The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 19, 1995
Filed:
May. 18, 1993
Applicant:
Inventors:
James D Cronkhite, Hurst, TX (US);
Victor L Berry, Bedford, TX (US);
Michael R Smith, Bedford, TX (US);
Assignee:
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort Worth, TX (US);
Attorneys:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
B64C / ; B64D / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
2441 / ; 244119 ;
Abstract
A dual-purpose bulkhead structure functions to support normal aircraft operational loads and to absorb energy in a controlled manner during a crash. An integral fuel tank comprises a fuel compartment and a crashworthy flexible fuel cell. The fuel compartment includes two dual-purpose bulkheads and crushable foam disposed between the sides of the fuel cell and the bulkheads and sides of the fuel compartment. The foam limits fuel pressure loads on fuel compartment bulkheads and sides during a crash, thereby preventing their failure.