Patents Issued in March 22, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180079447
    Abstract: A base current command value is calculated based on a steering torque and a vehicle speed. A desired steering angle value is a constant representing the virtual steering limit position. When a steering angle threshold is set to a value close to, and smaller than, the desired steering angle value, a first correction value is calculated so that a steering reaction force is increased rapidly when a steering angle becomes equal to or larger than the steering angle threshold. A second correction value is calculated so that the steering angle becomes equal to the desired steering angle value when the steering angle becomes equal to or larger than the steering angle threshold. The base current command value is corrected by the first correction value and the second correction value. The driver is thus restrained from turning the steering wheel to a position beyond the desired steering angle value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihiro YAMASHITA, Hidenori ITAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20180079448
    Abstract: Provided is a steering controller configured to switch from an interruption state to a transmission state. In a state where power transmission from the steering wheel to steered wheels is interrupted, a maximum value selection processing circuit outputs a maximum value, out of a steered angle and a steering angle, to a limiting reaction force setting processing circuit. When the absolute value of the maximum value has become equal to or larger than a limitation start threshold value, the limiting reaction force setting processing circuit rapidly increases a limiting reaction force. An operation signal generation processing circuit controls a reaction-force motor to achieve a reaction force command value corresponding to the limiting reaction force. When the absolute value of the maximum value has become equal to or larger than an engagement threshold value, a clutch is engaged to transmit reaction force from the steered wheel-side to the steering wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi KODERA
  • Publication number: 20180079449
    Abstract: The invention includes an electric motor that causes a vehicle steering device to rotate, and a control unit that controls the electric motor, wherein the electric motor has a stator including two independent sets of coil winding group, the control unit has a control portion that computes and outputs a control amount and a drive circuit that independently drives each winding group of the electric motor, and the control portion detects a multiple of failures, categorizes the failures into at least two kinds of failure mode, continues control on a normal side after detecting a first failure, and continues control by employing a set in which control nearer to that at a normal time can be carried out, including a past failure, when detecting a second or subsequent failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Akira FURUKAWA, Akihiko MORI
  • Publication number: 20180079450
    Abstract: The invention concerns an axle unit, in particular for use in utility vehicles with a hydraulic or compressed air system, comprising an axle tube and an actuation unit, wherein the axle tube has a receiving opening, wherein the actuation unit has a cylinder, a piston rod and a piston, wherein the piston divides a chamber of the actuation unit into a first chamber region and a second chamber region, wherein the piston rod is in engagement with the piston and is designed such that it can be brought into engagement with a leg of the axle unit in order to transmit a force to the leg, wherein the actuation unit is arranged in the receiving opening of the axle tube and is secured against moving transversely relative to a tube axis and at least in one direction parallel to the tube axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: SAF-HOLLAND GmbH
    Inventor: Armin Christ
  • Publication number: 20180079451
    Abstract: A method of controlling a reverse speed of a vehicle includes receiving a command from an operator to begin an autonomous backup of the vehicle. The method also includes automatically controlling a powertrain and/or a brake system of the vehicle to regulate the vehicle to travel at a predetermined speed in reverse in response receiving the command from the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Vaughn James Swanson
  • Publication number: 20180079452
    Abstract: A two-track vehicle with a vehicle body suspension, in particular with a front auxiliary frame, which is connected at the lateral vehicle body longitudinal carriers, and with a drive assembly-bearing component, in particular with a tunnel transverse bearing carrier, which is arranged at a longitudinal offset at a distance from the auxiliary frame and which bridges over a vehicle body central tunnel. A drive assembly is supported by the auxiliary frame and also on the tunnel transverse carrier. An intermediate coupling element is provided, which connects the auxiliary frame to the tunnel transverse carrier in a force-transmitting manner, while the longitudinal offset is bridged over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Tobias Kramer, Oliver Thaysen, Tobias Neess
  • Publication number: 20180079453
    Abstract: An ROV (Recreational Off-highway Vehicle) includes a plurality of seats located next to each other in a vehicle width direction, a left shock absorber, a right shock absorber, and a front cover. An opening is provided in the front cover. An upper end portion of the left shock absorber and an upper end portion of the right shock absorber are visible within the opening when the vehicle is seen from above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Yasuhiro SUZUKI, Masayuki KUBO, Takuhiro SHINOZAKI
  • Publication number: 20180079454
    Abstract: A body part arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a body part in which at least one electrical line element is integrated in a receiving material of the body part. The body part includes a molded part in which a plastics part is provided. The at least one electrical line element is embedded in the plastics part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Philipp Kellner
  • Publication number: 20180079455
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a box extending from a cab and including a floor and a first sidewall attached to a headboard, via a hinge assembly, disposed normal to the floor and sidewall. The hinge assembly is configured to allow the first sidewall to rotate away from the floor at the headboard. The vehicle also includes a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism includes a pin having an end and a shaft attached to the first sidewall and a receiver having a plate hingedly connected to the receiver. Upon rotation of the first sidewall toward the floor, the end fits into the receiver and the plate locks the shaft to secure the first sidewall to the floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Dean M. JARADI, S.M. Iskander FAROOQ, Mohammed Omar FARUQUE
  • Publication number: 20180079456
    Abstract: A support device for an air guiding means of a vehicle includes a basic body and at least one adjustment device fastened to the basic body, the adjustment device configured to adjust the air guiding means in a Z direction. The at least one adjustment device has at least one adjustment element which is mounted displaceably in a guide device of the adjustment device. The at least one adjustment element has an adjuster for displacing the adjustment element from a first Z position into a second Z position. The at least one adjustment element has a fastening interface for fastening to a drive unit for moving the air guiding means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Pierre Charpentier, Riccardo-Valerio Rume, Martin Siefer
  • Publication number: 20180079457
    Abstract: A spare tire presentation device includes a guide, a carriage displaceable along the guide and a spare tire support on the carriage. The spare tire support is displaceable between a first position and a second position. A related method of accessing a spare tire is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Dean M. Jaradi, S.M. Iskander Farooq, Mohammed Omar Faruque, Scott Holmes Dunham
  • Publication number: 20180079458
    Abstract: A steering assembly for supporting a track system on a vehicle includes a steering knuckle, a first member being secured to a top side of the steering knuckle, a second member being secured to a bottom side of the steering knuckle, and a support frame. The support frame has a top portion being secured to the first member, a bottom portion being secured to the second member and being configured to be secured to the track system to support the track system on the vehicle, and a central portion extending between the top portion and the bottom portion of the support frame and being positioned solely on one of the front side and the rear side of the steering knuckle when the steering assembly is in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Pascal LAFRENIERE, William GASSE, Francois BELANGER
  • Publication number: 20180079459
    Abstract: An undercarriage assembly associated with a machine is provided. The undercarriage assembly includes a ground engaging track adapted to crawl on a ground surface. The ground engaging track includes a plurality of track shoes. The ground engaging track also includes a plurality of pairs of track links pivotally connected to one another. Each of the track links includes a body member having a first side surface and a second side surface. The body member also includes a mounting hole defined in the body member. The mounting hole extends angularly with respect to the shoe surface. The ground engaging track further includes a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism includes a coupling member adapted to be received within the mounting hole, and welded to the track shoe to couple each of the plurality of track shoes with the respective track links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Kaufmann, Timothy A. Thorson
  • Publication number: 20180079460
    Abstract: An assembly apparatus is constituted to include positioning mechanisms for aligning the positions of side panels and a roof panel. For example, a front positioning mechanism includes a first base portion disposed on a first distal end arm of a front side robot, roof positioning members and side panel positioning members supported displaceably by the first base portion, a right front beam member and a left front beam member extending along a vehicle widthwise direction from the first base portion, a first left marking member and a first right marking member disposed at respective distal ends of the beam members, and a left visual sensor and a right visual sensor for detecting positions of each of the first left marking member and the first right marking member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Masao Shimoyama, Kazuki Akami, Kazuhisa Hada
  • Publication number: 20180079461
    Abstract: A wheel telemetry system providing a set of riding information to a rider, while riding a bicycle, by measuring the acceleration of the wheel(s) of the bicycle with respect to one or more of the x-, y-, or z-axes is disclosed. The system features a wheel-mounted portion and a control unit in wireless communication. The wheel-mounted portion is attached to one or both bicycle wheels and comprises an accelerometer, pressure sensor, and/or temperature sensor as well as a programmable microcontroller. The accelerometer monitors the movement of the wheel(s) in one or more of the x-, y-, and z-planes. Accelerometer data, (and optionally the tire pressure data and/or the temperature data), is transmitted to the control unit for monitoring and/or data logging. Movement of a previously motionless bicycle may also be used to trigger an alarm when the control unit is not detected within a predetermined distance from the bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Kurt Stillman, Chris Harriman
  • Publication number: 20180079462
    Abstract: A bicycle telescopic apparatus includes a first tube having a receiving space, a second tube telescopically received in the receiving space of the first tube, a position detector configured to detect a relative position between the first tube and the second tube in a longitudinal direction of the bicycle telescopic apparatus, and an output device configured to output a signal based on a detected result of the position detector. The signal can control a bicycle component other than the bicycle telescopic apparatus. A detecting point of the position detector is located in the receiving space of the first tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Toyoto SHIRAI
  • Publication number: 20180079463
    Abstract: Bicycle safety exclusion zone systems capable of being attached to a bicycle, comprised of one or more projector-sensor devices and a processing unit. Each projector-sensor device is capable of detecting vehicles in proximity of the bicycle and of projecting at least a portion of a visual safety exclusion zone upon ground surrounding the bicycle. The processing unit is in communication with the one or more projector-sensor devices. When one of the projector-sensor devices detects a vehicle in proximity to the bicycle, the processing unit generates an alert detectable by a user of the bicycle, and the one or more projector-sensor devices change the visual appearance of the visual safety exclusion zone. In some embodiments, the change in the visual appearance of the safety exclusion zone comprises a change of color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Anthony Pearce
  • Publication number: 20180079464
    Abstract: One embodiment of a compact front wheel drive cycle in which the front steerable fork is connected to the frame via a spring. And in addition, the rear fork is attached to the frame via a freely rotating caster pivot. Other embodiments are described and shown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Alex Morgan Bell
  • Publication number: 20180079465
    Abstract: A vehicle driving force control device controls a driving force of an engine in accordance with an operation of a handlebar grip attached to a motorcycle. The handlebar grip is nonrotatably secured to a handlebar of the motorcycle. The vehicle driving force control device includes a strain gauge and a control section. The strain gauge acts as twisting force detection means for detecting a twisting force that is oriented in a normal rotation direction or in a reverse rotation direction and applied to the handlebar grip. The control section controls the driving force in accordance with the detected twisting force. The control section exercises control to increase the driving force in accordance with the twisting force oriented in the normal rotation direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Takashi TETSUKA, Yoshihiro NOMURA
  • Publication number: 20180079466
    Abstract: There is provided a front fork which has a small number of components with simple structure and is easy to assemble. In order to achieve the above object, in a front fork F according to the means for solving the problem of the present invention, first and second adjusters 5, 6 are mounted on a cap 4 so as to be axially movable, and a contact portion 52 of the first adjuster 5 in contact with a first adjustment rod 7 and a contact portion 62 of the second adjuster 6 in contact with a second adjustment rod 8 are displaced in an axial direction of a vehicle body tube 2 so as not to interfere with each other. Therefore, even when each of the first and second adjusters 5, 6 moves in the axial direction with respect to the cap 4, the corresponding first and second adjustment rods 7, 8 can be moved independently without being interfered with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: KYB Motorcycle Suspension Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi TOMIUGA
  • Publication number: 20180079467
    Abstract: A bicycle front sprocket assembly is basically provided with a first sprocket, a second sprocket, a sprocket carrier and a chain guiding portion. The first sprocket includes a first sprocket body and a plurality of first sprocket teeth disposed on a first outer periphery of the first sprocket body, The second sprocket includes a second sprocket body and a plurality of second sprocket teeth. The second sprocket teeth are disposed on a second outer periphery of the second sprocket body. The sprocket carrier includes a torque transmitting profile and a sprocket mounting portion. The chain guiding portion is positioned between the first and second sprockets in an axial direction parallel to a rotational center axis of the bicycle front sprocket assembly. At least one of the first and second sprockets is mounted to the sprocket mounting portion of the sprocket carrier by a non-threaded fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Yuki HIROSE, Atsuhiro EMURA, Tetsu NONOSHITA
  • Publication number: 20180079468
    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: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Michael J. Fafard, William S. Pegg, Michael Anthony Werle
  • Publication number: 20180079469
    Abstract: In one example, a boat includes a deck, a pair of pontoons configured to be attached beneath the deck and configured to support the deck, and a railing configured to be attached on top of the deck. The boat is configured to be arranged within a standard sized shipping container during storage or transport of the boat. In this manner, the boat may be collapsed for storage or transport, and expanded for use in operation of the boat. Thus, the boat may be readily assembled by a purchaser, operator, or other user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: John Deurr, Steve Melbostad, David L. Grovender
  • Publication number: 20180079470
    Abstract: A dock handrail gate includes a base plate installable on the surface of the dock and a post mounted to the base plate perpendicular to the base plate. The handrail also has a rail that attaches to the top portion of the post and extends horizontally and inclines downwardly at an angle inwardly towards the post and further attaches to the bottom portion of the post. The handrail may also have an inner tube that includes an inner sleeve to allow the post and the rail to be lifted and rotated to lock into one or more positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Michael P. Ziaylek
  • Publication number: 20180079471
    Abstract: A water-fillable fairing configured to be mounted on a cable has a fairing body and an inlet. The fairing body is at least partially made of a flexible material, and is able to hold water at a higher pressure than an average pressure outside the fairing body, while the cable is towed. The inlet, which is located on a front part of the fairing body in the towing direction, is configured to allow water to enter the fairing body when the cable is towed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Raphael MACQUIN, Hervé RICHER DE FORGES
  • Publication number: 20180079472
    Abstract: A marine cargo loader and handrail device includes a base plate, a post and a platform that is pivotally mounted to the post to allow the platform to move upward and downward. The platform can have two positions, the stored and deployed positions. When stored, the platform is in an upright position. When deployed, the platform is in a substantially horizontal plane with respect to the post. The device may also include a gas dampener to allow for a smooth descent from the stored position downward to the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Michael P. Ziaylek
  • Publication number: 20180079473
    Abstract: A user propelled water board apparatus (2) is described and comprises a hull, portion (4) defining a longitudinal axis x-x. The hull portion (4) is buoyant, to enable a user (6) to rest on hull portion (4) and be supported on the surface of a body of water (8). First and second lateral fin members (10) and (12) are pivotably mountable to the hull portion (4) in a position to project into the body of water in use. The first and second lateral fin members (10) and (12) are mounted in use on opposite sides of the hull portion 4 and are pivotable towards and away from the hull portion in the direction of arrow A. A user (6) rocking the hull portion in water about the longitudinal axis x-x causes the first and second lateral fin members (10) and (12) to pivot outwardly from the hull portion and drive the hull portion through the body of water in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Charles Edward Egerton, Simon Scott-Harden
  • Publication number: 20180079474
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti algae flexible cover for watercraft enabled to prevent fouling from sediments and organisms on the surface of the craft during storage thereby, retaining the hydro-dynamic quality of the watercraft and is further enabled to adjust according to the shape of the water craft. This anti algae flexible cover prevents contact of the surface of the craft with the open water thereby preventing the deposition of solids and the growth of organisms on the covered surface area of the watercraft or boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: DONALD JAMES HEIMERMAN
  • Publication number: 20180079475
    Abstract: A water environment robotic system and method has a buoyancy configuration which can be selectively altered. The system includes an underwater robotic vehicle and a buoyancy module that is configured to be selectively buoyantly engaged and buoyantly disengaged with the underwater robotic vehicle. A tether is connected to the buoyancy module and a motor is operatively connected to the tether and is configured to extend and retract the tether and buoyancy module. The tether can be extended and retracted to extend and retract the buoyancy module. Extending and retracting the buoyancy module can buoyantly engage or buoyantly disengage the buoyancy module with the underwater robotic vehicle according to the arrangement of the system. By engaging and disengaging the buoyancy module, the buoyancy of the underwater robot can be selectively altered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Hassane Trigui, Ali Outa, Sahejad Patel, Fadl Abdellatif
  • Publication number: 20180079476
    Abstract: A method for performing operations using a water environment robotic system on a target section of pipeline located in an underwater environment is provided. The method includes the steps of deploying the underwater robotic vehicle into the water and visually inspecting the underwater environment to locate the pipeline and its plurality of weld joints. A cleaning operation is performed at one of the plurality of weld joints using the underwater robotic vehicle. The robotic vehicle can land on the sea floor and deploy a robotic arm to inspect the cleaned weld joint. The underwater can then swim to a next weld joint and land and perform cleaning and inspection operations, which can be repeated until all inspection sites are inspected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Fadl Abdellatif, Ali Outa, Sahejad Patel, Ayman Amer, Hassane Trigui
  • Publication number: 20180079477
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a propulsion system (1) for a boat, comprising: a motor (100); a connecting arm (200); a fairing portion (208) intended for being mounted on the boat; at least one propeller (302); and a belt (2) for transmitting the torque from the said motor (100) to the said at least one propeller (302), the said belt (2) forming two belt sections between the said motor (100) and the said propeller (302). According to the present invention, the said propulsion system (1) further comprises: a first rotary assembly (400) with the belt (2) passing there-through and capable of pivoting relative to the first fairing portion (208) about a geometrical axis directed towards the top, so as to orient the said at least one propeller (302) relative to the boat in order to turn the latter; and a second assembly (500) capable of being translated relative to the first rotary assembly (400) in order to retract the said at least one propeller (302).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Charles BAUMBERGER
  • Publication number: 20180079478
    Abstract: A reverse gear includes an input shaft, a forward clutch, a reverse clutch, an output shaft, a reduction mechanism, and a relay shaft. The input shaft receives rotational power of a main engine. The forward clutch transmits the rotational power of the input shaft as forward output. The reverse clutch transmits the rotational power of the input shaft as reverse output. The output shaft outputs the rotational power transmitted via the forward clutch and the reverse clutch. The reduction mechanism reduces the rotational power of the output shaft and transmits the reduced rotational power to the propeller shaft. The relay shaft intersects the input shaft and relays the rotational power from the forward clutch and the reverse clutch toward the output shaft. The relay shaft and the output shaft are coupled to each other via a pair of intersecting-shaft gears to be able to transmit power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Tomoyuki EBIHARA
  • Publication number: 20180079479
    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. A vehicle comprising a first lift device capable of providing hydrostatic lift; a second lift device capable of providing dynamic lift through movement; and a system structured to generate thrust coupled to the second lift device, the second lift device and the thrust generation system capable of rotating together about an axis that is lateral to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle at angles at least in the range of 90 degrees to and including 180 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: James C. Egan, Joel D. Egan
  • Publication number: 20180079480
    Abstract: A fluid connection system for fluidly connecting a pair of fluid reservoirs, such as fuel cells, includes a bellowed portion surrounding a connection portion through which fluid can flow between the two reservoirs. The bellowed portion allows for relative movement between the two reservoirs without breaking the fluid-tight connection between the two reservoirs. Also, a guard member surrounds at least some of the outer periphery of the bellowed portion. The guard member serves as a shield around the fluid-tight connection and bellowed portion, and thereby helps prevent damage to the fluid-tight connection in the event of a crash or hard landing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas James Plagianos, Martin Peryea, Stephen Dickison, Michael Pujol, Robert Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20180079481
    Abstract: A mounting member for a vehicle, the mounting member including a mounting member body having a longitudinal axis, at least one static opening extending through the body transverse to the longitudinal axis, and at least one blind listener bushing, each blind fastener bushing having a bushing body and a blind fastener receptacle extending axially through the bushing body. The bushing body has a bushing cross-sectional shape that interlocks and couples with a static opening cross-sectional shape of a respective one of the at least one static opening so that rotation of the at least one blind fastener bushing is constrained relative to the mounting member body and the static opening cross-sectional shape is maintained upon application of a blind fastener installation torque or blind fastener removal torque being applied to the blind fastener receptacle by a respective blind fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Su-Youn JANG, Chunlei LIU, Jeff S. SIEGMETH, Joshua P. BAKER, William N. BORJESON, Marius CONSTANTINESCU
  • Publication number: 20180079482
    Abstract: A modular payload system for an aircraft includes a modular bay recessed within the aircraft. The modular bay includes a modular bay interface. The modular payload system includes a plurality of payload modules each having a respective function and a payload interface adapted to connect to at least a portion of the modular bay interface. The plurality of payload modules are interchangeably insertable into the modular bay to enable the modular bay to support the functions of the plurality of payload modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Ray Ivans, Brent Chadwick Ross
  • Publication number: 20180079483
    Abstract: An aircraft wing including a fuel tank located in the wing, a channel defining a cavity in the fuel tank, the channel including at least two channel ends terminating at an upper or lower wing surface, a driveshaft located in the cavity; and an access panel located on the wing surface and being movable between an open position so that access to the cavity is permitted, and a closed position so that the cavity is at least partially covered by the access panel to inhibit access to the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Ivans, Adam Anderson
  • Publication number: 20180079484
    Abstract: An aircraft has a fuselage, an engine disposed within the fuselage, a rotatable wing disposed above the fuselage and selectively rotatable about a wing rotation axis, and a plurality of interconnect driveshafts disposed within the rotatable wing, and at least one drive system component that is connected between the engine and the interconnect driveshaft is disposed along the wing rotation axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Chadwick Ross, Steven Ray Ivans
  • Publication number: 20180079485
    Abstract: A wing pivot apparatus for rotating a wing between a flight orientation and a stowed orientation relative to a fuselage of a tiltrotor aircraft. The apparatus includes a stow ring that is rotatably mounted to the fuselage. Forward and aft wing attach assemblies are coupled respectively to forward and aft spars of the wing and are coupled to the stow ring. Forward and aft connecting assemblies are coupled respectively between the forward and aft wing attach assemblies and the stow ring and are selectively securable respectively to first and second fore-aft beams of the fuselage. A plurality of lock assemblies selectively secures the connecting assemblies to the fore-aft beams of the fuselage when the wing is in the flight orientation. An actuator coupled to the fuselage is operable to reversibly rotate the wing between the flight orientation and the stowed orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: James Everett Kooiman, Brian Dale Obert
  • Publication number: 20180079486
    Abstract: A wing pivot apparatus for rotating a wing between a flight orientation and a stowed orientation relative to a fuselage of a tiltrotor aircraft. The apparatus includes a guide ring that is fixably coupled to the fuselage. Forward and aft wing attach assemblies are coupled respectively to forward and aft spars of the wing and are moveably supported by the guide ring. Forward and aft wing support fittings are coupled respectively to the forward and aft spars of the wing and are selectively securable respectively to first and second fore-aft beams of the fuselage. A plurality of lock assemblies selectively secures the wing support fittings to the fore-aft beams of the fuselage when the wing is in the flight orientation. An actuator coupled to the fuselage is operable to reversibly rotate the wing between the flight orientation and the stowed orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: James Everett Kooiman, John Richard McCullough, Brian Dale Obert
  • Publication number: 20180079487
    Abstract: An aircraft has a wing, a pylon carried by the wing, at least one of a rotor system component and a drive system component disposed within the pylon, and a wing extension carried by the at least one of a rotor system component and drive system component, wherein the wing extension is foldable relative to the pylon to selectively reduce an overall space occupied by the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Ray Ivans, Brent Chadwick Ross
  • Publication number: 20180079488
    Abstract: An aircraft including a fuselage having a longitudinal axis extending through the fuselage front end and the fuselage rear end; a foldable wing located on the fuselage and being movable between a flight position wherein the wing is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a stowed position wherein the wing is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis; and a pair of stabilizing wings having an anhedral orientation disposed on the fuselage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Brad J. Roberts, Steven R. Ivans
  • Publication number: 20180079489
    Abstract: An airfoil is provided having reduced noise generation for use with an aircraft. The airfoil includes a body and a cover. The body has a leading edge spaced from a trailing edge and a side surface disposed between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The body defines an inlet proximate the leading edge and configured to receive air. The side surface defines an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet. The outlet is configured to exhaust air away from the side surface. The cover overlies the inlet and is movable between a first and a second cover position. The cover is configured to prevent movement of air through the inlet when the cover is in the first cover position and configured to permit movement of air through the inlet when the cover is in the second cover position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Judith Gallman, Thomas Van de Ven, Tyler Relf
  • Publication number: 20180079490
    Abstract: An apparatus for chordwise folding and locking of rotor systems includes a grip assembly and a harness disposed at least partially within and coupled to the grip assembly. A rotor blade is rotatably coupled to the grip assembly and the harness. The rotor blade has a radially extended orientation and a stowed orientation. A linkage assembly has a first end, a second end and a pivot joint therebetween. The first end of the linkage assembly is rotatably coupled to the harness and the second end of the linkage assembly is rotatably coupled to the rotor blade. A first lock assembly selectively secures the rotor blade to the grip assembly and the harness when the rotor blade is in the radially extended orientation. A second lock assembly selectively secures the rotor blade relative to the harness when the rotor blade is in the stowed orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Edward Foskey, Michael Christopher Burnett
  • Publication number: 20180079491
    Abstract: An actuation system for resolving the effects of force-fight between multiple stages within an actuator coupled to an aircraft flight control member includes a yoke configured for connection to the flight control member, a first actuator operatively coupled to the yoke, and a second actuator and a third actuator operatively coupled to the yoke, the second and third actuators symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the first actuator. A first control member is operatively coupled to the first actuator, and a second control member is operatively coupled to the second actuator and the third actuator. The second control member is configured to operate independent of the first control member to effect motion of the flight control member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: David Hussey
  • Publication number: 20180079492
    Abstract: For adaptively influencing a flow with little intrusion into the surface, a flow control device is provided to influence the flow of a fluid medium on a fluid-dynamical surface of a fluid-dynamical profile body. An acoustic wave generating device is used to generate a standing acoustic wave with locally defined antinodes and nodes, and/or a sonic pulse is focused in a locally defined manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Helmut Seidel, Dara Feili, Karin Bauer, Christian Kiefer
  • Publication number: 20180079493
    Abstract: A pylon assembly for a tiltrotor aircraft includes a rotor assembly operable to rotate between a generally vertical orientation, in a VTOL flight mode, and a generally horizontal orientation, in a forward flight mode, and having an intermediate orientation therebetween, in a conversion flight mode. The rotor assembly includes a proprotor operable to produce a slipstream. A wing extension, positioned outboard of the rotor assembly, has a minimal dimension and an outboard end. A winglet is coupled to the outboard end of the wing extension and has a minimal dimension. The wing extension and the winglet are operable to rotate generally with the rotor assembly such that the minimal dimensions of the wing extension and the winglet remain in the slipstream of the proprotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Bryant Anderson, Steven Ray Ivans, Jeremy Robert Chavez
  • Publication number: 20180079494
    Abstract: An aircraft landing gear structure includes a strut assembly configured to transition between a compressed configuration, an extended configuration, and a retracted configuration. The strut assembly has a compressed length, an extended length, and a retracted length, such that the compressed length and retracted length are less than the extended length. The strut assembly includes an upper tubular housing, an upper bulkhead configured to be translated between a lower position and an upper position, a lower tubular housing operatively coupled to the upper tubular housing, a lower bulkhead supported by the lower tubular housing, and a pressure chamber defined between the lower bulkhead and the upper bulkhead. A volume of strut liquid and a mass of strut gas are positioned within the pressure chamber. A method of retracting a strut assembly includes longitudinally translating an upper bulkhead within an upper tubular housing from a lower position to an upper position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Justin Duane Cottet, James E. Cusworth, Malcolm Scott Bryant, George Sonnenburg
  • Publication number: 20180079495
    Abstract: Avionic systems and methods are provided for forecasting and reducing the likelihood of tire overspeed events during aircraft (A/C) runway procedures, such as takeoff and landing procedures. In one embodiment, the avionic system includes a controller coupled to at least one runway procedure data source, such as pilot input interface, a flight management system, atmospheric data sensors, or a navigational database. During operation, the controller receives runway procedure data from the runway procedure data sources pertaining to a planned runway procedure for the ownship A/C. The controller utilizes the runway procedure data to project at least one maximum tire speed during the planned runway procedure (TSMAX_PROJECTED), which is then compared to a maximum speed limit of the A/C tires (TSLIMIT). If TSMAX_PROJECTED exceeds TSLIMIT, the controller generates an alert or notification indicating the probable occurrence of a tire overspeed event during the planned runway procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Srihari Jayathirtha, Kalimulla Khan, Mohammed Ibrahim Mohideen
  • Publication number: 20180079496
    Abstract: A landing gear arrangement may comprise a shock strut, a retraction actuator, and a shrink actuator. The retraction actuator may move the shock strut between a stowed position and a deployed position. The shrink actuator may move between a shrink position and an unshrink position in response to the shock strut moving between the stowed position and the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: William E. Luce