Patents Issued in January 2, 2018
  • Patent number: 9855967
    Abstract: A steering control apparatus controls includes a steering quantity generation unit generating a steering quantity indicative of an operation performed on the steering member, an adjustment torque generation unit generating an adjustment torque and adjusting a mechanical impedance corresponding to the adjustment torque, and a command value generation unit generating a command value and controlling the motor according to the command value using the adjustment torque generated by the adjustment torque generation unit. The steering quantity is a physical quantity that has different values at least in a state of rotating the steering member, a state of returning the steering member, or a state of retaining the steering member, and the steering quantity indicates an operation amount of rotating the steering member or an operation amount of returning the steering member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yosuke Hirate, Motoaki Kataoka
  • Patent number: 9855968
    Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a controller configured to, when a collision of a host vehicle with another vehicle traveling in a direction that intersects with a front-rear direction of the host vehicle is predicted (Yes in S20), when the collision with the other vehicle is unavoidable (No in S70) and when the other vehicle comes into collision with the host vehicle in the intersecting direction, automatically turn a steered wheel of the host vehicle before the host vehicle collides with the other vehicle. The controller is configured to vary a direction of the steered wheel that is turned by the controller (S100 or S110) in response to whether there is a target, other than the other vehicle, around the host vehicle (Yes or No in S90).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinya Kawamata
  • Patent number: 9855969
    Abstract: A shock mount assembly for attachment to a vehicle frame and a vehicle rear axle, including a mounting beam attachable to the vehicle frame and having shock mounts that are attachable to shock first ends. Shock mount gusset plates provide an attachment point for shocks that extend to the vehicle rear axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Addictive Desert Designs, LLC
    Inventor: Jared A. Hare
  • Patent number: 9855970
    Abstract: A front side member 16 is arranged in a front part of a vehicle body 14 on an Outer side in a vehicle width direction along a vehicle front-rear direction, and an apron upper member 32 is further arranged on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and an upper side thereof. A gusset 28 is attached to an outer side of a front end of the front side member 16 in a projected manner. Furthermore, a front end of the apron upper member 32 is connected to the gusset 28 via an apron brace 34. A rear section 34A of the apron brace 34 is provided with a first lateral flange section 60C and a second lateral flange section 60D toward the vehicle width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shintaro Kitakata, Yasuyuki Hihara, Kenjiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 9855971
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a frame impact absorbing part extending from the side of a left front side frame in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. The frame impact absorbing part includes first and second frame bending members that form a frame tubular body, upper and lower frame flanges projecting outward from the frame tubular body, upper and lower first fragile portions that divide the frame flanges in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and a plurality of frame rigid portions formed at a rear end of the frame tubular body on the rear side of the vehicle body with respect to the first fragile portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Daido, Tatsuya Ishizaki, Akira Hojo
  • Patent number: 9855972
    Abstract: A vehicle roof support structure including a pair of reinforcing truss members. The roof support structure includes a header, a roof bow, right and left roof rails, and a center roof support. The trusses form triangular reinforcing structures on the driver-side and passenger-side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Muhsin M. Hamdoon, Marwan Ahmad Elbkaily, Viktor Kostrominov, Darrin Neil Wagner, Edgar Edward Donabedian
  • Patent number: 9855973
    Abstract: A body shell structure of a motor vehicle includes a side superstructure of the body shell defining on either side of the vehicle two recess portions for wheel arch housings of the vehicle connected by a floor of the vehicle. The body shell structure includes, in each of the two recess portions for wheel arch housing, a wheel arch housing part and at least one mount for attaching the rear shock absorber, assembled by edges thereof to each of the wheel arch housing parts. The wheel arch housing part defines at least one substantially oblique surface portion around and beyond the edges of the mount. The superstructure also includes a structural plate rigidly connected to an oblique surface portion of the wheel arch housing part and secured to a substantially vertical surface portion of the superstructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Olivier Rioult, Herve Gaumont, Jerome Caillard, Jean-Luc Knop
  • Patent number: 9855974
    Abstract: A body structure includes: a bumper beam extending in the vehicle width direction; a pair of front side frames separated from each other in the vehicle width direction; and a pair of bumper beam extensions provided between respective front ends of the pair of front side frames and the bumper beam. The bumper beam is connected to the pair of bumper beam extensions at positions lower than respective upper walls of the pair of front side frames; and each of front portions of the pair of bumper beam extensions includes a connection portion to which a rear wall of the bumper beam is connected, and an extension portion provided above the connection portion and extending toward the vehicle front above the bumper beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fumitoshi Kase, Yoichiro Hamano, Yasuyuki Shibata, Makoto Kihara, Misato Mineshima
  • Patent number: 9855975
    Abstract: An upper end portion of a shock absorber of a front suspension is fixed to a suspension tower body portion of a suspension tower, and an upper arm of the front suspension is coupled to the suspension tower body portion of the suspension tower. This suspension tower body portion is formed integrally with a side member constituting portion that defines part of a closed cross-sectional shape of a front side member. Thus, in comparison with a configuration in which one or a plurality of combination portions are provided between the suspension tower and the front side member, it is possible to contribute toward more efficiently transmitting a load from the front suspension to the front side member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koji Amemiya
  • Patent number: 9855976
    Abstract: A mounting member for an actuator of a machine is disclosed. The actuator has a cylinder defining a longitudinal direction and a motor disposed adjacent to a mounting end of the cylinder. The actuator has a first angular orientation and a second angular orientation about the longitudinal direction with respect to the mounting member. The motor is disposed proximal to the mounting member in the first angular orientation and disposed distal to the mounting member in the second angular orientation. The mounting member includes a base portion to couple to a frame of the machine and a bracket portion extending from the base portion. The bracket portion is coupled to the mounting end of the cylinder. The mounting member further includes a guide portion extending from the base portion to prevent coupling of the actuator to the bracket portion in the first angular orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip A. Hartz, Matthew M. DeSanto, Daniel A. Hatfield
  • Patent number: 9855977
    Abstract: An underbody structure of a vehicle may include a side sill, a tunnel member, and a rear side member, all of which extend in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, in which at least one of the side sill, the tunnel member, and the rear side member may include a plurality of first coupling sections, which is coupled to transverse members of the vehicle that extend in a transverse direction of the vehicle, and a plurality of first non-coupling sections, which is not coupled to the members arranged in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and the first coupling sections and the first non-coupling sections may have different thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hee Seouk Chung, Deok Hwa Hong
  • Patent number: 9855978
    Abstract: A component connection is provided. The component connection has a first component, at least a first male fixing element projecting from the first component, and a second component, the second component has at least a female fixing element, into which the male fixing element is fitted. At least the first component consists of a fiber-reinforced plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Carsten Lankenau, Eva Vietze, Johann Van Niekerk, Sebastian Zech
  • Patent number: 9855979
    Abstract: A bed divider is provided for a bed of a truck. The bed divider includes a first guide track extending along a first axis and a second guide track extending along a second axis. The second guide track is displaceable along the first guide track. The bed divider also includes a carrier displaceable along the second guide track and a partition depending from the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kyle Ness, Pattrick Loew
  • Patent number: 9855980
    Abstract: A method of constructing a wall assembly of an operator cab involves: fastening a generally planar inner surface of a sheet-metal exterior wall body of the wall assembly to a generally planar outer surface of a sheet-metal structural wall body of the wall assembly; and fastening a generally planar inner surface of the sheet-metal structural wall body to a generally planar outer surface of a sheet-metal interior wall body of the wall assembly. Also, a method of constructing an operator cab involves: fastening a floor body to first and second spaced-apart sheet-metal wall assemblies; fastening a rear wall body to the first and second sheet-metal wall assemblies and to the floor body; fastening a front wall body to the first and second sheet-metal wall assemblies and to the floor body; and fastening a ceiling body to the first and second sheet-metal wall assemblies. Operator cabs and kits are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: ONE FIFTY LABS INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Joseph Kazakoff, Zachary Lee Atkinson, Ronald Gordon Van Der Linden
  • Patent number: 9855981
    Abstract: An active side vent system for a vehicle can include a housing disposed in a side vent opening defined by a recessed surface in a rear portion of a front fender of the vehicle, a set of louvers disposed in the housing and configured to pivot such that (i) in an open position, none of the set of louvers extends beyond an outer surface of the front fender and (ii) in a closed position, the set of louvers are substantially flush with the recessed surface of the front fender, and an actuator configured to control the pivoting of the set of louvers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SRG GLOBAL INC.
    Inventors: David Michael Dunford, Patrick Ayoub, Rob Frayer
  • Patent number: 9855982
    Abstract: A drag reduction system is configured to be coupled to a rear frame assembly of a trailer including a rear swing door and a rear frame. The drag reduction system includes a main wall panel configured to be coupled to a vertical member of the rear frame to extend generally rearwardly of the trailer at least partially along a height of the trailer. The main wall panel is pivotable relative to the rear frame between a deployed position wherein the inner surface of the wall panel is spaced-apart from the outer surface of the rear swing door, and a stowed position wherein the inner surface of the wall panel is adjacent to and engaged with the outer surface of the rear swing door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventor: Leonard W. Baker
  • Patent number: 9855983
    Abstract: A rectifier that is installed on a vehicle which includes a front shield at a front of a vehicle compartment, a hood in front of the front shield, a cowl between a back edge of the hood and a lower end of the front shield, and a fender on an outside of the hood and the cowl in a vehicle width direction, the rectifier including a rectifier member that is installed at a region on a side surface of the fender and adjacent to the back edge of the hood, and has a negative pressure generation part which causes an airflow created when the vehicle travels to generate a negative pressure backward. The front shield is shaped like a curved surface that projects toward a front of the vehicle. At least a part of the negative pressure generation part is disposed in front of a shield extension virtual curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yusaku Dogahira, Naoto Watanabe, Hiroshi Niitsu, Kento Ota, Hisafumi Nakaura, Hiroshi Natsui
  • Patent number: 9855984
    Abstract: An underbody panelling part of a wheel axle near the wheel arch of a motor vehicle has a main part, the covering surface of which is variable, and a fastening structure for fixed connection to the body and/or a fastening structure for fixed connection to a transverse link of the motor vehicle. In the mounted state the covering surface can be varied with the steering angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Bayershire Motoren Werke Aktiegesellschaft
    Inventors: Gregor Tesch, Markus Kohlhuber, Rasmus Leicht, Roland Schmidt, Hubert Scholz, Matthias Hennig, Ludwig Seethaler, Roland Koenig, Markus Fauser
  • Patent number: 9855985
    Abstract: A tread pattern for a vehicle track, such as an endless track for earth moving equipment, comprises a plurality of blocks. Each block includes two lateral traction portions extending from a center traction portion in substantially opposite directions. The two lateral traction portions are longitudinally aligned. In some examples, each lateral traction portion may define a T-shape. For example, the lateral traction portions of each block may define a protrusion to define the “T” shape, and, in some examples, the protrusions may extend in opposite longitudinal directions. In some examples, the lateral traction portions of each block may be the same shape, where one lateral traction portion may be oriented at about 180 degrees relative to the other lateral traction portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SRJ, Inc.
    Inventors: Woo Young Jee, Dennis H. Jee, Jay Lee
  • Patent number: 9855986
    Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a change in speed of the vehicle and a control device for sending a signal to a headlight activation circuit to modulate the vehicle's headlights based upon the change in speed. In particular, a headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated as the vehicle reduces speed and/or is decelerating as it approaches an intersection. Additionally, the headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated as the vehicle accelerates from a stopped position or reaches a certain traveling speed. The headlight activation circuit is able to modulate the headlight between an on position and an off position or modulate the headlight between a high beam position and a low beam position. Consequently, the vehicle is better seen as it approaches likely congestion areas such as intersections and slowing or stopped traffic and attempts to enter traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Vision Works IP Corporation
    Inventors: Fritz Braunberger, Beau M. Braunberger
  • Patent number: 9855987
    Abstract: A vehicle body frame structure of a straddle-type vehicle comprises a head pipe into which a steering shaft connected to a handle is inserted; and a pair of main frames extending rearward and outward in a vehicle width direction from the head pipe in such a manner that the main frames are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction. Each of the main frames includes an upper frame extending rearward from an upper portion of the head pipe, and a lower frame extending rearward from a lower portion of the head pipe. Between the upper frame and the lower frame, a retraction space which is located inward in the vehicle width direction relative to an end portion of the handle in a turn operation state is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishii, Tomo Yamamoto, Daisuke Saeki
  • Patent number: 9855988
    Abstract: A suspension limiting device secured to a fork guard and telescopic suspension where upon compression of suspension, is latched onto a secondary, multi-piece ring that is fixed to the fork tube of a motorcycle front suspension fork, which when latched, lowers the weight bias of the vehicle and controls front-end lift during race starts, whereupon the latch automatically releases from the multi-piece ring immediately upon pressure to the suspension via applying the front brake on the vehicle or contacting a bump during forward motion which then automatically allows the suspension to use full travel. The suspension limiting device allows a user to limit front fork travel by pressing the suspension down and easily pressing the latch before, during or after the latch passes the multi-piece ring to secure connection upon retraction of the suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Ted DeVol
  • Patent number: 9855989
    Abstract: A saddle type vehicle wherein restrictions in the weight and the layout are reduced for slimmer and lighter vehicle. Pivot plates are provided as separate bodies from seat rails. An upper end of a shock absorber is received by a cross member located between left and right seat rails. The cross member is a separate body from the seat rails. Both ends of the cross member are supported by recesses provided in the left and right seat rails at inner sides of the seat rails so as to face each other. The cross member is fastened to the seat rails by cross member fastening members. The seat rail is attached to a main frame at its one front-side end and to the pivot plate at its other front-side end. The main frame and the seat rail are fastened to each other in the vertical direction by a first fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Hariu, Daisuke Umikawa, Akihiro Yamashita, Yuzuru Ishikawa, Shunichi Nakajima
  • Patent number: 9855990
    Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated control device of hydraulic brake for a handlebar of bicycle. The integrated control device includes a brake actuator of hydraulic type mounted on a housing body. The housing body comprises a handgrip portion and an attachment portion to the bicycle handlebar. The brake actuator includes a brake lever hinged on the housing body through a pin. A hydraulic cylinder is provided wherein a slidable piston is slidable that is kinematically connected to the brake lever through kinematic connection elements. A tank for hydraulic fluid is in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder. The control device includes an autonomous cartridge that comprises the hydraulic cylinder and the tank, and is removably inserted into a corresponding seat of the housing body. The seat is formed in a head portion of the housing body that is substantially opposite the attachment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.
    Inventors: Mario Meggiolan, Davide Zenere, Jürgen Beier
  • Patent number: 9855991
    Abstract: A vehicle which is operable by a motor and/or muscular energy, in particular an electric bicycle, which includes an electric motor, a crankshaft drive having a first crank, a second crank, and a crankshaft, a torque sensor for detecting a torque applied by a rider at the crankshaft drive, and a control unit, which is set up to actuate the electric motor based on at least the values acquired by the torque sensor to drive the vehicle, the torque sensor being situated at the crankshaft drive and the torque sensor including at least one surface acoustic wave sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Karl Bendel, Peter Kimmich, Markus Hinterkausen, Marko Liebler
  • Patent number: 9855992
    Abstract: A gear motor for decreasing speed at a mechanical power output is provided with a housing; a supporting shaft through the housing; an electric motor in the housing and including a stator secured to the supporting shaft, and a rotor surrounding the stator and driven by the outer stator; a planetary gear train surrounding the rotor and including planet gear assemblies, a stationary ring gear at one end of the planet gear assemblies, and a driving ring gear at the other end of the planet gear assemblies. The driving ring gear rotates the housing either in one direction or in each of two opposite directions. The planet gear assemblies and the rotor form an annular rotor. Each planet gear assembly includes coaxial first and second planet gears. The first planet gear meshes the stationary ring gear. The second planet gear meshes the driving ring gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignees: SAFEWAY ELECTRO-MECHANICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chia-Sheng Liang
  • Patent number: 9855993
    Abstract: Provided is a continuously variable transmission including a variable diameter first pulley assembly, a second pulley assembly, coupled with an endless power transfer element. The first pulley assembly includes: a first side member having a plurality of first guideways coupled to rotate on a first axle; a second side member having a plurality of a second guideways, separated from the first side member, coupled to rotate freely about the first axle; a plurality of pulley segments engaged with the endless power transfer element coupled with the first and second guideways arranged in the circle about the first axis of rotation; an actuator for rotating the first and second side member relative to each other about the first axis of rotation, producing radial displacement of the pulley segments and changing the effective diameter of the first pulley assembly; and a tensioner for tensioning the endless power transfer element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: David Conrad Rockwood
  • Patent number: 9855994
    Abstract: A number of variations may include an electric cycle powertrain comprising: a motor comprising a rotor and a stator; a crankshaft operatively connected to a first and second pedal assembly; a stepped planetary gear set comprising a sun gear, at least one stepped pinion gear having a first and a second portion operatively connected to each other and operatively connected to the sun gear, wherein the first portion rotates within a grounded first ring gear and the second portion rotates within a second ring gear; wherein the sun gear is connected to the rotor; wherein the second ring gear is operatively connected to the crankshaft and the first and second pedal assemblies; wherein the at least one stepped pinion gear are operatively connected to a carrier; and wherein the carrier is operatively connected to a chain ring operatively connected to a chain to drive a rear sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven L. Hayslett, Shawn H. Swales
  • Patent number: 9855995
    Abstract: Boats can be adapted to generate a wake that is well-suited for the sport of wake surfing. For example, boats can include an aft platform with a contoured underside that contacts water to generate such a wake for wake surfing. In some embodiments, the contoured underside of the platform includes dual opposing wake-shaping surfaces that shape the water flowing aft from the boat hull to create a wake shape that is well-suited for wake surfing. The aft 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: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Chaparral Boats, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Fafard, William S. Pegg, Michael Anthony Werle
  • Patent number: 9855996
    Abstract: A system (16) for providing an air lubricating layer between a substantially flat bottom (6) of the hull (4) of a vessel (1) and water flowing under the bottom as the vessel is moving through the water. The system has a cavity (33) with a deflector. The deflector has an elongate part (29,34,34?) extending in the length direction of the cavity over at least at least 5%, preferably at least 10% of the cavity length L, wherein a projected area of the at least one deflector member (24,24?-26,26?) on the interface plane (30) covers at least 25%, preferably at least 50%, most preferably at least 75% of the surface area of the interface plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SILVERSTREAM TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Johannnesson, Noah Silberschmidt, Jorgen Clausen
  • Patent number: 9855997
    Abstract: A foam product includes a foam core and a soft shell. The foam core includes a tightly packed cluster of expanded beads. Each of the expanded beads is made of a pre-expanded bead. The foam core defines in its top surface a recess. The recess has an inner wall on which some outermost beads of the expanded beads are exposed and protruded. The soft shell is disposed within the recess of the foam core and has an outer wall attached to the inner wall of the recess. In particular, the soft shell has at its outer wall a plurality of cavities sized and shaped to respectively receive the protruded, outermost beads in the recess of the foam core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Agit Global IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Tzong In Yeh
  • Patent number: 9855998
    Abstract: A swing arm for a stowable bimini frame associable with a tower structure of watercraft is provided including a body associated with the bimini frame. The body is rotatable relative to the tower structure between a first position and a second position. An engagement mechanism selectively engages the body to retain the body in at least one of the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: COMMERCIAL SEWING, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Perosino, Joseph Hamilton, III, Timothy Hamilton, David Mazzarelli, Michael Hissong, Brian DeLisle
  • Patent number: 9855999
    Abstract: The present embodiments relate to launch and recovery management systems with a pass through tether for an offshore object. The embodiments turn a free flying remotely operated vehicle system into a tether management controlled system by separately supporting the tether management system frame with an independent load line so the tether or umbilical only passes through the frame going direct to a remotely operated vehicle. A traction system coupled with a constant tension system on the tether management system topside maintains the tether or umbilical directly below the launch and recovery system down to the desired working depth thereby avoiding any slack or impacts of current forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: WT INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas Patrick Trail
  • Patent number: 9856000
    Abstract: A universal mounting system for mounting an accessory to a watersport board has at least one mounting plate. The mounting plate has a bottom surface adapted to be mounted to the watersport board, and a top surface. A first track and a second track are integrated with the mounting plate. At least one slider fastener is adapted to cooperate with each of the first and second tracks. The slider fasteners are further adapted to secure the accessory to the mounting plate in a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Phillip McCoy Midler
  • Patent number: 9856001
    Abstract: A rescue device, comprises a frame and at least one flotation element connected to the frame. The at least one flotation element defines a chamber containing a volume of air and includes at least one vertical load support extending between a first flotation element portion and an opposing second flotation element portion of the flotation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: RESCUE ALIVE, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Beer, David Kroll
  • Patent number: 9856002
    Abstract: The present watercraft comprises a hull, and a flotation structure. The hull has a length overall and a beam. The flotation structure protrudes under the hull. The flotation structure supports a plurality of buoyant toothed rollers. Each buoyant toothed roller is substantially parallel to a beam of the hull. Each buoyant toothed roller is also rotationally retained by the flotation structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Gilles Nadeau
  • Patent number: 9856003
    Abstract: Sail membrane made of a woven fabric of synthetic fibers, with said fabric having a microroughness in the form of groove families crossing one another arranged so as to achieve a density of 5 to 25 grooves/mm deposited on or integrated into said fabric structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Dimension-Polyant GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Stein, Heiner Schillings
  • Patent number: 9856004
    Abstract: A jib furler halyard top fitting has a body for coupling to a top end of an extruded member that longitudinally receives a stay and a main portion of a halyard of a marine vessel such that the extruded member is rotatable about the stay. The body of the fitting has a passage to receive the stay. A first sheave supported on the body has a perimeter edge aligned with the main portion of the halyard extending through the extruded member. A second sheave supported on the body has a perimeter edge aligned with an end section of the halyard coupled to the top of the jib. A third sheave supported on the body has a perimeter edge including portions aligned with the first and second sheaves respectively such that the halyard remains tangential with adjacent sheaves along a length of the halyard received through the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Torjak Marine Inc.
    Inventor: Michael H. Bulman
  • Patent number: 9856005
    Abstract: An outboard drive device comprising a motor having a crankshaft, wherein said outboard drive device further comprises a propeller shaft with a propeller, and a power coupling system for transferring power from the motor to the propeller shaft. The power coupling system involves a transmission including side-by-side positioning of forward and reverse gears of the device, which are rotatably engaged with a drive shaft. Particular variables of the system enable increased power output to be transmitted through the transmission, while also providing quick and efficient power distribution among different rotations of the propeller shaft of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: CIMCO MARINE AB
    Inventors: Christer Flodman, Andreas Blomdahl
  • Patent number: 9856006
    Abstract: A method of reducing vibration in a rotary system (120, 130, 140) of a watercraft, for example a cargo ship (100), comprising balancing said rotary system (120, 130, 140), characterized by providing a rotational element (300, 302-306) comprising a chamber (310-312) having a fulcrum on a rotational axis (340) of said rotational element (300, 302-306), comprising a circumferential balancing area (320) and being partially filled with an amount of a thixotropic balancing substance (330). A corresponding apparatus and system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Norbert Seitz
  • Patent number: 9856007
    Abstract: A hybrid VTOL vehicle having an envelope configured to provide hydrostatic buoyancy, a fuselage attached to the envelope and having at least one pair of wings extending from opposing sides thereof to produce dynamic lift through movement, and a thrust generation device on each wing and configured to rotate with each wing about an axis that is lateral to a longitudinal axis of the envelope to provide vertical takeoff or landing capabilities. Ideally, the envelope provides negative hydrostatic lift to enhance low-speed and on-the-ground stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: EGAN AIRSHIPS, INC.
    Inventors: James C. Egan, Joel D. Egan
  • Patent number: 9856008
    Abstract: A composite structure is provided. The composite structure includes a first stiffener, a second stiffener, and an intermediate structure positioned between the first and second stiffeners such that the first stiffener is coupled to a first side of the intermediate structure, and such that the second stiffener is coupled to a second opposing side of the intermediate structure. A first radius gap is defined at least partially between the first stiffener and the intermediate structure, and a second radius gap is defined at least partially between the second stiffener and the intermediate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jiangtian Cheng, Derek Paul Vetter, Patrick Alan Woodard, Forouzan Behzadpour
  • Patent number: 9856009
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a reinforcing structure includes: preparing a stringer having a fiber exposure surface; arranging an insulation protection material to cover at least a part of the fiber exposure surface; arranging the stringer on a skin having an uncured resin component; and curing the skin after the arranging the stringer. The insulation protection material includes a composite material having a resin component and an insulative fiber component. The curing the skin includes curing the skin and the insulation protection material at the same time. In the manufacturing method of a reinforcing structure, an edge glow discharge can be prevented without increasing a manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Taku Yamamori
  • Patent number: 9856010
    Abstract: A row formed by a plurality of windshield fasteners, which fasten an outboard retainer, a panel, and an inboard retainer of a windshield of an aircraft, along a peripheral edge part of the windshield panel includes a first fastener, which is disposed at a predetermined position, and a pair of second fasteners, which is disposed in alignment with the row, one on each side of the first fastener. A plate, which is fastened along with the windshield panel by the first fastener and the pair of second fasteners, is disposed on the inboard retainer on the inside of the aircraft. The first fastener can be attached to or detached from a fixing nut, which is fixed on the plate, from the outside of the aircraft, and can be replaced with a suspension fastener on which a wire to be mounted on the windshield can be fitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keiji Nakashima
  • Patent number: 9856011
    Abstract: Methods of joining a first aerostructure part with a second aerostructure part are disclosed, for example, methods of joining an airplane wing or control surface to an airplane fuselage or joining fins to a rocket body. The method comprises aligning a plurality of connection elements in a linear array within the second aerostructure part, wherein the connection elements comprise a plurality of flexible connection elements and at least one rigid connection element, and attaching the first aerostructure part to the second aerostructure part at a plurality of connection points with the plurality of connection elements. The second aerostructure part expands linearly at a greater rate when exposed to heat than the first aerostructure part resulting in a difference in linear distance between the first aerostructure part and the second aerostructure part and the flexible connection elements are configured to flex to accommodate for this linear distance difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard P. Topf, Jonathan D. Embler, Thomas R. Pinney
  • Patent number: 9856012
    Abstract: A morphing wing for an aircraft includes first and second structural ribs with four active members and four passive members connected therebetween. First and second active members and third and fourth active members attach at first and second positions. The first and third active members and the second and fourth active members attach at third and fourth positions. A first passive member connects between third and fifth positions. A second passive member connects between second and seventh positions. A third passive member connects between fourth and sixth positions. A fourth passive member connects between first and eighth positions. Adjustment of the four active members morphs the wing from a first configuration to a second configuration. The first and second positions are at corners of a first quadrilateral diagonally opposite to one another. The four passive members attach to the first structural rib at the corners of the first quadrilateral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER INC.
    Inventors: Fengfeng Xi, Allan Daniel Finistauri, Amin Moosavian
  • Patent number: 9856013
    Abstract: Morphing aircraft wing with a mobile upper surface comprising a double skinning on the upper surface of the wing wherein one of the skinnings corresponds to the leading edge and the other corresponds to the trailing edge and they overlap in the central area of the wing with the possibility of relative displacement between the two skinnings and they extend in the direction of the chord of the wing profile, the wing comprises actuators that are positioned on the main wing spars and which exert a reaction force against said spars when they exert the force required to morph the wing displacing the skinnings in the direction of the chord of the profile to the configuration of low speed flight, take-off and landing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Universidad de Sevilla
    Inventors: Federico Paris Carballo, José Cañas Delgado, Jesús Justo Estebaranz, Damián Rivas Rivas, Antonio Franco Espín, Sergio Esteban Roncero, Francisco Gavilán Jiménez, Francisco Tinoco Franco
  • Patent number: 9856014
    Abstract: A fairing drive assembly couples a flap assembly of a wing of an aircraft to a fairing of the wing. The fairing drive assembly may include a fairing cam including a first joint and a second joint, and a flap link pivotally coupled to the first joint of the fairing cam and the flap assembly. A fairing drive arm is pivotally coupled to the second joint and the fairing. The fairing cam is configured to rotate upon actuation of the flap assembly and deflect the fairing away from the flap assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Matthew James Osborn, Seiya Sakurai, Benjamin A. Clark, Steven C. Penn
  • Patent number: 9856015
    Abstract: A rudder bar for an aircraft comprising a floor, a steering connecting rod and a braking connecting rod. The rudder bar comprises a base fixed above the floor, a pedal arm mounted rotatably on the base about a first axis of rotation and having a lower end and an upper end, a pedal mounted rotatably on the lower end about a second axis of rotation, a first transmission assembly configured to transmit a movement to the steering connecting rod when the pedal arm pivots about the first axis of rotation, and a second transmission assembly configured to transmit a movement to the braking connecting rod when the pedal pivots about the second axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (SAS)
    Inventors: Laurent Saint-Marc, Christophe Mialhe, Patrick Lieven, Romain Delahaye, Marc Audibert, Nicolas Chatrenet
  • Patent number: 9856016
    Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for operating a multicopter experiencing a failure during flight, the multicopter comprising a body, and at least four effectors attached to the body, each operable to produce both a torque and a thrust force which can cause the multicopter to fly when not experiencing said failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: ETH Zurich
    Inventors: Mark W. Mueller, Sergei Lupashin, Raffaello D'Andrea, Markus Waibel