Patents Issued in October 16, 2018
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Patent number: 10099727Abstract: A vehicle pillar structure comprising a pillar portion extending in parallel with an outer end portion of a windshield and the pillar portion having a hollow structure, the pillar portion comprising an outer side wall at a vehicle exterior side of the pillar portion; an inner side wall at a vehicle cabin side of the pillar portion; and a pair of side walls linking the outer side wall and the inner side wall. At least a portion of the outer side wall is an outer side transparent portion, at least a portion of the inner side wall is an inner side transparent portion and, as viewed from a driver position, overlaps with the outer side transparent portion, and a tensile strength of the outer side wall is lower than that of the inner side wall.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2017Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shin Terada, Yoshinori Yamada, Chikashi Takeichi
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Patent number: 10099728Abstract: A work vehicle has a cabin supported via an anti-vibration member to a bracket that extends to a vehicle body outer side from a vehicle body frame. The bracket mounts a weight member. The weight member is attached to a position in the bracket, said position being located outward of the anti-vibration member, with the weight member protruding to the vehicle body outer side from the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Makoto Shinohara, Yasunori Kobayashi, Yoshihisa Tahara, Ryuichi Inoue
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Patent number: 10099729Abstract: A nose gap reducer for reducing drag on a vehicle is disclosed. The nose gap reducer may be coupled to a vehicle such as a trailer of a semi-trailer truck for example. The trailer may be positioned between a tractor unit or between another trailer.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.Inventors: Leonard W. Baker, Brian Haan, James A. Sweet, Michael J. Courtney
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Patent number: 10099730Abstract: Arrangements described herein include dynamic spoiler systems and methods for controlling such systems. The dynamic spoiler can include a housing operatively connected to a vehicle structure, such as a truck bed tailgate. The housing can have a lower panel, an upper panel, and an opening between the lower and upper panels. The dynamic spoiler can also include a fin moveable between a retracted position and one or more extended positions. In the retracted position, the fin can be substantially entirely located within a cavity defined by housing. In an extended position, the fin can extend at least partially out of the housing through the opening in a rearward direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2017Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Paxton S. Williams, Scott L. Frederick
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Patent number: 10099731Abstract: An automobile comprising first and second flaps provided on either side of a centerline on the underside of the automobile is provided. Each flap is deployable from first positions that extend minimally into the flow to respective second positions where each flap extends maximally into the flow of air when the automobile is in motion to reduce the downforce generated by the automobile. A control unit adapted to receive inputs that indicate the dynamic state of the automobile is further provided. The control unit select positions of the first and second flaps depending on the dynamic state to control the downforce generated by the automobile. If the inputs indicate that the automobile is cornering, the positions of the first and second flaps are selected so as to counter roll of the automobile.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: McLaren Automotive LimitedInventors: Dan Parry-Williams, Arthur Slight
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Patent number: 10099732Abstract: A motorized wheelbarrow assembly for includes a wheelbarrow that has a pair of handles and a wheel rotatably coupled between the pair of handles. The wheel may roll along a support surface. A drive unit is coupled to the wheelbarrow. The drive unit is in mechanical communication with the wheel. The drive unit selectively rotates the wheel to urge the wheelbarrow along the support surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Inventor: Pha Ho
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Patent number: 10099733Abstract: A track assembly is formed from an endless track, an elongate guide member, a drive sprocket, and a plurality of track engaging rollers. The endless track has an inner surface having a plurality of parallel circumferential ridges. Formed between the circumferential ridges is a circumferential channel. The guide member is at least partially positioned and closely received within the circumferential channel. The track engaging rollers are arranged in a pair of parallel rows near an outer side of each circumferential ridge. During track rotation, the guide member remains closely received within the channel, and the rollers contact the outer side of the ridges to resist lateral movement of the track. Positioning of the guide member in the circumferential channel, with the rollers outside the ridges, laterally stabilizes the track thereby reducing the risk of the track slipping off the track assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2017Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventor: Cody L. Sewell
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Patent number: 10099734Abstract: Endless vehicle tracks including a body having an outer surface formed of an elastomeric material displaying a series of ground engaging profiles longitudinally spaced along the outer surface, and an inner surface formed a urethane reinforcement material. The inner surface generally displays a series of longitudinally spaced guide-drive lugs for retaining the track on the vehicle and/or driving the vehicle. In some aspects, the urethane reinforcement defines the inner surface of the body, and the urethane reinforcement may even be a continuous structure forming a base of the inner surface. In some cases, the urethane reinforcement defines wheel path regions of the body, and the urethane reinforcement may even form the guide-drive lugs. In some embodiments, the endless vehicle track further includes a fabric reinforcement layer disposed beneath or upon the outer surface of the upper face of the guide-drive lugs.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: ContiTech Transportbandsysteme GmbHInventors: Matthew A. Linn, Robert I. Anderson, Jr., James Weir
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Patent number: 10099735Abstract: A system for monitoring the track tension for a track assembly of a work vehicle may include a track tensioning assembly having a fluid-driven actuator. The actuator may be configured to adjust the track tension of the track assembly based on a fluid pressure of fluid within the actuator. The system may also include a wireless pressure sensor provided in operative association with the actuator that is configured to detect the fluid pressure within the actuator. Additionally, the system may include controller communicatively coupled to the wireless pressure sensor. The controller may be configured to monitor the fluid pressure within the actuator based on wireless pressure signals received from the wireless pressure sensor, wherein the monitored fluid pressure is indicative of the track tension for the track assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Brian Vik, Paul E. Wibbels
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Patent number: 10099736Abstract: A method for controlling the driving of at least one drive axle on a trailer of a traction vehicle-trailer combination includes determining a target drive power for the drive axle of the trailer as a function of a distribution of contact forces on the trailer or on the traction vehicle, or as a function of a traction drive power for the traction vehicle. The method further includes providing drive control signals for controlling an electrical drive for the drive axle of the trailer. The drive control signals are derived from the determined target drive power.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Rainer Gugel, Barbara Böhm, Norbert Fritz, Horst Wiedehage
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Patent number: 10099737Abstract: A method and assembly station (12) for assembling vehicle body doors (22) utilizes sensing of vehicle body hinge members (26) and door hinge members (28) with the door positioned by a robot (16) to provide assembly with reduced labor cost.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2017Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: UTICA ENTREPRISES, INC.Inventors: David A. Macri, Mark A. Savoy
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Patent number: 10099738Abstract: A shelf for a bicycle has an upwardly pointing extension for holding a bicycle by its seat and also having an aperture for holding a helmet for use by a rider of the bicycle. In one embodiment the shelf comprises an integrally molded piece. In another embodiment the shelf also includes a frontal lip to prevent accidental falls of the bicycle from the shelf.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2014Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Inventor: Jurgen K. Beneke
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Patent number: 10099739Abstract: A bicycle guard is provided that has a minimal number of parts required for mounting. A drive unit is provided with the bicycle guard. The bicycle guard includes a first attaching part and a housing. The first attaching part is configured to be attached to a first connection part that connects a bicycle frame. The housing is configured to rotatably support a crankshaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Yusuke Nishikawa
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Patent number: 10099740Abstract: A protective cover for a drive chain of a bicycle includes a plurality of protective elements. The plurality of protective elements encompass the drive chain of the bicycle. The protective elements are movable together with the drive chain. At least one stationary cover element also is provided, which covers a gap between a sprocket of the bicycle and the bicycle drive chain. The bicycle drive chain is protected and risk of injury at the gap is reduced by the protective cover.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: HEBIE GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Bodo Schreiber
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Patent number: 10099741Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle or scooter includes a least one swivel caster wheel supported at the rear of the scooter. The scooter has a body that includes a deck and a handlebar assembly. The scooter includes at least one front wheel with the deck extending between the at least one front wheel and the at least one swivel wheel. The scooter can also include an angled rear portion supporting a rear swivel caster wheel such that the pivot axis of the swivel wheel is inclined with respect to the top surface of the deck. Embodiments of the scooter also include a swivel braking assembly configured to apply a braking force to the at least one swivel wheel.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2017Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: RAZOR USA LLCInventor: Robert Chen
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Patent number: 10099743Abstract: A suspension control system and a method for controlling a damper device of a bicycle include a damper device and a spring device for sprung damping of a relative motion between a first and a second component of the bicycle. The suspension device has a spring unit exhibiting a spring characteristic, and the damper device exhibits a damping characteristic. The spring characteristic of the spring unit is changed under the control of an electrically operated actuator, which in turn is controlled via an electric control device.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: DT Swiss Inc.Inventors: Martin Walthert, Valentin Wendel, Stefan Battlogg, Gernot Elsensohn
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Patent number: 10099744Abstract: A front fender is prevented from being enlarging while still covering the brake caliper in the front fender structure of the straddle type vehicle. A front fender has a covered portion covering a brake caliper by avoiding a front two-wheeled suspension device. The covered portion has a drooping portion covering a brake caliper from a side direction, a lower extending portion covers the brake caliper from the lower direction. The brake caliper and the covered portion are disposed in front of a shaft of the front wheel.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Kazuki Watanabe
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Patent number: 10099745Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle, such as a scooter, includes at least one battery and motor for powering at least one driven wheel. The vehicle also includes a braking assembly configured to isolate the motor from the at least one driven wheel such that power is terminated from the motor to the at least one wheel in response to a user engaging a braking assembly of the vehicle. The vehicle can include a switch or position sensor that interacts with the braking assembly to initiate the isolation of the motor from the at least one driven wheel and the switch or position sensor preferably is inaccessible to the foot of the user.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Razor USA LLCInventors: Robert Hadley, Robert Chen
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Patent number: 10099746Abstract: The invention discloses a gear shift arrangement, which includes a sprocket cassette being adapted to be slidably mounted on a hub which is adapted to move on a horizontal axis of a spindle, the sprocket cassette further being adapted to operatively engage with a chain so that, in operation, the chain remains in one vertical plane; and movement means adapted to move the sprocket cassette along the hub transversely relative to the chain.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2014Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Inventor: Marthinus Briers
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Patent number: 10099747Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device is basically provided with a base member, a shift unit, an operating lever and a connecting member. The shift unit is disposed in the base member between first and second ends of the base member. The operating lever is pivotally mounted relative to the base member about first and second pivot axes. The connecting member operatively connects the shift unit to the first operating lever. The connecting member includes a lever contact portion that contacts the operating lever to transmit movement of the operating lever to the connecting member in response to pivotal movement of the operating lever about the second pivot axis. The connecting member is arranged such that the contact portion passes through a space provided between the first pivot axis and the first operating lever from the top surface side with respect to the first pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2011Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Kazutaka Fukao, Yoshimitsu Miki
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Patent number: 10099748Abstract: A saddle-type vehicle can be driven by finer control by judging the driver's demand based on operation of the driver relative to the vehicle when the engine is started from the idle-stop state. A saddle-type vehicle can include bar handle mounted on its opposite tip ends a grasping grip grasped by the driver and a throttle grip for an accelerator operation; an engine controller for automatically stopping an engine and making the engine an idle-stop state: and a clutch. The saddle-type vehicle can include a judgment controller for judging a driver's demand based on operation conditions of the driver relative to the vehicle and a clutch controller for selecting a travel state and a stopped state.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.Inventors: Tatsuyuki Ohashi, Kazuyoshi Miyachi, Shouji Makita, Ryouhei Chiba, Kaoru Iida, Makoto Sato
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Patent number: 10099749Abstract: A snowmobile has a frame, an endless drive track, a pair of skis, an engine operatively connected to the endless drive track, an oil tank, an electronic oil pump and an electronic control unit (ECU). The engine has at least one cylinder, a crankcase, and at least one exhaust valve. The electronic oil pump fluidly communicates with the crankcase and the at least one exhaust valve. The oil tank fluidly communicates with an inlet of the electronic oil pump for supplying oil to the electronic oil pump. The electronic oil pump delivers oil from the oil tank to the crankcase and the at least one exhaust valve. The ECU is electrically connected to the electronic oil pump for controlling actuation of the electronic oil pump.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2015Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Michel Bernier, Bruno Schuehmacher
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Patent number: 10099750Abstract: A high speed ship configuration for achieving a plane state efficiently, with threshold power available in fully loaded cargo ship. The system may include a boost phase assist structure to assist in the achievement of a plane state. The boost assist may be external or internal to the ship. The boost assist may provide power and/or lift assist. One embodiment may include a launch rail. In one embodiment, the configuration includes a retractable lateral wing structure disposed toward the stern of the vessel and containing auxiliary power providing thrust for the vessel. The wing structure is deployed during an initial boost phase acceleration and may be stowed in the vessel once the vessel achieves full plane operation. In one embodiment, the boost power structure may include propeller drive, paddle drive, or waterjet drive. The boost power structure may provide buoyancy and/or hydrodynamic trim to assist in achieving plane state operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Inventor: Paul D. Kennamer, Sr.
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Patent number: 10099751Abstract: Method and apparatus for an improved recreational canopy which may be used with watercraft, or other structures, wherein the canopy is constructed by using a pair of flexible, resilient rod-like members wherein one end of each of the flexible rods is inserted through mating apertures in an upright support member mounted onto the watercraft, or other structure, so that the rods are bowed outwardly and frictionally held in the stanchion. A canopy, which may be constructed of solar cell fabric, is attached between the rods so that the canopy generally appears to be in an elongated V-shaped structure which stretches across a portion of the supporting structure, such as a watercraft, between the flexible rods. The upper end of the upright support member may be pivotable and the rod-like members may be disposed in a cap removably disposed on the upper end of the upright support member.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2017Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Inventor: Lawrence A Greer
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Patent number: 10099752Abstract: An offshore drilling system includes a drilling tower, a tubular string hoisting device with a crown block and a travelling block suspended from the crown block in a multiple fall arrangement. A heave compensation system is adapted to provide heave compensation of the travelling block. The heave compensation system includes a hydraulic sheave compensator. The system further includes a mobile working deck which is movable with respect to the drilling tower within a motion range including a heave compensation motion range. The heave compensation system is further adapted to provide heave compensation of the mobile working deck by a hydraulic deck compensator, which is hydraulically connected via a hydraulic conduit to the hydraulic sheave compensator, such that in operation the deck compensator moves synchronously with the sheave compensator of the heave compensation system.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2015Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: ITREC B.V.Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Diederick Bernardus Wijning, Pieter Dirk Melis Van Duivendijk
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Patent number: 10099753Abstract: A system for automatically returning a flotation device to a user when the user becomes separated from it and is greater than some predetermined distance away. The user may have a tracking device that is operable to determine its location and transmit this information to an automatic recovery unit coupled to the flotation device. The recovery unit may be configured to activate when it is greater than the predetermined distance from the tracking device, and may be operable to propel the flotation device steering it toward the tracking device to close the distance between them.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Inventor: Kevin Rearick
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Patent number: 10099754Abstract: A motorized hydrofoil apparatus may include a sailboard having a top surface and a bottom surface; a first hydrofoil assembly having a first hydrofoil and a first support unit; a second hydrofoil assembly having a second hydrofoil and a second support unit; and a propulsion system. The hydrofoil apparatus may also include one or more sensing units disposed on predetermined locations on the first support unit to operatively communicate to a plurality of actuating units on the first hydrofoil assembly and second hydrofoil assembly to automatically generate corrective responses to various destabilizing hydrodynamic effects to stabilize the hydrofoil apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2017Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: YUJET INTERNATIONAL LIMITEDInventor: Yu Tian
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Patent number: 10099755Abstract: A pivoting rail mounted lighting system for boats which includes three separate portable housings and a light source located in these housings. Each light source being visible from outside the housing such that when the first housing is illuminated, a red colored light source is illuminated for rail mounting to the Port side of the vessel, when the second housing is illuminated, a green colored light source is illuminated for rail mounting to the Starboard side of the vessel, and when the third housing is illuminated, an All Around white light is illuminated for rail mounting to the portions of the vessels railing systems. A quick connect and release pivoting bracket is connected to the housings and is designed to releasably connect to multiple positions along boat railings and allow the light housings to be “pivoted” into the proper direction to display the correct angle of light.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2015Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Inventor: John C. O'Maley, Jr.
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Patent number: 10099756Abstract: A marker and recovery device comprising: an enclosure secured to a torso of a wearer; a bladder configured to fit within the enclosure in an uninflated state, the bladder including an elongate tube being physically connected at a first end to the enclosure; a first upper tube fluidly connected to the elongate tube at a distal end of the elongate tube; and a second upper tube fluidly connected to the elongate tube at the distal end of the elongate tube; and an inflation mechanism to inflate the bladder to extend the bladder from the uninflated state to a deployed state in which said elongate tube extends from said enclosure and where the first upper tube and second upper tube form a handle portion at the end of the elongate tube.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2015Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Inventor: Neil John Darroch
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Patent number: 10099757Abstract: Rescue device comprising a base; a plurality of protective panels, a plurality of protective panels and hand gripping elements. At least one protective panel has a shell shape with a main body, at least a top protrusion and side protrusions, such that a protective space is formed, the protective space being suitable for a person to be housed in, such that the main body and the at least one side protrusion are suitable for protecting the protective space from an impact coming from directions parallel to the base and comprised in a range wider than 200°, and the top protrusion is suitable for protecting the protective space from an impact coming from a direction perpendicular to the base.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Reflex Marine Ltd.Inventors: Philip Anton Strong, Sergio De La Parra Pérez-Gavilán, Rubén Beldé
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Patent number: 10099758Abstract: The invention relates to a device for viewing underwater objects without getting wet while experiencing the sensation of walking on water. The device comprises an inflated raft with a clear bottom designed to allow a person to sit or lie face down and view underwater objects while experiencing the movement of the water without getting wet. This clear bottom has no air pockets and is flexible, thus the person receives the sensation of walking on water instead of air.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2015Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Inventors: Sean Patrick Snowden, David Edwin Snowden, Tanner Reece Snowden
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Patent number: 10099759Abstract: An autonomous submersible structure includes a cage for protecting cargo contained within a volume of the cage, two or more independently operated propellers, and a raised platform. The raised platform includes a plurality of sensors and computers that detect at least one of: water quality, water pressure, or objects in the vicinity of the cage. The raised platform includes a navigating system that controls a direction of travel of the cage based on feedback provided by the plurality of sensors and computers, and a power generator that provides power to the sensors, the navigating system, and the feeding mechanism. The autonomous submersible structure includes a ballast for counterbalancing the weight of the raised platform, wherein the navigating system controls the two or more independently operated propellers to alter the direction of travel of the cage, and wherein the raised platform is environmentally sealed and a portion of the raised platform is positioned above water level.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: X Development LLCInventor: Rohinton Mehta
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Patent number: 10099760Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for the deployment of a plurality of autonomous underwater seismic vehicles (AUVs) on or near the seabed based on acoustic communications with an underwater vehicle, such as a remotely operated vehicle. In an embodiment, the underwater vehicle is lowered from a surface vessel along with a subsea station with a plurality of AUVs. The AUVs are configured to acoustically communicate with the underwater vehicle or a second surface vessel for deployment and retrieval operations. The underwater vehicle and/or second surface vessel is configured to instruct the AUVs to leave the subsea station or underwater vehicle and to travel to their intended seabed destination. The underwater vehicle and/or second surface vessel is also configured to selectively instruct the AUVs to leave the seabed and return to a seabed location and/or a subsea station for retrieval.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2018Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Seabed Geosolutions B.V.Inventors: Arne Henning Rokkan, Geir Valsvik, Bjarne Isfeldt, Jean-Baptiste Danre
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Patent number: 10099761Abstract: A water turbine propeller includes an optional turbine casing having forward and rearward openings, a rotational cylindrical unit, a plurality of rotating foil blades rigidly secured to the inner periphery of the rotational shaft on a common shaft, and an engine or motor which rotates the rotational shaft within the turbine casing. The operation of the engine causes the rotation of the rotational shaft and the helical blades direct water into the forward opening of the turbine casing and out the rearward openings of the turbine casing, thereby creating a focused torque (or vortex) effect on the water flow for a propulsive force.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2013Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Inventor: Richard Hayman
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Patent number: 10099762Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a rotor body of a Magnus-type rotor. The method includes providing a plurality of arcuate panels, wherein each of the panels has an arc-length less than a predetermined circumference of the rotor body. The method further includes positioning at least three such arcuate panels in mutual edge-wise abutment to form circumferentially a hollow cylindrical loop, wherein longitudinal edges of adjacent panels are mutually attached to each other. The method further optionally includes co-axially stacking one above another at least two loops of substantially similar diameter. The method further includes connecting edges of adjacent loops to define the rotor body of a predetermined height.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2015Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Norsepower Oy LtdInventors: Jarkko Väinämö, Martin Hilderbrand, Christopher Stanley
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Patent number: 10099763Abstract: A water jet intake grate mounted to an intake opening in the hull of a watercraft includes parallel stringer blades having sharp cutting edges which span between fore and aft base plates to shred water borne debris as the debris sucked through the intake opening. The base plates are anchored to the hull at opposite ends of the intake opening. A transverse knife blade having sharp cutting edges spans across the stringer blades and the aft base plate includes a transverse sharp cutting edge, both for crosscut shredding of debris. The aft base plate includes an inboard tail blade lying in a plane parallel to the stringer blades having sharp cutting edges for shredding any residual debris.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: DJC MARINE TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Daniel A. Guerette, Joel E. Guerette
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Patent number: 10099764Abstract: A Side-Intake piston water jet propulsor for marine vehicles employs a concept of Side-Intake of water and generates thrust through piston's reciprocating motion in cylinder. The concept of Side-Intake makes intake openings on the side and near the discharging end of the cylinder wall to achieve that the piston separates the cylinder into a dry and a wet compartment during its movement. The dry compartment is kept at atmospheric or ambient pressure. As a result, the piston confronts air or ambient pressure instead of water during its recovering stroke for water intake. From hydrodynamics point of view, this characteristic of piston's recovering stroke through air achieves the same function as an oarsman recovering his oar through air. However, said propulsor achieves that under water or a vessel's water line.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Inventor: Jianchun (James C.) Huan
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Patent number: 10099765Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a monolithic composite structure, a first edge of the monolithic composite structure, and a second edge of the monolithic composite structure. The first edge of the monolithic composite structure has a first shape configured to be connected to a structure in a vehicle. The second edge of the monolithic composite structure has a second shape configured to be connected to a body of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2012Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Robert Paci, Daniel Flores, Faustino A. Ayson
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Patent number: 10099766Abstract: A pressurized aircraft fuselage includes a pressure bulkhead installed on a fuselage structure, which forms a barrier between an internal pressurized cabin area and an outside area, wherein the edge of the pressure bulkhead is circumferentially attached to the fuselage structure by fastening means, wherein the fastening means include a pair of ring-shaped attachment frames made of an open or hollow profile, which are disposed at each side of the pressure bulkhead respectively, in order to form a clamping connection for the pressure bulkhead towards the fuselage structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2013Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Karim Grase, Ichwan Zuardy, Henning Scheel, Dieter Hachenberg, B. Claudio Vultaggio
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Patent number: 10099767Abstract: The present disclosure relates to inserts for use with sandwich panels, such as composite panels, and related methods. Presently disclosed inserts may include a retention feature and/or an anti-rotation feature that may be configured to retain the insert in place within a bore formed in the sandwich panel. In this manner, presently disclosed inserts may be secured without the use of adhesive compounds, which may increase efficiency and/or reduce costs in manufacturing apparatus that include one or more sandwich panels having one or more inserts placed therein. Presently disclosed methods of installing an insert into a sandwich panel may include rotating the insert with respect to the sandwich panel as the insert is installed, such that a portion of the insert may be positioned under the skin of the sandwich panel (e.g., a portion of the insert may be positioned between the skin and the core of the sandwich panel).Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2015Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael Steven Lewis, Brad Jeremy Reeves, James S. Bradley, Christopher John Mills, Supriya Balachander, Brian M. Wilkie
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Patent number: 10099768Abstract: A telescoping aircraft door is disclosed having first and second panels that slide relative to one another to extend and retract as the door closes and opens, respectively. The first panel is hinged to the door frame in a traditional manner, and the second panel is fixed to the door frame by a linkage that limits the arc of the second panel. By selecting the location and length of the linkage, the relative movement of the two panels can be predictably controlled to reduce the depth of the door when closed and the length of the door when opened.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Justin C. Christenson, Graydon E. Loar
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Patent number: 10099769Abstract: A door alignment system may include a door assembly including a first door and a second door, a striker assembly configured to positively align a first mating edge of the first door and a second mating edge of the second door when the first door and the second door are moved into a closed position, the striker assembly including a striker coupled to the first mating edge and a striker receptacle coupled to the second mating edge and configured to receive the striker, and a rail assembly configured to maintain alignment of the first mating edge and the second mating edge when the first door and the second door are in the closed position, the rail assembly including a convex first rail coupled to the first mating edge and a concave second rail coupled to the second mating edge and configured to engage the convex first rail.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Peter Macaraeg, Jr.
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Patent number: 10099770Abstract: A manual wing-fold mechanism provides a means by which to reconfigure the wing of an aircraft between a flight configuration and one that can be easily stowed and transported. The folding mechanism includes an extension tube that enables the outboard portion of the wing to be extended away from the inboard section of the wing, rotated about the lateral axis of the aircraft and then pivoted rearward so that the wing is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aircraft along side the fuselage. The wing-fold mechanism is independent of the structural components of the wing used to convey aerodynamic loads during flight and provides a means for the user to bring the outboard wing section into a near alignment position while the wing-fold mechanism thereafter assists to refine the alignment into its final flight configuration.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2014Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: ICON Aircraft, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Gionta, Jon Karkow, Joseph Wilding, Michael Jagemann
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Patent number: 10099771Abstract: An aircraft, an aircraft wing structure and a method are provided in order to address lift and drag, such as by increasing lift and reducing drag. In the context of an aircraft wing structure, the aircraft wing structure includes a wing extending outboard from a fuselage of an aircraft. The wing also extends from a leading edge to a trailing edge. The aircraft wing structure also includes one or more actuators carried by the wing and causing fluid to be directed through one or more respective orifices defined by the wing so as to alter flow over a lower surface of the wing. The one or more orifices that are defined by the wing are closer to the leading edge than to the trailing edge. Thus, the fluid introduced through the one or more orifices may increase lift and reduce drag of the associated aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Arvin Shmilovich, Yoram Yadlin
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Patent number: 10099772Abstract: A ram air turbine movable between a stowed position and a deployed position is provided including a rotatable hub assembly. A hub face is arranged at a first end of the rotatable hub assembly. The hub face has a non-planar configuration such that a limited portion of a surface area of the hub face is arranged within a plane oriented perpendicular to a direction of travel of an airflow upstream from the hub face when the ram air turbine is in a deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Stephen Michael Bortoli, Geoffrey D. Fenelon, William E. Seidel, Alan J. Fahrner, Michael John Giamati, Gregory C. Hopkins, Mark Walter Corcoran, Lubomir A. Ribarov
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Patent number: 10099773Abstract: Sounds are generated by an aerial vehicle during operation. For example, the motors and propellers of an aerial vehicle generate sounds during operation. Disclosed are systems, methods, and apparatus for actively adjusting the position of one or more propeller blade treatments of a propeller blade of an aerial vehicle during operation of the aerial vehicle. For example, the propeller blade may have one or more propeller blade treatments that may be adjusted between two or more positions. Based on the position of the propeller blade treatments, the airflow over the propeller is altered, thereby altering the sound generated by the propeller when rotating. By altering the propeller blade treatments on multiple propeller blades of the aerial vehicle, the different sounds generated by the different propeller blades may effectively cancel, reduce, and/or otherwise alter the total sound generated by the aerial vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brian C. Beckman, Gur Kimchi, Allan Ko
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Patent number: 10099774Abstract: A system which includes a first light beam locating sensor associated with a first position to be located on a wing of an aircraft. The first light beam locating sensor senses a first light beam at an identifiable position on the first light beam locating sensor. A processor is configured to receive a first signal from the first light beam locating sensor wherein the first signal includes a first identifiable position on the first light beam locating sensor. The processor is configured to determine a location of the first position on the wing and perform a first comparison of the location of the first position on the wing to a predetermined analyzed location of the first position on the wing.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2017Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Stephen N. Provost, Dale M. Pitt
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Patent number: 10099775Abstract: An autopilot system for an aircraft and related process are provided. The system includes a first load factor command definition and application module; a second roll command definition and application module; a control module of the first definition and application module and the second definition and application module, able to define parameters of a recovery maneuver seeking to return the aircraft to setpoint attitudes at the end of a maneuver from initial attitudes. The control module includes a submodule for computing at least one pair of authorities respectively applied by the first module and by the second module during the recovery maneuver. The authorities are computed as a function of at least a current movement parameter of the aircraft and a safety parameter.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: DASSAULT AVIATIONInventors: Arnaud Turpin, Nicolas Le Corre
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Patent number: 10099776Abstract: An actuation assembly includes a first shaft comprising a first end disposed opposite a second end. The actuation assembly further includes a second shaft with a first end disposed opposite a second end. The first end of the second shaft is disposed within the second end of the first shaft such that the first end of the second shaft can move relative the second end of the first shaft. A fluid chamber formed between the first shaft and the second shaft at the second end of the first shaft. Magnetorheologic fluid is disposed inside the fluid chamber and a magnetic field generating coil is disposed around the second end of the first shaft and the first end of the second shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2015Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Richard A. Himmelmann
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Patent number: 10099777Abstract: One aspect is a flight control system for a rotary wing aircraft including a main rotor system and an elevator control system. A flight control computer of the flight control system includes processing circuitry configured to execute control logic. The control logic includes an inverse plant model that produces a main rotor feed forward command based on a pitch rate command, and a load alleviation control filter configured to reduce loads on a main rotor system and produce an elevator command for an elevator control system. A transformed elevator command filter produces a main rotor pitch adjustment command based on the elevator command, and a main rotor command generator generates an augmented main rotor feed forward command for the main rotor system based on the main rotor feed forward command and the main rotor pitch adjustment command.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2014Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: Erez Eller, Aaron L. Greenfield, Ole Wulff, Matthew A. White, Matthew T. Luszcz