US4362085A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flight control system
Assignee: Boeing Co
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Filing: 1980-05-29
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Granted: 1982-12-07
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Expires: 2000-05-29
Abstract
Abstract A flight control system is provided for a helicopter furnishing safety feres, and providing back up control in the event of failure of controls of the rotary head swashplate of a helicopter. The swashplate is regulated by a series of actuators which are angularly positioned at particular settings around the swashplate. In the event of a control system failure, a supplemental system controls the selected settings for the swashplate, rotary head, and spar root and blade assemblies of the helicopter.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter R. Venuti, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 16:48
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64C; B64C27/00; B64C27/54; B64C27/58; B64C27/59; B64C27/605
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
A helicopter swashplate drive mechanism comprising a first and second series of swashplate actuators spaced around the periphery of a swashplate to effect the control thereof, servo amplifier means including a computer for electronically actuating the first series of actuators to control swashplate operation, the first series thus being primary control swashplate actuators, said servo amplifier means also operating the second series of actuators in a tracking mode, the second series thus being supplemental actuators which track the operational status of the primary actuators, the primary swashplate and the supplemental swashplate actuators being alternately positioned around said swashplate periphery at approximately 60°, said computer separately energizing the two series of actuators for controlling, and for monitoring, swashplate operation whereby the supplemental actuator series assumes operation of the swashplate upon failure of the primary series of actuators.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
A helicopter swashplate drive mechanism comprising a first and second series of swashplate actuators spaced around the periphery of a swashplate to effect the control thereof, servo amplifier means including a computer for electronically actuating the first series of actuators to control swashplate operation, the first series thus being primary control swashplate actuators, said servo amplifier means also operating the second series of actuators in a tracking mode, the second series thus being supplemental actuators which track the operational status of the primary actuators, the primary swashplate and the supplemental swashplate actuators being alternately positioned around said swashplate periphery at approximately 60°, said computer separately energizing the two series of actuators for controlling, and for monitoring, swashplate operation whereby the supplemental actuator series assumes operation of the swashplate upon failure of the primary series of actuators.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein each swashplate actuator is controlled by a servo means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention of claim 2 wherein each servo means includes an electrohydraulic servovalve which controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic cylinder to drive said swashplate actuator.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-12-06 | 1986-06-07 | 1986-12-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-12-06 | 1990-06-07 | 1990-12-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-12-06 | 1994-06-07 | 1994-12-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |