Frank Kevin Robinson

US Patent:

41313917, Dec 26, 1978

Filed:

Oct 4, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/729162

Inventors:

Frank D. Robinson - Rancho Palos Verdes CA

Assignee:

Robinson Helicopter Co. - Torrance CA

International Classification:

B64C 2736

US Classification:

416140

Abstract:

An improved rotor hub and seal assembly for a rotor-craft such as a helicopter includes an improved tri-hinge rotor and an improved oil seal assembly for the rotor pitch bearings. The rotor blades are mounted to the underslung hub by coning hinges, offset from the teetering hinge to which the rotor shaft is attached, so that the stabilizing centrifugal force is always greater than the destabilizing moments. The rotor also includes a teeter hinge restraint, while the oil pitch bearings are sealed by a boot-type seal to permit angular movement of the outer blade root housing relative to the bearing spindle resulting in shear rather than tension on the boot.

US Patent:

41148436, Sep 19, 1978

Filed:

Oct 4, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/729161

Inventors:

Frank D. Robinson - Rancho Palos Verdes CA

Assignee:

Robinson Helicopter Co. - Torrance CA

International Classification:

B64C 1312

US Classification:

244 84

Abstract:

A control stick assembly for dual control of aircraft includes a single control stick for longitudinal and lateral orientation of the aircraft. The stick is mounted on the center of the aircraft by a joint permitting lateral and longitudinal movement by a crossbar mounted on the stick. The crossbar is hinged vertically above the joint and is tiltable freely in a vertical plane. Grips are mounted on crossbar and located in front of each of the pilot and copilot so that each may control the aircraft through a single stick. The stick is connected to appropriate linkages to move the ailerons and elevator of an airplane or the rotor blades of a helicopter.

US Patent:

44497032, May 22, 1984

Filed:

Aug 6, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/406027

Inventors:

Frank D. Robinson - Rancho Palos Verdes CA

Assignee:

Robinson Helicopter Company - Torrance CA

International Classification:

B23Q 104

US Classification:

269 71

Abstract:

An apparatus for bonding together into a composite structure parts having different coefficients of thermal expansion by use of an adhesive which cures at a curing temperature different from the use temperature at which the structure is to be used, including the steps of applying the adhesive in an uncured state to the parts, then affixing the parts together rigidly at the use temperature to form the composite structure prior to curing the adhesive, then curing the adhesive at the curing temperature while keeping the parts affixed together and simultaneously permitting the composite structure to change shape in accordance with the different coefficients of thermal expansion of the parts, the latter step being accomplished by holding the composite structure in a fixture which includes clamping plates which prevent twisting and buckling of the composite structure as its temperature is changed and in which the clamping plates are mounted so as to permit them to shift position to accommodate the bowing of the composite structure resulting from the different expansion coefficients of the parts which are affixed together.

US Patent:

42234298, Sep 23, 1980

Filed:

Sep 1, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/938930

Inventors:

Frank D. Robinson - Rancho Palos Verdes CA

Assignee:

Robinson Helicopter Company - Torrance CA

International Classification:

B23P 1504

US Classification:

291568B

Abstract:

A process for bonding together into a composite structure parts having different coefficients of thermal expansion by use of an adhesive which cures at a curing temperature different from the use temperature at which the structure is to be used, including the steps of applying the adhesive in an uncured state to the parts, then affixing the parts together rigidly at the use temperature to form the composite structure prior to during the adhesive, then curing the adhesive at the curing temperature while keeping the parts affixed together and simultaneously permitting the composite structure to change shape in accordance with the different coefficients of thermal expansion of the parts, the latter step being accomplished by holding the composite structure in a fixture which includes clamping plates which prevent twisting and buckling of the composite structure as its temperature is changed and in which the clamping plates are mounted so as to permit them to shift position to accommodate the bowing of the composite structure resulting from the different expansion coefficients of the parts which are affixed together.