Patents Examined by Arfan Y Sinaki
  • Patent number: 11197463
    Abstract: In a pet door system designed to allow a user to control a pet door to manage access inside and outside of a space, a speaker that plays a first phrase in response to a first trigger. The pet door system comprises at least a sensor, a pet door, and a door opener. The sensor detects a pet entering an area about the pet door in response to the first phrase. The door opener opens a pet door when the sensor detects the pet entering the area about the pet door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Dog-E-Door, LLC
    Inventors: Lauren Burton, Patrick Burton
  • Patent number: 11198504
    Abstract: An energy absorbing landing system for an aircraft having a fuselage includes landing legs rotatably coupled to the fuselage configured to outwardly rotate when receiving a landing load having a magnitude. The energy absorbing landing system also includes an energy absorption unit coupled to the fuselage and cables coupling the energy absorption unit to the landing legs. The energy absorption unit is configured to selectively apply a resistance to the outward rotation of the landing legs via the cables based on the magnitude of the landing load, thereby absorbing the landing load when the aircraft lands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Guy Bernard
  • Patent number: 11186375
    Abstract: A passenger seat system for a cabin of a means of transportation includes: a passenger seat having a seat frame having a holding section and a plurality of supporting elements for coupling to a floor; and, a slide device spaced apart from the holding section and having a base and a retaining device, to be detachably fastened to the base and be coupled to a supporting element. The base has a contact surface for laying onto a cabin seat rail, a locking device for locking the base on the seat rail, and a holding device for releasably holding the retaining device. The slide device is designed to lock the retaining device on the holding device selectively in a first or a second position or to release the retaining device and, when the retaining device is released, to permit motion of the retaining device between the first and the second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventor: Carsten Wolgast
  • Patent number: 11178855
    Abstract: The invention provides a device, a system and a method for handling, grading and vaccinating living birds, wherein the device comprises a main member; a receiving member rotatably attached to the main member and configured to receive and hold the birds by their scapula-humeral joints in a first position and to release the birds in a second position; and a locking member movably attached to the main member and configured to lock the receiving member in the first position and to release the receiving member to rotate from the first position to the second position to release the birds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: AGRI ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventors: Ivan Forner Domenech, Santiago Hernández Gómez
  • Patent number: 11174019
    Abstract: A vertical landing and take-off aircraft VTOL transitions from a vertical takeoff state to a cruise state where the vertical takeoff state uses propellers to generate lift and the cruise state uses wings to generate lift. The aircraft has an M-wing configuration with propellers located on the wingtip nacelles, wing booms, and tail boom. The wing boom and/or the tail boom can include boom control effectors. Hinged control surfaces on the wings, tail boom, and tail tilt during takeoff and landing to yaw the vehicle. The boom control effectors, cruise propellers, stacked propellers, and control surfaces can have different positions during different modes of operation in order to control aircraft movement and mitigate noise generated by the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Joby Aero, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Moore, John Conway Badalamenti, Ian Villa, Adam Warmoth, David Josephson
  • Patent number: 11174000
    Abstract: A window with an emergency exit function for a helicopter is described that comprises: a frame shaped as a framework that can be coupled to a door of said helicopter provided with an opening; and a transparent element designed to engage the opening and held in position by the frame; the frame comprises a first side arranged abutting against the transparent element when a first force below a threshold value is exerted on the latter in a direction transversal to a first plane of a main portion of the transparent element, and which can be elastically moved away from the transparent element when the first force exerted on the latter exceeds the threshold value; and a second side having greater flexural rigidity than the first side in a second plane transversal to first plane and arranged abutting against the transparent element even when the force is greater than said threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: LEONARDO S.P.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio Gorgoglione, Gaetano Papaleo
  • Patent number: 11174027
    Abstract: Vehicle docking systems, payload transfer systems, and related methods. A vehicle docking system includes a vehicle with a plurality of docking insert units and a docking platform with a plurality of docking receptor units. Each docking receptor unit is configured to transition between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. A method of utilizing a vehicle docking system includes bringing a vehicle to a docked position on a docking platform and securing the vehicle in the docked position. The docking platform includes a plurality of docking receptor units and the vehicle includes a plurality of docking insert units, each docking receptor unit configured to receive a corresponding docking insert unit. The securing the vehicle in the docked position includes transitioning each docking receptor unit from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration. A payload transfer system includes a payload engagement system and a vehicle docking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Eric John Martens
  • Patent number: 11167837
    Abstract: An aircraft (101) is provided with a single centrally located inceptor (110) for controlling pitch and roll of the aircraft. The inceptor (110) is provided with a double grip (11, 112) so that it may be comfortably operated by either a pilot or a co-pilot. A central location for the inceptor ensures that its motion and position is visible to both pilot and co-pilot. Not only is this a benefit from a safety point of view but also during pilot training. Alternatively, two inceptors (411, 412) are provided in the centre console (406) adjacent to one another for operation respectively by the pilot and co-pilot and may be mechanically linked. Optionally, the aircraft may be provided with outboard throttle quadrants (117, 118) for operation respectively by the co-pilot and pilot. The outboard throttle quadrants may be mechanically linked together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventor: Adam Taylor
  • Patent number: 11148816
    Abstract: An adjustable leg restraint for an ejection seat may be configured to translate between an extended state and a nonextended state. The adjustable leg restraint may include a leg located proximate a side panel of the ejection seat. An extension flange may be coupled to the leg guard. The extension flange may be configured to translate the leg guard relative to the side panel of the ejection seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew D. Salois, Jeff Benjamin
  • Patent number: 11149770
    Abstract: A system may include a fastener strap, a first component, and a second component. The fastener strap may include a strap section, at least one first stiffening rib section, and at least one second stiffening rib section. The first component may include a first strap section channel and at least one first stiffening rib section channel positioned along the first strap section channel. The second component may include a second strap section channel and at least one second stiffening rib section channel positioned along the second strap section channel. When the fastener strap is installed in the first strap section channel, the at least one first stiffening rib section channel, the second strap section channel, and the at least one second stiffening rib section channel, a load-bearing connection may be formed between the first component and the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Paolo Ballocchi, Damian Christie
  • Patent number: 11148806
    Abstract: [Problem] To provide an aerial vehicle wherein the flight efficiency can be improved. [Solution] An aerial vehicle according to the present invention relates in particular to a aerial vehicle having a loading section whereon a payload and the like can be loaded. The aerial vehicle is capable of traveling at least forward and backward, is provided with lift generation sections, arm sections for holding the lift generation sections, a loading section disposed on the arm sections and positioned posterior to the center of gravity of the aerial vehicle, and a maintaining means for maintaining the aerial vehicle at least in the horizontal attitude, and the loading section has a first connection part for maintaining a loaded object at least in the horizontal attitude. On the basis of the above mentioned, the payload can be prevented from entering slipstream regions created by propellers, improving flight efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: AERONEXT INC.
    Inventor: Yoichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 11136941
    Abstract: Exhaust redirecting devices are described that are suitable for use in tilt rotor aircraft. Such devices are constructed of light weight material and permit redirection of exhaust gases from turbojet engines of tilt rotor aircraft as nacelles of the aircraft transition between vertical and horizontal flight. Use of a controller permits coordination between exhaust redirection and nacelle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Inventor: Abe Karem
  • Patent number: 11136111
    Abstract: A wing for an aircraft, including a main wing, a slat, and a connection assembly movably connecting the slat to the main wing, such that the slat is movable between a retracted position and at least one extended position. The connection assembly includes a first connection station and a second connection station spaced apart from the first connection station in a wing span direction. The object, to prevent the slat from skewing, is achieved in that the connection assembly includes a sync shaft coupling the first connection station to the second connection station for sync movement of the first and second connection stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Schlipf, Florian Lorenz
  • Patent number: 11116196
    Abstract: A flasher including at least one rib elevated above the surface of the middle plate portion of the flasher is provided. The rib(s) may exaggerate the movement of the flasher when pulled through water, when compared to an otherwise identical flasher without the rib(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Rapala VMC Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Elliott Gibson
  • Patent number: 11117667
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) jettison apparatus. The UAV jettison apparatus may comprise a payload bay, fairing, ejector plate, and releasable latch. The payload bay may be mounted beneath an aircraft and may have an inner space and a top plate attached therewith. The fairing may substantially cover the inner space of the payload bay and may have an opening positioned directly below the top plate. The ejector plate, which may be spring-loaded, may substantially cover the opening and may be used to mount the UAV. The releasable latch, which may be disposed between the top plate and the ejector plate, may releasably lock and hold the UAV in a stowed position and, upon release, may allow the ejector plate to move into a launch position, such that the UAV is released and jettisoned from a larger aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Shawn Kerry McGann, Nicholas McGaha
  • Patent number: 11096378
    Abstract: A self-storable lightweight animal leash is described herein. The animal leash includes a distal region, an opposing proximal region, and a medial region therebetween. The distal region may include a receptacle and a self-containable bundling member. The bundling member includes a secured portion fixed inside the receptacle and a bundling portion deployable from the receptacle. The bundling portion is deployable such that when the leash is coiled together, the bundling portion can wrap around the coils to store the leash in a bundled and compact form. The animal leash is particularly useful for backpackers, hikers, campers, and user who frequently travel with their animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Inventor: Colin Lagarde
  • Patent number: 11039608
    Abstract: A battery-free electric mosquito swatter, comprising a flat swatting portion (1), a handle (2), a control circuit board (3), and a mechanical energy-based power generation device (5). The flat swatting portion (1) consists of a swatter frame and a swatter net. The flat swatting portion (1) is connected to the handle (2), the control circuit board (3) and the mechanical energy-based power generation device (5) are disposed within the handle (2), and the swatting net and the mechanical energy-based power generation device (5) are electrically connected to the control circuit board (3). The mechanical energy-based power generation device (5) comprises a hand squeeze member (51), a gear transmission mechanism, and a power generator (57). The hand squeeze member (51) is provided with a curved gear rack (511) meshing with an input gear of the gear transmission mechanism. An output gear of the gear transmission mechanism drives a rotating shaft of a rotor of the power generator (57) to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Nine Stars Group (U.S.A.) Inc.
    Inventors: Cuiwen Lin, Jiangqun Chen, Zhou Lin, Huiyang Zheng, Xiujin Yang
  • Patent number: 11034458
    Abstract: A front fairing of a pylon of an aircraft includes a shroud, produced in a single piece, which extends over almost all the surface area of the front fairing and which is configured to occupy a closed position in which a peripheral edge of the shroud and a peripheral edge of the front fairing and/or of the nacelle are contiguous, and an open position in which the peripheral edge of the shroud is, at least partially, separated from the peripheral edge of the front fairing and/or of the nacelle. The front fairing includes at least one locking system to hold the shroud in closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventor: Thierry Theron
  • Patent number: 11034435
    Abstract: A wing for an aircraft including a slat, and a connection assembly for movably connecting the slat to the main wing. The connection assembly includes a first connection element movably mounted to the main wing and mounted to the slat, and a second connection element movably mounted to the main wing and mounted to the slat. The connection assembly includes a drive unit connected to the slat that includes a first and second drive station spaced apart in the wing span direction. The first drive station has a first input section, a first gear unit and a first output section connected to the slat. The second drive station has a second input section connected to the drive shaft, a second gear unit, and a second output section connected to the slat. The drive unit includes a sync shaft coupling the first output section to the second output section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Schlipf, Dort Daandels
  • Patent number: 11014654
    Abstract: A landing gear assembly (12) includes a primary load bearing strut including a shock absorber having a slider part (15) arranged to slide within a cylinder part (17). A link assembly (50) is attached between the slider part (15) and the cylinder part (17). A bogie (16) supporting wheels is mounted on the strut. The bogie may adopt different pitch angles. A pitch trimmer device (70) is attached to the bogie and to the link assembly, for example thus providing a relatively long moment arm (96) for control of the bogie pitch angle. The arrangement may be such that the pitch trimmer (70) is near mid-stroke as the aircraft achieves the full weight on wheels condition, whereas the pitch trimmer is at a fullest extent for flight case and for retraction. Onset of pitch trimmer closure/movement is used to detect the weight-on-wheels condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventor: Robert Ian Thompson