Office Action 1: Notice of Allowance (2025-03-19)

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS
1\. An acoustic panel comprising a first longitudinal edge, a first, acoustically resistive layer, a second, reflective layer, at least first and second cellular structures interposed between the first and second layers, and at least a third, acoustically resistive layer interposed between the first and second cellular structures, the first, acoustically resistive layer and the second, reflective layer being contiguous at the first longitudinal edge, the first cellular structure having a first face, a second face that is opposite to the first face and that is in contact with the second, reflective layer, and a first edge face oriented toward the first longitudinal edge of the acoustic panel, the second cellular structure comprising a first face in contact with the first, acoustically resistive layer and a second face opposite to the first face, and also first and second edge faces connecting the first and second faces, the first edge face of the second cellular structure being oriented toward the first longitudinal edge of the acoustic panel; wherein the first cellular structure comprises a set-back portion which extends from the first face in a direction of the second face and which forms a recess dimensioned to accommodate the second cellular structure and the third, acoustically resistive layer, the second cellular structure being positioned in the recess such that the first faces of the first and second cellular structures are coplanar and in contact with the first, acoustically resistive layer, that the first edge faces of the first and second cellular structures are coplanar, and that the second edge face of the second cellular structure is in contact with the set-back portion.
2\. The acoustic panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the acoustic panel comprises at least one reinforcement interposed between the first, acoustically resistive layer and the second, reflective layer, between the first longitudinal edge of the acoustic panel and the first edge faces of the first and second cellular structures, the reinforcement having a first surface extending in a plane common to the first face of the second cellular structure, a second surface extending in a plane common to the second face of the first cellular structure, a third surface in contact with the first edge faces of the first and second cellular structures, and a fourth, inclined surface connecting the first and second surfaces.
3\. The acoustic panel as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first surface has a transverse dimension greater than 1 cm and smaller than 5 cm.
4\. The acoustic panel as claimed in claim 2, wherein the reinforcement is a cellular structure which has cells opening out at the first and second surfaces of the reinforcement.
5\. The acoustic panel as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cells of the reinforcement have a cross section smaller than that of the first and second cellular structures.
6\. The acoustic panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cells of the reinforcement have a width of between 3 and 6 mm.
7\. The acoustic panel as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second, reflective layer comprises an extension which extends beyond the second surface of the reinforcement.
8\. The acoustic panel as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first layer extends continuously over the first and second cellular structures, the fourth surface of the reinforcement and the extension of the second, reflective layer.
9\. The acoustic panel as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first layer comprises a first, acoustically resistive part which extends over the first and second cellular structures and at least partially over the first surface of the reinforcement, and a second part which extends at least partially over the first surface of the reinforcement, over the fourth surface of the reinforcement and over the extension of the reflective layer, the first and second parts having a zone of overlap in line with the first surface of the reinforcement.
10\. The acoustic panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second cellular structures have cells having a width greater than or equal to 12.7 mm.
11\. An aircraft comprising at least one acoustic panel as claimed in claim 1.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-11 are allowed.
The following is an examiner's statement of reasons for allowance:
The references of the Prior Art of record fail to teach, or suggest any obvious combination of the limitations discussed in the previous Office Action, and further comprising the limitations of (With respect to claim 1) wherein the first cellular structure comprises a set-back portion which extends from the first face in a direction of the second face and which forms a recess dimensioned to accommodate the second cellular structure and the third, acoustically resistive layer, the second cellular structure being positioned in the recess such that the first faces of the first and second cellular structures are coplanar and in contact with the first, acoustically resistive layer, that the first edge faces of the first and second cellular structures are coplanar, and that the second edge face of the second cellular structure is in contact with the set-back portion.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee. Such submissions should be clearly labeled Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Pertinent arts of record relating to acoustic paneling comprising at least two cellular structures which are nested one inside the other, aircraft having at least one such acoustic panel are disclosed in the PTO-892.



CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US9352844B2: Claims:
An aircraft nacelle comprising: a first subassembly formed from a pipe that channels an air flow in a direction of a power plant; a covering or panel for the first subassembly configured for acoustic treatment that comprises, from inside to outside: a reflective layer, at least one honeycomb structure, and at least one acoustically resistive structure that forms an aerodynamic surface of the pipe; a second subassembly formed from: a lip, and a front frame; and a deformable junction element that is independent from the two subassemblies, connected to a portion of the pipe, and connected to a portion of the lip that is arranged in said portion of the pipe at different points so as to permit the deformable junction element to deform to absorb a portion of impact energy in accordance with an elongation coefficient of the deformable junction element, the deformable junction element comprising: a first cylindrical part flattened and attached to an inside surface of a flange of the second subassembly, and a second cylindrical part flattened and attached to an outside surface of an extension of the pipe, wherein said first and second cylindrical parts are connected by a conical portion.
a first subassembly formed from a pipe that channels an air flow in a direction of a power plant;
a covering or panel for the first subassembly configured for acoustic treatment that comprises, from inside to outside: a reflective layer, at least one honeycomb structure, and at least one acoustically resistive structure that forms an aerodynamic surface of the pipe;
a reflective layer,
at least one honeycomb structure, and
at least one acoustically resistive structure that forms an aerodynamic surface of the pipe;
a second subassembly formed from: a lip, and a front frame; and
a front frame; and
a deformable junction element that is independent from the two subassemblies, connected to a portion of the pipe, and connected to a portion of the lip that is arranged in said portion of the pipe at different points so as to permit the deformable junction element to deform to absorb a portion of impact energy in accordance with an elongation coefficient of the deformable junction element, the deformable junction element comprising: a first cylindrical part flattened and attached to an inside surface of a flange of the second subassembly, and a second cylindrical part flattened and attached to an outside surface of an extension of the pipe, wherein said first and second cylindrical parts are connected by a conical portion.
a first cylindrical part flattened and attached to an inside surface of a flange of the second subassembly, and
a second cylindrical part flattened and attached to an outside surface of an extension of the pipe,
wherein said first and second cylindrical parts are connected by a conical portion.
The aircraft nacelle according to claim 1 , further comprising: a first connector attaching the first cylindrical part to the inside surface of the flange of the front frame; and a second connector attaching the second cylindrical part to the outside surface of the extension at the end of the pipe.
a first connector attaching the first cylindrical part to the inside surface of the flange of the front frame; and
a second connector attaching the second cylindrical part to the outside surface of the extension at the end of the pipe.
The aircraft nacelle according to claim 1 , wherein the deformable junction element is formed from titanium.
An aircraft nacelle comprising: a first subassembly formed from a pipe that channels an air flow in a direction of a power plant; a covering or panel for the first subassembly configured for acoustic treatment that comprises, from inside to outside: a reflective layer, at least one honeycomb structure, and at least one acoustically resistive structure that forms an aerodynamic surface of the pipe; a second subassembly formed from: a lip, and a front frame; and a deformable junction element that is independent from the two subassemblies, connected to a portion of the pipe, and connected to a portion of the lip that is arranged in said portion of the pipe at different points so as to permit the deformable junction element to deform to absorb a portion of impact energy in accordance with an elongation coefficient of the deformable junction element, the deformable junction element comprising: a first cylindrical part connected to the second subassembly, and a second cylindrical part connected to the portion of the pipe, wherein said first and second cylindrical parts are connected by a cylindrical or conical portion, and wherein the interconnecting cylindrical or conical portion comprises a rupture line.
a deformable junction element that is independent from the two subassemblies, connected to a portion of the pipe, and connected to a portion of the lip that is arranged in said portion of the pipe at different points so as to permit the deformable junction element to deform to absorb a portion of impact energy in accordance with an elongation coefficient of the deformable junction element, the deformable junction element comprising: a first cylindrical part connected to the second subassembly, and a second cylindrical part connected to the portion of the pipe, wherein said first and second cylindrical parts are connected by a cylindrical or conical portion, and wherein the interconnecting cylindrical or conical portion comprises a rupture line.
a first cylindrical part connected to the second subassembly, and
a second cylindrical part connected to the portion of the pipe,
wherein said first and second cylindrical parts are connected by a cylindrical or conical portion, and
wherein the interconnecting cylindrical or conical portion comprises a rupture line.
Ref US20240217667A1: Claims:
An acoustic treatment panel intended to be disposed on at least one wall of an aircraft propulsion unit in contact with a fluid flow, the panel comprising a first acoustically reflective skin, a second acoustically porous skin intended to be in contact with a fluid flow, a honeycomb structure extending between the first skin and the second skin and comprising a plurality of cavities, wherein it comprises at least one acoustically transparent reinforcing wall passing through a plurality of cavities of the honeycomb structure and extending from the second skin to the first skin forming a non-orthogonal angle with the first and second skins, said at least one reinforcing wall being formed in one piece with the first acoustically reflective wall.
wherein it comprises at least one acoustically transparent reinforcing wall passing through a plurality of cavities of the honeycomb structure and extending from the second skin to the first skin forming a non-orthogonal angle with the first and second skins, said at least one reinforcing wall being formed in one piece with the first acoustically reflective wall.
The acoustic treatment panel according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one acoustically transparent reinforcing wall has a perforation rate greater than or equal to 18%.
The acoustic treatment panel according to claim 1 , wherein the honeycomb structure extends, in a plane parallel to the second skin, inside an outer perimeter, and said at least one reinforcing wall extends inside the honeycomb structure from the second skin to the first skin on a border portion of the honeycomb structure extending, in the plane parallel to the second skin, from said outer perimeter to the interior of the honeycomb structure.
The panel according to claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing wall comprises a fastening portion extending to the outside of the panel in the elongation of the second skin, the fastening portion being intended to be coupled to a wall of the propulsion unit.
The panel according to claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing wall comprises a fixing portion extending to the outside of the panel in the elongation of the first skin, the fixing portion being intended to be coupled to a wall of the propulsion unit.
The panel according to claim 1 , comprising at least one portion of panel extending, in a direction orthogonal to the first skin, between a reinforcing wall and a portion of the first skin, said at least one portion of panel being attached and fixed to the remainder of the panel by co-firing during the manufacture of the panel.
A propulsion unit intended to be mounted on an aircraft, the propulsion unit comprising at least one acoustic treatment panel according to claim 1 .
The propulsion unit according to claim 7 , comprising at least one air inlet provided with a front lip, an outer wall and an inner wall, and connected to one of said acoustic treatment panels forming at least one part of the inner wall.
The propulsion unit according to claim 8 , wherein said reinforcing wall of said acoustic treatment panel continues outside of said panel and is connected to the front lip of the air inlet.
An aircraft comprising at least one propulsion unit according to claim 6 .
A method for manufacturing an acoustic treatment panel intended to be disposed on at least one wall of an aircraft propulsion unit in contact with a fluid flow, the method for manufacturing the panel comprising a step of stacking a first acoustically reflective skin, a honeycomb structure and a second acoustically porous skin intended to be in contact with a fluid flow, the honeycomb structure extending between the first skin and the second skin and comprising a plurality of cavities, wherein the method further comprises a step of installing at least one acoustically transparent reinforcing wall passing through a plurality of cavities of the honeycomb structure and extending from the second skin to the first skin forming a non-orthogonal angle with the first and second skins, said at least one reinforcing wall being formed in one piece with the first acoustically reflective wall.
wherein the method further comprises a step of installing at least one acoustically transparent reinforcing wall passing through a plurality of cavities of the honeycomb structure and extending from the second skin to the first skin forming a non-orthogonal angle with the first and second skins, said at least one reinforcing wall being formed in one piece with the first acoustically reflective wall.
The method according to claim 11 , comprising a step of producing at least one portion of panel intended to extend, in a direction orthogonal to the first skin, between a reinforcing wall and a portion of the first skin, and a step of connecting, by co-firing, said at least one portion of panel to the remainder of the panel.
Ref US10940955B2: Claims:
A sound attenuation device, comprising: an acoustic panel having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end, the first end configured for attachment to a first mount and the second end configured for attachment to a second mount, wherein the acoustic panel comprises a permeable skin, a back skin and a septum, the septum having a length extending between the first end and the second end and wherein the first mount is configured to attach the first end of the acoustic panel to a first bulkhead of a nacelle and the second mount is configured to attach the second end of the acoustic panel to a second bulkhead of the nacelle, the acoustic panel further having a first closeout seal positioned between a second end of the septum and a second end of the permeable skin and a second closeout seal positioned between the second end of the septum and a second end of the back skin, wherein the first closeout seal has an end that terminates on a first side of the septum and the second closeout seal has an end that terminates on a second side of the septum.
an acoustic panel having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end, the first end configured for attachment to a first mount and the second end configured for attachment to a second mount, wherein the acoustic panel comprises a permeable skin, a back skin and a septum, the septum having a length extending between the first end and the second end and wherein the first mount is configured to attach the first end of the acoustic panel to a first bulkhead of a nacelle and the second mount is configured to attach the second end of the acoustic panel to a second bulkhead of the nacelle,
wherein the acoustic panel comprises a permeable skin, a back skin and a septum, the septum having a length extending between the first end and the second end and
wherein the first mount is configured to attach the first end of the acoustic panel to a first bulkhead of a nacelle and the second mount is configured to attach the second end of the acoustic panel to a second bulkhead of the nacelle,
the acoustic panel further having a first closeout seal positioned between a second end of the septum and a second end of the permeable skin and a second closeout seal positioned between the second end of the septum and a second end of the back skin, wherein the first closeout seal has an end that terminates on a first side of the septum and the second closeout seal has an end that terminates on a second side of the septum.
wherein the first closeout seal has an end that terminates on a first side of the septum and the second closeout seal has an end that terminates on a second side of the septum.
The sound attenuation device of claim 1 , further comprising a core disposed between the permeable skin and the septum along a portion of the length.
The sound attenuation device of claim 2 , wherein the core extends within the second end of the acoustic panel.
The sound attenuation device of claim 3 , wherein the septum includes a first end configured for attachment to the first mount.
The sound attenuation device of claim 3 , wherein the septum includes a first end configured for attachment to the first mount using a fastener configured to extend through the first end of the septum and at least a portion of the first mount.
The sound attenuation device of claim 4 , wherein the septum includes a second end configured for attachment to the second mount.
The sound attenuation device of claim 4 , wherein the septum includes a second end configured for attachment to the second mount using a fastener configured to extend through the second end of the septum and at least a portion of the second mount.
The sound attenuation device of claim 6 , wherein the back skin has a second end configured for attachment to the second mount.
The sound attenuation device of claim 6 , wherein the back skin has a second end configured for attachment to the second mount and wherein the second ends of the septum and the back skin are configured for attachment to the second mount using a fastener configured to extend through the second ends of the septum and the back skin and at least a portion of the second mount.
The sound attenuation device of claim 6 , wherein the first closeout seal has a first portion configured for attachment to the second end of the permeable skin and a second portion configured for attachment to the second end of the septum.
The sound attenuation device of claim 10 , wherein the second closeout seal has a first portion configured for attachment to the second end of the septum and a second portion configured for attachment to a second end of the back skin.
The sound attenuation device of claim 11 , wherein the second portion of the first closeout seal, the first portion of the second closeout seal and the second end of the septum are configured for attachment to each other using a fastener.
The sound attenuation device of claim 12 , wherein the second portion of the second closeout seal and the second end of the back skin are configured for attachment to the second mount using a second fastener configured to extend through the second portion of the second closeout seal, the second end of the back skin and at least a portion of the second mount.
A sound attenuation device, comprising: an acoustic panel having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end, the first end configured for attachment to a first bulkhead of a nacelle and the second end configured for attachment to a second bulkhead of the nacelle and spaced from the first bulkhead, wherein the acoustic panel comprises a permeable skin, a septum and a back skin, the septum having a length extending between the first end and the second end, and a core disposed between the permeable skin and the septum along a portion of the length and wherein the core extends within the second end of the acoustic panel, the acoustic panel further having a first closeout seal positioned between a second end of the septum and a second end of the permeable skin and a second closeout seal positioned between the second end of the septum and a second end of the back skin, wherein the first closeout seal has an end that terminates on a first side of the septum and the second closeout seal has an end that terminates on a second side of the septum.
an acoustic panel having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end, the first end configured for attachment to a first bulkhead of a nacelle and the second end configured for attachment to a second bulkhead of the nacelle and spaced from the first bulkhead, wherein the acoustic panel comprises a permeable skin, a septum and a back skin, the septum having a length extending between the first end and the second end, and a core disposed between the permeable skin and the septum along a portion of the length and wherein the core extends within the second end of the acoustic panel,
wherein the acoustic panel comprises a permeable skin, a septum and a back skin, the septum having a length extending between the first end and the second end, and a core disposed between the permeable skin and the septum along a portion of the length and
wherein the core extends within the second end of the acoustic panel,
The sound attenuation device of claim 14 , wherein the permeable skin, the septum and the back skin each have a first end configured for attachment to the first bulkhead.
The sound attenuation device of claim 15 , wherein the first ends of each of the permeable skin and the septum are positioned against one another to form a layered structure proximate the first bulkhead.
The sound attenuation device of claim 16 , wherein the first ends of each of the permeable skin, the septum and the back skin are positioned against one another to form a layered structure proximate the first bulkhead.
The sound attenuation device of claim 17 , wherein the first ends of each of the permeable skin, the septum and the back skin are configured for attachment to the first bulkhead using a blind fastener configured to extend through the first ends of each of the permeable skin, the septum and the back skin.
A nacelle inlet for an aircraft engine, comprising: an acoustic panel having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end, the first end configured for attachment to a forward bulkhead of the nacelle inlet and the second end configured for attachment to an aft bulkhead of the nacelle inlet and spaced aft of the forward bulkhead, wherein the acoustic panel comprises a permeable skin, a septum and a back skin, the septum having a length extending between the first end and the second end of the acoustic panel, and a core disposed between the permeable skin and the septum along a portion of the length, wherein the core extends within the second end of the acoustic panel and wherein the septum includes a first end configured for attachment to the forward bulkhead and a second end configured for attachment to the aft bulkhead, the acoustic panel further having a first closeout seal positioned between a second end of the septum and a second end of the permeable skin and a second closeout seal positioned between the second end of the septum and a second end of the back skin, wherein the first closeout seal has an end that terminates on a 
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