James E Downing

US Patent:

42727995, Jun 9, 1981

Filed:

Jan 29, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/007073

Inventors:

James R. Downing - Northridge CA

International Classification:

F21L 1100
F21V 100
F21V 702

US Classification:

362145

Abstract:

A surface floodlight assembly for use in a heliport lighting system which provides a wide-angle horizontal beam spread and a very narrow vertical beam spread. A pair of sealed beam high-intensity floodlights mounted in a case with their respective axes at a predetermined angle provide a wide horizontal angle of convergence while limiting the vertical angle. The case enclosing the floodlights has a cover including a perimeter marking light which has a lens providing a wide angle of divergence. Mounting tabs are provided on the case for securing it in place and positioning groups of the floodlight assemblies around a heliport pad such that maximum illumination is obtained over a substantial portion of the pad. To minimize glare, a shroud is incorporated into the case limiting the divergence of the floodlight beams to prevent glare. Each floodlight assembly is a complete self-contained unit including a power supply which provides varying selections of brilliance and it can be permanently mounted or be portable.

US Patent:

42481058, Feb 3, 1981

Filed:

Sep 27, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/946145

Inventors:

James W. Downing - Buena Park CA
Teunes Verhoeven - Long Beach CA

Assignee:

McDonnell Douglas Corporation - Long Beach CA

International Classification:

F16H 144
F16D 900
G05G 700

US Classification:

747105

Abstract:

A mechanical power transmission apparatus, of the differential gear type, for actuating an airplane control surface requiring two independent actuator inputs to a single control surface. Asymmetric loading to the control surface is accommodated by a mechanical fuse link. The fuse link is provided by employing a shear pin to attach the pinion gear to the pinion shaft, designed to fail at a predetermined differential torque between the two driven bevel gears. Positive disengagement of the gears is provided following fuse link release.

US Patent:

D2598132, Jul 7, 1981

Filed:

Jan 29, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/007072

Inventors:

James R. Downing - Northridge CA

International Classification:

D2603

US Classification:

D26 24

US Patent:

43758312, Mar 8, 1983

Filed:

Jun 30, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/164089

Inventors:

James E. Downing - Columbus OH

International Classification:

F25B 2900
F25B 2702

US Classification:

165 48R

Abstract:

An indoor space environment heating and cooling system in which a massive thermal storage unit is interposed between a geothermal heat energy storage capacity--the earth--and a heat pump heating and/or cooling apparatus for controlling and maintaining the environment in an indoor living space. A fluid circulation apparatus is provided to circulate a working fluid from the massive thermal storage unit directly to a heat exchanger in the indoor space environment conditioning apparatus, to provide cooling when the temperature of the thermal storage unit is less than the temperature in the living space.

US Patent:

42826276, Aug 11, 1981

Filed:

Dec 18, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/970356

Inventors:

James W. Downing - Buena Park CA

Assignee:

McDonnell Douglas Corporation - Long Beach CA

International Classification:

B65D 748
F16L 500

US Classification:

16 2

Abstract:

A one piece fairlead grommet for protecting an aircraft control cable where penetrating a bulkhead or cable support panel. The fairlead grommet has a generally cylindrical body with frustro conically shaped flanges and a through-slot, generally, longitudinally oriented. The slot forms an angle with a radius line drawn from the center of the grommet bore to permit the slot surfaces to be readily offset and the grommet collapsed around the control cable for installation with the control cable in place. The slot is further biased on a diagonal with respect to the horizontal axis of the grommet bore to ensure a wearing surface in contact with the cable at the slot.

US Patent:

55776876, Nov 26, 1996

Filed:

Aug 21, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/517067

Inventors:

James R. Downing - Northridge CA

International Classification:

B64D 108
B64F 136
B64F 100

US Classification:

244110E

Abstract:

A portable helicopter landing pad especially suitable for deployment on an unprepared surface comprises a number of perforated metal mats which on being joined at their edges define a heliport of predetermined size and shape. Dual-purpose connectors releasably join adjacent mats to one another and anchor the edges of the mats to the underlying surface. If needed, moveable stiffening plates are provided for strengthening the assembled mats where the wheels or skids of the helicopter touch down. A rigid container is provided for transporting and storing the predetermined number of mats, connectors, and tools needed for a particular heliport. For larger installations, several containers are pre-packed to facilitate the transport and assembly of the required components. The container is designed to prevent the stacked mats, connectors, and tools from shifting while in transit. A removable cover retains the container's contents and further prevents them from slipping during storage and transport.