US3850388A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Integrated lift/drag controller for aircraft
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
•
Filing: 1972-03-23
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Granted: 1974-11-26
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Expires: 1992-03-23
Abstract
Abstract A system for altering the lift/drag characteristics of powered aircraft to provide a safe means of glide path control includes a control device integrated for coordination action with the aircraft throttle. Such lift/drag alteration devices as spolers, dive brakes, and the like are actuated by manual operation of a single lever coupled with the throttle for integrating, blending or coordinating power control with control of the lift/drag ratio of aircraft. Improper operation of the controller is inhibited by safety mechanisms.
Inventors
- 👤 J Olcott
- 👤 E Seckel
- 👤 D Ellis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 16:05
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64C; B64C13/00; B64C13/02; B64C13/04; B64C13/042; B64C13/0425; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/20; Y10T74/20207; Y10T74/20213
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
In a powered aircraft having horizontal fixed wing structure and an L/D alteration system, including adjustable flaps attached to said wing structure, means for controlling said L/D alteration system including an L/D control lever for actuation and control of the extent of operation of the L/D altering system; throttle means, including a throttle lever, and means coupling said throttle lever with said L/D control lever, whereby movement of said L/D control lever produces coordinated changes in engine power and L/D alteration, said L/D control lever including spring means for producing a force gradient when said L/D lever is moved improperly with respect to said throttle lever.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
In a powered aircraft having horizontal fixed wing structure and an L/D alteration system, including adjustable flaps attached to said wing structure, means for controlling said L/D alteration system including an L/D control lever for actuation and control of the extent of operation of the L/D altering system; throttle means, including a throttle lever, and means coupling said throttle lever with said L/D control lever, whereby movement of said L/D control lever produces coordinated changes in engine power and L/D alteration, said L/D control lever including spring means for producing a force gradient when said L/D lever is moved improperly with respect to said throttle lever.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
154 words
A control device for integrating the control of engine power with the control of an L/D alteration system in aircraft of the type having a throttle for regulating engine power between positions of reduced power and maximum acceleration to improve the normal functions of the throttle for modulation and control of glide path angle and airspeed, the control device including a throttle lever and an L/D lever, said levers being positioned for synchronous movement upon manual operation of both levers as a single control between a position of maximum acceleration with no L/D alteration and a position of reduced power with considerable L/D alteration, wherein said levers are independently movable to a limited extent, and including means for inhibiting improper movement of the L/D lever away from the throttle lever, said inhibiting means including spring means for producing a force gradient when said L/D lever is moved improperly with respect to said throttle lever.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
154 words
A control device for integrating the control of engine power with the control of an L/D alteration system in aircraft of the type having a throttle for regulating engine power between positions of reduced power and maximum acceleration to improve the normal functions of the throttle for modulation and control of glide path angle and airspeed, the control device including a throttle lever and an L/D lever, said levers being positioned for synchronous movement upon manual operation of both levers as a single control between a position of maximum acceleration with no L/D alteration and a position of reduced power with considerable L/D alteration, wherein said levers are independently movable to a limited extent, and including means for inhibiting improper movement of the L/D lever away from the throttle lever, said inhibiting means including spring means for producing a force gradient when said L/D lever is moved improperly with respect to said throttle lever.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-11-25 | 1978-05-27 | 1978-11-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-25 | 1982-05-27 | 1982-11-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-25 | 1986-05-27 | 1986-11-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |