Patents Examined by Stephen Gordon
  • Blade tip clamp arrangement
    Patent number: 9522626
    Abstract: A blade tip clamp arrangement configured to support a wind turbine rotor blade, including at least a tip clamp assembly configured to hold the rotor blade along an airfoil portion of the rotor blade, and a pivot connection interface configured to pivotably connect the tip clamp assembly to a wheeled transport means, is provided. A rotor blade transport and storage arrangement configured for the storage and transport of a wind turbine rotor blade, and a method of handling a wind turbine rotor blade during transport and storage is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Steen Mattrup Hansen, Aage Mastrup, Kenneth Helligsoe Svinth
  • Mounting system for mounting an object in a space of a transportation means and transportation means with a space and at least one such mounting system
    Patent number: 9522734
    Abstract: A mounting system for objects in a transportation system includes a profile rail, at least one locking device with a base body that is bringable in surface contact with a supporting surface of the profile rail and at least one locking body which is interlockable with the profile rail, as well as an actuating device with an actuating element that extends parallel to the profile rail and a clamping body that is connected to the actuating element. The clamping body is realized in such a way that it exerts a compressive force, which results in the locking body being interlocked, upon a component of the locking device during a motion of the actuating element in a first direction parallel to the profile rail and releases the interlock during a motion of the actuating element in a second, opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Seraj Mazidi, Frank Quatmann
  • Connector anchor having multiple direction connectivity
    Patent number: 9517714
    Abstract: A connector anchor has a longitudinal axis and an aperture for receiving the buckle clip. The aperture has a first extent portion extending in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the connector anchor for receiving a buckle clip in a first orientation. The aperture has a second extent portion crossing the first extend portion and extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connector anchor for receiving the buckle clip in a second, different orientation. The aperture has a third extent portion crossing the first and second extend portions and extending in a direction at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector anchor for receiving the buckle clip in a third, different orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Winston Products LLC
    Inventors: Winston Breeden, III, Ryan William Chepla, Aaron Misener
  • Cargo restraining device
    Patent number: 9511706
    Abstract: A restraining device including a bag filled with a ballast and sealed on all sides. When filled with predetermined amount of ballast, the restraining device is flexible and conforms to the shape of a cargo and a vehicle cargo area in a horizontal and or vertical dimension. The restraining device secures cargo in a vertical dimension while creating extra friction between the cargo and a cargo bed to prevent or reduce horizontal movement of the cargo. The restraining device interacts with cargo in a solely horizontal function by wrapping it around the horizontal base perimeter of the cargo. In this case, the friction between the restraining device and the cargo bed creates a barrier for the cargo thereby preventing or reducing horizontal movement of the cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventors: Richard Dennis, William Summers
  • Cargo decking beam system
    Patent number: 9505337
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable decking system for use within a cargo container. The system comprises vertical mounting posts that include a plurality of spaced openings and a slider track with obliquely angled guide channels. Decking beams are selectively adjustable in height along the posts by engaging the openings with end assemblies slidably disposed within the ends of the beams. In a preferred embodiment the end assemblies comprise coupled plates that fit directly into the openings and a swivel latched to provide a retaining force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: B2B Casuals, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerrell P. Squyres
  • Automatic lock for cargo container
    Patent number: 9505336
    Abstract: An automatic lock affixed to a cargo container for interconnecting two stacked containers, and for automatically locking and unlocking without reliance upon the overcoming of a friction force to release the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Peck & Hale, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Joseph Royt
  • Mobility securement system
    Patent number: 9504617
    Abstract: A mobility securement system, and method for securing a wheelchair or other mobility device, and its passenger, within a public or private vehicle. The system includes two attachment members, two vehicle anchor assemblies, and at least one fixed or moveable bumper, and may further include a fixed or moveable barrier. A tensioning assembly is operable connected to at least one attachment member and vehicle anchor assembly. One or more moveable bumpers may extend and articulate to apply a force against one or more points of the mobility device that are not coplanar with vehicle wall. The mobility securement system may further include a rear barrier which may move, swivel or articulate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: 4ONE, LLC
    Inventors: Christian Hammarskjold, Vlad Balef, Stanley Brzezniak, Jeffrey Krueger, Michael D. Moffa, Dan Smith-Cohen, Paul Vidri
  • System for transporting items on a vehicle
    Patent number: 9505335
    Abstract: An anchor and an attachment base assembly comprises a base having at least one base aperture, and an anchor selectively operatively connected to the base. The anchor is selectively inserted at least partially into the at least one base aperture and optionally into an aperture of an accessory. The anchor has a base part movable between a locked position where the anchor is secured to the base and an unlocked position where the anchor is free from the base. An accessory part is operatively connected to the base part. The accessory part is adapted to selectively connect at least partially to a brim of the aperture of the accessory for bracing at least partially the accessory to the base when the anchor is in the locked position. The anchor has other features. A vehicle having an anchor and an attachment base assembly is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Alain Massicotte, Ivan Brousseau, Thierry Cotnoir, Francois Chenevert
  • Vehicle tie-down cleat assembly
    Patent number: 9499088
    Abstract: A vehicle tie-down cleat assembly can include (i) a tie-down cleat defining an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion defines at least one aperture or member configured to receive a tying member, and wherein the tie-down cleat comprises a plastic housing and a metal insert disposed within the plastic housing, and (ii) a base assembly coupled to the lower portion of the tie-down cleat and configured to be removably coupled to a surface of a storage compartment of the vehicle, the base assembly comprising a base member, a hinge coupled to the lower portion of the tie-down cleat and the base member, the hinge being configured to allow the tie-down cleat to rotate with respect to the base assembly, and a locking system configured to lock/unlock the tie-down cleat assembly to a mounting plate mounted to a surface of a vehicle storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: SRG GLOBAL INC.
    Inventors: Patrick Fenchak, Richard Costello
  • Lashing rod assembly
    Patent number: 9499237
    Abstract: A lashing rod assembly includes a lashing rod and a hook member. The lashing rod is displaceable between upper and lower positions. The hook member includes a weight segment, a power segment, a hook, and a flange. The weight segment is configured to extend into an inner space of a corner casting of a shipping container. The power segment extends into a through hole of the lashing rod. The hook is configured to be in abutting engagement with an inner surface of the corner casting when the lashing rod is displaced to the lower position. The flange has an interior fulcrum area configured to bear on a shoulder region of the through hole so as to permit the weight segment to be angularly movable during downward displacement of the lashing rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Jung-Kuang Hsieh
  • Pallet adapter
    Patent number: 9487293
    Abstract: A pallet adapter, system and method for restraining air cargo during flight is disclosed. A pallet adapter shifts a shipping container in an inboard direction of an aircraft so that the container does not contact an interior structure of the aircraft. Rigid restraints restrain the container from moving in the vertical direction during flight. Corner fittings restrain the container from moving in the fore-and-aft direction and the side-to-side direction during flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Darrin Michael Noe
  • Spreadgate flow adjuster
    Patent number: 9487120
    Abstract: The spread gate flow adjuster is adapted for use with a dump trailer. The spread gate flow adapter is designed to regulate the flow and application of driveway stone for use in paved and unpaved driveways and parking lots. The spread gate flow adjuster is a latch that is designed to hold the dump gate of a dump trailer a predetermined distance from the closed position of the dump gate. This predetermined distance regulates the flow of the driveway stone released via the dump trailer. The spread gate flow adjusted further comprises a stop pin and a mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventor: Richard Hinson
  • System for securing containers with compressive and torsional actuating unit
    Patent number: 9487121
    Abstract: A system for locking and unlocking containers to transport modes and other containers comprises an actuating unit in an upper corner fitting of a container, a mechanical connecting device connected to the actuating unit, and guides to route the connecting device from the actuating unit to a rotatable locking leg housed in a lower corner fitting of the container. The twistlock of a lifting spreader engages the upper corner fitting of a container, urging the actuating unit. The connecting device is in turn urged, thereby causing the locking leg to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Staffa IPI, LLC
    Inventor: Peter J. Walker
  • Cargo support device
    Patent number: 9481286
    Abstract: A cargo support device comprises an inner tube and an outer tube enclosing the inner tube. The inner tube can partially stretch out from the outer tube. A handle is hinged on the outer tube. There is a strip-shaped groove designed on the inner tube in the axial direction. A long toothed rack is embedded into the groove. There is a ratchet at the end of the handle, which meshes with the teeth on long toothed rack. The cargo support device can also comprise a locator which can lock the handle when the ratchet meshes with the teeth. The teeth on the cargo support device are not directly punched on the inner tube, but set on a separate long toothed rack embedded in the groove of the inner groove. This will properly increase the depth of the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Zhejiang Topsun Logistic Control Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhaoyin Xiao, Zhengzhong Zhu
  • System and method for restraining a vehicle with integral tightening device
    Patent number: 9481284
    Abstract: A system includes a strap assembly positioned on a portion of a tire of a vehicle and configured to be coupled to a deck of a transport, and a mandrel assembly operable to be coupled to the strap assembly. The system also includes a winch assembly configured to be coupled to the deck of the transport including a winch assembly axel configured to be coupled to the mandrel assembly. The winch assembly is configured to engage the winch assembly axel to prevent rotation of the mandrel assembly in a first rotational direction to produce a tension force to secure the strap assembly around the portion of the tire. The system further includes a tightening assembly configured to rotate the mandrel assembly in a second rotational direction to produce a tightening force to tighten the strap assembly around the portion of the tire. The system additionally includes a release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert James Cencer, Jerry W. Vande Sande
  • Adjustable restraint assemblies
    Patent number: 9475581
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for guide assemblies. A guide assembly is provided comprising a sliding rail comprising a first channel and a second channel, a first fitting comprising a first retaining rail, wherein the first retaining rail is configured to slide within the first channel, and a second fitting comprising a second retaining rail, wherein the second retaining rail is configured to slide within the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Skandan Berikai Kuppan, Bharath Marappan, Mallikarjun Awarad, Jeff Werbelow, Mark Olson
  • Auto-rack railroad car vehicle restraint apparatus
    Patent number: 9469235
    Abstract: A vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which includes an active chock and an anchor chock configured to co-act to secure a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. In various embodiments, each chock has a chock body including a substantially diamond shaped elongated tube which includes four integrally connected elongated walls. In various embodiments, for each chock, various components of that chock extend substantially along longitudinal axis that lie in the same or substantially the same vertical plane as the apex and trough of the substantially diamond shaped elongated tube of the chock body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Standard Car Truck Company
    Inventors: John D. Anderson, Walter J. Peach, Michael K. Burke
  • Device, system, and method for limiting movement of a cargo container in a cargo area
    Patent number: 9463731
    Abstract: An immobilizing device for limiting movement of a cargo container in a cargo area may include a tubular member configured to be inserted into an aperture of a cargo deck. The immobilizing device may further include a stop member extending at least partially across a hollow interior of the tubular member, wherein the stop member is configured such that extension of the tubular member into the aperture is limited by contact between the stop member and the portion of the cargo deck located in the aperture. The immobilizing device may also include an extension associated with the tubular member and configured to engage a lower edge of the cargo container, such that movement of the cargo container is limited upon receipt of the tubular member in the aperture and engagement between the extension and the lower edge of the cargo container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: FEDERAL EXPRESS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Abdelrazak Hindy
  • Tie-down apparatus
    Patent number: 9457706
    Abstract: In one example, a tie-down apparatus can include a tie-down device and a housing adapted to receive the tie-down device. The tie-down apparatus can be transitionable between a stowed state and a deployed state. In the stowed state, the tie-down device can be stored entirely within the housing. The stowed state can be convenient for storing the tie-down device when not in use. In the deployed state, certain portions of the tie down device can be concealed within the housing while other portions of the tie-down device (e.g. attachment mechanisms) are deployed through openings in the housing. The deployed state can be convenient for securing cargo without damaging (e.g. scratching or denting) the cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Edwin A. Wright
  • Low profile wheel chocking system and chock construction
    Patent number: 9457705
    Abstract: A wheel chock is constructed from metallic material has an elongate primary body construction. The primary body construction has a ?-shaped transverse cross-section formed by an upper C-shaped channel construction and a lower planar basal construction. The basal construction has U-shape that extends orthogonally relative to the C-shape of the channel construction. The ?-shaped transverse cross-section bears and distributes stress imposed on the primary body construction. The C-shaped channel construction preferably includes a series of apertures for reducing weight and controlling elastic response of the primary body construction. Among these apertures are edge-based apertures, arm-based stress relief slots, and aligned apertures having sequentially decreasing diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Holland, L.P.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Morin