IP Library › Granted Patent US 7,303,167
Granted Patent B2
US 7,303,167 · App. 11/335,949 · Granted Dec 4, 2007

Flight lock actuator with dual energy sources

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,303,167
App. No.
11/335,949
Granted
Dec 4, 2007
Kind
B2
Abstract

A flight-lock actuator that can be powered by two sources of stored energy when aircraft power has been switched off. A mechanical energy storage device and an electrical energy storage device provide a fully redundant energy storage system that stores sufficient energy to complete the actuator's extension stroke when aircraft power is removed. The actuator has a motor control system that limits the stroke velocity for both the extension and retraction strokes, including a damper feature capable of effectively braking the actuator during the back-driven extension stroke.

Claims (8)

1. A method for providing improved reliability in an aircraft door flight lock actuator comprising: storing energy in a mechanical energy storage means and an electrical energy storage means; powering the actuator using the energy stored in the mechanical energy storage means and the electrical energy storage means to complete an unlocking stroke in the absence of aircraft power wherein the door remains closed during unlocking; and controlling a linear velocity of the actuator.

2. The method defined in claim 1 , wherein storing energy in the mechanical energy storage means comprises deforming a compression coil spring during a powered locking stroke of the actuator.

3. The method defined in claim 1 , wherein storing energy in the electrical energy storage means comprises charging at least one capacitor during a powered locking stroke of the actuator, and during a subsequent powered stall of the actuator.

4. The method defined in claim 1 , wherein the mechanical energy storage means and the electrical energy storage means are redundant.

5. The method defined in claim 1 , wherein controlling the linear velocity of the actuator comprises: sensing a rotational speed of an actuator motor; and reducing a voltage at a motor's terminals if the rotational speed is higher than a maximum speed; and wherein controlling a current supplied to the actuator while the actuator is in the state of powered stall comprises: sensing the current supplied to the motor; and reducing the voltage at the motor's terminals if the sensed current is higher than a maximum current.

6. The method defined in claim 5 , wherein controlling the linear velocity of the actuator further comprises: shunting a current generated by the motor into a damper circuit to place an electrical load on the motor if the supplied voltage is substantially zero and the rotational speed is higher than the maximum speed.

7. The method defined in claim 5 , wherein sensing the rotational speed of the motor comprises measuring a frequency of a Hall effect sensor signal.

8. A system for providing improved reliability in an aircraft door flight lock actuator comprising: a means for storing energy in a mechanical energy storage means; a means for storing electrical energy; a lock actuator using the energy stored in the mechanical energy storage means and the electrical energy storage means to complete an unlocking stroke in the absence of aircraft power wherein the door remains closed during unlocking; and a means for controlling a linear velocity of the actuator.

Assignments (11)
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Sep 16, 2025
From: ADAMS RITE AEROSPACE, INC.; AEROSONIC LLC; AIRBORNE SYSTEMS NA INC; AMSAFE, INC.; ARMTEC DEFENSE PRODUCTS CO.; CHAMPION AEROSPACE LLC; HARCOSEMCO LLC; KING NUTRONICS, LLC; MASON ELECTRIC CO.; PEXCO AEROSPACE, INC.; SHIELD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, INC; SIMPLEX MANUFACTURING CO.; WHIPPANY ACTUATION SYSTEMS, LLC
To: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
Reel/Frame 072268/0193 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Sep 16, 2025
From: ADAMS RITE AEROSPACE, INC.; AEROSONIC LLC; AIRBORNE SYSTEMS NA INC; AMSAFE, INC.; ARMTEC DEFENSE PRODUCTS CO.; CHAMPION AEROSPACE LLC; HARCOSEMCO LLC; KING NUTRONICS, LLC; MASON ELECTRIC CO.; PEXCO AEROSPACE, INC.; SHIELD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, INC; SIMPLEX MANUFACTURING CO.; WHIPPANY ACTUATION SYSTEMS, LLC
To: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
Reel/Frame 072267/0935 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Sep 16, 2025
From: ADAMS RITE AEROSPACE, INC.; AEROSONIC LLC; AIRBORNE SYSTEMS NA INC; AMSAFE, INC.; ARMTEC DEFENSE PRODUCTS CO.; CHAMPION AEROSPACE LLC; HARCOSEMCO LLC; KING NUTRONICS, LLC; MASON ELECTRIC CO.; PEXCO AEROSPACE, INC.; SHIELD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, INC; SIMPLEX MANUFACTURING CO.; WHIPPANY ACTUATION SYSTEMS, LLC
To: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
Reel/Frame 072267/0977 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Sep 16, 2025
From: ADAMS RITE AEROSPACE, INC.; AEROSONIC LLC; AIRBORNE SYSTEMS NA INC; AMSAFE, INC.; ARMTEC DEFENSE PRODUCTS CO.; CHAMPION AEROSPACE LLC; HARCOSEMCO LLC; KING NUTRONICS, LLC; MASON ELECTRIC CO.; PEXCO AEROSPACE, INC.; SHIELD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, INC; SIMPLEX MANUFACTURING CO.; WHIPPANY ACTUATION SYSTEMS, LLC
To: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
Reel/Frame 072268/0018 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Sep 16, 2025
From: ADAMS RITE AEROSPACE, INC.; AEROSONIC LLC; AIRBORNE SYSTEMS NA INC; AMSAFE, INC.; ARMTEC DEFENSE PRODUCTS CO.; CHAMPION AEROSPACE LLC; HARCOSEMCO LLC; KING NUTRONICS, LLC; MASON ELECTRIC CO.; PEXCO AEROSPACE, INC.; SHIELD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, INC; SIMPLEX MANUFACTURING CO.; WHIPPANY ACTUATION SYSTEMS, LLC
To: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
Reel/Frame 072268/0030 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Sep 16, 2025
From: ADAMS RITE AEROSPACE, INC.; AEROSONIC LLC; AIRBORNE SYSTEMS NA INC; AMSAFE, INC.; ARMTEC DEFENSE PRODUCTS CO.; CHAMPION AEROSPACE LLC; HARCOSEMCO LLC; KING NUTRONICS, LLC; MASON ELECTRIC CO.; PEXCO AEROSPACE, INC.; SHIELD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, INC; SIMPLEX MANUFACTURING CO.; WHIPPANY ACTUATION SYSTEMS, LLC
To: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
Reel/Frame 072268/0176 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Sep 5, 2025
From: ADAMS RITE AEROSPACE, INC.; AEROSONIC LLC; AIRBORNE SYSTEMS NA INC.; AMSAFE, INC.; ARMTEC DEFENSE PRODUCTS CO.; CHAMPION AEROSPACE LLC; HARCOSEMCO LLC; KING NUTRONICS, LLC; MASON ELECTRIC CO.; PEXCO AEROSPACE, INC.; SHIELD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, INC.; SIMPLEX MANUFACTURING CO.; WHIPPANY ACTUATION SYSTEMS, LLC
To: GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA, AS AGENT
Reel/Frame 072167/0457 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Aug 26, 2025
From: TRANSDIGM INC.; 17111 WATERVIEW PKWY LLC; 4455 GENESEE PROPERTIES, LLC; 4455 GENESEE STREET, LLC; ACME AEROSPACE, INC.; ADAMS RITE AEROSPACE, INC.; AEROCONTROLEX GROUP, INC.; AEROSONIC LLC; AIRBORNE ACQUISITION, INC.; AIRBORNE GLOBAL, INC.; AIRBORNE HOLDINGS, INC.; AIRBORNE SYSTEMS NA INC.; AIRBORNE SYSTEMS NORTH AMERICA INC.; AIRBORNE SYSTEMS NORTH AMERICA OF CA INC.; AMSAFE GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC.; AMSAFE, INC.; ANGUS ELECTRONICS CO.; APICAL INDUSTRIES, INC.; ARKWIN INDUSTRIES, INC.; ARMTEC COUNTERMEASURES CO.; ARMTEC COUNTERMEASURES TNO CO.; ARMTEC DEFENSE PRODUCTS CO.; ASHFORD PROPERTIES, LLC; AUXITROL WESTON USA, INC.; AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; AVIONIC INSTRUMENTS LLC; AVIONICS SPECIALTIES, INC.; AVTECHTYEE, INC.; BETA TRANSFORMER TECHNOLOGY LLC; BREEZE-EASTERN LLC; BRIDPORT HOLDINGS, INC.; BRIDPORT-AIR CARRIER, INC.; BRUCE AEROSPACE INC.; CALSPAN, LLC; CALSPAN AIR FACILITIES, LLC; CALSPAN AIR SERVICES, LLC; CALSPAN ASE PORTUGAL, INC.; CALSPAN HOLDINGS, LLC; CALSPAN JETS LLC; CALSPAN TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION LLC; CDA INTERCORP LLC; CEF INDUSTRIES, LLC; CHAMPION AEROSPACE LLC; CHELTON AVIONICS HOLDINGS, INC.; CHELTON AVIONICS, INC.; CHELTON DEFENSE PRODUCTS, INC.; CMC ELECTRONICS AURORA LLC; CPI EDB INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS, INC.; CPI ELECTON DEVICE BUSINESS, INC.; CTHC LLC; DART AEROSPACE USA, INC.; DART BUYER, INC.; DART HELICOPTER SERVICES, INC.; DART INTERMEDIATE, INC.; DART TOPCO, INC.; DATA DEVICE CORPORATION; DUKES AEROSPACE, INC.; ELECTROMECH TECHNOLOGIES LLC; ESTERLINE EUROPE COMPANY LLC; ESTERLINE INTERNATIONAL COMPANY; ESTERLINE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION; ESTERLINE TECHNOLOGIES SGIP LLC; FPT INDUSTRIES LLC; GENESEE HOLDINGS, LLC; GENESEE HOLDINGS II, LLC; GENESSE HOLDINGS III, LLC; HARCOSEMCO LLC; HARTWELL CORPORATION; HELI TECH, INC.; HYTEK FINISHES CO.; ICEMAN HOLDCO, INC.; ILC HOLDINGS, INC.; JANCO CORPORATION; JOHNSON LIVERPOOL LLC; KING NUTRONICS, LLC; KIRKHILL INC.; KORRY ELECTRONICS CO.; LEACH HOLDING CORPORATION; LEACH INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION; LEACH MEXICO HOLDING LLC; LEACH TECHNOLOGY GROUP, INC.; MARATHONNORCO AEROSPACE, INC.; MASON ELECTRIC CO.; MCKECHNIE AEROSPACE DE, INC.; MCKECHNIE AEROSPACE HOLDINGS, INC.; MCKECHNIE AEROSPACE US LLC; MEDTHERM LABS, LLC; MICROWAVE POWER PRODUCTS, INC.; NAT SEATTLE INC.; NMC GROUP, INC.; NORDISK AVIATION PRODUCTS LLC; NORTH HILLS SIGNAL PROCESSING CORP.; NORTH HILLS SIGNAL PROCESSING OVERSEAS LLC; NORWICH AERO PRODUCTS, INC.; OFFSHORE HELICOPTER SUPPORT SERVICES, INC.; PALOMAR PRODUCTS, INC.; PARAVION TECHNOLOGY, INC.; PEXCO AEROSPACE, INC.; PNEUDRAULICS, INC.; POWER DEVICE CORPORATION; RAPTOR LABS HOLDCO, LLC; RAPTOR LABS INTERMEDIATE, LLC; SCHNELLER LLC; SEMCO INSTRUMENTS, INC.; SENSOR CONCEPTS, LLC; SERVOTRONICS, INC.; SHIELD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, INC.; SIMPLEX MANUFACTURING CO.; SKANDIA, INC.; SKURKA AEROSPACE INC.; SPACE ELECTRONICS LLC; SYMETRICS INDUSTRIES, LLC; TA AEROSPACE CO.; TACTIAR FLUID CONTROLS, INC.; TDG ESL HOLDINGS INC.; TEAC AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; TELAIR US LLC; TESTVONICS, INC.; TEXAS ROTRONICS, INC.; TRANSICOIL LLC; WHIPPANY ACTUATION SYSTEMS, LLC; YOUNG & FRANKLIN INC.; AIRBORNE SYSTEMS NORTH AMERICA OF NJ INC.; BRIDPORT ERIE AVIATION, INC.; TRANSDIGM GROUP INCORPORATED; TRANSDIGM UK HOLDINGS LIMITED
To: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., AS TRUSTEE
Reel/Frame 072473/0485 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 12, 2013
From: GE AVIATION SYSTEMS LLC
To: WHIPPANY ACTUATION SYSTEMS, LLC
Reel/Frame 031193/0845 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Oct 26, 2012
From: SMITHS AEROSPACE, INC.
To: SMITHS AEROSPACE LLC
Reel/Frame 029202/0973 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Oct 26, 2012
From: SMITHS AEROSPACE LLC
To: GE AVIATION SYSTEMS LLC
Reel/Frame 029202/0978 →