Patents Issued in April 3, 2018
  • Patent number: 9932077
    Abstract: A rubber crawler that has a specified rotation direction. includes a crawler body, rubber projections and lugs. The lugs project out from an outer peripheral face, extend at an angle to the crawler peripheral direction from an inner side end portion toward the crawler width direction outer side and toward an opposite side to a crawler rotation direction with a larger angle at an acute angle side with respect to the crawler peripheral direction on the crawler width direction outer side than on the central line side; have inner side end portions of lugs adjacent to each other in the crawler width direction respectively overlapping a single projection of the projections, and are disposed at positions separated in the crawler width direction with the inner side end portions adjacent to each other in the crawler width direction respectively overlapping each other when viewed along the crawler width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shingo Sugihara
  • Patent number: 9932078
    Abstract: A utility trailer having outboard wheels, the trailer including a deck having a first height, a frame having an axle in which wheels attached to the axle have a second height, the second height extends a predetermined distance above the first height, opposed side panels are rotatably coupled to the frame, at least one of the opposed panels includes an opening having a third height, the third height being greater than the predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: KARAVAN TRAILERS, INC.
    Inventor: Joel Nehring
  • Patent number: 9932079
    Abstract: A vehicle model including main and secondary modules is provided. The vehicle module may also include vehicle components, a frame, a camera system, and a controller. The vehicle components are operably connected to the modules. The frame supports the modules and components and defines a 3D coordinate system including identifiable reference points. The camera system is arranged with the frame to capture activity within the 3D coordinate system. The controller is in communication with, and configured to direct operation of, the modules, components, and camera system based on the identifiable reference points and accessible vehicle CAD data. The vehicle components may comprise a subject platform located adjacent to, detached from, and integrated to function with the modules. The subject platform may be configured to vertically adjust between a plurality of positions for simulating ground outside a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Vijitha Senaka Kiridena, Ksenia Kozak, Nanxin Wang, Jeffrey Allen Greenberg, Gary Steven Strumolo
  • Patent number: 9932080
    Abstract: A motorcycle comprises a vehicle body frame; a seat mounted to the vehicle body frame and including a seat section on which a rider is seated; and a pair of rear side cowlings which are placed on right and left sides of the seat and mounted to the vehicle body frame, the pair of rear side cowlings including protruding sections, respectively, protruding farther upward than the seat section, when viewed from a side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishii, Tomo Yamamoto, Daisuke Saeki
  • Patent number: 9932081
    Abstract: A saddlebag container has a tub made of a plurality of composite fiber panels three dimensionally thermally molded or thermoformed in a chill forming process to form at least a plurality of structurally supporting tub walls and can have a lid of such construction. A preferred tub is formed of a plurality of panels with one panel three dimensionally shaped to form one sidewall and at least one of an endwall and bottom wall and another panel three dimensionally shaped to form the other sidewall that serves as a base to which the one panel is attached which can also provide a vehicle attachment mount. A preferred lid is formed of a panel that can have an outwardly extending mounting flap used to attach the lid to the base which can also serve as a hinge of the lid. A preferred tub and lid construction has at least two layers with one layer of a fibrous material and another layer of a different material that can provide a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignees: Milsco Manufacturing Company, A Unit of Jason Incorporated, Janesville Acoustics, A Unit of Jason Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert P. Jensen, Michael J. Camella, Michael Hynes
  • Patent number: 9932082
    Abstract: A bicycle handlebar includes a base portion that can be coupled to a bicycle, a gripping portion that is rotatably coupled to the base portion, and a mounting portion to which an operating member that operates a component of the bicycle is mounted. The mounting portion is rotatable together with the gripping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kentaro Miyazaki, Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazutaka Fukao, Kentaro Kosaka
  • Patent number: 9932083
    Abstract: An elastomerically cushioned cycle stem, referred to as an e-stem, connects a cycle handlebar to a cycle fork steerer tube. The e-stem has a rigid interchangeable swingarm that rotates, i.e., pivots about an axis located behind a steerer tube bore of the base. A fastener rotationally secures the swingarm to the base and clamps the base to the steerer tube. An interchangeable elastomeric block, engaged by the base and swingarm, absorbs impacts from the road or trail, as the swingarm pivots. The base sides provide interior rotational abutments to the arms of the swingarm, the abutments buttress the pivoting swingarm to provide lateral rigidity of the swingarm relative to the base. The e-stem is adjusted using a plurality of swingarm configurations to alter the stem length and offset, and using a plurality of elastomeric block properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Brent Lorscheider
  • Patent number: 9932084
    Abstract: A diaphragm unit detachably attached to a damper body, includes: a cylinder in which a liquid is sealed; a piston rod having a piston sliding inside the cylinder on one end side of the piston rod, in which other end side of the piston rod is extended to an outside of the cylinder; and a rod guide having a bottomed cylindrical shape wherein an insertion opening into which the piston rod is inserted is provided at a bottom portion of the rod guide, the rod guide being fixed to a side of an opening of the cylinder into which the piston is inserted to thereby make the piston rod be slidably inserted in a liquid tight manner, the diaphragm unit further comprising: an end member; an air seal; a rod side member; an annular bump rubber; and a tubular diaphragm, as defined herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shigeki Awasa
  • Patent number: 9932085
    Abstract: An ABS modulator support structure of a saddle type vehicle includes a main frame, a down frame, a pair of shroud which cover the right and left side of the frames, a radiator, a reserve tank which stores a coolant for the radiator, and an ABS module. The radiator is arranged on one (left side) side of the down frame 18 in a width direction of the vehicle. The ABS module is arranged on the other (right side) of the sides of the down frame in the width direction of the vehicle. The reserve tank and the shrouds are arranged outside the ABS module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoichi Nishida
  • Patent number: 9932086
    Abstract: A brake assembly has a lever configured to press a knee against a pushrod of a piston of a master cylinder assembly. The knee is configured to receive removable inserts that allow a user to modify the angle at which the lever activates the master cylinder assembly. The master cylinder assembly can include protrusions on the outer surface of the cylinder to protect the cylinder from impact damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Patent number: 9932087
    Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle drivable in use by a person walking or running while seated comprising: a frame; a large diameter front wheel non-steerable with respect to the frame, a seat for supporting a user's weight while walking or running, the frame configured to carry the seat suspended on the front wheel, a small diameter, steerable rear wheel journalled to the frame at a steering pivot axis, the seat being rotatable forwardly with respect to the front wheel and comprising a seat base for supporting a user and further comprising a backrest for engaging the user's back in use. The large front wheel may be of approximate diameter of a user's leg (typically an adult human), thus the large front wheel may be of similar size to a bicycle wheel for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: VELOFEET LTD
    Inventors: Manuel Alvarez-Icaza, Veronica Vargas
  • Patent number: 9932088
    Abstract: A method for controlling an electric drive of a vehicle is provided, e.g., an electric bicycle, which is able to be operated by muscular energy and/or motor power, the vehicle including a crank gear and the electric drive being disposed at the crank gear. The method includes: ascertaining a driving situation, for which the electric drive is to be used, and in this situation, initially running up the electric drive at a first gradient, and then at a second gradient, the first gradient being greater than the second gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Juergen Stegmaier
  • Patent number: 9932089
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a single-wheel electric balancing scooter, comprising a wheel, a driving motor located within the wheel, a battery pack serving as a power supply of the driving motor, a self-balancing control system, and a balance signal sensor. A saddle is provided above the wheel; the saddle is mounted on a rack which is connected and fixed to a fixed shaft of the wheel; a handle is provided on a front side of the wheel, with a lower end of the handle being connected to the rack; and a front end of the rack is connected with an auxiliary wheel rack and an auxiliary wheel is provided at a lower end of the auxiliary wheel rack. The present invention has the following advantages that it is easier for driving and better to control the balance of the scooter body; the scooter body may be dragged on the ground; and the scooter body may be kept upright when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG LINIX MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Haiyan Huang, Xiaoren Jin, Xiaoding Ruan, Haiping Liu, Lei Zhen, Lihui Zhang, Wenming Zhen, Guanjun Jin, Yan Wen
  • Patent number: 9932090
    Abstract: A bicycle rear sprocket assembly has a rotational center axis. The bicycle rear sprocket assembly comprises a first sprocket and a second sprocket. The first sprocket includes a first sprocket body and a first chain-engagement structure. The first sprocket body is made of a non-metallic material. The first chain-engagement structure is made of a metallic material and is configured to engage with a bicycle chain. The second sprocket includes a second sprocket body and a second chain-engagement structure. The second sprocket body is made of a non-metallic material and attached to the first sprocket body. The second chain-engagement structure is made of a metallic material and is configured to engage with the bicycle chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Toyoshi Yoshida, Toshinari Oishi, Tsuyoshi Fukumori
  • Patent number: 9932091
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device basically includes an operating member and a click mechanism. The click mechanism includes an input part, an output part and an intermediate part. The intermediate part is movable between the input and output parts to transmit movement from the input part to the output part in accordance with movement of the operating member. The intermediate part contacts the input part at a first contact point, and contacts the output part at a second contact point. The intermediate part and the output part define a first angle that decreases as the operating member moves from the first position toward the second position. The first angle has an apex at the second contact point, a first leg extending from the second contact point to a center of the pivot of the output part and a second leg extending from the second contact point to the first contact point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
  • Patent number: 9932092
    Abstract: A rollout protective cover assembly is configured for removably and temporarily covering a boat. The cover assembly includes a reel, and a flexible cover attached to the reel and having opposing sides and opposing ends. The flexible cover is adapted for being rolled onto the reel in a stowed condition and substantially unrolled from the reel in a deployed condition over the boat. The opposing sides of the flexible cover define symmetrically formed scalloped edges. Each scalloped edge includes a series of longitudinally spaced tie-down projections and a corresponding series of concave ventilation curves formed between adjacent projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Raymond John Garruto
  • Patent number: 9932093
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for controlling spread and/or depth in a geophysical survey. An embodiment discloses a submersible deflector, comprising: an upper portion comprising an upper fin section and upper foils disposed below the upper fin section, wherein at least one slot is defined between the upper foils; and a lower portion coupled to the upper portion and disposed below the upper portion, wherein the lower portion comprises a lower fin section and lower foils disposed above the lower fin section, wherein at least one slot is defined between the lower foils. Also disclosed are marine geophysical survey systems and methods of performing geophysical surveys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: Mattias Südow, Martin Austad, Kenneth Karlsen, Bergur Vinther, Jan-Allen Muller, Claus Clausen Petersen
  • Patent number: 9932094
    Abstract: A diving equipment organizing apparatus having a housing assembly with a sidewall that extends from a top edge to an end. The end inserts into an aperture that typically serves as a rod holder of a watercraft. A frame assembly has a frame having at least one base connector. Further having a strap assembly, a basket, and at least one hook assembly. The housing assembly further has a hinge assembly having a lower connector, an upper connector, and an actuator. The actuator is rotated to unlock the hinge assembly to permit angling the upper connector to a desired angle with respect to the lower connector. The housing assembly defines a cavity and the end has at least one notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Alfredo Santeiro
  • Patent number: 9932095
    Abstract: An assembly (3) comprising at least a first module (1) and a second module (2) with respective longitudinal axes (5) is described. Each one of the modules (1, 2) comprises a connection side (6, 7, 8, 9) which is facing the other module (1, 2) and is arranged between the upper side (6, 7, 8, 9) and the underside (20, 42), and at least two elongated bendable members (12) which connects the first module (1) with the second module (2). The first module (1) comprises at least a first connection side (6) which comprises a first recess (13) which is a part of a rotationally symmetrical form with a symmetry axis (43) which is parallel with the connection side (6). The assembly (3) comprises at least a first connection member (17), which comprises an inelastic member (22) and a longitudinal axis (35) which is parallel with the symmetry axis (43), and which is in engagement with and rotatable around the symmetry axis (43) in relation to the first recess (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Aquavilla Produktion AB
    Inventor: Richard Bergström
  • Patent number: 9932096
    Abstract: A boat leveling system includes a boat that has a port side, a starboard side, a port fuel tank, a starboard fuel tank, a port fuel line, a starboard fuel line, an engine, an engine fuel return line and a fuel vent line. A leveling unit is positioned within the boat. The leveling unit is in fluid communication with the engine fuel return line to receive fuel. The leveling unit is in fluid communication with each of the port fuel line and the starboard fuel line. The leveling unit diverts the fuel to the port fuel line when the boat is listing to the starboard side. Thus, the port fuel unit receives additional fuel to level the boat. The leveling unit diverts the fuel to the starboard fuel line when the boat is listing to the port side. Thus, the starboard fuel unit receives additional fuel to level the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas George
  • Patent number: 9932097
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a trimmable pod drive assembly that includes a pod drive unit having a transmission assembly secured to a steering unit, a gear case assembly coupled to and rotatable by the steering unit about a steering axis, and a propeller rotatable about a propeller driveshaft axis extending through the gear case assembly so as to generate thrust along a thrust vector. The trimmable pod drive assembly further includes a trim assembly secured to the pod drive unit in a manner allowing for rotation of the pod drive unit about a trim axis that is substantially perpendicular to the steering axis, wherein actuation of at least one component of the trim assembly causes movement of the pod drive unit and the thrust vector about the trim axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Davis Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Davis, Richard A. Davis
  • Patent number: 9932098
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing steering pressures of marine propulsion device steering actuators are disclosed. First and second sensors sense first and second conditions of first and second steering actuators. A third sensor senses an operating characteristic of the marine vessel. A controller is in signal communication with the first, second, and third sensors. In response to the marine vessel travelling generally straight ahead, the controller determines a target toe angle between the first and second marine propulsion devices based on the operating characteristic. The controller commands the first and second steering actuators to position the first and second marine propulsion devices at the target toe angle. The controller thereafter gradually adapts the target toe angle between the first and second marine propulsion devices until the controller determines that an absolute difference between the first condition and the second condition reaches a calibrated value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Andrasko, Kenneth G. Gable, Michael J. Lemancik
  • Patent number: 9932099
    Abstract: A marine drive has an internal combustion engine that rotates a propulsor shaft that is operatively coupled to a propulsor to impart a propulsive thrust in water. The marine drive has a gearcase housing having an upper portion above a lower portion, the lower portion supporting the propulsor shaft. An exhaust passage in the gearcase housing is configured to convey exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. An exhaust outlet on the upper portion of the gearcase housing is configured to discharge the exhaust gas from the exhaust passage to the water. The exhaust outlet faces the propulsor so that the exhaust gas is discharged into the water and towards the propulsor so as to aerate the water encountered by the propulsor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Tuchscherer, Josh S. Smith, Philip R. Walker, John O. Scherer, III
  • Patent number: 9932100
    Abstract: A marine propulsion device includes an engine, a cylinder cooling pathway through which a cooling water passes, a water pump, an electromagnetic valve, a water pressure sensor, a water temperature sensor, and a controller. The engine includes a cylinder. The cylinder cooling pathway is disposed in an area surrounding the cylinder. The water pump supplies the cooling water to the cylinder cooling pathway from outside. The electromagnetic valve restricts a flow of the cooling pathway in the cylinder cooling pathway. The water pressure sensor detects a water pressure of the cooling water in the cylinder cooling pathway. The water temperature sensor detects a water temperature of the cooling water in the cylinder cooling pathway. The controller is configured or programmed to control an opening degree of the electromagnetic valve based on a detection value of the water pressure sensor and a detection value of the water temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takayuki Yamada
  • Patent number: 9932101
    Abstract: A ceiling provided with a plurality of rigid panels. Presser means tending to press each panel longitudinally against at least one adjacent panel. At least one panel is a “sliding panel” carried by a guide device so as to slide in a sliding plane. One panel is a “retractable panel” movable from an open position towards a closed position, the sliding panels being free to move in longitudinal translation along the guide device when the retractable panel is in the open position and being locked while being arranged longitudinally one after another when the retractable panel is in the closed position. The ceiling comprises movement means for moving the retractable panel in reversible manner from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Giacalone, Clement Peyrusaubes
  • Patent number: 9932102
    Abstract: Lock assemblies for locking female drive receptacles include a portion with a feature that is configured to permit selective insertion of the portion of the lock assembly into the female drive receptacle when the portion is in a first rotational orientation and to selectively restrict removal of the portion from the non-circular receptacle when the portion is in a second rotational orientation that is offset from the first rotational orientation. The lock assembly is configured to receive a padlock to restrict rotation of the portion from the second rotational orientation to the first rotational orientation and thereby lock the lock assembly to the female drive receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Edward W. Leonard, Gregory W. Swanson
  • Patent number: 9932103
    Abstract: A device and a control method are described for a swinging aircraft door (3), mobile around a swinging axis (21) substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft via a motorized mechanism and having integrated boarding stairs (31). The method includes the capture of electromagnetic or ultrasonic radiation using at least one sensor (401, 501); the detection of something on the stairs on the basis of captured electromagnetic or ultrasonic radiation, in order to deduce therefrom whether a detection condition is satisfied or not; and, driving of the motorized mechanism in order to control the closure of the door in response to a closure command except in case of detection of something on the stairway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: RATIER FIGEAC
    Inventors: Jean De La Bardonnie, Eric Delbos, Bertrand Prouzet
  • Patent number: 9932104
    Abstract: An aircraft with a fuselage and a floor structure that is arranged inside the fuselage, the floor structure and the fuselage defining a subfloor region between the floor structure and a fuselage underside of the fuselage, the subfloor region accommodating at least one auxiliary compartment, wherein an equipment bay with at least one auxiliary equipment is arranged within the subfloor region, the at least one auxiliary equipment being at least essentially stowable in the equipment bay in a stow mode and the at least one auxiliary compartment being at least partly arranged in a region between the equipment bay and the floor structure such that the at least one auxiliary compartment separates the equipment bay from the floor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Behrens, Markus Wahnfried, Frank Loeser, Sebastian Mores
  • Patent number: 9932105
    Abstract: A folding/unfolding device for folding/unfolding a tail boom, the device being arranged in association with a rear power transmission shaft of a tail rotor of the rotorcraft, the folding/unfolding device comprising pivot means enabling a movable portion of the tail boom to move in pivoting relative to a stationary portion of the tail boom, the relative pivoting movement being performed between two distinct extreme positions, namely an unfolded, working position enabling the rear power transmission shaft to transmit driving torque to the tail rotor, and a folded, rest position enabling the overall length of the rotorcraft to be reduced. According to the invention, the folding/unfolding device includes motor-driven decoupling/coupling means for mechanically decoupling/coupling together two portions of a single rear power transmission shaft before/after the relative pivoting movement of the movable portion of the tail boom relative to the stationary portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventors: Maxime Maltinti, Florian Poggioli
  • Patent number: 9932106
    Abstract: A hydraulic line is secured to a stiff conduit extending between aircraft frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jim Edward Gardiner, Mark W. Lesyna
  • Patent number: 9932107
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of enhancing aerodynamic performance of an aircraft wing assembly including a fixed section and a foldable section. The foldable section is hinged to the fixed section at a hinge axis. The method includes turning a torque box extending from the foldable section to rotate the foldable section about the hinge axis from a stowed position to a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark S. Good, Steven Paul Walker
  • Patent number: 9932108
    Abstract: A first instruction directed to a first device is received from a controller and via a communication channel with redundancy. The first instruction is sent to the first device via a first communication protocol associated with the first device. A second instruction directed to a second device is received from the controller and via the communication channel with redundancy. The second instruction is sent to the second device via a second communication protocol associated with the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Kitty Hawk Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Robert Viele
  • Patent number: 9932109
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a blade spar that includes transversely at least one arrangement. A pressure-side mold and a suction-side mold are defined for each arrangement that is to be fabricated. Each mold includes at least one removable slide and a base. Each slide is then removed from a mold and the tape segments of a hank are laid by a fiber-placement method on each mold. Each mold is closed by putting the slides into place on the mold. During a finalizing step, the molds are juxtaposed and the spar is heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventors: Andre Amari, Jacques Gaffiero
  • Patent number: 9932110
    Abstract: A method for using an unmanned aerial vehicle to install objects on wire and catenary structures is described. The method includes tagging the location, attaching the object to the UAV, navigating the UAV to the position, attaching the object, testing the attachment, releasing the object, inspecting the attachment, and returning the UAV to the ground. Sensors, flight control systems, means for attachment, and variations of embodiments of the methods, systems, and mechanical devices are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Jonathan McNally
  • Patent number: 9932111
    Abstract: A method and system for assessing a situation using an unmanned vehicle is disclosed. An unmanned vehicle receives a transmission indicating a situation at a designated location, and then navigates to the designated location. The unmanned vehicle may reach the designated location via air or ground travel, or a combination thereof. The unmanned vehicle receives signals from a first subset of sensors indicating information concerning an environment at the designated location and from a second subset of sensors indicating information concerning one or more objects associated with the situation. The unmanned vehicle then sends one or more transmissions based on the received signals, facilitating rapid determination of the situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Charles Spinelli
  • Patent number: 9932112
    Abstract: A cargo handling system may have power drive unit (PDU), which may include a motor and a PDU controller. The PDU controller may be in communication with the motor and configured to receive a command signal including an address corresponding to a location of the PDU. The PDU controller may comprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader. The PDU controller may be configured to determine the location of the PDU by reading an RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott Harms, Shad Kish
  • Patent number: 9932113
    Abstract: A restraint assembly includes a fitting base, a bushing, and a restraint roller disk, according to various embodiments. The fitting base includes a fitting lower surface and a fitting upper surface that is angled relative to the fitting lower surface, according to various embodiments. The fitting base may be configured to be coupled, via an anchor, to a rail upper surface of a guide rail of the cargo system. In various embodiments, the bushing is configured to be disposed about the anchor. In various embodiments, the restraint roller disk includes a roller upper surface and a roller lower surface, wherein the restraint roller disk is configured to be rotatably coupled about the bushing and the roller lower surface is configured to engage the fitting upper surface of the fitting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wallace Harold Larson, Troy Joseph Herberholz, Ryan Pfau, Brian Landis
  • Patent number: 9932114
    Abstract: Method for controlling one or more vacuum generators (1) and thereby the vacuum in a vacuum sewage system, in particular controlling one or more liquid ring screw pumps in such system, including beyond the generator/s (1) one or more tubular collectors or suction pipelines (2) connected to the vacuum generator and one or more toilets, urinals, grey water sinks etc (3, 4), connected to the suction pipeline through branch pipelines (6). The rotational speed of the vacuum generator (1) is controlled on the basis of the set vacuum requirement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Jets AS
    Inventors: Olay Hofseth, Eimund Øvsthus
  • Patent number: 9932115
    Abstract: An aircraft wing element comprises two temperature sensors that are situated on each side of an electrothermal mat, between a structure portion and a shield of said wing element. A shield temperature can be measured more accurately, and a thermal energy flow that is transferred to the shield can be evaluated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Zodiac Aerotechnics
    Inventors: Stéphane Le Garrec, Philippe Portier, Martial Buron, Adao Delehelle, Bruno Thillays
  • Patent number: 9932116
    Abstract: A fluid activated parachute release apparatus includes a liquid sensor component moveably coupled to a cam member including a cavity; a disk configured to engage the cavity of the cam member; and a fork member releasable from the disk responsive to rotation of the cam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Steven A. Becnel
  • Patent number: 9932117
    Abstract: A parachute canopy release assembly includes a frame assembly with first and second upstanding members. A latching member has a pivot end and a latch end, the pivot end pivotally coupled to a bottom portion of the first upstanding member. A riser bar has a pivot end and latch engaging end, the pivot end of the riser bar pivotally coupled to a top portion of the second upstanding member, the latch engaging end retained by the latch end of the latching member in the locked state. A release linkage assembly includes a lock member configured to transition from a first state to a second state, retain the latching member in a first position in the first, locked state and retain the latching member in a second position in the second, unlocked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Todd Grenga
  • Patent number: 9932118
    Abstract: A vertical take-off and landing aircraft using a hybrid electric propulsion system includes an engine, a generator that produces electric power using power supplied by the engine, and a battery that stores the produced electric power. A motor receives the electric power stored in the battery and electric power produced by the generator but not stored in the battery and provides the power to a thrust generating apparatus. A controller selects either silence mode or normal mode, and determines the amount of electric power stored in the battery and the amount of electric power not stored in the battery from the electric power supplied to the motor. In the silence mode, the controller supplies only the electric power stored in the battery and controls a duration by adjusting output power of motor. In the normal mode, the controller supplies electric power not stored in the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: HANKUK CARBON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jeong-Gyu Bak, Jinsoo Cho, Boseong Kim, Senghyun Yun, Sunghong Won, Tae-Chul Jeong, Sooyoung Cho, Geunho Lee, Kyusung Park, Juhyung Ha, Changmo Moon, Sunho Beck, Changjun Meang, Hanki Lee, Minjun Kim, Dain Lee
  • Patent number: 9932119
    Abstract: A thermal blanket system is provided on an aircraft component to protect the component, for example, from engine heat. The component has a latch half attached thereto, which is also covered by the thermal blanket system. In some scenarios, the latch half may need to be detached from the component because the latch was stuck closed. The thermal blanket system includes a portion thereof which overlaps the latch half and breaks away from the remainder of the thermal blanket system when the latch half is detached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Sean Pretty, Stephen M. Erickson
  • Patent number: 9932120
    Abstract: A turboprop control system 10 for use with a turboprop 2 having a turbine engine 12 operably coupled to and rotationally driving a propeller 14 having variable pitch blades 16 to control the engine speed, propeller speed, and propeller pitch. The pilot provides, by a single power control lever 30, the control input used to control the engine and propeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Unison Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Aaron Fisher, Scott Brian Wright, James Robert Turner
  • Patent number: 9932121
    Abstract: An example method of controlling a flow enhancement device includes providing a flow enhancement device that is configured stabilize a flow of air near a nacelle. The flow enhancement device has a first setting and a second setting that provides more stabilization than the first setting. The method includes monitoring parameters of a turbomachine to determine the stability of the flow of air near the nacelle. The method also adjusts the flow enhancement device between the first setting and the second setting based on the monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen A. Morford
  • Patent number: 9932122
    Abstract: A protective cover for an aircraft engine comprises a lower portion mountable to a corresponding lower portion of an opening of the engine, and an upper portion articulated to the lower portion. The upper portion is deployable from a collapsed position to a deployed position in which the upper portion extends upwardly from the lower portion. A handling tool may be used to operate the panel from a remote location on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventor: Carlos Adelino Marques Santos Loureiro
  • Patent number: 9932123
    Abstract: A composite structure forming a load bearing composite shell for a helicopter, with a shell which defines the exterior of a fuselage and includes a central fuselage section and tail boom, a fuselage which is adapted house an engine or drive train, a layered composite crashworthy seat and support structure and a fastening and a method of fastening by providing an adhesive between two layers which is allowed to flow through opposing holes in the layers to provide a chemical and mechanical attachment between the layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: COMPOSITE HELICOPTERS INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LTD
    Inventors: Peter Maloney, Nina Heatley
  • Patent number: 9932124
    Abstract: A cryogenic fuel system for an aircraft having a turbine engine with a compressor section and a combustion chamber, including a tank for storing cryogenic fuel, a supply line operably coupling the tank to the combustion chamber and a pump coupling the tank to the supply line to pump the cryogenic fuel at high pressure through the supply line where the pump is operably coupled to the compressor such that operation of the turbine engine drives the pump and a method for delivering fuel in a fuel system to a turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Deepak Manohar Kamath, Todd James Buchholz, Mehdi Milani Baladi, Michael Jay Epstein
  • Patent number: 9932125
    Abstract: An air separation module includes a plurality of fibers located within a casing. A fiber membrane defines an exterior of each of the plurality of fibers. The fiber membrane also forms an interior passage along a length of each of the plurality of fibers. The fiber membrane is configured to permeate a gas through the fiber membrane. At least one perforated canister is placed between the plurality of fibers. The at least one perforated canister is configured to collect a permeated gas from the plurality of fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher McAuliffe, Haralambos Cordatos
  • Patent number: 9932126
    Abstract: System and method of integrity checking digitally displayed data in a display system having a display comprising a pixel array with a viewable area, including rendering a known value into a QR code graphic, generating an image onto the display including drawing the QR code graphic in the viewable area of the pixel array, monitoring the generated image for the drawn QR code graphic and determining the integrity of the drawn graphical information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: GE AVIATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Lewis William Catton