan Huang
  • Patent number: 10408501
    Abstract: An environmental control system includes a primary heat exchanger operable to transfer heat from an air source to a refrigerant in a generator flow and output an air flow. An ejector is operable to produce an intermediate refrigerant flow based on receiving the generator flow as a motive fluid and drawing a vapor refrigerant flow as a suction fluid. A refrigerant condenser is operable to convert the intermediate refrigerant flow to a liquid refrigerant flow. A pump is operable to provide the refrigerant to the primary heat exchanger from a portion of the liquid refrigerant flow. An expansion device is operable to expand the liquid refrigerant flow prior to entering an evaporator. The evaporator is operable to convert the liquid refrigerant flow to the vapor refrigerant flow and produce a cooled evaporator air flow output based on the air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Abdelrahman I. Elsherbini, Brian St. Rock
  • Patent number: 10247100
    Abstract: Airplanes and jet engines are provided that includes an engine compressor; a combustor in flow communication with the engine compressor; an engine turbine in flow communication with the combustor to receive combustion products from the combustor; and a bleed air cooling system in fluid communication with bleed air from the engine compressor. The bleed air cooling system can include a first precooler in fluid communication with the bleed air from the engine compressor; a cooling system turbine in fluid communication with and downstream from the first precooler; and a discharge conduit from the cooling system turbine that is configured to be in fluid communication with at least one of an aircraft thermal management system and an aircraft environmental control system. Methods are also described for providing cooling fluid from a jet engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kevin Richard Leamy, Benjamin Paul Breig, Michael Jay Epstein, Javier Armando Parrilla, Matthew John Hurt, Thomas Edward Brinson, Andrew James Fleming
  • Patent number: 10239622
    Abstract: An outflow valve is provided. The outflow valve includes a frame and a first door rotatably coupled to the frame. The first door has a first side opposite a second side and a bellmouth. The bellmouth is defined by a super-ellipse, with a major axis of the super-ellipse substantially parallel to the second side and a minor axis of the super-ellipse substantially perpendicular to the second side. The outflow valve also includes a second door rotatably coupled to the frame. The first door and the second door are substantially simultaneously movable between at least a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Brown, Yogendra Yogi Sheoran, Bruce Dan Bouldin, William Facinelli
  • Patent number: 10220676
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for estimating a quality of air in proximity to a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: determining a radius of the vehicle; estimating a number of vehicles within the radius of the vehicle; estimating the quality of air based on the number of vehicles; and selectively generating a control signal to an air inlet valve based on the quality of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Rulthe Ranjita Rajendrakumar Kulthe
  • Patent number: 9792901
    Abstract: A speech system may be configured to operate in conjunction with a stationary base device and a handheld remote device to receive voice commands from a user. A user may direct speech either to the base device or to the handheld device. In order to direct speech to the base device, the user first speaks a keyword. In order to direct speech to the handheld device, the user presses a talk control on the handheld device. A dialog may be conducted with the user in multiple turns, where each turn comprises user speech and a speech response by the speech system. The user speech in any given dialog turn may be provided from the base device and/or the handheld device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Shirin Saleem, Aimee Therese Piercy, Marcello Typrin, Shamitha Somashekar, Kurt Wesley Piersol
  • Patent number: 9540111
    Abstract: An air conditioning system for an aircraft for the individual air conditioning of regions of a cabin of an aircraft includes a central air conditioning device, which provides a pressurized and temperature-controlled central air flow. A part of the central air flow is supplied to a first cabin region. Another part of the central air flow is heated in a heating device or cooled in a cooling device and supplied to another cabin region. Water evaporates in the cooling device, in order to cool the air flow to be supplied to the cabin region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Jan Dittmar, Christian Schumacher
  • Patent number: 9544430
    Abstract: A method and system for transcription of spoken language into continuous text for a user comprising the steps of inputting spoken language of at least one user or of a communication partner of the at least one user into a mobile device of the respective user, wherein the input spoken language of the user is transported within a corresponding stream of voice over IP data packets to a transcription server; transforming the spoken language transported within the respective stream of voice over IP data packets into continuous text by means of a speech recognition algorithm run by said transcription server, wherein said speech recognition algorithm is selected depending on a natural language or dialect spoken in the area of the current position of said mobile device; and outputting said transformed continuous text forwarded by said transcription server to said mobile device of the respective user or to a user terminal of the respective user in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Verbavoice GMBH
    Inventors: Michaela Nachtrab, Robin Ribback
  • Patent number: 9511647
    Abstract: In an air conditioner for a vehicle with an equipment controlled in accordance with a traveling state of the vehicle, a first heater is disposed to heat air to be blown into a vehicle compartment by using a coolant of the equipment as a heat source, and a second heater is adapted as an auxiliary heater to further heat the air heated by the first heater. A heating capacity of the first heater is controlled such that a temperature of the equipment is approached to a predetermined temperature when the thermal fluid after passing through the first heater returns the equipment, and a heating capacity of the second heater is controlled such that a temperature of air to be blown into the vehicle compartment becomes a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michio Nishikawa, Nobuharu Kakehashi
  • Patent number: 9233756
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for adjusting nitrogen and oxygen concentrations within regions of an aircraft. The method includes separating nitrogen from ambient air onboard an aircraft thereby establishing a high-concentration nitrogen supply and then dispensing high-concentration nitrogen from the supply to a fire-susceptible, non-habitable region of the aircraft where the high-concentration nitrogen is reservoired thereby decreasing the capability for the atmosphere therein to support combustion. Oxygen is also separated from the ambient air thereby establishing a high-concentration oxygen supply that is dispensed to an occupant cabin of the aircraft thereby increasing the level of oxygen concentration within the cabin to a level greater than the naturally occurring concentration of oxygen at the experienced internal cabin pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Geary, Jason Marc Stevenson
  • Patent number: 9096320
    Abstract: A single valve door thrust recovery outflow valve is provided that does not rely on a relatively large and expensive actuator to move it, and does not create unwanted drag during aircraft cruise operations. The valve includes a valve frame, a valve door, and an aerodynamic flap. The valve door is rotationally coupled to the valve frame, is adapted to receive a drive torque, and is configured, upon receipt of the drive torque, to rotate between a closed position, a full-open position, and a plurality of partial-open positions between the closed position and the full-open position. The aerodynamic flap is coupled to the valve door. When the valve door is in the closed position and in numerous partial-open positions, the aerodynamic flap makes the thrust recovery outflow valve aerodynamically clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Darrell Horner, Justin A. Tanner
  • Patent number: 9011219
    Abstract: A system for air-conditioning an aircraft cabin includes an air conditioning unit connected to a central mixer, a first recirculation system designed to remove exhaust air from a first aircraft cabin region and connected to the central mixer, and a second recirculation system designed to remove exhaust air from a second aircraft cabin region and connected to a local mixer. A control device is designed to control the second recirculation system to reduce an air volume flow being removed from the second aircraft cabin region when shifting from a first operating state (e.g., normal operation) to a second operating state (e.g., defined operating situations such as when quick cooling is desired). The air volume being removed from the first aircraft cabin region may be increased accordingly in the second operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Brunnberg, Dariusz Krakowski
  • Publication number: 20150065025
    Abstract: A compressing device added to a cabin air conditioning system to increase a pressure of air in the cabin air conditioning system itself and, thus, allow for lower pressure air to be bled from the engine. For instance, the compressing device allows air to be bled from a low, rather than a high, pressure locations of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Louis J. Bruno, Harold W. Hipsky
  • Publication number: 20150065024
    Abstract: A refrigeration system for providing cooled air to a plurality of galley compartments. The refrigeration system includes a plurality of galley compartments configured to receive therein at least one galley cart, a refrigeration unit configured to supply cooled air to the plurality of galley compartments, and an airflow supply and return system coupling the refrigeration unit to the plurality of compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Moran, David M. Rumill
  • Patent number: 8924025
    Abstract: A heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) module for a vehicle includes an HVAC structure to accommodate a plurality of HVAC system components, the HVAC structure configured to be installed in a host vehicle. The HVAC module also includes an interconnect network with a first group of the HVAC system components and a hub component, wherein the hub component is coupled to a second group of the HVAC system components. An HVAC module connector is coupled to the interconnect network to establish data connectivity between the interconnect network and an electronic control module of the host vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gilles M. Delorme, Bechara E. Najm, Mervin L. Rose, Jr., Volker Weber, Nedra D. McQuarters
  • Publication number: 20140323026
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to adjusting cabin pressure based on ambient conditions to achieve a target aircraft inflow. An aspect includes receiving a number of occupants on an aircraft. The ambient conditions on the aircraft are monitored and an occupant threshold limit is determined for the aircraft based on the ambient conditions. If it is determined that the number of occupants exceeds the occupant threshold limit, the cabin pressure is reduced in the aircraft according to embodiments. The cabin pressure in the aircraft is reset in response to the occupant threshold limit being increased due to changing ambient conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brendon W. Lewis, Young K. Park, Allison Mainelli, Cuiye Chen
  • Patent number: 8840451
    Abstract: An aircraft cabin pressure control system outflow valve includes a frame, a valve element, and a vortex generator structure. The vortex generator structure is coupled to the valve element and is rotatable therewith, and includes a plurality of first vortex generators and a plurality of second vortex generators. The first vortex generators spaced are apart from each other and are configured to generate first vortices when the valve element is in an open position and fluid flows through the flow passage. The second vortex generators are formed in each of the first vortex generators and are spaced apart from each other. The second vortex generators are each configured to generate second vortices, which are smaller than the first vortices, when the valve element is in an open position and fluid flows through the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Chuck Royalty, Kevin Allan Kingsley Jones, Ralph Warren Leclercq, Laura Tanner
  • Patent number: 8808072
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cabin pressure control system that comprises a first outflow valve having a first motor controlled by a first outflow valve controller, the first outflow valve having a first backup motor controlled by a first backup controller. A second outflow valve has a second motor controlled by a second outflow valve controller, the second outflow valve also having a second backup motor controlled by a second backup controller. Upon failure of the first outflow valve controller, the second outflow valve controller controls the first outflow valve via the first backup controller and the first backup motor; and upon failure of the second outflow valve controller, the first outflow valve controller controls the second outflow valve via the second backup controller and the second backup motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell W. Horner, Joaquin P. Rabon
  • Patent number: 8795041
    Abstract: When conditioned air is supplied in an aircraft, the conditioned air in which at least one of oxygen concentration and humidity is adjusted is generated in the aircraft. The generated conditioned air is blown via a plurality of air blow-off ports 40a disposed inside the aircraft cabin so that the conditioned air reaches face disposition regions of passengers H in a plurality of seat locations inside the cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignees: Shimadzu Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidefumi Saito, Kay Takao
  • Publication number: 20140162542
    Abstract: A method for emergency ventilating and pressurizing an aircraft cabin comprises determining a cabin pressure within the aircraft cabin and determining an ambient pressure in an aircraft environment. Descent of the aircraft is initiated when the cabin pressure falls below a predetermined threshold value. A supply of ambient air from the aircraft environment into the aircraft cabin is initiated, when, during descent of the aircraft, a differential pressure between the cabin pressure and the ambient pressure falls below a first calculated threshold value. The supply of ambient air into the aircraft cabin and an operation of an air outflow valve of a cabin pressurization system of the aircraft are controlled such that a flow of ambient air into the aircraft cabin corresponds to at least a predetermined minimum value and the differential pressure between the cabin pressure and the ambient pressure does not fall below a second calculated threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: David Huart, Hanjo Hadewig
  • Patent number: 8734211
    Abstract: One embodiment of a pressure management system for an aircraft may include a cavity, an opening in a surface of the cavity, and a moveable door. An interior area within the cavity may have an interior pressure and an exterior area outside of the cavity may have an exterior pressure. The door may open to uncover the opening and may close to cover the opening in response to pressure differential between the exterior pressure and the interior pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Clyde R. Tuchimaa, Susan D. Paish
  • Patent number: 8694181
    Abstract: A method of calibrating an outflow valve on an aircraft may include determining if the aircraft has reached a predetermined cruise condition. The outflow valve may be moved until a closed position is reached, if the aircraft has reached the predetermined cruise condition. An actual position feedback value of the outflow valve may be determined while the aircraft is in the predetermined cruise condition. An offset calibration factor may be determined from the actual position feedback value of the outflow valve relative to a theoretical value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Horner, Timothy Biss, Gerard McCoy, Tim Hilzendeger, Joaquin Rabon, Timothy R. Arthurs
  • Publication number: 20140065938
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for equalizing an overpressure in the interior of an aircraft cabin. The system includes a fluid flow path for providing fluid communication between the interior of an aircraft cabin and the exterior of the aircraft and a check valve having an opened state and a closed state. The check valve enables fluid flow through the fluid flow path from the interior of the aircraft cabin to the exterior of the aircraft and blocks fluid flow through the fluid flow path in the reverse direction when the check valve is in the opened state, and blocks fluid flow through the fluid flow path in both flow directions when the check valve is in the closed state. The system also includes a control operatively coupled to the check valve for controlling the check valve to switch between the opened state and the closed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: ILJA WAIGL
  • Patent number: 8571726
    Abstract: A method for calculating an aircraft fuselage leakage calculation of an aircraft is provided. The method comprises determining a calculation period for an aircraft fuselage leakage value and inputting the calculation period into a computer to obtain a first input data. The method further comprises obtaining one or more outside air inflow rates and inputting the one or more outside air inflow rates into the computer to obtain a second input data. The method further comprises obtaining one or more air outflow rates and inputting the one or more air outflow rates into the computer to obtain a third input data. The method further comprises accumulating the first input data, the second input data, and the third input data in the computer to obtain an accumulated input data. The method further comprises processing the accumulated input data with a process software to obtain an output data in the form of a calculated aircraft fuselage leakage value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John C. Gray, Kyle D. Eilers, Warren A. Atkey
  • Patent number: 8463496
    Abstract: An electronic controller for a sub-system of an air management system including an area conversion module and a sub-system area control module. The area conversion module includes inputs for a bleed output pressure set point, a bleed output pressure measurement, a sub-system parameter set point, a sub-system parameter measurement, and a sub-system output pressure measurement; and sub-modules for calculating an area set point and an area measurement. The sub-modules generate the area set point as a function of the engine bleed output pressure set point, the sub-system parameter set point, and the sub-system output pressure measurement; and the area measurement as a function of the bleed output pressure measurement, the sub-system parameter measurement, and the sub-system output pressure measurement. The sub-system area control module generates a control output for the sub-system as a function of the calculated area set point and the calculated area measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ernst, Kenneth F. Bibbins, Bruce R. Schroder
  • Publication number: 20130059518
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system (10) for controlling a water landing of an aircraft comprising at least one detection device (12, 14, 16, 18), which is adapted to detect at least one signal suitable for recognizing an imminent water landing of the aircraft. A control unit (20) is adapted to receive the at least one signal suitable for recognizing an imminent water landing of the aircraft and to evaluate said signal on the basis of at least one predetermined recognition characteristic that characterizes a water landing of the aircraft. The control unit (20) is also adapted to control a closing device (24) associated with an opening (22) in such a way that in the event of a water landing of the aircraft the entry of water into an interior area of the aircraft through the opening (22) is prevented if the control unit (20) recognizes that a water landing of the aircraft is imminent on the basis of the at least one signal and the at least one recognition characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Carsten Biegemann, Ugur Akin, Julien Berbach
  • Patent number: 8365550
    Abstract: This invention relates to an aircraft air conditioning system with at least one compressor, a first conduit connected with a pressure side of the compressor and at least one cooling unit provided downstream of the compressor. A second bypass conduit is connected with the pressure side of the compressor to conduct at least part of the compressed air around at least one cooling unit and has a throttle for varying air flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Martin Vögel
  • Patent number: 8328606
    Abstract: An altitude switch limit assembly has two independent limit switches to monitor cabin pressure and back up performance of the auto and monitor channels on the aircraft. The auto channel closes a first switch upon sensing that a cabin pressure falls below a set value, the monitor channel closes a second switch upon sensing that the cabin pressure falls below the set value. A first independent limit switch may be wired to the auto channel and a second independent limit switch may be wired to the monitor channel. Logic circuitry may determine that the assembly closes an outflow valve regulating cabin pressure when either both independent limit switches sense the condition, or when one of the independent limit switch senses the condition and either the auto channel or monitor channel to which that independent limit switch may be wired senses the same condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ed Benkert, Rich Morey, Duane Inscho
  • Patent number: 8298055
    Abstract: In a process and a system for controlling the pressure in an aircraft cabin the status of at least one aircraft door is detected by at least one detection device by transmitting a signal indicative of the status of the aircraft door to a unit for controlling an avionics ventilation system which is controlled in dependence upon the signal indicative of the status of the aircraft door in such a way that a build-up of pressure in the aircraft cabin is prevented when the signal indicative of the status of the aircraft door indicates that the aircraft door is not fully closed and secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Thorsten Schiek
  • Publication number: 20120196520
    Abstract: A regulating system for the regulation of the cabin pressure PC of an aircraft, includes at least one cabin pressure regulator unit, which is so configured that, by controlling at least one air outflow or air inflow device of the aircraft, it can set the cabin pressure Pc within the aircraft fuselage with the latter supplied with fresh air and subjected to pressure at a pressure level or a cabin height defined by the cabin regulator unit. If there are changes to be made to the pressure level or the cabin height, for example while the aircraft is climbing or descending, the cabin regulator unit maintains the quotient of the time-related change of the cabin pressure Pc in the aircraft cabin and the cabin pressure Pc constant. The result is that the gas expansion rate, or the gas compression rate in a passenger's middle ear, remains constant, so that during the entire climbing or descending stage no varying or increasing discomfort is experienced by the passengers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Petrac, Ugur Akin
  • Patent number: 8015973
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for adjusting nitrogen and oxygen concentrations within regions of an aircraft. The method includes separating nitrogen from ambient air onboard an aircraft thereby establishing a high-concentration nitrogen supply and then dispensing high-concentration nitrogen from the supply to a fire-susceptible, non-habitable region of the aircraft where the high-concentration nitrogen is reservoired thereby decreasing the capability for the atmosphere therein to support combustion. Oxygen is also separated from the ambient air thereby establishing a high-concentration oxygen supply that is dispensed to an occupant cabin of the aircraft thereby increasing the level of oxygen concentration within the cabin to a level greater than the naturally occurring concentration of oxygen at the experienced internal cabin pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Geary
  • Publication number: 20110212677
    Abstract: A housing assembly for an electrical device for use on an aircraft is provided. The assembly comprises a housing configured for containing at least one electrical component in a portion of the aircraft vented to atmosphere; and a pressure communication line for communicating between an interior of the housing and a source of pressurized gas available on the aircraft for other primary purpose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventor: Kevin Allan Dooley
  • Publication number: 20110201262
    Abstract: A system for monitoring pressure change within at least one compartment of an aircraft is provided. The system includes a primary pressure sensor for providing a signal corresponding to a pressure within a primary compartment of the aircraft, a primary monitoring channel coupled to the primary pressure sensor, and an output driver coupled to the primary monitoring channel. The primary monitoring channel includes a band pass filter for receiving and filtering the primary pressure signal, a pressure change circuit for determining a change in the filtered pressure signal and for providing a pressure change output signal corresponding to the change in pressure, and a threshold logic circuit for determining whether the pressure change output signal meets a predetermined threshold and for providing a threshold output signal indicating that a decompression event has occurred if the pressure change output signal meets the predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: ADAMS RITE AEROSPACE
    Inventor: Michael Lehmann
  • Publication number: 20110196540
    Abstract: Outside air enters a ram air scoop on an aircraft frame, and is ducted to a ram air control valve. The air control valve outputs a desired air mass flow to a cyclone air-water separator which removes moisture and produces a dry air flow. A heater assembly heats the dry air to a desired temperature and directs the heated air into an equipment bay enclosure on the aircraft. The relative humidity of the heated air is sensed by an air moisture sensor which produces a corresponding signal. Other sensors disposed near a payload in the bay enclosure produce corresponding air temperature and air pressure signals. All the sensor signals are input to a processor or controller configured to activate the air control valve and the heater assembly according to set points for temperature and humidity that are specified for the payload in the bay enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: Michel Engelhardt
  • Publication number: 20110177770
    Abstract: Embodiments of an outflow valve are provided for use in conjunction with an actuator. In one embodiment, the outflow valve includes a frame and a first door rotatably coupled to the frame and configured to be moved by the actuator between an open position and a closed position. The first door includes: (i) a main body, (ii) a bellmouth fixedly coupled to the main body, and (iii) a plurality of longitudinally-spaced slots formed through the bellmouth and increasing the flexibility thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Justin A. Tanner, Albert Kang, David P. Gentile, Bill Facinelli, Kevin Jones
  • Publication number: 20110174006
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air conditioning system for a transportation means, having multiple zones to be air-conditioned, which may be variably air-conditioned by means of processed supply air in combination with individual trim air conduits, wherein the air conditioning system further has at least one heat exchanger for heating supply air by means of the exhaust heat of a fuel cell, and for discharging the supply air into a trim air distributor supplying the trim air conduits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Arendt, Till Marquardt, Andreas Westenberger, Lars Frahm
  • Publication number: 20110165828
    Abstract: An aircraft cabin pressure control system outflow thrust recovery valve includes a frame, a valve element, and actuation hardware. The frame, valve element, and at least a portion of the actuation hardware are made of composite material. The actuation hardware is disposed external to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Darrell Horner, Ross F. Meyer, Albert Kang, Kevin Prodromides, Barrett Fuhrmann, Karl Schroeder, Beth Miller, David P. Gentile, Govind Yadav
  • Patent number: 7950987
    Abstract: A cabin pressure control system and method improves cabin pressurization during aircraft take-off operations. The cabin pressure control system sets a cabin pressurization rate limit based on a cabin pressurization rate error. The cabin pressurization rate error is derived from a comparison of a sensed cabin pressure rate-of-change value and a predetermined cabin pressurization rate value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard L. McCoy, Richard K. Morey
  • Publication number: 20100317276
    Abstract: A control unit (100) for actuating a pressure valve, particularly for actuating an overpressure valve in an aircraft cabin, comprises an actuating body (20) and a pressure-controlled actuator (30) for the actuation of the actuating body (20) as a function of a predetermined threshold pressure valve, wherein the threshold pressure value can be adjusted by means of an adjustment device (40, 50). The adjustment device (40, 50) comprises a first adjustment unit (40) and a second adjustment unit (50), wherein the actuating body (20) can be adjusted by means of the first adjustment unit (40), and the actuator (30) can be adjusted by means of the second adjustment unit (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: NORD-MICRO AG & CO. OHG
    Inventors: Klaus-Heinrich Bracker, Robert Hamrodi, Rudiger Maier, Roland Singpiel, Felix Eisenlohr, Oliver Pokern
  • Patent number: 7837541
    Abstract: A method for reducing outside air inflow required for aircraft passenger cabin air quality is provided. The method determines when passenger cabin air quality is the driving outside air inflow requirement and reduces the outside air inflow to that required for passenger cabin air quality. In one embodiment, there is provided a method for reducing outside air inflow required for aircraft passenger cabin air quality using a fixed minimum outflow valve open area setpoint. In another embodiment, there is provided a method for reducing outside air inflow required for aircraft passenger cabin air quality using calculations that are repeated at regular intervals and using a mathematical function relating an outside air inflow requirement to a set of independent variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John C. Gray, Kyle D. Eilers, Warren A. Atkey