Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.

Textron Innovations Inc.

Ron Woods

Ryan Thomas Ehinger

David Russell Bockmiller

Eric Stephen Olson

Russell Lee Mueller

Brian Stanley Modrzejewski

Rodney Keith Hale

Doug Mueller

John Brodnicki

Tim Cecil

Russell Mueller

A method includes measuring a first rotational speed of a first element of a sprag clutch of a rotorcraft, measuring a second rotational speed of a second element of the sprag clutch, determining if the sprag clutch is in an overrunning condition, wherein the determining is based on the first rotational speed and the second rotational speed, generating an estimation of an instantaneous wear rate of the sprag clutch, wherein the estimation of the instantaneous wear rate is generated based on the first rotational speed and the second rotational speed, and displaying an indication of the estimation of the instantaneous wear rate of the sprag clutch. The method includes generating an estimation of an accumulated wear of the sprag clutch, wherein the estimation of the accumulated wear is based on the estimation of the instantaneous wear rate, and displaying an indication of the estimation of the accumulated wear.

System and method for monitoring clutch wear

Embodiments are directed to a drive shaft apparatus comprising a first rotary member and a second rotary member arranged coaxially with said first rotary member. The rotary members are fixedly connected at a first end so that they rotate together. Each rotary member has a set of elements spaced apart around its circumference at a second end. The elements on the first rotary member are spaced apart from the elements on the second rotary member at rest. The first rotary member undergoes torsion when a load is applied during rotation, which causes the first rotary member elements to move closer to the second rotary member elements. The first elements engage the second elements when a torque load less than a yield torque is applied to the first rotary member, which transfers at least a portion of the torque load to the second rotary member.

Overload inhibiting torque meter

A method of optimizing a planetary gear system for continued operation after failure of a planet gear includes providing a planetary gear system and reducing a backup ratio of a planet gear of the planetary gear system by reducing a rim thickness of the planet gear.

Planet gear having failure mode optimized for continued planetary gear system operation

A system for monitoring lubrication of a drive train, including a lubricant pressure sensor to detect a pressure of the lubricant in the drive train and to provide a lubricant pressure signal; lubricant volume sensor to detect a volume of the lubricant in the drive train and to provide a lubricant volume signal; non-contact temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the drive train and to provide a non-contact temperature signal; and logic management system in communication with the lubricant pressure sensor, the lubricant volume sensor, and the non-contact temperature sensor; the logic management system configured to receive and process the lubricant pressure signal, the lubricant volume signal, and the non-contact temperature signal; wherein when the lubricant pressure signal reaches a predetermined minimum pressure level and the lubricant volume signal reaches a predetermined minimum volume level, the logic management system displays non-contact temperature measurement data to a display device.

Systems and methods for monitoring lubrication of a drive train

In one embodiment, a split torque gearbox can include a first compound gear and a second compound gear. The compound gears can each include a piston housing with a fluid inlet and a piston received in the piston housing and defining a space within the first piston housing exposed to the fluid inlet. The split torque gearbox can include a fluid line coupled to each of the fluid inlets to supply a fluid to the pistons at a predetermined pressure, the fluid line coupled to the second fluid inlet to supply fluid to the second piston assembly at the predetermined pressure. Pressure developed in the pistons is equal for all gear shafts, and can equalize torque imbalances in the split torque gearbox.

Gearbox split torque equalization system

A method of avoiding gear tooth interference in a planetary gear system includes designing and building a planetary gear system having a selected base pitch and tooth length for planet gears, breaking a rim of one of the planet gears, and verifying whether tooth tip interference occurs during operation of the planetary gear system.

Method of avoiding gear tooth interference in a planetary gear system

A variable state planetary shifting transmission can include an input shaft, an output shaft; and a planetary system having a sun gear associated with the input shaft, a planetary carrier, and a ring gear associated with a ring housing. The transmission can include an overrunning clutch operably coupled to the planetary carrier. The transmission can include a clutch assembly coupled to the planetary carrier. The transmission is capable of changing the speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft by selective engagement of the clutch assembly against the ring gear which can cause either the freeing or locking of the planetary carrier by the overrunning clutch.

Variable speed aircraft transmission

A method of modifying a workpiece includes providing a workpiece, determining a load stress profile associated with a load condition, the load stress profile comprising a load stress greater than a material stress limit of the workpiece, determining a residual stress profile, the residual stress profile comprising a residual stress less than the material stress limit of the workpiece, and providing the workpiece with the residual stress profile, wherein a sum of the load stress and the residual stress is less than the material stress limit of the workpiece.

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Weatherford, TX, United States of America

Ron Woods