Patents Issued in June 21, 2016
  • Patent number: 9371104
    Abstract: A headlight device for a motorcycle that can enhance cooling efficiency inexpensively, without using any special device. In the headlight device for the motorcycle, reflectors are provided with inlet parts through which cooling air is taken into an inside space. In addition, a louver provided on the upper sides of the reflectors is provided, at a position close to an outer lens, with openings through which the air in the inside space is discharged into an inside space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Miku Otsuji, Hayato Ohashi
  • Patent number: 9371105
    Abstract: A frame structure for a bicycle includes a head tube, a support tube assembly and a seat tube. The support tube assembly connects the head tube and the seat tube and includes two top tubes, one down tube and two reinforced tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: GIANT (KUNSHAN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ming-En Chou
  • Patent number: 9371106
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body frame that leans and two front wheels that prevent enlargement of a peripheral construction around a steering shaft above the two front wheels while maintaining a function of a link mechanism. An upper cross portion and a lower cross portion of the link mechanism each include a portion supported at a right end portion and a left end portion thereof and supported on a body frame at a middle portion thereof. The upper cross portion and the lower cross portion preferably have different volumes. Upper displacements that result when a rearward test force is exerted on an upper right bearing and an upper left bearing that support the upper cross portion with the lower cross portion removed, and lower displacements that result when a rearward test force is exerted on a lower right bearing and a lower left bearing that support the lower cross portion with the upper cross portion removed are equal or substantially equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuhisa Takano
  • Patent number: 9371107
    Abstract: A stepper comprising: a direction controller having a front wheel set and a steering wheel connected to the front wheel set; a rear wheel transmission having a gear transmission and a rear wheel shaft, the gear transmission having an active gear, a chain and a passive gear, the active gear connected to the passive gear via the chain, the rear wheel shaft having a rear wheel set and connected to the passive gear; a supporting shaft connected to the direction controller and the rear wheel transmission; and a foot-hand swinging set having a pedal and a joystick having a handle, the pedal mounted on two sides of the supporting shaft, one end of the pedal connected to the active gear, the joystick connected to another end of the pedal. The present invention can be propelled by only single leg, and can be rehabilitation and locomotion apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignees: CHANG GUNG UNIVERSITY, CHANG GUNG MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, LINKOU
    Inventors: Shu-Chun Huang, May-Kuen Wong
  • Patent number: 9371108
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a folding device with locking mechanism for connecting components which is intended for a bicycle and has, on one side, a swing-action articulation and, on the other side, a locking mechanism which contains a locking assembly, which is connected in a rotatable manner to a supporting element and is braced against a curved clamping surface of a clamping element arranged on the opposite side, the clamping surface running eccentrically in relation to the axis of rotation of the locking assembly. The extended axis of rotation of the locking assembly, in the locked state of the folding device, is located within the circle described by the radius of curvature of the clamping surface, and this allows a large clamping displacement. An adjusting nut adjusts the pressure to which the clamping surface is subjected in the locked state by the locking assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Karsten Bettin
  • Patent number: 9371109
    Abstract: A tricycle may be operable between a first mode of operation steerable by a tricycle rider, and a second mode of operation steerable by an individual pushing the tricycle. A rider handle, in the first mode, may be configured to be rotationally coupled with the stem in a manner permitting a tricycle rider to exert forces on the rider handle and thereby turn the fork, and the rider handle in the second mode, being configured to be rotationally uncoupled from the stem, preventing forces on the rider handle from turning the fork. At least one rotation restrictor may be included for preventing the front wheel from turning to a position where the front wheel axis leads the fork axis, and for maintaining the front wheel axis in a position trailing the fork axis both when the tricycle is propelled by a tricycle rider in the first mode and when the tricycle is pushed from behind in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Yoram Baron
  • Patent number: 9371110
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake master cylinder is provided. The end of the movable barrel away from the outer convex ring is spaced apart or against the first inner convex flange and to adjust the location of one of two flow-through holes to make the use of brake not be influenced by the oil and air inside the first cylinder while rotating the movable barrel through the disposed outer convex ring. Two elastic plates are plugged in the inner conical portion, the outer convex ring between two ends of the inner connecting member is against the third inner convex flange adjacent to the fifth inner threaded portion, and two elastic plates are pressed by the inner conical portion to be fastened and passed through the second end cap, the second piston, the first piston, and the end of the two elastic plates with a brake cable in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Tektro Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Chao Kung Chen
  • Patent number: 9371111
    Abstract: Described are submersible assemblies including a support structure comprising a pair of flotation devices and a cabin pivotally coupled to the support structure between the pair of flotation devices having an outer enclosure encapsulating an inner cabin, wherein the cabin is configured to rotate between a raised position above a surface of a body of water and a submerged position, wherein at least a portion of the cabin is below the surface of the body of water, and wherein the inner cabin is configured to maintain substantially the same attitude as the support structure when the cabin rotates between the raised position and the submerged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Martin Kuster
  • Patent number: 9371112
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a marine thru-hull fitting from a single stock material to fit a variety of different sized boat hulls is disclosed. A variety of differently-sized thru-hulls can therefore be formed from the same stock item, reducing the amount of inventory manufacturers are required to maintain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: GEM PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Sarnowski, Erle Matthew Bridgewater
  • Patent number: 9371113
    Abstract: A tow line controlling device and a method of operation of a tow line controlling device in which the tow line controlling device is positioned in a deck of a vessel. The tow line controlling device includes at least two vertical tow pins that are movable between a passive position and at least one active position, and includes a gap between two of the tow pins, and the gap is spanned by a bridge formed by the two tow pins at least when the tow pins are in one of their active positions. The tow line controlling device also includes a lower stopper that is movable between a passive position and at least one active position and is positioned between two of the tow pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO NORWAY AS
    Inventor: Hans Anders Eriksson
  • Patent number: 9371114
    Abstract: A towed vessel suitable for containing and transporting various liquids is disclosed. The vessel further comprises various features useful in the transportation, navigation, and storage of the towable vessel, both when in use for transporting fluids and when transported in an emptied state. Such features include navigational and positioning devices and methods, power supply devices and methods, and means for filling, inflating, emptying, and deflating a non-rigid, towed vessel. Aspects of embodiments of the present invention further include features useful for purifying or preserving the purity of the fluid to be transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventors: Allen Szydlowski, Ian Szydlowski
  • Patent number: 9371115
    Abstract: A quick detachable fin hold system for quickly removing and changing the fins on kiteboards and wakeboards or the like. Operated by activating a lever that presses against the board surface or another surface attached to the board and pulls against the clip body and the pins attached to the fin. This action positively tightens the fin to the board. To remove simply lift the lever to loosen the assembly, slide the clip body along the slots and the pins pull out of the hole on the clip body and through the holes in the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventors: Wade Hammerstrom, Lorin Erickson, Todd A Waatti
  • Patent number: 9371116
    Abstract: The method consists of: A step of estimating a direction (D) of propagation of the swell and a propagation speed of the swell, a step of measuring the development of a characteristic value of the swell at at least one measuring point (P) upstream of the ship in the direction of propagation (D) by periodically measuring the value, a step of detecting a lull in the swell at the measuring point (P) using a measurement of the development of the characteristic value, including a measurement of a duration of a lull detected, and if a lull in the swell is detected at the measuring point (P): a step of calculating a time interval between the detection of the lull in the swell at the detected measurement point (P) and a moment in which the lull affects the movement of the ship (N), carried out, in particular, depending on the estimated speed of propagation of the swell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: SOCIETE D'INGENIERIE DE RECHERCHES ET D'ETUDES EN HYDRODYNAMIQUE NAVALE PAR ABREVIATION SIREHNA
    Inventors: Celine Drouet, Nicolas Cellier
  • Patent number: 9371117
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rescue system for semi-sealed marine vessels, which includes a rescue unit and a backup rescue machine. The rescue unit is installed in a vessel compartment and includes an air bag, a canister containing compressed gas, a needle valve, and a flow control valve for employing the physical property that air has a specific gravity smaller than water, whereby when water leaks into the vessel compartment, through pressing down the needle valve, the compressed air is supplied into the air bag for inflating and expanding the air bag to get floating on the seawater inside the vessel compartment and occupy the internal space of the vessel compartment. The backup rescue machine includes an air compressor and at least a diversion valve to supplement a great amount of high-pressure gas to the vessel compartment for preventing water leaking into the vessel compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Chih-Yuan Cheng
  • Patent number: 9371118
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a water safety device used to increase participant visibility by passing water craft. The device is worn by the participant on his or her wrist and activated upon need at which time a flag is uncoiled and extended above the water. Upon conclusion of the need for visibility, the flag is replaced around the participant's wrist and ready for the next use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Michael Patrick King and Mary Kate King
    Inventors: Mary Kate King, Michael Patrick King, Mikael Bäckström, Keith Alsberg
  • Patent number: 9371119
    Abstract: An improved structure for a personal flotation device that is relatively comfortable to wear when not in use includes a primary bladder that is shaped to extend about a waist of a user. The personal flotation device also includes a secondary bladder that is in fluid communication with the primary bladder and is shaped to extend upwardly from the waist across a stomach of the user. Lastly, the personal flotation device includes a tertiary bladder that is in fluid communication with the secondary bladder and is shaped to is adapted to across the front of a chest of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventors: Adam J. Malcom, Scott Kasen
  • Patent number: 9371120
    Abstract: A flotation assistance belt is configured to fit beneath arms of a human user in order to provide buoyancy to the human user in water. The flotation assistance belt includes a belt mechanically coupled to a female fastener and a male fastener. A flotation tube is partially surrounding the belt and configured to bend forming a circle without plastic deformation while having the tensile strength to resist this bending causing the flotation tube to expand outward slightly when the female fastener and the male fastener are connected. Connecting the female fastener to the male fastener forms a circle configured to fit beneath the arms of the human user in order to provide the buoyancy to the human user in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Haywood Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9371121
    Abstract: A high-tailed wing sail is provided. A wing sail device includes a wing body including a wing tip and a wing base configured to rotationally couple with a vessel. The wing body is configured to freely rotate with respect to the vessel about a rotational axis. The wing sail device further includes a wing tail coupled to the wing body such that a top end of the wing tail is higher than the wing tip of the wing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: PHOTON COMPOSITES, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Elliott Jenkins, George Seyfang
  • Patent number: 9371122
    Abstract: A vessel propulsion apparatus includes an engine main body including a crankshaft that is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the up-down direction, auxiliary machinery mounted on the engine main body, a bracket that couples the auxiliary machinery to the engine main body, and an engine cowling that houses the engine main body, the auxiliary machinery, and the bracket. The bracket includes a first mounting portion mounted on the engine main body, a second mounting portion mounted on the auxiliary machinery, a coupling portion coupling the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, and a holding portion provided in the coupling portion. The holding portion of the bracket holds piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ryou Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9371123
    Abstract: An assembly for use during manufacture of a balloon envelope that includes a table having first and second levels, an indicator disposed on the first level and a sealing component. The first level is arranged to receive a first sheet portion of material. The indicator is arranged along a lengthwise axis of the table to indicate a position for attaching a tendon to the first sheet portion. The second level is arranged to receive assembled gore portions of the envelope comprising the first sheet portion, the tendon and a second sheet portion material. The sealing component is configured to move along the table and to apply a heat seal to bond together the first and second sheet portions disposed thereon in order to form at least part of a gore portion of the envelope, such that the tendon is arranged proximate to a centerline of the gore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Roach, Jeffrey Neri, Daniel Henry Fourie
  • Patent number: 9371124
    Abstract: High-altitude balloons and apparatuses for filling such high-altitude balloons are provided. As an example, an apparatus for filling a high-altitude balloon includes a tube extending through envelope material of the balloon is provided. The apparatus also includes a flange connected to a first end of the tube. The flange is connected to an interior surface of the balloon. A fitting is connected to a second end of the tube. The fitting is configured for attachment with an apparatus for filling the balloon with lift gas. In addition, methods of filling high-altitude balloons with lift gas and methods of manufacturing balloons are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle Brookes
  • Patent number: 9371125
    Abstract: A fuselage element including a fuselage segment including a skin and a junction means for connecting the skin to an adjacent fuselage segment. The fuselage segment extends along a longitudinal axis of the fuselage, and the skin includes a first section at at least one end of the fuselage segment. The fuselage segment includes at least one longitudinal stiffening element for the fuselage. A junction member is arranged so as to contact an outer surface of the first section of the skin, and the stiffening element partially extends to the junction member along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS S.A.S.
    Inventors: Guillaume Gallant, Romain Delahaye, Marc Dugerie, Marc-Antoine Castanet
  • Patent number: 9371126
    Abstract: An aircraft fuselage including an outer skin that is stiffened by way of a backing structure and that delimits at least one passenger cabin and one cargo hold. In the vertical direction of the fuselage, the cargo hold is arranged below the passenger cabin. The backing structure in the cargo hold above a cargo-hold floor framework comprises at least two lateral quasi-joints, and below the cargo-hold floor framework comprises at least one further quasi-joint. In the cargo hold, in the longitudinal direction of the fuselage, a multitude of energy absorption devices, arranged one behind the other and acting in the transverse direction of the fuselage, are arranged for absorbing tensile loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignees: Airbus Operations GmbH, EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Siemetzki, Brian Bautz, Lars Margull, Matthias Waimer, Tim Bergmann, Sebastian Heimbs, Paul Schatrow
  • Patent number: 9371127
    Abstract: A composite structure including a panel and a stringer bonded to the surface of the panel, the stringer having an end surface and a pair of sides extending lengthwise along the stringer away from the end surface. The surface of the panel is formed with a first wall which engages the end surface of the stringer and a second wall which engages another part of the stringer. Compressive forces are transmitted from the panel to the stringer by a normal reaction between the first wall formed in the surface of the panel and the end surface of the stringer. Tensile forces are transmitted from the panel to the stringer by a normal reaction between the second wall formed in the surface of the panel and the other surface of the stringer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventor: Enzo Cosentino
  • Patent number: 9371128
    Abstract: Structural component including at least one covering shell and a carrier structure, the covering shell designed in the form of a sandwich and formed by an inner skin section, an outer skin section and a shear-load absorbing core layer disposed between the two sections and connecting the inner and the outer skin sections to one another in a planar manner. The carrier structure is formed by at least one panel-shaped connecting part extending between and transversely to the inner and outer skin sections and connected along a reference longitudinal direction to the covering shell. The connecting part is located outside the carrier structure and fastened to the inner skin section resting thereon in a planar manner, wherein at least one profiled support extending along the reference longitudinal direction is provided in the covering shell in order to form a reinforcing section in the connecting region of the panel-shaped connecting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Ichwan Zuardy, Pierre Zahlen, Axel Siegfried Herrmann
  • Patent number: 9371129
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel approach to producing an aircraft window seal. The aircraft seal is produced of a much lighter material than has been used before, produced by a process of mixing a compound containing uncured silicone and a volume of microspheres, and then dispensing this material into a mold. Such a mold will normally be a female mold having the negative three dimensional shape of the aircraft seal to be produced. The seal may then be pressurized and/or heated during the curing process either prior to removing the seal from the mold or after removing the seal from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: 4M Company
    Inventors: Stephen B. Smolinske, Vern Meyers, Jim Sears, Rodger Clement
  • Patent number: 9371130
    Abstract: A collapsible wing, methods of producing the collapsible wing, and an unmanned aircraft system that includes the collapsible wing are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: CAWTU LLC
    Inventor: James Emmett Dee Barbieri
  • Patent number: 9371131
    Abstract: A flow body having a surface, a leading edge has an active flow control system. The active flow control system includes a plurality of openings, at least one control pressure varying device and at least one fluidic actuator with an interaction chamber having an inlet connectable to an air source, at least two outlets and at least two control pressure ports. The openings are distributed along or parallel to the leading edge in a side-by-side relationship and extend through the surface. The control pressure varying device is connected to the at least two control pressure ports in a fluidic manner, wherein the control pressure varying device is adapted to bring about the flow of the fluid at least majoritarily into a respective one of the outlets. Each of the outlets is connected to one individual opening of the plurality of openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Bauer, Frank Haucke, Wolfgang Nitsche, Burkhard Goelling
  • Patent number: 9371132
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing the trailing vortices and lowering the noise produced by the side edges of aircraft flight control surfaces, tips of wings and winglets, and tips of rotor blades. A noise-reducing, wake-alleviating device is disclosed which incorporates an actuator and one or more air-ejecting slot-shaped openings coupled to that actuator and located on the upper and/or lower surfaces and/or the side edges of an aircraft flight control surface or the tip of a wing, winglet or blade. The actuation mechanism produces sets of small and fast-moving air jets that traverse the openings in the general streamwise direction. The actuation destabilizes the flap vortex structure, resulting in reduced intensity of trailing vortices and lower airplane noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Arvin Shmilovich, Abdollah Khodadoust
  • Patent number: 9371133
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to using a UAV for assisting drivers of large wheeled vehicles when backing up in reverse and for conducting pre-trip inspections of the wheeled vehicle prior to driving. The UAV can be a multirotor copter using simultaneous localization and mapping technology to maneuver autonomously. Alternatively, the driver of the wheeled vehicle may use remote control to maneuver the UAV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventor: Wesley Mays
  • Patent number: 9371134
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle within an environment are provided. In one aspect, a system comprises one or more sensors carried by the unmanned aerial vehicle and configured to provide sensor data and one or more processors. The one or more processors can be individually or collectively configured to: determine, based on the sensor data, an environment type for the environment; select a flight mode from a plurality of different flight modes based on the environment type, wherein each of the plurality of different flight mode is associated with a different set of operating rules for the unmanned aerial vehicle; and cause the unmanned aerial vehicle to operate within the environment while conforming to the set of operating rules of the selected flight mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Ang Liu, Xiao Hu, Guyue Zhou, Xuyang Pan
  • Patent number: 9371135
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to quick release toilet concepts, which can be useful particularly on-board aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. Further embodiments relate to improved shroud components for toilets that help reduce splash. Further embodiments also relate to flushing systems for use with vacuum toilets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: MAG Aerospace Industries, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Beach, Kevin Huang, Christoph Goeschel, Timothy Birbeck, Howard C. B. Kuhns, Nguyen Tram, Gil Fitzpatrick Lenhard, Angela M. Hsueh
  • Patent number: 9371136
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to quick release toilet concepts, which can be useful particularly on-board aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. Further specific embodiments relate to a quick release rinse valve, a quick release flush valve, an integrated rinse ring, a replaceable toilet bowl, an integrated anti-siphon/rinse valve, and improved flush valve performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: MAG Aerospace Industries, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Beach, Robert G. Ratliff, Howard C. B. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 9371137
    Abstract: A system for locating a downed aircraft is provided. The system includes a canister. The canister has an internal housing and a door. The door covers an opening leading into the internal housing. The present invention includes a plurality of inflatable pods having a light and a battery powering the light. The pods include a deployed position and a stowed position. The stowed position includes the deflated pods within the canister and the deployed position includes the inflated pods released from the canister and inflated. When an aircraft is crashing, the canister may be released from the aircraft, the pods may be released from the canister and inflated, and the light may be powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Kevin Renn
  • Patent number: 9371138
    Abstract: A nacelle configured to be coupled to an underside of a wing so as to form a clearance space therebetween includes at least a lip defining an inlet and a first cowling disposed aft of the lip. The first cowling has an outer surface with at least one concave region that is depressed relative to another region of the outer surface. In some aspects, the depressed region can be disposed on an inboard side of the wing, for example, on an upper surface of the first cowling facing a wing. The nacelle can include a second cowling disposed between the lip and the first cowling and the first cowling can translate in a longitudinal direction relative to the second cowling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventor: Norman John James
  • Patent number: 9371139
    Abstract: An energy supply system, an aircraft and spacecraft using such an energy supply system and a method for providing electrical energy with the energy supply system. The energy supply system comprises an energy source which generates a direct current or a direct voltage. A converter is coupled to the energy source and is designed to convert the generated direct current or the generated direct voltage into an output current specified for the energy supply system or an output voltage specified for the energy supply system. A switching device is designed to couple an output of the energy supply system to the converter or directly to the energy source as a function of the electrical power required by the energy supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Arno Luecken, Detlef Schulz
  • Patent number: 9371140
    Abstract: A system and method for providing information to a crew of the aircraft while in-flight. The system includes a module having: a receiver for receiving a message while in-flight; a filter having a set of screening parameters and operative to filter the message based on the set of screening parameters; and a converter for converting the message into an audible message. The message includes a pilot report having at least one of weather information, separation information, congestion information, flight deviation information and destination information. The message is sent to the aircraft by another aircraft or an air traffic controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
    Inventors: Walter W Johnson, Joel B. Lachter, Vernol Battiste, Robert W Koteskey
  • Patent number: 9371141
    Abstract: A reduced solar absorptivity appliqué having a surface layer for adhering to an surface and high aspect ratio microstructures extending from the surface layer having pigmentation or spectral tailoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Diane C. Rawlings, George M. Roe, Peter C. Keller
  • Patent number: 9371142
    Abstract: A hold-down assembly for retaining a portable electronic unit within an avionics equipment mounting tray includes a shaft, a locking collar, and an actuator knob. The shaft is coupled to pivot with the mounting tray. The locking collar slides along the shaft to engage the portable electronic unit. The actuator knob includes a knob body, a ratchet plate having detent holes within the knob body, a ball bearing, and a compression spring within the knob body. As the actuator knob is rotated to move along the shaft, the knob body and the ball bearing rotate with respect to the ratchet plate, and the ball bearing is forced against a spring bias of the compression spring as the ball bearing travels between adjacent detent holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas P. Rodig
  • Patent number: 9371143
    Abstract: A VFFS bag is provided that is dimensionally stable, aesthetically pleasing, and renders items stored in it highly visible. The bag includes first and second gusseted side walls that span a depth of the bag and front and rear walls that span a width of the bag. The bag has a substantially rectangular closed bottom end. In order to maximize the viewabilty of stored items and reduce the amount of film material in the bag, the bag has a depth to width ratio of at least 1.5:1 at the bottom of the bag. Stability is enhanced by sizing the gussets such that they closely approach but do not overlap a line longitudinally bisecting the bag. A VFFS machine and its method of operation also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Volm Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Corbett Hefner, Robert McPhail
  • Patent number: 9371144
    Abstract: A container-handling apparatus includes a filling machine for filling containers, a filling-level-monitoring control unit downstream of the filling machine, a first container-detection element configured to scan and relay at least a partial contour of a relevant container as inspection data, and a control-and-regulating device configured to receive inspection data about containers. The first container-detection element is separated from and upstream of the filling-level-monitoring control unit. The filling-level-monitoring control unit inspects a container and passes inspection data about the container to the control-and-regulating device. The first container-detection element inspects the container independently of the filling-level-monitoring control unit and passes inspection data about the container to the control-and-regulating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Herrmann, Wolfgang Schom, Marius Michael Herrmann, Raik Rose
  • Patent number: 9371145
    Abstract: A control device for a tubular material package is provided which achieves control of a tubular material package by the effective cooperation of relays (44), sensors (27) and a controller (60). All of the relays have an ON state and an OFF state and are connected to the controller, and each relay is connected to a corresponding component. The sensors are distributed on the components, and capable of detecting and identifying the current state of an object to be detected; all of the sensors are connected to the controller and send sensing information to the controller. The controller comprises electronics and a control program, and is capable of receiving the information from the sensors and sending instructions controlling the relays. The control device is used in a packing machine for tubular materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Weilong Cao
  • Patent number: 9371146
    Abstract: Provided is an aseptic filling packaging machine that includes film feeder (1), plug feeder (2), welding devices (22, and 55), sterilizer (3), and filling packaging device (5). Film feeder (1) feeds strip film (8). Plug feeder (2) feeds plug (7) to a predetermined position of fed film (8). Primary welding mechanism (22), which serves as a welding device, temporarily welds plug (7) to the predetermined position of film (8). Sterilizer (3) immerses film 8 having plug (7), which has been fed from film feeder (1), in a sterile liquid. While forming film 8 having plug (7), which has been fed from sterilizer (3), into a bag shape, filling packaging device (5) fills the formed film packaging body having the plug with content to seal it. In filling packaging device (5), secondary welding mechanism (55) that serves as a welding device completely welds plug (7) to film (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: ORIHIRO ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Orihiro Tsuruta, Shunji Yamada
  • Patent number: 9371147
    Abstract: An arrangement for packing at least one article in a container comprises an automatic picking list generation means (136) generating a picking list (138) which specifies at least the at least one article to be placed in the container; closing means (142) for closing the container; and inflating means (146) for inflating a dunnage bag provided in the closed container. The invention proposes that the arrangement further comprises automatic bag type selection means (134) for selecting a type of the inflatable dunnage bag to be used, the selection depending at least on a parameter of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Storopack Hans Reichenecker GmbH
    Inventor: Frederik Straver
  • Patent number: 9371148
    Abstract: Image transfer articles, sheets and methods are disclosed. The image transfer articles and sheets can include or be configured to receive an image. The image can be capture on one or more ink or other marking receptive layers of the image transfer articles or sheets. In various examples, the image transfer articles provide decorative features in addition to the image. Such decorative features can include article portions bearing elements such as, but not limited to, metallic flakes, metallic-like flakes, glitter materials, sparkle materials, luminescent materials (e.g., having a glow-in-the-dark effect), pearlescent materials, reflective materials, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the image transfer articles include a vanishing layer configured to hold or sustain the image on a receptor element until the receptor element is washed a predetermined number of times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: NuCoat, Inc.
    Inventors: Jodi A. Schwendimann, Nabil F. Nasser, Earl Pickering
  • Patent number: 9371149
    Abstract: An improved structure of paper cup, which comprising: a cup body and bottom; the cup body is designed with an annular side wall, and an outward folded arced cup edge is set on the ring edge at one end; the annular side wall is provided with an annular side wall mated with the annular side wall of the cup body far away from the cup edge to form holding space; the cup body and bottom form a holding space; particularly, an inflexed edge is formed at the annular side walls where the cup body is abutted with the cup bottom, thus reducing the height of the annular side wall for the mating of the cup body and bottom; when a large number of paper cups are stacked, the gap between cups could be reduced, thus increasing the storage amount and saving the storage and transportation cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Tzer-Huang Guo
  • Patent number: 9371150
    Abstract: A container for holding an article. The container comprises a lamination layer at least partially secured to a base layer, a bottom wall, and a side wall. The bottom wall and the side wall cooperate to at least partially define a cavity of the container with the lamination layer at least partially comprising an interior surface of the container adjacent the cavity. A plurality of score lines extend in the container for at least partially reducing buckling of the lamination layer into the cavity of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick H. Wnek
  • Patent number: 9371151
    Abstract: A container is provided, including a box and a lid, and at least one lifting panel for lifting articles, in particular smoking articles, is provided in the container. The at least one lifting panel includes a lifting panel hingedly connected via a first hinge line to the inside of a bottom wall of the box, and a back-folding panel depending from the lifting panel via a second hinge line. The back-folding panel is configured to transfer a movement of the lid to the lifting panel, such that the lifting panel is lifted, when the lid is moved in the open position. The lifting panel further includes at least one cut-out provided in the lifting panel, wherein the at least one cut-out is configured to at least partially receive the articles. A process of lifting the articles in the container using the at least one lifting panel is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventor: Sandrine Nadeau
  • Patent number: 9371152
    Abstract: A drawn aluminum can shell has a peripheral crown which is double-seamed with an end portion of an aluminum can body to provide a can end having a generally flat center panel connected by an inclined curved or straight panel wall to an inclined inner wall of an annular U-shaped countersink. The countersink has an outer wall which connects with an inclined lower wall portion of a chuck wall at a junction below the center panel, and the chuck wall has a curved or inclined upper wall portion which connects with an inner wall of the crown. The chuck wall also has an intermediate wall portion forming a break, and the inner bottom width of the countersink is less than the radial width of the panel wall. The inclined upper wall portion of the chuck wall extends at an angle greater than the angle of the inclined lower wall portion of the chuck wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignees: Ball Corporation, Container Development, Ltd.
    Inventors: R. Peter Stodd, Jess N. Bathurst
  • Patent number: 9371153
    Abstract: A container made of an elastomer such as silicone with an integrated leak resistant seal. The seal incorporates press-fit elements with sizes and shapes sufficient to provide a strong seal that resists leakage of liquids from inside the container. The seal is integrated into the container and requires no external clips or clasps. Additional features are provided to facilitate opening such as extended flaps for pulling the sides open, and asymmetric cavities for press-fit elements to reduce the initial opening force. The container itself may be of asymmetrical shape, such as trapezoidal, to provide a wide opening along with a strong seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: MODERN TWIST, INC.
    Inventors: Katousha Ghaemi Nouri, Paul Maguire