US4258889A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for laminar flow control
Assignee: Boeing Co
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Filing: 1979-03-29
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Granted: 1981-03-31
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Expires: 1999-03-29
Abstract
Abstract A method of installing a compressible insert in an exterior surface of a body is disclosed. There is also disclosed a laminar flow control arrangement that may be produced by such method.
Inventors
- 👤 James Hunt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 14:52
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64C; B64C21/00; B64C21/02; B64C21/06; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T50/00; Y02T50/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
A process for installing an insert in an exterior panel of a body comprising the steps of first, selecting an insert which includes an inelastically compressible, air-permeable segment; securing a relatively thin, non-porous strip to one surface thereof; cutting a slit through said strip then positioning said insert in a slot in said panel; then compressing said insert; and then providing a fluid flow path from said slit through said segment to a source of negative pressure; so that said insert substantially fills said slot, an outer surface of said strip is level with an outer surface of said panel and said segment remains air-permeable.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
A process for installing an insert in an exterior panel of a body comprising the steps of first, selecting an insert which includes an inelastically compressible, air-permeable segment; securing a relatively thin, non-porous strip to one surface thereof; cutting a slit through said strip then positioning said insert in a slot in said panel; then compressing said insert; and then providing a fluid flow path from said slit through said segment to a source of negative pressure; so that said insert substantially fills said slot, an outer surface of said strip is level with an outer surface of said panel and said segment remains air-permeable.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A process according to claim 1 further including the step of securing said porous segment in said slot prior to said compressing step.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A process according to claim 2 wherein said securing step seals the other surfaces of said segment against said slot.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein said porous segment is aluminum foam.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein said porous segment is Duocel foam.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein said compressing step includes passing a roller over said panel surface, in forced contact with said insert, said force being sufficient to inelastically compress said insert.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
116 words
A method of manufacturing a laminar flow control arrangement for an airfoil comprising the steps of providing an airfoil having an exterior panel surface; forming at least one slot in said surface; providing a uniformly, nonelastically compressible, porous material, bonding one side of a nonporous strip to one surface of said material; forming a slit entirely through said strip; bonding and sealing said material in said slot; then, compressing said material until the other side of said strip is level with said panel surface; and providing fluid communication between said material and a source of negative pressure, whereby, boundary layer air on said panel surface may be drawn through said slit and material by said source.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
116 words
A method of manufacturing a laminar flow control arrangement for an airfoil comprising the steps of providing an airfoil having an exterior panel surface; forming at least one slot in said surface; providing a uniformly, nonelastically compressible, porous material, bonding one side of a nonporous strip to one surface of said material; forming a slit entirely through said strip; bonding and sealing said material in said slot; then, compressing said material until the other side of said strip is level with said panel surface; and providing fluid communication between said material and a source of negative pressure, whereby, boundary layer air on said panel surface may be drawn through said slit and material by said source.
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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) | 1984-03-30 | 1984-09-29 | 1985-03-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-03-30 | 1988-09-29 | 1989-03-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-03-30 | 1992-09-29 | 1993-03-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |