Simmonds Precision Products, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160026515 | SEGMENTED SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE - In one example, a device includes at least one processor and one or more storage devices encoded with instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to execute a software program comprising three or more segments. Each of the three or more segments includes one or more modules. Each respective module is a member of only one of the three or more segments and implements an interface that enables direct communication between the respective module and modules that are members of any other of the three or more segments. All modules that are members of a respective segment implement a common interface associated with the respective segment. | 01-28-2016 |
20150353186 | ACTUATORS FOR FLIGHT CONTROL SURFACES - An actuator assembly includes an actuator body, a ram, and a cross pin. The actuator body has an internal axial cavity bounded by an actuator body wall and defines a pivot axis. A longitudinal slot extends along a portion of the length of the actuator body wall and is in communication with the internal axial cavity. The ram is slidably received within the axial cavity of the actuator body. The cross pin is mounted to the ram and extends laterally from the ram and into the longitudinal slot for converting linear motion of the ram into rotational motion about the pivot axis for displacing a control surface of an air vehicle. | 12-10-2015 |
20150326333 | DETERMINISTIC SCHEDULING ALGORITHM FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION - A system and method to implement a scheduling algorithm in a communication network using time division multiple access (TDMA) are described. The system includes a plurality of devices, each device transmitting a packet of data in the communication network, and a memory device to store the scheduling algorithm. The system also includes a processor to execute the scheduling algorithm to form a deterministic packet scheduling scheme, the deterministic packet scheduling scheme being based on a base unit representing a minimum among maximum packet intervals corresponding to the plurality of devices in the communication network. | 11-12-2015 |
20150322814 | ROTATING STALL DETECTION THROUGH RATIOMETRIC MEASURE OF THE SUB-SYNCHRONOUS BAND SPECTRUM - A method for obtaining a baseline for detecting rotating stall using localized information already included within the frequency spectrum. Namely, ratiometric measures, i.e., quadratic coefficients obtained from weighted quadratic regression of sub-synchronous spectrum and/or information obtained through peak detections, are used to detect rotating stall. These ratiometric measures are configured to isolate changes caused by rotating stall from those caused by other operational conditions. As a result, new baseline information can be established to more reliably characterize a system, such as a system with associated turbines or compressors. Empirical or statistical approaches can be combined to automate the process of obtaining a new baseline and to detect rotating stall. | 11-12-2015 |
20150294277 | INTEGRATED PART INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method includes receiving, by an inventory management system (IMS) program executing on a computing device, a remaining useful life (RUL) formulation for a part of a machine that estimates an amount of time for which the part will continue to perform its intended function and a potential unscheduled maintenance event. The method also includes receiving, by the IMS program, replacement part order lead time data and anticipated replacement part inventory level data from a part inventory database. The method also includes determining, by the IMS program and based on the RUL formulation, the replacement part order lead time data, and the anticipated part replacement inventory level data, that an order for a replacement part should be initiated. | 10-15-2015 |
20150288179 | MULTIPLE ENERGY HARVESTER POWER SYSTEM - A power system includes a first energy harvester, a second energy harvester, a power conditioning unit, and a load. The first energy harvester is configured to produce a first voltage. The second energy harvester is configured to produce a second voltage. The first voltage is greater than the second voltage. The power conditioning unit is configured to condition power produced by the second energy harvester. The power conditioning unit is powered by the first voltage. The load is configured to receive the conditioned power from the power conditioning unit. | 10-08-2015 |
20150198505 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTMENT RESPONSE ANALYSIS - The present disclosure relates to a method to determine, from a measured result and an assumed adjustment set, the probability that a permutation to the assumed adjustment set was implemented or other error, such as a sensor error, is occurring. The determination of probability of a permutation of the adjustment set may be based on the error between the predicted response and the measured actual response for the assumed adjustment set and permutations of the assumed adjustment set. A number of statistical comparisons may be performed between the assumed adjustment set and the permutation sets to determine which are closer to the measured actual response. A probability value may be assigned to each adjustment set as to the likelihood of their having been implemented. | 07-16-2015 |
20150198492 | REMAINING USEFUL LIFE FORECASTING SYSTEM - The present disclosure relates to a method to a remaining useful life forecasting system. The system comprises a combination of hardware and software, configured to calculate the Remaining Useful Life (RUL) of a part. The system may be configured to receive as input, information characterizing the part's engineering design (geometry, material, design loads), actual measurements of the part's historical degradation profile, estimates of the part's forecasted loading usage, and approximations of the part's remaining structural load carrying capacity. | 07-16-2015 |
20150116127 | ENERGY-EFFICIENT WIRELESS SENSING FOR ASYNCHRONOUS EVENT MONITORING - A sensor node, having a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, receives a data acquisition command from a network controller. The command includes various parameters. The RF transceiver is deactivated and data is obtained based on the parameters included in the command. The RF transceiver is activated and an inquiry message is sent to the network controller requesting the network controller to confirm that an event of interest has occurred during the data acquisition time interval. A subset of the obtained data containing the event of interest is transmitted to the network controller, using the RF transceiver, in response to receiving a confirmation from the network controller that an event of interest has occurred. Otherwise the RF transceiver is deactivated and no data is transmitted, in response to receiving from the network controller a negative acknowledgment message indicating that an event of interest has not occurred during the data acquisition interval. | 04-30-2015 |
20150112637 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACK AND BALANCE VISUALIZATION - A method of visualizing track and balance performance includes receiving data indicating track and balance of a rotary blade and receiving a constraint. A first performance level based on the data is determined. A second performance level based on the data and the constraint is determined. The first and second performance levels are displayed on a display unit for visualizing differences between the first and second performance levels. | 04-23-2015 |
20150063633 | SENSOR LOCATION AND LOGICAL MAPPING SYSTEM - A system to locate and map a data collection device includes at least one image. The image may be included with a subsystem or a component monitored by the system. A data collection device, such as a smart sensor, is configured to detect a stimulus and to capture the at least one image. The smart sensor is further configured to output an image signal indicating the at least one image. A main control module is in electrical communication with the at least one smart sensor. The main control module is configured to determine the image based on the image signal, and compare the at least one image to a stored image. The main control module is further configured to authenticate the at least one image in response to the at least one image matching the stored image. | 03-05-2015 |
20140373525 | OSCILLATING SHAFT ACTUATORS - An actuator includes a drum defining a longitudinal axis and having axially opposed first and second end portions that are rotatable relative to one another about the longitudinal axis. A shape memory element is wrapped around the drum and extends from the first end portion of the drum to the second end portion of the drum to actuate relative rotation of the first and second end portions of the drum about the longitudinal axis by activation of the shape memory element. | 12-25-2014 |
20140324280 | DETERMINING ROTORCRAFT COLLECTIVE ADJUSTMENT DURING GROUND TEST - A method for evaluating a collective alignment of rotor blades for an aircraft while the aircraft is on the ground is disclosed. The method includes determining an air density altitude, and determining a torque value for each engine of the aircraft, while the aircraft rotor blades are operated at a normal speed and the rotor blades are set to a full down position for ground operations via a collective controller. The method further includes evaluating the collective condition by comparing the torque value to a predetermined flat pitch torque alignment limit for the air density altitude, and providing an indication of the collective condition. | 10-30-2014 |
20140318292 | MULTI-STAGE DRIVE MECHANISMS - A multi-stage drive includes a linear actuator configured for linear movement along an actuation axis, and a control surface. The control surface is operatively connected to the linear actuator for rotation about a deployment axis in a deployment stage, and for rotation in a control stage about a control axis that is different from the deployment axis, so that movement of the linear actuator along the actuation axis drives rotation of the control surface in both the deployment stage and in the control stage. | 10-30-2014 |
20140203134 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RETAINING AND DEPLOYING CANARDS - Disclosed are systems and methods for retaining and deploying a plurality of canards and canard covers on a projectile. The projectile includes a projectile housing defining an interior chamber and a longitudinal axis, canards rotatably mounted to the housing, canard covers, a bobbin movably disposed in the interior chamber of the housing along the longitudinal axis, and rocker arms. The canards mounted for movement from a stowed position to a deployed position. The canard covers have a hook element and are adapted to cover respective slots formed in the housing. The bobbin has first and second ends and a retaining surface proximate the second end. Rocker arms have a first and second arm end, with a canard retaining slot defined therebetween. The first arm end includes a latch element for engaging with the canard cover element, and the second arm end is positioned proximate the retaining surface. | 07-24-2014 |
20140060177 | LIQUID LEVEL GAUGING SYSTEM WITH BUBBLE SHEDDING REFLECTORS - A reflector target includes a reflector defining a tapered reflector surface. The reflector includes an apex opening and an opposed base opening, wherein the base opening has a larger perimeter than the apex opening. The tapered reflector surface extends between the openings forming a tapered passage there-between. The tapered reflector surface is configured to resist the accumulation of surface bubbles on the reflector surface by movement of bubbles along the reflector surface out through the apex opening. | 03-06-2014 |
20140036470 | MULTI CONNECTOR INTERCONNECT SYSTEM - The subject invention is directed to a new and useful line replaceable unit (LRU) including an LRU case defining an interior compartment for housing critical function circuit card assemblies and including a back plane wall and opposed interface wall. At least one critical function circuit card assembly (CCA) is housed within the LRU case. The critical function CCA includes an input output connector mounted in proximity to the interface wall, as well as a backplane connector. The LRU includes a backplane CCA operatively connected to each backplane connector of the at least one critical function CCA. The backplane CCA is configured and adapted to provide operative communication among multiple critical function CCA's. The critical function CCA's can be mounted to the LRU case proximate the interface wall and the backplane wall to be mechanically and electrically isolated from one another except for connections provided by the backplane CCA. | 02-06-2014 |
20140013738 | Interlaced Actuation System - An actuation system having a configuration of first and second components, each component having longitudinally extending fingers interlaced with one another. Relative longitudinal movement is permitted between the fingers in a manner to permit the second component to be movable longitudinally with respect to the first component between a first position and a second position. A biasing member is provided within the configuration that biases the second component towards the second position. A wire is wound about the fingers that restrains the second component in the first position. A release device selectively causes the wire to be loosened about the fingers such that the biasing member moves the second component from the first position to the second position. An actuator connected to the second component moves with the second component from the first position to the second position. | 01-16-2014 |
20130332022 | DETERMINING ROTORCRAFT COLLECTIVE ADJUSTMENT DURING GROUND TEST - A method for evaluating a collective alignment of rotor blades for an aircraft while the aircraft is on the ground is disclosed. The method includes determining an air density altitude, and determining a torque value for each engine of the aircraft, while the aircraft rotor blades are operated at a normal speed and the rotor blades are set to a full down position for ground operations via a collective controller. The method further includes evaluating the collective condition by comparing the torque value to a predetermined flat pitch torque alignment limit for the air density altitude, and providing an indication of the collective condition. | 12-12-2013 |
20130126612 | RATIO-METRIC HORIZON SENSING USING AN ARRAY OF THERMOPILES - An example method includes receiving output voltage data from an array of at least four thermopiles placed around the circumference of a projectile such that for any rotation of the projectile during flight thereof, at least a pair of the thermopile having upwardly-facing fields of view referenced to the earth-fixed coordinate system. The method includes determining the pair of upwardly-facing thermopiles based on the output voltage data from the array, with the respective pair of thermopiles including a thermopile p and next adjacent thermopile p+1. The method includes determining a ratio of the output voltage data from thermopiles p and p+1, and applying the ratio to a function associating, for any pair of thermopiles n and n+1, a ratio of output voltage data from thermopiles n and n+1, and a roll angle θ | 05-23-2013 |
20130126249 | LOAD CELL AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF - In one aspect, column load cells are described herein. In some embodiments, a column load cell comprises a load bearing column, a plurality of first strain gauges coupled to surfaces of the load bearing column for determining axial strain and a load receiving surface comprising a plurality of load guides, the load guides substantially aligned with the first strain gauges. | 05-23-2013 |
20130106333 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DETERMINING ROTOR POSITION IN A SALIENT-TYPE MOTOR | 05-02-2013 |
20120313565 | System and method for providing control of an electric motor using inductive rotary sensor - A sensor system for providing control of an electric motor having an inductive angle sensor system including a first inductive coil configured for affixation to a rotor shaft of the electric motor wherein rotation of the rotor shaft causes corresponding rotation of the first inductive coil. A second inductive coil fixedly mounted in spaced relationship to the first inductive coil. An evaluation circuit coupled to the second inductive coil and to the electric motor operative to determine a rotor shaft angle for the rotor shaft of the electric motor through evaluation of an induced magnetic field between the first and second inductive coils. | 12-13-2012 |
20120234971 | Wireless Power Transmission System and Method for an Aircraft Sensor System - An aircraft sensor system including a primary module configured to be attached to an aircraft portion and operative to transmit electrical power wirelessly. A secondary module configured to be attached to an aircraft component, the secondary module operative to receive electrical power wirelessly from the primary module. At least one sensor configured to be operatively attached to a portion of the aircraft component and electrically coupled to the secondary module, wherein the at least one sensor is operative to measure a desired parameter of the aircraft component. | 09-20-2012 |
20120192908 | Sinkless thermoelectric energy generator - Disclosed is a sinkless electric generator for generating electrical power from temperature cycles encountered by the structure of an aircraft. The sinkless electric generator includes a thermoelectric generator which is in thermal contact with the structure of the aircraft (e.g., the aircraft's skin); an insulated housing containing a thermal mass; and a circuit for providing the energy generated by the thermoelectric generator during the temperature cycles encountered by the structure of the aircraft to a device. The insulated housing is positioned in thermal contact with the thermoelectric generator; wherein during the temperature cycles encountered by the structure of the aircraft, energy is created by the thermoelectric generator when heat is released from the thermal mass contained within the housing through the thermoelectric generator to the aircraft's structure and when heat is supplied from the aircraft's structure through the thermoelectric generator to the thermal mass. | 08-02-2012 |
20120117272 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SYNCHRONIZING WIRELESS DEVICES - An apparatus for synchronizing devices includes a central access point node configured to utilize a low latency protocol to transmit a series of synchronization messages to the devices, transmit and receive data acquisition commands and responses from the devices using a high reliability protocol different from the low latency protocol, and calculate and apply relative clock offsets for each device based on the series of synchronization messages. The apparatus may also account for failure in delivery of a portion of the series of synchronization messages by recording timestamp data at the devices to send to the central access point prior to the central access point calculating the relative clock offsets. | 05-10-2012 |
20120095622 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENERGY CONSERVING WIRELESS SENSING WITH SITUATIONAL AWARENESS - A system and method is provided for monitoring aircraft health and status using a situation-aware sensing system. The system includes an independent power source, a sensor that continuously measures a signal of interest to yield sensor data, and a processor that compares the sensor data to threshold data. The processor adjusts an operational parameter of the situation-aware sensing system to conserve power when the sensor data does not exceed the threshold data. The processor further adjusts the operational parameter of the situation-aware sensing system to stop conserving power when the sensor data exceeds the threshold data. | 04-19-2012 |
20120087807 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SCAVENGING ULLAGE FROM CENTER WING TANKS IN AN AIRPLANE - A system for reducing reactive components in ullage of a fuel tank, typically the fuel tank of an airplane. The system includes an air driven unit for creating a fluidic motive force to remove ullage from the fuel tank, and a main catalytic unit for receiving the ullage and reducing the reactive components to yield processed ullage for return to the fuel tank. | 04-12-2012 |
20120078544 | Wireless rotor track and balance system for rotorcraft - Disclosed is a rotor track and balance system for rotorcraft that includes a data processing unit, a tachometer sensor and at least one accelerometer. The tachometer sensor is located remotely from the data processing unit and is mounted proximate to the rotating blades of the rotorcraft. The tachometer sensor is adapted to measure the speed and position of the rotating blades and to wirelessly transmit speed and position data to the data processor. The at least one accelerometer is also located remotely from the data processing unit and is mounted proximate the rotating blades of the rotorcraft. Each accelerometer is adapted to measure vibration anomalies in the rotating blades and to wirelessly transmit vibration data to the data processor. The data processing unit synchronizes the wireless data transmitted from the tachometer sensor and the wireless accelerometer(s) and determines necessary adjustments to be made in order to reduce the vibration anomalies in the rotor blades. | 03-29-2012 |
20110187504 | Circularly polarized antennas for a wireless sensor system - A wireless sensor system for an aircraft including a central access point and a plurality of slave nodes arranged in a star network in which the central access point wirelessly exchanges data with the slave nodes in a bidirectional manner. At least one of the antenna at the central access point and the antenna of each of the slave nodes is circularly polarized. | 08-04-2011 |
20080310482 | Alternative direct sequence spread spectrum symbol to chip mappings and methods for generating the same - Alternative direct sequence spread spectrum symbol to chip mappings and methods for generating the same for use in a direct sequence spread spectrum wireless protocol and embedded in a transceiver chip used by wireless subsystems are provided. The present invention discloses alternative symbol to chip mappings that are orthogonal or nearly orthogonal to the N/2 unused chip sequences defined by a standard transmission protocol. The present invention is advantageous because it provides for an increased number of users and better reliability for wireless subsystems operating in increasingly overcrowded frequency bands. Other advantages of the present invention include a reduction in the negative effects of clear channel assessment including delayed or cancelled signal transmission and interference for wireless subsystems that transmit time-sensitive data. | 12-18-2008 |