Patents Issued in August 22, 2017
  • Patent number: 9738324
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a support structure for use with a vehicle, the vehicle having a frame to which the support structure is attached. The support structure can include an elongated pillar defining a hollow portion extending therethrough. The elongated pillar can also define at least two rectangular channels approximately rectangular in cross-section extending through the hollow portion along a direction of elongation of the pillar. The elongated pillar can also define one other channel having a non-parallelogram cross-section extending through the hollow portion along a direction of elongation of the pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fabian J. Vigil, Kurtis Ray Horner, Edward Bach, Hirokazu Matsuura
  • Patent number: 9738325
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle front section structure including: a side member front that is configured by a high tensile steel sheet, and has a closed cross-section; a side member rear that is configured by a high tensile steel sheet, and has a U-shaped cross-section open toward the upper side; a bracket that is disposed outside the closed cross-section of the side member front and inside the U-shaped cross-section of the side member rear, and has a first bottom wall that bends from a second bottom wall of the side member rear along a third bottom wall of the side member front; a first coupling portion that couples together the third bottom wall of the side member front and the first bottom wall of the bracket; and a second coupling portion that couples together the second bottom wall of the side member rear and the first bottom wall of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hyuga Atsumi, Junichi Takayanagi, Kenichiro Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 9738326
    Abstract: A rear package tray structure may include left and right side members oriented vertically from a floor panel, and a tray member to connect upper ends of the side members, in which the tray member and the side members are shaped with empty spaces defined therein extending in longitudinal directions thereof, respectively, and are connected to one another such that the empty spaces fluidly communicate with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Suk-Jun Chai
  • Patent number: 9738327
    Abstract: A bracket includes a cylindrical portion and a plate-shaped portion that are integrally formed. The cylindrical portion is provided at one end side of a blank along one direction and is provided with a slit extending over an entire length of the cylindrical portion in the one direction as a result of forming a portion at the one end side of the blank along the one direction into a cylindrical shape extending in the one direction. The plate-shaped portion is provided at the other end side of the blank along the one direction. The cylindrical portion of the bracket is inserted in the cylindrical body member formed of an aluminum alloy material, and the body member and the cylindrical portion are clinched by electromagnetic tube compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihaya Imamura
  • Patent number: 9738328
    Abstract: A splitter system for a vehicle includes a splitter body having a first splitter body side-section and a second splitter body side-section. The vehicle includes a vehicle body arranged along a longitudinal body axis and having a first vehicle body end configured to face incident ambient airflow. The splitter body is mounted at the first vehicle body end to generate an aerodynamic downforce thereon when the vehicle is in motion. A mechanism is configured to selectively and individually shift each of the first splitter body side-section and the second splitter body side-section relative to the first vehicle body end. The shifting of the splitter body side-sections by the mechanism in turn adjusts the aerodynamic downforce generated by the splitter body side-sections on the first vehicle body end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jason D. Fahland, Joshua R. Auden, David Dominguez
  • Patent number: 9738329
    Abstract: An apparatus for improving aerodynamic characteristics of a vehicle is provided. In particular, the apparatus includes grill shutter and a bumper lip that are operated simultaneously using one actuator and power transfer mechanism based on a vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jin Young Yoon, Hyun Gyung Kim, Keon Soo Jin, Ki Hong Lee, Dong Eun Cha
  • Patent number: 9738330
    Abstract: An air-guiding device which is arranged in a top rear region of a vehicle and includes an air-guiding element which is shiftable from a retracted inoperative position to an extended operating position, wherein, in both positions, the air-guiding element serves for guiding air in the rear region of the motor vehicle. At least one propeller of the air-guiding device which, together with the air-guiding element, is shiftable between the retracted and extended positions, wherein the propeller, in the extended operating position, is fixable in a first operating state, wherein the at least one propeller, in the extended operating position, is operable in a second operating state in order to produce a throughflow in the direction of travel, and wherein the at least one propeller, in the extended operating position, is operable in a third operating state in order to produce a throughflow opposed to the direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Wolf
  • Patent number: 9738331
    Abstract: At a vehicle lower portion structure S1, a first inclined portion 24 is formed at a rear end portion of a first undercover 20, and a second inclined portion 34 is formed at a front end portion of a second undercover 30. The second inclined portion 34 overlaps at least a portion of the first inclined portion 24 as seen in a vehicle plan view and a vehicle front view. An exhaust portion 40 is demarcated and formed by the first inclined portion 24 and the second inclined portion 34. An underfloor space UA and a space within an engine compartment 12 are communicated by the exhaust portion 40. Hot air within the engine compartment 12 can be made to flow via the exhaust portion 40 toward the underfloor space UA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keita Ito, Masahiro Ishikawa, Kenichiro Yoshimoto, Masato Kanbe
  • Patent number: 9738332
    Abstract: A kingpin stabilizer having a kingpin-retaining bracket having a base plate and upwardly extending walls along at least two sides of the base plate. The upwardly extending walls and the base plate forming a receiving cavity with the upwardly extending walls spaced apart to fit said kingpin therebetween. At least one upwardly extending wall has a pin retainer. The stabilizer includes three telescoping legs extending from the pin-retaining bracket forming a tripod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Norco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard F. Garceau, Bori Krobot
  • Patent number: 9738333
    Abstract: A fifth wheel includes a top plate having a throat that is adapted to receive a kingpin of a trailer. A pair of locking jaws are pivotally connected to the top plate and pivotal between a closed configuration where the pair of locking jaws block passage of a kingpin out of the throat and the locking jaws are held primarily in compression and an open configuration where a kingpin may pass into and out of the throat. Each of the pair of locking jaws has an engagement surface adapted to engage a kingpin positioned in the throat when the pair of locking jaws are in the closed configuration. A locking member is movably attached to the top plate and a mechanism urges the locking member into engagement with the pair of locking jaws when the pair of locking jaws are in the closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Fontaine Fifth Wheel Company
    Inventors: Steven Alldredge, Timothy Johnson
  • Patent number: 9738334
    Abstract: A track shoe for a track drive system, which comprises a shoe base, one or more drive lugs attached to the shoe base, and a wear plate attached to the shoe base. The shoe base and drive lugs may be formed from a prehardened engineering steel, such as MECASTEEL 145. The wear plate may be formed from MECASTEEL 145 or an advanced abrasion-resistant steel, such as Creusabro 8000. The drive lugs may be replaceably attached to the shoe base, preferably by welding. The wear plate may be replaceably attached to the shoe base, preferably by fasteners such as bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: ArcelorMittal
    Inventors: Claude Pierre Talbot, Alma Olsen
  • Patent number: 9738335
    Abstract: A robotic climbing platform has a chassis and a carriage adapted to support and move the chassis relative to a climbing surface. An adhesion mechanism provides an adhesion force between the climbing platform and the climbing surface. The adhesion mechanism has one or more suction pads adapted to retain an adhesion force between the climbing platform and the climbing surface during movement of the chassis relative to the climbing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: INVERT ROBOTICS LIMITED
    Inventors: Thomas Henry Davies, Benjamin James Kumar Sachdeva, Liam George Somerville, Andrew William Taylor, James Grant Robertson, XiaoQi Chen
  • Patent number: 9738336
    Abstract: Embodiments provided herein generally relate to robotic limbs and uses thereof. In some embodiments, the motor for driving movement of the limb can itself be repositioned, thereby altering the forces and/or torque involved in moving and/or operating the limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Masaaki Mihara
  • Patent number: 9738337
    Abstract: A climbing robot vehicle comprises a vehicle (2) and the front and rear ends of the vehicle body are provided with wheels (3). The end of the vehicle body facing towards the wall is fixedly connected to a sucking mechanism. The sucking mechanism comprises a body, the body being a hollow cylinder (4). A cover plate (5) is provided above the hollow cylinder. The upper end face of the cover plate is fixedly connected with the vehicle body and the lower end face of the cover plate is fixedly connected with the outer edge of the upper end face of the hollow cylinder by means of the first blocks (43) spaced from each other. The inner wall of the hollow cylinder is provided with tangential nozzles (41). The space between the first blocks (43) forms a first exhaust duct (44) between the outer edge of the upper end face of the hollow cylinder and the lower end face of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Xin Li
  • Patent number: 9738338
    Abstract: A dual trailing axle suspension system is disclosed wherein a pair of trailing axles are suspended from an auxiliary chassis with axle suspensions that provide spring action for isolating road-induced axle movement from the auxiliary chassis. And the auxiliary chassis is suspended from a chassis of a motor vehicle by an auxiliary chassis suspension adapted to deploy the auxiliary chassis from a stowed location on the motor vehicle to a deployed location at a substantial distance behind the motor vehicle chassis. And the auxiliary chassis suspension is adapted to cause the auxiliary chassis to help support the motor vehicle chassis to a variable degree by acting on the auxiliary chassis at a location between the two axles and in a manner determined by whether the spring action provided by the axle suspensions is set or variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventors: Brooks Strong, Joshua Cayne Fisher
  • Patent number: 9738339
    Abstract: A two-wheel vehicle includes a frame and a metallic side stand, rotatable within a bracket attached to the frame. The metallic side stand is rotatable between a first position that supports the two-wheel vehicle when parked and a second position substantially adjacent the frame. The two-wheel vehicle also includes an inductive sensor attached to the two-wheel vehicle and connected to detect at least one position of the metallic side stand and a circuit connected to receive an output from the inductive sensor and to provide a signal that reflects the position of the side stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Sanjay Jain, Abhijeet Gopal Godbole
  • Patent number: 9738340
    Abstract: A shell for a bicycle saddle has a groove opened through top and bottom surfaces thereof, a narrow anterior portion having a front edge, and a wide posterior portion having a rear edge and divided by an imaginary longitudinal axis passing through the front and rear edges and the groove into left and right regions where two sockets are located, respectively. The groove has a longitudinal section extending along the axis, and a transverse section extending from a rear end of the longitudinal section to the left and right regions so as to form two elastic wings adjacent to the groove. Each socket has a connecting sheet and an insertion block and extends from rear and lateral edges of the wide posterior portion to a position under the bottom surface to form a space therebetween. As a result, the shell has great elasticity and structural strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: VELO ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tsai-Yun Yu
  • Patent number: 9738341
    Abstract: Among other things, a compliant element is configured to attach a seat of a device on which a user pedals to a frame of the device. The compliant element has a stiffness that is small enough to permit substantially unimpeded rocking of the seat relative to the frame in a plane in which the spine and pelvic bone of the user lie when the user is on the seat, and is large enough to maintain the seat in a substantially horizontal plane when the user is not on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Balanced Bicycle Seats LLC
    Inventor: Robert M. Eldredge
  • Patent number: 9738342
    Abstract: Multi-wheeled vehicles, such as scooters, may include a body, a rear wheel, and a steering assembly. The steering assembly may include a steering shaft, a wheel support chassis, a first front wheel, and a second front wheel. The wheel support chassis is pivotally coupled to the steering shaft for rotation about a chassis pivot axis. The first and second front wheels are rotatingly coupled to the wheel support chassis about respective rotational axes. The second front wheel is at least substantially inline with the first front wheel and located closer to the rear wheel than the first front wheel when the steering shaft is in a forward straight orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Acorn Products, LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Stillinger, Kathryn Kelsey Anne Stillinger
  • Patent number: 9738343
    Abstract: An adult tricycle has a front frame and a rear frame that are pivotally connected together and a suspension for minimizing shock as the tricycle is driven over a surface. The suspension includes a shock absorbing element having a leading end that is pivotally connected with the front frame and a trailing end that is pivotally connected with the rear frame. The tricycle has a front wheel with a diameter that is bigger than the diameters of the rear wheels and a seat that sits higher than the diameter of the front wheel. The adult sized tricycle enables parents to ride cycles with small children and provides a safe, stable cycle for mature adults and senior citizens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Trifaro, Christopher Trifaro, Arnold Kamler
  • Patent number: 9738344
    Abstract: In a vehicle, a left cover attached to a left side member covers at least one of a left upper edge of an upper cross member, a left lower edge of the upper cross member, a left upper edge of a lower cross member, and a left lower edge of the lower cross member, from the left in a left-right direction of a body frame together with at least a portion of the left side member. A right cover attached to a right side member covers at least one of a right upper edge of the upper cross member, a right lower edge of the upper cross member, a right upper edge of an upper edge of the lower cross member, and a right lower edge of the lower cross member, from the right in the left-right direction of the body frame together with at least a portion of the right side member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Nobuhiko Hirakawa
  • Patent number: 9738345
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric motorcycle realized so that it can be subjected to a simple maintenance process. Such motorcycle is realized so that all the components at major risk of failure or deterioration are grouped in an unique compact and easily removable block called “block of electric components”. Moreover, the structure of the same motorcycle is conceived so that the extraction of said “block of electric components”, even if it is bulky and heavy, results simple and that it is also reduced at minimum the risk that such operation occurs in an incorrect way, or that it can provide other kinds of damage. All this aims at making the motorcycle maintenance and the restoration of its full function possible also at not specialized sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Mauro Stefano Di Benedetto
  • Patent number: 9738346
    Abstract: A vehicle height adjustment device includes a changer and a controller. The changer is configured to change a relative position of a body of a vehicle relative to an axle of a wheel of the vehicle. The controller is configured to control the changer to make the relative position a target value so as to control a vehicle height of the body. The controller is configured to control the changer to maintain the relative position when there is a possibility of a malfunction in a detector configured to detect a parameter for control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahiro Kasuga, Takahiro Koresawa
  • Patent number: 9738347
    Abstract: A bicycle including a frame that has a head tube, and a frame member that is elongated along a longitudinal axis. The bicycle also includes a receiver that is disposed in the frame member, and a battery pack that is coupled to the frame member and detachably connected to the receiver. The receiver has a tapered socket and a power connector encircled by the tapered socket. The battery pack has a tapered end cap that is insertable into the tapered socket along the longitudinal axis. The tapered end cap includes a battery connector disposed on an end of the battery pack. The tapered end cap is at least partially nested within the tapered socket along the longitudinal axis upon connection between the receiver and the battery pack, and the battery connector is electrically connected to the power connector upon nesting the tapered end cap in the tapered socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jan Talavasek, Amber R. Lucas, Ian Hamilton, Robert F. Meyer, Markus Spenninger, Holger Krauss
  • Patent number: 9738348
    Abstract: A saddle type vehicle to improve the workability in fastening a frame and an engine together and thereby to enhance productivity. The saddle type vehicle includes a head pipe, a main frame extending rearwardly from the head pipe, and a seat rail located rearwardly of the main frame for supporting a seat. The main frame is fastened to the engine by fastening members being directed from an outer side toward an inner side in the vehicle widthwise direction. A knock pin is provided between the main frame and the engine, in a position in the vicinity of at least one of the fastening members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiro Yamashita, Jun Hariu, Takanori Ishii, Shunichi Nakajima, Daisuke Umikawa
  • Patent number: 9738349
    Abstract: A multiple sprocket arrangement mountable to a rear axle arrangement of a bicycle includes a sprocket assembly having a plurality of sprockets with different numbers of teeth. The sprocket assembly includes a splined torque transmitting section. The multiple sprocket arrangement also includes an adapter mountable to the rear axle arrangement. The adapter configured to axially secure the sprocket assembly to the rear axle arrangement with an internally threaded portion disposed along a longitudinal axis outboard of the splined torque transmission section and inboard of at least two sprockets of the plurality of sprockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Henrik Braedt
  • Patent number: 9738350
    Abstract: A device for reducing frictional resistance includes: a chamber which is provided to a draft part of a hull and in which blowing holes blowing out air into the water of the outside of the hull from different positions to each other in a height direction of the hull are formed; a supply pipe supplying the air to an internal space of the chamber; and a distributor provided to each of the blowing holes, and guiding a part of the air, which was supplied inside the chamber from the supply pipe, to each of the blowing holes. The plurality of distributors has a flow-amount adjuster adjusting a flow amount of the air guided to the blowing hole corresponding to each of the distributors so that the flow amount of the air blown out from the plurality of blowing holes is equalized in each of the blowing holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichi Takano, Chiharu Kawakita, Shinsuke Sato, Yoichiro Kodan, Mitsuhiro Kawano, Shuji Mizokami, Seijiro Higasa
  • Patent number: 9738351
    Abstract: Floating TLP wind turbine comprising a buoyancy structure, a plurality of braces, one or more tensioned mooring lines for each brace, and a support structure arranged on the buoyancy structure. The braces extend radially outwardly from a region of the buoyancy structure or support structure, each brace having a distal end portion with respect to the buoyancy structure or support structure. Each distal end portion of the braces comprises a guiding element to allow a guided passage of a tensioned mooring line. Each of the tensioned mooring lines is anchored to the seabed at a first end, and attached/coupled to a region of the buoyancy structure or support structure at a second end, said region being above the region of the buoyancy structure or support structure from which the braces extend radially outwardly. Each tensioned mooring line is guided by the guiding element of the corresponding brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Alstom Renewable Technologies Wind BV
    Inventor: Roger Bergua
  • Patent number: 9738352
    Abstract: A rifle flotation device for providing buoyancy to a rifle with a rifle rail system is disclosed. The device includes a buoyant body with a first and second keyed rifle rail slots constructed to allow the rifle rail system to be inserted therein. The buoyant body may further include a first buoyant body portion that includes the first keyed rifle rail slot and a second buoyant body portion that includes the second keyed rifle rail slot. The first buoyant body portion is detachable from the second buoyant body portion and the body may further include an interlocking tongue-in-groove system that attaches the first buoyant body portion to the second buoyant body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: GREEN DRAGON VENTURES
    Inventors: Kristian Dawn Zook, David Phillip Ondash
  • Patent number: 9738353
    Abstract: A marker buoy constructed of a main shaft extending vertically when in use and including a marker flag, a floating body, and a spool mounted to the main shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Matthew Richardson
  • Patent number: 9738354
    Abstract: The invention provides a lifting device (1) for lifting a leg of at least one part of a sea platform comprising a support structure and a top side, wherein the lifting device comprises: a base structure (2) to be mounted on a vessel; a gripping device (3) to grip the leg, wherein the gripping device is movably supported with respect to the base structure; a support device (4) mounted on the base structure, and a lifting beam (5), wherein a first end of the lifting beam is configured to be supported at a support location of the support device and wherein a second end of the lifting beam opposite to the first end is configured to be connected to the gripping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: HEEREMA MARINE CONTRACTORS NEDERLAND SE
    Inventors: Gerardus Cornelius Van Grieken, Timotheus Johannes Rutten, Chris Van Zeijl
  • Patent number: 9738355
    Abstract: Various aspects of a watercraft with a controllable imaging device are disclosed herein. The watercraft includes a rotatable housing provided in a recess located underneath the watercraft. The recess further includes a roller assembly to movably engage the rotatable housing within the recess. An imaging device is positioned within the rotatable housing. One or more control commands are received by the imaging device from an electronic device to enable capture of one or more images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Brad Thorson
  • Patent number: 9738356
    Abstract: A water sports board with enhanced flexibility includes an elongated core body and an elongated wooden or carbon fiber planar stringer disposed on the centerline of the core body. A plurality of elongated slots are formed in the upper edge of the stringer and extend downwardly toward the bottom edge. The slots are filled with an elastic rubber-like material. The water sports board can be a surfboard, windsurfing board, kite board, wakeboard or body boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Benjamin R. Peter
  • Patent number: 9738357
    Abstract: A collar assembly for a watercraft includes an elongate tubular casing with a lengthwise sealable opening. A foam core is removably positioned in the tubular casing, and includes a body portion and a plurality of circumferentially spaced foam springs that extend outwardly to engage the tubular casing, to bias the foam core towards a center position in the tubular casing. In some embodiments a body portion of the foam core has a circular cross section, and the foam springs are co-formed with the body portion. In some embodiments the foam core comprises a plurality of longitudinal sections that are enclosed in a membrane having an inflation valve that extends through the tubular casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: William M. Hansen
  • Patent number: 9738358
    Abstract: An enhanced system and various methods for safe and convenient deployment and retraction of boat fenders, comprising a system for stowing a boat fender in a fender receptacle, the receptacle having an opening for threading through a line, the line being attached to the fender, the line operable to pull up the fender into the receptacle through a second opening at the bottom of the receptacle, the receptacle being located within the rail, hull, or attached thereto, and being attached to a hinge, operated either mechanically or manually, to enable unobstructed deployment of the fenders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Shmuel Sam Arditi
  • Patent number: 9738359
    Abstract: This invention relates to a naval rescue vessel, comprising a propulsion unit (1) powered by a water jet and a hull unit (200), wherein said hull unit is at least partly flexible and wherein said propulsion unit (100) is arranged to form a rigid unit, and wherein the two units (100, 200) are interconnected to form a naval rescue vessel intended to be handled/maneuvered by a single rescuer, wherein the interconnection (130, 205) between the two units (100, 200) is arranged to provide a releasable connection of the units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: SAFE AT SEA AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventor: Fredrik Falkman
  • Patent number: 9738360
    Abstract: An underwater powered observation system useful for ice fishing and capable of driving down an augured hole in the ice in a particular orientation that receives propulsion directions via a miniature multi-conductor cable connected to a color monitor integral to a control unit. The submersible vehicle assembly is powered by an onboard rechargeable battery that energizes both horizontal and vertical thrusters to guide and move the vehicle assembly through the water from directions communicated by the control unit. The submersible vehicle assembly may include a laser adapted to be directed to the underside of ice so as to locate the vehicle assembly allowing the user to cut a hole using a standard commercial ice auger in the ice at or near fish. In this manner the vehicle assembly may be utilized for the underwater tasks of locating fish, observing scenery, boat and pier inspection, object recovery, and other underwater tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Cam Habeger
  • Patent number: 9738361
    Abstract: The present invention is a submersible device comprising a body encasing an enclosed compressible void capable of physically responding to changes in ambient pressure imparted by the device's depth underwater. This physical response to pressure changes actuates a dynamic dive plane. The forces imparted on the dive plane by the motion of the device through the water drives the device to seek, achieve and then maintain a predetermined depth. This device can be used for fishing applications and other underwater activities that benefit from dynamic depth control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Lehl, Michael Bryan Ross Smith
  • Patent number: 9738362
    Abstract: A human propelled watercraft having a pair of flexible fins supported by a mast extending into the water each adapted to oscillate through an arcuate path in a generally transverse direction with respect to the central longitudinal dimension of said watercraft. Pedals are provided for applying input force whereby as input force is applied, the flexible fins can twist to form an angle of attack for providing forward thrust with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the watercraft while moving in both directions along the arcuate path. Each of the fins preferably is composed of a layer of stiff and durable material that is wrapped around the mast. The two layers of material touch at the trailing edge and they are free to slide relative to each other. Preferably, each of the fins is provided with adjustable tensioning at the tip of the mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Hobie Cat Company
    Inventors: Gregory Scott Ketterman, James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow, Drew William Brackett, Shane Yellin, John Thomas Myers, III
  • Patent number: 9738363
    Abstract: A watercraft propulsion system configured to be coupled to the transom of a boat. A continuous track is supported by a suspension frame and operably coupled to an outboard motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Adam Parsley
  • Patent number: 9738364
    Abstract: The present invention(s) relates to a structure and method for improved auxiliary thruster systems for marine and small vessels, including small fishing and pontoon boats. Under conditions of wind or rough waters it may be impracticable to employ the main drive of a vessel because it may provide more thrust and motility than needed and may not be fuel efficient for such purposes. The present invention(s) relates to auxiliary thrusting and maneuvering systems of marine vehicles which may be employed in addition or independently of main propulsion of the vehicle or craft that protracts and retracts a thruster assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Kenneth Abney
  • Patent number: 9738365
    Abstract: This invention is related to an apparatus and a method for aquatic propulsion by use of a swimming aid comprising an anchoring article and handles that are compressed and retracted in a scissor-like fashion by a User. This inward and outward motion translates by way of a pivot point to the other end of the handle, causing another set of arms operably connected to the anchoring article by way of two sets of straps, to pivot in a manner perpendicular to the motion of the handles, thus causing two vertical fins to move laterally through the water, displacing water, and propelling the user in a forward direction. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, foldable fin arms are attached to the second set of arms that is manipulated by the straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Adel Radwan
  • Patent number: 9738366
    Abstract: Control device for generating auxiliary controls for a boat for controlling and regulating a boat handling auxiliary functionality, including an intermediate switch, changeover switch, or switch device located below the steering control member of the boat, which is connected to a drive unit for a steering actuator through a drive shaft; and a housing case shaped as an arm having at one end a member controlling the control device, which is provided with a terminal removably fastening alternatively to the casing holding the drive unit for the steering actuator, to a part thereof, or to a wall of a bridge or of a dashboard adjacently to the region for mounting the casing holding the drive unit for the steering actuator to the bridge or to the dashboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Ultraflex S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marcella Gai, Andrea Milanese, Enrico Pagani
  • Patent number: 9738367
    Abstract: A stern drive is for propelling a marine vessel in water. The stern drive is configured to power a propulsor located below the surface of the water. The stern drive comprises an internal combustion engine that powers a driveshaft that axially extends through a transom of the marine vessel; an exhaust manifold that conveys exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine; and an elongated exhaust conduit that redirects the exhaust gas from the exhaust manifold transversely with respect to the driveshaft. The elongated exhaust conduit conveys the exhaust gas to an upstream exhaust outlet that discharges the exhaust gas through the transom below the surface of the water and then to a downstream exhaust outlet that is spaced apart from and is located vertically higher than the upstream exhaust outlet. The elongated exhaust conduit functions as a water lift muffler during operation of the stern drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew S. Krabacher, David J. Waldvogel
  • Patent number: 9738368
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is arrangement of a fuel gas tank in a fuel gas supply system that supplies liquefied natural gas to an engine. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a fuel gas supply system of a ship includes an engine generating driving force using fuel gas; and a fuel gas tank storing the fuel gas to be supplied to the engine, wherein the engine is disposed in an engine room placed at the stern of the ship and the fuel gas tank is disposed above the engine room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: DAEWOO SHIPBUILDING & MARINE ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Joon Chae Lee, Dong Eok Kang, Cheong Gi Park
  • Patent number: 9738369
    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 takeoff 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: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignees: ANTER LLC, RUFIUS OY
    Inventors: Timur A. Mirzeabasov, Lidia N. Shkolina, Svetlana T. Romanova, Dimitrii O. Belov, Valery M. Volynkin, Vadim Y. Golovan, Fail N. Suleymanov, Igor Vodyanoy
  • Patent number: 9738370
    Abstract: An interior trim arrangement for an aircraft cabin, having lateral ceiling elements, and an angled element having limbs limb extending from one another, one lateral ceiling element arranged offset upwardly and to a first side, the angled element arranged with the first limb adjoining a lateral ceiling element towards the first side, the free end of the first limb located opposite the free end, towards the first side, of a lateral ceiling element, the other limb extending towards the other lateral ceiling element, the free end of the second limb spaced apart from the first free end, towards a lateral ceiling element, of the other lateral ceiling element, a light source for the other lateral ceiling element between the free end of the second limb and the first free end, towards a lateral ceiling element, of the other lateral ceiling element, and the angled element having a lighting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Benedikt Kircher, Stephan Sontag
  • Patent number: 9738371
    Abstract: Structures and methods for joining composite fuselage sections and other panel assemblies together are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a shell structure configured in accordance with the present invention includes a first panel portion positioned adjacent to a second panel portion. The first panel portion can include a first stiffener attached to a first composite skin, and the second panel portion can include a second stiffener attached to a second composite skin. The shell structure can further include a fitting extending across a first edge region of the first panel portion and a second edge region of the second panel portion. A first end portion of the fitting can be attached to the first stiffener and the first composite skin, and a second end portion of the fitting can be attached to a second stiffener and a second composite skin, to join the first panel portion to the second panel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. Stulc, Wallace C. Chan, Brian C. Clapp, Neal G. Rolfes
  • Patent number: 9738372
    Abstract: Different advantageous embodiments provide a method and apparatus to increase a clearance of a cargo area of an aircraft. The apparatus and method may comprise an aircraft with a cargo area. A tray system may have a plurality of segment trays with each segment tray positioned between a plurality of floor beams located underneath a surface of the floor of the cargo area. A plurality of rollers in the tray system may be configured to allow an object to be moved across the cargo area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Sergey D. Barmichev, Harry Wilbert Slusher, Gary Peter Seagrave
  • Patent number: 9738373
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fish joint device intended to attach securely first and second structural elements of an aircraft to one another, having two fishplates positioned either side of the structural elements, and attached to them by a set of fishplate through fastenings. According to the invention, the fish joint device includes at least one intermediate fish joint plate which is positioned between one of said fishplates and said structural elements which said intermediate plate partly covers, and which is attached to these elements by a set of intermediate plate through fastenings which includes the set of fishplate through fastenings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Julien Guillemaut, Guillaume Gallant