Patents Issued in May 11, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170129552
    Abstract: A strake may direct air around a structure that moves in a forward direction and that has a first side and a second side. The strake may include a first section that may curve inward and rearward around the structure and that may be shaped to direct oncoming air toward the second side. The strake may include a second section that may be positioned further in the forward direction than a portion of the structure and may be shaped to direct oncoming air toward the first or second side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Taeyoung Han, Kuo-Huey Chen, Chih-Hung Yen, Bahram Khalighi
  • Publication number: 20170129553
    Abstract: In the present invention, a crawler belt (10) is provided with: an endless belt main body (11); a plurality of tread lugs (12) formed at the outer periphery of the belt main body (11) with spaces therebetween in the peripheral direction; and a pair of disengagement prevention sections (13) that are formed along the peripheral direction of the belt main body (11) at the inner periphery of the belt main body (11) and are separated in the width direction of the belt main body (11). The disengagement prevention sections (13) are configured from a plurality of rib segments (13a) extending in the peripheral direction and disposed along the peripheral direction with spaces therebetween. Each rib segment (13a) is disposed at a position in the peripheral direction corresponding to a tread lug (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Takuma Akazawa, Seiji Oomura, Shingo Tsukui
  • Publication number: 20170129554
    Abstract: A track cleaning system includes a vehicle that has at least one track. A collection unit is coupled to the at least one track. The collection unit collects debris that collects on the at least one track. The collection unit is electrically coupled to the vehicle. The collection unit is actuated to vibrate. Thus, the collection unit may dislodge the debris from the at least one track thereby inhibiting the debris from impeding performance of the at least one track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventor: Kim Conover
  • Publication number: 20170129555
    Abstract: A track link assembly is disclosed. The track link assembly may have a left link pair having left links. The left links may be disposed in-line with each other and separated by a left link gap. The track link assembly may also have a right link pair having right links. The right links may be disposed in-line with each other and separated by a right link gap. The right link pair may be disposed opposite the left link pair. The track link assembly may have at least one pin configured to pivotably connect the left link pair and the right link pair. The left link gap may be offset from the right link gap relative to an axis of the at least one pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventor: Eric James JOHANNSEN
  • Publication number: 20170129556
    Abstract: A track pin for a track chain assembly includes a body made from a steel alloy. The steel alloy has a composition comprising iron, a nitride-forming element, and silicon. The composition of the steel alloy comprises at least 0.5 percent by weight of silicon. The body includes an external nitrided surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Bierman, Robert Meyer, Zachary S. Birky
  • Publication number: 20170129557
    Abstract: An undercarriage assembly of a work machine includes a drive wheel, front and rear idler wheels and a plurality of supporting mid-rollers. A belt disposed about the drive and idler wheels. A roller frame defines a main pivot axis located between front and rear ends. The front idler wheel is connected to the front end of the track roller frame. A major bogie having a forward bogie arm and a trailing bogie arm pivotably connects to the roller frame. The rear idler wheel connects to the trailing bogie arm. A swing link is pivotably connected to the trailing bogie arm, wherein the rear idler wheel is mounted on the swing link. A hydraulic cylinder connected between the rear end of the track roller frame and the swing link rotates the swing link to maintain desired tension in the track belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventor: Alan Dale Gustafson
  • Publication number: 20170129558
    Abstract: A method for controlling the driving of at least one drive axle on a trailer of a traction vehicle-trailer combination includes determining a target drive power for the drive axle of the trailer as a function of a distribution of contact forces on the trailer or on the traction vehicle, or as a function of a traction drive power for the traction vehicle. The method further includes providing drive control signals for controlling an electrical drive for the drive axle of the trailer. The drive control signals are derived from the determined target drive power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Rainer Gugel, Barbara Böhm, Norbert Fritz, Horst Wiedehage
  • Publication number: 20170129559
    Abstract: A non-driven axle for a vehicle or a trailer is provided. The non-driven axle includes a first arm portion, a second arm portion, and a central portion. The first arm portion is for rotatably mounting a first wheel hub. The second arm portion is for rotatably mounting a second wheel hub. The second arm portion is on an axial end of the central portion opposite the first arm portion. The central portion is between the first arm portion and the second arm portion and may be substantially arch-shaped or substantially ring-shaped. The substantially arch-shaped central portion includes a main portion and a radially inner portion. The substantially ring-shaped central portion includes a main portion and an inner portion. The non-driven axle reduces a weight of a vehicle or trailer while capable of being lifted without interfering with an operation of a drive axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Steven G. Slesinski, Steven J. Wesolowski, James F. Ziech
  • Publication number: 20170129560
    Abstract: A method for assembling an instrument panel to a vehicle chassis is disclosed, as well as a device and a centering bolt used therefor. In particular, a y-z-centering bolt and a z-centering bolt are aligned relative to the individual vehicle center by a device for use as a y-z-positioning gauge and a device for use as a z-positioning gauge and connected with struts. The struts are connected to the vehicle chassis. The fixture device of an instrument panel is aligned and connected with the strut by the y-z-centering bolt and the z-centering bolt. Subsequently, the instrument panel is connected with the fixture device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Michael-Albert RATTLER
  • Publication number: 20170129561
    Abstract: A bicycle saddle includes a seat bladder fastened to a base frame. The seat bladder has one or more cavities that include an internal channel along a portion of the seat bladder's centerline that blocks the flow of fluid from side-to-side along the length of the internal channel. A rear fluid channel allows fluid to flow from side-to-side as the rider's weight shifts from side-to-side during the pedaling cycle. Fluid also flows from side-to-side where the pommel portion flows into the wider seating portion of the set bladder by moving around the forward end of the longitudinal channel. The perimeter of the seat bladder overhangs the perimeter of the base frame by a variable amount throughout the perimeter of the base frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventor: David R. Porter
  • Publication number: 20170129562
    Abstract: A portion of a body cover which is not movable relative to a body frame defines a space to guide air to an air cleaner. When a vehicle is in a condition that the body frame is in an upright state and is viewed from the front in a front-rear direction of the body frame, the space is at least partially situated at least one of above a lower end of an upper cross member in an up-down direction of the body frame, on the left of a left edge of a linkage in a left-right direction of the body frame; and on the right of a right edge of the linkage in the left-right direction of the body frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Nobuhiko HIRAKAWA, Hiroshi SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20170129563
    Abstract: Provided is a method for fastening a separation type tricycle in which a connecting pipe for connecting a front wheel part and a rear wheel part can be separated from and fastened to a head tube of the front wheel part, wherein the front wheel part and the rear wheel part are separated from each other by forming an ear-shaped groove, in which a handle bar can be put, in a right-side-open rectangular shaped plate fixed to the end of the connecting pipe so as to be used for attachment/detachment in a fastening device of the head tube, and then the end of a connecting bar for connecting the front wheel part and the rear wheel part is put on the handle bar by using the groove and another place is fixed thereto so as to set three wheels at the shortest distance therewith, thereby conveniently moving and storing the tricycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: Hella KGaA Hueck & Co.
    Inventors: Chong Chul KIM, Hwan Young KIM
  • Publication number: 20170129564
    Abstract: A mounting bar, bracket, and kit have been developed such that they can couple to a head tube of the bicycle when in a first configuration and then couple to a top tube of a bicycle when in a second configuration. The bracket may be integral with the mounting bar or may be a separate component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Provost, Ronald Peter Barbagallo
  • Publication number: 20170129565
    Abstract: A replacement shifter peg is easily stored and allows for broken shift levers to quickly be repaired while requiring minimal tool use. The replacement shifter peg includes an adapter arm, a pedal, and a fastener. The adapter arm receives a broken shift lever, while the pedal is connected to the adapter arm in order to serve as new shifter peg. The adapter arm is formed from a tubular body (with a shaft-receiving region defined inside), a mount end that receive the broken shift lever, and a free end to which the pedal is connected. Fastener receptacles traverse through the tubular body to provide multiple position choices for fastening the replacement shifter peg relative to a broken shift lever. The fastener is a set screw that creates a vise by pressing against a shift lever positioned within the shaft-receiving region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventor: Darryl R. Moore
  • Publication number: 20170129566
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a first end and a second end that reciprocate relative to one another. The shock absorber includes a gas spring chamber, a damping chamber, and a floating piston. The first side of the floating piston is in fluid communication with the gas spring chamber. The second side of the floating piston is in fluid communication with the damping chamber. The gas in the gas spring chamber applies pressure against the floating piston, which applies pressure to the substantially incompressible fluid in the damping chamber. This pressure transfer may be adequate to minimize or prevent cavitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventor: Darek C. Barefoot
  • Publication number: 20170129567
    Abstract: A lever assembly for a bicycle may be adjustable. The lever assembly may include an anchoring member, a rod coupled to the anchoring member, and a retaining device applying a clamping force to the anchoring member. The retaining device may include a first extension and a second extension configured to obstruct rotation of the rod about a longitudinal axis of the rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: BRADEN T. SNEAD
  • Publication number: 20170129568
    Abstract: An automatic bicycle pedal, including a pedal body rotationally connected to a spindle suitable to be coupled to a pedal crank, said pedal body having a front-rear direction (A) and including a front portion and a rear portion which are engageable by a cleat, said cleat being connectable to the sole of a rider's shoe and including a front hook and a rear hook; the front portion includes flexible engagement means for said front hook of said cleat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: Selle Royal S.p.A.
    Inventors: Carl Winefordner, Frank Hermansen, Mark Rane
  • Publication number: 20170129569
    Abstract: A snow vehicle is disclosed comprising a vehicle frame, a propulsion unit coupled to the frame, and a front ski steered by a steering mechanism. The front of the vehicle includes a first front suspension and a second front suspension coupled to the ski. The rear suspension includes a bumper assembly preventing bottoming out of the rear suspension. The rear suspension is coupled to the vehicle frame such that the longitudinal spacing between the vehicle frame and rear suspension is adjustably controllable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Allen M. Mangum, Justin R. York
  • Publication number: 20170129570
    Abstract: A snow vehicle is disclosed comprising a vehicle frame, a propulsion unit coupled to the frame, and at least one front ski steered by a steering mechanism. The front of the vehicle includes a first front suspension and a second front suspension coupled to the ski. The rear suspension includes a bumper assembly preventing bottoming out of the rear suspension. The rear suspension is coupled to the vehicle frame such that the longitudinal spacing between the vehicle frame and rear suspension is adjustably controllable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Allen M. Mangum, Justin R. York
  • Publication number: 20170129571
    Abstract: A semi-submersible offshore platform for operations in a body of water includes a buoyant hull configured to be at least partially submerged in the water. In addition, the platform includes an equipment deck coupled to the hull and configured to be positioned above the water. The hull includes a first vertical column and a second vertical column horizontally spaced from the first vertical column. Each column has a longitudinal axis, an upper end, a lower end, and a tapered section axially positioned between the upper end and the lower end. Further, the hull includes a horizontal pontoon having a longitudinal axis, a first end coupled to the lower end of the first column, and a second end coupled to the lower end of the second column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Wei Ye, Zhihuang Alex Ran, Jim Jianxun Li
  • Publication number: 20170129572
    Abstract: A support buoy for supporting subsea equipment, the buoy comprising: a hull; a generator unit contained within the hull; a utilities array contained within the hull; and an umbilical, wherein the umbilical is adapted to provide services from the generator unit and the utilities array to the subsea equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: Aquadownunder Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Peter David Kingston MELLOR
  • Publication number: 20170129573
    Abstract: Boats can include an elevation-adjustable platform. For example, some boats can include an aft swim platform that is elevation-adjustable to facilitate convenient movement of people between the boat and the water. The elevation-adjustable platforms can be integrally manufactured as an extension to the hull or deck of a new boat, or manufactured separately and subsequently affixed to a previously manufactured boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventor: Michael J. Fafard
  • Publication number: 20170129574
    Abstract: A power-actuated platform affixed to the frame of the marine vessel that rides on wheels that follow tracks to form a moving carriage. The relative angle of the platform in relation to the deck or water surface changes as the platform travels from a stowed position to a deployed position. The device is uses a powered actuator attached to a fixed substrate of the device at one end and the carriage on the other. The actuator can be controlled remotely by the vessel operator using a directional power controller affixed to the helm, by radio signal from a handheld unit that can be a cellular telephone, or by means of a plug-in the lanyard multidirectional controller. On a pontoon boat or catamaran, the platform of the present invention can be attached to the forward deck area for convenience. When deployed, the platform provides easy ingress and egress to the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher Brown
  • Publication number: 20170129575
    Abstract: A life jacket that includes: a shirt portion; a buoyancy pad at the shoulder level of the shirt portion; at least one back buoyancy pad on a back surface of the shirt portion; and sleeves extending from the shirt portion. The buoyancy pad preferably extends across the shoulders of the shirt portion and extends over an upper back of the back surface. The least one back buoyancy pad abuts the buoyancy pad on the back surface and extends downwardly there from. In one particular embodiment, the least one back buoyancy pad includes two buoyancy pads positioned adjacent to each other and the shirt portion includes long sleeves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Otto Canchani, Valeria Canchani
  • Publication number: 20170129576
    Abstract: The breathing port isolation apparatus includes a housing, valve, and actuator to enable a diver to isolate a breathing port of a snorkel or dive regulator using a single mouthpiece. The housing is configured to seat the valve and actuator and releasably engage a mouthpiece and dive regulator, which provides the diver with a continuous flow of air through the mouthpiece without having to transition between multiple regulators or breathing ports. The valve includes a piston and enables linear movement between the first and second port. The actuator enables the diver to depress a push-button and transition the actuator between depressed and extended positions, which correspond to the first and second breathing ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Raghuram Dhumpa, Max Mecabe, Josh F. Kearney, Gustav A. Ray
  • Publication number: 20170129577
    Abstract: An outboard motor mounting structure mounts an outboard motor body on a hull and includes a mounting bracket fixed to the hull, a swivel bracket joined to the mounting bracket to be tiltable around a tilt axis and that supports the outboard motor body, a flexible connector, and a first connector support that supports the flexible connector at a support position in a region adjacent to the mounting bracket. The relative position of the support position with respect to the mounting bracket does not change depending on a tilt angle of the outboard motor body. The flexible connector includes at least one of a wire, an operating cable, and a pipe that connects equipment on the hull and equipment provided in the outboard motor body. The adjacent region is a region defined between an upper surface of the hull and the engine cover and between a lowest point of the engine cover and the tilt axis in a state that the outboard motor body is tilted up at a maximum tilt angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventor: Makoto MIZUTANI
  • Publication number: 20170129578
    Abstract: An exhaust gas processing apparatus that processes exhaust gas, including a reaction tower that includes an internal space extending in a height direction; a trunk tube that extends in the height direction in the internal space of the reaction tower and transports a liquid; and a plurality of branch tubes that are provided extending from an outer side surface of the trunk tube toward an inner side surface of the reaction tower, each include an ejecting section that ejects the liquid supplied from the trunk tube, and are provided at positions at different heights. Ejection regions of the liquid where the liquid is ejected from the respective ejecting sections of branch tubes that are adjacent in the height direction include a region in which the ejection regions partially overlap in an overhead view as seen from the height direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Nanae MATSUMOTO, Yoshiaki ENAMI, Kuniyuki TAKAHASHI, Takashi INUI
  • Publication number: 20170129579
    Abstract: A system for elevation control. The system comprises a substantially gastight envelope containing lifting gas wherein the envelope further comprises a plurality of envelope segments in fluid communication with one another. At least one tension cable connects at least two of the envelope segments. A control device including a motor adjusts the length of the tension cable to change the pressure within the envelope to thereby facilitate ascent and descent of the system. The control device causes the system to operate in ascent, descent, or vertically stationary modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: THIN RED LINE AEROSPACE LTD
    Inventor: Maxim de Jong
  • Publication number: 20170129580
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multipurpose airship and, more particularly, to a hybrid dirigible. The airship comprises a body (2) having a parallelepiped shape and docking means (8) comprising four rods connected by a frame and designed to be extractable from the body (2), the ends of these rods being provided each with at least one vacuum cup for adhering to a substantially vertical surface of a building. The docking means (8) are provided with grips adapted to engage with the docking means (8) of another airship of the same design. The invention also relates to a set of airships including at least two said airships. The proposed airship does not require a lot of space for its take-off and provides fast and secure evacuation of people from tower buildings. In addition, the invention provides the possibility of varying the airship payload directly in flight depending of specific needs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: TIMUR A MIRZEABASOV, LIDIA N. SHKOLINA, SVETLANA T. ROMANOVA, DIMITRII O. BELOV, VALERY M. VOLYNKIN, VADIM Y. GOLOVAN, FAIL N. SULEYMANOV, IGOR VODYANOY
  • Publication number: 20170129581
    Abstract: A return air bridge for use in an aircraft assembly includes an inboard portion configured to couple to a sidewall assembly at a bottom edge of the sidewall assembly and an outboard portion configured to couple to a structural member. The return air bridge also includes at least one support coupling the inboard portion to the outboard portion such that a return air flow path is defined between the inboard portion and the outboard portion. The outboard portion comprises a plate configured to direct an air flow along the return air flow path upwardly with respect to the bottom edge of the sidewall assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas Seth Perkins, Cory Michael Hitchcock, John Erik West, Adam R. Weston, Gregory A. Tubbs
  • Publication number: 20170129582
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhanced water capture systems for aircraft interiors. One embodiment is a strip that is formed from a water-absorbent material for retaining moisture. The strip is adhered to an interior surface of an aircraft at a location proximate to an entry point for water into a cabin of the aircraft, and the strip comprises holes within the water-absorbent material that are staggered with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventor: Cory M. Hitchcock
  • Publication number: 20170129583
    Abstract: A method for drawing a flexible sleeve over an elongated mandrel includes placing a ring within a lumen of the sleeve. A first end of the sleeve is fixed against movement relative to a first end of the mandrel. A first end portion of the sleeve is inverted over a first end portion of the mandrel so as to define a circumferential cuff in the sleeve, and the ring is positioned concentrically within the circumferential cuff. Using, e.g., a magnet, the ring is then urged longitudinally along the mandrel and toward an opposite, second end thereof, such that the sleeve is inverted over at least an outer surface of the mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Luke Fletcher, Ashleigh Raoul Nesbit, Dominic Wierzbicki, Richard Bain, Andrew Klimovski, Peter Nathan Steele, Martin Szarski, Peter Lockett, Manning Scarfe
  • Publication number: 20170129584
    Abstract: Assemblies and methods are provided to allow a temporary alternate door (e.g., an observation door for use during search and rescue (SAR) missions) may be placed in a fuselage opening normally closed by a dedicated personnel door. The assembly may be provided with a central support pole attachable to interior structure of the aircraft fuselage so as to be disposed in an upright position within an interior of the aircraft fuselage (e.g., within the aircraft's cargo hold), and at least one stand-by alternate door (e.g., an observation door) which is sized and configured to be operatively accepted by the aircraft fuselage door opening when the dedicated primary aircraft door is in an opened and stowed condition. Typically a pair of stand-by alternate doors are removably connected to the central support pole so as to be capable of being movably deployed into a position to close the aircraft fuselage opening when disconnected from the central support pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Jorge Luiz Ribeiro DA SILVA, Henrique Cezar SOUZA, Carlos Alberto Vilela DE MAGALHÃES
  • Publication number: 20170129585
    Abstract: A door assembly, particularly for doors of passenger aircraft, includes a door frame, a door having a door body hingedly installed in the door frame, at least one hooking pintle attached to the door frame or an edge of the door body extending along a pintle axis, and at least one door latch connected to an edge of the door body or the door frame, respectively, the door latch having a substantially C-shaped latch body configured to rotate around an axis parallel to the pintle axis of the hooking pintle. The door assembly further includes a bistable latch and hook mechanism configured to catch the door latch in hooking engagement with the hooking pintle and to retain the door latch in a direction perpendicular to the door body in an overcenter position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Johann Konrad Erben
  • Publication number: 20170129586
    Abstract: An aircraft fuselage structure comprising a skin element having an inner surface, a support structure connected to the inner surface for supporting the skin element, and a door opening provided in the skin element, wherein the support structure comprises an upper longitudinal element, a lower longitudinal element, a first circumferential element and a second circumferential element provided at the door opening. The object to provide an aircraft fuselage structure, wherein the support structure around the door opening is optimized for a minimum weight, is achieved in that the support structure comprises a first upper angled element extending from an upper first corner to an upper center point, and a second upper angled element extending from an upper second corner to the upper center point, such that the upper longitudinal element, the first upper angled element, and the second upper angled element together form a central upper triangle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Dirk Elbracht, Cord Haack
  • Publication number: 20170129587
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: William Sumner, Tim Reed, Chris Rowe, Lawrence Lee, Glen Rivers, Robert Harmon, Jeremy Schadler, Lewis Neal
  • Publication number: 20170129588
    Abstract: A truss-reinforced radome crown structure (TRRCS) that functions in combination with an aircraft and a communication radome or antenna. The TRRCS maintains and protects a radome and antenna located on an aircraft's fuselage. The TRRCS includes a fairing that is preferably elliptical shaped, a truss structure that is located within and circumvents the fairing, and truss/fairing attachment means that comprise a plurality of links/rods and pins or tubes, and/or exterior horizontal intercostal rods. Once the TRRCS is attached, a radome and antenna is enclosed and protected, and the design of the TRRCS allows it to compensate for the expansion and contraction as well as other forces experienced by an aircraft while in flight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventor: Howard R. Verillion, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170129589
    Abstract: An actuator for hinging a first element to a second element about a first pivot axis (A1), the actuator comprising a motor-drive device, a first mounting plate (4) connected to a body (2) of the motor-drive device, a second mounting plate (5) connected to the second element, the second mounting plate being mounted in the first mounting plate in order to pivot about the first axis, and a bush (6) mounted in the second mounting plate to pivot about a second axis (A2) perpendicular to the first axis. The motor-drive device has an outlet shaft (3) pivotable about a third axis (A3) perpendicular to the first axis and intersecting the first axis, and it is extended by a pin (7) that is pivotally received in the bush and that has a central axis (A4) intersecting the first axis and the third axis, and forming an acute angle with the third axis. An aircraft guidance assembly including such an actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Oleg GOMOLKO, Etienne MERLET
  • Publication number: 20170129590
    Abstract: An aircraft comprises a landing gear assembly on a part of which is mounted a motor for driving a wheel of the landing gear assembly, for example to enable the aircraft to perform taxiing manoeuvres. The motor is a liquid-cooled motor and the liquid that is used to cool the motor is hydraulic fluid, preferably hydraulic fluid taken from a hydraulic system that already exists on the aircraft to supply other consumers of hydraulic fluid pressure on the aircraft. The hydraulic fluid thus has other utility (i.e. other than cooling the motor) on the aircraft and therefore has a significant volume (and therefore a significant heat capacity). There may be a need to convert from high pressure hydraulic fluid to a lower pressure supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Fraser WILSON, Volker BAUMBACH
  • Publication number: 20170129591
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for stabilizing an unmanned aerial system. An apparatus for stabilizing an unmanned aerial system comprises a ring member and a pair of attachment members each having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to attach to a multicopter and a second end being coupled to the ring member. Wherein the pair of attachment members holds the ring member such that a plane of a circumference of the ring member is generally parallel to blades of the multicopter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Donald R. High, Michael D. Atchley, John P. Thompson, Chandrashekar Natarajan
  • Publication number: 20170129592
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for mitigating undesired effects of a vehicle traveling at a speed greater than a critical Mach number for the vehicle. Ultraviolet energy is generated using a plurality of ultraviolet energy sources associated with an interior structure of the vehicle that travels at the speed greater than the critical Mach number for the vehicle. The ultraviolet energy is transported from the plurality of ultraviolet energy sources past an exterior of the vehicle around a selected location of the vehicle. A plasma is created around the selected location to mitigate the undesired effects of the vehicle traveling at the speed greater than the critical Mach number for the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Mark Joseph Clemen, JR., Donald V. Drouin, JR., Alan F. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20170129593
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an airfoil includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and an apparatus coupled to the first side of the airfoil, the apparatus comprising a first edge having a first uneven edge pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Neal David Domel, Dan Baruzzini, Kent W. Benner, Richard Scott Ely, II, Daniel N. Miller
  • Publication number: 20170129594
    Abstract: Wheel drive system, particularly for the ground circulation of an aircraft comprising a motor unit (22) borne by an unsuspended part (14b) of a landing gear strut (14) of the aircraft and comprising an electric motor (26) and reduction means, and a clutch device (24) connecting the output shaft (26a) of the electric motor (26) to the wheel (12) via the reduction means. The clutch device (24) comprises a dog-clutch mechanism (32, 34) comprising a drive part (32) secured to the motor unit (22) and a receiving part (34) secured to the tire (12a) of the wheel (12), and a system for the translational movement, along the axis of the axle crossbeam (20) of the landing gear strut (14), of the drive part (32) into an engaged position in which the drive part (32) collaborates with the receiving part (34) and a disengaged position in which the drive part (32) is separated from the receiving part (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: OLIVIER ESSINGER, PATRICK MARRO, CLAUDE BLANC
  • Publication number: 20170129595
    Abstract: An improved vibration control actuation system for a rotary-wing aircraft having a plurality of rotor blades mounted to a rotor hub and driven about a central axis of rotation at an operational speed and in a rotational direction relative to a non-rotating body of the aircraft comprising a vibration control frame adapted to be mounted to the hub and to rotate relative to the hub about the central axis in a rotational direction opposite to the rotational direction of the hub, a frame motor configured to rotate the frame about the central axis, the frame supporting first and second motors configured to rotate first and second masses about first and second axes not concentric with the central axis, and a controller for receiving input signals and outputting command signals to the first and second motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventor: Arturo M. Arce
  • Publication number: 20170129596
    Abstract: An aerofoil has a main portion of aerofoil cross section and a trailing edge portion (12) movable with respect to the main portion by an actuating device (14), the trailing edge portion (12) is movable at or about an area/point of flexion A, the area/point of flexion A is located at or adjacent a pressure or suction surface of the aerofoil, the trailing edge portion (12) is connected to the main portion by first and second connection members (18, 20), the first connection member (18) extends inwardly away from the area/point of flexion A and has an end which is directly or indirectly connected to the main portion, the first and second connection members (18, 20) are flexible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew CAVE, Simon STACEY
  • Publication number: 20170129597
    Abstract: An aircraft comprising an airframe; a rotor system mounted to the airframe, the rotor system including a plurality of rotor blades, each of the plurality of rotor blades including a root portion extending to a tip portion through an airfoil portion, the airfoil portion having a leading edge and a trailing edge; at least one control surface mounted within the airfoil portion of at least one of the plurality of rotor blades; at least one actuator configured to actuate the at least one control surface; and at least one actuator configured to pitch at least one of the plurality of rotor blades about a blade pitch axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Timothy Fred Lauder, Jonathan Hartman, Nicholas D. Lappos
  • Publication number: 20170129598
    Abstract: A rotor blade coupling device for coupling to a rotor mast having a rotor head centerpiece. The coupling device has at least three rotor blade mountings mounted on the rotor head centerpiece and accommodating at least three rotor blades lying in a rotor plane, and at least one connecting element between adjacent rotor blade mountings. The rotor blade mountings can carry out pivoting motions about a pivoting axis extending vertical to the rotor plane. The at least one connecting element is a damping device, and the rotor blade coupling device has a plate-shaped transfer element, which respectively crosses a rotor blade mounting and is coupled to at least one damping device. The rotor blade coupling device has a simplified design and ensures improved damping of lead-lag motions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: MARENCO SWISSHELICOPTER AG
    Inventors: Martin STUCKI, Mario CAMINADA, Patrick Reginald MOSER, Riekert LEIBBRANDT
  • Publication number: 20170129599
    Abstract: An autopilot actuator includes first and second motors each including a rotatable motor output shaft such that either one or both of the motors can drive an actuator output shaft. An autopilot main unit enclosure is removably mounted to the helicopter proximate to a cyclic control and commonly houses autopilot actuators as well as main autopilot electronics. A cyclic vibration isolator is removably supported by an actuator shaft for co-rotation and coupled to the cyclic control to attenuate a cyclic vibration frequency at the actuator shaft while output rotations of the actuator shaft below a resonant frequency are coupled to the cyclic control. A force limited link includes first and second ends and a variable length between. The force limited link having a relaxed length when less than an unseating force is applied and the variable length changes when an applied force exceeds the unseating force to permit pilot override.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: John E. Mercer, Marc Feifel, Mark Marvin, Nicolas Albion
  • Publication number: 20170129600
    Abstract: A vertical liftoff aircrafts system includes a plurality of unmanned wing structures configured for collective vertical liftoff; a plurality of tethers respectively connected to the plurality of wing structures; and a fuselage including a connector thereon for mechanically connecting the plurality of tethers. The fuselage includes a power pack for powering the plurality of wing structures via the plurality of tethers, whereby the plurality of wing structures is operatively interconnected to the fuselage with the plurality of tethers for lifting the fuselage. A method and a kit thereof also are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: David Rancourt, Etienne Demers Bouchard
  • Publication number: 20170129601
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary-wing drone (10) comprising a drone body (30) that comprises an electronic circuit board controlling the flight of the drone, four link arms (36) comprising a propulsion unit (38) at their ends, two propulsion units each having a propeller (12) that rotates in the clockwise direction and two propulsion units each having a propeller that rotates in the anticlockwise direction, the propulsion units that have propellers that rotate in the same direction being positioned on the same diagonal line. The drone comprises a propulsion support (32) comprising the link arms (36) and a central hub (34), two pairs of symmetrical link arms each extending on either side of the central hub, the central hub (34) being capable of being coupled to the drone body (30), and the propulsion support (32) having at least one torsional bending direction extending in the horizontal plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Mathieu Babel, Flavien Morra