Patents Issued in October 25, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180304972
    Abstract: A tension device for securing a floating structure to a fixed point includes an elastic member and an inelastic member. The elastic member has a length between a first end and a second end thereof. The length is elastically variable under tension. The inelastic member limits elongation of the length of the elastic member. The tension device has a first length when the elastic member is not under tension and a longer length when the elastic member is elastically stretched by a tension force. The inelastic member limits elastic elongation of the elastic member to a second length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Bruce HARROD
  • Publication number: 20180304973
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an adapter for launching smaller sized sonobuoys from a standard size sonobuoy launching container. The adapters enable two smaller sized sonobuoys to be disposed within the standard size sonobuoy launching container in series. The adapter includes a diverter mechanism that is configured to launch a first smaller sized sonobuoy when the sonobuoy launching container receives a first burst of air, and launch a second smaller sized sonobuoy when the sonobuoy launching container receives a subsequent second burst of air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth MAJEWSKI, Thomas LITHEN, Xiaochun FISHER, Robert ESCHBACH, Robert HAMMERQUIST, Alexander PRICE
  • Publication number: 20180304974
    Abstract: A lighthouse lantern comprising a power supply and a phosphor-containing emitter is disclosed. The lighthouse lantern includes a power supply; a laser diode configured for receiving power from the power supply and irradiating laser in one direction; a phosphor-containing emitter positioned on a traveling line of the laser, wherein the emitter is configured for receiving the laser and emitting light; and a pair of reflective structures disposed symmetrically with respect to the phosphor-containing emitter, wherein each reflective structure has a reflective surface inclined in a direction away from the phosphor-containing emitter, wherein the reflective surfaces of the reflective structures are symmetrical with each other with respect to the phosphor-containing emitter. In accordance with the present disclosure, the lighthouse lantern may generate high output with low input power and thus has improved power efficiency, may suppress frequent failures near sea or seawater, and may reduce production costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Hyun Kyoung YANG
  • Publication number: 20180304975
    Abstract: A motorized water sports equipment rack and method for motorized swiveling of a water sports equipment rack attached to a boat are disclosed. The motorized water sports equipment rack includes a mounting bracket for securing the mounting bracket to the boat and a water sports rack mounting bolt connected to the mounting bracket. A swivel bracket is connected to the water sports rack mounting bracket. A water sports equipment rack mount is connected to the swivel bracket. The water sports equipment rack mount supports a water sports equipment rack adapted for holding various types of water sporting equipment. A sealed actuator housing is connected to the swivel bracket and houses an actuator, such as an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic actuator. The actuator is configured to drive the swivel bracket to rotate the water sports equipment rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: LeClaire Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Michael Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20180304976
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquefied gas carrier having a width of less than 32.3 m to pass through the old Panama Canal, which includes a liquefied gas tank having a liquefied gas storage capacity of 70K or more, preferably 78.7K.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Min Seok OH, Min Jae KWON, Jong Pil HA, Hyuk Jang KWON, Kang Su NAM, Hyung Cheol SHIN
  • Publication number: 20180304977
    Abstract: A submersible device (2) for deploying or retrieving autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), the submersible device comprising: two or more platforms (130) arranged in a stack (3a, 3b), wherein each platform is configured to carry two or more of the AUVs; a port (300, 310); and a transfer mechanism (200) comprising a transfer device (210) arranged to load or unload the AUVs onto or from the platforms, and an actuator arranged to move the transfer device between the platforms and the port in order to transfer the AUVs between the platforms and the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: David Alexander William GRANT, Arran James HOLLOWAY, James Charles HILL, William James BIRDSALL
  • Publication number: 20180304978
    Abstract: An inflatable flotation device includes one of more pockets for receiving and retaining a lighting element or elements. The lighting elements may be readily inserted into and removed from the pockets so that the user may select the location of the elements. The user may also choose the direction of the light beam emanating from each element. The lighting elements are water-tight in construction and fully submersible, and may be controlled remotely by low-frequency signals that allow the user to selectively activate each element and control the color of its light beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: Aqua-Leisure Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. de Grasse, Gregory J. Autore
  • Publication number: 20180304979
    Abstract: A device for controlling reverse gears, particularly of marine engines, includes a fixed part and a movable part, the movable part being adapted to be rotatably coupled to a control member having at least three operating states corresponding to a first, a second and a third angular position of the movable part of the device. The fixed part includes at least one first and one second sensor, for example of the type generating a voltage when subjected to an external magnetic field due to Hall effect, which are arranged at predetermined distance and configured to detect the presence of a magnetic field. The movable part comprises a magnet with such characteristics to generate a magnetic field detected by the first or second sensors when the movable part is in the first or second positions respectively or vice versa, the third position corresponding to a situation of absence of magnetic field detectable by the sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Marcella Gai, Marco Campagna, Marco Vaccari
  • Publication number: 20180304980
    Abstract: The invention provides a device which can reduce the drag and assist the steering of the ship, mainly to set up a 3-way pipe in the bow where is below the water level. The 3-way pipe leads to three openings at the stem, the port side and the starboard side respectively. At least one control valve (or deflector) can be provided in the 3-way piping system. The valve (or deflector) can be controlled from the bridge, with a diversion device. When the ship sails forward, water flows into the 3-way pipe from the forward pipe, distributed to both side pipes and then outflow, so that it can reduce the pressure drag to the stem, improve the ship's speed and save bunker. When the valve (or deflector) is set as neutral, the water will be distributed evenly to both side pipes, which will not affect the ship's heading. When the valve (or deflector) deflects more water to either side's pipe, the ship will turn to the opposite side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Chen-Hsin Mei
  • Publication number: 20180304981
    Abstract: A surveillance drone is disclosed. The surveillance drone includes a gas-filled container and propellers for aerial mobility. The surveillance drone also includes an electronic surveillance sensing device positioned below the gas-filled container. The gas-filled container may be filled with a lighter than air gas such as, for example, helium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: Avigilon Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Piette, Pietro Russo, Bo Yang Yu
  • Publication number: 20180304982
    Abstract: A plug door assembly for a pressurized aircraft is provided. The door assembly includes a surround and a door, and connector assemblies along the edges that act to transfer in-plane stresses directly across the fuselage opening via the door, as well as stops that react radial loads generated by cabin pressure. The door assembly obviates the need for a separate frame to transmit stresses around the perimeter of the fuselage opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: James M. Curry, Randolph Schemkes
  • Publication number: 20180304983
    Abstract: A hybrid carbon/fiberglass structural component or beam for an aircraft is constructed with layers of strips of glass fibers interspersed with layers of strips of unidirectional carbon fibers where the carbon fibers are oriented only in alignment with or along the longitudinal direction of the length of the beam thereby adding strength and stiffness to the beam while reducing weight and manufacturing costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Max U. Kismarton, Devin E. Knowles, Francis E. Andrews
  • Publication number: 20180304984
    Abstract: An aircraft and an outer shell therefor. The aircraft includes an outer shell; and main body components, accommodated in the outer shell. The outer shell includes: an inner cavity, the inner cavity being provided with a space for at least accommodating the main body components of the aircraft; an outer surface, the outer surface enclosing the inner cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Weifeng Zheng, Hui HAN, Yi ZHENG, Buwei WEI, Guozhi ZENG
  • Publication number: 20180304985
    Abstract: A method includes determining a target acoustic profile based on acoustic conditions at an exterior surface exposed to weather. The method further includes determining a plurality of foam layer characteristics based on the target acoustic profile. The method further includes determining one or more of elastomer characteristics based on the target acoustic profile and the plurality of foam layer characteristics. The method further includes providing a foam layer comprising the plurality of foam layer characteristics. The method further includes depositing an elastomer into the provided foam layer according to the one or more elastomer characteristics. The method further includes coupling the foam layer comprising the deposited elastomer onto the exterior surface exposed to weather. The foam layer including the deposited elastomer absorbs acoustic energy corresponding to the target acoustic profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Steven Edward Bullock, Vernecia Sharaé Meredith, Charles J. Novak
  • Publication number: 20180304986
    Abstract: An acoustic treatment panel including a porous acoustically resistive structure which includes at least one external layer which is in contact with the external environment and which has through holes, internal strips including several openings which communicate with the inside of the cells of the panel and connecting canals, interposed between the external layer and the internal strips, which ensure that the floor-section openings communicate with at least one through hole of the external layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Alain Porte, Jacques Lalane, Maud Lavieille
  • Publication number: 20180304987
    Abstract: An acoustic treatment panel in which each cell includes a plurality of conduits which extend from the porous acoustically resistive structure to the reflective layer of the acoustic treatment panel, each conduit including at least one opening set away from the porous acoustically resistive structure and configured to cause the inside and the outside of the conduit to communicate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Alain Porte, Jacques Lalane, Maud Lavieille
  • Publication number: 20180304988
    Abstract: A mechanically attached thermal protection system (MATPS) includes an insulating tile having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of access holes that extend through the insulating tile from the top surface to the bottom surface. A plurality of brackets include a first end attached to the insulating tile and a second end including a mounting hole therethrough, the second end being positioned proximate the bottom surface of the insulating tile. A plurality of fasteners are positioned proximate the bottom surface of the insulating tile and at least partially positioned within one of the access holes so as to be accessible from the top surface of the insulating tile through one of the plurality of access holes. A MATPS including a plurality of air channels within the insulating tile and a method for sealing these air channels to those within an adjacent structure is also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: George P. Halamandaris, Thomas R. Pinney, Jonathan D. Embler, Adam J. Lang, Keith G. Rackers, Stephen E. Lehman
  • Publication number: 20180304989
    Abstract: A composite component adapted to be formed into an aerofoil, a method of forming an aerofoil, an aerofoil, an aircraft wing and a forming jig. The method involves forming a flat layup sheet of plies (1) to be folded about a central leading edge region (6) of the layup into an aerofoil shape, applying to the flat layup (1) one or more layups of plies (9, 10) shaped as spars, partially curing the layup (1) with the spars attached, folding the resulting partially cured composite component (30) about the leading edge region (6) in a forming jig (19) so that opposing edges (4, 5) of the sheet meet as a trailing edge (36) of the aerofoil (35), clamping the jig (19) closed and curing the composite component (30) and adhesive in the forming jig (19) to form the finished aerofoil (35).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Paulo Jorge Teixeira LAGE
  • Publication number: 20180304990
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Brian C. Beckman, Gur Kimchi, Allan Ko
  • Publication number: 20180304991
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing pitch position feedback for pitch-adjustable blades of an aircraft bladed rotor are disclosed. In one embodiment, the systems include a sensor comprising a magnet having a magnetic field, a pole piece coupled to a first pole of the magnet and directing the magnetic field toward the feature and a coil mounted in the magnetic field. The coil generates a sensor signal indicative of a variation in the magnetic field caused by movement of the feature in the magnetic field. The sensor also includes a magnetic shield mounted in the magnetic field. The magnetic shield defines a magnetic return path for some magnetic flux of the magnetic field exiting the pole piece toward an opposite second pole of the magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Richard KUDRNA, Ian FARRELL
  • Publication number: 20180304992
    Abstract: The invention concerns a flight control device (1) for an aircraft, comprising:—a housing (2),—a handle (4) mounted rotating relative to the housing (2) about a centre of rotation (O),—a first drive shaft (31), a second drive shaft (32) and a third drive shaft (33), the drive shafts (31-33) being mounted rotating relative to the housing (2) about a same axis of rotation (X),—a first connecting part (34) mounted pivoting on the first shaft (31) about a first axis of rotation (A1), and on the handle (4) about a fourth axis of rotation (B1),—a second connecting part (35) mounted pivoting on the second shaft (32) about a second axis of rotation (A2), and on the handle (4) about a fifth axis of rotation (B2),—a third connecting part (36) mounted pivoting on the third shaft (33) about a third axis of rotation (A3), and on the handle (4) about a sixth axis of rotation (B3), the first axis of rotation (A1), the second axis of rotation (A2) and the third axis of rotation (A3) intersecting at the centre of rotation (O)
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Oleg GOMOLKO
  • Publication number: 20180304993
    Abstract: An aircraft emergency control system comprises at least one sensor (104A, 104B, 104C) configured to output an electronic signal relating to detection of incapacitation of at least one aircraft crew member. A processor (108) is configured to receive and process the electronic signal to determine whether emergency action is to be taken. A control unit (114) is configured to communicate, in use, a control signal to an avionics system (116) of the aircraft (100) in relation to the emergency action if the processor determines that emergency action is to be taken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventors: MATTHEW FRANK OFFREDI, CLIVE DAVID GOODCHILD
  • Publication number: 20180304994
    Abstract: A flight control computer of an aircraft is likely to operate in a so-called incidence protection mode in which it is configured to compute the deflection orders of an elevator as a function of incidence angle values supplied by a set of incidence probes, so as to keep the incidence angle of the aircraft within a range of acceptable incidence angle values. The flight control computer is configured to, when only one incidence probe is operational: compute a first estimated incidence angle value of the aircraft, by a first estimator and a second estimated incidence angle value of the aircraft, by a second estimator unlike the first estimator; and keep the incidence protection mode activated as long as the incidence angle value supplied by the single operational incidence probe is consistent with at least one out of the first estimated incidence angle value and the second estimated incidence angle value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jérôme Gauvain, Lionel Bompart, Daniel Lopez Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20180304995
    Abstract: An aircraft is provided. The aircraft includes fuselage, an aerodynamic element extending from the fuselage and including a main section and an adjustable section which is adjustable relative to the main section, a power distribution unit (PDU) configured to generate torque to drive an adjustment of the adjustable section, an actuator, torque tubes and elastomeric couplings. The PDU is disposed proximate to a fuselage-aerodynamic interface. The actuator is disposed along the aerodynamic element and is receptive of the torque for driving the adjustment of the adjustable section. The torque tubes transmit the torque from the PDU to the actuator and are arranged between the PDU and the actuator such that adjacent torque tubes define an obtuse angle. The elastomeric couplings are disposed at respective ends of each of the torque tubes to enable torque transmission between at least the adjacent torque tubes defining the obtuse angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Erik Harrington, Yuniya S. Bishop, Christian Miller
  • Publication number: 20180304996
    Abstract: A triaxial helicopter includes a fuselage and an airframe, and three rotor modules and a driving source are installed to the airframe, and two turbofans are mounted at the tail of the airframe, and the horizontal elevator is installed between the two turbofans and coupled to the driving source through a link rod module, so that when the triaxial helicopter is operated, the two turbofans are operated to produce a backward airflow to assist propelling the triaxial helicopter to move forward, so as to improve the flying speed of the triaxial helicopter. When it is necessary to ascend or descend the triaxial helicopter, the driving source controls the link rod module to adjust the yaw direction of the horizontal elevator according to an ascending or descending requirement, and the airflow produced by the turbofans blows in a direction with the horizontal elevator to increase the lifting force of the triaxial helicopter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: MAX SU
  • Publication number: 20180304997
    Abstract: A split winglet has a leading airfoil (LA) comprising a LA leading edge, a LA trailing edge, a LA upper surface, and a LA lower surface. The split winglet also has a trailing airfoil (TA) comprising a TA leading edge, a TA trailing edge, a TA upper surface, and a TA lower surface. The split winglet further has a base connected to each of the LA and the TA, the base being configured for connection to a tip of a main airfoil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Anmol Dhandhania
  • Publication number: 20180304998
    Abstract: A tail skid shock absorber including an outer shock absorber canister, a crushable indicator cartridge disposed within the outer shock absorber canister, and an indicator rod coupled to the crushable indicator cartridge so as to move with a portion of the crushable indicator cartridge as a unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: James E. CUSWORTH, Michael P. HUESTED, Justin D. COTTET
  • Publication number: 20180304999
    Abstract: An aircraft landing gear assembly having a main strut pivotally coupled to an aircraft, a bogie beam pivotally connected to the main strut, a first axle mounted at the first end of the bogie beam and arranged to carry one or more first wheel assemblies and brake assemblies, each first brake assembly being attached to the bogie beam by a brake rod, and a second axle mounted at a second end of the bogie beam and arranged to carry one or more second wheel assemblies and brake assemblies. A double acting actuator is coupled between the strut and the bogie beam to apply a compressive or tensile force to the bogie beam. The ends of the bogie beam are arranged to position the bogie pivot axis below a plane intersecting the axes of rotation of the first and second wheel assemblies when the strut is in the deployed condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Robert Kyle Schmidt, Neil Price
  • Publication number: 20180305000
    Abstract: An aircraft landing gear bogie beam including first and second ends and a mounting bearing for connection to an aircraft landing gear main strut between the ends. Each end has a respective axle, and each axle defines a wheel mounting portion on each side of the bogie beam. The bogie beam is arranged to enable the first and second axles to each pivot relative to the bearing about a respective longitudinal axis of the bogie beam by an amount that is sufficient to place a wheel rim of a wheel assembly in contact with the ground in the event of a tyre of the wheel assembly deflating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Kyle Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20180305001
    Abstract: An aircraft landing gear shock absorbing strut having an outer cylinder and a sliding tube coupled within the cylinder bore to move between compressed and extended conditions. The cylinder and tube define a variable-volume internal chamber. The internal chamber is divided into a first spring chamber and a second spring chamber. The first spring chamber is a pneumatic chamber containing a first gas that is compressed when the strut moves from the extended condition to the compressed condition to provide compression damping. The second spring chamber contains a second gas and a hydraulic liquid, and is configured to compress the second gas when the strut moves from the extended condition to the compressed condition. The second spring chamber contains one or more damping orifices through which the oil passes as the strut extends to provide recoil damping during extension of the strut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Simone Urbinati, Matt Hilliard, Jon Smith
  • Publication number: 20180305002
    Abstract: Provided is a multi-copter, including: a fuselage; three or more intermediate supporting bars which have one ends fixed to the fuselage and radially extend from the fuselage; two mounting rods which are divided into two branches at the other ends of the intermediate supporting bars; and a propeller set configured by two propellers which are mounted to two mounting rods and rotate at the same rotational speed (RPM) in opposite directions. When an angle formed by any one propeller between two propellers which form the propeller set and the mounting rod is a first angle and an angle formed by the other one propeller and the mounting rod is a second angle, a difference between the first angle and the second angle is 360/2n degrees and n is a number of blades for every propeller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: KOREA AEROSPACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Tae Joo KIM
  • Publication number: 20180305003
    Abstract: A fairing system, includes a hub fairing and a fixed fairing, such as a shaft fairing or a pylon fairing, both arranged about a rotation axis. A gap is defined between the hub fairing and the fixed fairing, and a seal assembly is axially interposed between the hub fairing and the fixed fairing. The fixed fairing and the hub fairing are both removably mounted to the seal assembly such that either or both of the fairings can be dismounted from the seal assembly without disturbing the seal assembly to provide access to components disposed within the fairing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: David H. Hunter, Eric L. Nussenblatt, William J. Eadie, Chris P. Butler, Bryan K. Baskin
  • Publication number: 20180305004
    Abstract: A shroud for an aircraft having a noise reducing material on or in an inner surface of the shroud adjacent to one or more tips of the propeller. The noise reducing material is preferably an electrospun nanomaterial, particularly a ridged composite acoustic nanofibre. The interior surface of the shroud may be provided with a plurality of sound deflectors configured to dissipate sound by reflection and refraction, and absorb sound into the shroud body. The sound deflectors may be ribs or arrangements of discrete reflector elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Samuel Seamus ROWE, Shuan Taggart Pentecost
  • Publication number: 20180305005
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft having three lifting surfaces and separate lift and cruise systems. The VTOL aircraft may include a fuselage having a roll axis, a thrust rotor to produce a propulsion thrust, first and second rotor booms, first and second canard surfaces, first and second wing surfaces, first and second tail surfaces, and a plurality of lift rotors to produce a lifting thrust force. The plurality of lift rotors includes a first plurality of lift rotors positioned on the first rotor boom and a second plurality of lift rotors positioned on the second rotor boom. The first and second rotor booms may be substantially parallel to the roll axis of the fuselage, where the fuselage is positioned between the first and second rotor booms. Each of the first and second rotor booms may be secured to the aircraft at three locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Robert W. Parks, Francesco Giannini, Diana Siegel, Jan D. Lienhard
  • Publication number: 20180305006
    Abstract: A pitch bearing assembly includes an inboard pitch bearing including an inner race and an outer race, the outer race including a radially outwardly protruding tab, and an outboard end of the inboard pitch bearing including a plurality of rotation transmitting features. An outboard pitch bearing of the pitch bearing assembly includes an inner race and an outer race, an inboard end of the outer race of the outboard pitch bearing including a plurality of rotation transmitting features. A coupler of the pitch bearing assembly has an inboard end and an outboard end, the inboard end of the coupler having a plurality of rotation transmitting features engageable with the rotation transmitting features of the inboard pitch bearing, the outboard end of the coupler having a plurality of rotation transmitting features engageable with the rotation transmitting features of the outboard pitch bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Ryan Lehto, Robert D Higbie, James Everett McCollough, Joshua R. Richards, Bryan Kenneth Baskin
  • Publication number: 20180305007
    Abstract: A vehicle, includes a main body. A fluid generator is coupled to the main body and produces a fluid stream. At least one tail conduit is fluidly coupled to the generator. First and second fore ejectors are coupled to the main body and respectively coupled to a starboard side and port side of the vehicle. The fore ejectors respectively comprise an outlet structure out of which fluid flows. At least one tail ejector is fluidly coupled to the tail conduit. The tail ejector comprises an outlet structure out of which fluid flows. A primary airfoil element includes a closed wing having a leading edge and a trailing edge. The leading and trailing edges of the closed wing define an interior region. The at least one propulsion device is at least partially disposed within the interior region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Andrei Evulet
  • Publication number: 20180305008
    Abstract: An aerial vehicle is includes a wing, first and second rotors, and a movement sensor. The first and second multicopter rotors are rotatably coupled to the wing, the first multicopter rotor is rotatable relative to the wing about a first lateral axis, and the second multicopter rotor is rotatable relative to the wing about a second lateral axis. Each multicopter rotor is coupled to each other multicopter rotor, wherein the multicopter rotors are restricted to collective synchronous rotation relative to the wing between a multicopter configuration and a fixed-wing configuration. The movement sensor is coupled to the multicopter rotors, wherein the movement sensor is positioned to rotate relative to the wing when the multicopter rotors rotate relative to the wing between the multicopter and fixed-wing configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Jacob Apkarian
  • Publication number: 20180305009
    Abstract: An air vehicle (10) comprising a main body (12) and a pair of opposing wing members (14a, 14b) extending substantially laterally from the main body (12) having a principal axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (20) of said wing members, at least a first propulsion device (16a) associated with a first of said wing members arranged and configured to generate a linear thrust relative to the main body in a first direction, and a second propulsion device (16b) associated with a second of said wing members arranged and configured to generate linear thrust relative to said main body in a second, substantially opposite, direction such that said wing members and said main body are caused to rotate about said principal axis, in use, the air vehicle further comprising an imaging system (100) configured to cover a substantially 360° imaging area about said principal axis and comprising at least one electro-optic sensor (102) mounted on a support member (104) and having a field of view (102a) covering a portion of said
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: David Julian Wright, Nicholas Giacomo Robert Colosimo, Clyde Warsop
  • Publication number: 20180305010
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a method comprising receiving a request to release a utility holder detachably mounted to a surface mount. The utility holder maintains a utility payload. A set of rotatable holding brackets is coupled to the surface mount in a pivotable fashion to engage the holding brackets with the utility holder in order to mount the utility holder to the surface mount. The method further comprises, in response to receiving the request, powering on a drone attached to the utility holder, and releasing the utility holder from the surface mount by actuating rotation of the holding brackets to disengage the holding brackets from the utility holder, enabling the drone to transport the utility holder from the surface mount to a desired location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Nathalie Baracaldo Angel, Sandeep Gopisetty, Heiko H. Ludwig, David M. Ungar
  • Publication number: 20180305011
    Abstract: A rotary-wing air vehicle comprising a main body (12) and at least two rotor devices (16a, 16b) arranged and configured to generate propulsion and thrust, in use, to lift and propel said air vehicle, said rotor devices (16a, 16b) being arranged and configured relative to said main body (12) such that the blades thereof do not cross through a central vertical axis of said main body (12) defining the centre of mass thereof, wherein said main body (12) is provided with an aperture (100) that extends therethrough to define a channel about said central vertical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: BAE Systems plc
    Inventors: David Julian Wright, Nicholas Giacomo Robert Colosimo, Clyde Warsop
  • Publication number: 20180305012
    Abstract: A method for controlling a small-size unmanned aerial vehicle that sets a flight path based on a real-time state of the ground and that controls the small-size unmanned aerial vehicle to fly through the flight path. The small-size unmanned aerial vehicle includes: a plurality of propellers; and a photographing device configured to take an image of a ground below the photographing device. The method includes: an information obtaining step of moving the small-size unmanned aerial vehicle upward from the ground and photographing a state of the ground using the photographing device so as to obtain the image of the ground; a path setting step of setting, over the image, a flight path for the small-size unmanned aerial vehicle to fly through; and a flying step of causing the small-size unmanned aerial vehicle to fly through the flight path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: PRODRONE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuo ICHIHARA
  • Publication number: 20180305013
    Abstract: A quadrotor UAV including ruggedized, integral-battery, load-bearing body, two arms on the load-bearing body, each arm having two rotors, a control module mounted on the load-bearing body, a payload module mounted on the control module, and skids configured as landing gear. The two arms are replaceable with arms having wheels for ground vehicle use, with arms having floats and props for water-surface use, and with arms having pitch-controlled props for underwater use. The control module is configured to operate as an unmanned aerial vehicle, an unmanned ground vehicle, an unmanned (water) surface vehicle, and an unmanned underwater vehicle, depending on the type of arms that are attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: AeroVironment, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Fisher, Phillip T. Tokumaru, Marc L. Schmalzel, John Peter Zwaan, Jeremy D. Tyler, Justin B. McAllister, Gabriel E. Torres, Pavel Belik
  • Publication number: 20180305014
    Abstract: A fact checking system utilizes social networking information and analyzes and determines the factual accuracy of information and/or characterizes the information by comparing the information with source information. The social networking fact checking system automatically monitors information, processes the information, fact checks the information and/or provides a status of the information, including automatically modifying a web page to include the fact check results. The fact checking system is able to be implemented utilizing a drone device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Lucas J. Myslinski
  • Publication number: 20180305015
    Abstract: A fact checking system utilizes social networking information and analyzes and determines the factual accuracy of information and/or characterizes the information by comparing the information with source information. The social networking fact checking system automatically monitors information, processes the information, fact checks the information and/or provides a status of the information, including automatically modifying a web page to include the fact check results. The fact checking system is able to be implemented utilizing a drone device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Lucas J. Myslinski
  • Publication number: 20180305016
    Abstract: A fact checking system utilizes social networking information and analyzes and determines the factual accuracy of information and/or characterizes the information by comparing the information with source information. The social networking fact checking system automatically monitors information, processes the information, fact checks the information and/or provides a status of the information, including automatically modifying a web page to include the fact check results. The fact checking system is able to be implemented utilizing a drone device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Lucas J. Myslinski
  • Publication number: 20180305017
    Abstract: A fact checking system utilizes social networking information and analyzes and determines the factual accuracy of information and/or characterizes the information by comparing the information with source information. The social networking fact checking system automatically monitors information, processes the information, fact checks the information and/or provides a status of the information, including automatically modifying a web page to include the fact check results. The fact checking system is able to be implemented utilizing a drone device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Lucas J. Myslinski
  • Publication number: 20180305018
    Abstract: A transport drone includes: a drone body; a transport unit for carrying an object to be transported; a balancing unit comprising a balancing frame and a swinging device, wherein the balancing frame is connected to the transport unit; the swinging device is respectively connected to the balancing frame and the drone body; the swinging device has rotational freedom; a sensor placed on the balancing frame for detecting a tilt angle of the balancing frame; and a controller electrically connected to both the sensor and the swinging device, wherein the controller controls rotation of the swinging device according to the tilt angle detected by the sensor, so as to adjust the tilt angle of the balancing frame and keep the transport unit in a horizontal state. The transport drone ensures that the items to be transported are in a horizontal state, effectively preventing dumping or damage of the items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Yu Tian, Wenyan Jiang
  • Publication number: 20180305019
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft having at least one wing (5) including, at each end thereof, a fin (6) forming an angle of between 0° and 45° relative to the vertical. According to the invention, each fin (6) has a leading edge (7) that includes at least one slot (8) provided along said leading edge (7) and oriented so as to cause an air flow to flow via said leading edge (7) from an outer surface (6a) of the fin (6) to an inner surface (6b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Frédéric HUBSCHWERLEN
  • Publication number: 20180305020
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a foam layer, a coating layer and an elastomer. The foam layer includes a first surface for coupling the apparatus to a surface exposed to weather, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a plurality of pores within the foam layer. The coating layer is deposited on the second surface of the foam layer. The elastomer is deposited within the plurality of pores within the foam layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Steven Edward Bullock, Vernecia Sharaé Meredith, Charles J. Novak
  • Publication number: 20180305021
    Abstract: A screen support configured to attach a screen to a seat equipped with a rear enclosure and including an attachment system configured to clamp the rods of a headrest of the seat, a support system including a limb connected to the attachment system and at least one support runner connected to the limb and configured to bear against the rear enclosure, and an engagement system configured to permit the temporary attachment of a screen and connected to the third limb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Gilles MARQUET, Marc AUDIBERT, Damien THABAULT, Christophe HARLAY