Joseph P Gray

US Patent:

6353793, Mar 5, 2002

Filed:

Feb 1, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/243392

Inventors:

Don S. Godwin - Oakridge NC
Kenneth D. Driver - Burlington NC
Joseph C. Gray - Westminster SC
Richard J. Gritter - Greensboro NC

Assignee:

Aero Modifications Consulting, LLC - Greensboro NC

International Classification:

G01M 112

US Classification:

701124, 701120

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for determining the center of gravity of an aircraft having a plurality of wheels includes the steps of determining the load on one of the plurality of aircraft wheels, determining the aircraft inclination with respect to level, relating the wheel load to the aircraft center of gravity based on the aircraft inclination. The load determination may be conducted on the aircraft nose wheel using a lever apparatus including a frame having a forward end and an aft end the aft end including an attachment device located at the aft end for providing detachable engagement with the wheel axle. The lever apparatus also includes a pivot arm having a first end and a second end, the first end pivotally attached to the frame at a pivot point located between the forward end and the aft end of the frame. A load cell is positioned on the frame so as to be engaged by the pivot arm as the pivot arm pivots about the pivot point for generating a signal indicative of the force generated on the frame as the wheel is raised. The lever apparatus operates about a fulcrum point located forward of the frame aft end about which the lever apparatus raises the aircraft wheel.

US Patent:

6564142, May 13, 2003

Filed:

Nov 29, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/997466

Inventors:

Don S. Godwin - Oakridge NC
Kenneth D. Driver - Burlington NC
Joseph C. Gray - Westminster NC
Richard J. Gritter - Greesnboro NC

Assignee:

Aero Modifications Consulting, L.L.C. - Greensboro NC

International Classification:

G01M 112

US Classification:

701124, 701120

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for determining the center of gravity of an aircraft having a plurality of wheels includes the steps of determining the load on one of the plurality of aircraft wheels, determining the aircraft inclination with respect to level, relating the wheel load to the aircraft center of gravity based on the aircraft inclination. The load determination may be conducted by measuring the load on the nose wheel or at some selected point along the longitudinal axis spaced from the main landing gear. An inclinometer is used to measure the aircraft inclination at the time the load is determined. A processor may be provided for receiving the load cell signal and inclination information, and determining wheel load.