US 12,428,151 B2
Dual latch system for hopper cover of an aerial application aircraft
Calvin L. Kroes, Loveland, OK (US)
Assigned to Texas Transland LLC, Wichita Falls, TX (US)
Filed by Texas Transland LLC, Wichita Falls, TX (US)
Filed on Dec. 2, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/965,893.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/604,628, filed on Nov. 30, 2023.
Prior Publication US 2025/0178730 A1, Jun. 5, 2025
Int. Cl. B64D 1/16 (2006.01); E05B 77/22 (2014.01); E05B 81/04 (2014.01); E05B 81/16 (2014.01); E05B 83/00 (2014.01)
CPC B64D 1/16 (2013.01) [E05B 77/22 (2013.01); E05B 81/04 (2013.01); E05B 81/16 (2013.01); E05B 83/00 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for an aerial application aircraft, comprising:
a hopper cover coupled to the aerial application aircraft;
an electric actuator coupled to the hopper cover;
a latch sequencing mechanism comprising a latch rod coupled to the electric actuator, wherein the electric actuator engages the latch sequencing mechanism and moves the latch rod between a latched position and an unlatched position;
a spring coupled to the latch sequencing mechanism and the latch rod and operable to exert linear mechanical force based on the latch rod being in one of the latched position or the unlatched position;
a dual latch mechanism coupled to the latch rod, wherein the dual latch mechanism comprises:
a first latch pin that is operable to engage a first latch box; and
a second latch pin that is operable to engage a second latch box opposite the first latch box.