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:
Oct. 22, 2013
Filed:
Jan. 05, 2011
Michael Steven Feldmann, Rockford, MI (US);
Lawrence William Stimac, Caledonia, MI (US);
Frank Saggio, Iii, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Mark Lawrence Turner, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Michael Steven Feldmann, Rockford, MI (US);
Lawrence William Stimac, Caledonia, MI (US);
Frank Saggio, III, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Mark Lawrence Turner, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
GE Aviation Systems, LLC, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Abstract
A method and system for a refueling drogue coupling system are provided. The system includes a coupling latch assembly coupled to the coupling outlet wherein the coupling latch assembly includes a latch member configured to matingly engage a complementary latch-receiving member of a refueling probe. The coupling latch assembly further includes a latch member actuator operatively coupled to the latch member to permit the latch member to move from a first locked position to a second unlocked position. A probe position sensor is configured to detect a position of the refueling probe. A hose tension sensor is configured to measure a tension in a hose coupled to the coupling inlet. A drogue control system is positioned on the refueling drogue coupling system and communicatively coupled to the latch member actuator, the probe position sensor, and the hose tension sensor.