Ejector seat with ejection retracting backrest

US10131438B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• AMI Industries, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Jeff Benjamin · Colorado Springs, US
• James Tulloch · Colorado Springs, US
• Jeremy Ochs · Colorado Springs, US
• John Hampton · Colorado Springs, US
• Bradley Mastrolia · Colorado Springs, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 17, 2015
• Grant date: Nov 20, 2018
• Expiry date: Sep 5, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64D25/10
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An aircrew member must be properly positioned during flight to have a view inside and outside of the cockpit and to reach all aircraft controls. However, if an ejection event occurs, the aircrew member should be properly aligned with a thrust direction of the ejection seat to prevent injury. A retracting backrest for an ejection seat is deployed pre-flight to a desired flight position. A release mechanism engages a positioning member to secure the retracting backrest in the flight position. In response to an eject signal, the release mechanism disengages from the positioning member, and both the aircrew member and the retracting backrest are hauled back to properly align the aircrew member for ejection.