Patents Issued in June 7, 2016
  • Patent number: 9359016
    Abstract: A cabin frame structure that allows a roof to be tightly attached is provided. A work vehicle cabin includes lateral frame members extending laterally, each of the lateral frame members having an upper surface and an end; longitudinal frame members extending longitudinally, each of the longitudinal frame members having an upper surface and an end; connecting plates each having an upper surface, the connecting plates connecting the lateral frame members and the longitudinal frame members, the connecting plates straddling across the lateral frame members and the longitudinal frame members; pillars attached to the ends of the lateral frame members, the ends of the longitudinal frame members, and the connecting plates; a roof disposed over the lateral frame members, the longitudinal frame members, and the connecting plates; and a seal provided between the roof and the lateral frame members, the longitudinal frame members, and the connecting plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: ISEKI & CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Itsuki Doi, Takeshi Hagiyama, Koji Ochi, Takayuki Kajihara
  • Patent number: 9359017
    Abstract: A system for controlling the aerodynamic drag of a motor vehicle includes a porous wall that closes externally a chamber obtained within a component of the structure of the motor vehicle in such a way that, when the motor vehicle is travelling, a first part of the pores situated in an area of the aerodynamic field of the vehicle with higher relative pressure enables part of the flow of air that laps the vehicle to enter the chamber. A part of the pores situated in an area of the aerodynamic field of the vehicle with lower relative pressure functions as an outlet for the flow of air from the chamber towards the outside of the vehicle in such a way as to generate jets of air that cause detachment of the boundary layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: C.R.F. SOCIETÀ CONSORTILE PER AZIONI
    Inventors: Enrico Ribaldone, Matteo Giusti
  • Patent number: 9359018
    Abstract: A modular intelligent transportation system, comprising an environmentally protected enclosure, a system communications bus, a processor module, communicating with said bus, having a image data input and an audio input, the processor module analyzing the image data and/or audio input for data patterns represented therein, having at least one available option slot, a power supply, and a communication link for external communications, in which at least one available option slot can be occupied by a wireless local area network access point, having a communications path between said communications link and said wireless access point, or other modular components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: The Wilfred J. and Louisette G. Lagassey Irrevocable Trust
    Inventor: Paul J. Lagassey
  • Patent number: 9359019
    Abstract: An unhooking prevention structure for a spare tire carrier includes a carrier main body portion for holding a spare tire below a floor plate of an automobile; a bolt including a head portion and a shaft portion passed through the floor plate leaving the head portion on the floor plate, and the shaft portion including a male screw below the floor plate; a hook hooked onto the carrier main body portion and including a female screw screwed into the male screw of the bolt to lift the carrier main body portion by rotating the bolt around an axis; and a rotation restriction mechanism including a fitting cap attached to the head portion of the bolt so as not to rotate around the axis relative to the bolt, and preventing the hook from disengaging the bolt by prohibiting the fitting cap from rotating at a predetermined angle or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: NIFCO INC.
    Inventors: Kensuke Fujiwara, Hironori Narita, Kunihiro Matsuno, Yoshiyuki Houdou
  • Patent number: 9359020
    Abstract: A vehicle luggage compartment structure includes a storage recess that is provided in a vehicle luggage compartment so as to store a spare tire, a lid that closes the storage recess, a rear panel that is provided so as to form a rear part of the storage recess, and a separate component that is detachably mounted substantially in the center of the rear panel on the side of the luggage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Saido, Shirena Takai, Hiroyuki Ohhashi
  • Patent number: 9359021
    Abstract: An agricultural tractor includes a pair of track assemblies including rubber treads with track bars, a front wheel assembly and a controller. The track assemblies are interconnected by respective front and rear axles extending substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel. The controller automatically controls a load imposed on the front wheel assembly in order to control the load imposed at the front axle of the track assemblies to minimize rubber tread wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: CLAAS Industrietechnik GmbH
    Inventors: David C. Janzen, Ronald L. Satzler
  • Patent number: 9359022
    Abstract: A snowmobile rear suspension assembly has a pair of slide rails and at least one suspension arm pivotally connected thereto and adapted to be pivotally connected to a tunnel. A shock absorber is adapted to be pivotally connected between the tunnel and the slide rails. A limiter strap, adapted to extend between the tunnel and the slide rails, is substantially inextensible to limit separation therebetween. A strap holder, connected between an end of the limiter strap and the slide rails or the tunnel when the at least one suspension arm is connected to the tunnel, is moveable between a first and a second strap holder position. A position of the end of the limiter strap, relative to the slide rails or the tunnel, is different in the first strap holder position compared to the second strap holder position. A method of adjusting the limiter strap is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Yvon Bedard, Nicolas Bedard
  • Patent number: 9359023
    Abstract: An undercarriage assembly includes a link assembly, including a plurality of laterally spaced pairs of track links pivotally connected to one another at pivot joints to form an endless chain. The assembly may also include an idler, the idler including a solid disk with substantially planar sides and an outer tread surface engaging an inner portion of the endless chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Kaufmann, Mark S. Diekevers, Timothy A. Thorson, Robert L. Meyer
  • Patent number: 9359024
    Abstract: A track link has a link body. The link body of the track link may include a first substantially planar side surface, a second substantially planar side surface opposite the first substantially planar side surface, a shoe face extending between the first and second substantially planar side surfaces, and a roller rail extending between the first and second substantially planar side surfaces opposite the shoe face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Meyer, Gregory J. Kaufmann, Mark S. Diekevers, Timothy A. Thorson
  • Patent number: 9359025
    Abstract: A link assembly for an endless track may include a first track link with shoe-mounting structure configured to allow attachment of a track shoe, the first track link having substantially planar sides. The link assembly may also include a second track link with shoe-mounting structure configured to allow attachment of a track shoe, the second track link having substantially planar sides. Additionally, the link assembly may include a third track link with shoe-mounting structure configured to allow attachment of a track shoe, the third track link having substantially planar sides, the third track link being pivotally connected to the first track link at a first pivot joint, and the third track link being pivotally connected to the second track link at a second pivot joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Thorson, Gregory J. Kaufmann, Mark S. Diekevers, Robert L. Meyer
  • Patent number: 9359026
    Abstract: A rubber crawler includes a rubber belt, a main cord layer that is incorporated within the rubber belt and includes a main cord configured from plural twisted strands covered with rubber, the main cord extending around the crawler circumferential direction, and a bias cord layer incorporated within the rubber belt at the crawler circumferential outside of the main cord layer configured by at least one bias ply and configured from at least one bias ply that is formed from a plurality of bias cords extending at an angle with respect to the crawler circumferential direction, disposed side-by-side around the crawler circumferential direction and covered in rubber such that bias cords of the bias ply at the circumferential outermost side of the crawler are, as viewed from the crawler circumferential outside, angled toward an opposite side, with respect to the crawler circumferential direction, from the angled side of the strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Mizusawa
  • Patent number: 9359027
    Abstract: A traction unit has carrier sections on which suction cups are mounted that are connected to a vacuum source. The carrier units are driven around the frame by a chain driven by a motor. The frame has sections which move relative to one another in order to permit turning control of the traction unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Edward T. Saylor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9359028
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hexapod walking robot having a robot arm combined with a leg and a plurality of joints. The hexapod walking robot having a robot arm combined with a leg and a plurality of joints includes a robot body; a plurality of legs installed to the robot body such that the legs have various degrees of freedom; and at least one grip unit installed to at least one of the legs such that at least one grip unit is foldable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology
    Inventors: Bong-Huan Jun, Jung-Yup Kim, Jin-Yeong Park, Hyung-Won Shim, Bang-Hyun Kim, Hyuk Baek, Pan-Mook Lee
  • Patent number: 9359029
    Abstract: My weight transferring tow dolly is releasably attachable to a receiver hitch of a towing vehicle such as a pickup truck and generally provides a dolly frame formed of plural structurally interconnected box beams having a height adjustable suspension carrying an axle with wheels and tires at opposing end portions, and a support frame to partially support the weight of a carried load and to move the center of gravity of a loaded towing vehicle forwardly to increase the stability of the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Kenneth Lee Knight
  • Patent number: 9359030
    Abstract: A door hinge loading device for a vehicle includes a door hinge storage that is attached to an attachment frame, where one or more door hinges are loaded on the door hinge storage, a clamping unit that extracts the door hinges from the door hinge storage, and clamps the extracted door hinges while aligning bolts, and a moving unit that is provided at a position corresponding to the clamping unit to be connected to the clamping unit, and selectively moves the clamping unit toward the door hinge storages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Taeheun Jin
  • Patent number: 9359031
    Abstract: A bicycle saddle of the type comprising a shell, a padding and an overlying covering for the padding wherein the shell has at least one part thereof which is formed with a concavity directed upward in the configuration for use, so as to accommodate a corresponding portion of padding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: G.R. BIKE S.R.L.
    Inventors: Andrea Rizzato, Gildo Rizzato
  • Patent number: 9359032
    Abstract: A vehicle light apparatus is described herein that can be used to increase the visibility profile of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a base adapted to connect to a vehicle frame; a power supply; and an elongated light source supported by the base and coupled to the power supply. The elongated light source can extend above the vehicle frame with respect to a surface the vehicle is to traverse thereon. The elongated light source can also be configured to move upon experiencing pressure (e.g., from a rider's leg) and, upon removal of said pressure, return to its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Erik Dillon Freiser
    Inventor: Erik Dillon Freiser
  • Patent number: 9359033
    Abstract: In a fuel tank for a vehicle in which a lower opening part of a fuel supply guide tube is covered with a flame arrester, to enable a fuel to be extracted via a fuel supply port. In the fuel tank for a vehicle provided with a fuel supply port device, the fuel supply port device includes an insertion hole through which the inside of the fuel supply port device and the inside of a tank body communicate with each other and through which a tool for extracting the fuel is inserted, and an open-close lid for opening and closing the insertion hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takayuki Okawada, Yasno Hanafusa, Kou Kurata
  • Patent number: 9359034
    Abstract: A recumbent cycle includes a toothed belt drive system and rear suspension. It also includes a double A-arm suspension assembly and at least one transmission having a planetary gear arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Recreation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 9359035
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle is provided in its self-propelled use position in its folded-out state, for transporting and for storage in its folded-up state and in both its folded-out and folded up states has fixing components for maintaining the reliability of these states, and in its folded-up state it has significantly lower space demand as compared to its folded-out state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Gábor Gerencsér
  • Patent number: 9359036
    Abstract: A bicycle frame includes a top tube, a head tube rotatably coupled to a forward portion of the top tube about a first pivot, a seat tube having an upper portion rotatably coupled to a rear portion of the top tube about a second pivot, and a chain stay rotatably coupled to a lower portion of the seat tube about a third pivot. The head tube and the seat tube each pivot between operating positions away from the top tube and storage positions substantially along the top tube, and the chain stay pivots between an operating position away from the seat tube and a storage position along the seat tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Robert George Thompson
  • Patent number: 9359037
    Abstract: A front suspension structure includes a head pipe; an upper arm portion having a front end portion connected to the head pipe rockably about a first coupling axis and a rear end portion connected to a vehicle body frame rockably about a second coupling axis; and a lower arm portion disposed below the upper arm portion, and having a front end portion connected to the head pipe rockably about a third coupling axis and a rear end portion connected to the vehicle body frame rockably about a fourth coupling axis. The structure includes a cushion unit making a lower end portion perform a stroke as the lower arm portion rocks; the lower end portion supported in front of a middle point of a segment connecting the third coupling axis to the fourth coupling axis, and an upper end portion supported in a rear of the second coupling axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Kuwabara, Jun Ishikawa, Munehiro Toda
  • Patent number: 9359038
    Abstract: A rear-wheel suspension system for a two-wheeled vehicle includes a pair of right- and left-side center frames; a swing arm; and a shock absorber, wherein the shock absorber includes a tubular buffer and a spring, wherein the intake system part is a curved tubular member, wherein a position of the spring is shifted downwardly so that the intake system part are moved toward an interior of the vehicle body by a dimension corresponding to the spring, wherein a lower end of the intake system part is above the upper end of the spring, wherein a part of the intake system part is closer than an outer end of the spring to the center of the tubular buffer, and wherein the shock absorber and the intake system part are disposed between a pair of right- and left-side center frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Gogo, Tomohiro Fuse, Mikio Uchiyama, Eiji Adachi, Taichi Honda
  • Patent number: 9359039
    Abstract: A bicycle frame includes a substantially rigid front frame portion and a substantially rigid rear frame portion. A link is connected to the rear frame portion by a first pivot and to the front frame portion by a second pivot. A frame segment is rigidly connected at a first end to one of the rear frame portion and the front frame portion and pivotably connected at a second end to other of the rear frame portion or the front frame portion by a third pivot. The frame segment is flexible parallel to an axis of the third pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Wayne Lumpkin
  • Patent number: 9359040
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for an electric bike retrofit for a disc brakes vehicle include an electric motor coupled with a rotor brake. The apparatus and method provide advantages in that the drive gear for the electric motor may be integrated with the brake rotor decreasing weight and minimizing necessary parts. The electric motor may mount to the existing brake caliper mounts and drive the brake rotor without the use of a chain, belt, or the like. Multiple gear ratios may be incorporated into the brake rotor allowing for shifting and increased efficiency of the electric drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Securience, LLC
    Inventor: Don J. Muehlbauer
  • Patent number: 9359041
    Abstract: The pedal-operated scooter is a scooter with a plurality of wheels, which are further defined as including at least one rear wheel and at least one front wheel. The at least one rear wheel is in mechanical connection with a drive sprocket that is in mechanical connection with a pedal sprocket. The pedal sprocket is in mechanical connection with a pair of pedals provided on the scooter. The pair of pedals are able to be manipulated via a rider in order to propel the scooter. Moreover, rotation of the pair of pedals, rotates the pedal sprocket that is attached to the drive sprocket via a chain or belt. The drive sprocket in turn drives the at least one rear wheel. The scooter includes a handlebar, and a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Sherman Lim
  • Patent number: 9359042
    Abstract: A bicycle crank assembly is provided with a crank arm that includes a first outer shell, a second outer shell, and a pedal attachment structure. The first outer shell is a one-piece, pressed sheet metal member with the projecting part being a bent portion that defines the first pedal axle opening. The first outer shell has a projecting part projecting from the first outer shell in an axial direction. The first and second outer shells are adhesively attached together to form an interior cavity. The pedal attachment structure includes an abutment face with a recess formed in the abutment face such that the abutment face contacts the first outer shell adjacent the first pedal axle opening and the projecting part of the first outer shell is disposed in the recess of the pedal attachment structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsu Nonoshita, Masahiro Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 9359043
    Abstract: A power-assistance bicycle using a sensor having multiple magnet blocks evenly distributed in a housing, related to electric power-assistance bicycles that provide a power-assistance signal with multipoint magnetic induction. The sensor comprises: a sensing element, a power-assisted model processor, a digital-to-analog converter and an operational amplifier. The sensing element comprises a rotating disk and an annular-groove fixing disk fitted with each other, and a permanent magnetic block and the Hall element are provided in a cavity of the rotating disk and the annular-groove fixing disk. A plurality of permanent magnetic blocks that are opposite in adjacent magnetic polarities are fixedly provided on the rotating disk. The Hall element is provided on the fixing disk and in proximity to the permanent magnetic blocks. The sensor is sleeved on an exterior of a medial axis. The operational amplifier is connected with the motor controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignees: CHENGDU KUANHE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Qiang Huang
  • Patent number: 9359044
    Abstract: A passively stable personal hydrofoil watercraft that has a flotation device, wherein a user can ride in a prone, kneeling, or standing position. The watercraft includes a strut having an upper end interconnected with the flotation device and lower end connected with a hydrofoil. The hydrofoil greatly reduces the power required to travel at higher speed. The watercraft also includes a propulsion system connected to the hydrofoil. Both longitudinal and directional control of the watercraft is via weight shift, eliminating the need of any movable surfaces. The flotation device, strut, and hydrofoil may be permanently interconnected or may be detachable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Jacob Willem Langelaan
  • Patent number: 9359045
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a marine vessel winch equipped with hermetically sealed clutches including: a support plate on which a plurality of support frames is disposed; a rotary shaft rotatably coupled to the support frames; a rope drum having a first fixing clutch mounted on one side thereof; a chain drum having a second fixing clutch mounted on one side thereof; a first moving clutch and a second moving clutch coupled slidably movably to the rotary shaft and selectively engaged with the first fixing clutch and the second fixing clutch; and sealing members having one side surfaces coupled in circumferential directions to predetermined positions of the outer peripheral surfaces of the rope drum and the chain drum and having the lower portions of the other side surfaces brought into contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the first moving clutch and the second moving clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Gi Suk Nam
  • Patent number: 9359046
    Abstract: A submersible towed body deployment and recovery device is disclosed. The device can include a support structure supportable by a surface watercraft, and configured for rotational and translational movement relative to the watercraft. Additionally, the device can include a towed body interface structure supported by the support structure and configured to interface with and support a wing and a forward end of a towed body. The support structure can be movable between a deploy/recovery position in which at least a portion of the towed body interface structure extends into water about the watercraft and a stowed position in which the towed body interface structure positions the towed body out of the water. Coordinated rotational and translational movement of the support structure can utilize buoyancy of the towed body in the water to minimize loading on the deployment and recovery device when moving between the deploy/recovery position and the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Gregory S. Rosche
  • Patent number: 9359047
    Abstract: A vessel comprising a primary platform (1003) moveably connected to a secondary platform (1029) by one or more legs (1007, 1009, 1011, 1013) is disclosed. The primary and secondary platform (1003, 1029) are moveable along the legs, wherein the secondary platform is moveable independently from the primary platform. The invention has particular application in the repair maintenance, and construction of wind turbines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Celtic Design Consultants Limited
    Inventors: Iain Hughes Steven, Michael Terence Linke, Amy Louise Linke, John Gordon Davies
  • Patent number: 9359048
    Abstract: A ship whereby the hull and the mechanical propulsion device are designed such that the Froude number is larger than 0.5. In the aft ship the hull has a bottom with V-shaped bottom surfaces with a deadrise angle that is less than 40 degrees and the hull has substantially vertical sides. In the hull are a passenger compartment and a trim tank. The trim tank volume is such that the weight of a filled trim tank is more than 30% of the weight of displacement of the hull with an empty trim tank, filling the trim tank with water increases the amidships immersed width with at least 10%, and the bottom surfaces have bilge keels fully immersed when the trim tank is filled with water and the bilge keels are at least in part above the water level when the trim tank is empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Technische Universiteit Delft
    Inventor: Jan Alexander Keuning
  • Patent number: 9359049
    Abstract: A flotation-hydration system to be worn by a user, particularly in a water borne environment, includes a vest assembly dimensioned to at least partially surround the user's upper torso while donned by the user in an operative manner. The vest assembly comprises a plurality of panels securely attached to one another, and a flotation assembly comprising at least one flotation member having a buoyant material of construction disposed in one of the panels of the vest assembly. A hydration support assembly is disposed substantially within the vest assembly and includes a chamber support unit, wherein the chamber support unit is dimensioned and configured to receive a hydration chamber in a supported relation therein. A dispensing tube is routed from the hydration chamber to the front of the vest assembly, for ready access by the user, through a dispensing tube retention channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Hydro Vest LLC
    Inventor: Ryan Alexander
  • Patent number: 9359050
    Abstract: Disclosed is an underwater craft having an electrochemical battery activated by an electrolyte, including: an electrochemical cell; a tank (13) intended to contain the electrolyte; a seawater flow rate regulator (37) arranged upstream of the tank (13). The flow rate regulator includes: a fixed housing (60) including first ports (64); a slide (62) including second ports (66); the slide (62) being movable, in relation to the fixed housing (60), under the effect of the pressure of the seawater entering the regulator (37), to a balanced position in which the first and second ports (64, 66) define outlet openings (70) for seawater to flow to the tank (13), the slide (62) being movable between a maximum opening position, in which the area of the openings is at a maximum, and a maximum restriction position, in which the area of the openings (70) is at a minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: DCNS
    Inventor: Thomas Senez
  • Patent number: 9359051
    Abstract: The security barrier (1) is formed of a plurality of modular security bulwarks (2) each adapted for removable attachment to the peripheral edges of a ship such as, but not limited to, a ship's rail. Each security bulwark consists of a skirt section (3) which lies adjacent to and substantially parallel with a ship's wall or railing a head section (4) and a rear wall (10). The head section (4) has a generally smooth outer surface that slopes downwardly and outwardly from its uppermost point (5) so as to form an overhang (6) which projects outwardly from the ship's railing with a cross-sectional depth greater than the reach of a convention roofing ladder. The security barrier (1) is able to deter unauthorized access to the ship by preventing the use of conventional roofing ladders and the overhang in combination with the smooth surface of the security bulwark make it difficult for an individual to climb over even with grappling hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Guardian Barriers IP Limited
    Inventor: Teresa Mavis Stevens
  • Patent number: 9359052
    Abstract: A human propelled watercraft having a pair of flexible fins extending into the water each adapted to oscillate through an arcuate path in a generally transverse direction with respect to the central longitudinal dimension of said watercraft. Pedals are provided for applying input force whereby as input force is applied, the flexible fins can twist to form an angle of attack for providing forward thrust with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the watercraft while moving in both directions along the arcuate path. The user can pull a lever and cause the fins to rotate 180° and produce thrust in the reverse direction. The fins are able to pivot and swing aft to avoid damage if there is a collision with a submerged object. The fins are more efficient, durable, and adjustable. Simple plastic roller bearings have been adapted to reduce mechanical friction without the need for oil seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Hobie Cat Company
    Inventors: Gregory Scott Ketterman, James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow
  • Patent number: 9359053
    Abstract: A cover for a propeller, such as a boat propeller, including a face having a topside and an underside, and a sidewall having a first edge and a second edge. The first edge is affixed to the face on substantially all edges of the face, and the second edge forms a channel for enclosing a cord. A stretchable and flexible mesh forms at least a portion of said sidewall that facilitates air flow in the cover. The second edge of the sidewall defines an opening into an interior cavity formed by the sidewall and the underside of the face, and the cord functions as a drawstring that enables a user to adjust a size of the opening during application and removal of the cover from the propeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: PROP R SAFETY, LLC
    Inventor: Knox Hughes
  • Patent number: 9359054
    Abstract: An auxiliary appendage attachable to the steerable nozzle of an existing water craft. A first and second rudder blade attach to steerable nozzle. The first rudder blade includes a torsion spring providing a downward torsion force. A detent attached to steerable nozzle prevents rudder blades from hyper-extending in the direction of the downward torsion force. Rudder blades are connected by a deflection bar. Deflection bar is angled towards rudder blades. Rudder blades pivot between a downward position to an upward position based on the forces created thereon from both the torsion spring and the movement of the water over the appendage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas W Watts, Miller W Owen, III, Shane Huseby, Steven Edward Caskey
  • Patent number: 9359055
    Abstract: Disclosed are composite paddles that may be used in kayaking and other sports alike. A composite paddle may include a shaft connected to one or more blades. A paddle blade may include a spine having a distal end and a proximal end to be connected to a mandrel; and a body having a layered cross-sectional profile to enclose the spine. The layered cross-sectional profile may include at least three adjacent layers of unidirectional carbon fiber or unidirectional fiberglass. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Confluence Outdoor, LLC
    Inventors: Hastings M. Blumer, David J. Rossman, Martin T. Connolly, Ernest J. Jacques, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9359056
    Abstract: A foot-operated propulsion system for small watercraft, such as kayaks. The propulsion system includes a pedal assembly that controls motion of a fluke fin that is submerged beneath the waters surface. The pedal assembly is located in the bow of the watercraft and the paddler works the pedals with his feet. Operating the pedal assembly causes a force to be transmitted to a drive unit located in the stern of the craft, which then controls movement of linkages in the fluke assembly, to force the submerged fluke fin to swing upward and downward, emulating the motion of flukes on a whale, and thereby propelling the watercraft along the surface of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Lyons
  • Patent number: 9359057
    Abstract: A system for controlling movement of a plurality of drive units on a marine vessel has a control circuit communicatively connected to each drive unit. When the marine vessel is turning, the control circuit defines one of the drive units as an inner drive unit and another of the drive units as an outer drive unit. The control circuit calculates an inner drive unit steering angle and an outer drive unit steering angle and sends control signals to actuate the inner and outer drive units to the inner and outer drive unit steering angles, respectively, so as to cause each of the inner and outer drive units to incur substantially the same hydrodynamic load while the marine vessel is turning. An absolute value of the outer drive unit steering angle is less than an absolute value of the inner drive unit steering angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Andrasko, Kenneth G. Gable
  • Patent number: 9359058
    Abstract: An outboard marine propulsion device comprises an internal combustion engine. At least one engine cooling passage conveys cooling water through the internal combustion engine. An exhaust manifold comprises a plurality of exhaust runners and an exhaust log. The plurality of exhaust runners axially conveys exhaust gases from the internal combustion engine to the exhaust log. A cooling jacket on the exhaust manifold comprises an exhaust log cooling jacket that conveys the cooling water along an outer surface of the exhaust log and a plurality of exhaust runner cooling passages that each axially convey the cooling water along an outer surface of a respective one of the plurality of exhaust runners from the exhaust log cooling jacket to the engine cooling passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Gregg D. Langenfeld, David J. Hilbert, Ryan E. Mueller
  • Patent number: 9359059
    Abstract: An outboard marine engine comprises an anti-ventilation plate; a torpedo housing that is disposed below the anti-ventilation plate; and a gearcase strut that extends from the anti-ventilation plate to the torpedo housing. The gearcase strut has a leading end, a trailing end, and opposing outer surfaces that extend from the leading end to the trailing end. A flow separator is on each outer surface. The flow separator is located closer to the trailing end than the leading end and causes flow of water across the gearcase strut to separate from the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: John O. Scherer, III, Paul M. Radavich, James E. Clevenger
  • Patent number: 9359060
    Abstract: A laminated composite radius filler for a composite structure has a stacked ply assembly having a plurality of stacks of laminate radius filler plies cut to a desired width and having a desired ply orientation. The laminated composite radius filler further has a geometric shaped filler element positioned at a desired location on a first portion of the stacked ply assembly. The geometric shaped filler element deforms a second portion of the stacked ply assembly stacked over the geometric shaped filler element, such that the laminate radius filler plies of the second portion of the stacked ply assembly change direction and have a component of direction including a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. The laminated composite radius filler having a shape substantially corresponding to a radius filler region of the composite structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kirk B. Kajita, Douglas A. Frisch
  • Patent number: 9359061
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an aircraft stringerless fuselage structure is provided comprising an impact compliant outer skin having a plurality of resin impregnated skin fibers forming an outer skin surface, an inner stringerless skin surface, and a skin thickness. A plurality of stiffeners is included, each comprising a plurality of resin impregnated stiffener fibers integrated into the inner stringerless skin structure. The plurality of resin impregnated skin fibers are not aligned with the plurality of resin impregnated stiffener fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Max U. Kismarton, Francis E. Andrews, William J. Koch
  • Patent number: 9359062
    Abstract: An aircraft elevator system includes a fixed frame, a floating frame coupled to the fixed frame, and a cabin coupled to the floating frame. The floating frame can move with respect to the fixed frame and the cabin can move with respect to the floating frame. The system can include an actuating system operating at least one pulley system to move the cabin between upper and lower positions, which respectively can be inside and outside the aircraft. In some embodiments, the system includes a support assembly that moderates or eliminates load transfer between the system and an aircraft upper deck floor structure. In some embodiments, the cabin includes a ramp configured to deploy when approaching the lower position and to retract to a stowed position when the cabin moves from the lower position toward the upper position. The ramp can include a sensor to control cabin movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Greenpoint Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Sean J. Fairchild
  • Patent number: 9359063
    Abstract: An extendable protective arm is disclosed. The arm may protect an air, fuel, oil, or electrical conduit from harsh environments or the atmosphere during use. The arm may also connect the conduit between a moveable structure adapted to reciprocate relative to a fixed structure. The arm may extend in any number of dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Pellegrino J. Pisacreta
  • Patent number: 9359064
    Abstract: A fan rotor blade has a rotor blade leading edge. On a hub side of the rotor blade leading edge, a vertical hub section is formed. From a top end of the vertical hub section to a mid-span side of the rotor blade leading edge, a backward tilt mid-span section is formed. From a top end of the backward tilt mid-span section to a tip end of the rotor blade leading edge, a forward tilt tip section is formed. From a hub end of the rotor blade leading edge to a base end of the vertical hub section, a backward tilt hub section is formed. The backward tilt hub section is backwardly tilted so that a top end thereof is positioned behind a base end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Murooka
  • Patent number: 9359065
    Abstract: A system for optimizing performance of an aircraft may include a flight control computer for computing an optimum flap setting based on aircraft data. The system may further include a flap control system having a flap control device. The system may additionally include a flap actuation system coupled to the flap control system for positioning the trailing edge device at the optimum flap setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Matthew A. Moser, Michael R. Finn, Mark J. Gardner, Robert M. Murphy, Adam Thoreen