Michael B Mahaffey

US Patent:

59713194, Oct 26, 1999

Filed:

Sep 5, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/923918

Inventors:

Bryon K. Lichtenberg - Gun Barrel City TX
Peter H. Diamandis - Rockville MD
Raymond J. Cronise - Madison AL
Michael L. Mahaffey - Tucson AZ

Assignee:

Zero-Gravity Corporation - Rockville MD

International Classification:

B64D 1100

US Classification:

244 1R

Abstract:

A system and method is provided for rapidly reconfiguring a jet aircraft from a cargo or passenger configuration into a parabolic flight configuration. In the parabolic flight configuration, a zero-gravity condition is created in the aircraft cabin to simulate a weightless atmosphere which can be provided as entertainment to paying customers. Various aspects of the invention include a hydraulic system design change which prevents loss of hydraulic function during a zero-gravity condition and a strap-down accelerometer which provides a visual indication of the parabolic flight condition. Additional interior modifications include removable padding areas, a dual-purpose interior gill liner, modified oxygen systems, handrail attachment fixtures, modified emergency lighting systems, and a palletized floor assembly.