Patents Examined by Joseph W. Sanderson
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Patent number: 12168509Abstract: A wing structure for a vehicle includes a plurality of multi-connecting-rod structures, the multi-connecting-rod structures are arranged along the main body of the vehicle, each of the multi-connecting-rod structure being arranged in a direction extending from a main body of the vehicle to a wingtip, each of the multi-connecting-rod structures comprising a plurality of connecting rods, and the connecting rods that are adjacent to each other being connected by a motor, a plurality of groups of ribs are sleeved onto each of the multi-connecting-rod structures, and each group of the ribs comprises a plurality of rib units, wherein in the same group of the ribs, adjacent rib units are connected by a ball hinge. The present technical solution can perform adjustment on a complex flow field or environment, the motion speed and the motion efficiency are significantly improved, and high maneuvering actions can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2020Date of Patent: December 17, 2024Assignee: WESTLAKE UNIVERSITYInventors: Wei Li, Liping Zhang, Bing Luo, Zhenhua Wang, Weicheng Cui
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Patent number: 12162620Abstract: Hybrid-electric aircraft and a series hybrid powertrain configured to power the aircraft for a medium-haul flight. The series hybrid power train includes a plurality of energy storage units, at least one range extending generator, and a plurality of electric propulsors, each coupled to a distribution bus. The electric propulsors can produce a maximum thrust of at least 15 MW. During a cruise regime, the hybrid-electric aircraft can have an airspeed of at least 0.7 Mach at an altitude of less than 32000 feet, and the plurality of electric propulsors can have a fan pressure ratio of between 1.15 and 1.19. The hybrid-electric aircraft can have a degree of hybridization of at least 25% for the medium-haul flight and carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) well-to-wake greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions less than 0.25 lbs/Available Seat Mile (ASM).Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2022Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: Zunum Aero, Inc.Inventors: Ashish Andrew Kumar, Burton Matthew Knapp
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Patent number: 12157576Abstract: A shock load attenuation device is provided. The shock load attenuation device includes a crushable material; a first compartment in the crushable material surrounding a first line; and a second compartment in the crushable material surrounding a second line. In response to the first line being acted upon by a first force and the second line being acted upon by a second force, a first loop in the first line is configured to slide along the second line and a first loop in the second line is configured to slide along the first line, crushing the crushable material.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2023Date of Patent: December 3, 2024Assignee: ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.Inventors: Christopher Thistlethwaite, Andrew Shawver
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Patent number: 12151829Abstract: An aircraft landing platform for a passenger carrying aircraft has a landing module that is moveable between a landing position and a gate position, the landing module has a turntable that orients a door of aircraft to facilitate disembarkment of the passenger(s).Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2021Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: Overair, Inc.Inventors: Craig Smith, Peter Lyons
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Patent number: 12151813Abstract: A system and method for carrying an aeronautical or launch vehicle to altitude for release to flight may involve a multiplicity of mounting elements affixed to a carrier aircraft in distributed fashion along a mounting axis. Each mounting element may include a cradle and a retention strap. Each retention strap may be suspendedly attached to a respective cradle, and actuatable from a retention configuration to a release configuration. The retention configuration allows the retention straps to clampingly secure the vehicle to the respective cradles. The actuation of the retention straps from the retention configuration to the release configuration may disable the clamping securement and thereby release the vehicle to drop away from the cradles. For one or more of the retention straps, the actuation may be by way of detonating at least one corresponding pyrotechnic fastener.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2021Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: Sky Launch CorporationInventors: Gerald D. Budd, Charles E. Rogers
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Patent number: 12145738Abstract: A system is provided for an aircraft. This aircraft system includes a propulsion system, and the propulsion system includes a first thermal engine, a second thermal engine and a first electric machine. The propulsion system is configured to operate the first thermal engine and the second thermal engine, without operating the first electric machine, during a first mode of operation to provide aircraft thrust. The propulsion system is configured to operate the first electric machine and the second thermal engine, without operating the first thermal engine, during a second mode of operation to provide the aircraft thrust.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2022Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Pierre Bertrand, Jean Thomassin
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Patent number: 12122541Abstract: An unmanned flying device including a body; a first blade and at least a second blade; a coupling assembly for coupling the first blade and the at least second blade to the body, wherein the coupling assembly urges the collapsing of the first blade and the at least second blade towards the body; and wherein both the first blade and the at least second blade are rotatable about the body, and wherein the first blade and the at least second blade are deployable away from the body via rotation of the first and the at least second blades about the body.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2022Date of Patent: October 22, 2024Assignee: Ascent Aerosystems Inc.Inventors: Jonathan R. Meringer, Nathaniel R. Meringer
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Patent number: 12116144Abstract: An anchor for an aircraft. The anchor comprises a jack comprising a housing and a head that is able to move in translation in relation to the housing along an elevation axis, the head having three degrees of rotational freedom respectively about a longitudinal axis as well as a transverse axis and the elevation axis, the anchor comprising a member for taking up forces surrounding the jack and provided with a fastening suitable for being secured to the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2022Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERSInventors: Christophe Gaillard, Joel Durantet, Nicolas Raspic
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Patent number: 12110846Abstract: An aircraft with an integrated boundary layer ingesting propulsion having a mechanically-distributed propulsion system. The mechanically-distributed propulsion system may include an engine to generate a mechanical drive power, a drive shaft, a direction-reversing transmission, and a propulsor fan. The drive shaft may be operatively coupled to the engine to receive the mechanical drive power. The direction-reversing transmission may have a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft, the first rotating shaft operatively coupled to the drive shaft to receive the mechanical drive power, which is configured to redirect the mechanical drive power received at the first rotating shaft from a first direction to face a second direction at the second rotating shaft. The propulsor fan may be coupled to the second rotating shaft to convert the mechanical drive power into thrust.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2021Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation, a subsidiary of The Boeing CompanyInventors: Gary Richard Papas, Neil Titchener, Brian M. Yutko, Clint Church, Jian Long Tian
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Patent number: 12110136Abstract: An assembly comprising a multiple payload set for a launch vehicle and a stiff and rigid ground support equipment. The multiple payload set comprising a plurality of payloads, wherein the plurality of payloads are interconnected via a non-self-supported connection structure before assembly of the multiple payload set to a dispenser body. Each payload comprises first attachment means attached to the non-self-supported connection structure, wherein the non-self-supported connection structure comprises second attachment means attached to the ground support equipment, for attachment of the multiple payload set to the dispenser body. The ground support equipment is attached to the multiple payload set via the second attachment means to reinforce and secure the multiple payload set to enable transport and maneuverability of the multiple payload set without jeopardizing the non-self-supported connection structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2022Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: BEYOND GRAVITY SWEDEN ABInventors: Magnus Thenander, Johan Öhlin
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Patent number: 12097950Abstract: An aircraft landing gear is disclosed including a main leg, a foldable stay and a lock link configured to hold the foldable stay in position when the landing gear is extended. The foldable stay includes a first stay member and a second stay member, and the landing gear is configured such that the second stay member rotates in a first direction from a first position to a second position as the landing gear moves from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. An end stop is arranged such that in the event the lock link fails, the second stay member rotates in the first direction from the second position to a third position in which the stay contacts the end stop thereby preventing further movement of the second stay member in the first direction and wherein the foldable stay goes over centre as the second stay member moves from the first position to the third position.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2022Date of Patent: September 24, 2024Assignees: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED, AIRBUS OPERATIONS (S.A.S.)Inventors: Robert Venn, Andy Mounty, Matthew Marples, Laurent Tizac
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Patent number: 12084183Abstract: A rotary wing aircraft that extends along an associated roll axis between a nose region and an aft region and that comprises a fuselage with a front section and a rear section, wherein the rear section extends between the front section and the aft region, the rotary wing aircraft comprising: a propeller that is rotatably mounted at the rear section in the aft region, a main rotor that is rotatably mounted at the front section, and a source of asymmetry that is connected to the front section such that the front section comprises at least in sections an asymmetrical cross-sectional profile in direction of the associated roll axis, wherein the source of asymmetry is configured to generate sideward thrust for main rotor anti-torque from main rotor downwash.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2021Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventors: Rupert Pfaller, Tobias Ries
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Patent number: 12065233Abstract: A method for operating a cargo door of an aircraft includes opening the cargo door inwardly in relation to an opening by pivoting the cargo door to an open position adjacent a ceiling of a cargo space. The cargo door is supported by a door frame during opening of the cargo door. The method further includes moving the cargo door in relation to the door frame to a position wherein the opening is substantially free from the cargo door. The cargo door is supported by a support frame, moveable in relation to the door frame, during this movement.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2020Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: SCANDINAVIAN CARGOLOADING TECHNOLOGIES ABInventors: Anders Wallenås, Hans Bengtsson
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Patent number: 12024291Abstract: A component system for an aircraft, having at least one furnishing component, a plurality of component rails, a plurality of guide elements engageable with and movable relative to the component rails, a plurality of retaining elements connected to the guide elements and configured to be coupled to a hull structure of the aircraft or the at least one furnishing component, and a plurality of locking units arranged on the component rails and/or on the guide elements and configured to lock the guide elements to a particular rail. At least two component rails are arranged on the at least one furnishing component or the hull structure at a distance and parallel to each other such that the furnishing component is retractable via the component rails on guide elements or component rails that are spatially fixed in the aircraft and can be locked in a retracted position by the locking units.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2020Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventors: Matthias Hegenbart, Peter Linde, Hermann Benthien, Alexander Horn, Florian Schmidt
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Patent number: 12017766Abstract: A flying car that does not require complex transformation between a car and an aircraft, the flying car can quickly take off from a land, such as road or parking, and can land on the road or parking. The flying car is of triangular shape having a broad front and narrow rear. Three motorized members are coupled to three corners of a frame of the flying car. Each of the three motorized members includes a wheel assembly that includes a wheel and a wheel frame, an inner ring and an outer ring coupled to each other, and both mounted to the wheel frame. A fan mounted on the inner ring and one or more turbines mounted on the outer ring.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2022Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Inventor: Jimmy Sherwood Myer
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Patent number: 12017753Abstract: An active wing extension includes a body portion substantially parallel to a wing of an aircraft, as if it were an extension of the wing. The body portion is attachable to an aircraft wing and includes multiple controllable airflow modification devices coupled thereto. By virtue of having multiple controllable airflow modification devices, the wing extension is capable of adjusting control surfaces of the multiple controllable airflow modification devices in response to in-flight conditions, to reduce wing loads, improve wing fatigue characteristics, increase range, reduce torsional loads, alleviate flutter, and/or increase efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2020Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: Tamarack Aerospace Group, Inc.Inventor: Nicholas R. Guida
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Patent number: 12006031Abstract: An aircraft defines a vertical direction and includes a fuselage and a propulsion system comprising a power source and a plurality of vertical thrust electric fans driven by the power source. A wing extends from the fuselage. The plurality of vertical thrust electric fans are arranged along a length of the wing along a lengthwise direction of the wing. The wing comprises a diffusion assembly along the lengthwise direction of the wing and includes a first diffusion member positioned downstream of at least one of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans. The first diffusion member defines a curved shape relative to a longitudinal direction of the aircraft. The longitudinal direction is generally perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the wing.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2021Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Kurt David Murrow, Andrew Breeze-Stringfellow, Darek Tomasz Zatorski, Dominic Barone
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Patent number: 11999460Abstract: An unmanned and remotely controlled airship has a system of multirotors combined with an inflatable envelope. The airship may be lifted/powered by a power system that has three or more rotors. The airship may be constructed using rods, connectors, the main system/control box and the rotors. The airship system may have a systemic symmetry for weight distribution and flight control and may be, for example, a symmetric ellipsoid envelope/blimp.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2021Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: ELIO TECNOLOGIA SERVICOS E PARTICIPInventor: Luciano da Silveira Araujo
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Patent number: 11993396Abstract: A package delivery drone comprises at least one propeller for generating lift and an article containment area for containing an article to be carried by the drone. The floor of the article containment area comprises a dynamic support surface for supporting the article and allowing the article to move into, out of and through the article containment area. The package delivery drone interfaces with a docking station having a shelf for exchanging packages with the drone.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2019Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Bryant G. Ragan, Mark Costanzo, Matthew A. Lignieres
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Patent number: 11993368Abstract: A hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The hybrid electric VTOL aircraft generally includes a fuselage, a pair of wings, a pair of booms, a plurality of flight components and a power system. The wings are connected to the fuselage and extend generally laterally therefrom with each wing on either side of the fuselage. Each boom is connected to a respective one of the wings and extends generally longitudinally and parallel to the fuselage. The plurality of flight components is configured to provide thrust to the hybrid electric VTOL aircraft. The power system is configured to power the plurality of flight components and includes at least a fuel tank and a generator, and at least a battery. The at least a fuel tank is mounted to at least one of the booms. The at least a battery configured to power the plurality of flight components.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2022Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: Beta Air, LLCInventors: Kyle B. Clark, Herman Wiegman