Patents Issued in January 17, 2017
  • Patent number: 9545959
    Abstract: A transport vehicle for piece goods includes a loading platform, a front end wall or a rear end wall or both a front end wall and rear end wall, and at least one side wall. The side wall is movable by an opening device in such a manner that the side wall is first displaceable in the vertical direction of the transport vehicle and is then pivotable about an axis oriented in the longitudinal direction of the transport vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Josef Fliegl, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9545960
    Abstract: This invention provides an aerodynamic structure attached to the rear cargo body, having doors that swing open, or a single, full-width door, which rolls upwardly. The embodiments provide an aerodynamic structure attached to the rear in a manner that would obscure access to the door(s) in a deployed position, in which the structure reduces drag, yet enables access to the door(s) in a folded position. The folded position allows access to the rear for loading and unloading, and in the case of swinging, hinged doors, allows the doors to be folded through a 270-degree arc, with a minimal sideways projection. The various embodiments also enable relatively rapid and easy transition between the folded position and the deployed position using actuators and/or linkages that tie the folding and deployment of panels of the structure together. This allows selective folding and deployment of the structure without undue effort or strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: STEMCO LP
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Charles M. Horrell, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Jonathan R. Feldman, Alexander R. Bruccoleri
  • Patent number: 9545961
    Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is provided for use with vehicles having surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus including an exterior cover supported by moveable frames which in turn are supported by sets of supporting linkages. The moveable frames extend rearward and together with the exterior cover form a drag reducing shape for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas Scott Breidenbach
  • Patent number: 9545962
    Abstract: An electric vehicle for personal transportation includes an inflatable body that is airtight and a chassis. The chassis is made of two box-like structures connected together with a hinge so that when rotated together around the hinge the two box-like structures form an enclosure configured to hold the inflatable body when the inflatable body is deflated. The inflatable body preferably holds a number of independent “air bags” or chambers formed in the shape of an automobile and includes a driver's compartment with a driver's seat. A front-end chamber of the electric vehicle inflates a collision air-bag through a flowable connection when the front-end chamber is impacted in a front-end collision. A suspension system may be present for each wheel. The suspension system includes an arm between two tubular bearings. The arm is made of an air-chamber bag partially contained by a sheet-metal cap providing rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Yi Pang
  • Patent number: 9545963
    Abstract: A transporter for transporting a load over a surface. The transporter includes a support platform for supporting the load. The support platform is characterized by a fore-aft axis, a lateral axis, and an orientation with respect to the surface, the orientation referred to as an attitude. At least one ground-contacting element is flexibly coupled to the support platform in such a manner that the attitude of the support platform is capable of variation. One or more ground-contacting elements are driven by a motorized drive arrangement. A sensor module generates a signal characterizing the attitude of the support platform. Based on the attitude, a controller commands the motorized drive arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership LLP
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, Robert R Ambrogi
  • Patent number: 9545964
    Abstract: A crawler traveling device includes a sprocket and a rubber crawler. The sprocket is provided with a wheel portion that is mounted to a driving axle and tooth portions. The tooth portions are provided at side portions of the wheel portion, spaced apart in a sprocket circumferential direction. The rubber crawler is provided with a rubber body that is wrapped round the sprocket, a wheel portion support face that is provided at an inner periphery portion of the rubber body, and engaging recess portions. The engaging recess portions are provided, spaced apart in a crawler peripheral direction, at each of two crawler width direction side portions of the inner periphery portion to sandwich the wheel portion support face. The engaging recess portions are recessed toward the crawler outer side and the tooth portions can be inserted into and engaged with the engaging recess portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nobuo Shimozono
  • Patent number: 9545965
    Abstract: A mobile robot configured to be widely versatile in its use. For example, the mobile robot can be configured for being used on a wide assortment of surfaces, regardless of the orientation and/or shape of the surfaces. Alternatively or in combination, the mobile robot can be configured for effective and efficient movement on the surfaces it traverses. In some cases, the mobile robot is configured with two or more component units. In some cases, the component units are configured with magnets and a control system for orientating the magnets. In some cases, one or more component couplings join the component units. In some cases, the mobile unit is configured with Mecanum wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Helical Robotics, LLC
    Inventors: Keith L. Schlee, Bruce A. Schlee
  • Patent number: 9545966
    Abstract: An inspection device for vehicle driver assistance systems (DASs) mounted on a vehicle may include: i) a frame unit including pillar frames, where vehicles forwardly enter and backwardly exit, at respective corners of a base frame, and an upper frame is coupled to upper end portions of the pillar frames; a correction unit installed at the upper frame such that it is movable in multi-axis directions so as to correct a camera measurement point of a lane departure warning system (LDWS) at a front side of the vehicle and configured to display a correction target with respect to the camera as an image; and an inspection unit installed at the upper frame such that it is movable in multi-axis directions so as to check a normal operation of the LDWS and configured to display a driving lane as an image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sinkuk Kim
  • Patent number: 9545967
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body frame that can lean, a right front wheel and a left front wheel, and an upper cross portion and a lower cross portion of a link mechanism each including a right end portion, a left end portion, and a middle portion supported on the vehicle body frame. An upper right displacement and an upper left displacement that result when a rearward test force is exerted individually on a lower right portion and a lower left portion that support the lower cross portion with the lower cross portion removed are larger than a lower right displacement and a lower left displacement that result when a force that is equal or substantially equal in magnitude and direction as the forces exerted on the lower right and left portions is exerted individually on an upper right portion and a upper left portion that support the upper cross member with the upper cross portion removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuhisa Takano
  • Patent number: 9545968
    Abstract: An electric two-wheel vehicle includes a battery case that accommodates two batteries. The battery case is open in an upward direction. A head pipe supports a steering shaft and is connected to a front portion of the battery case. The battery case includes a beam portion that is disposed between the two batteries and extends rearward from a front wall portion of the battery case. Accordingly, it is possible to easily attach and detach the batteries with respect to a vehicle body for charging, protect the batteries, and secure the rigidity of a vehicle body frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shidehiko Miyashiro, Hideki Shirazawa, Tsukasa Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9545969
    Abstract: A conversion scooter is adapted for use as a sit to ride scooter in a first configuration and a stand to ride scooter in a second configuration. The conversion scooter has a frame, a steering assembly and a seat removably coupled to the frame. The steering assembly can be steered by a user in the first and second configurations. The frame has a first end portion and a second end portion, and a foot platform extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. In the first configuration a seat surface of the seat is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the frame, and in the second configuration the seat is coupled to a first end portion of the frame and the seat is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the frame. Seat securing members secure the seat in the first and second configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventors: Emily Byrne, Ian Grout
  • Patent number: 9545970
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle with a folding system, and is applicable to the field of foldable scooter-type vehicles. The vehicle comprises a chassis (1) able to support a user and a steering assembly (2, 3, 4) comprising at least one steering column (2), the vehicle being able to assume a usage configuration and a folded configuration. The chassis is connected to the steering assembly around at least one pivot axis (6), and has a first support (1a) intended to support the user that extends towards the steering assembly in a front portion beyond the pivot axis, so that pressing on the front portion makes it possible to go from the usage configuration to the folded configuration by pivoting around the pivot axis. The vehicle comprises also an unlocking means (7) able to cooperate with the steering assembly (2, 3, 4) to lock or unlock the pivoting, the unlocking means (7) being arranged at the front portion of the support part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Decathlon
    Inventor: Patrick Ferret
  • Patent number: 9545971
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle frame made of fiber-reinforced material, particularly of plastic reinforced with carbon fibers, having a rear wheel suspension for supporting the rear wheel. According to the invention, a receptacle is formed on at least one of the two chain stays of the rear wheel suspension, in which a replaceable adapter plate adapted to the hub of each rear wheel to be used is removably fastened, in which the axle of the rear wheel can be supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: WINORA-STAIGER GMBH
    Inventor: Ingo Beutner
  • Patent number: 9545972
    Abstract: An adjustable magnetic binding system used for attaching a shoe to a bicycle pedal. The magnetic element is integrated into the bicycle pedal in such a manner as to exert attractive forces to the shoe, which contains a shoe piece. The pedal may contain a variety of differently shaped, sized, or number of magnets, which may be retained within the pedal by a protective layer of material. These variables can be easily modified to suit the rider's skill level and desired attractive force to the pedal. The shoe is further secured onto the pedal by means of a retaining system. The shoe is readily removed by the rider with a natural rotation of the foot, which breaks the attractive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: David Delon Williams
  • Patent number: 9545973
    Abstract: An electric bicycle and a method of controlling the same are disclosed. The electric bicycle according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a weight sensing unit for sensing a rider's weight; a motor output controlling unit for controlling a motor driving output; and an electronic control unit for varying the motor output through the motor output controlling unit according to the weight sensed by the weight sensing unit, and the weight sensing unit classifies the rider's weight into a standard weight mode, an underweight mode, and an overweight mode according to the sensed weight, and if the weight is in the underweight mode, the weight sensing unit reduces the motor output to a value below the motor output for the standard weight mode and if the weight is in the overweight mode, the weight sensing unit increases the motor output to a value above the motor output for the standard weight mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jae-Hyung Chun
  • Patent number: 9545974
    Abstract: A sail system for a velocipede uses a swinging gate that pivots between a closed position, flush against the velocipede and an open position for sailing. A spring cord pulls the gate toward the open position while a control cord pulls the gate toward the closed position. A slide slidably disposed on a top tube controls positioning of the control cord and locks this cord in a particular position. A shield is also attached to the velocipede.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Frank Emanueli D'Angelo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9545975
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods of converting a bicycle frame from a mechanical gear-shifting configuration to an electronic gear-shifting configuration and vice versa. In a representative embodiment, a method of converting a bicycle frame from a mechanical gear-shifting configuration to an electronic gear-shifting configuration comprises removing a mechanical cable extending between a mechanical gear-shift actuator and a mechanical gear shifter via a cable stop of a removable bracket member secured to a down tube member of the bicycle frame, and removing the removable bracket member from the down tube member of the bicycle frame. The method further comprises mounting an electronically-actuated gear shifter to the bicycle frame in electrical communication with an electronic gear-shift actuator such that actuation of the electronic gear-shift actuator causes the electronically-actuated gear shifter to shift gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: David Rosen
  • Patent number: 9545976
    Abstract: A snowmobile has a snowmobile body and an arm assembly pivotally coupled to the snowmobile body. The arm assembly is configured to pivot on an axis through the snowmobile body. A first hydraulic actuator has a first end coupled to the snowmobile body and a second end coupled to the arm assembly. A hydraulic system is coupled to the first hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic system includes a hydraulic pump in fluid communication with the first hydraulic actuator. A hydraulic valve is coupled between the hydraulic pump and first hydraulic actuator. An axle is disposed through the first end of the first hydraulic actuator. The axle includes a hydraulic pathway through the axle coupled between the hydraulic system and first hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic system is configured to operate the first hydraulic actuator. A second hydraulic actuator is coupled to the first hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas W. Melcher
  • Patent number: 9545977
    Abstract: A wake-shaping system comprising a one or more surf tabs attached to a watercraft. The one or more surf tabs comprise at least a first surf tab. The first surf tab comprises an upper plate, a mounting hinge, a lower portion, a one or more mounting brackets comprising at least a first mounting bracket. A hydro-thruster assembly having a one or more hydro-thruster diversion fins. further, the first surf tab comprises a leading edge, a trailing edge, an interior side, an exterior side, a top side and a bottom side. The upper plate is rotatably attached to a portion of the watercraft with the mounting hinge. The watercraft travels through a water in a direction of travel. The leading edge comprises a forward portion of first surf tab relative to the direction of travel and the trailing edge comprises a rearward portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Ryan Swiatek
  • Patent number: 9545978
    Abstract: A system for providing an air lubricating layer between a substantially flat bottom (3) of a vessel (1) and the water flowing under the bottom as the vessel is moving through the water, whereby the system includes sidewalls (5,5?) and a top wall (4) defining a cavity (6) with an opening (13) situated in an interface plane that is transversal to the sidewalls (5,5?), at the level of the flat bottom (3), the opening having a front end (9) and a rear end (15) seen in the length direction of the cavity, an air inlet (10) spaced from the opening for introducing air into the cavity, whereby the length of the opening (13) of the cavity (6) is between 2 and 10 m and the distance (H) of the top wall (4) from the interface plane is between 0.2 m and 0.5 m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: SILVERSTREAM TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Johannesson
  • Patent number: 9545979
    Abstract: The invention relates to a floating vessel for taking liquid samples, comprising a shell (2) that has a hull (3) to be submerged in a liquid medium below the water line and a superstructure (4) arranged above the water line; the vessel also comprises air propulsion means, means for taking and storing samples, and means for remotely controlling the air propulsion means and the sampling means; and the vessel further comprises a secondary detachable shell (32) provided with means for fixing to the shell (2) of the vessel, covering at least the hull of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: SPYGEN
    Inventors: Tony Dejean, Olivier Le Meaux
  • Patent number: 9545980
    Abstract: A method to improve the safety and comfort of an ultra large marine floating system is provided. The ultra large marine floating system has a length of 350 to 550 m, a width of 45 to 80 m, and a depth of 25 to 35 m. The ultra large marine floating system has a tank zone and a plant zone that are visibly separated from one another. Additionally, the tank zone has LNG storage tanks, self-supporting spherical (MOSS type) tanks, a membrane tank arranged in a hold, and the plant zone includes a liquefied natural gas plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Nobuyoshi Morimoto
  • Patent number: 9545981
    Abstract: A split stand up paddle board is configured to provide stability for a top-heavy load. The split stand up paddle board has a first hull attached to first hull inboard upper connection flap. A second hull is attached to second hull inboard upper connection flap. An upper string connects the first hull inboard upper connection flap to the second hull inboard upper connection flap. The upper string prevents the first hull from collapsing against the second hull when under the top-heavy load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Shaine Shahin Ebrahimi
  • Patent number: 9545982
    Abstract: A breathing device for divers that includes a breathing tube exhibiting an end having an inclined opening, an obturator that is mobile between an open position and a closed position of the opening of the end, a float that activates the obturator, a first articulator that communicates the obturator to the tube, a second articulator that communicates the float to the tube. The first and the second articulators can each exhibit a respective hinge axis to the tube. The hinge axis to the tube of the second articulator can be more greatly distanced from the end of the tube relative to the hinge axis to the tube of the first articulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Cressi-Sub S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carlos Alberto Godoy
  • Patent number: 9545983
    Abstract: A jet propelled watercraft includes a watercraft body, an engine in the watercraft body, a jet pump configured to generate a jet thrust by a driving force of the engine, an intake pipe configured to supply air to the engine, an air intake box, and a filter. The air intake box includes a connecting port connected to the intake pipe and an inlet configured to take in ambient air. The filter is disposed in a space in an internal space of the air intake box. The filter divides the space into a lower region and an upper region. The lower region is connected to the inlet and the upper region is located higher than the lower region and connected to the connecting port. The filter is configured to clean air taken into the internal space from the inlet and directed to the connecting port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohei Terada, Hironobu Miura
  • Patent number: 9545984
    Abstract: A jet propelled watercraft includes a prime mover, a jet pump driven by the prime mover and jetting water from a jet port, a reverse gate changing a direction of the jet flow jetted from the jet pump, a shift actuator switching a position of the reverse gate among a plurality of shift positions, a reverse gate position detector detecting the position of the reverse gate, and a controller configured or programmed to execute a shift control of setting a target shift position of the reverse gate and controlling the shift actuator to move the reverse gate to the target shift position and execute an error judgment of judging that an error has occurred when the position detected by the reverse gate position detector differs from a control position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yukitaka Okamoto
  • Patent number: 9545985
    Abstract: A method for providing an outboard-motor closed-loop cooler system as a retrofit substitute for the midsection and the lower unit of a standard outboard motor, having a substitute closed-loop cooling system with an exterior heat exchanger, a substitute oil reservoir, a substitute exhaust system, and a substitute propulsion system, allowing an existing standard outboard-motor powerhead to be used in conditions not conducive to standard open-loop water cooling, such as shallow-water, muddy-water, obstructed-water, seawater, or corrosive-water conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Brian Provost
  • Patent number: 9545986
    Abstract: A boat propulsion device includes an engine, a fuel tank, a fuel path, a fuel pump, and a controller. The engine includes a fuel injection device. The fuel tank includes a fuel storage region configured to store fuel. The fuel path is connected to the fuel injection device and the fuel tank. The fuel pump is disposed in the fuel path and is configured to discharge the fuel stored in the fuel storage region to the fuel injection device. The controller is configured and/or programmed to control a load on the fuel pump. The controller is configured and/or programmed to include an empty-fuel condition detector configured to detect that the fuel stored in the fuel storage region has become a predetermined remaining amount or less based on a variation in the load on the fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Kadobayashi
  • Patent number: 9545987
    Abstract: A traction control system is for a marine vessel. The traction control system comprises a first internal combustion engine that causes rotation of a first propulsor to thereby propel the marine vessel in the water. A second internal combustion engine causes rotation of a second propulsor to thereby propel the marine vessel in water. A sensor senses a change in operation of the first internal combustion engine that is indicative of a loss of traction between the first propulsor and the water. A control circuit is programmed to temporarily slow rotation of the first propulsor when the sensor senses the change in operation of the first internal combustion engine, thereby allowing the first propulsor to regain traction with the water. When the control circuit slows rotation, the control circuit is further programmed to temporarily slow rotation of the second internal combustion engine, thereby preventing unintended movement of the marine vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Przybyl, David M. Van Buren, Brad E. Taylor, Kenneth G. Gable
  • Patent number: 9545988
    Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon a plurality of computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to: receive a range of headings at a marine electronics device and analyze sonar data received from a sonar device coupled to a vessel to determine a first characteristic measured at a first location. The first characteristic may be a bottom hardness, a bottom composition, a transition between bottom compositions, a water temperature, or a thermocline. The instructions may further cause the computer to: compare the first characteristic to a second characteristic measured at a second location and transmit instructions to an autopilot to move the vessel in a heading in the range of headings. The instructions are based at least in part on the comparison between the first characteristic and the second characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: NAVICO HOLDING AS
    Inventor: Jeremiah Clark
  • Patent number: 9545989
    Abstract: An aircraft fuselage structure, includes a circumferential reinforcing frame (2) and a plurality of stringers (3) substantially perpendicular to the frame. The frame includes a mechanically weakened area able to cause its localized buckling under the effect of a compressive force exerted circumferentially thereon. The structure includes an energy absorbing device (5) having two effector members (52) secured to the frame respectively on either side of the weakened area, and a central core (51) maintained between the effector members such that a reduction in the distance between the effector members produces a deformation of the central core, which is able to absorb energy under the effect of the deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: EUROPEAN AERONAUTIC DEFENCE AND SPACE COMPANY EADS FRANCE
    Inventors: Jean-Mathieu Guimard, Michel Bermudez, Didier Mesnage
  • Patent number: 9545990
    Abstract: A floor panel assembly is used with a floor panel retention system that includes a first retaining element, a second retaining element, and a support element. The floor panel assembly includes a floor panel including a first side edge and an opposing second side edge. The floor panel is configured to rest on the support element. The floor panel assembly also includes at least one tab coupled to the floor panel proximate the first side edge. The tab is configured to engage the first retaining element. The floor panel assembly also includes a latch coupled to the floor panel proximate the second side edge. The latch is configured to selectively engage the second retaining element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Scott Gary Stegmiller
  • Patent number: 9545991
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle with deployable components (UAVDC) is disclosed. The UAVDC may comprise a fuselage, at least one wing, and at least one control surface. In some embodiments, the UAVDC may further comprise a propulsion means and/or a modular payload. The UAVDC may be configured in a plurality of arrangements. For example, in a compact arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at least one wing stowed against the fuselage and the at least one control surface stowed against the fuselage. In a deployed arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at least one wing deployed from the fuselage and the least one control surface deployed from the fuselage. In an expanded arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at least one wing telescoped to increase a wingspan of the deployed arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Area-I Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Robert Alley, Joshua Lemming Steele, Jesse Owen Williams, Daniel Kuehme, Jonathan Caleb Phillips
  • Patent number: 9545992
    Abstract: A high-lift trailing edge flap system for an aircraft wing unit is provided. In high-lift trailing edge flap system, the backward movement and the inclination of the trailing edge flap in the extended position are dissociated in order to allow for the incorporation of the actuating mechanism into the wing in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventor: Bernard Guering
  • Patent number: 9545993
    Abstract: An apparatus forming an aircraft which is designed for flight by movement through the air, the aircraft has a front and rear portions and a center of mass, with left and right sides when divided by a central plane of reference. The aircraft has inboard portions closer to said central plane of reference and outboard portions farther from said central plane of reference. Further, the aircraft contains at least one positive lifting aerodynamic surface configured to affect the flow of air near said at least one positive lifting aerodynamic surface when said aircraft is appropriately moving forward, and at least one elevon structure configured to create negative aerodynamic force when said aircraft is appropriately moving forward. The elevon structure is constructed so as to have outboard portions thereof positioned outward of said central plane of reference to a distance at least three-fourths of the distance from said central plane of reference to a tip end of said at least one wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: John William McGinnis
  • Patent number: 9545994
    Abstract: A device for feeding fluid to a hydraulic actuator for controlling a pitch of fan blades of a two-propeller turboprop, the device including: a fluid manifold secured to a rotor of the turboprop and including a cylindrical portion including at least two fluid-circulation grooves, each presenting an outlet orifice; a fluid-admission support secured to a stationary portion of the turboprop and including a cylindrical portion including at least two distinct fluid passages opening to fluid-admission tubes and each leading radially into one of the fluid-circulation grooves of the manifold; and a tub constrained to rotate with the fluid manifold and including a cylindrical portion including at least two fluid-flow channels, each fed with fluid by a respective one of the outlet orifices of the fluid dispenser, each fluid-flow channel leading to a respective chamber of a control actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Francois Gallet, Ivan Guy Rouesne
  • Patent number: 9545995
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and process-readable media include an autonomous vehicle override control system that receives override commands from a pilot qualified on a first type of unmanned autonomous vehicle (UAV) and translates the inputs into suitable commands transmitted to a target UAV of a second UAV type. A pilot's certification for a first UAV type may be determined from the pilot's login credentials. The system may obtain a first control model for the first UAV type and a second control model for the target UAV. Pilot input commands processed through the first control model may be used to calculate movements of a virtual UAV of the type. The system may estimate physical movement of the target UAV similar to the first physical movement, and generate an override command for the target UAV using the second control model and the second physical movement. Control models may accommodate current conditions and pilot experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Kiet Tuan Chau, Michael-David Nakayoshi Canoy, Michael Orlando DeVico, Stephen Alton Sprigg
  • Patent number: 9545996
    Abstract: A multilayer construction for an array of aerodynamic riblets incorporates a first layer composed of a material with protuberances, the first layer material having shape memory and a second layer composed of a material exhibiting a second characteristic with capability for adherence to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Diane C. Rawlings, Terry L. Schneider
  • Patent number: 9545997
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wingtip extension comprising a leading edge and a trailing edge, which wingtip extension is affixable to an outer end of a wing, wherein the leading edge, at least in some sections, is essentially straight, and the straight section of the leading edge comprises a leading-edge sweep angle that exceeds the leading-edge sweep angle of the wing, and the local depth of the wingtip extension gradually decreases between a connecting region for connection to the wing and the outer end of the wingtip extension. By means of a wingtip extension according to the invention, in a delta wing a vortex burst region is positioned just behind the wingtip, as a result of which vortex burst region the cores of wingtip vortices burst and eventually become unstable, so that as a result of this the wake vortices of the aircraft can be reduced. The invention furthermore relates to a wing, comprising wingtip extensions according to the invention, as well as to an aircraft comprising such a wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Roland Kelm
  • Patent number: 9545998
    Abstract: A bunk assembly is provided. The bunk assembly includes a first plurality of bunks including a first bunk and a second bunk coupled end-to-end with the first bunk. The first and second bunks each include a cutout that substantially align forming a bunk slot between the first and second bunks when coupled end-to-end. The first plurality of bunks also includes a third bunk stacked on top of the first and second bunks when positioned in the bunk slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Christopher Lin
  • Patent number: 9545999
    Abstract: Seating arrangements are provided that combine standard fore- and aft-facing lie-flat seating assemblies with a center premium lie-flat seating assembly. A center suite can include a center support shell and at least one center seat. The center support shell can provide a plurality of legwells for association with a plurality of standard seats. A center seat can be disposed between legwells in a non-overlapping manner so that legwells straddle the center seat. Surface area can be provided over the legwells to provide generous living space for a seated passenger, and to cooperate with a center seat to provide a bed for a reclined passenger. The support shell can have parallel endwalls orthogonal to parallel sidewalls to provide a center bed that is generally uniform in length and width. Legwells can be disposed in parallel and mirrored configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Robert J. Henshaw
  • Patent number: 9546000
    Abstract: A fixing structure for fixing a seat of a vehicle includes a fixing member which includes a locking section, a buffering section and a restricting section. The locking and restricting sections are provided with a thread for meshing with the thread of the locking passage, and the buffering section has no thread. The fixing seat includes a locking passage and a restricting space connected to the locking passage. The locking member is inserted through the cover and screwed into the fixing seat. When vibrations occur, the locking member will be unscrewed from the locking passage. However, in order to prevent the locking member from fully disengaging from the fixing seat, the buffering section is retained in the restricting space to prevent the thread of the restricting section from meshing with the thread of the locking passage, which prevents disengagement of the locking member in a vibrating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Super Alloy Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Henry Shih, Wen-Ping Tsai, Chin-Chuan Liang
  • Patent number: 9546001
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve for controlling a fluid flow from a first environment to a second environment, having a frame for disposing a separating element in the region of an opening, said element separating the first environment from the second environment, and a first flap and a second flap for controlling the fluid flow through the opening between the first environment and the second environment, the flaps being movable in the frame. The flaps have protrusions designed to reduce noise generation in the fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Nord-Micro GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Martin Steinert, Frank Kameier, Dusan Vranjes
  • Patent number: 9546002
    Abstract: An instrument panel is identified based on a captured image such as a photograph. A target configuration of the instrument panel is compared with a current configuration of the instrument panel based on the image data. An indication of differences between the target configuration and the current configuration is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brian Azcuenaga, Samantha A. Schwartz, Jason W. Clark, Matthew B. Hendrian, Willard K. Otto
  • Patent number: 9546003
    Abstract: A pitch command display method includes identifying touchdown of an aircraft, identifying a first value representing an actual pitch reduction rate of the aircraft, identifying a second value representing a target pitch reduction rate of the aircraft, determining a difference between the first value and the second value, and displaying a pitch command when the difference between the first value and second value is greater than a threshold amount and the aircraft has touched down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: SAFE FLIGHT INSTRUMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Randall A. Greene, Shawn P. Beyer
  • Patent number: 9546004
    Abstract: A water and ice detection and quantitative assessment system (“WIDQAS”) for moisture detection and assessment of water accumulation on an aircraft having an airframe that has at least one enclosed space within the airframe is described. The WIDQAS may include a plurality of sensors and a data measurement device. The plurality of sensors may be arranged in the at least one enclosed space within the airframe and each sensor of the plurality of sensors may be configured to detect a presence of moisture in the at least one enclosed space and generate a data measurement that is responsive to the detection of moisture in the at least one enclosed space. The data measurement device is in signal communication with the plurality of sensors and may be configured to record the data measurement for each sensor and record identifying information about the measurement during a flight of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Morteza Safai, Kimberly D. Meredith, Sahrudine Apdalhaliem
  • Patent number: 9546005
    Abstract: A voice router for a vehicle and a method for operating a voice router are provided. The voice router, for example, may include, but is not limited to, an interface configured to be coupled to a microphone and a plurality of subsystems of an aircraft, and a processor coupled to the interface, the processor configured to receive, from the microphone, voice command audio data, convert, using an avionic language model, the voice command audio data into voice command text data, determine, using a distribution model, whether a command corresponding to the voice command text data can be executed, transmitting, to at least one of the plurality of subsystems, instructions to execute the command when the voice router determines that the command can be executed, and providing, using the output system, feedback when the command is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Chao Li, Lucas Chen
  • Patent number: 9546006
    Abstract: A method of mounting at least one pressure port in a skin of an aircraft, where the port is made with a hollow tube implanted in the skin, optimizes conditions whereby each of the tubes is made flush with the skin so that static or dynamic pressure measurements are accurate and reliable. The method includes a step of leveling each of the tubes and a step of painting the skin. To achieve satisfactory leveling conditions for the tubes on each occasion, the leveling step is independent of the layer of paint deposited on the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Michel Bacou, Christophe Arruti
  • Patent number: 9546007
    Abstract: According to the invention, a link is established between the fixed part (4A) and the removable part (4B) of an enclosure (4) in which the second satellite is previously enclosed, said link being such that said removable part (4B) remains attached to said fixed part (4A) when said removable part (4B), initially in a first position for which said enclosure (4) is closed and encloses said second satellite, lies in a second position for which said enclosure (4) is open and able to release said satellite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: ASTRIUM SAS
    Inventor: Patrick Comtesse
  • Patent number: 9546008
    Abstract: Miniature release mechanisms constrain objects, such as deployables during the launch of space vehicles, such as small satellites and nanosatellites, and enable the release of the objects once a desired destination is reached by the space vehicle. Constraint and release of the objects are achieved by providing a secure threaded interface that may be released by the release mechanisms. The release mechanisms include a housing structure; a release block can include a threaded interface; one or more retracting pins; one or more release springs; a breakable link, such as a plastic link; a cable harness clamp; and a circuit board. The release mechanism can be 0.1875 inches (approximately 4.8 mm) thick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Luis H. Santos Soto, Scott V. Hesh, John D. Hudeck