Patents Issued in October 25, 2016
  • Patent number: 9475525
    Abstract: A clip assembly is configured to securely connect a first structural component to a second structural component. The clip assembly may include an arc attachment member and an arc-receiving member. The arc attachment member may include a securing arc having a semi-circular rim. The arc attachment member is configured to be secured to one of the first or second structural components. The arc-receiving member may include an arc-receiving portion configured to receive the securing arc through multiple directions. The arc-receiving member is configured to be secured to the other of the first or second structural components. The securing arc is configured to be pivotally adjusted with respect to the arc-receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mark O. Lepper, David W. Edland, George Siragusa, Gregory Flynn, Jeffrey Steltz, Timothy D. Pearson, Wes Sprague
  • Patent number: 9475526
    Abstract: A track link having a wear sensing device is disclosed. The track link may include a link body including a surface, a cavity, and at least one hole configured to receive a track pin. The track link may further include the wear sensing device positioned in the cavity. The wear sensing device may be configured to generate a signal indicative of a wear parameter of the surface. The track link may further include a containment mechanism configured to secure the wear sensing device in position inside the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Allen McKinley, Andrew Alfred Knitt, Mark Steven Diekevers
  • Patent number: 9475527
    Abstract: An automated motorized device may be configured to move on a structure for use in assembling of the structure. The automated motorized device may comprise an end effector configured to perform a plurality of assembling related functions; a first movement assembly, comprising a first plurality of dual function movement components; a second movement assembly, comprising a second plurality of dual function movement components; and a pivoting component connected concentrically to the end effector, and to at least one of the first movement assembly and the second movement assembly. Functions of each dual function movement component may comprise adhering and gliding; and during movement of the automated motorized device, one of the first movement assembly and the second movement assembly is secured to the structure while the other one of the first movement assembly and the second movement assembly moves over the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: James Darryl Gamboa
  • Patent number: 9475528
    Abstract: A salt delivery system operates to remotely deliver water softening salt to a salt bin located inside a structure. The salt delivery system is positioned on a vehicle and includes a hopper apparatus for holding salt, a computerized scale system for weighing salt actually delivered to the bin, a salt delivery hose connected between the structure and hopper apparatus, a funnel cone positioned above the remotely located salt bin, and a pipe connected between the salt bin and the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Step Saver, Inc.
    Inventors: William F Picard, Charles J Steffl
  • Patent number: 9475529
    Abstract: A trailer that can transport an ATV being towed behind an automobile, and then be pulled behind an ATV, and provides a means to transport tools or gear protecting them from the elements. The trailer having rounded corners for brush deflection, also having a gap bed that accommodates a weather proof storage box that extends from below the deck level to above the deck level, wherein the wheels of an ATV straddle this gap utilizing the ground clearance of the vehicle. The decks may be hinged for access to additional storage area below them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Jeffery Leland Leisner
  • Patent number: 9475530
    Abstract: The swiveling, single rear wheel for a trailer is adapted for use with a trailer. The single rear wheel includes a mount plate that is adapted to be positioned on a bottom surface of the trailer. A coil spring is positioned between the mount plate and a distal end of a torsion bar. The distal end of the torsion bar is affixed to a plate. The plate includes a tapered ring on a bottom surface that a roller assembly engages. A pivoting shaft is rotatably engaged on the bottom surface of the plate, and is affixed to a swivel wheel. The swivel wheel is also attached to the roller assembly. The swivel wheel is able to rotate via the pivoting shaft and the roller assembly. The universal hitch is adapted to attach between a vehicle hitch of a vehicle and a front portion of a trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Larry Moyer
  • Patent number: 9475531
    Abstract: A method of replacing an interior assembly includes removing a first interior assembly from a vehicle by detaching a first mounting base of the first interior assembly from a first mounting element adhesively attached at an in-cabin surface of the windshield of the vehicle. A second mounting element is provided and is attached at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield at or near or at least partially around the first mounting element. A second mounting base of a second interior assembly is mounted at the first and second mounting elements, whereby the first and second mounting elements cooperate to support the second interior assembly at the vehicle windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Donald S. Rawlings, Vernon R. Nise, David K. Willmore
  • Patent number: 9475532
    Abstract: Variable-attitude systems used with training wheels for children's bicycles and mini-motorcycles are provided, which include a metal arm, mounted on a bicycle or mini-motorcycle frame, by a second metal arm and by a hinge joint, wherein elastic elements are provided, housed around the joint which, through the two arms thereof, imparts a pressure which may be modulated on the second arm which supports the training wheels to adhere to the sliding plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Andrea Di Vitto
  • Patent number: 9475533
    Abstract: A training wheel apparatus for learning to ride a bicycle includes a lift activation assembly, wherein the lift activation assembly includes a grip. The training wheel apparatus further includes a wheel mount assembly configured to operatively connect to a wheel. The training wheel apparatus further includes a cable configured to operatively connect to the lift activation assembly and the wheel mount assembly via the grip. When activated by rotation of the grip in a first direction, the lift activation assembly is configured to use the cable to change an elevation of the wheel between a first position and a second position while the wheel is in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Peyton Webb Robertson
  • Patent number: 9475534
    Abstract: The set of bicycle headsets that are threadless and/or have pressed frame cups/races can be locked to prohibit the nominal rotation of the headset and bicycle handlebars about the bicycle's steer tube by this invention. This invention uses standard threadless headset components in addition to three newly invented components: The upper head tube race with spin-lock grooves, the external ring lock, and the headset spacer with spin-lock grooves. The locking configuration is achieved by mating male pins on the interior surface of the external ring lock with female spin-lock grooves that are on the exterior surfaces of the upper head tube race with spin-lock grooves and headset spacer with spin-lock grooves. There are a sets of spin-lock grooves that, when the male pins are mated accordingly, provide the locked and unlocked configurations of the headset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventors: Corrina Ladakis Gibson, Brandon Mark Benjamin
  • Patent number: 9475535
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a center transmission plate, a first center turnable portion configured to turn about a first center turning axis extending in an up-down direction, a second center turnable portion configured to turn about a second center turning axis extending in a front-rear direction, a left transmission plate, a first left turnable portion configured to turn about a first left turning axis extending in the up-down direction, a second left turnable portion configured to turn about a second left turning axis extending in the front-rear direction, a right transmission plate, a first right turnable portion configured to turn about a first right turning axis extending in the up-down direction, and a second right turnable portion configured to turn about a second right turning axis extending in the front-rear direction. A tie rod is supported on the second center turnable portion, the second left turnable portion, and the second right turnable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshio Iizuka, Yosuke Hirayama, Yutaka Kubo, Takahiro Watanabe, Noboru Miyamoto, Kaoru Sasaki, Hirokatsu Ogawa
  • Patent number: 9475536
    Abstract: A driven wheel with a rotational axis comprises an annular rim member 13 with an annular inner surface 12 supporting a series of progressively changing representations 17A and with a series of apertures 15 through which the representations can be seen from outside the rim. The driven wheel includes drive means 20 to impart horizontal force to the wheel axis, in use, said wheel can be placed on a surface and said drive means causing the wheel to rotate about its axis as the wheel moves over the surface, the representations providing an animated image when in motion. The wheel takes to form of a zoetrope. The driven wheel may be part of a push along toy (FIG. 1) or a child's tricycle (FIG. 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Philippa Claire Barbara Hancock
  • Patent number: 9475537
    Abstract: A folding bicycle having a frame which extends in the main plane of extent, a front wheel which can be pivoted about a first axis which extends perpendicularly with respect to the main plane of extent, and a rear wheel which can be pivoted about a second axis which extends perpendicularly to the main plane of extent, wherein the frame has a joint such that the front and rear wheel can be pivoted with respect to one another about a third axis which extends perpendicularly with respect to the roadway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: H Young (Operations) Limited
    Inventor: Markus Hartmann
  • Patent number: 9475538
    Abstract: A foldable riding vehicle includes a frame having a front end and a rear end pivotally connected together. The front end is connected to a steering mechanism which includes a steering handle and which engages with a front wheel. The rear end has a first distal end pivotally connected to the front end and a second distal end engaging with a rear wheel. A seat support has a first end pivotally connected to the rear end of the frame and a second end supporting a seat. A pedal mechanism is movable between use and stowed positions. The foldable riding vehicle, in a folded position, includes the steering handle located symmetrically with respect to the frame and the pedal mechanism moving to the stowed position, and allows the front wheel to be located above the rear wheel and not to abut a surface, and the rear wheel to rotate on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Lekuma Energy Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Yao-Chin Wang, Shuo-Feng Wang
  • Patent number: 9475539
    Abstract: A steering stop for bicycle handlebars, comprising a first stop element adapted to be fixed to the head tube of a bicycle fork, and a second stop element cooperating with the first stop element to limit the steering angle. The second stop element is adapted to be mounted to the bicycle frame, in particular to the top tube of the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: CANYON BICYCLES GMBH
    Inventors: Jan Ehrhard, Lutz Scheffer
  • Patent number: 9475540
    Abstract: A handlebar attachment for use with an existing handlebar of a bicycle is provided. The handlebar attachment includes a curvature to provide a user with different hand placement positions to enhance rider comfort and safety. The handlebar attachment includes a bar member pivotably mounted to the existing handlebar of the bicycle, the bar member having a pair of symmetric halves continuously connected together, each symmetric half of the pair of symmetric halves having a plurality of bent sections continuously connected together. The bar member is designed to pivotably adjust relative to the existing handlebar to one of a plurality of locking positions to permit hands of the user to rest on any of the plurality of bent sections of the symmetric halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: John Gregory Demay
  • Patent number: 9475541
    Abstract: A rim brake having a right arm and a left arm respective with one upper and one lower longitudinal portion separated from one another by a pivot bearing. The lower longitudinal portion is provided for holding a brake pad and the upper longitudinal portion engages with at least one hydraulic cylinder through a wedge element. The hydraulic cylinder is disposed between the right arm and the left arm and is configured to move the wedge element. A method for the installation of a hydraulic brake having a master unit and a slave unit connected to a hydraulic line is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Gustav Magenwirth GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Hujer, Stefan Ruckh
  • Patent number: 9475542
    Abstract: A brake for an electric bicycle is described, said brake comprising at least one mounting block (21) including a brake lever bracket (13) and a brake lever (5). Suitably, the brake comprises an internal support-piece (17) in turn comprising at least one first hole (17A) for housing a brake cable (11) connected to a suitable braking apparatus and a seating portion (17B) for seating a sensor cable (19) connecting a braking sensor (19A) to an electric motor of said electric bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Askoll Eva S.r.l.
    Inventor: Elio Marioni
  • Patent number: 9475543
    Abstract: A pedal scooter transmission mechanism capable of increasing more motion energy in the pedal scooter, comprising a driving chainring pivotally connected to a proximity of a middle section of the deck, wherein the driving chainring is connected with the driven chainring via a transmission element, whereby the rear wheel and the driven chainring are being driven; two pedal mechanisms, every pedal mechanism comprising a pedal which is horizontally installed on both sides the deck near the middle section, and drives the center axle by a driving connecting rod assembly, wherein the total length of driving connecting rod assemblies is different, so that one of the pedal can generate more torque force and make the pedal scooter produce more motion energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Shui-Chuan Chou
  • Patent number: 9475544
    Abstract: A bicycle includes: a frame that supports a front wheel and a rear wheel; a pair of up-and-down links that are respectively provided on a right side and a left side of the frame in a front view; a pair of pedals that are respectively supported by the pair of up-and-down links; and a drive unit that drives the rear wheel. A front end of each of the pair of up-and-down links is pivotally attached to the frame, and a rear end of each of the pair of up-and-down links is respectively connected to each of the pair of pedals. The drive unit includes a pair of crank arms that are arranged point-symmetrically at an angle of 180° in a front view, and a force that depresses each of the pair of pedals so that the pair of pedals alternately swing is transmitted to the pair of crank arms through the pair of up-and-down links. The bicycle further includes a horizontally-holding mechanism that holds each of the pair of pedals approximately horizontally while rotating of each of the pair of up-and-down links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Katayama Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Noboru Kataoka
  • Patent number: 9475545
    Abstract: A bicycle crank arm includes a first member and a second member. The first member has a crank axle interacting portion and a first recessed part around the crank axle interacting portion. The second member is attached to the first member. The first member has a first side facing the second member and a second side opposite to the first side. The first recessed part is recessed from the second side toward the first side such that the first recessed part includes an attachment area attached to the second member on the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Masahiro Yamanaka, Yusuke Nishimoto, Tetsu Nonoshita, Yuki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9475546
    Abstract: An electrical assist device is provided for a bicycle. The device includes an electric machine, a drive pinion, an attachment device, a source of electrical energy, and a controller. The attachment device fixes the electric machine to the bicycle near a tire of a wheel of the bicycle. The source of electrical energy powers the electric machine. The controller controls the electric machine. The electric machine includes a rotor, which drives the drive pinion. The drive pinion includes helicoidal teeth structured to mesh tangentially with complementary teeth fastened to the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: David Olsommer, Olivier Essinger
  • Patent number: 9475547
    Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur including a base member and a movable member movably coupled to the base member. A chain guide assembly is rotatably connected to the movable member and a damper assembly is operatively disposed between the chain guide assembly and the movable member. The damper assembly includes a damper disposed in the movable member, and a one-way clutch disposed between the damper and the chain guide assembly. The one-way clutch is configured to permit damping when the chain guide assembly rotates in a first direction. The damper is disposed exteriorly of the one-way clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Brian Jordan
  • Patent number: 9475548
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a multi-hull platform boat comprises an upper deck or platform that is secured to a plurality of longitudinally extending hulls via a plurality of corresponding longitudinally extending connectors. Each connector extends from the bottom of the platform above a corresponding hull. The platform is constructed with a continuous uninterrupted planar lower support spanning the area between the connectors. The lower support is preferably made from one or more moldable materials and may be covered with a finish coating. In a second aspect, a multi-hull platform boat has a platform with a relatively planar upper support surface and a wedge-shaped base extending from the upper support surface of the platform to the bottom of the hulls. The base is wedge-shaped such that it increases in height from the front to the rear of the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: COBALT BOATS, LLC
    Inventor: Kim Slocum
  • Patent number: 9475549
    Abstract: An inflatable shallow draft fishing boat having a removable, inflatable paddleboard floor that provides stable flotation for at least two standing adults, the boat also including an adjustable, detachable rowing frame. The boat can be maneuvered and propelled by oars, a push pole or a small motor. A detachable rowing frame allows the rower to switch his rowing position from facing the stern (for best speed) or face the bow (for better visibility when searching for fish). The paddleboard floor may be held in place by frictional engagement when the boat and the paddleboard are inflated; alternatively, the paddleboard may be removed and function independently as a stand-up paddleboard that can be used for fishing, swimming, or similar recreational water sports. The transom may be shortened for navigating rocky rivers, and measurement markings may be included on the outer side for measuring fish while the fish remain in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Richard L. Swan
  • Patent number: 9475550
    Abstract: A propeller protection shield for a propeller of a boat includes a weighted skirt and an attachment. The weighted skirt has a height and a width. The height of the weighted skirt extends from the surface of the water to below the boat propeller. The width of the weighted skirt extends at least the propeller width. The attachment secures the weighted skirt to the back of the boat behind the propeller. The weighted skirt is positioned approximately vertical in the water behind the propeller. The weighted skirt shields the propeller from contact in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Cory FormyDuval
  • Patent number: 9475551
    Abstract: A buoy arrester comprising a boat hook body having a U-shaped with parallel sides and a first free end angled away from the U-shaped opening, a line securing ring integrally formed with said boat hook body and positioned at the U-shaped opening and a removable handle that is pole shaped that can be attached to the second free end of said boat hook body. A resilient line retainer catch can be positioned across the boat hook U-shaped opening to prevent the mooring line from detaching from the boat hook body. A securing line is attached to the line securing ring on the boat hook body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Zlatko Stoyanov
  • Patent number: 9475552
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a marine vessel is provided. The vessel includes a cable storage device disposed on a deck of the vessel, a workstation disposed on the vessel, a ramp at least partially disposed on the deck, and a node storage and handling system disposed on the vessel. The node storage and handling system comprises a cable handler disposed between the cable storage device and the ramp, the cable handler having a cable disposed thereon and the cable defining a cable path passing over the workstation during a node deployment or retrieval operation, a node storage rack positioned between a bow and a stern of the vessel, and at least one conveyor belt to transfer nodes between the workstation and the node storage rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FAIRFIELD INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: James N. Thompson, Jerry L. Laws, Larry E. Berges
  • Patent number: 9475553
    Abstract: A wing releasing system is provided for releasing at least one wing of a set of wing or wings of a navigation control device. The navigation control device is adapted for controlling depth and/or lateral position of a towed acoustic linear antenna and includes a body to which is attached the set of wing or wings. The wing releasing system includes: a releasing decision circuit, for generating a release request signal when detecting that a foreign object is caught by at least one wing of the set of wing or wings; and an actuator comprised in the navigation control device, for releasing from the body the at least one wing of the set of wing or wings, when receiving the release request signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: SERCEL
    Inventors: Thierry Roger, Christophe L'Her, Jean-Jacques Vignaux, Christophe Coutineau, Dominique Barbot, Stephane Rousseau
  • Patent number: 9475554
    Abstract: A seating apparatus and system having dual application for above deck and below deck use. The device is hingely attached to the ledge of a deck by an anchor wherein said device rotates between upward and downward position. Additional elements may be attached to said device for convertible above and below deck purposes. One or more device may be adjacently positioned along the deck edge to form a recreational deck environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Lee Heimerl
  • Patent number: 9475555
    Abstract: Described, in general, is an apparatus and related methods for removing debris from the leading edge of drive shaft housing of a sailboat. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a sleeve in the shape of a leading edge of a drive shaft housing, the sleeve featuring first and second line guides; a blade track along said first line guide; a first section of line; a second section of line; and a slug with a blade; wherein first and second lines are spliced with the slug and positioned in the two line guides so that (a) the slug is in the first line guide with the blade exposed at the line track and (b) pulling the first or second line guide moves the slug within the first line guide and the blade along the blade track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Richard Melzer
  • Patent number: 9475556
    Abstract: A system for refloating a grounded floatable vessel uses cylinder-shaped inflatable buoyant rollers that are placed under the vessel hull, inflated until they support the bottom hull and then caused to roll seaward while carrying the vessel into the water. An independently propelled vehicle pulls the vessel resting on the rollers into the water. An operator wirelessly controls inflation and deflation of the rollers to ensure stability of the vessel during the refloating operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: James Pirtle
  • Patent number: 9475557
    Abstract: The invention addresses the basic problem of providing a lifesaving means 1 for a life jacket RW, wherein said life jacket offers a higher degree of buoyancy in an emergency. This is achieved in principle by inserting an additional lifesaving means 1 into a life jacket RW and activating the additional lifesaving means 1 via sensors S in conjunction with a control unit 9 or by manual actuation, such that the buoyancy is greater overall than that of the life jacket RW itself. Buoyancy that is reliable in an emergency is present if the body of a person can be kept above water without additional movement by the person. Depending on the clothing worn, the buoyancy is greater than 150N. Triggering preferably occurs automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Philip Maechler
  • Patent number: 9475558
    Abstract: A marine propulsion system for shallow waters, swamps, savannahs and the like includes a rotating propeller shaft supporting a propeller. An anti-cavitation body defines a partial cylinder having a longitudinal axis adjacent to the propeller. The propeller generates a vacuum between the anti-cavitation body and a surface of a water body. First and second wings adjacent to edges of the anti-cavitation body are generally planar and operatively angled towards the bottom of a water body. The first and second wings are adjusted to run below the water body surface and seal the anti-cavitation body to maintain generated vacuum. A first thread is cut in a first helical direction at an end of the rotating propeller shaft adjacent the propeller, and slightly more distal therefrom a second thread is cut in a second helical direction opposed to the first thread helical direction. The second thread drives matter away from the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventors: Arlon J. Gilk, Lawrence L. Hoeschen
  • Patent number: 9475559
    Abstract: A device for insertion in watercraft including propulsion means comprising a pair of flappers which oscillate through an arcuate path in a transverse direction with respect to the central longitudinal dimension of the watercraft. As input force is applied, the flappers twist to form an angle of attack for providing forward thrust. The means for applying propulsive force includes a pair of pedals, and further includes pedal cranks operatively associated with the propulsion means, the fore ends of the pedals being pivotally attached to a fixed point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Hobie Cat Company
    Inventors: James Taylor Czarnowski, Gregory Scott Ketterman, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow, Graeme Stuart Wicks, Drew William Brackett
  • Patent number: 9475560
    Abstract: An outboard motor includes an internal combustion engine, and an adapter plate having an upper end that supports the engine and a lower end formed as a cylindrical neck. A driveshaft housing below the adapter plate has an integral oil sump collecting oil that drains from the engine and through the adapter plate neck. One or more bearings couple the adapter plate neck to the oil sump such that the driveshaft housing is suspended from and rotatable with respect to the adapter plate. A driveshaft is coupled to a crankshaft of the engine, and extends along a driveshaft axis through the adapter plate neck, bearing(s), and oil sump. A steering actuator is coupled to and rotates the oil sump, and thus the driveshaft housing, around the driveshaft axis with respect to the adapter plate, which varies a direction of the outboard motor's thrust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne M. Jaszewski, Randall J. Poirier, Andrew Tuchscherer
  • Patent number: 9475562
    Abstract: An outboard motor includes a drive shaft that transmits rotational power from the engine, and a shift unit provided in the middle of the drive shaft. The shift unit has a dog clutch that reciprocates in parallel with the drive shaft, a shift fork member that reciprocates the dog clutch in parallel with the drive shaft, and a linear motion type actuator that reciprocates the shift fork member in parallel with the drive shaft. The actuator is arranged in the vicinity of the front side of the dog clutch such that the direction of the rectilinear motion of the screw shaft is in parallel with the axial line of the drive shaft, and the shift fork member is connected to the screw shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shuichi Sugiyama, Keisuke Daikoku
  • Patent number: 9475563
    Abstract: There is provided an electric outboard motor. An upper unit is provided to be rotatable in a horizontal direction about a swivel unit. A lower unit is provided below the upper unit and configured to function as a rudder. The upper unit comprises an electric motor supported by a rear side of the swivel unit via a mount unit. The upper unit or lower unit has a gear deceleration device configured to couple an output shaft of the electric motor and a drive shaft extending in an upward and downward direction to each other. The drive shaft is coupled to the gear deceleration device in front of the output shaft of the electric motor and configured to transmit an output of the electric motor to a propeller provided in the lower unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Shomura, Akinori Yamazaki, Sho Ishizaki
  • Patent number: 9475564
    Abstract: A method of determining fuel limits for an engine includes measuring an actual fuel value for the engine and creating a plurality of engine speed points. The method further includes calculating respective static fuel limit points for each of the engine speed points utilizing the actual fuel value. The static fuel limit points define and limit a rated power of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric COmpany
    Inventors: Jason Daniel Ozolins, John Patrick Dowell, Suseel Sukumaran, Greg Thomas Polkus, Atul George Tharakan
  • Patent number: 9475565
    Abstract: A boat drive (1) with an upper drive portion (3), arranged inside a hull (2) of the boat, and a pivoting lower drive portion (4), arranged outside the hull (2) of the boat. The boat drive (1) passes through an opening (6) in the bottom of the hull (2) of the boat, forming an annular gap (5) that surrounds a periphery of the boat drive, and a sealing arrangement (10) is arranged in the area of the annular gap (5). The sealing arrangement (10) is designed as a sliding seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Fernando Gallato
  • Patent number: 9475566
    Abstract: A ballast water treatment device includes a ballast water treatment line, a pump for drawing and pressure feeding treatment target water, a filter, an ultraviolet reactor for irradiating filtrated treatment target water with ultraviolet, a ballast tank for storing treated water having been treated with ultraviolet, and an outboard discharger, and the pump, the filter, the ultraviolet reactor, the ballast tank, and the outboard discharger are provided on the ballast water treatment line. Treatment target water drawn for a predetermined period from start of drawing treatment target water is not caused to pass through the filter and the ultraviolet reactor but is discharged outboard by the outboard discharger, and discharging outboard by the outboard discharger is stopped at elapse of the predetermined period and treated water having been filtrated by the filter and having been treated with ultraviolet by the ultraviolet reactor is poured into the ballast tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: MIURA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Tange, Akinori Kawakami
  • Patent number: 9475567
    Abstract: A balloon envelope, having a base layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) and a layer of a second material, that is not EVOH, bonded to at least a portion of an outer-facing surface of the EVOH layer, is provided. The second material may be polyethylene, or a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate, such as Mylar®. The envelope may also be provided with another layer of the second material bonded to at least a portion of an inner-facing surface of the EVOH layer. The combination of the EVOH layer and the layer of the second material may be less gas-permeable than the EVOH layer alone and the layer of the second material alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Roach
  • Patent number: 9475568
    Abstract: A composite structure (3) formed of a composite member which extends in one direction, includes holes (5), and is made of fiber reinforced plastics. A tensile load and/or a compressive load are applied to the composite structure (3) in the one direction. Tensile stiffness and/or compression stiffness of peripheral areas (3a) of the holes (5) is lower than tensile stiffness and/or compression stiffness of the other area (3b), which surrounds the peripheral areas (3a), in the one direction, and the width of the peripheral area (3a) in a direction orthogonal to the one direction is set to 1.1 times or less of the diameter of the hole (5) in the direction orthogonal to the one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kashiwagi, Yoshinori Nonaka, Toshio Abe
  • Patent number: 9475569
    Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a reinforced composite structure for an aircraft and devices used in such methods are provided. A method includes advancing a composite material layout through a cap-forming device. The advancing results in a preformed cap section, a first length of the layout and a second length of the layout. The layout is removed from the cap-forming device and the preformed cap section of the layout is arranged within a cavity of a flexible mandrel with a foot portion of the first length and a foot portion of the second length remaining outside the cavity of the flexible mandrel. The foot portion of the first length and the foot portion of the second length contact a skin structure. The layout is heated and pressurized using the flexible mandrel to cure the layout and form the reinforced composite structure affixed to the skin structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Aitken, Brenden Autry
  • Patent number: 9475570
    Abstract: An upper joint of a wing assembly of an aircraft includes an outboard upper wing panel, a center upper wing panel, a rib, and an upper joint assembly operatively interconnecting the outboard upper wing panel, the center upper wing panel, and the rib. In some embodiments, outboard upper stringers may be configured differently than center upper stringers. In some embodiments, a subset of the center upper stringers may not directly oppose the outboard upper stringers. In other embodiments, for at least a substantial fore/aft span of the upper joint, each of the center upper stringers may directly oppose an outboard upper stringer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jordan Daniel Charles, Jason Hamada
  • Patent number: 9475571
    Abstract: An aircraft reaction link includes a head portion and a link body portion that is made of fiber reinforced plastic and formed integrally. The link body portion has a pair of leg portions, and a connecting portion that connects one end portion of each of the pair of leg portions to each other. The other end portion of each of the pair of leg portions is provided pivotably with respect to a second end side of the actuator. The head portion has a plurality of head constituent members that are fixed to the connecting portion in a state of being arranged so as to surround the outer periphery of the connecting portion, one of the head constituent members being provided with a bearing, and the head portion is provided pivotably with respect to the moving surface via the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: NABTESCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto Saito, Kenji Abe
  • Patent number: 9475572
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for operating a propeller, the propeller moving through a fluid, the method including: measuring a value of a property of the fluid (e.g. a parameter related to the density of the fluid); measuring a value of a parameter, the parameter related to one or more forces applied to the propeller (e.g. a torque applied to the propeller) or derived at least in part from the action of the propeller (e.g. a thrust produced by the action of the propeller, a drag produced by the action of the propeller, or a velocity produced by the action of the propeller); and controlling the propeller depending on a function of the measured value of the property of the fluid and the measured value of parameter. The propeller may be a propeller on an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventor: Peter Wayne Collingbourne
  • Patent number: 9475573
    Abstract: A method of matching flight data from multiple sources, including receiving a parametric flight data set for a given flight where the parametric flight data set includes a number of data features, receiving operational flight data sets related to a number of flights where the operational flight data sets include a number of data features, and determining a matching operational flight data set for the parametric flight data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: AUSTIN DIGITAL INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Joel Mayer, Andras Pesti, Howard Roice Nelson, III
  • Patent number: 9475574
    Abstract: A system is provided for dissipating heat in an onboard non-engine powered aircraft wheel drive assembly with drive means that power one or more aircraft wheels to drive the aircraft autonomously on the ground without directly using the aircraft engines. The heat dissipation system is integral with a wheel drive assembly mounted substantially completely within a nose or main landing gear wheel. A reservoir mounted outboard or inboard of the wheel drive assembly increases thermal distribution mass and fluidically communicates with wheel drive assembly components to automatically circulate heat transfer fluid between the wheel drive assembly and the reservoir when the operating temperature exceeds a predetermined maximum temperature during aircraft ground travel. The heat dissipating system can be retrofitted in an existing aircraft to improve thermal distribution and prolong wheel drive assembly and drive means operation and useful life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Borealis Technical Limited
    Inventors: Jonathan Sidney Edelson, Rodney T. Cox, Nechama Cox, Isaiah W. Cox
  • Patent number: 9475575
    Abstract: A compound rotorcraft including a rotary wing aircraft having a fuselage and at least one rotor and a fixed-wing aircraft coupled to the rotary wing aircraft, wherein the rotary wing aircraft can fly on the rotor or the fixed-wing aircraft, and wherein the fixed-wing aircraft is detachable from the rotary wing aircraft to fly independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Glenn T. Rossi