Patents Issued in July 4, 2017
  • Patent number: 9694852
    Abstract: The vehicle stop control device includes a normal-state turning control unit to output, to turning devices, a turning amount command value defined by a steering amount signal inputted from steering input device to input steering angles of wheels, and a stopped-state turning control unit to detect a vehicle speed based on a rotation angle signal outputted from a rotation angle sensor, and to, when the detected vehicle speed is less than or equal to a threshold and an accelerator input value is less than or equal to a threshold, perform hill hold of a vehicle capable of independently turning all wheels with the turning device 4 of one or more of the wheels turning the corresponding wheel toward a toe-in or toe-out side by an amount greater than the turning amount command value from the normal-state turning control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daisuke Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 9694853
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body that includes a rocker fixed to an underbody. The rocker and the under body at least in part define a front wheel well of the vehicle. A rim engagement member is cantilevered from the underbody and extends into the wheel well. The rim engagement member snags a rim of a front wheel of the vehicle and directs movement of a front wheel of the vehicle away from intrusion into a floor and/or dash of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Craig, Akshay Kulkarni, Chris Stephen O'Connor
  • Patent number: 9694854
    Abstract: A vehicle chassis includes a pair of rails spaced from each other. A beam is disposed between the pair of rails and defines a cavity. The beam includes walls and hinges connected in alternating arrangement about the cavity. Each hinge is connected to two of the walls. A wedge is disposed between one of the rails and the beam adjacent the cavity for driving the walls and hinges toward an expanded position during a side impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Saied Nusier, Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, James Chih Cheng, Jamel E. Belwafa
  • Patent number: 9694855
    Abstract: A vehicle rear portion structure has: a suspension structural portion that overlaps a rear side member as seen in a vehicle plan view; an inlet pipe that passes-through between the rear side member and the suspension structural portion; and a pipe protecting portion that is provided at a position overlapping the rear side member and the suspension structural portion in a vehicle plan view, and a length in a vehicle vertical direction of the pipe protecting portion is set to be longer than an outer diameter of the inlet pipe, and rigidity, with respect to load from a vehicle lower side, of the pipe protecting portion is set to be higher than that of the inlet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masaki Miwa
  • Patent number: 9694856
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly system and related method are provided. The vehicle assembly system includes a first fender for a first vehicle model having a first shape, a second fender for a second vehicle model having a second, different shape, a front end structure common to the first vehicle model and the second vehicle model, and a support common to the first vehicle model and the second vehicle model. The support has a first member attached to a downstanding flange of the first fender or a downstanding flange of the second fender and a second member extending from a lower portion of the first member is attached to the front end structure. The system and method provide a simple and inexpensive way to attach fenders having different shapes to a common front end of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alfonso Márquez López, Ramon Credi, Michael Shawn Watterworth
  • Patent number: 9694857
    Abstract: A fender for a wheeled vehicle has an arcuate fender body and a brace. The fender body has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is adapted to face a wheel of the vehicle. The brace has a first end and a second end. The first end is disposed on and connected to the outer surface of the fender body. The second end is adapted to connect to the vehicle. The second end is spaced from the fender body and is disposed radially inward of the first end. A wheeled vehicle having the fender disposed on a wheel thereof is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Rudwal, Simon Carboneau, Nicolas Deluy, David Laroche
  • Patent number: 9694858
    Abstract: The invention relates to a front (1) of a motor vehicle (2) having an air inlet opening (5) and a first air duct (8) which emanates from the air inlet opening (5) and in which a heat exchanger (10) is arranged, through which air can flow, having a second air duct (9) which emanates from the air inlet opening (5) and is arranged adjacently with respect to the first air duct (8) and guides an air flow into the wheel arch (3) or to the side of the wheel arch (3), an air flow control apparatus (16, 19) being provided which controls the air flow through the first air duct (8) and/or through the second air duct (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Wolf
  • Patent number: 9694859
    Abstract: The drive unit includes a watertight elongated housing extending along a longitudinal axis and defining an inner chamber, two juxtaposed tracks disposed around the housing along its longitudinal axis and enabling the drive unit to move when the tracks are rotatably driven around the housing, and at least one track-driving motor. The motor is located within the inner chamber of the housing and includes an output shaft mechanically connected to the corresponding track. The unit can also include a ventilation circuit for the interior of the inner chamber of the housing, and a generator for producing electricity. The drive unit can be manufactured from a single housing or with the housings of two apparatuses that are juxtaposed and rigidly paired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Yvon Martel
  • Patent number: 9694860
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a system and method for trailer attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: RKB Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Randy K. Ballard
  • Patent number: 9694861
    Abstract: A suspension assembly of a work machine being movable in a forward direction. The work machine includes a frame, an undercarriage supporting the frame and at least one ground-engaging track. The suspension assembly includes a torsion assembly having an axle, a torsion bar adapted to be fixedly coupled to the frame, and an axle arm coupled at one end to the axle and at an opposite end thereof to the torsion bar. A locking arm has a first end and a second end, where the first end is coupled to the axle arm. A hydraulic actuator is coupled to the second end of the locking arm. The hydraulic actuator is operably controlled between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. In the unlocked configuration, the axle arm is pivotable relative to the frame, and in the locked configuration the axle arm is restricted from pivoting relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Galen C. Thomas, Steven R. Whiteman, Steve G. Fleischmann, Justin C. Gross, James Wentzloff
  • Patent number: 9694862
    Abstract: A work vehicle comprises a vehicle body, a work implement, a track frame, a sprocket, an idler, a plurality of small track rollers, and first and second large track rollers. The track frame comprises opposite first and second end sections, and opposite upper and lower sections. The sprocket and idler are rotatably mounted to the first and second end sections, respectively, to movably support an endless track. The small and large track rollers are rotatably mounted to the lower section between the sprocket and idler and are unmovable in vertical and horizontal directions of the track frame. The small track rollers are all disposed between the first and second large track rollers. Each small track roller defines a respective small track rolling surface having a respective first tread diameter and each large track roller defines a respective large track rolling surface having a respective second tread diameter greater than each respective first tread diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: William Schierschmidt, Masaru Kurita
  • Patent number: 9694863
    Abstract: A traction chain for a caterpillar chain of a tracked vehicle. The traction chain is equipped with an engagement member for a driving wheel, with track guide elements, which are provided to guide a running gear of the tracked vehicle in a track, on an inner side of the traction chain, running in a running direction of the traction chain, and with a multiplicity of attachment members, each of which is provided to attach a caterpillar cleat to an outer side of the traction chain and transversely in relation to the running direction of the traction chain. The traction chain is provided for use with a lateral chain running parallel therewith, the traction chain furthermore is formed partially from an elastic base material, into which at least one traction member is embedded, extending in a running direction of the traction chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Hans Hall GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Hall
  • Patent number: 9694864
    Abstract: A jig device for a trunk lid includes a jig part capable of assembling a trunk lid to a trunk body of a vehicle in the state in which the trunk lid is closed, wherein the jig part is configured to include a jig body mounted on the trunk body, first and second jigs mounted on the jig body to determine a position of the trunk lid in a Y direction, a third jig mounted on the jig body to determine a position of the trunk lid in a Z direction, a fourth jig mounted on the jig body to guide the trunk lid in the Y direction, and a fifth jig mounted on the jig body to determine a position of the trunk lid in an X direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Gwang Bok Hur
  • Patent number: 9694865
    Abstract: A saddle adjustment assembly comprising an adjustable height saddle post, the adjustable height saddle post comprising a first support and a second support, the second support configured to slidably move relative to the first support between at least a raised position and a lowered position, the first support configured to attach to a bicycle frame; a saddle angle adjustment mechanism coupled to the second support, the saddle angle adjustment mechanism comprising a rotatably coupled saddle support configured to couple to a bicycle saddle; wherein the saddle angle adjustment mechanism is configured to enable rotation of the saddle support relative to the second support as a result of the first support moving relative to the second support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael McAndrews, Ron Powers, Brandon D. Sloan, Jeffrey Keith Bowers, Ian Thomas McPherson
  • Patent number: 9694866
    Abstract: A bicycle light that includes a battery, a light source, a sound emitting device, and a control circuit is described. The light source when powered by the battery is capable of operating at a first power level and a second power level, where the second power level consumes less power than the first power level and where the first power level is associated with a first battery life threshold level. The control circuit is operable to detect that a remaining battery life of the battery has reached below the first battery life threshold level, cause the sound emitting device to emit sound when the remaining battery life of the battery reaches below the first battery life threshold level while the light source is operating at the first power level, and cause the light source to operate at the second power level upon detecting a user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Serfas, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Dean Braucht, Riley Bullock, Raymond Kuipers
  • Patent number: 9694867
    Abstract: A lockable bicycle rack system includes a mounting clip and a rack configured to detachably couple to a bicycle frame. The rack includes a body, a lid pivotally coupled to the body between an open position and a closed position, and a locking mechanism. The mounting clip is coupled to the rack and includes a base component adapted to couple to a container, a rack receiving gap, and a lever arm having a rack latch that extends at least partially across the rack receiving gap when the lever arm is in a locked position. A side member of the body extends through and is locked within the rack receiving gap when the rack latch is in the locked position, and a side member of the lid prevents the lever arm from leaving the locked position when the lid is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony M. Ton, Robin Samson, Joseph William Brody
  • Patent number: 9694868
    Abstract: Foldable electrical vehicles and related charging infrastructure are described. The foldable electrical vehicle generally includes three structural armatures (front and rear wheel-bearing armatures and a seat-bearing armature) that are pivotally interconnected along their lengths such that they may be pivoted between a closed position wherein the three armatures are disposed roughly parallel to each other in a compact folded configuration, and an open riding configuration wherein an angular relation is formed between the armatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: URBAN626, LLC
    Inventors: Grant Delgatty, Sven Etzelsberger
  • Patent number: 9694869
    Abstract: An adjustable bicycle frame for change in the riding modes is provided with a bottom bracket secured to pedals; a seat tube extending upward out of the bottom bracket; a chain stay extending rearward out of the bottom bracket and the seat tube; a rear wheel rotatably secured to the chain stay and contacting the ground; a head tube with a stem pivotably secured thereto; a fork pivotably secured to the head tube and extending downward; a front wheel rotatably secured to the fork stay and contacting the ground; a rearward inclined telescopic tubing including first and second tubes. After changing length of the telescopic tubing, a length between the front wheel and the rear wheel is changed, an inclined angle of the seat tube is changed, and an inclined angle of the head tube is changed coherently, thereby implementing a racing mode or a slow, urban riding mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Hung-Chang Chao
  • Patent number: 9694870
    Abstract: A motorcycle comprises a rear wheel; a vehicle body frame including a front frame unit supporting a motor, and a rear frame unit supporting a seat; and a swing arm which is rotatably connected to the front frame unit and supports the rear wheel, wherein the rear frame unit includes: a front section which supports the seat and extends rearward from the front frame unit; a pair of right and left branch sections extending rearward from a rear end portion of the front section to be spaced apart from each other in a rightward and leftward direction; and a pair of rear sections which extend rearward from rear end portions of the pair of right and left branch sections, respectively, and are placed rightward and leftward relative to the rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideaki Kawai, Shigeyuki Iwata
  • Patent number: 9694871
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes: a cylinder; a piston; a piston rod; and a damping-force generating device that controls a flow of oil, caused by sliding of the piston in the cylinder, wherein the damping-force generating device includes: a valve body that generates a damping force according to opening and closing of the valve body on a channel in which the oil flows; a valve seat on which the valve body seats to close the channel; and an actuator that includes a plunger generating thrust to the valve body in a valve closing direction and a plunger chamber in which the oil is filled in order to actuate the plunger, and the plunger chamber communicates with a downstream side in a flowing direction of the oil with reference to a place where the valve body seats on the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yosuke Murakami
  • Patent number: 9694872
    Abstract: A vehicle has a frame, a straddle seat supported by the frame, a left front wheel and a right front wheel and at least one rear wheel operatively connected to the frame. An engine is supported by the frame and operatively connected to at least one of the wheels. A front cowling assembly is supported by the frame. A storage bin is disposed at least in part inside the front cowling assembly. At least one radiator fluidly communicates with the engine for cooling the engine. At least a portion of at least one of the at least one radiator is longitudinally and vertically aligned with at least a portion of the storage bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: David Laroche, Andre Gilbert
  • Patent number: 9694873
    Abstract: An adjustable surf wake system enhances a wake formed by a watercraft travelling through water. The system may include a flap for deflecting water traveling past the stern of the watercraft, and/or a positioner operably connected to the flap for positioning the flap relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft between a neutral position and an outward position. Positioning a port flap in its extended position enhances a starboard surf wake, and positioning the starboard flap in its extended position enhances a port surf wake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Malibu Boats, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Lee Gasper, Adam Andrew McCall, Timothy Michael Lopes, Brian Walter Munday, Wayne Richard Wilson, Rachael Marie Green
  • Patent number: 9694874
    Abstract: A submersible remotely operated vehicle with a streamlined shape, which uses an internal support lattice to provide pressure resistance. By using a lattice frame to distribute the water pressure load on the vehicle, the vehicle may be constructed of thin-walled, injection molded plastic, yet may be capable of diving to significant depths. The vehicle may provide pitch control using a single vertical thrust actuator that is horizontally fore or aft of the center of vertical drag; this efficient pitch control improves hydrodynamic efficiency by pointing the vehicle towards the direction of travel to minimize the coefficient of drag. The vehicle may communicate wirelessly with a remote operator via a communications buoy tethered to the vehicle, thereby eliminating cabling constraints on the vehicle's range from the operator. The tether may be connected to the buoy using a waterproof connector that presses three terminals surrounded by a compliant seal onto mating contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: OPENROV INC.
    Inventors: Eric Stackpole, Colin Ho
  • Patent number: 9694875
    Abstract: An inflatable hull including at least one air casing that has two walls placed one over the other. The walls each include a fabric sheet, are connected therebetween by a plurality of connecting wires distributed over the entire surface of the sheets while forming a structure suitable for being inflated to a pressure capable of rigidifying the structure, and are capable of ensuring the buoyancy of the hull separately from any reported buoyancy element. The casing has a first transversely cross-sectional curvature and a second longitudinally cross-sectional curvature that is present over at least the front portion of the casing. One of the walls corresponds to the inside of the curvature, and the other of the walls corresponds to the outside of the curvature. The casing has at least one clip set up such as to form a stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: SAS Tiwal
    Inventor: Marion Excoffon
  • Patent number: 9694876
    Abstract: A pivoting mast device is disclosed for pivoting a mast relative to a surface. The pivoting mast device comprises a mast pivot pivotably coupling the mast to the surface. A lower wheel is rotatably coupled adjacent to a proximal end of the mast. An upper wheel is rotatably coupled adjacent to a distal end of the mast. A linkage couples the lower wheel to the upper wheel. A drive is coupled to the lower wheel for displacing the linkage. An upper traveler slideably engages the mast and is coupled to the headstay. A lower traveler slidably engages the mast and is coupled to the linkage. A lowering stay is secured to the surface and the lowering traveler. A mast lowering displacement is defined by the lower traveler and the upper traveler in a descending direction. A mast raising displacement is defined by the lower traveler in a ascending direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Donald E. Smith
  • Patent number: 9694877
    Abstract: A tie down system includes at least one device hook having a hook base; at least one hook opening in the hook base; a generally elongated hook shaft extending from the hook base; a curved hook finger extending from the hook shaft; a hook base extension extending from the hook base in spaced-apart relationship to the hook shaft; and a hook slot between the hook shaft and the hook base extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Kevin J. Miles
  • Patent number: 9694878
    Abstract: A mooring device includes a canister, a spool having two side walls with teeth around their perimeters, a mooring cable wrapped around the spool, a lid having a first piece and a second piece, and two pairs of stops extending from the bottom surface of the lid. The two pairs of stops engage the notches of the two side walls of the spool when the first piece of the lid rests in the closed position. The stops disengage from the notches when the first piece of the lid is open. A thumbpad allows a user to move the stops from a lock position to an unlocked position without opening the lid. The device extends and retracts the cable to accommodate tidal and other water action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Miller O. Johnston
  • Patent number: 9694879
    Abstract: A method for determining start and stop times of at least one selected operation on a pipe deployment vessel includes measuring either or both tension on a pipe deployed from a reel on the vessel and velocity of pipe motion with respect to the vessel. Rotational velocity of the reel is measured. Geodetic position of the vessel with respect to time is measured. The start and stop times of the at least one selected operation are determined from the measured tension, motion velocity, rotational velocity and geodetic position. The start and stop times are recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: TDE Thonhauser Data Engineering, GmbH
    Inventors: William R. Maidla, Arthur H. F. Kanematsu, Philipp Zoellner
  • Patent number: 9694880
    Abstract: A personal watercraft is designed to be ridden in a elevated seated position. The watercraft is generally shaped like a surfboard, including the nose, tail and fin or fins and includes a shaped raised seat and kick board to accommodate and conform to the riders body disposed in a seated position, so that the rider can propel and navigate the watercraft using a two bladed paddle like one for a kayak. The raised seat and backrest and wave spitting nosecone combination kick board is an ergonomically designed space for the rider's body to be seated on the top of the board in a seated position, creating a stable and dynamic platform for water exploits, With a higher the center of gravity, and allowing the rider to guide the craft with more leverage while riding braking waves by leaning in a desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Eugene Hanak
  • Patent number: 9694881
    Abstract: A body surfing device comprising a base and a wing attachment, having a wing strut and a wing extension that is substantially parallel to the base. The base can have a protrusion extending from its bottom surface that the wing strut is affixed to. Multiple wing extensions can be affixed to the wing strut. Leg fins can also extend from the base. A folding wing attachment that attaches to the bottom surface of the base of a body surfing device is also provided. The folding wing attachment has wings that fold to a substantially planar position along the bottom surface of the base and hinges that allow the wings to fold to create a strut and wing extension. Also provided is a body surfing device having a base, shoulder straps attached to the base, a back strap extending between the shoulder straps, and an extension strap extending therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Dale E. Ellis
  • Patent number: 9694882
    Abstract: An apparatus or web server for assisting a user in selecting a route based on tracked popularity of routes traveled by other users and a desired user activity. The apparatus may include a memory for receiving and storing route data for routes previously traveled by a plurality of users and a processing device coupled with the memory for receiving desired route characteristic information from the user, including a desired activity type, such as running or cycling. The processing device may compare the desired route characteristics information with the route data, suggest at least one of the stored routes to the user based on the comparison, and visually indicate with a color-coded heat map a popularity of the routes suggested based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Garmin Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Wai C. Lee, Claudette D. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 9694883
    Abstract: The illuminated boat rub rail is adapted for use with a water vessel. The illuminated boat rub rail is a combination rub rail and navigational lighting system that is mounted on the hull of the water vessel. The rub rail of the illuminated boat rub rail has integrated into it a plurality of lights that are used for augmented navigational and transportation purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph Bonventre
  • Patent number: 9694884
    Abstract: An overpressure or relief valve (30) for a buoyancy compensator device (10) for underwater use of the type comprising an expandable bag (12) internally provided with at least one air chamber is disclosed. The valve (30) comprising at least one mobile shutter element (32) configured to occlude at least one corresponding hole (62) formed on an abutment plate (46) that is configured to be applied on a wall of the air chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: DOLPHIN FLUIDICS S.R.L.
    Inventor: Francesco Butera
  • Patent number: 9694885
    Abstract: An unmanned water vessel can include a body defining an internal volume and having a shape adapted to travel through water, with a front and a back; at least one directional device that is exposed to the flow of water past the vehicle when the vehicle travels in a forward direction, the directional device having a first position that provides an angle of attack through the water flow and a second position that provides a second angle of attack through the water flow; and a control system that provides commands to the at least one directional device in view of a starting point, an end point, and at least information about water flow expected to be encountered by the water vessel during travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: WESTERNECO L.L.C.
    Inventor: Leendert Combee
  • Patent number: 9694886
    Abstract: Provided is a driving apparatus of a variable pitch propeller having blades, each of which has a pitch angle changed in a rotational direction of a propeller shaft, and a pitch adjuster for adjusting the pitch angle. The pitch adjuster includes blade actuating shafts that are connected to eccentric stubs coupled to lower ends of the blades and are disposed inside the propeller shaft so as to allow linear reciprocation and to push or pull the eccentric stubs, and a power converter that converts a rotating motion of the propeller shaft into a linearly reciprocating motion of the blade actuating shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Heavy Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyuk Kwun, Ji-Nam Kim
  • Patent number: 9694887
    Abstract: Disclosed are a propulsion device for a ship and a ship having same. The propulsion device, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a rear propeller fixed to a driveshaft; a front propeller positioned in front of the rear propeller, and supported rotably on the driveshaft; and a counter rotation device for reversing and transmitting the rotation of the driveshaft to the front propeller; a motor for rotating the driveshaft; and an housing, which extends from to the lower part of the hull, and which is installed so as to envelope the counter rotation device and the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Heavy Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin Suk Lee, Ji Nam Kim, Hyun Sang Park, Hyung Gil Park, Kwang Jun Paik, Dong Hyun Lee, Tae Goo Lee, Sung Wook Chung, Tetsuji Hoshino, Jong Soo Seo, Seung Myun Hwangbo
  • Patent number: 9694888
    Abstract: A watercraft with a hull has a flow channel, or is associated with a flow channel, a motor-driven water-acceleration arrangement is associated with the flow channel and the motor is connected to an energy accumulator. In order to improve user convenience, two energy accumulators are integrated into the hull. The energy accumulators are arranged on both sides of the center longitudinal plane running in the longitudinal direction of the hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Cayago GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Peter Walpurgis
  • Patent number: 9694889
    Abstract: Mechanical systems and methods including, in some embodiments, a mounting plate affixed to an exterior facing horizontal planar deck surface of a ship; a foundation structure mounted to the mounting plate and supporting at least a first sail cylinder and a second sail cylinder; and at least a first lift mechanism for selectively vertically driving the first and second sail cylinders from a vertically retracted position to a vertically deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: MAGNUSS SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Holohan, James Gibson Rhodes, Edward Anthony Shergalis
  • Patent number: 9694890
    Abstract: An improved top down furling system includes one or more improved components. A lower rotary drive unit with a rotary tack swivel rotates against a fixed portion of the furler, or is configured to permit routing of the tack line below the unit. The system may include an anti-torsion cable constructed in a manner so as to be able to transmit torque without excessive tension applied to the cable. The system also may include an end terminal of the anti-torsion cable having a quick side mount or bayonet type connection to the rotary drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Harken, Incorporated
    Inventor: Greg Hartlmeier
  • Patent number: 9694891
    Abstract: A steering control fin for mounting to a trolling motor includes a skin formed into a substantially symmetric closed fin shape having a fin width. The skin has a first end surface contoured to match the shape of a motor, and a trailing edge having an anti-rotation interlock cut-out near the first end surface. A reinforcement collar has a reinforcement collar surface that substantially matches the first end surface. An internal support structure is mechanically coupled to the steering control fin to provide a structural support which maintains the substantially symmetric closed fin shape. An end cap skin is mechanically coupled to a second end surface of the skin. One or more mounting straps are mechanically coupled to the skin and each of the reinforcement collars. The mounting straps mechanically affix the control fin to the trolling motor. A method of maneuvering a boat or ship is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Michael P. Monahan
  • Patent number: 9694892
    Abstract: A method for controlling a trim system on a marine vessel includes receiving an actual trim position of a trimmable marine device at a controller and determining a magnitude of a trim position error by comparing the actual trim position to a target trim position with the controller. The method also includes determining a magnitude of an acceleration rate of the marine vessel. The controller determines the activation time of a trim actuator coupled to and rotating the marine device with respect to the marine vessel based on the magnitude of the trim position error and the magnitude of the acceleration rate. The controller then sends a control signal to activate the trim actuator to rotate the marine device toward the target trim position. The method includes discontinuing the control signal once the activation time expires to deactivate the trim actuator. A corresponding system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Steven M. Anschuetz, Steven J. Andrasko, Michael J. Roth
  • Patent number: 9694893
    Abstract: A watercraft or amphibian includes a prime mover operable with at least a first and a second idle speed, a marine propulsion device operable to generate thrust when connected to the prime mover, and a determining arrangement for determining whether or not the watercraft or amphibian is operating at or above a determined speed of travel, wherein the second idle speed of the prime mover is higher than the first idle speed, the marine propulsion device generates a steerable thrust when operated by the prime mover at a speed at or above the second idle speed, and wherein the prime mover is operated with the second idle speed when the determining arrangement determines the watercraft or amphibian is operating at or above the determined speed of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Gibbs Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Neil Graham Jenkins
  • Patent number: 9694894
    Abstract: An aerial vehicle comprises an elongate envelope within which are at least one first compartment for holding a lighter than air gas and at least one second compartment for holding atmospheric air and said at least one second compartment having an inlet and an outlet and at least one pair of wings extending laterally from the envelope; said wings being planar units with a leading and trailing edge, the width of the wings from their leading edges to their trailing edges being substantially less than the length of the envelope with airfoil portions fitted between the leading and trailing edges of the wing: the top and bottom of the wings are mirror images of one another; in which forward motion of the vehicle is obtainable without trust through alternate diving and climbing motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Athene Works Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas James Deakin
  • Patent number: 9694895
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a composite stringer. A composite material and foam are laid up onto a tool in the form of a stringer. The foam has a plurality of structural members within the foam. The plurality of structural members has a number of orientations to resist a number of loads. The composite material, the foam in the form of the stringer, and the plurality of structural members are cured to form the composite stringer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Simon D. Senibi, Barry P. Van West, Juan Carlos Guzman, Douglas A. McCarville, Daniel M. Rotter
  • Patent number: 9694896
    Abstract: A window assembly particularly for use in a commercial airplane is provided. Many windows are provided on most commercial passenger airplanes. Solar radiation causes the passage of infrared heat radiation through each window assembly into the passenger cabin during daylight hours. The disclosure involves the window assemblies of airplanes and the use of a protective coating that is bonded to the outermost surface of an outermost window pane, with the outermost window pane bonded to an inner window pane of the airplane window assembly. The protective coating has a metallic element component that has the capability of reflecting an effective amount of infrared heat radiation from solar radiation away from passing through the window assembly and into the cabin of the airplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Sahrudine Apdalhaliem
  • Patent number: 9694897
    Abstract: A rigid polymer porous material sheet is produced by feeding a slurry of polymer mixture comprising ultrafine polyvinylchloride particle, non-phthalate plasticizer, foaming agent and thermal stabilizer, polymer chips, fillers and fire retardant chemicals into a heated mold and pressing the mixture with high applied pressure. The temperature of the mold is below 190° C. to soften the polymer mixture and decompose the foaming agent forming the closed cell polyvinylchloride foam with 10 to 40% density with closed air cells. The thermal resistance of the rigid polymer porous sheet and sound attenuation properties are significantly improved. The rigid polymer porous sheet can be bent at sharp angles without crack formation facilitating its use as wall boards. The sheets produced may be embossed or molded to produce decoration boards, advertising boards, cabinet doors and furniture with decorative features. They can also be used in aeronautical applications as acoustic thermal insulation systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Michael A. Pero, III
  • Patent number: 9694898
    Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a reinforced composite structure for an aircraft and devices used in such methods are provided. A device includes a base, a first support member fixedly attached to the base, and a second support member fixedly attached to the base and aligned longitudinally with the first support member. The first support member and the second support member are spaced a first distance apart. Two pinching wheels are spaced a second distance apart. The two pinching wheels are positioned proximate to ends of the first support member and the second support member. The second distance is less than the first distance. The two pinching wheels are configured to receive a composite material layout between them and to cause two lengths of the composite material layout to contact each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Aitken, Brenden A. Autry
  • Patent number: 9694899
    Abstract: A rotorcraft provided on top with a fairing (3) arranged below the rotary wing of a main rotor of substantially vertical axis of the rotorcraft, and covering a mechanism enabling the blades of the rotary wing of the main rotor to be operated. The streamlined shape of the fairing (3) is shaped longitudinally like a drop of water that is truncated in its rear portion. The truncated portion (6) of the waterdrop-shaped profile of the fairing (3) forms the rear wall of the fairing (3) and is provided with a transversely middle hump (7). Said hump (7) is provided with projections in relief (9) arranged as waves in a longitudinal succession extending along the side walls of the fairing (3), and the truncated portion (6) is arranged in a plane sloping towards the rear of the rotorcraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventor: David Alfano
  • Patent number: 9694900
    Abstract: An actuator assembly includes an actuator body, a ram, and a cross pin. The actuator body has an internal axial cavity bounded by an actuator body wall and defines a pivot axis. A longitudinal slot extends along a portion of the length of the actuator body wall and is in communication with the internal axial cavity. The ram is slidably received within the axial cavity of the actuator body. The cross pin is mounted to the ram and extends laterally from the ram and into the longitudinal slot for converting linear motion of the ram into rotational motion about the pivot axis for displacing a control surface of an air vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin E. Buttolph
  • Patent number: 9694901
    Abstract: An aircraft landing flap includes a flap member having an abrasion-resistant coating coated on an abrasion region exposed to mechanical rubbing contacts with an aircraft spoiler. The coating comprises a polyurethane matrix based on aliphatic components and fillers embedded in the polyurethane matrix so as to increase resistance to abrasion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Volkmar Stenzel, Martin Kaune, Hubertus Lohner, Ottmar Schramm