Patents Issued in February 16, 2016
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Patent number: 9260151Abstract: A saddle riding type vehicle without a case body for surrounding rear direction indicators. A rear portion of a motorcycle includes a rear cowl covering sides of a vehicle body frame, a grab rail disposed on vehicle body sides of a rear occupant seat of a tandem seat above the rear cowl, a rear lamp assembly in the rear of the rear occupant seat and a rear mudguard under the rear lamp assembly. The grab rail includes a lower plate and an upper plate attached on the lower plate with the grab rail extending to a rear of the rear occupant seat. A left and a right of the grab rail are integrated with each other to wrap around the rear of the rear occupant seat. The grab rail has an opening portion opened to the rear with the rear lamp assembly being collectively housed in the opening portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Kenji Tako, Akira Omae
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Patent number: 9260152Abstract: A sub-frame and component configuration for mounting on a motorcycle include a body frame structure including a main frame portion; and a sub-frame portion, he sub-frame is fixedly secured to the main frame portion and is configured for receiving and securing thereon a drop seat providing a rider with a seating area that is relatively closer to the ground than the seating area of a conventional motorcycle seat. A method of mounting the sub-frame on a motorcycle includes: fixedly securing a drop seat sub-frame portion onto a main frame portion, wherein the drop seat sub-frame portion is configured for receiving and securing thereon a drop seat.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Inventor: Gary D. Chipp
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Patent number: 9260153Abstract: A vehicle, in particular a motorcycle, having an engine with a crankshaft extending transversely to a travel or longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a transmission, and a clutch, which may assume an open state and a closed state. The clutch, which allows a torque transmission from the crankshaft to the transmission in the closed state, is situated coaxially to the crankshaft. The engine and transmission may be arranged such that the vehicle's rearswing arm may be located coaxially with an axis of a transmission output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Markus Theobald
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Patent number: 9260154Abstract: A handlebar grip (10) for a throttle twist grip (1) is arranged on a handlebar tube of a vehicle and is intended for actuating an actuator which determines the fuel supply for an internal combustion engine of the vehicle). The handlebar grip (10) has a spring engagement section (12) for engagement of a restoring spring (20). The spring engagement section (12) is formed in an outer region of the handlebar grip (10) in the longitudinal direction of the handlebar grip (10).Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Gustav Magenwirth GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Johann Mauch
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Patent number: 9260155Abstract: A bicycle shift lever having a lever member and a base member that can be combined with other commonly available parts to enable connection of the lever member and base member to the derailler on a bicycle so that it can enable a user of the bicycle to shift between gears.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Inventor: Sue Knaup
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Patent number: 9260156Abstract: A bicycle with a rear drive assembly configured to allow pedal boards to be pivotable while moving in an elliptical trajectory and which allows a cyclist to ride in an erect position is disclosed. A front end of each of the pedal boards is pivotably connected to an end of a crank and each of the pedal boards is connected to or integral with a guide rod extending rearwardly from the pedal board. The guide rods are supported by a rear drive assembly comprising a transverse tube that is horizontally connected to a frame of the bicycle. A roller is mounted at each end of the transverse tube. Each roller has a groove which accommodates the cross-section of the guide rod.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Aruanã Energia S/AInventors: Brian Ray Brewer, Robert James McKinnon
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Patent number: 9260157Abstract: A frame includes a frame body, a control unit, a first connector, a battery module and a second connector. The frame body has a receiving space formed therein, a first tube and a second tube. The first tube is combined with the second tube at a conjunction. An installed space is defined between the first tube and the second tube. An opening is formed on the conjunction, and the receiving space communicates with the installed space through the opening. The control unit is disposed within the receiving space. The first connector is disposed in the opening and coupled to the control unit. The battery module is detachably installed in the installed space. The second connector is disposed on the battery module and for engaging with the first connector when the battery module is installed in the installed space.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignees: DARFON ELECTRONICS (SUZHOU) CO., LTD., DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.Inventors: Wen-Sung Chu, An-Yi Ma
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Patent number: 9260158Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-sprocket cassette mountable to a bicycle rear wheel for engaging a drive chain. The cassette includes a conical body formed as a single piece having a center axis that includes a plurality of sprocket portions, each of the plurality of sprocket portions including a plurality of teeth formed thereabout for engaging the drive chain and a plurality of connecting portions supporting each of the plurality of sprocket portions. One or more of the plurality of connecting portions includes a first wall thickness and one or more of the plurality of connecting portions includes a second wall thickness. The second wall thickness is less than the first wall thickness. A plurality of openings is formed through each of the plurality of connecting portions having the first wall thickness.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventor: Henrik Braedt
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Patent number: 9260159Abstract: The present invention provides a two wheel vehicle structure, including: a vehicle frame and a multi-ratio transmission system. The vehicle frame has two wheels and an input tubular member. A crank is attached at each end of the input tubular member. The multi-ratio transmission system includes: a multi-ratio transmission device, a first sprocket, a second sprocket and a chain. The multi-ratio transmission device is installed inside the input tubular member and located at a rotation center of the cranks. The second sprocket is coaxially installed on a wheel axle of a driving wheel and is provided with a ratchet wheel. When the cranks rotate, the rotation motion of the cranks are transmitted to the first sprocket through the multi-ratio transmission device, subsequently, the motion is transmitted to the second sprocket from the first sprocket through the chain, thereby propelling the driving wheel to rotate.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Inventor: Chih Tsung Kuo
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Patent number: 9260160Abstract: A snowmobile includes a vehicle body frame including a tunnel portion extending in a vehicle front-rear direction. The tunnel portion includes a top wall made of a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic material, a left side wall made of a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic material, a right side wall made of a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic material, a left reinforcing member reinforcing the left side wall and made of a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic material, and a right reinforcing member reinforcing the right side wall and made of a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic material. A first closed cross-section is defined by the top wall, the left side wall and the left reinforcing member, and a second closed cross-section is defined by the top wall, the right side wall and the right reinforcing member.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2015Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Atsushi Yasuda, Kotaro Ogura
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Patent number: 9260161Abstract: An adjustable surf wake system enhances a wake formed by a watercraft travelling through water. The system may include a flap for deflecting water traveling past the stern of the watercraft, and/or a positioner operably connected to the flap for positioning the flap relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft between a neutral position and an outward position. Positioning a port flap in its extended position enhances a starboard surf wake, and positioning the starboard flap in its extended position enhances a port surf wake.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2012Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Malibu Boats, LLCInventors: Daniel L. Gasper, Adam A. McCall
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Patent number: 9260162Abstract: The object of the invention is an apparatus for locking an underwater hatch or other removable or turnable structure (6) in a vessel or other floating structure, which comprises at least a locking rod (2), that is attachable in an articulated manner to the hull (7) or other structure of the vessel or other floating structure and which locking rod is, at its second end (2?), arrangeable in connection with a surface of the lockable hatch or other removable or turnable structure (6), a turning mechanism (3) of the locking rod (2), which comprises at least a first part (3?) and a second part (3?), which are, at their first ends, attached to each other in an articulated manner, and of which a second end of the first part (3?) is arranged in connection with the locking rod (2) in an articulated manner and a second end of the second part (3?) is attachable in an articulated manner to the hull (7) or other structure of the vessel or other floating structure, and an actuator (4) that is arranged in connection with theType: GrantFiled: April 3, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Beacon Finland Ltd OyInventors: Joonas Puustelli, Timo Rintala, Juhani Suutari, Olli Toivonen
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Patent number: 9260163Abstract: A lead-in cable used to tow a streamer behind a vessel includes a replaceable portion removably connected between a portion of the lead-in cable attached to the vessel and the streamer. Alternatively a lead-in additional cable is inserted between a lead-in cable and a towed streamer. The replaceable portion or the lead-in additional cable covers a portion most likely to be damaged between the streamer and the towing vessel.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: CGG SERVICES SAInventors: Frank McLemore, Pierre Le Roux, Philippe Dumazet
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Patent number: 9260164Abstract: A method for transferring fluids between a first ship, called a barge, and a second ship, called a shuttle, in which the shuttle is positioned at a pre-determined distance from the barge, and a flexible fluid transfer conduit is guided from the barge to the shuttle. The shuttle is placed in a position laterally offset from the barge and essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barge, and a fluid transfer system enables the shuttle to move in the lateral and longitudinal directions in relation to the barge, during a transfer. The invention is useful for the transfer of liquefied natural gas.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: SOCIETE EUROPEENNE D'INGENIERIE MACANIQUE—EURODIMInventor: Bernard Dupont
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Patent number: 9260165Abstract: A releasably attachable boat rail for assisting passengers aboard a boat is received in a fishing rod holder receiving bore integrated into a gunwale of the boat and comprises a unitary elongated tubular body having a linear segment length and a curved segment. The curved segment terminates at an opposing second end of the unitary elongated tubular body wherein the curved segment provides a curved gripping surface area. A locking portion is defined in a sidewall of the linear segment of the tubular body at the first end thereof and is formed to engage the locking feature in the receiving bore of the boat gunwale wherein the elongated curved tubular body is sized to be partially received within the fishing rod holder receiving bore.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Inventor: Lawrence T. Springer
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Patent number: 9260166Abstract: A seat for a marine vessel capable of multiple positions while maintaining a hidden or concealed look when closed. The seat has a seat back hingeably attached to a seat bottom and a seat back cap hingeably attached to a leading edge of the seat back. The seat is operable between a plurality of selected positions including an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the seat back is upright and the seat provides at least one traditional seating surface. In the closed position, the seat back rests substantially parallel on the seat bottom and a rear surface of the seat back functions as a sun pad. In the closed position, the seat back cap is deployed over a leading edge of the seat bottom and the leading edge of the seat back to conceal the seat. A positionable leg extension pad extends from the seat bottom.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Carrie A. Fodor, Jacob Weaver, Paul Bramel
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Patent number: 9260167Abstract: A boat hull protective system for retarding grown of barnacles or other aquatic sea life that may be capable of growing on the bottom of a boat hull or other marine equipment that is submerged in water. Additionally, the boat hull protective system provides for stabilizing the boat and cushions the same from trauma from contiguous structures (e.g., docks and the like).Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2015Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Inventor: Manning M. Goldsmith
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Patent number: 9260168Abstract: A mine neutralizing device that includes a buoy. The buoy includes a mine neutralizing device capable of swimming to an undersea mine to neutralize it. A method for neutralizing undersea mines includes locating an undersea mine, placing a buoy containing a mine neutralizer near the mine, and swimming the mine neutralizer to the undersea mine.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Scott W. Fairfield, Kerry D. Laviolette, Donald J. Robertson, Ronald D. Zamojski, Gary L. Wiedemeier, Joseph M. Cuschieri, Christopher E. Marchant
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Patent number: 9260169Abstract: The problem of penetrating through nets and other objects is solved by cutting the object using concentric cutters in which a rotatable cutter having floating teeth rotates concentrically about a stationary cutter having fixed teeth. The object is cut by a severing action caused by the floating teeth of the rotatable cutter sliding against the fixed teeth of the stationary cutter. Embodiments of the invention include a UUV system for penetrating through fishing nets and other objects, concentric cutting assemblies for use in the UUV system and other systems, and a method for penetrating through fishing nets and other objects. A UUV system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention has a concentric cutting assembly at the forward end and a propulsor at the aft end. The concentric cutting assembly integrates seamlessly within the UUV housing and is deployed from the forward end of the UUV, enabling the UUV to quickly and efficiently penetrate through objects blocking its path.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2015Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Adaptive Methods, Inc.Inventors: Jim Wiggins, Conrad Zeglin, Walter Allensworth
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Patent number: 9260170Abstract: A transmission is structured to include a drive shaft, a counter shaft disposed in parallel with the drive shaft, a gear train bridged between each of a drive shaft input shaft and output shaft and the counter shaft, and a dog clutch mechanism selectively switching a high shift speed and a low shift speed in a transmission chamber. The transmission includes a drive device driving the dog clutch mechanism constituted of a hydraulic drive device driven by a hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic cylinder being disposed in the transmission chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshiki Kubo, Keisuke Daikoku, Keiji Imanaga
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Patent number: 9260171Abstract: A vessel propulsion apparatus includes an exhaust passage guiding an exhaust, discharged from combustion chambers into an exhaust collecting passage, to a catalyst housed in a catalyst housing passage, and a cooling water passage guiding cooling water. The cooling water passage includes an upstream water passage, guiding the cooling water taken into the interior of the vessel propulsion apparatus by a water pump, and a first and second parallel water passage connected in series to the upstream water passage and connected in parallel to each other. The cooling water passage supplies the cooling water from the upstream water passage to each of the first and second parallel water passages to cool the catalyst housing passage by the first parallel water passage disposed along the catalyst housing passage and cool the exhaust collecting passage by the second parallel water passage disposed along the exhaust collecting passage.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsumi Ochiai, Kouhei Natsume, Shinichi Hoshiya
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Patent number: 9260172Abstract: An outboard motor includes a cooling water passage including at least a portion disposed at a periphery of a catalyst and that guides cooling water that cools an exhaust passage, a vent hole disposed higher than the catalyst and that connects the interior of the cooling water passage to the exterior of the cooling water passage, and a restriction valve that allows a fluid to flow from the interior of the cooling water passage to the exterior of the cooling water passage via the vent hole and that restricts the flow of the fluid from the exterior of the cooling water passage to the interior of the cooling water passage via the vent hole.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Katsumi Ochiai
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Patent number: 9260173Abstract: A watercraft includes a stern flotation compartment. The hull is carved out underneath the gunwales to admit a vertical cylindrical sleeve extending through the flotation compartment from top to bottom, and sealed top and bottom. A studded vertical mounting tube carrying an electric motor fits within a slotted cylindrical steering tube; the latter is carried on rotatable bearings affixed to the vertical cylindrical sleeve. A steering assembly is affixed to the slotted cylindrical steering tube and a guide tube fits closely within the vertical mounting tube. An electrical power cable is connected to the electric motor and a retraction assembly is affixed to the electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Inventor: Robert Case
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Patent number: 9260174Abstract: An apparatus includes a first component that has a first coefficient of thermal expansion, a fastener that extends at least partially through the first component. The fastener has a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is different than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The apparatus also includes a nano-tube mesh coupled to outer surfaces of the first component and fastener. Further, the apparatus includes a second component applied to the nano-tube mesh and outer surface of the first component. The nano-tube mesh may include carbon nano-tubes and/or nitrogen-doped carbon nano-tubes.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Morteza Safai
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Patent number: 9260175Abstract: A separating element for a platform cabin is provided. The separating element comprises: at least one stationary partition, delimiting a passage defining a circulation axis inside the cabin; at least one leaf, mounted transversely movable relative to the circulation axis between a closed position, in which it extends through the passage, and an open position, in which it is positioned at least partially spaced away from the passage; and means for moving the or each leaf between the closed position and the open position thereof, the or each leaf being adapted to move along the plane transverse to the circulation axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2012Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: DASSAULT AVIATIONInventors: Frédéric Cabourg, Thierry Capetta
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Patent number: 9260176Abstract: Roller modules have roller assemblies that are retractable below a cargo floor. Each module includes a housing, at least one roller for engaging cargo on the floor and, a mechanism mounting the roller on the housing for shifting movement between an extended position in which the roller extends above the floor for engaging cargo, and a retracted position in which the roller is disposed below the floor.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2008Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Richard L. Kulesha
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Patent number: 9260177Abstract: A joint comprising first and second abutting components, and an adjustable strap assembly bridging the abutting components, the strap assembly including a first strap part attached to one of the components, and a second strap part attached to the other component, the first and second strap parts having mating inclined faces for adjustment of the second strap part with respect to the first strap part such that the position of the second strap part is adjustable with respect to the first strap part in the direction of the incline. Also, a method of forming the joint, comprising attaching the first strap part to the first component, providing the second strap part such that the inclined faces of the first and second strap parts are in mating engagement, adjusting the second strap part with respect to the first strap part in the direction of the incline to position the second strap part in a desired relationship with respect to the first strap part, and attaching the second strap part to the second component.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2010Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITEDInventors: Victor Willdig, Jon McAlinden
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Patent number: 9260178Abstract: An assembly comprising first and second structural components and a packer disposed between the first and second components, wherein the first component and the packer have mating part-spherical surfaces, and the first and second components are fixed relative to one another. Also, a method of aligning first and second structural components relative to one another to form an assembly, the method comprising bringing together first and second structural components with a packer disposed between the components, wherein the first component and the packer have mating part-spherical surfaces, sliding adjustment of the first component relative to the packer until the first and second components are aligned in a desired relationship, and then fixing the first and second components relative to one another.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2011Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITEDInventor: Paul Blades
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Patent number: 9260179Abstract: A propeller for an aircraft turbine engine, comprising means for adjusting the pitch of the blades comprising a hydraulic actuator borne by the rotor and including a cavity and a piston displaceable in said cavity and dividing said cavity into two chambers, as well as means for limiting the stroke of the piston in order to prevent displacement of said blades in a predetermined direction beyond a predetermined limiting pitch angle, and comprising hydraulic connection means with which both chambers may be put into communication with each other as soon as the pitch angle of the blades becomes equal to said predetermined limiting pitch angle during the displacement of said blades in said predetermined direction, these hydraulic connection means being borne by said rotor of the propeller.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2011Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: SNECMAInventor: Pascal Marly
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Patent number: 9260180Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatic landing of an aircraft on a landing runway, including an on-board video camera intended to take images of the ground, image processor to extract from these images visual features of the landing runway, guidance system determining guidance commands of the aircraft to bring it into a nominal approach plane and to align it with the axis of the landing runway, from the respective positions of the visual features of the landing runway, in at least one of the images, where the guidance commands are supplied to a flight control computer.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)Inventors: Guilhem Puyou, Victor Gibert, Fabien Perrin
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Patent number: 9260181Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive system for a variable camber aircraft wing having position variable front flaps and/or rear flaps, having drive shafts, which are arranged such that that the flaps undergo a change of position in operation of the drive shafts, and having one or more drive units in driving connection with the drive shafts, wherein at least one switchable coupling is provided via which the drive shafts of two flaps of an aircraft wing can be coupled to one another.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2015Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbHInventors: Susanne Conrad, Werner Mangler, Josef Bär, Bernd Schievelbusch
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Patent number: 9260182Abstract: A method of transferring aircraft data from an aircraft to a portable electronic device entails receiving at the portable electronic device the aircraft data from a data connection with an aircraft data source without writing data back to the aircraft or from a user interface while being capable of receiving aircraft data via the data connection and executing an application on the portable electronic device using the aircraft data to present new information about the aircraft or its operating environment that is not available for display on a cockpit display but which is displayable on the portable electronic device based on the aircraft data received by the portable electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: WestJet Airlines Ltd.Inventor: David Hathaway
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Patent number: 9260183Abstract: A computer network for calculating a value for the true braking coefficient of friction for an aircraft runway or taxiway using data from one or more aircraft's flight data recorders or flight data management systems, and reporting the calculated value information to individuals and agencies including air traffic control, airport operations and maintenance, and aircraft pilots and ground crews is described and claimed herein. The data may be obtained in real-time by either an onboard or an off-aircraft high-power computing system, calculating the aircraft's true braking coefficient of friction, and reporting the calculated information to the individuals and agencies.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: AVIATION SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Zoltan Ivan Rado
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Patent number: 9260184Abstract: A rotary wing aircraft apparatus has arms extending from a body, and a rotor assembly attached to an end of each arm. Each rotor assembly has a rotor blade releasably attached by a lock mechanism. A clockwise rotor blade is releasably attached to a first rotor assembly by engagement in a clockwise lock mechanism, and a counterclockwise rotor blade is releasably attached to a second rotor assembly by engagement in a counterclockwise lock mechanism. The clockwise rotor blade is engageable only with the clockwise lock mechanism and the counterclockwise rotor blade is engageable only with the counterclockwise lock mechanism and cannot be engaged in the clockwise lock mechanism. A leg extends down from each rotor assembly to support the apparatus on the ground.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Zenon DraganInventors: Orville Olm, Greg Wood, Zenon Dragan
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Patent number: 9260185Abstract: The system and method of the present application relate to a lead/lag damper for a rotorcraft. The lead/lag damper is configured to harvest power from the lead/lag oscillatory motions of rotor blades with an electromagnetic linear motor/generator. Further, the lead/lag damper is configured to treat the lead/lag motions with the electromagnetic linear motor/generator. The system and method is well suited for use in the field of aircraft, in particular, helicopters and other rotary wing aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2012Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventors: Charles Eric Covington, Mithat Yuce, David A. Popelka, Frank B. Stamps
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Patent number: 9260186Abstract: A rotor system for a reactive drive rotary wing maintains the rigidity of the rotor and eliminates play between flight controls and the rotor by mounting swashplate actuators to a flange rigidly secured to the mast. Apparatus and methods perform thermal management of the rotor in order to avoid bearing failure or loss of bearing preload. Methods include modulating the temperature of oil pumped over one or more of the mast bearing, swashplate bearing, and spindle bearing. The temperature of air passively or actively drawn through rotor may also be modulated to maintain bearing temperature within a predetermined range. The rotor includes structures for reducing pressure losses and drag on components due to air flow through the rotor. A rotor facilitates thermal management by oil and air flow.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2011Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: GROEN BROTHERS AVIATION, INC.Inventor: Jacob Johannes van der Westhuizen
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Rotor assembly for an aircraft capable of hovering and equipped with an improved constraint assembly
Patent number: 9260187Abstract: A constraint assembly for an aircraft, having a first member; a second member mounted to translate along and rotate about its own axis; and connecting means for connecting the first and second member, to prevent rotation of the second member about the axis with respect to the first member; the connecting means having a retaining arm, which projects outwards from one of the first and second member, and extends at a distance of other than zero from the axis; and an antirotation bracket, which projects from the other of the first and second member, extends at a distance of other than zero from the axis, and defines a through opening engaged in sliding manner by the retaining arm.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: AGUSTAWESTLAND S.P.A.Inventor: Giovanni Puricelli -
Patent number: 9260188Abstract: In one embodiment, multi-mode use of an aircraft cockpit is realized a processor in the aircraft determining whether the aircraft is operating in a flight mode or a non-flight mode. When operating in the non-flight mode, the processor deactivates aircraft engines and permits wireless device access to one or more aircraft systems. When operating in the flight mode, the processor enables aircraft engines and prevents wireless device access to one or more aircraft systems.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace CorporationInventor: Carl Edward Wischmeyer
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Patent number: 9260189Abstract: A modular lavatory monument assembly configured to be positioned in the interior of an aircraft. The modular lavatory monument assembly includes first, second, third and fourth walls that cooperate to form an outer shell that defines a lavatory interior. The fourth wall includes an alcove extending outwardly therefrom. The assembly also includes a sink module positioned in the alcove, a mirror module positioned above the sink module in the alcove, and a door positioned on one of the second or third walls.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2015Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: C&D Zodiac, Inc.Inventors: Scott Savian, Ian Geoffrey Scoley
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Patent number: 9260190Abstract: A flight attendant seat, an aircraft monument assembly having such a flight attendant seat, and also an aircraft having an aircraft monument assembly of this kind. In one embodiment, the flight attendant seat includes a backrest element, a seat element and a guiding apparatus for holding the flight attendant seat in a starting position. The guiding apparatus according to this embodiment is also configured so that the flight attendant seat is movable, in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the backrest element, from the starting position into at least one end position.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Bernd Ehlers, Mark Herzog, Stefan Behrens
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Patent number: 9260191Abstract: A heat exchanger apparatus is disposed within a first pathway along which a first fluid flows. The heat exchanger apparatus includes a component disposed in the first pathway and the component includes heat transfer surfaces. Each heat transfer surface includes a central body, an outer body surrounding the central body and intermediate bodies extending between the central body and the outer body. The heat transfer surfaces are arranged together such that the central bodies, the outer bodies and the intermediate bodies of each heat transfer surface form at least one or more second pathways along which a second fluid flows and such that the outer bodies of each heat transfer surface form a component surface disposed to contact the first and second fluids.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2011Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: HS MARSTON AEROSPACE LTD.Inventors: Berwyn Owain Pollard, David Russell Scott
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Patent number: 9260192Abstract: A crash attenuation system has an airbag inflatable generally adjacent to an exterior of the aircraft. The system includes a gas generator in fluid communication with an interior of the airbag. The system also includes a vent system having a vent passage supported by the aircraft, the vent passage being configured to allow gas to escape from within the airbag during an impact to a second set of airbags for flotation. The vent system also includes an actuator door for sealing the vent passage, thereby preventing gas from leaving the airbag. The actuator door is actuated by an actuator, the actuator being in fluid communication with the gas generator through an actuator duct. The system operates such that deployment of gas from the gas generator causes the actuator to inflate, thereby causing the actuator door to seal the vent passage. The gas generator is configured to re-inflate the airbag after the actuator door seals the vent passage.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventors: Zi Lu, Cheng-Ho Tho, Michael R. Smith, Michael Seifert
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Patent number: 9260193Abstract: A longitudinal beam for a turbojet engine nacelle support structure is provided. The longitudinal beam is primarily made from composite materials and in the shape of an L and includes a longitudinal web contacting with an attachment pylon of the nacelle and a sole. More specifically, the sole produces a receiving part capable of cooperating directly or indirectly by embedding with an end of an associated front frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: AIRCELLEInventor: Loic Le Boulicaut
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Patent number: 9260194Abstract: A thrust reverser actuator gimbal assembly for mounting a thrust reverser actuator to fixed structure of the thrust reverser is disclosed. The thrust reverser actuator gimbal assembly may comprise a gimbal, first and second gimbal pins mounted to the gimbal and defining a first pivot axis, the first and second gimbal pins adapted to form a pivotal joint with the fixed structure of the thrust reverser, third and fourth gimbal pins mounted to the gimbal and defining a second pivot axis normal to the first pivot axis, the third and fourth gimbal pins adapted to form a pivotal joint with the thrust reverser actuator, wherein the first and second gimbal pins each include a shaft and a flange integrally formed together, the flange including a pair of bores for receiving a fastener to fasten the respective gimbal pin to the thrust reverser fixed structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Rohr, Inc.Inventors: Jay Francisco, Jimmy Kee
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Patent number: 9260195Abstract: An electricity generation system according to the present invention comprises a first electric generator designed to generate electricity by rotation of a high-pressure shaft of a compressor constituting a jet engine, a second electric generator designed to generate electricity by rotation of a low-pressure shaft of the compressor, a power distributor for distributing power generated by the first and second electric generators among a multiple loads, a first power regulation device for regulating power output of the first electric generator, a second power regulation device for regulating power output of the second electric generator, and a power control device which manipulates the first and second power regulation devices to ensure a specified amount or greater of jet engine surge margin.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: IHI AEROSPACE CO., LTD.Inventors: Hitoshi Oyori, Noriko Morioka
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Patent number: 9260196Abstract: A device comprising a display unit which is configured to display, on a screen of the cockpit of the aircraft, a pitch bar illustrating a pitch order and means for adapting the direct gain of the pitch law used to the effective manual behavior of the pilot in order to obtain a homogeneous response from the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS) ToulouseInventors: Simon Oudin, Guilhem Puyou, Jean Muller, Lilian Ronceray
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Patent number: 9260197Abstract: A computing device for displaying procedures for an aircraft is provided. The computing device includes a presentation interface, a user input interface, and a processing device coupled to the presentation interface and to the user input interface. The processing device is configured to cause the presentation interface to display an initial procedure display, and in response to a triggering event, cause the presentation interface to display an adjusted procedure display that emphasizes a predetermined portion of a procedure.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2012Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Theodore Bruce Thompson, Jeffrey L. Williams, Catherine Marie Barnes, Steven Curtis Spackman, Alexander Korolev
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Patent number: 9260198Abstract: A system including a switching device for switching an auxiliary display unit between a first state, corresponding to nominal operation, for which a screen of said auxiliary display unit is controlled by a control assembly of a main display unit, and a second, standby state, corresponding to a situation in which the main display unit has broken down, for which state said screen is controlled by a control assembly of said auxiliary display unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)Inventors: Raphael Andre, Yannick Deleris
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Patent number: 9260199Abstract: An aircraft data processing system includes a main transceiver, a data distributor, a plurality of data processors, and a display page maker. The main transceiver selectively receives aircraft data transmitted from a plurality of client aircraft and selectively transmits cockpit data to one or more client aircraft. The data distributor selectively receives the aircraft data received by the main transceiver and parses and distributes the aircraft data. The data processors receive a portion of the parsed aircraft data, process the aircraft data, and supply processed aircraft data. The display page maker receives the processed aircraft data from the plurality of processors and generates the cockpit data for selective transmission by the main transceiver to the one or more client aircraft. The cockpit data, when processed in a client aircraft, will render one or more images representative of at least portions of the processed aircraft data.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Bharath Sundararajan, Vijayshankaran Ramamoorthy Iyer, Sathya Prakash Nilagiri
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Patent number: 9260200Abstract: The disclosure is directed to metal fatigue analytics and alert systems.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Andrew M. Garratt, Andrew D. Humphreys, Martin G. Keen, John J. P. McNamara