Back to results
US 11,112,040 B2Granted
Internal spoke gimbal joint
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsMichael Stephen Sparks, Verbon Blake Sparks
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A gimbal apparatus is disclosed, including a tubular envelope with a variable length between first and second rim structures. A rigid ring structure inside the tubular envelope is connected to diametrically opposite first and second portions of the first rim structure, and is connected to diametrically opposite first and second portions of the second rim structure. A spoke bisects the ring structure.
Claims20
A gimbal apparatus, comprising:
- a tubular envelope having a variable length between first and second rim structures,
- a rigid ring structure inside the tubular envelope, the ring structure being connected to diametrically opposite first and second portions of the first rim structure, and connected to diametrically opposite first and second portions of the second rim structure, and
- a first spoke bisecting the ring structure,
- wherein the ring structure is a cylindrical shell having a height parallel a central axis, the height varying around a circumference of the ring structure such that the height is greatest proximate each end of the first spoke.
1 more element
A gimbal joint, comprising:
- a flexible envelope portion having a first end and a second end and configured to direct a flow of fluid,
- a first rim fixed to the first end of the envelope portion,
- a second rim fixed to the second end of the envelope portion, and
- a gimbal structure including a ring and a spoke, the spoke bisecting the ring,
- wherein the ring is rotatably coupled to the first rim by first and second opposing fasteners and the ring is rotatably coupled to the second rim by third and fourth opposing fasteners,
- wherein the ring is a cylindrical shell having a height parallel a central axis, the height varying around a circumference of the ring such that the height is greatest proximate each end of the spoke.
3 more elements
A feedline for an engine, comprising:
- a conduit having a joint, the joint including a tubular envelope having a variable length between first and second rim structures,
- a rigid ring structure inside the tubular envelope, the ring structure being connected to the first and second rim structures, and including a plurality of spokes,
- wherein the ring structure and spokes form a single unitary structure,
- wherein the ring structure includes a cylindrical shell having a height parallel a central axis, the height varying around a circumference of the ring structure.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.