Patents Issued in October 4, 2016
  • Patent number: 9457872
    Abstract: This present invention is a more economical method and apparatus for compressing gas or other compressible fluids in high volumes at any desired pressures for any desired purpose. One preferred use is for generating high volumes of air capable to be delivered at any drafts for the purpose of lubricating ships motions and accordingly lowering their drag, fuel consumption and harmful emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventors: Dan Nicolaus Costas, Alexander Nicholas Costas
  • Patent number: 9457873
    Abstract: A spar platform comprises one or more continuous-fiber composite tubes fabricated at or near the intended site use of the platform. In some embodiments, the spar platform includes a relatively longer central tube and relatively shorter peripheral tubes. In some other embodiments, the spar platform is a single long tube. In some embodiments, the spar platform supports a wind turbine assembly. The continuous-fiber composite tubes are formed, in either a vertical or horizontal orientation, using a modified vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Nagurny, Alan K. Miller
  • Patent number: 9457874
    Abstract: A method of overboarding and lowering a load from a vessel is disclosed. The method uses a vessel-mounted crane to lift the load from a deck of the vessel, to move the load off the deck into an outboard over-water position, and to lower the load from the outboard position into the water. The method further includes placing at least one guide member acting in compression between the load and an upstanding supporting structure of the crane to restrain horizontal movement of the load relative to a boom of the crane. Then, lowering the guide member occurs to continue restraining horizontal movement of the load while lowering the load from the outboard position into the water. A related guide apparatus includes at least one guide member that is movably connected to a mount for movement relative to the mount around and parallel to a slewing axis of the crane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Subsea 7 Norway AS
    Inventors: Tore Jacobsen, Arun Prahash Kalyana Sundaram, Jarle Havn, Andrew Lewis, Sigbjorn Daasvatn
  • Patent number: 9457875
    Abstract: A floating type self-lifting drilling platform includes a main deck, a floating cushion, pile legs, a lifting mechanism and a mooring system. The area and thickness of the floating cushionare both greater than those of the main deck, the middle part is provided with a moon pool, and the inner part is partitioned into multiple cabins; there are three pile legs, the pile legs are truss structures, the bottom part of each of the pile legs is rigidly connected with the floating cushion, and the main deck lifts vertically along the pile legs through the lifting mechanism and is fixed at a preset height; each pile leg includes upper and lower hollow sealing bodies; the water line is located in the height range of the upper section during the operation and positioned through the mooring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University
    Inventors: Xiangyuan Zheng, Daoyi Chen, Han Yu
  • Patent number: 9457876
    Abstract: A multiple strand pool noodle is provided. The multiple strand pool noodle has at least two strands formed of extruded foam where each of the strands has a first end and a second end. The first ends of the strands are contained in a first end member and the second ends of the strand are contained in a second end member. A length of the strands extends between the first and second end members. The strands are movable with respect to each other along the length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: HICKORY SPRINGS MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Jonathan Wesley Godfrey, Joseph Shawn Huffman
  • Patent number: 9457877
    Abstract: An improved fin system for surfboards and other watercraft that utilizes a series of wide, flanged, fin boxes as a means of securing the fins into the base of the surfboard body. The fin boxes create a cantilever effect that provides additional strength and rigidity to the fins when compared to other available systems. Additionally, each fin tab of a fin can be installed into a self-contained fin box, thereby allowing for separation of the fin boxes once installed. The separation between the fin boxes permits increased longitudinal and torsional flex of the watercraft body when compared to a unitary fin box design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: John Hoon Chung
  • Patent number: 9457878
    Abstract: An invertible floatation garment which alternately can be worn as shorts or as a vest includes a garment front sheet and a garment rear sheet which are laterally interconnected by lateral connecting segments to form a single tubular structure for fitting around the chest or trunk of a wearer. An upright forward slit opening is provided through the center of the front sheet to permit the garment to be opened so that the wearer can take the garment on and off, dividing the front sheet into a front sheet left portion and a front sheet right portion with closure fasteners. An front and rear sheet connecting segment narrower than the front and rear sheets defines on either side of it leg openings which become arm openings when the garment is inverted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventors: Douglas James Schultz, Justin Rietema
  • Patent number: 9457879
    Abstract: An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for recording seismic signals during a marine seismic survey. The AUV includes a body having a base and sides; a propulsion system for guiding the AUV to a final target on the ocean bottom; a pump-jet connected to an inlet and plural base outlets, wherein the plural base outlets are distributed on the base; a processor connected to the pump-jet and configured to activate the pump-jet when the base in on the ocean bottom; and a seismic sensor configured to record seismic signals. The pump-jet has a first low speed so that water jets expelled at the plural base outlets fluidize the ocean bottom underneath the base and buries the AUV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SEABED GEOSOLUTIONS B.V.
    Inventor: Thierry Brizard
  • Patent number: 9457880
    Abstract: A propulsor arrangement for operation in icy as well as open water, for a marine vessel having a hull (S) with a center line (CL) extending between a forward end (3) and an aft end (4), said propulsor arrangement comprising a plurality of azimuthing thrusters (1A-ID) having a center of rotation (CR) and a longest lateral distance (R) that it protrudes from said center of rotation (CR), preferably having at least one azimuthing thruster (1A-ID) with a propeller (2) arranged to act in ice, wherein said propulsor arrangement includes at least three azimuthing thrusters (1A, 1B, 1G) positioned close to one end (3, 4) of said hull (S), including at least one pair (1A, 1B) positioned substantially symmetrical in relation to said center line (CL) along a transversal line in relation to said center line (CL) a first distance (Q1) apart a and at least one azimuthing thruster (1G) positioned closer to said end (3, 4) and said centerline (CL) and positioned a longitudinal distance (P1) away from said transversal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce AB
    Inventor: Thomas Henriksen
  • Patent number: 9457881
    Abstract: An outboard marine engine has an engine block; a crankcase on the engine block; a crankshaft disposed in the crankcase for rotation about a crankshaft axis; a cover on the crankcase; a bedplate disposed between the engine block and the cover, the bedplate having a plurality of bearings for supporting rotation of the crankshaft; and a cooling water jacket that extends parallel to the crankshaft axis along a radially outer portion of the plurality of bearings. The cooling water jacket carries cooling water for cooling the plurality of bearings and at least one oil drain-back area is located adjacent to the cooling water jacket. The at least one oil drain-back area drains oil from the crankcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Belter, Gregg D. Langenfeld, George D. Idzikowski
  • Patent number: 9457882
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a stern drive engine including a mounting base, an engine mounting foot or bracket for securing an engine to a watercraft, and a lock ring for securing the engine mounting bracket in a constant position relative to the mounting base. The mounting base includes a threaded mounting bolt to receive a first adjustment nut, the engine mounting bracket, the lock ring and a second nut. The bottom surface of the locking ring engages a top surface of the engine mounting bracket with a downwardly extending arm or arms of the lock ring extending through an aperture in the engine mounting bracket to engage the first adjustment nut. The threaded bolt of the mounting base extends through apertures of the engine mounting bracket platform and mounting ring, and a second nut engages the top surface of the lock ring, preventing rotation of the first adjustment nut, and ultimately limiting movement of the marine stern drive engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Niel M. Schueller, David J. Waldvogel, Steven R. Johns
  • Patent number: 9457883
    Abstract: A remote operating device for remotely operating a floating device having a water jet drive includes a first operating unit for receiving control data as well as an actuator for controlling and/or adjusting the power of the water jet drive. The actuator may include a first actuating element for mechanically controlling the power of the water jet drive of the floating device. Alternatively, the actuator may include a first electronic module for feeding a voltage signal into engine electronics of the floating device, for controlling the power of the water jet drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventors: Tobias Fieback, Lars Ramcke, Svetlana Immel
  • Patent number: 9457884
    Abstract: A portable propulsion system for a watercraft may include a shaft, a propeller, an outer casing, and a flexible strap. The shaft may have a prop end section, a drive end section, and a rotational axis extending from the prop end section to the drive end section. The propeller may be connected to the prop end section of the shaft. The drive end section may be configured for removable connection to a driver for rotation of the propeller via rotation of the shaft about the rotational axis to propel the watercraft. The outer casing may be disposed around the shaft. The flexible strap may have first and second end sections connected to the outer casing in respective first and second regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Gene L. Keough
  • Patent number: 9457885
    Abstract: A steering control system for ski boat with an inboard motor and a single, non-steerable propeller. The control system augments the traditional aft rudder with a forward rudder (located immediately in front of the propeller), and controls one or both rudders to improve steering when backing and in low forward speed conditions. The control system may control only the forward rudder, while the pre-existing controls operate the aft rudder, or optionally controls both rudders. The rudder angle control algorithm calculates proportional rudder angles based on helm and throttle settings, or optimal rudder angles based on more sensed conditions including the operator's helm and throttle controls, the ski boat's direction and speed, propeller RPM and thrust direction, and each rudder's angle. An electronic controller sends control signals to the rudders to achieve the optimal rudder angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Enovation Controls, LLC
    Inventors: Kennon Guglielmo, Christopher Cole
  • Patent number: 9457886
    Abstract: Disclosed is a winglet radome assembly, which can include at least one antenna assembly that can send and receive signals, such as radio waves. Some implementations of the winglet radome assembly can be secured to a wing of an aircraft, such as a fixed-wing aircraft. In addition, the winglet radome assembly can be configured to secure to a distal end of the wing and can be securely adapted to a variety of aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SIERRA NEVADA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Timothy M. Hazen
  • Patent number: 9457887
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for changing the shape of a wing using a trailing edge morphing beam. One example method includes coupling a trailing edge portion comprising a morphing beam to an elastic central portion of the wing. The morphing beam comprises a first portion formed of smart material and a second portion formed of elastic material. The method further includes actuating the smart material in the first portion of the morphing beam to change the shape of the elastic central portion of the wing and the elastic material of the morphing beam. The morphing beam can be configured to hold a first position corresponding to a minimum chord-length of the wing and a second position corresponding to a maximum chord length of the wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Roe, Umesh N. Gandhi
  • Patent number: 9457888
    Abstract: According to the invention, high lift leading-edge slats (13) and high lift flaps (14) are simultaneously deployed, when the speed of the aircraft is equal to and less than an AES threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Franck Delaplace, Martin Richter, Dieter Lang
  • Patent number: 9457889
    Abstract: A rotorcraft rotor comprises a blade having a pitch axis, a primary pitch horn for the blade, and a secondary horn opposite the primary pitch horn with respect to the pitch axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Evan J. Filter
  • Patent number: 9457890
    Abstract: A control device 20 for an aircraft steering apparatus controls an aircraft steering apparatus 1 comprising an operation unit including rudder pedals 4, a main pilot steering handle 2 and a co-pilot steering handle 3 which are provided in a cockpit of an aircraft, and an actuator 6 driven in accordance with an operation amount output from the operation unit for driving and steering at least a steered wheel 5, and the control device 20 includes a switching control unit 22 exclusively switches, based on instruction input from at least one of a main pilot and a co-pilot, which of operation amounts corresponding to operation of the rudder pedals 4, the main pilot steering handle 2 and the co-pilot steering handle 3 is used for driving the actuator 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SUMITOMO PRECISION PRODUCTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazushi Furuichi, Kazunari Tada, Yutaro Minami
  • Patent number: 9457891
    Abstract: The example embodiments relate to a single lever system. In an example, the system may include a condition cable controlling mechanism configured for controlling adjustment of a condition cable, a power cable controlling mechanism configured for controlling adjustment of a power cable, and a single lever coupled to the condition cable controlling mechanism and to the power cable controlling mechanism. During manipulation of the single lever to control adjustment of the power cable, the condition cable controlling mechanism is configured to prevent adjustment of the condition cable. During manipulation of the single lever to control adjustment of the condition cable, the power cable controlling mechanism is configured to prevent adjustment of the power cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: HARLOW AEROSTRUCTURES LLC
    Inventor: Dale Wayne Sparks
  • Patent number: 9457892
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media are disclosed for managing an aircraft's systems through a dedicated interface. One aspect of a method for implementing the subject matter described herein includes at least one global visualization interface for managing aircraft systems and including a hardware processor. The method also includes displaying at least one or more graphic object representing at least one or more aircraft system, displaying at least one or more energy flow icon representing the direction of circulation of an energy flow, and accessing a system management interface of at least one or more aircraft system through performing an user interaction with the graphic object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Mael Mesguen, François Buron, Thibaut Poux
  • Patent number: 9457893
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media are disclosed for managing an aircraft's systems through a dedicated interface. One aspect of a method for implementing the subject matter described herein includes at least one interactive interface configured for managing an aircraft system, displaying at least one or more graphic object representing at least one or more system component, displaying at least one or more energy flow icon representing the direction of circulation of an energy flow, and interacting with the at least one or more system component through a user action on the at least one or more graphic object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Mael Mesguen, François Buron, Thibaut Poux
  • Patent number: 9457894
    Abstract: There is described a variable-width aerodynamic device (10) associable to aerodynamic high lift structures (30), the variable-width aerodynamic device (10) comprising: a main body (11) substantially flat and having constant thickness; a first longitudinal edge (12) associated to the aerodynamic high lift structure (30); and a second non-rectilinear longitudinal edge (13), forming, with the first longitudinal edge (12), a variable width (Lv) along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: EMBRAER S.A.
    Inventors: André dos Santos Bonatto, Francisco Keller Klug, Julio Romano Meneghini, Leandro Guilherme Crenite Simões, Miacel Gianini Valle Do Carmo, Rafael dos Santos Gioria, Stergios Pericles Tsiloufas
  • Patent number: 9457895
    Abstract: A traction-on-demand landing gear tire control system and methods are presented. An outer tire of an aircraft wheel is depressurized to a depressurized state in response to a non-optimal aircraft landing condition. An inner tire of the aircraft wheel contacts the outer tire in response to the depressurized state, and a plurality of traction studs are deployed to protrude from the outer tire in response to the inner tire contacting the outer tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Sergey Barmichev, Kelly L. Boren, Stephen T. Brown
  • Patent number: 9457896
    Abstract: An electric taxi system (ETS) for an aircraft may include a ground speed sensor, a speed selection unit and a speed computer coupled to the ground speed sensor and to the speed selection unit. The speed computer may produce a speed error signal. A motor controller coupled to a wheel motor may control speed of the wheel motor responsively to the speed error signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. De Mers, Olukayode Olofinboba, Keith Hughes, Joseph Ott
  • Patent number: 9457897
    Abstract: A shear bearing for a rotor system has a four bar linkage and a grip configured to retain a flexural yoke and the grip is connected between a first set of opposing links of the four bar linkage. A rotor system has a flexural yoke and a shear bearing configured to perform at least one of transmitting forces to the yoke and receiving forces from the yoke, wherein the yoke is free of cavities for receiving the shear bearing. A rotational system has a flexural yoke and a damper disposed on a surface of the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Drew Sutton, Frank B. Stamps
  • Patent number: 9457898
    Abstract: A rotary wing system with a rotating blade and a fluid damper with a damper fluid in a first variable volume chamber and a second variable volume chamber, with a fluid damping flow valve controlled conduit and a fluid flow pressure sensing control valve assembly between the first variable volume chamber and the second variable volume chamber. The fluid flow pressure sensing control valve assembly has a fluid flow pressure sensing control valve assembly control valve for obstructing a damper fluid flow through the fluid damping flow valve controlled conduit. A working of the first variable volume chamber and the second variable volume chamber by rotary wing motions actuates the opening of the fluid flow pressure sensing control valve assembly control valve that obstructs the damper fluid flow through the fluid damping flow valve controlled conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: LORD Corporation
    Inventor: Donald D. Russell
  • Patent number: 9457899
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods provide for a modular vehicle system utilized for lifting and maneuvering payloads. According to aspects of the disclosure, any number of individual lift vehicles may be connected to create a unified lift vehicle. The individual lift vehicles may be placed adjacent to one another according to a determined lifting array formation and coupled together using connection mechanisms. The connection mechanisms rigidly and communicatively connect the individual lift vehicles to create the unified lift vehicle suitable for lifting and maneuvering a payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Duffy, Scott H. Bouwer, John J. Mattero
  • Patent number: 9457900
    Abstract: A multirotor mobile buoy combining MR-VTOL capability with environmentally hardened electronics, exchangeable sensor suites, and a solar recharge system and providing sensing in aquatic environments. The multirotor mobile buoy provides for the detection, classification and location of underwater objects using self-contained electronics, and repositions with aerial means using a plurality of rotors. The multirotor mobile buoy additionally incorporates solar panels for recharging of on-board batteries enabling the flight and other functions, and comprises a buoyant assembly and extended tether in order to promote stability in dynamic, open ocean environments. The multirotor mobile buoy may be employed singly or as a swarm of underwater detection platforms, and may utilize its positioning ability to optimize the effectiveness of sonobuoy systems arrayed as a distributed sensor field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Kevin D. Jones, Vladmir N. Dobrokhodov
  • Patent number: 9457901
    Abstract: A method and system of printable payload extensions of a quadcopter are disclosed. In one aspect, a quadcopter includes an airframe and a central portion of the airframe having at least one of an upper extender mechanism and a lower extender mechanism. The central portion enables users of the quadcopter to design payload extensions that mechanically couple with the quadcopter using a three-dimensional (3D) printing device as long as the payload extensions have a weight less than a maximum payload capacity of the quadcopter. The quadcopter couples with at a set of payload extensions including a hook assembly, an interlocking building block platform assembly, a DSLR camera assembly, a HD camera assembly, and/or a container assembly through the central portion of the airframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: FATDOOR, INC.
    Inventors: Blaise Bertrand, Youenn Colin, Anthony Patron, Vinh Pho
  • Patent number: 9457902
    Abstract: A cost-effective pack adapted to be distributed from an aircraft in the event of a natural, military, political, or other disaster includes an outer package, at least one item in the outer package for aerial delivery, and at least one aerodynamic component formed on the outer package and methods and systems for making the pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The SkyLIFE Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J Potter, Matthew J. Medlin, Greg J. Konczal, Rory T. McDonnell
  • Patent number: 9457903
    Abstract: An aircraft monument for installation in an aircraft cabin comprising a first functional module, a second functional module and a side wall for delimiting the first module from at least one of a region of the aircraft cabin adjacent to the first module and a region of the aircraft monument adjacent to the first module. The side wall is movable between a first and a second operational position and comprises a first side-wall region separating the first and second functional modules and in the second operational position, the side wall is displaced in the direction of the second module relative to its position in the first operational position, so that a movement of the side wall from its first operational position into its second operational position results in an enlargement of a base area of the first module and a corresponding diminution of a base area of the second module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Sabrina Moje, Matthias Breuer
  • Patent number: 9457904
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sleeping platform for use on aircraft comprising: a substantially planar base panel having a vertically upper surface and a vertically lower surface. A padded layer is provided covering the base panel and a plurality of support legs are pivotably attached to the vertically lower surface of the base panel. One of each of the plurality of support legs may be on opposing longitudinal ends of the base panel; each support leg having a horizontal and transverse pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Karl Fey
  • Patent number: 9457905
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a backrest, a recess made in the backrest, a holder base fitted to a rear wall of the recess, an upper holder clip which is movably and resiliently mounted in a clip rail extending vertically from top to bottom in the holder base, and a fold-out tray which can be folded out from the recess by two folding hinges which are fitted to the inner side walls of the recess inside the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Felske, Lars Schomacker, Carsten Wolgast, Gerd Dueser, Erwin Ilias, Peter Miehlke, Horst Pohlenz, Dino Miler
  • Patent number: 9457906
    Abstract: A lift assist mechanism is provided for assisting lifting of a movable component that can move between lowered and raised positions relative to a fixed structure. The lift assist mechanism includes a lift assist spring connected to a spring shaft, and an elongated track in which an end of the lift assist spring or an end of the spring shaft are movably engaged. A spring lock restrains movement of the spring shaft when a lift assist is not required, and releases the spring shaft when a lift assist is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventors: Clarence Ivester, Erik E. Nilsen, Robert K. Brauer
  • Patent number: 9457907
    Abstract: A direction controlled service apparatus may include a mounting assembly, a housing assembly configured to operably connect to the mounting assembly, the housing assembly being movable with respect to the mounting assembly, and a plurality of actuators connected between the mounting assembly and the housing assembly, each actuator of the plurality of actuators being configured to contract upon a current being applied to the actuator to rotate the housing assembly with respect to the mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Douglas A. Brown, Kwun-Wing W. Cheung
  • Patent number: 9457908
    Abstract: An nitrogen generation system for an aircraft is provided. The system includes a RAM air circuit, a motor driven compressor (MDC) having a rotor, a stator to drive rotor rotation and a compressor rotatably coupled to the rotor and a cooling system. The cooling system directs cooling air from the RAM air circuit to an inlet of the compressor and an alternative low pressure environment such that the cooling air removes heat from the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eric Surawski
  • Patent number: 9457909
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include a de-icing system for an aircraft. The de-icing system includes a plurality of resistive-inductive heating elements inserted adjacent to a flight control surface and a controller configured to provide a supply current to each of the plurality of resistive-inductive heating elements. Each of the plurality of resistive-inductive heating elements produces an electromagnetic field normal to the flight control surfaces and resistive heat in response to the supply current. The electromagnetic field induces an eddy current in the flight control surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lubomir A. Ribarov, Jacek F. Gieras
  • Patent number: 9457910
    Abstract: A jumpable pack having interacting harness attachment loops and connection loops; a pair of release loops secured directly to said pack, such that each release loop interacts directly with a corresponding connection loop, wherein each release loop is at least partially disposed within a corresponding connection loop, and wherein said corresponding one of said connection loops is at least partially disposed within a corresponding harness attachment loop; a drop line attachment loop secured directly to a portion of said pack; a pair of first straps releasably secured to a portion of said pack; a pair of second straps secured to a side portion of said pack; a pair of second strap attachment segments, wherein each second strap attachment segment is releasably attached or coupled to each second strap; and a single point release assembly that includes a release line attached to a handle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Vista Outdoor Operations LLC
    Inventors: Frederick W. Storms, Jr., David M. Jones, Eric M. Yeates
  • Patent number: 9457911
    Abstract: Evacuation slide systems including a slide pack comprising a packboard coupled to an aircraft door, a girt bar coupled to an aircraft floor when the aircraft door is armed, and a restraint coupled to the packboard and the girt bar are detailed. The restraint controls a speed at which the aircraft door opens when the aircraft door is armed until the aircraft door has traveled beyond a predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Air Cruisers Company
    Inventor: Frank John Brown
  • Patent number: 9457912
    Abstract: A method for controlling in-flight refueling of a receiver aircraft having a fuel receptacle, comprising: automatically steering a refueling device to an engagement enabling position, including: repeatedly determining a spatial disposition of the refueling device with respect to the receiver aircraft, the refueling device being capable of engaging and refueling the receiver aircraft via a boom member, when the device arrives to the engagement enabling position at which the boom member is in a predetermined spaced and spatial relationship with respect to the fuel receptacle of the receiver aircraft; repeatedly calculating steering commands based at least on the repeatedly determined spatial dispositions and characteristics of a spatial control system of the refueling device; sending the steering commands to the spatial control system; whereby at the engagement enabling position, the boom member of the refueling device is capable of engaging with the fuel receptacle to enable refueling of the receiver aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventor: Ohad Rix
  • Patent number: 9457913
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for detecting an aircraft jitter. The aircraft jitter detection system comprises: a jitter detection apparatus, which detects accelerations of pitch and yaw of the aircraft; a data acquisition apparatus, which obtains accelerations in two directions detected by the jitter detection apparatus; and a jitter determination apparatus, which extracts frequency spectrum and energy information of the jitter according to the accelerations in two directions obtained by the data acquisition apparatus, and determines whether the aircraft jitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Air China Limited
    Inventors: Jiaju Wu, Zhuping Gu, Lei Huang, Huifeng Ding, Fengliang Zheng, Qifeng Ren, Yanfeng Zhang
  • Patent number: 9457914
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for providing an alert to a pilot. The method includes the step of receiving a plurality of alerts. The method also includes the step of identifying a highest priority alert from the plurality of alerts. An additional step of the method includes determining a current view of the pilot. The method also includes the step of presenting the highest priority alert within the current view of the pilot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Cline, Jorge A. Alvarez
  • Patent number: 9457915
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for docking an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a vehicle. The UAV may be able to distinguish a companion vehicle from other vehicles in the area and vice versa. The UAV may take off and/or land on the vehicle. The UAV may be used to capture images and stream the images live to a display within the vehicle. The vehicle may control the UAV. The UAV may be in communication with the companion vehicle while in flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Mingyu Wang
  • Patent number: 9457916
    Abstract: A visual aid for landing helicopters includes a plurality of weighted bases and a plurality of lights designed such that they can identify a helicopter landing zone during nighttime or during the bright sunlight. The components of the visual aid are designed to provide rapid identification of the landing zone, whether the pilot of the helicopter is flying with his unaided eye or with typical night vision goggles. The weighted bases have a large surface area and are coated with a highly visible fluorescent paint. The lights are designed to emit light having wavelengths, intensities and beam patterns which will not overwhelm night vision goggles but which will be acceptably visible to pilots flying without night vision goggles. The lights and weighted bases are color-coded such that they identify both the perimeter of the landing zone and the wind direction within the landing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Kevin McDermott
  • Patent number: 9457917
    Abstract: An airport baggage handling system is described for transferring baggage between airport passenger stations and aircraft loading zones. The airport baggage handling system includes in-line screening devices including at least one high resolution or high risk screening device and at least one low resolution or low risk screening device. Each piece of checked baggage is provided with a tag including, inter alia, information regarding the security status of the piece of baggage. A computer control system for controlling operation of the baggage handling system uses the information regarding the security status of the piece of baggage to selectively route the piece of baggage through one of the high and low risk scanning devices. In one embodiment, the security status of the baggage is derived from the security status of the passenger associated with the baggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Vanderlande Industries, B.V.
    Inventor: Gaylloyd Frank Dadyala
  • Patent number: 9457918
    Abstract: Systems and methods for launching space vehicles into outer space are disclosed. Systems include a launch vehicle with at least two stages. A thrust augmentation stage provides thrust during an initial portion of a launch trajectory. A first stage provides thrust during the initial portion and during a second portion of the launch trajectory. In some systems, the thrust augmentation stage is reusable with a distinct first stage. In some systems, the thrust augmentation stage defines a central bore, through which the first stage extends for initial launch of the launch vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Michael Leslie Hand
  • Patent number: 9457919
    Abstract: A sun synchronous orbiting shield to block sun light to the earth. Shade is provided to the earth and travels across the earth as the earth rotates mitigating the effects of sunlight on global warming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Curtis Bradley
  • Patent number: 9457920
    Abstract: A food storage machine is provided that includes a film delivery mechanism, a cutting mechanism, a conditioning assembly and a drive mechanism. The film delivery mechanism has a support cradle for a roll of bag material and a feed roller assembly for dispensing the bag material. The cutting mechanism is disposed adjacent the film delivery mechanism and has a first sealing bumper and a shuttle member with a cutting portion. The shuttle member is arranged to cut transversely across the bag material dispensed from the film delivery mechanism. The conditioning assembly is pivotably disposed below the film delivery mechanism and has a heater member for sealing a portion of the bag material. The drive mechanism is operatively connected to the conditioning assembly and configured to pivot upwards to contact the first sealing bumper of the cutting mechanism and to pivot downwards to contact a second sealing bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jamal Hammad
  • Patent number: 9457921
    Abstract: A receptacle for a consumable material, such as a wire spool (2), to be loaded into a machine, such as a wire tying machine (18), comprises first and second indicating means (6, 12) for identifying the receptacle, wherein one of the indicating means (6) is separable from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: CONSTRUCTION TOOLS PC AB
    Inventors: Graham Frank Barnes, Ian David Coles