# US 11,305,891 B2 · Gearbox cover, port plugs, and mast cap for aircraft

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- Number: US 11,305,891 B2
- Document ID: US11305891B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 16/130,139
- Filed: 2018-09-13
- Published: 2020-03-19
- Granted: 2022-04-19
- Earliest claimed: 2018-09-13
- Assignees: Textron Innovations Inc.
- Applicants: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
- Inventors: Jon Earl Wall
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11305891B2

## CPC

- B64F 5/50: Handling or transporting aircraft components
- B01D 53/0407: {Constructional details of adsorbing systems}
- B01D 53/261: {by adsorption}
- B01D 2253/106: Silica or silicates
- B01D 2257/80: Water
- B01D 2259/4575: in aeroplanes or space ships
- B64C 27/12: Rotor drives
- B64C 27/14: Direct drive between power plant and rotor hub
- B64C 27/32: Rotors
- B64F: GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B01D: SEPARATION (separating solids from solids by wet methods B03B, B03D; by pneumatic jigs or tables B03B; by other dry methods B07; magnetic or electrostatic separation of solid materials from solid materials or fluids, separation by high-voltage electric fields B03C; centrifuges, vortex apparatus B04; presses per se for squeezing-out liquid from liquid-containing material B30B9/02; treatment of water C02F, e.g. softening by ion-exchange C02F1/42; {arrangements of air intake cleaners in gas turbine plants F02C7/05} ; arrangements or mounting of filters in air-conditioning, air-humidification or ventilation F24F13/28)
- B64C: AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS

## Abstract

Embodiments are directed to gearbox covers, mast caps, port plugs, and other coverings or lids that can be used to protect aircraft components against corrosion and contaminants. The protective coverings may be may be manufactured using three-dimensional printing or other additive manufacturing fabrication methods. The protective coverings are ultraviolet-light resistant, weather resistant, and impact resistant. The protective coverings may include a desiccant filter to reduce an aircraft component's exposure to water. The protective coverings may attach to the aircraft components using thumbscrews and may include an O-ring or gasket that creates an airtight and watertight seal.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A device, comprising:
a structure having a top side and a bottom side;
a first flange extending from the bottom side of the structure, the first flange configured to fit within an opening in a mechanical component for an aircraft when the mechanical component is disassembled from its operative position on the aircraft; and
one or more second flanges positioned around a peripheral edge of the structure, the second flanges having one or more holes configured to align with holes in the mechanical component, wherein the holes are adapted to receive an attachment device to secure the structure to the mechanical component.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, further comprising:
a desiccant container coupled to the top of the structure, wherein a hole between the top side and the bottom side exposes a desiccant material to the mechanical component.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, further comprising:
a staging stud formed in the top side of the structure, the staging stud configured to receive the attachment device.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment device comprises a thumbscrew.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, further comprising:
one or more handles formed in the top side of the structure.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the structure prevents contaminants from entering the mechanical component when attached to the mechanical component.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the mechanical component is a main rotor gearbox.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the structure is created by an additive manufacturing process.