Patents Issued in October 6, 2016
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Publication number: 20160288860Abstract: An air cleaner is disposed at the front part of an intake space below a seat. A battery box containing a battery is disposed on the rear side relative to the air cleaner in the intake space. The battery box is disposed with a rearward tilt and on the intake upstream side of the air cleaner and a corner part of the battery box at the lower front end thereof is disposed close to the air cleaner with the intermediary of a slight gap. The battery in the battery box is located in a flow of intake air sucked into the air cleaner and is efficiently cooled. The battery box includes an opening wherein part of the outer surface of the battery and a degassing part face the opening. An anti-diffusion cover part, continuous with an edge of the opening, covers the degassing part.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yusaburo TANI, Yusuke INOUE, Yuji NOGUCHI, Masashi TADA, Tomoya MATSUO
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Publication number: 20160288861Abstract: A bicycle frame having a replaceable flexible down tube assembly, wherein the down tube assembly includes a resilient arcuate down tube member with connectors in the form of releasable mounting clips removably attached to the ends of down tube member. The clips clamp on transverse mounting pins in stems attached to the bicycle frame at the ends of the down tube assembly. The clips are releasable to remove the down tube assembly from the frame for replacement or substitution of a down tube having different performance or appearance characteristics. The clips are removable from the down tube for separate replacement of clips and the down tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2014Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: ALTER CYCLES, LTD.Inventor: Mark L. Groendal
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Publication number: 20160288862Abstract: A front wheel supporting frame structure of a saddle-ride vehicle includes a main frame, upper and lower arms and a lower frame. The main frame has a front portion and a rear portion. The main frame includes an upper connection portion, a lower connection portion, and an extending portion. The extending portion extends downward. The upper arm has an upper front end portion and an upper rear end portion. The upper rear end portion is movably connected to the upper connection portion. The lower arm has a lower front end portion and a lower rear end portion. The lower rear end portion of is movably connected to the lower connection portion. The lower frame includes a bottom portion and an upright portion. The bottom portion extends in the vehicle front-rear direction. The upright portion has a top portion connected to the extending portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Koji AOKI, Daisuke KURAMOCHI, Tatsuya SUZUKI
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Publication number: 20160288863Abstract: An assembly for a motorcycle is disclosed which can adjust rake angle and trail on a motorcycle. The assembly includes an inner housing which engages with an outer housing. The outer housing attaches to the frame of a motorcycle and has a first aperture and at least two additional apertures. The inner housing has a pair of angled apertures formed therethrough, a first aperture aligned with the first aperture formed in the outer housing, and at least two additional apertures each of which is capable of being aligned with one of the at least two additional apertures formed in the outer housing. First and second attachment members join the inner housing to the outer housing at a predetermined angle. The assembly also includes a pair of forks capable of supporting an axle on which a front wheel is mounted. Each of the pair of forks has a first end which passes through one of the pair of angled apertures formed in the inner housing. The pair of angled apertures establishes the rake angle for the motorcycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2015Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventor: Bradley A. Hackl
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Publication number: 20160288864Abstract: To downsize the periphery of reaction force applying device of a clutch controller, and set operation load more freely, in a clutch control system that links the clutch controller and a clutch device electrically, an operation reaction force is applied to a clutch lever, from reaction force applying device that uses a spring as a reaction force generation source; the reaction force applying device includes multiple reaction force generation cylinders arranged parallel to one another; and the clutch lever has an input/output arm, which extends toward an input/output part of each of the multiple reaction force generation cylinders from the vicinity of a lever support shaft, to allow transmission of operating force and reaction force between the clutch lever and the reaction force applying device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Eisuke Kajihara, Junya Ono, Yoshinobu Shiomi, Hiroyuki Kojima, Yoshiaki Nedachi
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Publication number: 20160288865Abstract: A vehicle height adjustment device includes a spring having one end supported on a vehicle body side and another end supported on a wheel side. An adjustor includes an accommodation chamber accommodating fluid and adjusts a length of the spring in accordance with an amount of fluid in the accommodation chamber. A storage chamber stores fluid. A guide passage guides fluid from the accommodation chamber to the storage chamber. An actuator includes an operation rod to press a push rod. A valve body closes the guide passage when seated on a seat and opens the guide passage when pressed and detached from the seat by the push rod. A press member includes a contact portion and a shaft. The press member presses and seats the valve body on the seat. An accommodation member accommodates the valve body and the contact portion. A support member supports the shaft movably.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: Showa CorporationInventors: Yosuke MURAKAMI, Fumiaki ISHIKAWA, Hiroyuki MIYATA
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REACTION FORCE ADJUSTMENT SUPPORT DEVICE, METHOD THEREOF AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM
Publication number: 20160288866Abstract: A reaction force adjustment support device includes: a pressure data storage unit storing pressure data of respective spring chambers; a graphic user interface unit displaying a display screen; a reaction force calculator calculating reaction force data by using the pressure data of the respective spring chambers stored in the pressure data storage unit; a graph generating unit generating a graph of reaction force characteristics by using the reaction force data calculated by the reaction force calculator; and a controller displaying a screen for adjusting a reaction force where the screen has an operation portion for adjusting spring pressures provided for the respective spring chambers and a drawing area of the graph on the display screen, and controlling the reaction force calculator and the graph generating unit by user's operation with respect to the operation portion with the pressure data changed for the respective spring chambers to vary the graph.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: Showa CorporationInventor: Tomoya TODA -
Publication number: 20160288867Abstract: A front fork has a damping variable leg including: an outer tube at an upper end side; an inner tube at a lower end side and inserted into the outer tube; a piston rod attached to the outer tube and extending toward the lower end side; a piston at a lower end of the piston rod; and a damping force variable device at the piston so as to generate variable damping force by controlling a flow of an operating fluid. The damping variable leg further includes: a conductor member attached to the piston; and a coil conductor covered with an insulating member and attached to the inner tube. The conductor member is configured to be inserted into the coil conductor. The damping variable leg detects a stroke amount of the damping variable leg based on a change in inductance of the coil conductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: Showa CorporationInventor: Yosuke MURAKAMI
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Publication number: 20160288868Abstract: A cushion member is swingable with respect to a main frame about a fourth rotation axis to be expanded and compressed according to a movement of a front wheel. A first arm is swingable with respect to a front fork supporting member about a fifth rotation axis and with respect to the main frame about a sixth rotation axis. A second arm is swingable with respect to the front fork supporting member about a seventh rotation axis, with respect to the cushion member about an eighth rotation axis, and with respect to the main frame about a ninth rotation axis. The fourth to ninth rotation axes are substantially parallel to one another. The fourth rotation axis is provided to be substantially perpendicular to a plane including a second rotation axis about which the front fork is turnable.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Koji AOKI
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Publication number: 20160288869Abstract: A shock absorber includes a cylinder in which oil is sealed, a piston slidably fitted into the cylinder, a piston rod connected to the piston and extending to the outside of the cylinder, and a damping force generating apparatus controlling a flow of the oil generated by the sliding of the piston inside the cylinder. The damping force generating apparatus includes a valve body generating a damping force by being opened and closed on a flow path in which the oil flows, a valve seat closing the flow path when the valve body is seated, and an actuator generating thrust to the valve body in a valve closing direction. The valve seat has a first elastic body which is elastically deformable in the valve closing direction of the valve body.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: Showa CorporationInventors: Kazuhiro MIWA, Naoya KUROIWA
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Publication number: 20160288870Abstract: A shock absorber includes: a cylinder; a piston; a piston rod; and a damping-force generating device that controls a flow of oil, caused by sliding of the piston in the cylinder, wherein the damping-force generating device includes: a valve body that generates a damping force according to opening and closing of the valve body on a channel in which the oil flows; a valve seat on which the valve body seats to close the channel; and an actuator that includes a plunger generating thrust to the valve body in a valve closing direction and a plunger chamber in which the oil is filled in order to actuate the plunger, and the plunger chamber communicates with a downstream side in a flowing direction of the oil with reference to a place where the valve body seats on the valve seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: Showa CorporationInventor: Yosuke MURAKAMI
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Publication number: 20160288871Abstract: Improvements in a bicycle with four wheel drive. The front wheel drive uses arm and forearm powered system for a steerable bicycle that allows bikers to also exercise arm and forearm muscles. The drive incorporates lever fulcra located forward of the main handle bar. The main lever serves as handle grip at one end. The lever arm's length extends to the fulcrum. The rear wheel drive uses a sectorial pedal arc motion and reduces the number of leg muscles to propel the bicycle. The lever arms extend from the pedal foot pads at one end, to the fulcra located at the rear and lower (3rd) quadrant at the back of the rear wheel. The pedals rest higher above the road surface and allows a biker to negotiate over highly irregular or rough, uneven terrain with reduced possibility of pedals or rider's feet hitting ground objects.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2015Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventor: Isagani C. Atil
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Publication number: 20160288872Abstract: A bicycle drive unit is basically provided with an assist motor and a housing such that the distance between a crankshaft and a rear end of the housing is prevented from becoming long. The assist motor is configured to apply an assisting force to a manual drive force, which is inputted from a crankshaft. The housing is provided to the assist motor and at least a part of the crankshaft. The housing is disposed around the crankshaft. The housing is formed so that, when the bicycle drive unit is attached to a bicycle frame, the minimum distance from a center axis of the crankshaft and the rear end surface of the frame on the rear end side of the housing is equal to or less than 50 mm and greater than the radius of the crankshaft, as viewed from parallel to the center axis of the crankshaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Satoshi SHAHANA, Tomohisa YAMAMOTO, Hiroyuki URABE, Yusuke NISHIKAWA
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Publication number: 20160288873Abstract: The power assisting device includes driver with a rotary axis, a main gear, a first transmission rod, a first bevel gear, a second bevel gear, a first rotating rod, a third bevel gear, and a first driving wheel. The main gear is driven by the driver to rotate about the rotary axis. The first transmission rod extends along a direction perpendicular to the rotary axis. The first bevel gear and the second bevel gear are separately sleeved on the transmission rod. The first bevel gear is engaged with the main gear. The first rotating rod extends along a direction parallel to the rotary axis. The third bevel gear is sleeved on the first rotating rod and is engaged with the second bevel gear. The first driving wheel is coupled to the first rotating rod for assisting a wheel of a vehicle to move forward.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2015Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: YEN-CHI CHEN, CHANG-YUAN SHIH, SHIH-HSIN HSU
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Publication number: 20160288874Abstract: An electric cycle with a frame that may include a tube and an opening. The tube may extend from a first end to a second end and may define a tube interior volume in fluid communication with the opening. An electric power unit may be mounted to the frame proximal the second end of the tube and may have a cooling air inlet and an exhaust port. A cooling path may be defined through the tube interior volume and at least a portion of the electric power unit. The cooling path may be in fluid communication with the opening so that air may flow into the opening, through the tube, into the cooling air inlet and out of the exhaust port of the electric power unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2015Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: STEVEN L. HAYSLETT, Jess R. Bailie, Peter Bostwick, Richard J. Lannen, Wade W. Bryant
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Publication number: 20160288875Abstract: A bicycle battery holder is basically provided with a holder main body, an engagement unit and an operating unit. The holder main body is configured to hold a plurality of bicycle battery units. The engagement unit is configured to lock the bicycle battery units by engaging the bicycle battery units while the bicycle battery units are disposed in the holder main body. The operating unit is configured to operate the engagement unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventor: Takeshi FUJIWARA
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Publication number: 20160288876Abstract: A drive unit for use in an electric straddled vehicle provides high motor output while the size of the drive unit is kept from increasing. The drive unit includes a motor, a first gear, a rotation shaft, a second gear, and bearings. The motor includes a rotor shaft. The first gear is provided on the rotor shaft to rotate at a same speed as the rotor shaft. The rotation shaft is parallel or substantially parallel to the rotor shaft. The second gear is provided on the rotation shaft and meshes with the first gear. The bearings support the rotation shaft in a rotatable manner. The bearings at least partially overlap the motor when viewed in an axial direction of the rotation shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventor: Yuuichi YONEDA
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Publication number: 20160288877Abstract: An electronic derailleur control system for a bicycle has controller operatively connected to a derailleur of the bicycle and to at least one sensor of the bicycle, and a memory on which instructions are stored that are executable by the controller to control shifts of the derailleur. The system is receives feedback data from the sensor on a performance parameter of the bicycle, and analyzes the feedback data to evaluate performance conditions. The controller calculates adjustments to the derailleur shifts based on the performance conditions, with automatic iteration to repeatedly accept feedback and optimize the shift distance based on the feedback. The system can be activated by rider command or by satisfaction of pre-set performance conditions stored in the memory. A derailleur and a method for controlling shifts on this basis also are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Eldon L. GOATES, David CHRISTENSEN
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Publication number: 20160288878Abstract: An electronic rear derailleur for a bicycle, includes a base member for attachment to a frame member of the bicycle, and a movable member having a cage assembly attached thereto. The electronic rear derailleur may also include a linkage coupling the movable member to the base member and configured to permit movement of the movable member relative to the base member, and a motor positioned at the movable member, the motor configured to operate the linkage to move the movable member relative to the base member.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Christopher Shipman, Brian Jordan
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Publication number: 20160288879Abstract: In a speed change apparatus for a vehicle, a controller stores as a clutch-disengaging shift spindle angle ?1 a position at which a clutch is disengaged when a shift spindle is rotated in a first direction. The controller controls the shift spindle by a first step W1 of rotating the shift spindle in the first direction until a disengaging-side target angle Ta1 is reached; a second step W2 of returning the shift spindle in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a third step W3 of rotating the shift spindle in the first direction up to the clutch-disengaging shift spindle angle ?1 and thereafter rotating the shift spindle in the second direction to return the shift spindle, upon detection of an output from a drum angle sensor, the output corresponding to shallow engagement of dog teeth.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Junya ONO, Jun ADACHI, Yoshiaki NEDACHI, Tatsuya RYUZAKI
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Publication number: 20160288880Abstract: A core layer which is suitable for a multilayer composite which has at least one surface layer and one core layer, wherein the surface layer is arranged so as to at least partially cover the core layer and be fixedly connected thereto, wherein the core layer has elements composed of wood, which elements have plate-like regions which are arranged in zig-zag-shaped fashion, wherein a plate-like zig region of an element with an adjoining plate-like zag region of the element form a common edge between them, in such a way that the wood element of zig-zag-shaped form is formed, wherein elements of zig-zag-shaped form are arranged in the core layer such that two such edges of two different elements cross one another at a non-zero angle, and wherein the two elements are fixedly connected to one another at the crossing point.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2014Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Thomas ECKSTEIN, Achim MOELLER, Hans-Joachim DANZER
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Publication number: 20160288881Abstract: The invention provides a transfer device (1) comprising, a seating assembly, floatation means (5) and a primary lifting point (6). The seating assembly comprises a base (2), a central bearing structure (3) and a plurality of seats (4). The primary lifting point (6) is suitable for receiving a main line. The central bearing structure (3) comprises a suspension system, for providing suspension and damping to said central bearing structure (3).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2014Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: Reflex Marine Ltd.Inventor: Philip Anton STRONG
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Publication number: 20160288882Abstract: A fin plug (10) for a water craft, said fin plug (10) including: a top surface (15) and a bottom surface (20); at least one fin cavity (25), for receiving a base element of a fin, extending inwardly from at least one opening in the top surface (15); and at least one hole (35) or recess in the top surface (15) adapted to be filled with foam.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2013Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: FIN CONTROL SYSTEMS PTY. LIMITEDInventors: Gregory Scott, Michael Durante
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Publication number: 20160288883Abstract: A pivotable fin assembly, fin assembly including the same, and an aquatic board including the fin system, the fin assembly including: a housing including a base, a side wall extending from the base, and a first boss disposed on the base; a retainer disposed in the housing and including a second boss; and a fin attached to the retainer. The retainer is configured to rotate in the housing by at least about 30°.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventor: David W. EDMONSTON
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Publication number: 20160288884Abstract: A system for countering the rolling motion of a marine vessel, includes one or more sensors adapted to characterise a sea condition approaching the vessel, one or more control systems, a computer, and one or more active stabilisers. The computer is adapted to receive the characterised sea condition data, is further adapted to generate one or more control signals in dependence on the characterised sea condition data, and is still further adapted to transmit the or each control signal to the or each control system. The or each control system is in turn adapted to actuate the or each active stabiliser in response to receipt of the or each control signal, to counter the rolling motion of the marine vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plcInventor: Colin R. EDMUNDS
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Publication number: 20160288885Abstract: A stabilising apparatus for a waterborne vessel is disclosed, the stabilising apparatus comprising a stabiliser unit, said stabiliser unit comprising: a main body suitable for attachment to said a waterborne vessel; a stabilising fin member rotatably coupled to said main body about a first axis of rotation; and a drive apparatus attached to said main body and operatively coupled to said stabilising fin member.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventor: MARTIN SCOTT
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Publication number: 20160288886Abstract: A design and construction method reduces the amount of structural material (e.g., steel) required when applying the corrosion allowance to the design of floating offshore structures. The (hull) structural elements involved are typically flat or curved panels where at least one side is wet, e.g.; inside a ballast tank or exposed to seawater. The method minimizes the area to which the largest corrosion allowance is applied. One principle of this method is to have a maximum of one wet side for each hull watertight plating element. The stiffening of this hull structural element is applied to the dry side, i.e., the side that requires the lesser amount of corrosion allowance. Practice of the method typically results in a hull design wherein ballast tanks do not share a common structural element with either another ballast tank or the hull external shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Edward Sean Large, Oriol R. Rijken
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Publication number: 20160288887Abstract: A monopod for mounting to the boat seat mount of a marine vessel, such as a bass boat or speed boat, which is capable of providing power for mobile accessories via a second monopod affixed to the navigation light port of the boat. The monopod is extendable to heights up to or exceeding eight feet (8?) above the deck of the boat, providing exceptional views for recording with a mounted camera while users participate in sports or other events within the boat. A release mechanism allows one portion of the monopod to telescope away from a second portion, thereby extending the monopod.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventor: Christian L. Corley
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Publication number: 20160288888Abstract: An automated system is provided for moving a boat from a storage position in a boat garage to a deployed position in a dock channel. The system can include a boat trolley. The boat trolley can include a bottom frame that couples to and rides on rails of a track that extends between the boat garage and the dock channel. The boat trolley can also include an upper frame that with bunker supports for supporting the hull of the boat. The upper frame can be lifted off of the lower frame by a dock lift mechanism to thereafter lower the upper frame into the water, from which the boat can be deployed. Once done using the boat, the user can navigate the boat onto the upper frame, and the dock lift mechanism used to lift the upper frame and boat out of the water, the upper frame then dropped onto and coupled to the lower frame, and the boat trolley operated to move the boat from the dock to the boat garage for storage.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Ronald E. Peterson, Arnold E. Peterson
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Publication number: 20160288889Abstract: An underwater breathing apparatus including an elongated tube assembly and a fastener. The elongated tube assembly includes a central support having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and a securing member. The elongated tube assembly further includes a first tube extending substantially transverse from the first end of the central support and a second tube extending substantially transverse from the second end of the central support. The central support is in fluid communication with the first and second tubes defining a continuous air passageway. The fastener is configured to engage the securing member and secure the elongated tube assembly to a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: Aquatic Research and Training Technology LLCInventors: Bethany Christine Tilson, Eric Jeffery Snell, Warren Nicholas Snell, Jackson Lee Snell
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Publication number: 20160288890Abstract: An outboard motor includes an engine cover including an upper cover and a lower cover which form an engine room and which can be separated from each other vertically, the lower cover has a bottom wall and a circumferential wall which extends upward from an outer circumference of the bottom wall, an external air inlet through which to introduce air into the engine room is provided adjacent to the outer circumference of the bottom wall, and an inside wall extends upward from the bottom wall alongside the circumferential wall so as to be opposed to the circumferential wall with the external air inlet interposed between the inside wall and the circumferential wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Seiichiro UMAOKA
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Publication number: 20160288891Abstract: A jack plate includes a mounting assembly having first and second spacing brackets connected by a transom plate adapted for mounting to the transom of a boat, each of the spacing brackets having inwardly facing channels at rearward sides of the spacing brackets. The jack plate further includes a motor lift including a lift plate extending between a first bearing and a second bearing, the channels adapted to conformingly receive the first and second bearings. An actuator is provided to raise and lower the lift plate relative to the transom plate. At least one spring is operably coupled between the mounting assembly and the motor lift, the spring unloading the lift plate to reduce load on the actuator. The spring is optionally a compression gas spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: Powrtran Inc.Inventor: Gary NYREN
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Publication number: 20160288892Abstract: According to one embodiment, a shift actuator includes a main body section and a shaft section. The main body section has an electric motor which has a vertically extending rotating shaft, and a gear mechanism which rotates the shaft section in accordance with the rotating shaft. The shaft section has a threaded shaft extending parallel to the rotating shaft and made to rotate by the gear mechanism in accordance with the rotating shaft and a movable nut which is screwed onto the threaded shaft and moves upward or downward with rotation of the threaded shaft. The movable nut is connected with a shift member which changes the gears of a propeller shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.Inventor: Sachio OOSHITA
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Publication number: 20160288893Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a boat. The boat is adapted to float in a body of water. The boat includes a hull having a longitudinal extension along a hull longitudinal axis, a lateral extension along a hull lateral axis and a vertical extension along a hull vertical axis. The boat also includes a set of drive units, the set of drive units comprising at least one drive unit. Each drive unit in the set is arranged such that it, during driving of the boat, is adapted to be at least partially submerged into the body of water; adapted to be pivotable, relative to the hull, around a drive unit longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the hull longitudinal axis such that a drive unit roll angle can be varied, and adapted to be pivotable, relative to the hull, around a steering axis that forms an angle with the drive unit longitudinal, axis such that a drive unit steering angle can be varied.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2013Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: AB VOLVO PENTAInventors: Anders RYDBERG, Johan WIKLUND
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Publication number: 20160288894Abstract: A balloon system includes a balloon having a balloon membrane extending between an upper apex and a lower apex opening. The lower apex opening extends through the balloon membrane at a balloon lip. A ballonet is within the balloon. The ballonet is coupled with the balloon membrane at the lower apex opening. The ballonet includes a lower ballonet panel having a lower perimeter edge and a ballonet orifice extending through the lower ballonet panel at a ballonet lip and an upper ballonet panel having an upper perimeter edge. The upper and lower ballonet panels are coupled along the respective upper and lower perimeter edges. A lower apex fitting couples the ballonet with the balloon at the balloon lip of the lower apex opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Kurt L. Sehnert, Edward Lee Rainwater, Michael S. Smith, Randy E. Scott, Justin Lee Marsh, Mark L. West
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Publication number: 20160288895Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventor: Kyle Brookes
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Publication number: 20160288896Abstract: A tool for use in installing a bulkhead within a structure is provided. The tool includes a base member configured to couple to the structure, and a positioning member configured to couple to the bulkhead. The base member includes a primary fastener hole sized to receive at least a portion of a fastener therethrough, and sized such that the fastener is configured to bias against the base member to retract the positioning member towards the base member when the fastener is engaged with the positioning member.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2015Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: James Alan Aske, Andrew J. Ponton
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Publication number: 20160288897Abstract: A pressure bulkhead comprises a plurality of material plies arranged one above the other, wherein each material ply contains reinforcing fibers embedded in a matrix material. The reinforcing fibers, in at least one first material ply are oriented in such a manner that their longitudinal axes lie in an angle range of ±2° about a radial direction of the pressure bulkhead.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Claas De Jong, Markus Mueller, Karim Grase, Matthias Jessrang, Thomas Konsolke, Lars Fiedler, Jelle Bloemhof
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Publication number: 20160288898Abstract: The present invention is an improved footstep for an aircraft galley or similar monument that is retractable into the galley when not in use. The overall size of the footstep is significantly reduced by the use of a spring loaded detent mechanism. The present invention is designed to allow the footstep to remain in the deployed, horizontal position by means of a spring and plunger that cooperate to create a detent or over-center position. Further, the present invention permits the footstep to automatically return to the stowed position by virtue of the spring and plunger detent system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventor: Hans Rechert
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Publication number: 20160288899Abstract: A rib is disclosed for use in a torque box of a wing structure provided on an aircraft. The wing structure has a skin panel and a stringer coupled to the skin panel. The rib includes a web defining at least one stringer hole sized to receive the stringer, a shear tie coupled to the web and configured to engage the skin panel, and a clip positioned adjacent the at least one stringer hole. The clip has a base coupled to and aligned with the web, a head extending at an angle relative to the base and configured to engage the stringer, and a transition portion extending between the base and the head.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2015Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James P. Dobberfuhl, Matt D. Uhlman, William J. Moon
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Publication number: 20160288900Abstract: The present invention is a variable geometry aircraft that is capable of morphing its shape from a symmetric cross-section buoyant craft to an asymmetric lifting body and even to a symmetric zero lift configuration. The aircraft may include variable span, length, and camber. The variability of the structure and the flexible envelope allows the aircraft to adjust its aspect ratio along with the camber of the upper and/or lower surfaces to achieve varying shapes. This transformation changes both the lift and drag characteristics of the craft and may be accomplished while the craft is airborne.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventor: Scott R. Kempshall
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Publication number: 20160288901Abstract: A propeller drive assembly includes an electric motor having a stator and a rotor. During operation the motor generates heat. A propeller made from a thermally conductive plastic includes a hub that is secured to the rotor portion of the motor so that the heat generated within the motor is transferred by conductance through the thermally conductive hub and propeller and then, by convection, is absorbed by the surrounding air, as the propeller rotates through the air. A thermally conductive interface material can be positioned between the rotor portion of the motor and the hub of the propeller to increase the thermal efficiency of the heat transfer between the motor and the propeller. A thermally conductive grease can be used as the interface material and an O-ring seal can be provided about the rotor to prevent the grease from escaping during motor operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Tobin Fisher, Johannes Becker Van Niekerk
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Publication number: 20160288902Abstract: A fan assembly of a gas turbine engine, a method for fabricating a fan assembly for a gas turbine engine, and a gas turbine engine are disclosed. The fan assembly of the gas turbine engine may include a spinner section, a fan hub section aft of the spinner section, and a joint therebetween. The fan assembly may further include a support ring for internally supporting the spinner, the support ring including a first portion facing the fan hub and a second portion connected to the spinner at the joint, wherein the connection between the second portion and the joint is a bonded connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2014Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Colin J. Kling, Scot A. Webb, James J. McPhail
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Publication number: 20160288903Abstract: A vehicle includes a wing and a control surface pivotably coupled to the wing and configured to pivot about a range of motion. A propulsor is coupled to the control surface and configured to rotate between a first position associated with a hover flight mode and a second position associated with a forward flight mode. The propulsor is aerodynamically actuated between the first position and the second position due to aerodynamics about the wing. The propulsor may rotate from an initial flight mode, such as a takeoff mode, to a second flight mode, such as a forward flight mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: PAUL M. ROTHHAAR, WILLIAM J. FREDERICKS, DAVID D. NORTH
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Publication number: 20160288904Abstract: An air filter bank may include a housing configured to be coupled to an exterior of an air vehicle. The housing may have an air intake at a forward end and an air exit at an aft end and defining an air path therebetween. The air filter bank may further include at least one air filter positioned within the housing along the air path. The air filter may be configured to remove pollutants entrained in a volume of air entering the air intake and impinging on the filter surfaces prior to exiting the air exit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2015Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventor: Minas H. Tanielian
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Publication number: 20160288905Abstract: Systems and methods for UAV safety are provided. An authentication system may be used to confirm UAV and/or user identity and provide secured communications between users and UAVs. The UAVs may operate in accordance with a set of flight regulations. The set of flight regulations may be associated with a geo-fencing device in the vicinity of the UAV.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2015Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Ming Gong, Jin Dai, Hao Cui, Xiaodong Wang, Han Huang, Jun Wu, Wei Fan, Ning Ma, Xinhua Rong, Xingsen Lin
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Publication number: 20160288906Abstract: A multifunctional pod for an aircraft has at least two separate regions. At least one first region of the pod is provided for receiving fuel. A second region of the pod includes at least one receiving device for releasably attaching at least one additional load. The additional load can be releasably attached to the receiving device via a loading opening on the side of the pod facing away from the aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: Airbus Defence and Space GmbHInventor: Horst Christof
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Publication number: 20160288907Abstract: A cargo loading system may comprise a non-transitory memory communicating with a processor, the non-transitory memory having instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations may comprise partitioning a cargo hold into a forward partition and an aft partition, reading a first input from a first joystick and a second input from a second joystick, mapping the first input to a first power drive unit (PDU) in the forward partition, and mapping the second input to a second PDU in the aft partition.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2015Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: GOODRICH CORPORATIONInventor: Scott Harms
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Publication number: 20160288908Abstract: An aircraft luggage system comprising a luggage compartment which comprises an upper side directed towards a ceiling of an aircraft when the luggage compartment is assembled in the aircraft, a lower side directed towards a floor of the aircraft, a rear side directed towards an outer contour of the aircraft, and two side faces connect the upper side to the lower side. The lower side of the luggage compartment is rigidly connected to the side faces and the rear side of the luggage compartment. A flap, movable between a closed position and an open position, is configured to make an inner space of the luggage compartment accessible or to close it. At least one additional luggage compartment is arranged adjacent to at least one of the upper side and the lower side of the luggage compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Sabrina Moje, Matthias Breuer, Paul Vine, Uwe Schneider
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Publication number: 20160288909Abstract: A galley cart for moving along an aisle of a vehicle is presented, the galley cart comprising a body comprising a right longitudinal portion, a left lateral portion, a rear portion disposed between the right and the left lateral portions on a rear side of the body, a door opening disposed between the right and the left lateral portions on a front side of the body, an upper portion disposed between the right and the left lateral portions, a lower portion disposed between the right and the left lateral portions, wheels attached to the lower portion for supporting the body, a door pivotally attached to the body and adapted to mate with the door opening and a locking mechanism operatively associated with the door for selectively securing the door to the body in a closed position thereof the upper portion of the cart comprising a peripheral frame including a plurality of container-supporting portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Mathieu BOIVIN, Martin BELANGER