Patents Issued in July 17, 2018
  • Patent number: 10023259
    Abstract: An accessory for a self-balancing board is provided. The self-balancing board comprises a foot-deck having two lateral foot-deck ends. Each lateral foot-deck end is coupled to a motor that drives a wheel in response to an orientation of the lateral foot-deck end relative to a horizontal plane. The accessory includes a chassis, at least one travel surface-contacting element coupled proximal to a first longitudinal end of the chassis to facilitate travel of the chassis over a travel surface, and a seat coupled to the chassis and configured to support a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: HOVERPOWERED, LLC
    Inventor: Tyler Kroymann
  • Patent number: 10023260
    Abstract: A steering system of a saddle-ride type vehicle includes a front fork that includes a steering shaft at the upper end and supports a front wheel at the lower end, a steering arm that is attached to the steering shaft, a steering force transmit member that is turnably supported by a steering stem that is disposed in a body frame, and a steering system link that joins the steering arm and the steering force transmit member. The steering system link joins the steering arm and the steering force transmit member that is disposed rearward of the steering arm. A steering force detection sensor that detects a steering force transmitted to the steering shaft is disposed in the steering system link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yotaro Mori, Hisakazu Yasui, Makoto Araki
  • Patent number: 10023261
    Abstract: A motorcycle trailer that includes a box trailer bed. The motorcycle trailer also includes a hinged lift lid, the lift lid including aerodynamic curvature on the front top and rear top. The motorcycle trailer additionally includes at least one lid latch positioned and structured on the off-road side of the hinged lift lid for fastening and unfastening the hinged lift lid closed selectively and the hinged lift lid having lid curvature corresponding to the aerodynamic curvature of the front top and the aerodynamic curvature of the rear top of the box trailer bed. The motorcycle trailer also includes the box trailer bed being affixed to a trailer frame, a road-side wheel suspended from the roadway side of the trailer frame with a road-side spring member and an off-road-side wheel suspended from the off-road side of the trailer frame with an off-road-side spring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Richard Kilcrease
  • Patent number: 10023262
    Abstract: A direct-drive double wing scooter includes a frame, an actuation assembly, a drive assembly, and a transmission assembly. The actuation assembly includes left and right swing wings each pivoted close to a front end of the frame through a pivot. The drive assembly includes a first turning shaft and a second turning shaft penetrating two sides of the frame. A distance between the first turning shaft and the pivot is defined as a first distance. A distance between a rear end of the right swing wing is defined as a second distance, or a distance between a rear end of the left swing wing is defined as a second distance. The first distance is in the range of 0.10-0.65 times the length of the second distance. The direct-drive double wing scooter provides a simple and reliable drive way and has transportation, amusement and fitness effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: HSIN LUNG ACCESSORIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hsueh-Sen Liao
  • Patent number: 10023263
    Abstract: The pedal of bicycle includes a frame and a cushion pad. The frame includes a frame portion enclosing at least one hollow portion. The frame portion has a first face and a second face. The hollow portion penetrates the first face and the second face. A portion of the first face most remote from the second face defines a first imaginary plane, and a portion of the second face most remote from the first face defines a second imaginary plane. The cushion pad is made of elastic material and is embedded in the hollow portion. The cushion pad has a third face and a fourth face. The third face corresponds to the first face, and the fourth face corresponds to the second face. The third face is protruded above the first imaginary plane, and the fourth face is protruded above the second imaginary plane normally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: John Wang
  • Patent number: 10023264
    Abstract: An electric cycle with a frame that may include a tube and an opening. The tube may extend from a first end to a second end and may define a tube interior volume in fluid communication with the opening. An electric power unit may be mounted to the frame proximal the second end of the tube and may have a cooling air inlet and an exhaust port. A cooling path may be defined through the tube interior volume and at least a portion of the electric power unit. The cooling path may be in fluid communication with the opening so that air may flow into the opening, through the tube, into the cooling air inlet and out of the exhaust port of the electric power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven L. Hayslett, Jess R. Bailie, Peter Bostwick, Richard J. Lannen, Wade W. Bryant
  • Patent number: 10023265
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided for operating a bicycle component. The bicycle control device includes a mounting member, a take-up member, a position maintaining member, a release member and a pulling member. The take-up member moves with respect to the mounting member in a take-up direction for pulling a control cable and a releasing direction for releasing the control cable. The position maintaining member moves with respect to the mounting member to move between a holding position that holds the take-up member in one of a plurality of predetermined positions and a releasing position that releases the take-up member for pivotal movement. The release member pivots with respect to the mounting member to move the position maintaining member between the holding position and the releasing position. The pulling member moves with respect to the mounting member to selectively move the take-up member and the release member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazutaka Fukao
  • Patent number: 10023266
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission on a bicycle may be automatically configured with little or no assistance from a user. Optical scanning devices, RFIDs, and other information capturing technology can communicate with a controller. The controller may then perform a portion or all of a configuration process. In operation, a controller may determine that calibration is needed. A calibration process may be initiated and performed with little or no user interaction. A calibration process may account for a load, a power source, or an environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Wayne Leroy Contello, Brian Benjamin Sweet, Richard Hilgart, Jeffrey A. Birchak, Kevin Alan Gust
  • Patent number: 10023267
    Abstract: Systems and methods of reducing drag on outer surfaces of vehicles that are in contact with water using a polymer solution that reduces the drag on the outer surfaces of the vehicles as the vehicles travel through water. A polymer solution is passively ejected into the boundary layer of the water flowing past the outer surface of the vehicle. The polymer solution is mixed and introduced into the boundary layer passively with minimal or no usage of electrical energy. The passive mixing and ejection of the polymer solution minimizes energy consumption, thereby maximizing electrical energy consumption efficiency during operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Brandes, Steven Edward Bullock, Joseph M. Cuschieri, Vincent J. Forst, Brian Robert Said, Joseph M. Solenski
  • Patent number: 10023268
    Abstract: A moonpool work table able to provide an opening to a moonpool including a first set of opposing table doors having opposing vertical faces and moveable between an open position and one or more closed positions, and a second set of opposing table doors moveable between an open position and one or more closed positions in a transverse direction to that of the first set of table doors. In this way, the first and second set of table doors are able to define a “box” that can more closely and tightly define the area or envelope through which a conduit or the like can pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: TECHNIP FRANCE
    Inventor: Andrew Green
  • Patent number: 10023269
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an elongated, hollow member; a cap; and a pair of arms. The elongated, hollow member has a first closed end and a second open end, wherein the second open end includes a plurality of slots therein. The cap is configured for detachable attachment to the second open end. The pair of arms is configured to fit into the elongated, hollow member in a first configuration. The pair of arms is configured for insertion into the plurality of slots in a second configuration, wherein one of the pair of arms is oriented substantially orthogonally to the other of the pair of arms. A method of using an anchor includes inserting a pair of arms into the elongated, hollow member; and closing the second open end with a cap configured for detachable attachment to the second open end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Jay Williamson
  • Patent number: 10023270
    Abstract: Disclosed is a heat-insulation system for a liquefied natural gas cargo hold, which comprises a primary sealing wall, a secondary sealing wall, and a secondary heat-insulating layer, and is applied to a liquefied natural gas cargo hold. The heat-insulation system for a liquefied natural gas cargo hold comprises a collar stud installed on a line on the upper surface of the secondary heat-insulating layer where an anchor strip is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: DAEWOO SHIPBUILDING & MARINE ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kwang Jun Park, Joong Kyoo Kang
  • Patent number: 10023271
    Abstract: A rapid water ambulance for transport of patients, comprising a sick bay solidly constrained to a structure of the water ambulance and support apparatus (10) for a stretcher, the support apparatus (10) comprises: a support column (20), a carriage (30) slidable along the column (20) in the direction of the axis (A) thereof, a support plane (11) for a stretcher, borne projectingly by the carriage (30) and solidly constrained thereto, a damped suspension device (33), constrained to the carriage (30) and to the column (20), which supports the support plane (11) at an operating height, wherein the axis (A) of the support column (20) is inclined with respect to the perpendicular direction to a floor (P) plane of the sick bay and lies in a vertical plane parallel to the motion direction of the water ambulance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: STEM S.R.L.
    Inventor: Ezio Menna
  • Patent number: 10023272
    Abstract: In the present invention, there is a single seat pedestal for supporting two seats without further support comprising a tubular pyramid capped with a plate and supporting two arms at right angle to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Neal, Jr., George L. Smith
  • Patent number: 10023273
    Abstract: A barge, a barge assembly system, and assembly method are provided for assembling a barge that is constructed in component pieces sized to be capable of shipping by road or railway from a first location to a second location adjacent to a body of water for assembly of the barge. The barge assembly system includes a portable assembly device having a variety of frame elements that, when assembled, produce a structure capable of supporting barge section components that are placed thereupon so that the barge may be assembled. The barge assembly system can also include a crane for lifting the barge section components onto a support surface of the portable assembly device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Michael Silveri, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10023274
    Abstract: A water pad assembly adapted to floatingly support a human in open water, including: a water pad member and a plurality of grommets and/or cup holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Comfort Research, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel C. George, II, Matthew Jung
  • Patent number: 10023275
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a selectively deployable fin system which includes at least one housing positioned within a body of a standup paddleboard, the housing defining at least one housing passage therein, at least one actuator is positioned within the housing. The actuator is configured to be operable by a user positioned on the standup paddleboard or similar watercraft during use. At least one linkage system, in communication with the actuator, is positioned within the housing. In addition, at least one fin is in communication with the actuator via the linkage device. The fin is configured to be selectively positioned within the housing in a retracted configuration and selectively extending from the housing in a deployed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Mark Carroll
  • Patent number: 10023276
    Abstract: A canoe outrigger with built-in, covered, storage capacity. Unlike a typical pontoon type outrigger, this device is a miniature canoe form that has an open interior. The top of the outrigger has three doors allowing for storage and access within the form that holds many supplies, such as camping and fishing gear, food, water and other items. The outrigger is connected to a canoe, or other small boat, by a pair of telescoping arms. Each arm has clamps that secure the arms the gunwales of the vessel. The other end of each arm is bolted into position on the outrigger. In this way, the outrigger is securely attached for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Nicholas Carl Sharrer
  • Patent number: 10023277
    Abstract: A stern running light is pivotally attached to the mast of a shallow water anchor system thereby avoiding the need for a separate stern running light. The top end of the mast holds both a pivotable cluster of LED lights that emit light in a 360 degree horizontal plane and, below it, a flood light in a clear plastic housing for task lighting within the fishing boat to which the mast is attached. A power cord for the stern runs to the battery for the mast from the stern running light and flood light. The mast of the shallow water anchor is at a height suitable to meet stern running light height requirements and the use of white LEDs meets light visibility requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: T-ZER DESIGNS, LLC
    Inventor: J. Linford Oberholtzer
  • Patent number: 10023278
    Abstract: A boat hull protection system to prevent structural and cosmetic damage to vessels and prevent them from sinking. The system includes inflatable members inflated using pneumatics such as compressed air that can be selectively inflated by a user along the stern, starboard or port sides, or bow of a given vessel. The inflatable members are inflated using a plurality of inflatable compartments housed within the inflatable members thereby allowing the system to continue being effective in light of a failure to a portion of the inflatable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventors: Gideon Smith, Jana Alaxova
  • Patent number: 10023279
    Abstract: A flotation-hydration system to be worn by a user, particularly in a water borne environment, includes a vest assembly dimensioned to at least partially surround the user's upper torso while donned by the user in an operative manner. The vest assembly comprises a plurality of panels securely attached to one another, and a flotation assembly comprising at least one flotation member having a buoyant material of construction disposed in one of the panels of the vest assembly. A hydration support assembly is disposed substantially within the vest assembly and includes a chamber support unit, wherein the chamber support unit is dimensioned and configured to receive a hydration chamber in a supported relation therein. A dispensing tube is routed from the hydration chamber to the front of the vest assembly, for ready access by the user, through a dispensing tube retention channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Hydro Vest LLC
    Inventor: Ryan Alexander
  • Patent number: 10023280
    Abstract: A device for winding and unwinding a cable including a winch comprises a chassis, an electric motor for driving a drum in rotation in relation to the chassis, locking/unlocking means comprising a first induction coil and configured such as to immobilize the drum in relation to the chassis when the first coil is not being powered electrically, the device including a second induction coil that is powered electrically, dimensioned and arranged such that the magnetic field generated by the assembly formed by the first and second coils, when the first coil is powered electrically, is less than the magnetic field generated by the first coil at a point located at a distance from the winch that is greater than a predetermined threshold, the electrical energizing and de-energizing of the second coil being synchronized with the electrical energizing and respectively de-energizing of the first coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: THALES
    Inventors: Paul Penven, Jean-Jacques Lossec, David Hervouet
  • Patent number: 10023281
    Abstract: The problem of penetrating through nets and other objects is solved by cutting the object using various cutter systems, which include, for example a track and a moving carriage containing a cutter, a stationary carriage with a fixed or rotating arm, and/or abrasive cutters. The object is cut by a severing, slicing, or wearing action caused by a moveable blade or abrasive surface. An underwater vehicle incorporating an embodiment of the cutter system can cut a sufficiently large opening in the object to allow the vehicle to pass through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Adaptive Methods, Inc.
    Inventors: James Wiggins, Christopher Norkoski, Christopher Lin
  • Patent number: 10023282
    Abstract: The gears for reversing the rowing motion for oars is a gearing mechanism configured for use with an oar. The gears for reversing the rowing motion for oars reverses the pulling motion associated with the oar. This reversal of the pulling motion allows the oar to be used normally while the rower faces the bow of a boat. The gears for reversing the rowing motion for oars comprises a drive gear mechanism, a rotation gear mechanism a handle mechanism, an oar mechanism, and a gunwale mount. The drive gear mechanism transfers power from the handle mechanism to the oar mechanism. The gunwale mount attaches the gears for reversing the rowing motion for oars to the gunwale of a boat. The rotation gear mechanism raises and lowers the oar into the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Randy Artruc
  • Patent number: 10023283
    Abstract: An outboard motor for a marine vessel application, transmission devices for such an outboard motor, and related methods of making, operating, and modifying attributes of same, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the motor includes a horizontal-crankshaft engine in an upper portion of the motor, positioned substantially above a trimming axis of the motor. In at least another embodiment, first, second and third transmission devices are employed to transmit rotational power from the engine to propeller(s). In at least a further embodiment, the motor is made to include a rigid interior assembly formed by the engine, multiple transmission devices, and a further structural component. In further embodiments, the motor includes numerous cooling, exhaust, and/or oil system components, and/or other transmission features. In at least some additional embodiments, a transmission device of the motor is configured to facilitate gear ratio variation and/or includes an integrated oil pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Seven Marine, LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Davis, Richard A. Davis
  • Patent number: 10023284
    Abstract: An outboard motor includes an electric power source, a mechanical power source auxiliary machine, an electric circuit, an electric supply port, and a switch. The mechanical power source auxiliary machine assists driving a mechanical power source. The electric circuit electrically connects the electric power source and the mechanical power source auxiliary machine. The electric supply port is electrically connected to the electric power source through the electric circuit, and supplies an electric power to an accessory device to be connected thereto. The switch is disposed between the electric power source and the electric supply port in the electric circuit, and is switchable between an on state and an off state. The switch allows a flow of an electric current when switched to the on state, and interrupts the flow of the electric current when switched to the off state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takafumi Nakamura, Yuki Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 10023285
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for insulation and moisture drainage. One exemplary system comprises a liner. The liner covers a frame element of an aircraft. The liner includes a first waterproof lip that is attached to a first insulator and protrudes towards the frame element. The first waterproof lip and the first insulator form a first drainage channel for the frame element. A second waterproof lip is attached to a second insulator and protrudes towards the frame element. The second waterproof lip and the second insulator form a second drainage channel for the frame element. The first waterproof lip and the second waterproof lip each include a lengthwise fixation element that attaches the first waterproof lip to the second waterproof lip, sealing at least a portion of the lengthwise gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jennifer Lynn Dickson, Jesse Vitalez Tibayan, Irina Alekseevna Zakharova
  • Patent number: 10023286
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for insulation and moisture drainage. One exemplary embodiment is an apparatus comprising a bay blanket configured to insulate an aircraft. The bay blanket includes insulation, and a first waterproof lip that protrudes from the insulation in an outboard direction towards a frame of the aircraft and extends along a length of a leftward side of the bay blanket. The bay blanket also includes a second waterproof lip that protrudes from the insulation in an outboard direction towards the frame of the aircraft along a length of a rightward side of the bay blanket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jennifer Lynn Dickson, Jesse Vitalez Tibayan, Irina Alekseevna Zakharova, Mark L. Larson
  • Patent number: 10023287
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shell element reinforced with support elements comprises providing a skin element that has an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, providing a first support element that has an attaching side and a free side opposite the attaching side, attaching the first support element on the skin element such that the attaching side of the first support element faces the inner surface of the skin element. A first recess is introduced into the first support element that proceeds from the free side of the first support element and extends transversely to the first axis. A second support element is provided that has a support side and a front side opposite the support side. The second support element is inserted into the first recess of the first support element such that the support side faces the inner surface of the skin element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATION GMBH
    Inventors: Bernd Räckers, Martin Gerber
  • Patent number: 10023288
    Abstract: A door assembly for an aircraft includes a partition panel disposed laterally within a fuselage of the aircraft and a descender panel moveably secured to a lower end of the partition panel for selectively closing an aisle opening defined below the partition panel. The door assembly further includes a handle disposed on the partition panel that is operatively connected to the descender panel through a link mechanism such that rotation of the handle is translated into movement of the descender panel to move the descender panel between a retracted position and a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA PATENTS & TECHNOLOGIES NORTH AMERICA, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene Petit Harter, Michael T. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 10023289
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rotorcraft front windshield comprises an optically-transparent material having a non-uniform thickness profile such that the front windshield is a first thickness at a first position and a second thickness at a second position, the first thickness being different from the second thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Zi Lu, Michael Seifert, Marc-Andre Rossini
  • Patent number: 10023290
    Abstract: A method of improving optical characteristics of an optical window operating in a flow of fluid and having first and second panes of optically transmissive material—each having an edge adjacent to, parallel with, and at least partially coextensive with each other—is described herein. The method includes inserting a thermally conductive blade between two adjacent edges of the first and second panes of optically transmissive material; and lifting an adverse flow stagnation zone forward of the optical window by protruding the thermally conductive blade into the flow of fluid from an outer surface of the panes of the optical window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: David A. Vasquez, Michael Ushinsky, Joseph J. Ichkhan
  • Patent number: 10023291
    Abstract: A system for shielding of at least one component within an aircraft includes a floor panel disposed at least partially between joists supporting a floor within the aircraft and a ground plane connected to a bottom surface of the floor panel. The ground plane extends at least partially between adjacent joists. At least one bracket electrically connects the ground plane to at least one of the joists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER INC.
    Inventors: Lody Roborel De Climens, Philippe Desy, Jean-Guy Gaudreau
  • Patent number: 10023292
    Abstract: A braided composite spar or preform for a braided composite spar, comprising a plurality of tubular plies of braided fibers, wherein the spar or preform has a center line which extends lengthwise from a root to a tip, and at least part of the center line follows a curved path which does not lie in a single plane. The spar or preform can be used to provide a tubular main spar for a winglet. The winglet also has a front spar with a front spar web, an upper front spar cap, and a lower front spar cap. An upper skin of the winglet is joined to the braided spar and the upper front spar cap. A lower skin of the winglet is joined to the braided spar and the lower front spar cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Tony Fong, Timothy Axford
  • Patent number: 10023293
    Abstract: A panel assembly comprising: a panel (11); a stiffener (12) having a foot (12a), an upstanding web (12b) and a run-out region at one end; and a fitting (13), wherein the stiffener foot is bonded to the panel, and wherein the fitting is attached to the stiffener web and to the panel outboard of the end of the stiffener foot. The outboard end of the web may overhang an outboard end of the foot in the run-out region, of the stiffener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventors: Martin Gaitonde, Enzo Cosentino
  • Patent number: 10023294
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an empennage attachment system features an aft attachment mechanism and a forward attachment system. The aft attachment mechanism is configured to be coupled to a tail section of a body of an aircraft and to an empennage proximate to an aft spar of the empennage. The aft attachment mechanism defines a pitch axis such that the aft attachment mechanism allows the empennage to rotate about the pitch axis. The forward attachment system is configured to be coupled to the tail section of the body and to the empennage proximate to a forward spar of the empennage. The forward attachment system is configured to restrict rotation of the empennage about the pitch axis to an allowable range of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Carl VanBuskirk, Michael Scott Seifert, Michael Christopher Burnett, Mark Loring Isaac
  • Patent number: 10023295
    Abstract: An aircraft having a sponson extending substantially transversely relative to a main body of the fuselage of the aircraft and substantially perpendicularly relative to a vertical anteroposterior plane of symmetry P of the main body of the fuselage when the aircraft is standing on a horizontal support, the sponson including a notch locally reducing a cross-section of the sponson in a connection zone of the sponson, the connection zone being suitable for being arranged in the immediate proximity of the main body of the fuselage of the aircraft from which the sponson emerges transversely, the notch being open at least to a front outside face and to a top outside face of the sponson and being suitable for receiving a bottom portion of a sliding side door when in its open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventors: David Alfano, Guillaume Legras, Jean Nicola
  • Patent number: 10023296
    Abstract: The present invention includes an air flow bypass for a tiltrotor engine comprising: a ram air inlet comprising bypass door(s) capable of at least partially or fully blocking a ram air flow through the ram air inlet; a barrier filter inlet positioned in a side, a bottom, and/or a top of a tiltrotor engine nacelle; a filter plenum; a selector duct comprising one or more openings; and one or more selector duct doors or covers over the one or more openings; wherein the barrier filter inlet, the filter plenum, the one or more openings in the selector duct, the selector duct, and an engine are in fluid communication and the bypass door(s) in the ram inlet are closed and the barrier filter inlet provides filtered air flow to the engine when the aircraft is in hover operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: David L. Miller, Brent Chadwick Ross
  • Patent number: 10023297
    Abstract: Techniques for using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to deliver a payload while reducing and/or altering sound generated by the UAV during delivery may be provided. For example, during delivery, the UAV may be instructed to utilize one or more sets of propellers of different sizes to reduce and/or alter the sound generated by and/or around the UAV. Intrinsic and extrinsic information associated with the UAV may be utilized to dynamically adjust the particular sets of propellers of a certain and different size to utilize during different portions of a flight path while delivering the payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Beckman, Michael Rolnik
  • Patent number: 10023298
    Abstract: Techniques for using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to deliver a payload while reducing and/or altering sound generated by the UAV during delivery may be provided. For example, during delivery, the UAV may be instructed to utilize one or more sets of propellers of different sizes to reduce and/or alter the sound generated by and/or around the UAV. Intrinsic and extrinsic information associated with the UAV may be utilized to dynamically adjust the particular sets of propellers of a certain and different size to utilize during different portions of a flight path while delivering the payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Beckman, Michael Rolnik
  • Patent number: 10023299
    Abstract: The disclosure refers to a propeller blade for an aircraft engine that includes an airbag system contained inside the blade and comprising at least one bag and at least one gas generator, the at least one gas generator in fluid communication with at least one bag for inflating the bag, a detecting system for detecting a rupture of a part of the blade, a trigger for activating the at least one gas generator when the rupture is detected by the detecting system, and the blade skin being configured for allowing the at least one bag to pass through the blade skin for being expanded outside the blade upon the bag inflation by the gas generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS, S.L.
    Inventors: Javier Toral Vazquez, Diego Folch Cortes, Esteban Martino Gonzalez, Pablo Goya Abaurrea, Vasilis Votsios, Michel Fouinnetau, Sylvain Roumegas
  • Patent number: 10023300
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include attitude determination and control system (ADCS) and associated methods. Systems for determining attitude may be used by various vehicle types, such as to determine the vehicle's attitude relative to an external point of reference. The ADCS may be used for passive or active stabilization of spin on multiple axes. The ADCS uses an incorporated autonomous control algorithm to characterize the effects of actuation of the system components and simultaneously trains its response to attitude actuators. This characterization generates and updates a movement model, where the movement model is used to indicate or predict the effect of one or more attitude actuators given vehicle state information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: University of North Dakota
    Inventors: Jeremy Straub, Michael Wegerson, Ronald Marsh
  • Patent number: 10023301
    Abstract: A system including a load factor control module for calculating a deflection order on manual actuation of a control column by a pilot of the aircraft and transmitting that deflection order to at least one elevator of the aircraft, a longitudinal attitude control module for maintaining the longitudinal attitude of the aircraft at a target attitude in the event of absence of manual actuation of the control column by the pilot during a flight, and a transition management module for determining and storing a present longitudinal attitude value of the aircraft at a recording moment and transmitting that longitudinal attitude value to the longitudinal attitude control module for the longitudinal attitude control module to use the longitudinal attitude value as the target attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Mathieu Carton, Pierre Debusschere, Laurent Albugues
  • Patent number: 10023302
    Abstract: An actuation system for deploying and retracting a lift assisting device of a leading edge of a wing of an aircraft including a track pivotally coupled to the lift assisting device. The track has first and second outer surfaces and side surfaces. The actuation system includes a shaft rotationally coupled within the wing of the aircraft and operable, in response to flight control signals, to deploy or retract the lift assisting device. The actuation system includes an actuator for actuating the lift assisting device, coupled to the shaft, between a retracted position to a deployed position along an arcuate path. The actuation system includes a plurality of track roller bearings rotatably contacting the first and second outer surfaces of the track to guide the track along the arcuate path. The plurality of track roller bearings includes one or more lined track roller assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick S. Gyuricsko, Jay Phoenix, Arnold E. Fredericksen, John H. Cowles, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10023303
    Abstract: An actuating system for an aircraft having an electromechanical actuator (25) comprising a non-volatile memory (60) wherein stored data (61) including configuration data (62) specific to the electromechanical actuator is stored. The system also includes a control unit (22) using the configuration data to implement a servo-control loop, the output signal of which is a digital signal controlling the electric motor of the electromechanical actuator and at least one digital transmission channel (50) connecting the control unit and the electromechanical actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignees: SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS, SAFRAN HELICOPTER ENGINES
    Inventors: Antoine Moutaux, Florent Nierlich
  • Patent number: 10023304
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an actuation system includes a an actuator assembly, a yoke, and a control rod. The actuator assembly comprises a first actuator. The first actuator is configured to extend in a first direction and retract in a second direction opposite of the first direction. The yoke is coupled to the first actuator at a first actuator end proximate to the first direction. The control rod is coupled to the yoke at a first control rod end and extends in the second direction past the actuator assembly to a second end in mechanical communication with an output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Corey Dickman, Carlos A. Fenny, David Schultz
  • Patent number: 10023305
    Abstract: A system for reconstructing sensor data in a rotor system that comprises a rotating component of the rotor system, a plurality of sensors in the rotating component to sense at least one of loads and motion characteristics in the rotating component and to generate sensor data, and an analysis unit to generate reconstructed sensor data from the sensor data using numerical analysis for low-rank matrices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joshua D. Isom, Sergey Shishkin
  • Patent number: 10023306
    Abstract: An autopilot device (10) and method for automatically piloting a rotary wing aircraft (1), having at least one propulsion propeller (2), said rotary wing comprising at least one rotor (3) with a plurality of blades (3?), said device comprising a processor unit (15) co-operating with at least one collective control system (7) for controlling the collective pitch of said blades (3?). The device includes engagement means (20) connected to the processor unit (15) for engaging an assisted mode of piloting for maintaining an angle of attack, said processor unit (15) automatically controlling the collective pitch of the blades (3?) when the assisted mode of piloting for maintaining an angle of attack is engaged by controlling said collective control system to maintain an aerodynamic angle of attack (?) of the aircraft at a reference angle of attack (?*).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters
    Inventor: Paul Eglin
  • Patent number: 10023307
    Abstract: A novel electromagnetic actuator designed to operate at system resonance, used in the construction of a unique vehicle system, is presented herein. An exemplary embodiment of the vehicle system is based on an electromagnetic actuator coupled to a plurality of actuating members of a micro aerial vehicle. Attributes of this type of actuation offer several enhancements over traditional approaches. The unique use of an electromagnetic actuator lends itself to a near unlimited number of coil cross-sectional designs that can be optimized to meet performance requirements while maintaining minimal costs of fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Xinyan Deng, Bo Cheng, Jesse Aaron Roll
  • Patent number: 10023308
    Abstract: A tethering system for a remote-controlled device includes a tether line having a first end adapted to be connected to a ground support and a second end adapted to be connected to the remote-controlled device. The system further includes an anchor-point disposed between the first and second ends of the tether line, the anchor point having an eyelet for securing the tether line and allowing the tether line to slide through the eyelet during use. The anchor-point and eyelet enable the tether line to flex or bend and the remote-controlled device to maneuver one or more of over or around the target area without interfering with any nearby obstructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Brian N. Harvey, Nathan L. Tofte