Patents Issued in March 20, 2018
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Patent number: 9919749Abstract: A side skirt system for reducing drag on a trailer or other ground vehicle includes plurality of wall panels each configured to be coupled to one side of the trailer to extend generally below a storage container of the trailer at least partially along a length of the trailer. The wall panels are horizontally spaced-apart from each other.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.Inventors: Leonard W. Baker, Michael J. Courtney, Gustavo Lazatin Sumcad, James Andrew Sweet
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Patent number: 9919750Abstract: A trailer having a storage container, a landing gear assembly coupled to the storage container, and a rear wheel assembly coupled to the storage container includes a side skirt system for reducing drag on the trailer. The side skirt system includes a side skirt wall configured to be coupled to one side of the trailer to extend below one side wall of the trailer at least partially along a length of the trailer. A length of the side skirt wall along a top edge of the side skirt wall is approximately 48%-80% of a distance between the landing gear and forward-most position of the rear wheel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.Inventors: Leonard W. Baker, M. Scott Stinson, Michael J. Courtney
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Patent number: 9919751Abstract: A track assembly has at least one double wheel having a recess between the inside wheel and the outside wheel. The inner surface of the continuous belt has a raised support that contacts and conforms to the recess of the double wheel.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Inventor: Lyn A. Rosenboom
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Patent number: 9919752Abstract: An elastic crawler includes an endless elastic body; cores that each include a core body and a pair of protrusions; lugs, on the outer circumferential side of the elastic body, each disposed so as to avoid a crawler circumferential direction area corresponding to at least a portion of the core in the crawler circumferential direction; and grooves, on the crawler inner circumferential surface, each positioned outward in the crawler width direction from the pair of protrusions in a crawler circumferential direction area corresponding to the core, each of the grooves being recessed relative to crawler inner circumferential surface portions adjacent to the groove on both sides in the crawler circumferential direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATIONInventor: Takashi Mizusawa
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Patent number: 9919753Abstract: A robotic mobile low-profile transport vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle can comprise a first transport module having a frame assembly, a mobility system, and a propulsion system and a second transport module having a frame assembly and a mobility system. A multi-degree of freedom coupling assemblage can join the first and second transport modules together. The vehicle can include a first platform supported about the frame assembly of the first transport module, and a second platform supported about the frame assembly of the second transport module. Each of the platforms can be configured to receive a load for transport. Additionally, the vehicle can include a control system that can operate to facilitate intra-module communication and coordination to provide a coordinated operating mode of the first and second transport modules and the coupling assemblage about a given terrain.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Sarcos LCInventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Marc X. Olivier, John McCullough, Fraser M. Smith
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Patent number: 9919754Abstract: An apparatus that includes a mainframe, first and second adjustment disks, an L-arm, and a drive is provided. The mainframe can associate with a hitch of a vehicle, and the first and second adjustment disks can be connected to respective first and second sides of the mainframe. The L-arm can connect to each of the first and second adjustment disks at a plurality of affixation points, and the drive can be braced between the mainframe and the L-arm so as to be capable of supporting the L-arm in a first position. Dimensions of the vehicle can effect at which affixation point in the plurality of affixation points that the L-arm connects to the first and second adjustment disks.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2012Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: T.C. Development & Design, Inc.Inventor: Teffy R. Chamoun
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Patent number: 9919755Abstract: A leather bicycle saddle includes a leather cover, an arc support supporting the leather cover and having a front end terminating in a head abutment portion and a rear end affixed to a rear bottom side of the leather cover, and an adjustment device including a screw bolt holder affixed to a front bottom side of the leather cover, an adjustment screw bolt abutted against the screw bolt holder. The adjustment seat includes a seat block defining a mounting slot and a screw hole, and a stop block. The stop block is engaged into the open end of the mounting slot and stopped at the head abutment portion of the arc support against the closed end of the mounting slot. The screw hole of the seat block receives the adjustment screw bolt.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Inventors: Chung-Ying Hsu, Chien-Shun Lai, Chia-Wen Lee
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Patent number: 9919756Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle in which an engine is supported on a body frame and radiators are disposed forward of the engine is provided, wherein waste heat of the radiators is prevented from reaching the engine. The saddle-ride type vehicle includes a radiator shroud 71 that covers a range from a lateral side of a radiator 61 to a lateral side of a cylinder head 42a of the engine E. The radiator shroud 71 has an exhaust port 75 opening outward in a vehicle width direction. The saddle-ride type vehicle also includes a partition wall 82A between the radiator and the cylinder head 42a. The partition wall 82A separates a rear space 61d of the radiator 61 and the cylinder head 42a from each other and brings the rear space 61d into communication with the exhaust port 75 of the radiator shroud 71.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Akihiro Komatsu, Kanya Takigawa, Satoshi Seo, Gen Tanabe, Maurizio Carbonara
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Patent number: 9919757Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame, a front and rear wheel and a crank assembly. The frame includes chainstays and a bottom bracket having a center and which rotationally receives the crank assembly. The crank assembly includes a chain ring having a radius between the bottom bracket center and a circumferential edge. The chainstays are connected to the bottom bracket at a first end and rotationally receive the rear wheel at a second end. The chainstay defines a cutout sized to receive a portion of a circumferential edge of the chain ring.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.Inventors: Douglas Graham Russell, Todd Cannatelli, Jamie Stafford, Jason McDonald
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Patent number: 9919758Abstract: A vehicle includes a left front wheel and a right front wheel that tilt together with a body frame, and a rear wheel that tilts together with the body frame, wherein, while a large capacity of a fuel tank is ensured, a variation in the center-of-gravity position while driving is small.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kazuhisa Takano
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Patent number: 9919759Abstract: An inverted tube bike frame with bottle opener gusset system is a bicycle frame with the top tube and down tube having a heightened profile with concave sidewalls and a bottle opener gusset strengthening the joint between the seat tube and the top tube. The top tube has a downwardly curved design for added mechanical strength. Other tube-members of the frame have an elongated elliptical cross-section for increased strength and impact damage resistance. The wheel base is wider than that of a standard bicycle adding to forward movement stability and rider comfort. The design of the frame provides added strength and increased frame life with rugged service.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Inventor: Scott Kump
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Patent number: 9919760Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, an operating construction, a wire takeup member, a ratchet member, a first pawl, and an actuating member. The wire takeup member is configured to be rotatable relative to the base member about a rotational axis in a first direction and a second direction. The ratchet member has ratchet teeth. The actuating member includes a second pawl. The actuating member is configured to move the first pawl away from the ratchet member and to engage the second pawl with one of the ratchet teeth, in response to a second operation of the operating construction.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
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Patent number: 9919761Abstract: A kick-scooter having an electric-motorized drive, a footboard, a rear wheel arranged on the footboard, a steering assembly, and a front wheel connected to the steering assembly to pivot in unison with the steering assembly about an inclined steering assembly axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: MAGNA Exteriors GmbHInventor: Christine Adam
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Patent number: 9919762Abstract: A backpack type self balancing scooter having a foot-driven steering apparatus mounted thereon is provided, including: two wheels having motors mounted thereon; a motor housing for mounting the motors therein in such a manner as to allow rotary shafts of the motors to be located linearly to each other; a footrest; a shuttle ring mounted on any one side of the footrest; an erecting housing, a controller mounted on the upper portion, a cover disposed coveringly on top thereof, and an insertion hole formed on the center of the cover; a saddle; and a backpack. The rider walks in the state of carrying the backpack on the back, or puts the backpack on the around, sits on the saddle to drive the self balancing scooter in the state where both hands are free, while conducting the direction changes through the shuttle ring turned with his or her foot.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: ROBO3 CO., LTD.Inventors: Joon Hyung Kim, Gwang Seok Jeon
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Patent number: 9919763Abstract: A bicycle sprocket comprises a first member and a second member. The first member comprises a plurality of first teeth and a first body. The first body includes a plurality of first arms arranged in a circumferential direction of the bicycle sprocket. The second member comprises a plurality of second teeth and a second body. The second body includes a plurality of second arms arranged in the circumferential direction. The second member is configured to be attached to the first member so that an interior cavity is provided between the first member and the second member. The interior cavity is at least partially provided between at least one of the first arms and at least one of the second arms facing the at least one of the first arms in a state where the second member is attached to the first member.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Tooru Iwai, Makoto Souwa
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Patent number: 9919764Abstract: A bicycle sprocket includes a sprocket body and a chain engagement structure. The sprocket body has a center rotational axis, a first side surface and a second side surface. The first and second side surfaces face oppositely with respect to an axial direction of the bicycle sprocket. The first side surface is a smaller sprocket facing side of the bicycle sprocket. The chain engagement structure includes a plurality of sprocket teeth extending radially outward from an outer periphery of the sprocket body. The sprocket teeth include at least one shift assist tooth having a recessed portion recessed from the first side surface toward the second side surface. A protuberance is formed in the recessed portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Tsuyoshi Fukumori
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Patent number: 9919765Abstract: Embodiments of a front derailleur gear shifting system including various unique chain guides attached to and operating from a single pivot point. This derailleur system provides a simple, yet, elegant and robust improvement in shifting technique over conventional, lateral motion front derailleurs. Embodiments of open and closed annulus chain guides having specially shaped lifting and pulling surfaces for acting upon a bicycle chain during shifting are also disclosed. Additionally, as an optional enhancement, a dual-sided chain catcher that prevents unintended over-shifts in either direction is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Wick Werks, LLCInventors: Christopher A. Wickliffe, Eldon L. Goates
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Patent number: 9919766Abstract: A marine thru-hull fitting drainage device directs fluid away from a thru-hull fitting in the hull of a vessel. The drainage device includes a resiliently flexible channel body having a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional area, the body shaped to taper from a first flat end proximate to the hull of the vessel to a second narrower end that is distal from the hull of the vessel. The device also includes a flange attached to the first end of the body proximate to the hull having a flat surface area shaped to conform around an edge of the thru-hull fitting on the hull of the boat and an adhesive material formed on the flat surface area of the semi-circular flange, the adhesive material attached to the flat surface area of the semi-circular flange on a first side and having a removable non-adhesive layer concealing a second adhesive side of the adhesive material.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: C&D Marine Products, LLCInventors: Colin Daley, Dale Branch
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Patent number: 9919767Abstract: Apparatus for a door for a boat's companionway hatch. The door includes a frame, a door, a drive mechanism, and a receiver. The drive mechanism moves the door between an open and closed position to selectively allow and block access to a bulkhead opening in the companionway. In the open position, the edge of the door is substantially parallel with the companionway sidewall. In the closed position the edge of the door engages the receiver and the edge is substantially parallel with the sidewall to which the receiver is attached. The drive mechanism includes a pair of struts that are driven by an actuator to move with a scissors-like motion. One end of each strut is fixed in position. The opposite end of each strut has a roller that moves within a slot, with one slot in the door and the other slot in the frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Protomet CorporationInventors: William Matthew Reid, Dale Lee Lambert, Michael Shane Garner
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Patent number: 9919768Abstract: A power cleat system having a cleat assembly, a cleat base assembly, a backer plate assembly, a guide assembly, and an actuating system to elevate and retract the cleat assembly from the cleat base assembly. The cleat assembly has a top end, a base, and guide shafts. The guide shafts have flat sides and ends. The cleat base assembly has a drain groove, a base, threaded sections protruding from the base, and linear bearings. The backer plate assembly has a backer plate, backer plate holes, and a backer plate housing hole. The actuating system has a bladder assembly, which includes a bladder cradle, a coupler bolt, a base with a hole, and a fill/discharge stem. The power cleat system further has a bezel gasket assembly, and an electrical assembly that has a light source to illuminate the cleat assembly and/or the cleat base assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Inventor: Keith Donald Brookins
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Patent number: 9919769Abstract: A device for interconnecting two tethers. The device comprises a body arranged to secure a first tether thereto and has an aperture therein for receiving a second tether. An arm extends from the body and away from the aperture. In use, the second tether is arranged to form a loop, passed through the aperture and around the arm, thereby allowing the device to interconnect the first and second tethers.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Anchor Bridle Pty LtdInventors: James Day, Andrew Hughes
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Patent number: 9919770Abstract: The present invention provides a mooring apparatus for an offshore construction that makes it easy to install a mooring chain and can moor an offshore construction stably against external force such as waves and wind. The mooring apparatus for an offshore construction includes; a floating member generating buoyancy; and fixing frames coupled to a side of the floating member and combined with a plurality of fixing arms radially extending and being stretchable and retractable, in which mooring chains which are connected to the bottom of the sea are fixed to free ends of the fixing arms respectively, so that as the fixing arms stretches/retracts on the fixing frame, the positions of the mooring chains change.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: OCEAN US CO., LTD.Inventors: Chan Il Park, Jang Ik Park, Jeong Yun Moon
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Patent number: 9919771Abstract: A system and method for guiding a dropped suspended load includes a safety winch, safety buoy, and safety anchor spaced relative to one another and an offshore rig's lifting system so that the dropped load falls away from certain seabed locations and to a safe landing area. A safety winch cable runs from the safety winch to the safety buoy, and from the safety buoy to a connection to the load. The load, when in a run-away state, falls away from vertical and toward a predetermined safe landing spot on the seabed floor. The safety buoy is then used to locate the load.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Johnnie Kotrla, James Hogan, Ross Stevenson, Jesse Garcia
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Patent number: 9919772Abstract: A hull support structure of a liquefied gas tank has a foundation deck disposed around a liquefied gas tank; a skirt which supports the liquefied gas tank on the foundation deck; an inner bottom plate extending in a hull length direction, at a location that is below the liquefied gas tank; and a pair of bilge hopper plates each of which is provided between the foundation deck and corresponding one of both end portions of the inner bottom plate, wherein a plate connection section at which each of the pair of bilge hopper plates is connected to the foundation deck is disposed outward in a hull width direction, relative to a skirt connection section at which the skirt is connected to the foundation deck.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Jun Noguchi, Yukiko Konno, Yusuke Shimizu, Takumi Yoshida
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Patent number: 9919773Abstract: A system for transfer of a fluid between a ship and a facility having a mast, at least one fluid transfer line which extends along the mast, and at least one duct suspended on the distal end of the mast, which is firstly connected to the fluid transfer line, and secondly equipped with a connection element which is designed to cooperate with a manifold of the facility. The duct has a first, rigid portion and a second, flexible portion, and a rigidification element which is fitted such as to be mobile along the duct between a position for rigidification of the flexible portion and a position of release.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Gaztransport Et TechnigazInventors: Guillaume Gelin, Bertrand Bugnicourt, Nicolas Vilmen, Arnaud Landure, Benjamin Charpentier
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Patent number: 9919774Abstract: Systems and methods for gas-up and cool down of LNG cargo tanks are described herein. A system includes a supply vessel located at a waterway location, a receiving vessel moored to the supply vessel, and a manifold conduit. The supply vessel is configured to transfer natural gas to the receiving vessel using the manifold conduit for gas-up and cool down of one or more LNG cargo tanks onboard the receiving vessel.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2011Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Excelerate Energy Limited PartnershipInventors: Jonathan W. Cook, Mark K. Lane
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Patent number: 9919775Abstract: Ships for navigating in icy waters are provided. Such ships include in the stern area a wedge which extends from bottom of the ship downwards transversely to the ship. The wedge may have a first surface inclined towards the bow and a second surface inclined towards stern with respect to a horizontal plane. These two surfaces can be connected to each other forming a lower edge of wedge. The wedge is at least partially arranged below waterline of the ship. The first inclined surface is dimensioned in such a way that in the case of forward motion, the first surface contacting the flow of water, generates a lift force in order to modify the longitudinal trim of the ship acting as a trim wedge. The second inclined surface also is shaped advantageously in the case of reverse motion in icy waters.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: FINCANTIERI S.P.A.Inventor: Gianpiero Lavini
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Patent number: 9919776Abstract: A personal flotation apparatus having a main body member, a primary support member, a head support member, and a foot support member, each made of flexible, buoyant, flotation material. The primary support member, head support member, and foot support member are each connected to the main body member, such that they are substantially perpendicular to the main body member and can provide stability, buoyancy and support in various floating and swimming positions. Some embodiments include multiple main body members to increase stability, buoyancy, support and comfort, and allow for heavier users.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Inventors: Thomas Greenan, Manda Northcutt
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Patent number: 9919777Abstract: A towable recreational craft having a body member for accommodating one or more riders in a prone position is disclosed. One or more stabilizing members are movably coupled to and extend away from an aft portion of the body member. Each stabilizing member includes a foot-accommodating portion spaced apart from the body member, wherein the stabilizing member is movable between a position extending away from the aft portion of the body member and a position adjacent a lateral portion thereof to provide greater stability as the craft is towed.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Inventor: Roland K Bowler, II
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Patent number: 9919778Abstract: Conventional ship launching airbags are made of several layers of rubber and fiber meshes bonded together by vulcanization. With the existing fabrication process, an airbag is strong in standing heavy pressure at its surfaces, but weak against the cutting by sharp edges of metal debris or oyster shells. An airbag's functional failure during a field operation can cause not only stoppage, but also explosion, hence a serious safety hazard. To overcome such structural weakness, a new type of airbags with anti-cutting capability is disclosed in which a conventional ship launching airbag is covered with a layer of anti-cutting armor made of steel cord ply sheets, a standard off-the-shelf product for the making of tires, embedded at the surface of the airbag's main body.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Shandong Nanhai Airbag Engineering Co. LTD.Inventor: William Wei Lee
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Patent number: 9919779Abstract: A lightweight transport vessel transports compressed natural gas underwater without needing to liquefy the gas for transport.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Elwha LLCInventors: Jesse R. Cheatham, III, Tom Driscoll, Alexander Galt Hyde, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Tony S. Pan, Robert C. Petroski, David R. Smith, Clarence T. Tegreene, Nicholas W. Touran, Yaroslav A. Urzhumov, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
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Patent number: 9919780Abstract: A propulsion system includes at least one permanent magnet motor, the magnet motor including an outer housing structure. In the housing structure, a stator and a rotor are arranged in such a way that a gap is formed between the stator and rotor, the stator being fixedly connected to the housing structure, while the rotor is connected to a motor shaft extending through the housing structure. A plurality of coils/windings are arranged around an inner circumference of the stator, while a plurality of permanent magnets are arranged around an outer circumference of the rotor. Through a coupling, the motor shaft is connected to a propeller shaft including a propeller. A thrust bearing and a propeller pitch control system are integrated into the permanent magnet motor.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignees: Scana Volda AS, Inpower ASInventors: Henning Brautaset, Roald HÃ¥vik
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Patent number: 9919781Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein control position of a trimmable drive unit with respect to a marine vessel. A controller determines a target trim position as a function of vessel or engine speed. An actual trim position is measured and compared to the target trim position. The controller sends a control signal to a trim actuator to trim the drive unit toward the target trim position if the actual trim position is not equal to the target trim position and if at least one of the following is true: a defined dwell time has elapsed since a previous control signal was sent to the trim actuator to trim the drive unit; a given number of previous control signals has not been exceeded in an attempt to achieve the target trim position; and a difference between the target trim position and the actual trim position is outside of a given deadband.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Steven J. Andrasko, Andrew J. Przybyl, Steven M. Anschuetz
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Patent number: 9919782Abstract: An outdrive for a marine vessel, such as a watercraft having an inboard engine, is provided. The outdrive can include a standoff box joined with a drive unit having a driveshaft that rotates in response to rotation of an input shaft coupled to an engine within a hull of the watercraft. The drive unit includes a propeller shaft that rotates in response to rotation of the driveshaft, and an associated propeller. The drive unit is vertically movable from a raised mode to a lowered mode, in which the propeller shaft is a preselected distance from a bottom of the boat hull, thereby lowering a thrust point produced by the propeller, all while the watercraft is moving through water and while the propeller is producing thrust. A related method and standoff box are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Platinum Marine, Inc.Inventor: Clark M. Woody
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Patent number: 9919783Abstract: An outboard motor having an upper cowling that covers an internal combustion engine, a driveshaft housing located below the upper cowling that covers a driveshaft that is rotated by the internal combustion engine, a transmission housing that is located below the driveshaft housing and covers a transmission that is operably connected to the driveshaft, and a lower gearcase that is located below the transmission housing and covers a set of angle gears that operably connect the transmission to a propulsor for imparting a propulsive force in a body of water.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: John A. Tuchscherer, Wayne M. Jaszewski
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Patent number: 9919784Abstract: An electric watercraft propulsion system includes a battery assembly capable of generating AC power, an electric motor electrically connected to the battery assembly, and an output drive shaft mechanically connected to the electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Inventor: Harry M. Fisher
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Patent number: 9919785Abstract: A stringer made of composite material for reinforcing aircraft skin panels. Plies are introduced at 90° in a segment close to the stringer run-out, and progressively reducing the number of plies at 0°, such that the majority of the number of plies is at 90° in an segment adjacent to the run-out, so the stiffness of the run-out is reduced, and the load it supports is also therefore reduced. This is an alternative solution to the solutions already existing for getting the stringer run-outs to support a smaller load, thereby reducing both the risk of the plies of the stringer peeling off and the risk of separation between stringer and skin panel. A method of manufacturing said stringer is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Airbus Operations, S.L.Inventors: Alberto Arana Hidalgo, Tomas Rodriguez Hernandez
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Patent number: 9919786Abstract: The present invention relates to acoustical panels. As to provide a cabin panel to be made as simple as possible and with optimized acoustical properties, an acoustical cabin panel (10) is provided that comprises a first (12) and a second layer (14) which are spaced apart from each other by an intermediate layer (16) and altogether with a plurality of reinforcement elements (22) form a core composite component (24). Furthermore, the panel comprises at least one intermediate layer (18) made of a core material (20) which is arranged in the intermediate layer. The reinforcement elements extend from the first to the second layer through the at least one intermediate film and are tension and pressure resilient in a finished state of the panel. The reinforcement elements can be at least partially infiltrated with a curable matrix material and at least one prepreg (26) soaked with matrix material is provided in the first and/or second layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignees: AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE GMBH, AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventors: Christian Gregor Endres, Hans-Jürgen Weber
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Patent number: 9919787Abstract: A network system for monitoring and storing data of aircraft intelligent windows or windshields to provide useable life of, provide real life performance of, and/or measure characteristics and/or properties of, the windshields forwards the data from sensors mounting the windshield to a window sensing hub having a microprocessor programed to receive and process the data to determine the performance of the windshield and formatting the data in accordance to a preset program, wherein the program includes providing data from the sensors that measures characteristics and properties of the windshield that are active during the period in which the data is taken. An aircraft central maintenance system connected to the window sensing hub receives the formatted information from the window sensing hub and unfiltered or unformatted information, wherein the unfiltered information from the windshield is acted on by the central maintenance system to provide an estimated useable life of the windshield.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.Inventors: Yu Jiao, Nicolas Duarte, Monroe A. Stone
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Patent number: 9919788Abstract: Systems and methods for installing a motorized window shade assembly on an aircraft window panel having fastener receiving elements and an electrical access port. A receptacle frame includes a front face bounded by side walls defining a volume for receiving the window shade assembly. The frame further includes a rear face having window panel fasteners adapted to engage with the fastener receiving elements of the aircraft window panel and adapted to secure the receptacle frame to the aircraft window panel. The frame further includes window shade assembly fasteners positioned on at least a first pair of the side walls and adapted to secure the window shade assembly within the volume for receiving the window shade assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2012Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Aerospace Technologies Group, Inc.Inventor: Byron R. Knowles
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Patent number: 9919789Abstract: An aircraft includes a fuselage including a plurality of frame members disposed at predetermined intervals in a longitudinal direction of the fuselage and a plurality of stringers extending substantially linearly in the longitudinal direction. The fuselage defines an aircraft interior. A compartment is located in the interior of the fuselage. The compartment defines an interior area. A first window assembly is mounted to an upper portion of the fuselage for introducing daylight into the interior area. The first window assembly is flanked by adjacent frame members of the plurality of frame members and adjacent stringers of the plurality of stringers. The first window assembly includes a window pane, an inner cover and a retainer. The inner cover introduces daylight from the window pane into the interior area. The retainer secures the window pane and the inner cover to the fuselage.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Honda Patents & Technologies North America, LLCInventors: Michimasa Fujino, Yasuhiro Homma
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Patent number: 9919790Abstract: A fire barrier laminate is provided for use in thermal and acoustical insulation systems, such as, but not limited to, those used in commercial aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignees: Unifrax I LLC, Lamart CorporationInventors: Bernard Roger Contzen, Gene Jung, Gary Shank, Robert C. Rioux, Kenneth B. Miller, Phillip Faria
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Patent number: 9919791Abstract: Stiffening structures, wing structures and methods for manufacturing stiffening structures are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a stiffening structure includes a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member, and a first rib that extends from the first longitudinal member to the second longitudinal member and is integral with the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member. The first longitudinal member has a first wall, a second wall and a joining wall that joins the first wall and second wall. The first wall, the second wall and the joining wall form a space having a trapezoidal shape.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace CorporationInventors: Brenden Autry, Bryan Williams, Travis Cope, Susan Daggett, John McGuire, Michael McKee, Charles Aitken
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Patent number: 9919792Abstract: Attitude and/or attitude rate of a vehicle may be controlled using jet paddles and/or movable masses. Thrust direction generally may also be controlled using jet paddles. The jet paddles may be moved into and/or sufficiently close to the exhaust flow, and out of the exhaust flow, to change the thrust direction. Movable masses may also be used in addition to, or in lieu of, jet paddles. Movement of the movable masses alters a center-of-mass of the vehicle, generating torque that changes vehicle attitude.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: The Aerospace CorporationInventors: Kevin L Zondervan, Jerome K Fuller
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Patent number: 9919793Abstract: An aircraft landing gear assembly having a main strut and an axle on which wheel and brake assemblies are mounted. An adaptor member is mounted on a mounting pin and arranged to define a brake rod anchor point. The adaptor member is coupled to a part of the landing gear assembly so as to react brake torque and can be formed from a different material than a portion of the main strut.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS UK LTDInventors: Matthew Sexton, Robert Kyle Schmidt
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Patent number: 9919794Abstract: A stiffened torque bar is provided. Stiffened torque bar may include a torque bar body, a mounting hole, and a bolt strap. Stiffened torque bar may also comprise a first sleeve and a second sleeve. Stiffened torque bars of the present disclosure can exhibit improved desired characteristics, such as improved stiffness and vibration damping in order to enhance dynamic stability in the stiffened torque bar.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATIONInventor: Todd Rook
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Patent number: 9919795Abstract: The present disclosure provides a skid control system that includes a brake control device configured to convert a current command value to create a braking pressure, wherein the braking pressure is applied to a hydraulically actuated brake and/or an electrically actuated brake. A deceleration control unit receives a filtered wheel speed value and/or a filtered wheel acceleration value from the wheel assembly. A brake control algorithm unit retrieves a noise threshold value corresponding with the at least one of the filtered wheel speed value or the filtered wheel acceleration value. A pressure control unit receives a feedback pressure from the hydraulically actuated brake and/or an electrically actuated brake, wherein the pressure control unit either increases or decreases the current command value in response to a difference between the pressure command value and a feedback pressure being either less than or greater than the noise threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATIONInventor: Marc Georgin
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Patent number: 9919796Abstract: A convertiplane has the ability to take off like a helicopter and then fly horizontally like a conventional aircraft. The aircraft includes a variable incidence front wing of variable span located below the fuselage and mounted on a structure in the form of a venturi tube, a rear wing having two propellers for controlling the stability of the vehicle in pitch and roll installed therein, two counter-rotating, pivotally mounted ducted propellers equipped with four flaps orthogonal to each other provided on the sides of the cockpit, engines placed behind the cockpit close to the center of gravity, a static balancing system for controlling the center of gravity of the aircraft consisting of a weight placed in the lower part of the fuselage, self-propelled on the track rack longitudinally to the fuselage, and a digital flight control system.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: UNIT 1 SRLInventor: Pietro Giovenga
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Patent number: 9919797Abstract: A reconfigurable unmanned aircraft system is disclosed. A system and method for configuring a reconfigurable unmanned aircraft and system and method for operation and management of a reconfigurable unmanned aircraft in an airspace are also disclosed. The aircraft is selectively reconfigurable to modify flight characteristics. The aircraft comprises a set of rotors. The position of at least one rotor relative to the base can be modified by at least one of translation of the rotor relative to the boom, pivoting of the boom relative to the base, and translation of the boom relative to the base; so that flight characteristics can be modified by configuration of position of at least one rotor relative to the base.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Inventors: Alistair K. Chan, Jesse R. Cheatham, III, Hon Wah Chin, William David Duncan, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Tony S. Pan, Robert C. Petroski, Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Thomas Allan Weaver, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
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Patent number: 9919798Abstract: A system for moving loads including a cargo compartment floor into which there is integrated at least one roller conveyor permitting displacement of a load in a direction parallel to a surface of said cargo compartment floor. The system also comprises a transport vehicle comprising a drive system and a platform movable between a first operating position and a second operating position. In its first operating position, the platform is arranged such that the transport vehicle is positionable under a load which is supported on the roller conveyor integrated into the cargo compartment floor. In its second operating position, the platform is arranged such that the load is entrained when a movement of the transport vehicle occurs in a direction parallel to the surface of the cargo compartment floor, and is displaced on the roller conveyor integrated into said cargo compartment floor.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Sven Haertel, Volkhard Wendt