Patents Issued in October 18, 2016
  • Patent number: 9469351
    Abstract: A structure for a motor vehicle, particularly a passenger car, includes a front wall delimiting a passenger cabin toward the front, which extends between lateral vehicle pillars of the structure, and a carrier element which extends in transverse direction of the vehicle. The carrier element is supported by a front side of the front wall and at least to some extent overlaps the lateral vehicle pillars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Sabine Roehrl, Thomas Weiss, Ferdinand Dirschmid
  • Patent number: 9469352
    Abstract: A trailer includes a chassis and a trailer body connected to the chassis. The trailer body includes left and right vertical side walls and a curved floor. The left and right side walls each include a plurality of extruded panels each including an inner wall and an outer wall spaced from the inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: East Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Howard D. Booher, Russell D. Pittman
  • Patent number: 9469353
    Abstract: A tarpaulin support device for an open top of a trailer or vehicle. The device has a flexible and resilient tube assembly bowed from a normally straight position under tension to an arched position outwardly from the trailer or vehicle. The tube assembly may be removably mounted to the side walls of the trailer or vehicle via brackets with angled bores therethrough. The tube assembly comprises an outer tube, an inner tube located substantially within an outer tube, a rod located substantially within an outer tube, or a rod located substantially within an inner tube located substantially within an outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Clifford O. McWilliams
  • Patent number: 9469354
    Abstract: An adjustable airfoil assembly attached to a front fascia of a vehicle. The airfoil assembly includes an airfoil wing and a flap pivotally connected to the airfoil wing. An actuator is operatively attached to the flap to selectively pivot the flap upwardly and downwardly to adjust downforce applied by the airfoil assembly to the front end of the vehicle. The wing is a fiber reinforced polymeric member fixedly attached to the front fascia by a plurality of posts connected to the front fascia. The flap has a top surface extending from the flat top surface of the wing to a rear edge of the flap and a base surface extending from the convex bottom surface to the rear edge of the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Ciccone
  • Patent number: 9469355
    Abstract: A rear region of a motor vehicle has an underbody with at least one air-guiding element that is adjustable from a rest position into various operative positions. One operative position increases negative lift and another operative position reduces aerodynamic drag. The air-guiding element is adjustable into the individual operative positions via a central, transversely arranged pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Wolf
  • Patent number: 9469356
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for connecting a drive wheel axle and a track roller frame in a tracked vehicle. The apparatus includes an arm portion for attachment to the track roller frame; a yoke comprising a pivotal connection to the arm portion about a first pivot axis; a bearing housing comprising a pivotal connection to the yoke about a second pivot axis; a bearing assembly disposed adjacent the bearing housing; and a collet separated from the bearing housing by the bearing assembly, wherein the collet is configured for affixation to the drive wheel axle. A method is disclosed for accommodating forces in a vehicle on a drive wheel axle transmitted through a track roller frame, the method including providing an apparatus connecting the drive wheel axle and the track roller frame. The method further includes pivoting portions of the apparatus relative to each other about first and second pivot axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventor: Alan D. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 9469357
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a caterpillar track wheel with division of work between track and chain, methods for fitting unit track with flexible chain ring, methods for buffering prestress, and an open-dose type axle housing. Since a structure that each unit track is separated from a flexible chain ring is adopted, the thickness of the unit tracks does not influence the winding stress of the flexible chain ring and the unit tracks without thickness limitation can effectively disperse stress from the ground to more supporting wheels. Since the thinner flexible chain ring is only responsible for serially connecting the unit tracks and transmitting power, the winding stress and the tension change are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: CHONGQING NENGMA TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Jihua Sun
  • Patent number: 9469358
    Abstract: An idler for a machine undercarriage includes a hub. The idler may also include a body extending radially outward from the hub, the body including a single solid disk with a first substantially planar side and a second substantially planar side opposite the first substantially planar side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Meyer, Gregory J. Kaufmann, Mark S. Diekevers, Timothy A. Thorson
  • Patent number: 9469359
    Abstract: An improved removable seat back for a motorcycle including a cushion, a frame, the frame including an upper portion secured to the cushion and a lower portion having a pair of frame supports, and a pair of frame connection members. Each of the frame connection members includes a connection member upper portion and a connection member lower portion. The connection member upper portion is preferably rotatably secured to one of the frame supports with a pin and slot arrangement and the connection member lower portion generally includes a first securement point and a second securement point where at least one of the securement points is preferably a groove and one preferably includes a clip. When no longer needed, the seat back is removed by disconnecting the frame connection members from the motorcycle, rotating them and storing them in a saddlebag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Brad Abildtrup
  • Patent number: 9469360
    Abstract: The invention describes a control circuit for an LED external lighting unit of a vehicle, said lighting unit comprising at least an LED source and a passive heatsink. The control circuit comprises: a temperature sensor adapted to provide a first output signal carrying information about the operating temperature of the LED source and/or of the passive heatsink; a first output node operatively connectable to an optical and/or acoustic warning device and adapted to provide thereto a first control signal, depending upon the first output signal, adapted to produce an alarm warning through said warning device when said temperature is higher than a first threshold value; a driver unit being adapted to output an LED source driving signal, said driving signal being a relatively high-power signal or a relatively low-power signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Plaggio & C. S.P.A.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Pedani, Yari Sanfelice, Luigi Baracchino
  • Patent number: 9469361
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a step operating mechanism that changes the position of pillion steps (passenger steps), and an electronic control unit carries out step inclining control to change the position of the pillion steps, so that footrest surfaces of the pillion steps may each become an inclined surface, in which the steps are pivotally raised such that a portion of the passenger step situated at the vehicle body outside is raised toward the vehicle body upper side relative to a portion of the passenger step situated at the vehicle body inside, in response to at least one of an acceleration operation, a deceleration operation, and a turn operation of the motorcycle. Such arrangement provides a vehicle that can induce an occupant to take a riding posture suitable for the traveling status of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yotaro Mori, Akira Kashiwagi, Naoto Yamagishi, Satoru Nojima, Jun Tanaka, Yasushi Miyagi, Akito Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 9469362
    Abstract: A bicycle frame that has a head tube that is adapted to support a handle bar, a top tube that is coupled to the head tube, a bottom tube that is coupled to the head tube, and a seat tube segment that is adapted to support a seat. The seat tube segment extends from the top tube and is spaced from the bottom tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Recycle Cycles LLC
    Inventors: Bryce W. Edmonds, Jason W. Cave
  • Patent number: 9469363
    Abstract: A high performance motorcycle having a frame, engine suspension, and rear wheel drive system that enables rider foot positioning close to the longitudinal centerline of the motorcycle and an overall aerodynamic profile. The engine suspension, centering and damping system allows for lateral movement while damping vibration and unwanted oscillations. The rear wheel drive includes a driven pulley axially disposed on a rear wheel axle, a drive pulley configured to receive motive output from the motorcycle engine, an idler pulley disposed above a line between the axes of rotation of the drive pulley and the rear wheel axle, and a belt or chain disposed around and operatively connecting the drive pulley, the driven pulley and the idler pulley, wherein the idler pulley and the drive pulley configured so as to provide substantially constant tension to a belt or chain over the range of travel of the rear suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: John M. Speicher
  • Patent number: 9469364
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle includes a frame, a front wheel assembly, and a rear wheel assembly. The frame defines a pivot axis. The front wheel assembly is disposed on the frame and configured to rotate about the pivot axis. The rear wheel assembly is disposed on the frame and defines an opening for receiving the front wheel assembly when the bicycle is folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence Banasky, Mark Wisnewski, Morris Donald, Mark Viergutz
  • Patent number: 9469365
    Abstract: A folding tricycle (1) for transporting a person, wherein the tricycle (1) comprises a front wheel (2), two rear wheels (3) and a frame joining the wheels (2, 3) wherein the frame comprises two arms (7) that carry the rear wheels (3). The arms (7) are connected to the rest of the frame in such a manner that the arm (7) can adopt different positions relative to the rest of the frame. The width and length of the tricycle (1) are therefore adjustable. In all positions of the arms (7), the 10 planes wherein the rear wheels (3) are located are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tricycle (1), and the tricycle (1) can be driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: N.G.M. SPRL
    Inventor: Johan Neerman
  • Patent number: 9469366
    Abstract: A portable foldable electric tricycle that can be folded to form a trolley suitcase shape and a chair includes a folding frame connecting a front wheel assembly and handlebar assembly to a seat. The front wheel assembly includes an electric motor to drive the front wheel. A backrest and rear wheel assembly are hinge connected with the seat by oppositely disposed four bar linkages. A stand is hinge connected to the seat. The folding frame, front wheel assembly and handlebar assembly can be folded to a position within the seat and the stand folded to a position in which it supports the seat to define the chair configuration of the electric tricycle. The backrest and rear wheel assembly can be folded to non-extended positions in which they are disposed adjacent the seat to define the trolley suitcase configuration of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventors: Jianmin Wang, Sumi Wang
  • Patent number: 9469367
    Abstract: A handlebar end cap for a bicycle contains: a body, a retaining member, and a cover. The body includes a hole, at least one end face, and a fixing groove with a second inner diameter. The hole has a first inner diameter, and the body further includes a slot. The retaining member includes a recess and a first outer diameter, the first outer diameter has a circular locking loop, and the locking loop has a second outer diameter. The retaining member further includes a positioning rib and a limiting notch, the positioning rib has a third inner diameter, and the limiting notch has a fourth inner diameter. The cover includes a covering face, and the cover includes a first locating trench and a defining portion. The first locating trench has a third outer diameter, and the defining portion has a fourth outer diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Chih-Hsien Chen
  • Patent number: 9469368
    Abstract: An assembly for the primary fastening of a bicycle or other wheeled vehicle wheel to wheel mount(s), as is commonly done by a cam operated quick release, incorporating a uniquely formed drawbar and a rotation handle wherein primary fastening is accomplished by simple rotation of the rotation handle about the drawbar axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: CLIX SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: David Montague, Harry Montague
  • Patent number: 9469369
    Abstract: A vehicle frame, in particular a mountain bike frame or a trekking bicycle frame, comprises main frame element. A rear frame is pivotably connected with the main frame element. A damping element is provided between the rear frame and the main frame element. A first connection point of the damper element is connected with the rear frame and a second connection point of the damping element is connected with the main frame element. For the purpose of changing the frame characteristics, a displacing element is provided for the displacement of the first connection point. The locking of the displacing element is done with the help of an actuator element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: CANYON BICYCLES GMBH
    Inventor: Vincenz Thoma
  • Patent number: 9469370
    Abstract: An accessory cross bar for a passenger carrier bicycle trailer comprising a bicycle carrier frame with a coupling arrangement at a front end of the frame for coupling of the bicycle trailer to a bicycle and a push-handle at a rear end of the frame. The accessory cross bar is adapted for horizontal mounting at the rear end of the bicycle trailer frame and has a non-circular cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Thule Child Transport Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Britton, Wesley Justin Fleming, Paramjit Singh
  • Patent number: 9469371
    Abstract: A crankset comprises an axle assembly, a drive-side crankarm, and a non-drive crankarm. The drive-side crankarm is attached at a first end portion thereof to a first end portion of the axle assembly. The non-drive crankarm is attached at a first end portion thereof to a second end portion of the axle assembly. Each one of the crankarms has a plurality of longitudinal holes therein extending between the first and second end portions thereof. The longitudinal holes each extend through an end face of a respective one of the crankarms at the first end portion thereof. The drive-side crankarm is bent inwardly toward the second end portion of the axle assembly after the longitudinal holes are formed therein. Only one of the longitudinal holes of the drive-side crankarm intersects an axle fastener engagement hole that extends through the first end portion of the drive-side crankarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Craig Hawley Edwards
  • Patent number: 9469372
    Abstract: A bicycle pedal comprises a pedal axle, a pedal body, a first sub member, a first clamping member, a second clamping member, and a biasing structure. The first sub member is movable relative to the pedal body about a first pivot axis in a first pivot direction and a second pivot direction opposite to the first pivot direction. The first clamping member is movable relative to the first sub member about a second pivot axis substantially parallel to the first pivot axis in a third pivot direction and a fourth pivot direction opposite to the third pivot direction. The first pivot axis is closer to a point on the pedal axle than the second pivot axis when viewed from an axial direction parallel to the first pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Akira Inoue, Takuro Yamane
  • Patent number: 9469373
    Abstract: Pedal power provided by the driver is delivered to the drive wheel of a vehicle, aided when necessary by an electric motor and transmission. A second electric motor adds regenerative braking functionality and the ability to drive the vehicle in reverse. The second motor may also be used to drive the vehicle forwards, and power to the two motors may be split to optimize the efficiency, torque or power output of the drivetrain system. A freewheel mechanism allows the vehicle to be driven forwards by the first motor without back-driving the crank. An optional second freewheel mechanism allows the vehicle to move forwards without back-driving the first motor and the crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: VeloMetro Mobility Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Faille, Kody Jensen Baker, Benjamin John Cornwell-Mott
  • Patent number: 9469374
    Abstract: A synchronous belt sprocket includes a generally circular body including a circumferential belt engagement surface, a plurality of teeth extending radially outwardly from the circumferential belt engagement surface, and at least one flange coupled to the body. The at least one flange has a first end adjacent the body, a second end generally opposite the first end and radially outward from the first end, a surface extending between the first and second ends and facing the circumferential belt engagement surface, and a length defined between the first and second ends. At least half the length of the surface of at least one flange facing the circumferential belt engagement surface is obtusely angled relative to the circumferential belt engagement surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Alan Ziliak
  • Patent number: 9469375
    Abstract: A chain guide structure for a chain drive type transmission mechanism which ensures that even when a solid matter, such as a small stone, gets nipped and a strong impact is exerted on a chain guide, the chain guide deforms so as to absorb the impact and permit the small stone or the like to be swiftly eliminated. The chain guide fastened to the engine case is provided so as to cover a drive chain wound around a drive sprocket, at a part of the periphery of the drive sprocket and in an arcuate form. The chain guide is formed with a brittle portion lower in strength than other portions thereof. The brittle portion is located above and in the vicinity of a front end portion at which the chain guide is situated closest to the drive chain. Thus, an engine case can be protected from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kenichi Nakano
  • Patent number: 9469376
    Abstract: An electronically servo-assisted bicycle gearshift is disclosed, comprising a derailleur and control electronics to drive the derailleur in accordance with a table of command values, wherein the derailleur is configured to emit a derailleur model identification signal, and the control electronics is configured to receive the derailleur model identification signal and, if it has an available table of command values suitable for the derailleur model, to use it to drive the derailleur, if not, to prevent the actuation of the derailleur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Federico Miglioranza
  • Patent number: 9469377
    Abstract: A bicycle gear changing apparatus is basically provided with a controller that includes memory with a plurality of pre-stored shift tables. The controller is configured to control a shifting operation of at least one of a first gear changing device and a second gear changing device based on a selected one of the pre-stored shift tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Mao Kuroda
  • Patent number: 9469378
    Abstract: A bicycle derailer includes abuse member, a movable member and a linkage assembly. The base member is mounted to a bicycle frame. The movable member moves between a retracted position and an extended position at which the movable member is farther from the base member than the retracted position. The linkage assembly operatively couples the base member and the movable member. The linkage assembly includes a first link, a second link, an extension link and a sliding link. The first and second links are pivotally coupled between the base member and the movable member. The extension link extends from one of the first and second links toward the other of the first and second links. The sliding link includes a sliding portion slidably coupled to the extension link to slide along the extension link and a pivoting portion pivotally coupled to the other of the first and second links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuya Kuwayama, Atsuhiro Emura
  • Patent number: 9469379
    Abstract: A chain guide for guiding a chain traveling around a sprocket supported on a frame of a motorcycle is disclosed. Typically, the chain guide includes a U-shaped, plastic body with a channel formed along an inner surface to of the body and a plastic removable chain guide oriented such that a surface of the removable chain guide insert is facing the chain running through the channel. The inner and outer walls of the body configured with a first thickness along the top edge and downward to a bevel to a second, smaller thickness downward to a bottom edge along an outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: T.M. Designworks, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy McGarry
  • Patent number: 9469380
    Abstract: A bicycle control device includes a housing member, a control lever member, a shift-operating mechanism and a hydraulic fluid pressure generator. The housing member has an attachment part for attachment to a handlebar, and a grip part extending longitudinally between first and second ends of the grip part. The shift-operating mechanism includes a cable take-up member rotatably mounted around a cable take-up axis. The cable take-up member has a control cable attachment part that is configured to be coupled to a shifting device by a control cable. The hydraulic fluid pressure generator has a cylinder and a piston movably that is disposed within the cylinder by movement of the control lever member to generate fluid pressure for controlling a braking device. The cylinder defines a cylinder axis that forms an angle of greater than or equal to 20° and less than or equal to 50° with the cable take-up axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Osamu Kariyama, Tatsuya Matsushita, Masahiro Nakakura
  • Patent number: 9469381
    Abstract: A bicycle control device includes a housing member, a control lever member, a shift-operating mechanism and a hydraulic fluid pressure generator. The housing member has an attachment part for attachment to a handlebar, and a grip part extending longitudinally between first and second ends of the grip part. The control lever member pivots respect to the housing member. The shift-operating mechanism is coupled to a shifting device by a control cable. The hydraulic fluid pressure generator has a cylinder, a reservoir, and a piston movably disposed within the cylinder to generate fluid pressure for controlling a braking device. The cylinder is disposed in the housing member at a position closer toward the second end of the grip part than is the shift-operating mechanism to the second end of the grip part. The reservoir is disposed next to the cylinder in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Osamu Kariyama, Tatsuya Matsushita, Masahiro Nakakura
  • Patent number: 9469382
    Abstract: A recovery underwater base for handling an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) equipped with seismic sensors for recording seismic signals during a marine seismic survey. The recovery underwater base includes a storing part configured to store the AUV; an inlet part configured to control access to the storing part; a control part configured to control the inlet part; and a support part configured to support the control part, the storing part and the inlet part and to prevent a burial of the recovery underwater base if deployed on the ocean bottom. The control part is further configured to guide the AUV from the ocean bottom to the inlet part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: CGG SERVICES SA
    Inventors: Antoine Lelaurin, Thierry Brizard
  • Patent number: 9469383
    Abstract: A system for collection of rainwater in the open ocean may include: (a) one or more ocean-going vessels, wherein each ocean-going vessel is configured for collection and storage of rainwater, wherein each ocean-going vessel is configured to drift with surface ocean currents in order to navigate to one or more delivery locations, wherein each delivery location is on or near to a land mass; and (b) one or more delivery stations located at the one or more delivery locations, wherein each delivery station is configured to receive stored rainwater from one or more of the ocean-going vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Kathleen Evelyn Cooper
  • Patent number: 9469384
    Abstract: The invention described herein teaches that one drilling barge can be employed in two different areas. The standard drilling practice requires two vessels to perform the same work as one drilling barge invention. Standard drilling rigs require that one unit will drill well locations in water depths of 8?-18?. A second drilling unit must be provided to drill in water depths of 18?-60?. As a result of this invention, water depths of 8?-60? can be provided by use of the one vessel employing the novel stabilization system. The service area's coverage is increased greatly by use of the invention thereby creating excellent cost reduction and improved drilling procedures in remote and harsh drilling areas. The invention's cost is slightly more than the standard drilling barge however; coverage of the service area can be 500% greater than the standard vessel's coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Herman Joseph Schellstede
  • Patent number: 9469385
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a stand-up board (1) endowed with a lighting system and an underwater viewing window (3) hermetically placed between the upper (2) and lower (8) plates, provided with a waterproof box for feeding battery (6), and a vapor purge valve (7); furthermore, the referred board has a visual alert signaling system (4 and 5) arranged along bow and stern of the respective stand-up board (1), that may be self-powered or use a feeding battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: WORK STATION COMERCIO DE PECAS LTDA-ME.
    Inventor: Everson Imparato
  • Patent number: 9469386
    Abstract: A device for coupling a pair of kite lines to a kite harness loop has a first releasable coupling rotatably attached to the harness loop for securing a first kite line to the harness loop and a second releasable coupling rotatably attached to the harness loop for securing a second kite line to the harness loop. The first and second couplings are rotatable about a common axis. An attachment point for a third line is provided. The attachment point is also rotatable about the common axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: NEIL PRYDE LIMITED
    Inventors: David Hastilow, Patrick Goodman
  • Patent number: 9469387
    Abstract: An inflatable bag is selectively usable as one of a buoy and a punching bag. The inflatable bag is inflated depending on the selected use, and the inflating is practiced differently depending on the use decision. When it is decided to use the bag as a punching bag, the bag is suspended, and the bag is inflated with water. An inflatable bag member and kit includes components suitable for the selected use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: TAYLOR MADE GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Pajonk-Taylor, Edwin Rivera
  • Patent number: 9469388
    Abstract: The Liquid Flyer Flexi Underwater Raft is a unique, convertible, floatation device that allows one or more people to float horizontally underwater with heads and feet above water. It was designed for relaxed meditative floatation, water play, pain relief, and life-saving purposes, determined by which configuration the user puts it into. It is comprised of six 22-inch members of hollow-core extruded closed-cell polyethylene foam (water noodles), connected via nylon or polyester rope of high tensile strength, that is threaded through originally designed resin end caps, affixed to both ends of each foam member to prevent the rope from tearing the foam. The rope is tied and knotted internally within one member for the appearance of having an invisible seam. When compared to other recreational and life saving similar devices, the Liquid Flyer has many more advantages, as spelled out in this document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ashi Olshan
  • Patent number: 9469389
    Abstract: An aircraft boarding handrail that is affixable to an aircraft fuselage having an entry and exit staircase assembly formed in a cabin door of the aircraft fuselage is disclosed. The aircraft boarding handrail includes a rail member and a mounting structure coupled to the rail member and configured to secure the rail member to the aircraft fuselage. The mounting structure includes a guide pin that interfits with a guide pin slot of a doorframe of the cabin door, a mounting bracket having a notch formed therein constructed to interfit with a staircase support strut mount of the entry and exit staircase assembly, a latch arm coupled to the mounting bracket so as to be rotatable between an open position and a closed position to selectively provide access to and close off the notch, and a quick release pin to lock the latch arm in place when in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Michael L. Heinen
  • Patent number: 9469390
    Abstract: Monolithic acoustically-treated composite structures and methods for fabricating the same are provided. A monolithic acoustically-treated composite structure comprises an internal frame assembly comprising a unitary composite frame structure and at least one acoustic panel assembly. The unitary composite frame structure defines a shape of the monolithic acoustically-treated composite structure to be fabricated. A composite overlay covers the internal frame assembly. The method for fabricating the monolithic acoustically-treated composite structure comprises forming the unitary composite frame structure, including the at least one acoustic panel in the unitary composite frame structure, and covering the internal frame assembly with the composite overlay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Adam Kowal, Jeffrey Hein, David E. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 9469391
    Abstract: An adaptive wing for an aircraft includes a first wing portion, a second wing portion, and a third wing portion. The second wing portion is telescopically attached to the first wing portion to selectively change an overall length of the wing based on real-time flight conditions or airport space constraints. The third wing portion is rotate-ably attached to one end of the second wing portion, and a dihedral angle between the second wing portion and the third wing portion is changeable based on real-time flight conditions or airport space constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Jian Dong
  • Patent number: 9469392
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of a wing fold system may include a latch assembly rotating an unfixed portion of a wing, with respect to a fixed portion of the wing, between a flight position of the wing and a folded position of the wing. A first portion of the wing may hold a rotating portion of the latch assembly. A second portion of the wing may hold a secured portion of the latch assembly. The rotating portion of the latch assembly may rotate between an open position and a closed position. A slot in the rotating portion may receive the secured portion of the latch assembly. A securing portion of the rotating portion may secure a secured portion of the latch assembly. The latch assembly may prevent rotation of the second portion when the wing may be in the flight position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephen John Fox, Jan A. Kordel, Keith Townsend, Matthew August Lassen, Mark John Gardner, Mark Steven Good
  • Patent number: 9469393
    Abstract: A device for combining force between two control units includes force feedback, each control unit including a control stick (21, 31) and at least one force sensor (24, 34) suitable for providing a value of the control force (Fp, Fcp) exerted by a pilot, the device being suitable for forming a force feedback value from the sum of the values of the control forces of each control unit. A correction device limits the force feedback value (Fcor_p) according to at least one parameter taken from the absolute value of the control force (Fcp) of the second control unit and the difference between the control force values of each control unit. A control unit including such a device for combining forces, and an aircraft provided with such control units are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: RATIER FIGEAC
    Inventor: Cedric Antraygue
  • Patent number: 9469394
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for adjusting a center of mass of a drone may include a balance track and a repositionable weight. The balance track may extend outwardly from a central region of the drone. The balance track may include a plurality of weight-balance fixation positions. The repositionable weight may be configured to be secured at any one of the plurality of weight-balance fixation positions. Various embodiments may include receiving a weight-distribution input relating to balancing the drone. A weight-distribution balance profile may be determined, based on the weight-distribution input, for determining whether a repositionable weight should be repositioned among a plurality of weight-balance fixation positions on a balance track extending outwardly from a central region of the drone. The repositionable weight may be repositioned according to the weight-distribution balance profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Brad Lee Vaughn, Charles Wheeler Sweet, III, Vincent Kemler, Aine Mary Shivnan, Kaustubh Balkrishna Gondkar, James York Wilson, Michael Franco Taveira, Donald Hutson
  • Patent number: 9469395
    Abstract: A multi-layered body system, including an inner body and an outer body, reduces the effects of turbulence on a vehicle by generating a counteracting force that stabilizes the inner body. During operation of the vehicle, the inner body may be electromagnetically levitated within the outer body using mitigation devices, such as powered electromagnets. Such electromagnetic levitation may cause the outer body to absorb turbulent force, which may be absorbed throughout the outer body and/or cause the outer body to move (e.g., toward the inner body). The system may include sensors that detect turbulent force imposed on the outer body. A computer may calculate a counteracting force that should be applied based on the detected turbulent force, and cause a mitigating device to output the counteracting force. The counteracting force may be provided to resume EM levitation within operational parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventors: Arnav Simha, Jacob Brower, Douglas Andre, Clinton Behling
  • Patent number: 9469396
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft landing gear, particularly a front landing gear with at least one EHDC unit, which has at least one electric motor and at least one hydraulic pump, whereby at least one adjusting device is provided for the adjustment of the position of the aircraft landing gear, whereby the adjusting device comprises at least one actuator for driving the adjusting device, whereby the steering angle and/or the steering speed and/or the retraction speed and/or the extension speed and/or the end position damping and/or the position of the adjusting device can be controlled or adjusted by means of the electric motor driving the at least one actuator of the adjusting device by means of the hydraulic pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Glas, Christian Schilling, Klaus Schmelz
  • Patent number: 9469397
    Abstract: A drive system for rotating a wheel of an aircraft landing gear includes a motor operable to rotate a first drive pinion via a first drive path and a driven gear adapted to be fixed to the wheel. The drive system has a first configuration in which the first drive pinion is capable of meshing with the driven gear to permit the motor to drive the driven gear via the first drive path. One of the first drive pinion and the driven gear comprises a first sprocket and the other of the first drive pinion and the driven gear comprises a series of rollers arranged to form a ring. Each roller being rotatable about a roller axis at a fixed distance from an axis of rotation of the first drive pinion or driven gear, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventor: Arnaud Didey
  • Patent number: 9469398
    Abstract: A buoyancy system for an aircraft, the buoyancy system being provided with at least two floats, said buoyancy system including a connection device for each float, each connection device attaching each float to a structure of an aircraft. Each connection device includes at least one stretchable connection and at least one non-stretch connection that are fastened to the float and that are suitable for being fastened to said structure, each non-stretch connection being folded while the float is against the fuselage so as to enable it to be lengthened, each non-stretch connection limiting the amplitude of the movement of the float under the effect of buoyancy thrust, and each stretchable connection exerting a return force on the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters
    Inventor: Nicolas Dijaux
  • Patent number: 9469399
    Abstract: The invention relates to a separable blade attachment (1) for a bearingless main rotor of a helicopter with an airfoil blade (2), a flexbeam (3) and a control cuff (4) enclosing at least a predominant portion of said flexbeam (3). A separable junction arrangement between said flexbeam head (13), said control cuff (4, 22) and said root end of said airfoil blade (2) is mechanical with removable fasteners. A stiffened link (17) is provided between respective trailing edges (9) of the control cuff (4) and said airfoil blade (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Gerald Kuntze-Fechner, Markus Bauer
  • Patent number: 9469400
    Abstract: A reconfigurable seatback system and methods are described. The reconfigurable seatback system includes a display configured to provide in-flight entertainment to a passenger of an aircraft, a receptacle area and a cover panel. The receptacle area is positioned in a seatback of the aircraft and is configured to releasably receive and hold the display. The cover panel is configured to cover the receptacle area when the display is not positioned within the receptacle area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg A. Irmen