Patents Issued in April 18, 2017
  • Patent number: 9623950
    Abstract: A fuel tank and a differential frame in a fuselage airframe of a helicopter, the fuel tank being installed between the fuselage lower cover shell and the floor panel. The differential frame separates the fuel tank into two individual compartments, the differential frame having a web below the floor panel with a variable-height with a minimum height at the symmetry axis of the fuselage cross-section and a maximum height at lateral frame roots regions. A transversal beam is attached at each of its both ends to the differential frame bridging the entire variable-height of the differential frame and the fuel tank with two front and rear fuel bladders covering both individual tank compartments with a middle bladder installed between the transversal beam and the variable-height web of the differential frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Axel Fink, Andreas Rack, Philipp Hoefer
  • Patent number: 9623951
    Abstract: A method of forming a heating element includes depositing a conductive ink of silver particles in an epoxy resin on a dielectric film to create a conductive circuit, and heat curing the conductive circuit to achieve a resistivity of the heating element less than 1.68×10?6 ohm·meter. An aircraft heated floor panel includes at least one floor panel of an aircraft includes a conductive circuit positioned within the floor panel having a conductive ink of silver particles in an epoxy resin on a dielectric film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Jin Hu, Richard R. Hamm, Kevin E. Roach
  • Patent number: 9623952
    Abstract: Acoustic liners for aircraft noise reduction include one or more chambers that are configured to provide a pressure-release surface such that the engine noise generation process is inhibited and/or absorb sound by converting the sound into heat energy. The size and shape of the chambers can be selected to inhibit the noise generation process and/or absorb sound at selected frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
    Inventors: Michael G. Jones, Russell H. Thomas, Douglas M. Nark, Brian M. Howerton, Michael J. Czech
  • Patent number: 9623954
    Abstract: The present invention is a variable geometry lighter-than-air (LTA) aircraft that is adapted to morph its shape from a symmetric cross-section buoyant craft to an asymmetric lifting body and even to a symmetric zero lift configuration. The basic structure is a semi rigid airship with movable longerons. Movement of the longerons adjusts the camber of the upper and/or lower surfaces to achieve varying shapes of the lifting-body. This transformation changes both the lift and drag characteristics of the craft to alter the flight characteristics. The transformation may be accomplished while the craft is airborne and does not require any ground support equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Hyalta Aeronautices, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott R. Kempshall
  • Patent number: 9623955
    Abstract: A composite reinforcement component for an aircraft or spacecraft, including a first element assembly aligned in a first extension plane, and a second element assembly aligned in a second, perpendicular, extension plane, the second element assembly intersecting the first element assembly at an intersection of the first and second extension planes. The first and second element assembly each have a pair of staggered comb components. Each comb component includes a base and a plurality of rectangular protrusions extending coplanar from the extension planes of the respective element assembly. The rectangular protrusions form comb teeth of one comb component which are overlapping with comb teeth of the other comb component of the pairs of comb components. The comb teeth of the first element assembly are offset along the intersection by a single comb tooth width with respect to the comb teeth of the second element assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Trautmann, Oliver Seack
  • Patent number: 9623956
    Abstract: A high-lift device of a flight vehicle includes: a flap main body provided at a trailing edge portion of a main wing of the flight vehicle so as to be extracted from and be retracted in the trailing edge portion and extending in a wing span direction of the main wing; and a vortex suppressing portion provided at a tip end portion of the flap main body in a wing span direction of the flap main body and configured to suppress a vortex rolling up from a lower surface of a tip end portion of the flap main body to an upper surface of the tip end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignees: THE SOCIETY OF JAPANESE AEROSPACE COMPANIES, KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuhide Isotani, Kenji Hayama
  • Patent number: 9623957
    Abstract: A torque tube door and related method steps may include a door coupled to an inboard wing flap, such that the door is movable with the flap to selectively cover and uncover a torque tube opening in an aircraft fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Mark Bleazard
  • Patent number: 9623958
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for controlling an aircraft propeller system during thrust reversal, wherein it is checked whether each power plant is ready for the transition to negative pitch, and where the propellers transition to negative pitch is controlled from a flight control system, such as only when both power plants are ready for the transition to negative pitch, the flight control system instructs the aircraft propeller system to reverse thrust. If a power plant failure is detected before a reversal order is received, then the flight control system is informed of that failure condition, and then the flight control system will disable the thrust reversal operation as long as the failure condition remains. The method of the invention improves the aircraft controllability during landing operations, reduces pilot workload, and improves passenger comfort during landing and taxing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Martin Moreno, Eva Carlon Ortiz, Manuel Silvestre Salas, Vincent Lamonzie
  • Patent number: 9623959
    Abstract: An aircraft having an aircraft fuselage that has an outer skin includes an air sucking fuselage component with an outer surface that is perforated at least in some regions, and a suction profile body. The suction profile body is arranged on the outer skin, forms a local bulge in the outer skin, and further includes a suction opening that is arranged at a location at which there is the lowest pressure, for example at a position furthest away from the outer skin. The suction opening is connected to a suction connection of the air sucking fuselage component. In this way laminarization of the flow at the air sucking fuselage component may take place without the use of active air conveying devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Géza Schrauf, Hubert Stuke
  • Patent number: 9623960
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wing for an aircraft. The wing includes a main wing section extending from an inboard end to an outboard end along a lateral axis of the wing, the inboard end for connecting the main wing section to the aircraft. The wing also includes a wing tip having a proximal end and a distal end, the wing tip being rotatably mounted at the proximal end to the outboard end of the main wing section and arranged to freely rotate about a wing tip rotational center with respect to the main wing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Gabor Devenyi
  • Patent number: 9623961
    Abstract: An aircraft assembly including a first part having a pin and a second part having a hook that is movable in an engagement plane to engage the pin to hold the first part in a condition relative to the second part. The pin has a prominent central portion and one or more axially spaced outer portions, the prominent portion is prominent with respect to the outer portions in the engagement plane to cause contact to be made between the hook and the pin within the central portion of the pin, rather than the outer portions of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Safran Landing Systems UK Ltd
    Inventors: Lee Richard Williams, Benjamin Graeme Derek Clark, Alan Christopher Kendall, Mark Benjamin Collins
  • Patent number: 9623962
    Abstract: Active vibration control systems (100) and methods are provided herein. Systems (100) are expandable and include a plurality of vibration control devices (110) and at least a first controller (102) digitally linked with a second controller (104) via an interface (108). The first and the second controllers exchange information for generation of a force control command (FCC) either the first or second controller. The FCC is then executed at a first vibration control device (110) of the plurality of vibration control devices (FG) for providing active vibration control within a vehicle. A method of providing vibration control in a vehicle includes providing a plurality of active vibration control devices (100) and providing at least a first controller (102) digitally linked with a second controller (104). The method further includes generating a FCC using information exchanged between the first and the second controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: LORD Corporation
    Inventors: Doug A. Swanson, David W. Edeal, Douglas G. Pedersen, David Clark
  • Patent number: 9623963
    Abstract: A partly cruciform flexbeam (1) of a bearingless main rotor system of a helicopter with a hub drive and an airfoil blade. The partly cruciform flexbeam (1) comprises a flexbeam head (2) with a flat bearing laminate at one end, a root end (3) opposed to said flexbeam head (2) and a flexbeam body (6) between said flexbeam head (2) and said root end (3), said flexbeam body (6) being torsion soft with a substantially cruciform cross section. The invention is as well related to a method of manufacturing such a partly cruciform flexbeam (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Gerald Kuntze-Fechner, Martin Ortner
  • Patent number: 9623964
    Abstract: A rotor system includes a first rotor located at a rotor axis that imparts a first axial load and a first moment, and a first shaft connected to the first rotor at the axis. A first bearing connects a gearbox to the first shaft, transferring the first axial load from the first shaft to the gearbox. A second rotor located at the axis imparts a second axial load and a second moment. A second shaft is connected to the second rotor at the axis, the second shaft coaxial with the first rotor. A second bearing connects the gearbox to the second shaft, transferring the second axial load from the second shaft to the gearbox. A nonrotating standpipe is located at the axis radially between the first shaft and the second shaft. An intershaft bearing located at the standpipe reacts the first and second moments using the first and second bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bryan Kenneth Baskin, Kendall Wedman, Todd A. Garcia, Charles Duello
  • Patent number: 9623965
    Abstract: A rotorcraft having at least one stabilizer device of the tail plane and/or of the tail fin type. At least one stabilizer device is a variable wing area stabilizer device comprising an airfoil member provided with a stationary airfoil surface and a movable airfoil surface. A control system is connected to a mover system for moving the movable airfoil surface in translation between a refracted position for occupying when the rotorcraft has a forward speed less than a first speed threshold, and an extended position for occupying when the rotorcraft has a forward air speed greater than a second speed threshold greater than the first speed threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventor: Paul Eglin
  • Patent number: 9623966
    Abstract: The rotorcraft may include an airframe, at least one engine connected to the airframe, and a rotor connected to the airframe. The rotor may include a hub, a rotor blade, and a feathering spindle connected to the hub. The rotor blade may have a root and a tip and form a conduit extending in the radial direction from the root to the tip. The root may comprise a wall forming a hollow circular cylinder. The hollow circular cylinder may form a portion of the conduit. A plurality of bolts may be distributed circumferential within the wall of the root. The plurality of bolts may extend in the radial direction from the wall of the root to secure the rotor blade to the feathering spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Groen Aeronautics Corporation
    Inventor: Jacob Johannes van der Westhuizen
  • Patent number: 9623967
    Abstract: The invention is directed toward a UAV having a plurality of rotors position on axles extending longitudinally from a fuselage. The axles articulate the rotors from a vertical position, where the rotors provide lift, to a horizontal position, where the rotors provide thrust. The UAV is configured such that the voltage provided to each rotor may be varied to adjust rotor speed, and thus thrust, independently, giving the UAV enhanced maneuverability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Brad Mallard
  • Patent number: 9623968
    Abstract: An unmanned air-ground vehicle is provided. The unmanned air-ground vehicle includes a frame having a center portion connecting two substantially parallel transversely spaced apart track supports. Tracks that generally form loops are disposed about the track supports. Track drive motors are connected to the frame and configured to propel the tracks about the track supports. A plurality of propellers, each having propeller drive motors, are attached to the frame and disposed within the loops formed by the tracks. The tracks are configured to propel the vehicle in a ground mode while the propellers are configured to propel the vehicle in a flying mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Jon Rimanelli
  • Patent number: 9623969
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can operate both as a conventional multicopter with no wing attached, or, it can operate as a winged multicopter. The detachable wing design used in the invention provides versatility without compromising performance; the wing attachment receptacles add no weight to the wingless multicopter configuration because they also function as the leg receptacles. In one embodiment, the base multicopter configuration is a quad-copter with four propeller drives. Four tubular receptacles, two forward and two aft, provide attachment points for the vertical struts of a detachable rectangular shaped wing, these vertical struts also function as the legs of the multicopter. The wing is fabricated using lightweight struts and rip stop nylon fabric which can be easily folded into a compact shape using quick release pins. In another embodiment, the wing is fabricated using a foam core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Brian Dale Nelson
  • Patent number: 9623970
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are disclosed relating to maintaining an outer mold line of a vehicle after a payload is deployed from the vehicle, and providing a low-force non-frangible method of deploying a payload from a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: John Michael Mern, Jacob R. Irwin
  • Patent number: 9623971
    Abstract: A support for portable electronic devices increases passenger convenience and comfort. The support may comprise an elongated cavity or slot configured to accept one or more portable electronic devices. The portable electronic devices may be held at various viewing angles relative to the passenger. In some embodiments, the support may be rotatable. In this manner, a passenger may be permitted to adjust the angle at which his or her portable electronic device is positioned. Likewise, an operator or the like may rotate the support for cleaning or other maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: SmartTray International, LLC
    Inventor: Nick Pajic
  • Patent number: 9623972
    Abstract: An arm rest assembly that includes a thermoplastic arm rest body that defines an internal cavity and a support structure disposed within the internal cavity. The support structure is chemically compatible with the thermoplastic arm rest body such that a homogeneous chemical bond is formed between the support structure and the thermoplastic arm rest body. An arm rest cover is coupled to the arm rest body such that the internal cavity is enclosed by the arm rest body and the arm rest cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Reliant Worldwide Plastics, LLC
    Inventor: William H. Maslakow
  • Patent number: 9623973
    Abstract: A system is provided for cooling a heat-dissipating device in a vehicle with a fuselage, a passenger cabin, and a region pneumatically communicating with the previously mentioned, which region is situated outside the passenger cabin. At least one heat exchanger is provided for transferring heat of the heat-dissipating device to air, and at least one air conveying device for conveying air through the heat exchanger. The air conveying device is designed to convey air from the passenger cabin to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is designed to subject the inflowing air to heat of the heat-dissipating device and to dissipate it to the region situated outside the passenger cabin, thus inducing mixing of the air that has been subjected to heat with the air present in the outside region, and inducing a return flow from the outside region to the passenger cabin by way of their pneumatic connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventor: Baker Al-Ali
  • Patent number: 9623974
    Abstract: An environmental control system including a turbomachine assembly having a shaft, motor, turbine and compressor, the compressor outputting a compressed air stream, a first valve that splits the compressed air stream into first and second compressed air streams, a heat exchanger to cool the first compressed air stream and output a cooled air stream, a second valve positioned to receive the cooled air stream and split the cooled air stream into first and second cooled air streams, wherein the first cooled stream is expanded in the turbine to produce an expanded air stream that is combined with the second compressed air stream and the second cooled air stream to provide a combined air stream having a temperature and a flow rate, and a controller that communicates control signals to the compressor, motor and first and second valves to control the temperature and flow rate of the combined air stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Andrew T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9623975
    Abstract: A low profile pass-through electrical connector is designed for aerospace applications. The connector allows voltage and current to pass-thru a conductive wing surface, while maintaining a low profile height for aerodynamic performance considerations. Examples of applications of the electrical connector include power for thin film heaters and communication antennae applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Brett Burton, Andrew Cox, Darren Wolfe
  • Patent number: 9623976
    Abstract: Nacelle air management systems for a high bypass ratio engine are provided. The nacelles air management systems may include an outer cowl and an inner cowl that are configured to provide dual bypass flow channels around an engine core. These systems may be employed to accommodate larger engine fans. The nacelle air management system may also include one or more blocker doors are configured to at least partial obstruct and/or direct air from the dual bypass flow channels to create reverse thrust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman J. James, Keith Ritchie, Thomas W. Scott
  • Patent number: 9623977
    Abstract: A hybrid structure comprises a metallic built-up sandwich structure, and a monolithic superplastic formed and diffusion bonded structure joined to the built-up sandwich structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Max R. Runyan, Daniel G. Sanders, Jack W. Mauldin, Brent C. Ludwig, John M. Comfort, Larry D. Hefti, Jason F. Joel
  • Patent number: 9623978
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing predefined desired drive characteristics (38, 50) in an aircraft, characterized by the following steps: —driving a thrust generation element of the aircraft by means of an electric motor that has actual drive characteristics (34) which include at least some of the desired drive characteristics (38, 50) but are also partly different therefrom; and—having a control device adjust operating points of the electric motor exclusively according to the desired drive characteristics (38, 50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Frank Anton, Swen Gediga, Johannes Wollenberg
  • Patent number: 9623979
    Abstract: An aircraft nacelle comprising an air intake configured to channel an air flow in the direction of an engine assembly which comprises a fan with an axis of rotation, said air intake comprising, according to a flow direction of the air flow, a lip with a leading edge and an internal conduit which extends said lip towards the fan, wherein the air intake comprises a plurality of protrusions distributed over the circumference of the air intake and following each protrusion, a concave form configured in order to achieve compression of the air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventor: Francois Rouyre
  • Patent number: 9623980
    Abstract: A fuel storage device (10) having at least one tank (15), the tank (15) having a casing (20) extending upwards from a bottom (21) to a top wall (22). The storage device (10) is provided with at least one inflatable bag (25) arranged inside said casing, said device including inflation/deflation means (35) for inflating each inflatable bag (25) at least in part so as to reach an inflated volume prior to filling the tank, and for deflating said inflatable bag after filling in order to guarantee the presence of an expansion volume inside said tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventors: Roland Meillat, Stephane Mougin
  • Patent number: 9623981
    Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank ullage gas management system is disclosed. The system includes an electrochemical cell having a membrane electrode assembly that includes a cathode and anode separated by an electrolyte separator. A cathode fluid flow path is in fluid communication with the cathode, and receives the flow of cabin air from the cabin air fluid flow path and discharges nitrogen-enriched air. An anode fluid flow path is in fluid communication with the anode, and discharges oxygen or oxygen-enriched air. The electrochemical cell also includes water in fluid communication with the anode. The system includes an electrical power source and electrical connections to the anode and cathode for providing an electric potential difference between the anode and cathode. An ullage flow path receives nitrogen-enriched air from the cathode fluid flow path and delivers it to the fuel tank. An optional flow path delivers humidified oxygen-enriched air back to the cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Mason Darling, Michael L. Perry
  • Patent number: 9623982
    Abstract: An on-board aircraft nitrogen enriched air and cooling fluid generation system and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a first heat exchanger which is configured to receive pressurized air from a source of pressurized air. Further, the first heat exchanger cools the pressurized air to a temperature in the range of ?120° C. to ?70° C. Furthermore, the system includes a separation unit is configured and dimensioned to communicate with the first heat exchanger. The separation unit generates nitrogen enriched air from the cooled air at the temperature range of ?120° C. and ?70° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS GROUP INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED
    Inventor: Anurag Sharma
  • Patent number: 9623983
    Abstract: A system for monitoring an aircraft interior may include a multiplicity of sensors each placed at a selected location of a plurality of locations within the aircraft interior. Each sensor is configured to monitor a condition in an associated area of the aircraft interior. The system may also include a server onboard the aircraft. The onboard server is configured to receive data from each of the multiplicity of sensors and to control operation of each of the multiplicity of sensors. The system may also include a router onboard the aircraft. The onboard router is configured to communicate with a router off-board the aircraft and to transfer data from the onboard server to the off-board router. The off-board router is associated with a ground monitoring facility that is configured to analyze data from each of the multiplicity of sensors, check or compare the data to reference data and depending upon any levels being exceeded an appropriate alert may be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Anil Kumar, Gerald D. Lui-Kwan
  • Patent number: 9623984
    Abstract: A method for producing a surface structure with a lightning strike protective system involves providing a support structure based on a fiber-reinforced composite material. At least one arrangement of a lightning strike protective material made from or with a conductive material is applied onto the support structure so that the lightning strike protective material arrangement adheres to the support structure in such a way that it is held securely in its position. A cover material is applied in such a way that it embeds the at least one arrangement of a lightning strike protective material that is held securely in its position on the support structure, and the cover material is solidified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Steinwandel, Martin Englhart, Dietrich P. Jonke, Helmut Piringer, Wilhelm Wulbrand
  • Patent number: 9623985
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for mounting an object are provided. The apparatus includes a clamp configured to attach to a strut, and a bracket coupled to the clamp. The bracket includes a first arm having a first end disposed proximal to the clamp and a second end disposed distal to the clamp, and a second arm having a first end disposed proximal to the clamp and coupled to the object, and a second end coupled to the second end of the first arm. The second arm is positioned between the first arm and the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: ADI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Earl Owen
  • Patent number: 9623986
    Abstract: An aircraft passenger boarding system is provided for aircraft equipped for pilot-controllable engines-off taxi that enables a pilot to drive the aircraft without engines in a forward direction into and out of an optimum parallel or angled gate parking orientation that permits terminal connections to both forward and aft doors on a terminal-facing side of the aircraft. Selected defined classes of passengers board the aircraft separately, through a designated loading bridge connected to a forward door or through a designated loading bridge connected to an aft door, to be seated in a designated front or rear aircraft section. An airline may flexibly allocate variably sized sections of the aircraft interior for each defined class, depending on the relative numbers of passengers in each class. Airport terminal interior gate space may be used to separate passenger classes as required for separate boarding through a forward door or an aft door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Borealis Technical Limited
    Inventors: Joseph J. Cox, Isaiah W. Cox
  • Patent number: 9623987
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning stringers. A tool comprises an index feature, a body, a number of legs, and a biasing member. The index feature indicates a centerline of an enclosure. The body has a longitudinal axis running substantially parallel to the centerline of the enclosure. The number of legs is moveably associated with the body. The biasing member contacts the body. The biasing member biases the number of legs towards a selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Mohammed A. Alhussaini, Paul Ronald Gehlsen
  • Patent number: 9623988
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for producing at extremely high production speeds small pouches filled with tobacco or other granular, powdered or solid content. An endless web substrate, with or without flavor film thereon, is formed into a tubular shape with a longitudinal seam. The tube is cut to individual lengths, and a procession of tubes is crimp-closed at one end, filled and crimp-closed at the other end to complete pouch production. During production, the seams formed at the crimped ends of the pouch are parallel to one another and the longitudinal seam of the pouch is midway between the sides of the pouch and orthogonal to the seams formed at the crimped ends of the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Martin T. Garthaffner, Dwight D. Williams, Jeremy J. Straight, David J. Webb, Carl G. Miller
  • Patent number: 9623989
    Abstract: A method of bundling primary packages of absorbent articles into secondary packages includes advancing first and second films in a stretched state in a machine direction. At least two primary packages of absorbent articles are advanced in the machine direction between the first and second films. The primary packages are compressed in a first direction, wherein the first direction is orthogonal to the machine direction. The primary packages are advanced in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite the machine direction. The first and second films are bonded together to form a bonded region. The first and second films compress the primary packages of absorbent articles in the first direction, forming a secondary package around the primary packages of absorbent articles. The bonded region is cut to form a first bond on a first secondary package and a second bond on a second secondary package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Franz Loevenich
  • Patent number: 9623990
    Abstract: Machine for applying threaded caps to containers, comprising: gripping means configured to hold the respective containers, at least one screwing head including a respective gripping member configured to hold a respective cap; at least one electric motor associated with said screwing head and configured to control a rotational movement of said gripping member about a longitudinal axis and a translational movement of said gripping member along said longitudinal axis, the translational movement and the rotational movement being synchronized with each other so as to move said gripping member along a screwing path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Arol S.p.A.
    Inventor: Sergio Cirio
  • Patent number: 9623991
    Abstract: Automatic packing machine for thin or small workpieces can include a supporting plate, a transferring belt, a cutting assembly, a vacuum-lifting assembly, and a packing assembly. The edge of the transferring belt has a plurality of positioning holes and carries the workpieces. The cutting assembly can include a cutting subassembly with a lifting mouth and a positioning subassembly including a rotating drive member and a pulling member. The toothed peripheral edge of the pulling member is driven to rotate by the rotating drive member, thereby the teeth of the pulling member are successively latched into the positioning holes of the transferring belt, and the transferring belt is pulled. The workpieces are successively aligned with the lifting mouth so that the cutting subassembly can cut the workpiece from the transferring belt. The vacuum-lifting assembly lifts and transfers the workpiece to packing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: FUSHIRUI PRECISION INDUSTRY (ZHENGZHOU) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yong-Gang Zhu
  • Patent number: 9623992
    Abstract: A device for the accumulation and release of products arranged within containers comprises a main accumulation unit with a reception opening and a first delivery opening, the containers being guided between the openings. The device is provided with a second accumulation unit operationally in communication with the main unit and having a second delivery opening. The device uses an actuator for selectively moving containers loaded with products from the main accumulation unit to the second unit, in order to selectively by-pass the first delivery opening and enable containers to be unloaded at the second delivery opening provided in the second accumulation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: CT PACK S.R.L.
    Inventors: Daniele Davi, Bruno Alberti, Andrea Querzoli
  • Patent number: 9623993
    Abstract: A taping apparatus includes a support arm movable in a first direction and a second direction. The first direction is opposite the second direction. The taping member is movably connected with the support arm. The taping member is movable in a third direction and a fourth direction. The third direction is opposite the fourth direction. The taping member includes a first guide member, a second guide member, and a cutting member positioned between the first guide member and the second guide member. The support arm is movably connected with a track that is rotatable from a first position to a second position. The taping apparatus is configured to tape containers of various dimensions and orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Franz Loevenich
  • Patent number: 9623994
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hold-down device for use in the packaging industry. For example, the hold-down may be used with an apparatus for manufacturing a package. The hold-down may be configured to retain a packaging structure during the evacuation and/or sealing steps of a packaging process. The hold-down may include an elongate member and an attachment assembly. The elongate member may be configured to pivot and/or rotate about its longitudinal axis in response to a force exerted on the packaging structure during an evacuation and/or sealing step of a packaging process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: COVERIS FLEXIBLES US LLC
    Inventors: David Lee Roberts, Michael J. Douglas
  • Patent number: 9623995
    Abstract: A core pin bag dispenser includes a planar base sized and shaped to fit beneath a roll of film bags. First and second upwardly extending rods are mounted to the base. A retaining pin is sized and shaped to fit slidably within a hollow core of the bag roll. The pin has first and second orthogonal apertures located adjacent the first and second ends that are spaced apart by at least a width of the roll of film bags and are sized and shaped to fit slidably over the first and second upwardly extending rods. An upward pointing snagging hook is mounted adjacent a front edge of the base and is sized and shaped to engage either a chisel cut or a perforation in the bags. Two of the dispensers are mounted to an adapter designed to fit into the side channels of a bin mounted to a vertical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel Brian Tan
  • Patent number: 9623996
    Abstract: A reclosable opening device for a sealed package of a pourable food product includes a frame fitted about a pierceable portion of the package and defining a through pour opening; a removable threaded cap that screws onto the frame to close the pour opening; a tubular cutter engaging the pour opening and having a cutting device which cooperates with the pierceable portion to unseal the package; a first connector connecting the cap to the cutter, and which, as the cap is unscrewed, pushes the cutter towards the pierceable portion and a second connector connecting the frame to the cutter, and which, in use, feed the cutter along a predetermined piercing path through the pierceable portion in response to unscrewing of the cap; and the piercing path, as the cap is unscrewed, has a first portion of pure axial translation, followed by a second portion of both axial and rotary motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Cristiano Casale, Angelo Sorbara
  • Patent number: 9623997
    Abstract: An extensible device supporting a multidimensional sorting method for the concurrent sorting and filling of lightweight materials into plastic bags, with interlocking strip fasteners. The device comprising a planar array of at least one ribbed tubular insert, integrated vertically onto a thin plate, and supported above a work surface. Each ribbed tubular insert having an exterior surface comprising a plurality of ridges and grooves circumscribing the perimeter of the insert about its elongated axis, and containing a smooth-wall hollow core, with a top opening for loading, and a bottom opening for discharging at a distal end. The tongue and groove of the bag strip fastener securely engages with the insert ridges and grooves, thereby allowing the bags and associated fill material to be vertically suspended above the work surface. The array of inserts and bags are labeled similarly to associate the selected sorting criteria with the applicable bag contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Martin Joseph Minasian
  • Patent number: 9623999
    Abstract: Container made of plastic material comprising a body and a petaloid bottom (3) extending the body from a periphery (7), the bottom (3) comprising a bottom wall (4) that is generally convex toward the exterior, from which feet (5) protrude that define vertices (8) jointly forming a seat inscribed within a seating circle having a diameter (B) whose ratio is less than 4:5 with respect to the diameter (A) of the periphery (7), the feet (5) being spaced apart by portions of the bottom wall (4) forming hollow valleys (12) that extend radially from a central zone (6) of the bottom to the periphery (7), each valley (12) comprising two adjacent sections, namely: a central section (17) that extends from the central zone (6) of the bottom (3) to a junction zone (18) situated directly below the seating circle, and which has, in a radial plane, a first radius of curvature (C); a peripheral section (19), which extends from the junction zone (18) to the periphery (7), and which has, in said radial plane, a second radius
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS
    Inventors: Michel Boukobza, Sylvain Meillerais, Laurent Penet
  • Patent number: 9624000
    Abstract: A portable article holding device for catching articles which may fall from a user's hands towards the floor when a user is sitting in a chair, such as a high chair. The device has an open top, and includes a pair of front receptacles configured for operably expanding and contracting into one another, and a pair of arm receptacles, each of which can be operably expanded and contracted into an associated front receptacle. When thus configured, the device can adjustably deploy to create a full receptacle perimeter around users having variable body shapes and sizes. In an example embodiment, the device further includes a pair of arm receptacle subsets which expand and contract to further vary the width of each arm receptacle. When in a retracted position, the device can further include a selectively removable cover sized to close the open top of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventors: Sonya McLaughlin, Brian McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 9624001
    Abstract: Drip collar which includes a tubular sleeve body that is made of a flexible material having an open first end and an open second end, the first end having a surface extending around an entire circumference of the sleeve body that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve body. The first end of the sleeve body further having a drip kerchief contiguous with the surface of the first end, the drip kerchief comprising a folded-over portion (1) extending around the circumference of the first end, and (2) extending from the first end towards the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Kirk Hill