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:
Aug. 10, 1999
Filed:
Jan. 16, 1998
Gregory E Dockter, Mesa, AZ (US);
McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company, Mesa, AZ (US);
Abstract
The bi-directional air flow deflector of the present invention efficiently deflects air to the left opening and the right opening, and minimizes any vertical components of force which may be generated. The air flow vector exiting from each of the openings comprises a dominant horizontal force vector rather than a large component of force in the vertical direction. Vertical components of force may be added, if desired. The bi-directional air flow deflector provides reduced transmission torque requirements, and generally comprises a relatively small number of moving parts. A single moving part may be used to deflect air to either the left opening or the right opening, and this single moving part is not exposed to the outside environment and, accordingly, will generally provide reliable functionality. The bi-directional air flow deflector of the present invention is simple in design, comprises a small number of relatively easy to manufacture parts, and can be used to retrofit existing direct jet thrusters. The components of the bi-directional air flow deflector generally comprise relatively straight sides and surfaces, which require less sophisticated tooling and reduce costs. The reduced number of parts will require a smaller stock of parts for inventory and field support. The bi-directional air flow deflector can be assembled with generally less man power than prior art devices, and generally comprises an increased reliability. Since less energy is generally required to operate the bi-directional air flow deflector of the present invention, increased fuel efficiency can also be realized.