Patents Issued in February 19, 2019
  • Patent number: 10207752
    Abstract: A spoiler mechanism (13) for a vehicle (10) includes a spoiler (16) that has a stowed position and first and second deployed positions. An actuator (22) is configured to move the spoiler (16) though the stowed and first and second deployed positions in response to a command. A multi-link assembly (20) is interconnected by pivot points. The multi-link assembly (20) is operatively connected to the spoiler (16). In the first deployed position at least three pivot points are aligned with one another in a plane and provide a first geometrically locked position. In the second deployed position a second geometrically locked position is provided in which a link of the multi-link assembly (20) abuts another structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Multimatic Inc.
    Inventor: Joel David Causley
  • Patent number: 10207753
    Abstract: A trailer for carrying unit load devices (ULDs), including unloaded and/or loaded containers and pallets, or other cargo; the trailer designed to be towed on surface streets and highways by conventional motorized truck-tractor units. The trailers are equipped with adjustable decks for supporting ULDs in stacked configuration on the trailer. Using a lowered well portion permits selected ULD stacks to not exceed legal trailer height limits so that additional permitting is not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: AET Logistics, LLC
    Inventors: Richard G. O'Marra, Lewis Wayne Davis, David G. Roller, Rodney A. Pack
  • Patent number: 10207754
    Abstract: A track system for a work vehicle includes a first sprocket having a first diameter. The first sprocket is configured to be coupled to a drive system of the work vehicle, and the first sprocket is configured to engage a metal track and to drive the metal track in rotation. The track system also includes a second sprocket having a second diameter. The second sprocket is configured to be coupled to the drive system of the work vehicle, and the second sprocket is configured to engage a rubber track and to drive the rubber track in rotation. In addition, the first and second sprockets are configured to engage a mounting system, the mounting system is configured to interchangeably couple the first and second sprockets to the drive system, and the second diameter of the second sprocket is greater than the first diameter of the first sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Brady Dorr Lewis, Emory L. Frey, John M. Moffitt
  • Patent number: 10207755
    Abstract: A bulkhead assembly for a track adjust cylinder of an undercarriage system is provided. The bulkhead assembly includes a bulkhead having an opening to receive the track adjust cylinder. A guide element having a hollow cylindrical configuration is attached to the bulkhead and supports the track adjust cylinder. A seal member is axially aligned with respect to the guide element. The seal member has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the guide element. A set of composite bearings is axially aligned with respect to the seal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John Bradley Edelin, Dewakar Venkata Jonnakuti, Ronald Jerome Maier
  • Patent number: 10207756
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that automatically aligns a support foot of the apparatus with a load-bearing frame connected to the load transporting apparatus during a recovery phase of an incremental walking movement. In particular, the load transporting apparatus includes a linking device attached to a support foot of the apparatus and a biasing device connected to the linking device that is deflected during non-linear load transporting movements, where the biasing device acts to automatically return the support foot to an aligned position relative to the load-bearing frame after a non-linear movement has been completed and the support foot is raised above a ground surface. Other embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that automatically centers a support foot of the apparatus about a roller assembly during a recovery phase of an incremental walking movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: ENTRO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Shawn R. Smith, Harlan B. Smith
  • Patent number: 10207757
    Abstract: Utilization of shared vehicles that are structurally and reversibly reconfigurable to suit requests for particular vehicle configurations is described. Vehicle use is monitored for plural vehicles shared among multiple users/uses. In response to a first request for a first particular configuration of a vehicle, a first vehicle is selected/provided in the first particular configuration having a predetermined first feature set, the first feature set being automatically set based on the first vehicle being placed in the first particular configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Robert J. Scaringe
  • Patent number: 10207758
    Abstract: A kickstand assembly includes a post and a seat. A bicycle includes a frame and the kickstand assembly coupled to the frame. The post is disposed along a longitudinal axis and includes a first distal end and a second distal end. The seat is disposed at the first distal end of the post. The seat is movable between a use position and a non-use position. The kickstand assembly includes a kickstand disposed at the second distal end of the post, and extends outwardly away from the post transverse to the longitudinal axis. The kickstand is movable between a use position and a non-use position. The seat and the kickstand are fixed relative to each other at the respective first and second distal ends of the post such that movement of the seat to the non-use position directly causes movement of the kickstand to the use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Miranda P. Steinhauser, Wade W. Bryant, Jess R. Bailie
  • Patent number: 10207759
    Abstract: The present invention provides a detachable multimedia control apparatus, comprising: a front housing structure including a left turn signal, a right turn signal and a central light; a rear housing structure including a speaker module and a safety switch module; a top housing structure including a control module which controls the speaker module and the central light; a bottom housing structure including a first joining structure; a processor disposed inside the movable multimedia control apparatus and electrically connected to the left turn signal, the right turn signal, the central light, the speaker module, the safety switch signal and the control module; and a power module disposed inside the detachable multimedia control apparatus and electrically connected to the left turn signal, the right turn signal, the central light, the speaker module, and the processor, wherein the power module is configured to be unlocked by the safety switch module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: Chi Wang
  • Patent number: 10207760
    Abstract: An elongated, plate-like structure on which bicycle accessories can be mounted, that is held in place at one end of a bicycle's rear wheel axle or, alternately, ids axial skewer. The latter, like the rear wheel axle, includes bolt threads for threadedly engaging a nut at said end. Supported on either the bike's right or left side, the structure, which extends both perpendicularly to and rearwardly from the rear wheel's rotational axis, defines multiple through openings. Among them is a round aperture sized to slideably receive the rear wheel axle or, alternately, just a part of the skewer-engageable nut at the same time the nut's annular shoulder abuts the structure's outer face. Distal from the round aperture, the structure's generally flat inner face defines a small protuberance which, in use, restrains, from sideways slippage, a bicycle tow leash clamped onto an opening-free portion of the structure's midsection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: Michael A. Leon
  • Patent number: 10207761
    Abstract: A fuel tank assembly for a motorcycle. The fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank defining a fuel containment volume. The fuel tank has an upper wall. A fuel cap is operable to selectively open and close the fuel containment volume. A motorcycle accessory is attachable to the fuel tank via a connection structure including first and second connection portions that are complementary and inter-engageable together to positively define a fully-secured state. The first connection portion is secured to an exterior surface of the upper wall of the fuel tank, and the second connection portion is secured to the motorcycle accessory. The connection structure defines a finite position and rotational orientation of the motorcycle accessory upon relative rotation of the motorcycle accessory with respect to the fuel tank to the fully secured state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, LLC
    Inventors: Scott McKinster, Stephen Perry, Stephen Hebert
  • Patent number: 10207762
    Abstract: A control device (60) of a mobile body (1) calculates a center-of-gravity displacement degree index value representing an estimate of the degree of displacement of the center of gravity of the operator in the lateral direction of a vehicle body (2) from a predetermined reference position with respect to the vehicle body (2), and determines a control input for an actuator (15), which can cause a moment in the roll direction to act on the vehicle body (2), so as to increase the degree of displacement of the center of gravity of the operator indicated by the center-of-gravity displacement degree index value in a state of presence of such displacement. The control device (60) controls the actuator (15) in accordance with the control input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toru Takenaka, Kazushi Akimoto, Yuichi Uebayashi, Shinya Shirokura, Tomohiro Kawakami, Makoto Araki
  • Patent number: 10207763
    Abstract: A usage detection system for a self-balancing powered unicycle is disclosed. The usage detection system is adapted to detect an indication of intended usage from a user and to provide an indication of intended usage. The indication of intended usage comprises manipulation of the overall unicycle device resulting from preparatory action taken by the user prior to the onset of the intended usage. Operation of the powered unicycle may thus be controlled based on an indication of intended usage from the usage detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: Timur Artemev
  • Patent number: 10207764
    Abstract: A battery safety enclosure is provided that contains a battery pack and is attached to a vehicle with a frame. The enclosure has a flat surface that is close to and overlays a flat surface on the frame. The flat surface includes a vent port that is covered by a plug. If the battery pack should fail and release gas, the plug separates from the vent port and pressure is released in a controlled fashion. The flat surface of the enclosure further contains release channels that are recessed from the flat surface on the enclosure. The release channels slow and disperse the release of flammable gas. The safety enclosure may contain a control circuit board that controls the charging and discharging of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventors: Xingrui Li, Dan Zeng, Zeng Fanxin
  • Patent number: 10207765
    Abstract: A bicycle frame element has a seat tube (10). A clamping element (20) is arranged in the seat tube (10), on which element a clamping force is exerted by a clamping means (34) to fix a seat post (30) in the seat tube (10). Further, a bearing element (22) for defining the lateral position of the seat post (30) is arranged in the end portion (16) of the seat tube (10), when in the mounted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Canyon Bicycles GmbH
    Inventor: Lars Wagner
  • Patent number: 10207766
    Abstract: A handlebar mount assembly for isolating a cycle handlebar from vibrations emanating from operation of a cycle, the assembly including a bottom bracket assembly configured for attachment to a cycle steering mechanism, a top bracket assembly configured for attachment to the bottom bracket assembly, a pair of polymer sleeves configured for placement around the handlebar, a tension clamp configured for clamping the handlebar and a clamp bushing configured for placement between the tension clamp and the top bracket assembly. The sleeves prevent direct contact between the top bracket assembly and the bottom bracket assembly, and the bushing prevents direct contact between the tension clamp and the top bracket assembly. In this manner, the handlebar mount assembly prevents direct and indirect contact of the steering mechanism to the handlebar through the metal components of the handlebar mount assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: Lance Smith
  • Patent number: 10207767
    Abstract: Responsive to a hydraulic piston advancing out of a piston housing in a second brake arm and contacting a piston cam surface of a first brake arm, the second brake arm pivots around a second pivot. As this is happening, a cam surface in the second brake arm lifts a contact surface of a first force transfer member of the first brake arm, imparting torque to the first brake arm which then pivots around a first pivot. The cam surface is shaped to impart synchronous motion to the first and second pad holders. Splitting one of the brake arms with a centering member permits a centering adjust feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Dunlap, III, Brian Jordan
  • Patent number: 10207768
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device is provided with a support structure, a release member, a first operating member and a release pawl. The release member is pivotally supported on the support structure to pivot about a pivot axis between a first non-releasing position and a first releasing position. The first operating member is movably supported on the support structure between a rest position and an operated position. The release pawl is movably mounted on the first operating member. The release member includes a first abutment and a second abutment. The second abutment is circumferentially spaced from the first abutment with respect to the pivot axis. The release pawl is selectively arranged to engage one of the first and second abutments, and pivot the release member during movement of the first operating member from the rest position towards the operated position without engaging the other of the first and second abutments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazunori Okubo
  • Patent number: 10207769
    Abstract: A bicycle pedal, including: a pedal axle; a fixed portion, rotatably connected to the pedal axle, including a pedal body and a first cleat securing member fixedly attached to the pedal body, the first cleat securing member including a first securing opening; a second cleat securing member, rotatably connected to the fixed portion, including a second securing opening opposite to the first securing opening, the first and second securing openings configured for securing a cleat of a shoe; a biasing mechanism, including an adjustment mechanism movably attached to the fixed portion and an elastic member located between the second cleat securing member and the adjustment mechanism, the elastic member biasing the second cleat securing member in such a manner that the second cleat securing member tends to swing toward the first cleat securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: Chung-I Chen
  • Patent number: 10207770
    Abstract: A method for activating a motor of an electric two-wheeler, including the following steps: determining a position of a driver of the electric two-wheeler as a function of a first GPS signal, the first GPS signal having a temporal dependence on a starting position; determining a position of a virtual training partner as a function of a second GPS signal, the second GPS signal having a temporal dependence on the starting position; determining a distance between the position of the driver of the electric two-wheeler and the position of the virtual training partner; determining a slipstream effect as a function of a total front face which is formed by the electric two-wheeler and the driver and of the determined distance; and generating a motor torque as a function of the slipstream effect and/or of the determined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Gregor Dasbach, Philipp Kohlrausch
  • Patent number: 10207771
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods of converting a bicycle frame from a mechanical gear-shifting configuration to an electronic gear-shifting configuration and vice versa. In a representative embodiment, a method of converting a bicycle frame from a mechanical gear-shifting configuration to an electronic gear-shifting configuration comprises removing a mechanical cable extending between a mechanical gear-shift actuator and a mechanical gear shifter via a cable stop of a removable bracket member secured to a down tube member of the bicycle frame, and removing the removable bracket member from the down tube member of the bicycle frame. The method further comprises mounting an electronically-actuated gear shifter to the bicycle frame in electrical communication with an electronic gear-shift actuator such that actuation of the electronic gear-shift actuator causes the electronically-actuated gear shifter to shift gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: David Rosen
  • Patent number: 10207772
    Abstract: A transmission system for vehicles, including bicycles, is disclosed. The system aligns a chain or other drive means to a center of each of a plurality of provided sprockets, allows for a smaller, lighter and more durable shifter/controller, and reduces various complications associated with cable slack and shifting. A derailleur is provided with linear actuated features to directly translate drive means from one position to another along a desired path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: PAHA DESIGNS, LLC
    Inventors: Lee Johnson, Benjamin Meager
  • Patent number: 10207773
    Abstract: A buoy and mooring system provides a robust buoy protective of markings thereon, easily retrieved for inspection and service, weighted and levered for maintaining self-righting, vertical orientation and anchored with a non-corroding system of connectors and links running from surface to sea floor. A mid-line float resists entanglement, and can be installed or uninstalled by operation of various “worm grip” mechanisms. A slack line region accommodates changing tides. An upright tube, weighted at a lower end and flanged at an upper end thereof, secures a buoy in place but pulls up through the buoy for easy retrieval by boat crews. Embedding an anchor is by hydraulic water jet drilling. From a thimble in the anchor to a thimble in the upright at the buoy, no intervening metal components are needed in the load path. Markings are durably and protectively embedded in recesses below the buoy's outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: Christopher Betcher
  • Patent number: 10207774
    Abstract: A offshore system for storing oil includes a hull. The hull includes a buoyancy compartment and an oil storage compartment disposed below the buoyancy compartment. The oil storage compartment has an upper end, a lower end, and an inner cavity. In addition the system includes a water port in fluid communication with the inner cavity and configured to allow water to exit the inner cavity. Further, the system includes an oil heating and circulation system coupled to the hull. The oil heating and circulation system includes a suction line having an inlet disposed in the inner cavity proximal the upper end. The inlet is configured to draw oil from the inner cavity. The oil heating and circulation system also includes an oil heater coupled to the suction line and configured to heat oil passing through the suction line. Further, the system includes a return line coupled to the oil heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: HORTON DO BRASIL TECHNOLOGIA OFFSHORE, LTDA.
    Inventors: Xavier Castello, Marcelo I. L. Souza, Rodrigo M. R. Guimarães, Rafael Bodanese, Luiz Germano Bodanese
  • Patent number: 10207775
    Abstract: A horizontal type cylindrical double-shell tank includes an inner shell and an outer shell. The inner shell includes an inner shell main part storing a liquefied gas and an inner shell dome protruding from the inner shell main part. The outer shell forms a vacuum space between the inner shell and the outer shell, and includes an outer shell main part surrounding the inner shell main part and an outer shell dome surrounding the inner shell dome. The inner shell dome is provided with an inner shell manhole. The outer shell dome is provided with an outer shell manhole at a position corresponding to a position of the inner shell manhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryosuke Uraguchi, Asako Murakami, Naruyoshi Izumi, Atsushi Sano, Osamu Muragishi
  • Patent number: 10207776
    Abstract: A seat is designed for use in a boat and extends in a vertical height direction, a lateral width direction, and a depth direction perpendicular to the width direction. The seat includes a pan main body extending in at least the width direction and the depth and a back main body coupled to the pan main body and extending in at least the width direction and the height direction. The pan main body and/or the back main body is formed from a single extrusion having a uniform cross section in one if the height, width, and depth directions. The pan main body and/or the back main body has an open profile when viewed in the one of the height, width, and depth directions. The open profile is configured to accept and hold a further seat component therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin T. Downey, Timothy M. Kramer
  • Patent number: 10207777
    Abstract: A retractable pontoon boat has a deck, a starboard pontoon and a port pontoon, a center beam coupled to the underside of the deck and running substantially from bow to stern, a plurality of pivoting arms coupling the pontoons to the center beam, a plurality of bearings interposed between the deck and the pivoting arms, and one or more linear actuators for actuating the pivoting arms; wherein, in a first, retracted position, the pontoons are substantially underneath the deck; and wherein, in a second, extended position, the pontoons are substantially extended from underneath the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: Thomas B. McCormick
  • Patent number: 10207778
    Abstract: A wake tower assembly for use with a watercraft, including an arch portion extending across a width of the watercraft, first and second pivoting structures coupled to first and second ends of the arch portion, the first and second pivoting structures configured to attach to port and starboard portions of the watercraft to facilitate rotational movement of the arch portion between a lowered position and an upright position, and a first locking mechanism provided to the first pivoting structure including a biased pin member configured to engage an opening of the first end such that when the arch portion is rotated from the lowered position to the upright position, a biasing force of the biased pin member causes the biased pin member to engage the opening to mechanically lock the arch portion in the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Protomet Corporation
    Inventors: Jeff Bohanan, William M. Reid, Michael Shane Garner, Dale Lee Lambert
  • Patent number: 10207779
    Abstract: An inflation device for an inflatable article comprises a housing for supporting a container of pressurized fluid and for supporting piercing means which is displaceable from a retracted position to penetrate the container and allow release of pressurized fluid, said container being contained within a protected casing which is secured non-releasably to the housing thereby to prevent removal of the pressurized container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: United Moulders Limited
    Inventor: Michael E. Best
  • Patent number: 10207780
    Abstract: An emergency rescue locator for locating persons and pets in the water is provided. The emergency rescue locator comprises a life jacket having a front side and a rear side and a locating system mounted to the life jacket. The locating system comprises an inflatable pole having a first end and a second end and an inflating mechanism in fluid communication with the first end of the pole. Upon the locating system becoming immersed in the water, the inflating mechanism instantly and automatically activates to inflate the pole causing the second end of the pole to be positioned at a point above a water surface. The locating system immediately and continuously pinpoints the persons' or pets' location until rescued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: Ben Leyva
  • Patent number: 10207781
    Abstract: A propeller unit of a marine propulsion apparatus includes: an inner hub; an outer hub arranged coaxially with the inner hub, connected to the inner hub, and provided with a plurality of blades on its outer circumferential surface; and a bushing having a hollow shaft member provided with ribs on an outer circumferential surface and connected to the propeller shaft, and a damper formed of an elastic member and arranged to cover an outer circumferential surface of the hollow shaft member between the outer circumferential surface of the hollow shaft member and the inner circumferential surface of the inner hub, wherein the bushing is spline-coupled to the propeller shaft through spline teeth formed on an inner circumferential surface of a front half or rear half of a longitudinal direction of the hollow shaft member, and has a breakable portion provided in a part corresponding to the non-spline-toothed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kunitoshi Ito, Shuichi Sugiyama, Hiroki Okunishi
  • Patent number: 10207782
    Abstract: A wind paddle sail assembly includes a sail having stiffened upper and lower ends and a paddle or pole having an upper fixed end and a lower portion with a lower free end. A fastener fastens the upper fixed end of the paddle or pole to the upper end of the sail. A downhaul strap fastens the lower end of the sail to the lower portion of the paddle or pole for adjusting tension in the sail. A method for operating a wind paddle sail assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: John Archie Fahmie
  • Patent number: 10207783
    Abstract: The invention involves a paddleboard kit for converting any water sports board such as a surfboard into a paddleboard. An oar support assembly, typically secures oars with pivotal paddles to the board; facilitating rowing exercises that may be practiced while kneeling or standing. During use, the pivotable paddles pivot in such a way that the blade portion holds a steady position in relation to a shaft portion on the power stroke, while being free to fold in the opposite sense on the idle stroke when each stroke is executed as a substantially axial thrust of the shaft. The oar support assembly secures the pair of oars and is itself secured to the board by way of board couplers adjustably coupled to a portion of a strap that tightens to snuggly wrap around the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventors: Marjaneh Marjan, Manouchehr Marjan
  • Patent number: 10207784
    Abstract: The invention relates to a center-axis oarlock and methods of providing constant gearing throughout the arc of an oar in a boat or shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: TRUEARC LLC
    Inventor: J. D. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 10207785
    Abstract: An outdrive for a marine vessel, such as a watercraft having an inboard engine, is provided. The outdrive can include a standoff box joined with a drive unit having a driveshaft that rotates in response to rotation of an input shaft coupled to an engine within a hull of the watercraft. The drive unit includes a propeller shaft that rotates in response to rotation of the driveshaft, and an associated propeller. The drive unit is vertically movable from a raised mode to a lowered mode, in which the propeller shaft is a preselected distance from a bottom of the boat hull, thereby lowering a thrust point produced by the propeller, all while the watercraft is moving through water and while the propeller is producing thrust. A related method and standoff box are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Platinum Marine Inc.
    Inventor: Clark M. Woody
  • Patent number: 10207786
    Abstract: An elongated structure comprising a web extending along a length of the elongated structure and a flange comprising a first flange portion, the first flange portion extending away from an area of the web. The first flange portion comprises a variable width along at least a portion of the length of the elongated structure. The first flange portion of the elongated structure may comprise the variable width the length of the elongate structure. The first flange portion may comprise a constant width along at least a portion of the length of the elongated structure. The elongated structure may further comprise a second flange portion. The second flange portion may comprise a variable width along at least a portion of the length of the elongate structure. The first flange portion may comprise a first top flange portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth H. Griess, Karen D. MacKenzie
  • Patent number: 10207787
    Abstract: A method for drawing a flexible sleeve over an elongated mandrel includes placing a ring within a lumen of the sleeve. A first end of the sleeve is fixed against movement relative to a first end of the mandrel. A first end portion of the sleeve is inverted over a first end portion of the mandrel so as to define a circumferential cuff in the sleeve, and the ring is positioned concentrically within the circumferential cuff. Using, e.g., a magnet, the ring is then urged longitudinally along the mandrel and toward an opposite, second end thereof, such that the sleeve is inverted over at least an outer surface of the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Luke Fletcher, Ashleigh Raoul Nesbit, Dominic Wierzbicki, Richard Bain, Andrew Klimovski, Peter Nathan Steele, Martin Szarski, Peter Lockett, Manning Scarfe
  • Patent number: 10207788
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented. The apparatus comprises a first unitary structure, a second unitary structure, and a number of joints between the first unitary structure and the second unitary structure. The first unitary structure has a plurality of T-shaped cross-sections. The second unitary structure has a plurality of T-shaped cross-sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Douglas Reinhard Ludin, Michael Joseph DeLuca, Peter Holemans
  • Patent number: 10207789
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for integrating structural components of a wing box. One embodiment is a system that includes outboard planked stringers within an outboard section of a wing box and are co-cured with composite skin at the outboard section. Each outboard planked stringer of the outboard section includes planar layers of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) that are parallel with the composite skin at the outboard section, have fiber orientations aligned to bear tension and compression applied to the wing box, and each extend a different distance along the composite skin at the outboard section. The system also includes center planked stringers within the center section and are co-cured with composite skin at the center section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Max U. Kismarton, Clayton L. Munk
  • Patent number: 10207790
    Abstract: This relates to changes in wing profiles. In order to make available an aerodynamic structure that can be variably adjusted and changed with respect to the wing profile, it is provided that an aerodynamic structure for a wing or rudder arrangement of an aircraft comprises a support structure and an outer skin. The support structure comprises a fixed spar in the longitudinal direction, which extends from a root area to an outer end area. The support structure also comprises several adaptive framework segments in the transverse direction, which each consist of a plurality of strung together triangular compartments, which are formed by fixed-length guide elements and adjustable-length guide elements The framework segments are joined to the fixed spar. At least one side of a portion of the triangular compartments comprises one of the adjustable guide elements, so that the shape of the framework segments can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE GMBH
    Inventor: Horst Haslach
  • Patent number: 10207791
    Abstract: Example actuator assemblies to deploy aircraft leading edge flaps and seals for aircraft leading edge flaps are described herein. An example apparatus includes an aircraft flap that is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The flap includes a top panel. A notch is formed in the top panel and extends into a side of the top panel near a trailing edge of the flap. The example apparatus also includes a seal coupled to the flap. The seal is movable to cover the notch when the flap is in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Patterson Johnson, Seiya Sakurai, Gregory M. Santini, Christopher A. Konings, Adam M. Clark
  • Patent number: 10207792
    Abstract: A system and method for nose cone edge delamination repair is provided. A nose cone may comprise an outer skirt having an aft edge, a flange, and a pin landing. The system and method may comprise trimming the aft edge of the nose cone to form a repaired edge. A first layer of fiberglass may be placed over repaired edge. A second layer of fiber glass may be placed over the first layer and the repaired edge. The first layer and second layer may be trimmed to create a spot face to allow for lower tolerances when installing the nose cone into a gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Brian K. Holland
  • Patent number: 10207793
    Abstract: A rotor blade including a root portion adapted to be connected to a helicopter rotor hub for rotation therewith, the root portion having a first edge surface; a first movable member having a first movable surface adjacent to the first edge surface; a first elastomeric joint disposed between the root portion and the first movable member, the first elastomeric joint having an inner surface facing the first edge surface of the root portion and an outer surface facing the movable surface of the first movable member; and an actuating system mounted within the root portion and the first movable member for moving the first movable member. The first elastomeric joint deforms to adjust for shear from actuation of the first movable member to a first position during helicopter mode; and to a second position during airplane mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Eric R. Gonzalez, Frank B. Stamps
  • Patent number: 10207794
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a system and method for determining the center of gravity of a payload engaged by an automated aerial vehicle and adjusting components of the automated aerial vehicle and/or the engagement location with the payload so that the center of gravity of the payload is within a defined position with respect to the center of gravity of the automated aerial vehicle. Adjusting the center of gravity to be within a defined position improves the efficiency, maneuverability and safety of the automated aerial vehicle. In some implementations, the stability of the payload may also be determined to ensure that the center of gravity does not change or shift during transport due to movement of an item of the payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Beckman, Brandon William Porter, Gur Kimchi, Daniel Buchmueller, Jeffrey P. Bezos, Frederik Schaffalitzky, Amir Navot
  • Patent number: 10207795
    Abstract: An aircraft comprises a wing, a wing tip device at the tip of the wing and an actuator. The actuator is arranged to effect movement of the wing tip device between a flight configuration for use during flight and a ground configuration in which the wing tip device is moved away from the flight configuration such that the span of the aircraft is reduced. The aircraft comprises a carriage guide, such as a rail, fixed relative to the wing, and a carriage arranged to move along the carriage guide as the wing tip device moves between the flight and ground configurations. The wing tip device is fixed relative to the carriage such that the path of the wing tip device, during movement of the wing tip device, between the flight and the ground configurations, is defined by the shape of the carriage guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Robert Ian Thompson, Nick Livings
  • Patent number: 10207796
    Abstract: A landing gear (1) for aircraft comprising a first pair of first and second parts (7, 8, 7?, 8?), said first part (7, 7?) having a steel substrate and a sliding layer (C, C?) formed on this substrate, the second part (8, 8?) being in sliding contact against said sliding layer (C, C?) with a maximum rectilinear sliding amplitude (G, G?) of less than 0.5 mm, the sliding layer (C, C?) being adapted to support a surface pressure in excess of 50 MPa. The sliding layer (C, C?) is a zinc and nickel alloy comprising, in terms of percentage by weight of the alloy, between 12% and 18% nickel and the first part has a protective layer (P, P?) against corrosion extending from the sliding layer (C, C?), this protective layer (P, P?) being formed of said zinc and nickel alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Sacha Mierzejewski, Romain Ottenio
  • Patent number: 10207797
    Abstract: A wheel assembly is disclosed, in which a ring gear is movably mounted to the rim of the wheel, so that torque can be transmitted between wheel and rim, while the ring gear is isolated from deformations induced in the wheel rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Arnaud Didey, Fraser Wilson
  • Patent number: 10207798
    Abstract: A method for reducing aircraft turnaround time by improving airport ramp safety is provided. The method minimizes the time interval between an aircraft's landing and takeoff by independently moving the aircraft on the ground without the aircraft's engines by eliminating hazards from jet blast, the possibility of engine ingestion, and the time previously required to wait in the gate area upon arrival or at departure until jet blast or engine ingestion did not pose a danger. Turnaround time is further reduced by providing an onboard driver controllable to drive at least one of the aircraft's wheels between landing and takeoff, thereby eliminating the need for a tow vehicle and the time required to move the aircraft with a tow vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Borealis Technical Limited
    Inventors: Isaiah W. Cox, Rodney T. Cox
  • Patent number: 10207799
    Abstract: A rotary wing with a curved outer surface, inlet openings and an edge foil for use in helicopters to improve lift and efficiency, maximizing the gross weight lift and the horizontal flight speed capabilities and minimizing performance penalties and unstable, inefficient operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: Lester M. Ringler
  • Patent number: 10207800
    Abstract: An anti-torque rotor of a helicopter, having: a supporting body; a drive shaft which rotates about a first axis with respect to the supporting body; a hub connected operatively to drive shaft and angularly fixed with respect to first axis; at least one blade which is connected operatively to hub, is angularly fixed with respect to first axis, and is angularly movable with respect to a second axis to adjust the pitch angle of blade; and an actuator which can be operated to rotate blade about second axis to adjust the pitch angle of blade; actuator has an electric motor which generates torque along the first axis; and a mechanical stage interposed between the electric motor and blade, and designed to convert the torque into rotation of blade about the respective second axes; electric motor is fixed to supporting body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Leonardo S.p.A.
    Inventor: James Wang
  • Patent number: 10207801
    Abstract: A method for inspecting a solar panel of a solar power station is performed in a controller for an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, and includes the steps of: receiving an inspection request for a subset of the solar panels navigating, in a first stage, using radio signals, the UAV to an initial location in a vicinity of a particular solar panel of the subset of solar panels; positioning, in a second stage, the UAV using at least one near field sensor of the UAV; and capturing, using the infrared camera, an image of the particular solar panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Winston Garcia-Gabin, Bengt Stridh, Elina Vartiainen, Kari Saarinen, Per-Erik Modén, Veronika Domova