Patents Issued in January 24, 2017
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Patent number: 9550544Abstract: A bicycle handlebar clamp assembly has a handlebar clamp, a fixing nut, and a fixing bolt. The fixing nut includes a threaded bore having a bolt entrance opening and a bolt exit opening. The fixing nut defines a bolt shaft receiving space disposed adjacent the bolt exit opening. The fixing bolt includes a head and a shaft extending from the head. The shaft has a non-threaded portion disposed between two threaded portions. One of threaded portions is disposed closer to the head of the fixing bolt than the other threaded portion. The threaded portions are dimensioned to threadedly engage the threaded bore of the fixing nut. The non-threaded portion has a axial length that is greater than the axial length of the threaded bore of the fixing nut.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Toshihiko Takeuchi, Yoshimitsu Miki, Shinya Hirotomi
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Patent number: 9550545Abstract: A shock absorber includes: a valve body; a valve seat; an actuator; and a fail-safe valve that is urged by a first elastic body. When fluid does not flow, the fail-safe valve is urged by the first elastic body to come into contact with the valve body and close a channel. When the fluid flows, the fail-safe valve is spaced from the valve body by a fluid pressure to open the channel. When the valve body moves most in a valve opening direction, the fail-safe valve is brought into contact with the valve body and the channel is closed, and a supporting portion supports a part of the fail-safe valve. When the fluid flows in this state, at least a part of the fail-safe valve, which is in contact with a non-supporting portion, is spaced from the valve body by the fluid pressure to open the channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATIONInventors: Yosuke Murakami, Kazuhiro Miwa
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Patent number: 9550546Abstract: A hydraulic bicycle hose structure includes a hydraulic hose and a first seal. The hydraulic hose has a first end with a first opening. The hydraulic hose is configured to be coupled to a hydraulic component. The hydraulic hose is filled with hydraulic fluid. The first seal is arranged to seal the first opening of the first end of the hydraulic hose. The first seal is configured to be physically ruptured.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Osamu Kariyama, Masahiro Nakakura, Takahiro Yamashita
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Patent number: 9550547Abstract: An assembly of toothed wheels of a bicycle has at least two toothed wheels of different diameter and at least one support member of at least one toothed wheel of the at least two toothed wheels on a component of a bicycle, like for example a free body of a hub for a rear bicycle wheel. The at least one support member is at least partially housed in at least one cavity of at least one other toothed wheel of the at least two toothed wheels. In this way, the distance between the toothed wheels is lower than the thickness of the support member of the toothed wheels themselves. The support member can thus maintain a strong resistant section at the attachment area to the respective toothed wheel. At the same time, it is possible to mount a greater number of sprockets on a free body of standard size.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventor: Maurizio Valle
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Patent number: 9550548Abstract: A device for mounting a front derailleur on a bicycle frame is provided. The device comprises engagement means for engaging with at least one toothed crown of a crankset and with the derailleur, the engagement means being configured to obtain a desired relative position between the at least one toothed crown and the derailleur. A method for mounting the front derailleur on the bicycle frame is also provided, such a method providing for the use of the device.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventor: Leopoldo Lazzarin
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Patent number: 9550549Abstract: A rope cuff including a plurality of shoring lines attached to an interior surface and covered with an interior flap formed from a material with a high coefficient of friction is provided. The shoring lines are braided around a mooring line to serve as a chafe guard and the interior flap frictionally engages the mooring line to maintain both the chafe guard and the cuff in appropriate positions. An adjustable hook and loop strap is attached to the exterior surface of the rope cuff to constrict the cuff around the mooring line and provide further frictional engagement between the interior of the rope cuff and the mooring line.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Fjord, Inc.Inventors: Edward Ratigan, Michael Ratigan
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Patent number: 9550550Abstract: A tow-rope terminal section for watersports is provided for attachment to the end a tow rope and forming a final link to the inner tube or whatever inflated or floating towable. The tow-rope terminal section is provide with climb-aboard provisions so that fallen riders can climb back aboard the towable more easily.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventor: Eric T. Housman
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Patent number: 9550551Abstract: A wake-modifying a surf tab that can be attached to a watercraft is disclosed. That surf tab includes a control plate assembly, a mounting hinge for attaching the control plate assembly to a watercraft, a hydro-thruster assembly, and a separation hinge attaching the control plate assembly to the hydro-thruster assembly. Also included is an actuator attached to the control plate assembly which connects the control plate assembly to the watercraft such that the actuator can control the angle between the control plate assembly and the watercraft. a length adjustable control rod assembly connects the control plate assembly to the hydro-thruster assembly. The control rod assembly adjusts the angle between the control plate assembly and the hydro-thruster assembly. In use, the length of the actuator and the length of the control rod assembly can change the flow of water from the hydro-thruster assembly to modify a wake created by a watercraft.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventor: Ryan Swiatek
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Patent number: 9550552Abstract: A cleaning head for cleaning a submerged surface includes a body portion, and a skirt portion extending around a periphery of the body portion, the skirt portion performing a sealing function between the body portion and a submerged surface desired to be cleaned when the cleaning head is disposed on the submerged surface during use. The cleaning head also includes at least one cleaning member for causing material on the submerged surface to separate from the submerged surface when the cleaning head is disposed on the submerged surface during use, and at least one suction aperture in fluid communication with a space defined between the body portion and the submerged surface during use.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: GRD FRANMARINE HOLDINGS PTY LTDInventor: Roger Wayne Richard Dyhrberg
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Patent number: 9550553Abstract: The problem of penetrating through nets and other objects is solved by cutting the object using a linear cutting assembly having a linear cutter arm that moves in an arc and pivots about an attachment point. The object is cut by a severing action caused by a moveable blade of the linear cutting arm moving back and forth across a stationary blade of the linear cutter arm. An underwater vehicle modified to incorporate an embodiment of the linear cutting assembly can cut a sufficiently large opening in the object to allow the vehicle to pass through.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Adaptive Methods, Inc.Inventors: James Wiggins, Chris Norkoski, Conrad Zeglin, Walter Allensworth
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Patent number: 9550554Abstract: An underwater vehicle may include a buoyancy control system configured to use a dual-internal-reservoir configuration to enhance efficiency of changing buoyancy of the underwater vehicle. The buoyancy control system may utilize an incompressible fluid (e.g., oil or water) that is transferred between a first internal reservoir and an external chamber to affect buoyancy of the underwater vehicle. In exemplary implementations, a compressible fluid (e.g., air) may be used to inflate or deflate a second internal reservoir. The second internal reservoir may be disposed within the buoyancy control system so that it can act on the first internal reservoir by applying a compressive force or a tensive force on the first internal reservoir, depending on the pressure differences between the two reservoirs.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: MRV Systems, LLCInventors: James Edward Dufour, Brian Kenneth Newville
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Patent number: 9550555Abstract: The present invention relates to a marine propeller arrangement comprising a propeller communicating with a shaft connected to the motor of a marine vehicle, the propeller having a hub and demountable blades, wherein each blade comprises a hub portion being integral with each blade and having plurality of bores for securing thereof; and the arrangement comprises a sleeve having a shaft receiving bore, wherein each hub portion is supported by the sleeve and secured thereto via a plurality of securing elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventor: Mehmet Nevres Ulgen
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Patent number: 9550556Abstract: A power system for dynamic positioning of a vessel. The power system reduces fuel consumption, carbon buildup deposits and the risk of cylinder bore glazing while in combustion engine driven generators and provides an adequate protection against blackouts. The power system includes first and second combustion engine driven generators, a battery unit, and a converter unit arranged to provide power to the vessel from the battery unit. A first operational state of the power system in which the first combustion engine driven generator is arranged to deliver power to the vessel, and a second operational state, in which the first generator is subject to a fault, the second combustion engine driven generator arranged to deliver power to the vessel, and the converter unit is arranged to deliver power to the vessel during transition between the states.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: ABB ASInventor: Louis Kennedy
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Patent number: 9550557Abstract: A filtering device for treating ballast water and more particularly, a multicage-type device for filtering ballast water to prevent back pressure, wherein the multicage-type device for filtering ballast water includes a back pressure prevention tank on a backwash line for backwashing and discharging foreign substances that are inside a filter of the device for filtering, so that backwash water and the foreign substances in the backwash line are preliminarily stored in the back pressure prevention tank thereby preventing an increase of back pressure and preventing an increase of the back pressure on the backwash line by always maintaining a level of water inside the back pressure prevention tank at lower than an inlet port that is connected to the backwash line.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2011Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Panasia Co., Ltd.Inventors: Soo-Tae Lee, Tae-Sung Pyo, Su-Kyu Lee
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Patent number: 9550558Abstract: This disclosure relates to the use of an optimal altitude controller for super pressure aerostatic balloon in connection with a balloon network. The aerostatic balloon includes a bladder containing a gas that is lighter than the air present in the environment of the balloon. Additionally, the aerostatic balloon includes an envelope filled with air. A mass-changing unit configured to selectively add or remove air may control the amount of air in the envelope. Further, the balloon has a communication module configured to transmit data relating to a current balloon state, and receives data relating to a desired balloon state. Additionally, the balloon includes a processor configured to control the mass-changing unit based on the desired balloon state. The mass-changing unit of the aerostatic balloon may be powered by a renewable energy source, such as solar power. The mass-changing unit adds or removes air with an impeller.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Johan Mathe, C. O. Lee Boyce, Jr., Keith Allen Bonawitz
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Patent number: 9550559Abstract: Aircraft wing assemblies are disclosed herein. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a trailing edge of a wing of an aircraft. The trailing edge has a flexible skin defining a first surface. The example apparatus also includes a flap movably coupled to the trailing edge. The flap defines a second surface. The first surface and the second surface form a substantially continuous surface when the flap is in a stowed position and when the flap is in a deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Christopher K. Droney, Blaine K. Rawdon
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Patent number: 9550560Abstract: The invention relates to a joystick (1) for controlling an aircraft, including a frame (2), a lever (3), a mechanical linking assembly (4) for connecting the lever to the frame enabling a rotation of the lever (3) relative to the frame (2) about a first rotation axis (X), in which the mechanical linking assembly (4) includes a first pivot joint (9), the first pivot joint (9) including a first portion, a second portion movably mounted relative to the first portion, and at least two flexible blades, each flexible blade having an end that is attached to the first portion and another end that is attached to the second portion, and being resiliently deformable in order to enable a rotation of the second portion relative to the first portion along the first rotation axis (X) and to generate a return torque which hinders the rotation of the second portion relative to the first portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: SAGEM DEFENSE SECURITEInventors: Florence Buoy, Etienne Merlet, Herve Gorecki
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Patent number: 9550561Abstract: This disclosure describes a system and method for determining the center of gravity of a payload engaged by an automated aerial vehicle and adjusting components of the automated aerial vehicle and/or the engagement location with the payload so that the center of gravity of the payload is within a defined position with respect to the center of gravity of the automated aerial vehicle. Adjusting the center of gravity to be within a defined position improves the efficiency, maneuverability and safety of the automated aerial vehicle. In some implementations, the stability of the payload may also be determined to ensure that the center of gravity does not change or shift during transport due to movement of an item of the payload.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brian C. Beckman, Brandon William Porter, Gur Kimchi, Daniel Buchmueller, Jeffrey P. Bezos, Frederik Schaffalitzky, Amir Navot
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Patent number: 9550562Abstract: A system for controlling an aircraft control parameter including a control interface including a mobile element configured to move on a travel, of which at least two portions are separated by a neutral position; a return element bringing the mobile element back to the neutral position when it is not actuated; and an interaction element, and a control unit configured to memorize an item of information corresponding to a first position of the mobile element at an instant of activation of the interaction element; and generate a setpoint of the aircraft control parameter, as a function of a control associated with the first position of the mobile element for which said information has been memorized; or a current position of the mobile element, when this current position is situated on the same portion of travel as the first position and is more remote than the latter from the neutral position.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.Inventors: Florian Constans, Josep Boada-Bauxell, Pierre Scacchi
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Patent number: 9550563Abstract: A wing for of aircraft has a wing tip shape that has a profile that extends in the direction of the span of the wing, and across the direction of the span of the wing extends from the wing leading edge to the wing trailing edge. The profile is delimited by a first skin and a second skin, with a winglet, arranged on the wing end. The winglet is substantially planar, and has a transition region arranged between the wing and the winglet, that extends from a connection on the wing to a connection on the winglet. The curvature of the local dihedral can increase in the transition region from a low level or a level of zero at or near the wing intersection in the outboard direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Frank Theurich, Jan Himisch
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Patent number: 9550564Abstract: An electric taxi system (ETS) for an aircraft may include an electric motor positioned on a landing gear assembly of the aircraft; and one or more selectively operable engaging members for selectively coupling the ETS with a wheel of the aircraft. The engaging members may be drivably coupled to the electric motor. The engaging members may each have a base member and a leading end. An axis of the base member and an axis of the leading end may be in straight-line alignment upon initial engagement of the engaging member with the wheel. The axes of the leading end and the base member may displaced from a straight-line alignment responsively to lateral forces exerted on the leading end resulting from deflections of the wheel during taxiing of the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Donald Jeffrey Christensen, Robert Mitchell
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Patent number: 9550565Abstract: A system and method to tilt coaxial counter-rotating rotor hub assemblies relative to a fuselage. The system includes a first rotor hub assembly and a second rotor hub assembly spaced apart from the first hub assembly and carried by the fuselage. The method includes pivotally attaching the first rotor hub assembly and the second rotor hub assembly to a pivot joint and thereafter tilting the first rotor hub assembly and the second rotor hub assembly about the pivot joint with a driver.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventors: John Corrigan, Frank B. Stamps
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Patent number: 9550566Abstract: A disc-shaped aircraft including an airfoil having a convex upper surface and a planar lower surface with the edges of the surfaces meeting at the periphery of the disc and having a plurality of rotational mini turbine jets affixed sequentially at the edge of the circumference of the disc, the turbine jets effecting vertical, horizontal, and directional thrust under computer and pilot control. Stable flight is maintained by an internal gyroscopic counter-rotating rotor blade system, individual control of the turbine jets, and a series of retractable flaps.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventor: John Francis Henning, Jr.
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Patent number: 9550567Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) that transitions in-flight between vertical flight configuration and horizontal flight configuration by changing an orientation of the UAV by approximately ninety degrees. The UAV may include propulsion units that are coupled to a wing. The wing may include wing segments rotatably coupled together by pivots that rotate to position the propulsion units around a center of mass of the UAV when the fuselage is oriented perpendicular with the horizon. In this vertical flight configuration, the UAV may perform vertical flight or hover. During the vertical flight, the UAV may cause the wing to extend outward via the pivots such that the wing segments become positioned substantially parallel to one another and the wing resembles a conventional fixed wing. With the wing extended, the UAV assumes a horizontal flight configuration that provides upward lift generated from the wing.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jack Erdozain, Jr., Berk Ozturk, Nicholas Hampel Roberts, Brian C. Beckman
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Patent number: 9550568Abstract: A weapon interface system, and methods of operating the same. The weapon interface system is coupled to an electrical interconnection system of a delivery platform and a weapon system coupled to a rack system. The weapon interface system includes a translation interface configured to provide an interface between the electrical interconnection system and an inductive power and data circuit. The weapon interface system also includes a weapon coupler, coupled to the translation interface, configured to provide an inductive coupling to the weapon system to provide mission information thereto.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Lone Star IP Holdings, LPInventors: Steven D. Roemerman, John P. Volpi, Joseph Edward Tepera
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Patent number: 9550569Abstract: A frame has a first frame portion configured to sit on a base of a vehicle seat and demountably receive a machine. A second portion of frame is coupled with and extends substantially upright from the first portion. The second portion is adjacent and bears against a back of the seat. Extending across the second portion from side to side is a lateral frame element. The lateral frame element enables the frame to be secured on and to the seat by way of a conventional seat belt. The frame also includes a pivoting support shown in this embodiment as a tray for supporting a box of capsules which are dispensed by the machine.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Raindance Systems Pty Ltd.Inventor: Robert Andrew Stevenson
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Patent number: 9550570Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for supplying, generating, conserving, and managing oxygen that is ideally suited for use on-board an aircraft for supply of breathable oxygen to passengers and flight crew. The system includes several components that together optimize oxygen utilization while reducing costs from maintenance and added weight of traditional pressurized gaseous cylinders. Components of the system include a pressurized cylinder of oxygen enriched gas or a chemical oxygen generator for rapid use in emergency situations, an on-board oxygen generator (OBOG) of the ceramic oxygen generator (COG) type incorporating solid electrolyte oxygen separation (SEOS) technology, a controller, a pulsed oxygen supplier, a crew/passenger breathing mask, and one or more sensors including sensors that detect inhale/exhale phases and communicate with the controller so that flow of oxygen may be regulated for conservation and to adapt to physiological needs.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Girish S. Kshirsagar, Detlev Degenhardt, Ashraf Sherif
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Patent number: 9550571Abstract: An accessible storage, rest, or work accommodation for an aircraft having a passenger cabin with a ceiling and a crown space above the ceiling, comprising: (a) a compartment in the crown space having at least one bunk; (b) an aperture in the passenger cabin ceiling, connecting the compartment to the passenger cabin; (c) a landing positioned below a floor of the compartment, below at least a portion of the aperture, inside the passenger cabin module; and (d) stairs or a ladder leading from the landing to a floor of the passenger cabin.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Kim G. Ohlmann, Gregory J. Oakes, Anthony A. Harrington, Michael J. Olliges
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Patent number: 9550572Abstract: A device for separating two zones of a passenger cabin including a frame element and an area element which is fastened to said frame element and includes, at least in certain sections, a flexible stretch material. The separating device is detachably fastenable in such a way to a passenger seat installed in the passenger cabin, that the area element extends substantially in one plane with a backrest of the passenger seat and that the section of the area element which includes of a flexible material is transferrable from a non-tensioned physical state into a flexibly stretched physical state in the event of the backrest of the passenger seat being adjusted from an upright position into a reclined position.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Soenke Jacobsen, Monika Michel
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Patent number: 9550573Abstract: An aircraft cabin (26) has a plurality of seat units (10) including first (10) and second (12) seat units in a first row (22) and a third seat unit (14) in a second row (24). The first and second seat units (10, 12) are separated by an aisle (38). The seats all face in the same direction (31), said direction (31) being inclined to the longitudinal axis (30) by a seat offset angle (S?), and are configurable between a bed mode and a seat mode. A console (20a) of the first seat unit (10) is directly adjacent to the aisle (38) and accommodates a foot-well (40) for use by a passenger in the seat (18c) of the third seat unit (14). At least a part of the console (20a) of the first seat unit (10), in a region no higher than a first distance from the floor, extends further into the aisle (38) than the rest of the first seat unit (10) in a region higher than the first distance from the floor.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Zodiac Seats UK LimitedInventors: Ali Ersan, Richard Nicholas, John McKeever
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Patent number: 9550574Abstract: A ventilation system for ventilating a passenger compartment of an aircraft is disclosed herein. The ventilation system includes, but is not limited to, a nozzle that is adapted to be mounted proximate an interior of the aircraft and that is configured to direct a stream of air into the passenger compartment. The ventilation system further includes a valve that is spaced apart from the nozzle and positioned upstream of the nozzle, the valve configured to control a flow of air to the nozzle. The ventilation system still further includes a conduit that fluidly couples the valve to the nozzle. The conduit is configured to convey the flow of air from the valve to the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2011Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace CorporationInventors: Allen Davis, Kristopher Lynch, Adam White, J. R. Grovenstein
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Patent number: 9550575Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for supplying and managing oxygen suited for use on-board an aircraft for providing breathable oxygen to pilots and cockpit crew. Components of the system work together to optimize oxygen utilization while reducing costs from maintenance and added weight of traditional pressurized gaseous cylinders. Components include a rapid oxygen supply for immediate use in emergency situations, an on-board oxygen generator (OBOG), a controller, a pulsed oxygen delivery subsystem that detects inhale/exhale phases and adapts to physiological requirements, and a breathing mask for each pilot and cockpit crew member.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Girish S. Kshirsagar, Detlev Degenhardt, Ashraf Sherif
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Patent number: 9550577Abstract: This disclosure describes a system and method for operating an automated aerial vehicle wherein the battery life may be extended by performing one or more electricity generation procedures on the way to a destination (e.g., a delivery location for an item). In various implementations, the electricity generation procedure may include utilizing an airflow to rotate one or more of the propellers of the automated aerial vehicle so that the associated propeller motors will generate electricity (e.g., which can be utilized to recharge the battery, power one or more sensors of the automated aerial vehicle, etc.). In various implementations, the airflow may consist of a wind, or may be created by the kinetic energy of the automated aerial vehicle as it moves through the air (e.g., as part of a normal flight path and/or as part of an aerial maneuver).Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brian C. Beckman, Amir Navot, Daniel Buchmueller, Gur Kimchi, Fabian Hensel, Scott A. Green, Brandon William Porter, Severan Sylvain Jean-Michel Rault
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Patent number: 9550578Abstract: A system and method are provided for programming a flight management system in response to a voice input. The voice input is validated (the pilot spoken vocabulary is thereby filtered (e.g., adapted) to improve recognition accuracy and reduce false positives) by comparing the current operational state of the aircraft (for example, climb, level flight, descent, speed, altitude, and heading), operation validities and availabilities (for example, operations allowed and not allowed) based on the flight management system planned and predicted lateral and vertical trajectory of the flight route (flight plan) from origin/present position to destination, and the requested action being taken.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Sue McCullough, Mahesh Sivaratri
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Patent number: 9550579Abstract: Method of estimation of the speed of an aircraft relative to the surrounding air, in a reference frame tied to the aircraft estimates an estimated static pressure on the basis of measurements of geographical altitude. The process then estimates a first intermediate variation of the speed of the aircraft relative to the surrounding air using explicitly the fact that the pressure measured by the static probe is falsified by a known quantity under the effect of the speed of the aircraft relative to the surrounding air. Finally, temporal integration of the first intermediate variation of the speed of the aircraft relative to the surrounding air provides an estimated speed of the aircraft relative to the surrounding air.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: ThalesInventors: Christian Mehlen, Jacques Coatantiec
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Patent number: 9550580Abstract: This description relates to a strapped windshield assembly for a rotorcraft. In some implementations, the rotorcraft includes an airframe, a windshield, and a plurality of independent straps connected to the airframe and the windshield, the straps operative to move independently with respect to one another. The independent movement of the straps allow relative movement of portions of the windshield in response to a strike. In some implementations, the straps are spaced every 4-6 inches along an edge of the windshield. In some implementations, the straps are over an edge of the windshield. The straps can have a modulus of elasticity of 8-12 millions of pounds per square inch (MSI). The windshield can include polycarbonate material.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.Inventors: William Sumner, Tim Reed, Chris Rowe, Lawrence Lee, Glen Rivers, Robert Harmon, Jeremy Schadler, Lewis Neal
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Patent number: 9550581Abstract: A protective cover for an aircraft engine comprises a lower portion mountable to a corresponding lower portion of an opening of the engine, and an upper portion articulated to the lower portion. The upper portion is deployable from a collapsed position to a deployed position in which the upper portion extends upwardly from the lower portion. A handling tool may be used to operate the panel from a remote location on the ground.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventor: Carlos Adelino Marques Santos Loureiro
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Patent number: 9550582Abstract: A multi-zone battery station is provided, comprising a plurality of landing areas configured to support a UAV. The battery station may permit battery life to be reloaded onto a UAV, which may include recharging a battery of the UAV or exchanging the UAV battery for a new battery. The different zones may accommodate different UAV types, different battery types, or operate in accordance with different energy provision rules. A marker may be provided on a landing area to aid in guiding the UAV to an appropriate landing area.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTDInventor: Mingyu Wang
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Patent number: 9550583Abstract: A remote computing system is described that includes at least one processor and at least one module. The at least one module is operable by the at least one processor to receive first operational data collected by a first line-replaceable-unit of a first aircraft during flight operations of the first aircraft, and receive second operational data collected by at least one second line-replaceable-unit of at least one second aircraft during flight operations of the at least one second aircraft. The at least one module is further operable by the at least one processor to predict, based at least in part on the first operational data and the second operational data, a failure condition associated with the first line-replaceable-unit of the first aircraft, and output, based on the impending failure condition, an indication of the predicted failure condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Roland Szeto
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Patent number: 9550584Abstract: A deployable thin membrane apparatus for use with a spacecraft is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible membrane structure and a deployment mechanism for transitioning the membrane structure from an undeployed state towards a deployed state in which the membrane can perform a function needed by a spacecraft. In one embodiment, the deployment mechanism includes a plurality of pantographs that each engage the membrane structure, a rotatable disk structure that engages and coordinates the transition of the pantographs from an undeployed state towards a deployed state, and a spring system for providing energy that is used to rotate the disk structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: MMA Design, LLCInventors: Thomas Jeffrey Harvey, Shane Eric Stamm
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Patent number: 9550585Abstract: Techniques for deorbiting a satellite include executing an orbit transfer maneuver that transfers the satellite from an operational orbit to an interim orbit. The operational orbit is substantially geosynchronous and has (i) an inclination of greater than 70 degrees; (ii) a nominal eccentricity in the range of 0.25 to 0.5; (iii) an argument of perigee of approximately 90 or approximately 270 degrees; (iv) a right ascension of ascending node of approximately 0; and (v) an operational orbit apogee altitude. The interim orbit has an initial second apogee altitude that is at least 4500 km higher than the first apogee altitude, and the interim orbit naturally decays, subsequent to the orbit transfer maneuver, such that the satellite will reenter Earth's atmosphere no longer than 25 years after completion of the orbit transfer maneuver.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, LLCInventor: Andrew E. Turner
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Patent number: 9550586Abstract: An apparatus and method for mitigating the shock front of a rocket or aerospace plane flying at hypersonic speeds while simultaneously distilling liquid chemical elements from the ambient air. The ensuing supercool/chilled air that is rendered as a consequence of supercooling may hence be compressed, regeneratively intercooled & flashed into liquid air. By means of extension, liquid air may be rendered as a direct result of said supercooling throughout the hypersonic regime into space. Also described are the details of an isentropically expanded hypersonic stochastic switch (a singularity), which is mainly achieved via the addition of a high pressure supersonic isentropic expansion nozzle whereby a continuous flow continuum is transformed into a stochastic flux.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventor: Charl E. Janeke
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Patent number: 9550587Abstract: The invention relates to a process for packaging polycrystalline silicon in the form of chunks, including the following steps: (a) providing polycrystalline silicon in a metering system; (b) filling polycrystalline silicon from the metering system, which removes fines by use of screening, into a plastic bag arranged below the metering system. The weight of the plastic bag with the polycrystalline silicon introduced is determined during the filling step and the filling step is ended after the attainment of a target weight. A fall height of the polycrystalline silicon from the metering system into the plastic bag is kept at less than 450 mm by use of at least one clamp apparatus over the entire filling step.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Wacker Chemie AGInventors: Werner Lazarus, Christian Fraunhofer, Herbert Schmoelz, Matthias Vietz
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Patent number: 9550588Abstract: A welding device for the sealing welding of thermopolastic hoses (184), includes a clamping device (12) with at least two clamping jaws (122, 124), of which at least one is movable and between which a hose (184) which is to be welded can be clamped, wherein the clamping device (12) has a heating devices (38; 40; 64) which is coupled to a control unit (30) and is configured to heat the hose clamped between the clamping jaws (122, 124). The invention is distinguished in that the at least one movable clamping jaw (122) is actuable with a controllable, bidirectional actuator (32, 34; 42-52; 54, 56, 58) which is coupled to the control unit (30) in such a manner that the clamping pressure acting on the hose (184) can be adjusted independently of the heating device.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Sartorius Lab Instruments GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Michael Mueller, Swen Weitemeier, Steffen Strietzel
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Patent number: 9550589Abstract: A method for fastening a paper product roll entity to a pallet by continuous plastic foil. The pallet has a cross direction and a longitudinal direction. A first sequence is repeated at least once. The first sequence includes wrapping the paper product roll entity such that a first continuous foil unwound from a foil head travels over the paper product roll entity and under the pallet, and moving in a cross direction a head of the foil or the pallet having the paper product roll entity on its substantially horizontal plane. After the first sequence, a second sequence is repeated at least once. The second sequence includes wrapping a second continuous foil spirally around the paper product roll entity.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignees: UPM RAFLATAC OY, OCTOMECA OYInventors: Juha Jäppi, Matti Haloila
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Patent number: 9550590Abstract: A hand held tool for the tensioning and severing of cable ties, including reciprocating means for tensioning the cable tie tail, locking means to prevent further tensioning upon the attainment of a preselected tension level in the tie tail, and severing means to sever the tie tail from the cable tie head.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Hellermann Tyton CorporationInventor: Edward P. Dyer
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Patent number: 9550591Abstract: A method for producing multipacks of containers includes placing adhesive spots on surfaces of the containers. At least two kinds of adhesives are used, both of which plastic melt adhesives that melt as a result of exposure to heat and that develop cohesion after cooling. After placing the adhesive spots, the containers are connected to each other using the adhesive spots so as to form a multipack.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: KHS GmbHInventors: Thomas Jöhren, Jörg Koppers, Thomas Nitsch, Volker Zahn, Wilko Flügge, Tobias Böddeker
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Patent number: 9550592Abstract: A method for moving a packed column section about a remote manufacturing yard is provided. In one embodiment, the packed column section can include a first course, a second course, packing disposed within the first course and second course, and a plurality of distributors. The method can include the steps of placing the packed column section on top of a movable platform, the movable platform configured to support and distribute the weight of the packed column section; and moving the packed column section from a first point to a second point, the second point being in an open area adapted for stacking a plurality of packed column sections on top of each other to form a column.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: L'Air Liquide Société Anonyme Pour L'Étude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Claude Granger, Jean Roy, Sylvain Made
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Patent number: 9550593Abstract: A scaffolding assembly configured for use with an assembly table is provided. In one embodiment, the scaffolding assembly can include an inner scaffolding and an outer scaffolding, wherein the inner scaffolding and the outer scaffolding each include: a plurality of main posts having a lower end and an upper end; an extendible arm connected to each of the main posts, wherein the extendible arm is configured to extend substantially perpendicular from the main post; and a tertiary scaffolding support connected to the extendible arm and the main post, the tertiary support configured to transfer at least some of the force from the extendible arm to the main post, wherein the scaffolding assembly is configured to attach to the assembly table, such that the scaffolding assembly receives support from the assembly table.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: L'Air Liquide Société Anonyme Pour L'Étude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Claude Granger, Jean Roy
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Patent number: 9550594Abstract: A green waste bundling device is configured to compactly bundle tree branches, tree limbs, and other yard debris. The bundling device has a frame and a bundling assembly attached to the frame. The frame includes a generally U-shaped interior portion configured for receipt of yard debris. The bundling assembly includes a winch and a strap, with the strap configured to span the interior portion of the frame. The strap has a retainer element removably securable to a securing eye on the frame. The winch may be manually operated using a handle or electrically operated using a remote control.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventor: Edgar Duane Snapp