Patents Issued in September 10, 2019
  • Patent number: 10407122
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device is basically provided with a bracket, an operating member, an actuation cam and a biasing element. The bracket is configured to be coupled to a handlebar. The operating member is pivotally mounted to the bracket about a first axis. The actuation cam is pivotally mounted to the bracket about a second axis. The biasing element includes a coil portion disposed around a third axis that is offset from the first axis. The biasing element biases the operating member relative to the bracket about the first axis toward the actuation cam. The biasing element biases the actuation cam relative to the bracket about the second axis toward the operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Komada
  • Patent number: 10407123
    Abstract: A hydraulic disc brake device includes a cover, a hydraulic unit, an oil tube and a disc brake unit. The cover includes at least one accommodating space, at least one oil route, a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end towards a moving direction of the bicycle. The hydraulic unit includes a hydraulic cylinder and a piston. The hydraulic cylinder is assembled in the accommodating space. The piston is assembled in the hydraulic cylinder for controlling a pressure of the oil route. The disc brake unit is connected with the oil tube and controlled by a pressure of the oil tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: GIANT MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: I-Teh Chen, Hsi Wong, Hsien-Chang Kang, Wei-Tsung Hsu
  • Patent number: 10407124
    Abstract: An elliptical drive system for stepper type bikes that needs no chains or sliders for its operation. Its quadrilateral linkage minimizes the vertical motion of the user's feet while guiding the feet in a natural motion that resembles walking. The elliptical drive system is designed to give the stepper bike high ground clearance for traveling on rough terrain. Adjustment apertures on the linkage arms allow the user to adjust the length of linkage arms according to the user's leg length and overall size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Mark Zeb Lewis
  • Patent number: 10407125
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a vehicle body, an electric motor, a wheel, an operator operated by a user to drive the wheel to rotate by power from the electric motor, and a controller that controls the electric motor according to an operation of the operator. The controller includes a plurality of control states including a basic state, a drive-standby state which transitions to and from the basic state, and a driving state which transitions to and from the drive-standby state and causes transmission of power of the electric motor to the wheel. The controller is configured or programmed to transition to the driving state if the operator is operated in the drive-standby state and to transition to the basic state if it is judged in the drive-standby state that a user is not present in the vicinity of the vehicle body for a predetermined time or longer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toru Ohashi, Yutaka Saruwatari, Hiroki Ozawa
  • Patent number: 10407126
    Abstract: A bicycle rear sprocket assembly comprises a sprocket support member, a first sprocket attachment portion, and a second sprocket attachment portion. The sprocket support member comprises a first support member and a second support member. The first support member includes a first radially outer portion and a first radially inner portion. The second support member includes a second radially outer portion and a second radially inner portion. The first support member faces the second support member in the axial direction to define an axial gap provided between the first support member and the second support member in the axial direction. A first sprocket is to be attached to the first sprocket attachment portion. A second sprocket is to be attached to the second sprocket attachment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Koji Tokuyama
  • Patent number: 10407127
    Abstract: A bicycle sprocket comprises a sprocket body, a plurality of sprocket teeth, at least one shifting facilitation projection, and at least one bump portion. The at least one shifting facilitation projection is configured to engage with a bicycle chain in a first shifting operation in which the bicycle chain is shifted from the bicycle sprocket toward a smaller sprocket. The at least one bump portion is provided on a downstream side of the at least one shifting facilitation projection in a driving rotational direction in which the bicycle sprocket rotates during pedaling. The at least one bump portion is spaced apart from the at least one shifting facilitation projection by a distance that is equal to or smaller than two chain pitches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Akinobu Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 10407128
    Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur includes a base member to be mounted to a bicycle frame, a chain guide, a first link pivotally connected to the chain guide about a first pivot axis, and a second link pivotally connected to the chain guide about a second pivot axis. The chain guide includes a link-connecting structure pivotally connected to the first link. The link-connecting structure includes a first link-connecting portion and a second link-connecting portion. The first link includes a first chain guide-connecting portion and a second chain guide-connecting portion. At least one of the first link-connecting portion and the second link-connecting portion is located between the first chain guide-connecting portion and the second chain guide-connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Kenkichi Inoue, Kohei Obuchi
  • Patent number: 10407129
    Abstract: A bicycle gear change mechanism includes a first gear including first teeth and a second gear including second teeth. Each of the first teeth includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface defines a first pressure angle. The second surface defines a second pressure angle. The first pressure angle differs from the second pressure angle. Each of the second teeth includes a third surface and a fourth surface. The third surface defines a third pressure angle. The fourth surface defines a fourth pressure angle. The third pressure angle differs from the fourth pressure angle. The second gear engages the first gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 10407130
    Abstract: This invention relates to a drilling tender unit. In particular, the invention relates to a drilling tender unit having a hull of trimaran or catamaran configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: KEPPEL OFFSHORE & MARINE TECHNOLOGY CENTRE PTE LTD
    Inventors: Aziz Amirali Merchant, Suryanarayana Murthy Pasumarthy, Chongyong Huang
  • Patent number: 10407131
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a platform system for a boat, including a wake tow tower, a platform supported on the wake tow tower, a safety rail above the platform, and a stabilizing fin supported at least partially below a waterline adjacent a major side of the hull to resist uncontrolled movement of the boat during usage of the platform by a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Bradley B. Ward
  • Patent number: 10407132
    Abstract: A device and a method for attaching a cover to a structure includes a female snap having a central open surface to receive by friction fit a complementary male snap, a lever connected to the female snap, wherein the lever extends sufficiently out from the female snap to enable one to gain grasp of the lever, and a pin having a piercing portion which serves to retain a fabric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: John Hershberger
  • Patent number: 10407133
    Abstract: A height-adjustable canopy assembly that is capable of creating a desired shaded area without restricting a vehicle occupant's ability to enter, exit, control, and enjoy the vehicle. The canopy, assembly includes a frame support that is secured to the vehicle via attachment points disposed between a seat and a rear portion of the vehicle. The frame support couples with a canopy support, which is adapted to span along a longitudinal length of the vehicle. A canopy cover attaches to the canopy support, providing a shaded area on the vehicle. The canopy support is adjustable with respect to the vehicle, in particular via a series of cord and cord locks that allow the occupant to quickly raise and lower the canopy support to change the shaded area to a desired set of dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Adventure Canopies LLC
    Inventor: Matthew D. Muzzio
  • Patent number: 10407134
    Abstract: An integrated, electro-mechanical system to distribute anchor chain relatively equally in a yacht's/boat's/ship's anchor chain locker during recovery of the anchor. One embodiment of the Chain Flaker System invention will: (1) fit a Fleming F-78 chain locker and fit other vessels' similar chain lockers with minimal changes; (2) minimally obstruct access into the chain locker; (3) well handle 600? of ½?, or more length of, smaller diameter chain in a Fleming F-78 and adapt to handle more, and/or larger diameter, chain and/or other vessels with similar access to, but different sized, chain lockers; (4) be economic, robust, reliable, and easy-to-maintain, including because intentionally simple mechanically (e.g. single hydraulic cylinder or linear servo unit of L-shaped chain distribution model or single hydraulic or electric driver of figure 8 shaped chain distribution model); and (5) be easy and safe to operate as essentially automatic with safety features to minimize risk of injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Lee Stevens
  • Patent number: 10407135
    Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to motion compensation between water-borne objects, and, more particularly, to synchronizing motion between a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and a docking station of a launch and recovery system (LARS). An exemplary method includes receiving a measurement corresponding to a particle motion in water surrounding an ROV and synchronizing motion of a docking station with a motion of the ROV based at least in part on the measurement corresponding to the particle motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: PGS GEOPHYSICAL AS
    Inventors: Rune Tønnessen, Torbjørn Ursin
  • Patent number: 10407136
    Abstract: An autonomous watercraft with a waterproof container that houses a satellite communication terminal. The waterproof container includes a first shell mounted on a deck of the watercraft and that has a sealed first interior space that contains satellite communication circuitry of the terminal. The waterproof container also includes a second shell mounted under the deck of the watercraft and that has a sealed second interior space that contains the processing circuitry of the terminal. The first and second shells include ports configured to receive connectors for communication signaling and/or power. The first shell can also include a pressure port to pressurize the first interior space for use in leak detection. The shells can also include heat sinks to cool the satellite communication terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Anthony Sangsoo Bak, Thomas John Berens, Ernest L. Ferrier, Jr., Carlos M. Montes, Timothy J. Ong, Cameron Alexander Sanders, Terry Allan Smith, Jeffrey Scott Willcox, Youstina Yacoub
  • Patent number: 10407137
    Abstract: To be able to improve the flexibility in handling containers, a container ship configured to transport containers includes: an opening 106 through which cargo may be handled by moving a wheeled platform 501 between the container ship and a dock, the wheeled platform 501 including a plurality of containers 401 placed thereon; and a floor board 108 or a rail configured to support the wheeled platform 501 loaded from the dock through the opening 106.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: SHIBAKAI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Manabu Araki, Toru Araki
  • Patent number: 10407138
    Abstract: A system comprising a clamp assembly configured to capture an unmanned underwater vehicle, wherein the clamp assembly comprises a first arm, a second arm, and an extending rod assembly, wherein the first arm and second arm have a first end and a second end and are configured to form a hollow chamber when connected on both ends, wherein first arm and second arm are connected at the first end with the extending rod assembly, wherein the extending rod assembly comprises an extending rod that is configured to project downward when first arm and second arm are in an open position and is configured to retreat inside the extending rod assembly when the first arm and second arm are in a closed position, wherein a spring-loaded latch and a pin on the second end of the first arm and second arm are configured to automatically catch and lock upon closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Ralph D. Hooper, Jeffrey T. Gilchrist, William A. Chambers
  • Patent number: 10407139
    Abstract: The disclosure depicts a system and method for supporting a pair of seats. The system includes a center post, first and second arms engaging the center post at the initial end of each, and engaging a respective support pillar adjacent a terminal end of each. A respective seat is mounted atop each respective support pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Dub-L-Seat, LLC
    Inventor: John Thomason
  • Patent number: 10407140
    Abstract: A paddleboard rudder control system comprising: an attachment means, the attachment means comprising; a tooth configured to slide into a fin box of a paddleboard; a plurality of fasteners configured to attach the attachment means to a bottom of the paddleboard when the tooth is slid within the fin box of the paddleboard; a rudder motor housing removably attached to the attachment means; a rudder motor located within the rudder motor housing; and a rudder in rotatable communication with the rudder motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Douglas H. Young
  • Patent number: 10407141
    Abstract: A vessel has a compartment (34) for containing water, which compartment (34) has at least one opening (31) in a wall (30) thereof for allowing water to pass therethrough. The compartment (34) comprises an assembly (1) of a grating (10) and at least one anti-biofouling source (20), the grating (10) being positioned in the opening (31) for blocking items from passing through the opening (31) along with the water, and comprising a number of elements and spaces between the elements, and the anti-biofouling source (20) being configured to emit ultraviolet light during operation thereof for realizing anti-biofouling of at least a portion of the grating (10). At least one of the elements of the grating (10) is at least partially transparent to the ultraviolet light, enabling a design of the assembly (1) in which anti-biofouling of the entire grating (10) may be guaranteed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Roelant Boudewijn Hietbrink, Bart Andre Salters, Esther Anna Wilhelmina Gerarda Janssen, Cornelis Gerardus Visser
  • Patent number: 10407142
    Abstract: A system to permit a diver to quickly adjust a one-piece continuous piece of webbing by simply pushing or pulling the webbing in the desired direction. The system includes accessory plate which is fixed to an existing diving backplate, which allows the webbing to slide on through the attached accessories without affecting the location of the accessories with respect to the diver's body. An improved adjustable crotch strap is also secured to the backplate. An ergonomic backplate frame is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: HALCYON MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: Jarrod Jablonkski
  • Patent number: 10407143
    Abstract: Dive computers incorporating a variety of features are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention includes a dive computer including a microprocessor, memory configured to store a software application, a pressure transducer configured to determine depth information, and a communications device configured to communicate with external devices, wherein the software application configures the microprocessor to create a dive log stored in memory, wherein the dive log includes recorded information including depth of submersion information recorded from the pressure transducer, and transmit the dive log using the communications device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Pelagic Pressure Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Robert R. Hollis, John E. Lewis, Michael S. Hollis, Ed Pataky, Hoan Hoang
  • Patent number: 10407144
    Abstract: Provided are underwater spectacles, including a spectacle holder, spectacle belts and an intelligent control system. The intelligent control system includes a warning device, a microprocessor and a plurality of radars. The plurality of radars are respectively disposed on the spectacle holder and the spectacle belts. Input ends of the microprocessor are respectively connected with the plurality of radars, and an output end of the microprocessor is connected with the warning device. The microprocessor acquires signals of the radars, determine obstacle information and/or danger avoiding information around the head of a user, and send the information to the warning device. The warning device receives and provides the user with the obstacle information and/or the danger avoiding information. A control method of the underwater spectacles is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chunyan Ji
  • Patent number: 10407145
    Abstract: An underwater breathing apparatus includes an elastic interior bag designed to hold air. The interior bag is contained within an outer container, which is designed to hold a weighted material which functions to offset positive buoyancy created by the air in the interior bag. The elasticity of the interior bag, as well as a slider mechanism, functions to provide pressure such that the air is accessible to a human diver while underwater. The apparatus also contains a pump that is used to fill the interior bag with air, and a mouthpiece that functions to allow the user to draw air from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Austin Jeffrey Miller
  • Patent number: 10407146
    Abstract: A one-handed, forearm-braced paddle has a blade at one end and a forearm brace at the other interconnected by a central shaft portion. The shaft has a rigid control handle that has a base end fixed to the shaft, and, extends from the shaft to a hand grip portion. The hand grip is shaped to allow a user to clench it, and is thereby radially spaced away from the shaft to further allow the user to apply longitudinal leverage on the blade, or else give the user leverage with the application of a twisting torque on the blade. The control handle is furthermore goose-necked shaped and arching away from the forearm brace so that the user's fingers are relatively unimpeded by any of the shaft, blade, or base portions of the control handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventors: Ray A. Jones, Ronna G. Haxby
  • Patent number: 10407147
    Abstract: An aftermarket adaptor apparatus for a float-board is disclosed. My invention permits a user to adapt a conventional buoyant water float-board (typically a “stand-up paddleboard”, surf board, or other floatable device), to effectively convert it into a foot-propelled exercise board. The adapted float-board allows a user to travel across, over, and through water by the action and means of the user's feet treading and ambulating upon a treadmill integral to said adaptor apparatus (after its attachment onto said float-board). In practice, the treadmill is affixed onto and over the upper surface of the float-board at the time of the adapter being attached. Accordingly, the affixed adaptor upgrades a simple float-board for treadmill propulsion through the water. The adapted float-board permits a user to “self-propel” over, across, and through a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Hector Joaquin Benedi
  • Patent number: 10407148
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and device for controlling energy-saving sailing of a ship. The method comprises the steps of changing the operating parameters of the ship correspondingly when the resistance of the ship changes during routine sailing, controlling the current opening degree of a throttle to increase the instantaneous oil supply amount of a main engine of the ship if the resistance of the ship becomes smaller, and controlling the current opening degree of the throttle to reduce the instantaneous oil supply amount of the main engine of the ship if the resistance of the ship becomes larger. Compared with the prior art, the method and device have the advantages that energy waste is reduced greatly and the sailing cost is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Jiefeng Ni
  • Patent number: 10407149
    Abstract: The arrangement comprises a seal (500) sealing a cylindrical rotating part (100) passing through an opening in a support structure in the vessel (10) against a medium (W). The seal (500) comprises a package of annular seal rings (510, 520, 530). Each seal ring (510, 520, 530) comprises a seal part (512, 522, 532) being supported in a corresponding seal support part (511, 521, 531). The seal support part (511) in the first seal ring (510) positioned closest to the medium (W) has the form of a cylinder (511A) provided with an annular flange (511B) at one end of the cylinder (511A). The outer surface of the cylinder (511A) is supported and sealed with an auxiliary seal (610) against the inner circumference of the opening. The annular flange (511B) is supported against the support structure (83) surrounding the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: ABB OY
    Inventors: Ville Kortelainen, Erkki Ronkainen, Jussi Kiiskilä
  • Patent number: 10407150
    Abstract: A structural component for an aircraft or spacecraft, comprising: a planar member; a reinforcing member which projects from the planar member and is rigidly connected thereto; the reinforcing member comprising at least a foam layer and a cover layer, a plurality of pins extending at least through the foam layer and the cover layer, and at least the pins and the cover layer comprising a curable matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Wolf-Dietrich Dolzinski, Michael Kolax
  • Patent number: 10407151
    Abstract: An aircraft of flying wing or blended wing body type comprising, for access to a pressurized housing, a non-pressurized door in the trailing edge of the aircraft and a pressurized door on the pressurized housing. The distance between the center of the pressurized door and a plane of symmetry of the aircraft is less than or equal to the distance between the center of the non-pressurized door and the plane of symmetry, and the pressurized door is located on a wall other than a rear wall of the pressurized housing or upstream of a rear extremum point of the housing in the absence of any such rear wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Olivier Cazals, Jaime Genty De La Sagne
  • Patent number: 10407152
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an aircraft features a fuselage, a wing member, and two fuselage beam. The fuselage features a first plurality of structural supports, a second plurality of structural supports, a first opening disposed between the first plurality of structural supports, and a second opening disposed between the second plurality of structural supports. The wing member is disposed above the first opening and above the second opening. The wing features a plurality of ribs including a first rib and a second rib. The first fuselage beam couples the first rib of the wing member to the fuselage and has an elongated body portion extending across the first plurality of structural supports. The second fuselage beam couples the second rib of the wing member to the fuselage and features an elongated body portion extending across the second plurality of structural supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: James Everett Kooiman, Mark Loring Isaac, John Elton Brunken, Jr., John McCullough
  • Patent number: 10407153
    Abstract: An aircraft includes a substrate having a curvature to form a lift surface, a plurality of solar cells carried by, bonded to, and impressed into the substrate, and electrical connections between the solar cells carried by the substrate. The electrical connections coupled to link the solar cells together to provide power to the aircraft while in flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: WING AVIATION LLC
    Inventors: Daniel H. Cornew, Maximus Yaney
  • Patent number: 10407154
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a horizontal stabilizer spar is held on the empennage of a rotorcraft by saddle fittings clamping the stabilizer spar at positions spaced apart along a longitudinal direction of the stabilizer spar. Stabilizer mounts are connected at respective ends to the saddle fittings and to vertical spars on the empennage. At least one of the stabilizer mounts is constructed to allow movement of the saddle fittings with respect to the vertical spars with at least four directions of freedom. The movable stabilizer mount is floatingly attached to a vertical spar, while the saddle fittings are connected to the respective stabilizer mounts by way of spherical bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Guillaume Noiseux Boucher, Pascal Flynn-Robitaille, Kevin Donald Morris
  • Patent number: 10407155
    Abstract: A slat can assembly with a slat can body includes at least one full ply of a composite fiber sheet material and a plurality of elongated, unidirectional fiber ply strips that are arranged into the shape of the slat can body. At least some of the unidirectional fiber ply strips are laid over the full ply. And, the full ply and the elongated, unidirectional fiber ply strips cooperate to provide a contoured shape defined by a cellular core member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Aerosud Technology Solutions (Pty) Ltd.
    Inventors: William L. Rodman, Wouter T. Gerber, Jacobus Frederik Swart
  • Patent number: 10407156
    Abstract: The propeller includes a hub supporting a plurality of elongate propeller elements in which a tip of a leading propeller element curves into contact with a trailing propeller element to form a closed structure with increased stiffness and reduced acoustic signature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Thomas Sebastian, Christopher Strem
  • Patent number: 10407157
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a spinner fairing assembly comprising a spinner configured to be fixed relative to a gimbaled yoke coupled to a mast system, and a spinner base configured to be fixed relative to the mast system. A spinner fairing assembly comprising a spinner aligned along a first axis, and a spinner base aligned along a second axis and configured to interface with the spinner, wherein the spinner is configured to transition between a neutral position and a canted position with respect to the spinner base, wherein the first axis and the second axis are coincident in the neutral position, and wherein the first axis and the second axis are not coincident and meet at an origin within the spinner in the canted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Foskey, Frank B. Stamps, Richard Rauber
  • Patent number: 10407158
    Abstract: A blade plug for an aircraft blade is provided. The blade plug includes a first body having a boss extending therefrom and an aperture passing through the boss, the first body configured to sealingly engage with an opening of a blade, a plug cap configured to releasably engage with the boss and move between a first position and a second position, and a passage passing through the first body configured to allow fluid communication through the first body. When the plug cap is in the first position, fluid may not pass through the passage and, when the plug cap is in the second position, fluid may pass through the passage, and the first body has an outer diameter of 4.15 inches (105.37 mm).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul A. Carvalho, Stephane Grimal, Pierre Alexandre Picard
  • Patent number: 10407159
    Abstract: A spar for a propeller blade comprises central structural member extending from a root to a tip of the spar. A first portion of the central structural member extends from the root of the spar and a second portion extends from the tip and adjoins the first portion. The central structural member includes a first plurality of plies of composite material on a pressure side thereof and a second plurality of plies of composite material on a suction side thereof wherein the first plurality of plies are in contact with the second plurality of plies in the second portion from a leading edge to a trailing edge thereof. A plurality of yarns extends through the central structural member in at least the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: RATIER-FIGEAC SAS
    Inventor: Pascal Amat
  • Patent number: 10407160
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a rotor blade. The rotor blade may comprise a plurality of blade segments; one or more attachment fittings for coupling the plurality of blade segments; and one or more actuators for adjusting an orientation of the plurality of blade segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: Benjamin A. Goldman
  • Patent number: 10407161
    Abstract: According to one implementation, an information transmission system includes: a transmission information determination part, an output device; and at least one vibrating device. The transmission information determination part is adapted to determine transmission information to a pilot of an aircraft. The output device is adapted to transmit the transmission information to the pilot by a visual representation, voice, sound or a light. The at least one vibrating device is adapted to propagate a vibration to the pilot when the transmission information is transmitted to the pilot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takuma Mizutani
  • Patent number: 10407162
    Abstract: An aircraft (40a) is provided that includes a plurality of arms (41, 42, 43, 44) with selected arms having the ability to either adjust their length, have arm segments operative to move about an articulated joint in two or three dimensions, or have one arm operative to adjust an angle between the one arm and another arm, or any combination of the foregoing. Thrust generators are repositionably mounted on selected arms, and a control system enables automated, on¬board, or remote control of the thrust generators, repositioning of the thrust generators on the arms, adjustment in the length of the selected arms, the movement of selected arms about the articulated joints, and adjustment of the angle between two or more arms, all while maintaining directional control of the aircraft in flight or on the ground. The aircraft has operational capabilities that exceed existing designs and facilitates manned and unmanned delivery of cargo and transportation of passengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: ROBODUB INC.
    Inventor: Suvro Datta
  • Patent number: 10407163
    Abstract: An aircraft control system includes a propeller shaft assembly. Also included is first rotor operatively coupled to the propeller shaft assembly, the first rotor having a first plurality of blades mounted thereto, the first blades disposed at a substantially identical nominal pitch during rotation of the first rotor, the first rotor rotatable in a first direction. Further included is a second rotor operatively coupled to the propeller shaft assembly and rotatable in a second direction, the second rotor having a second plurality of blades mounted thereto, wherein a pitch of the second blades cyclically changes during rotation of the second rotor, the first rotor and the second rotor disposed and rotated proximate a fixed wing of an aircraft about a common axis extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aircraft, cyclically changing the pitch of the second plurality of blades generating a moment for controlling the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad M. Henze, Robert H. Perkinson
  • Patent number: 10407164
    Abstract: A system for reducing drag on an aircraft includes an ambient air inlet positioned in or near a wingtip fence and or winglet of the aircraft and an air pressurization device, such as an air compressor, coupled to the ambient air inlet. The air pressurization device has an inlet oriented toward the ambient air inlet. The air pressurization device has an outlet oriented toward an interior of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Eric Blumer
  • Patent number: 10407165
    Abstract: An aircraft landing gear comprising a wheel rotatably mounted on an axle, a first gearing element that rotates with the wheel, a second gearing element configured to mesh with the first gearing element such that rotation of the first gearing element causes rotation of the second gearing element, wherein the second gearing element is connected to a generator, such that rotation of the second gearing element causes the generator to generate electrical energy, further comprising a heat dissipation device connected to the generator wherein the heat dissipation device comprises an electrical heating element connectable to the generator to receive generated electrical energy and convert it to heat energy, and a fluid receptacle adjacent the heating element, such that fluid in the receptacle can be heated. An aircraft landing gear further comprising a cavitation braking device, an aircraft and a method of braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventor: Fraser Wilson
  • Patent number: 10407166
    Abstract: A rotor system of an aircraft includes a rotor hub rotatable about an axis of rotation, and a power generation system. The power generation system includes a generator stator and a generator rotor. The generator rotor is coupled to the rotor hub. At least one induction type magnet is mounted to at least one of the generator stator and the generator rotor. A control unit is operably coupled to the at least one induction type magnet to selectively deliver power to the at least one induction type magnet to alter a torque of the rotor hub without decreasing a rotational speed of the rotor hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Timothy F. Lauder
  • Patent number: 10407167
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a configuration of an aerial vehicle, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, in which one or more of the propellers are positioned within a duct that includes an active airflow channel within the interior of the duct. The active airflow channel actively moves within the duct so that it remains aligned with the tips of the blades of the propeller within the duct. As the propeller and the active airflow channel rotate, at least some of the airflow structures (e.g., vortices) shed from the blades of the propeller are collected by the active airflow channel and channeled away from the propeller so that a following blade of the propeller does not pass through the collected airflow structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Beckman, Gur Kimchi
  • Patent number: 10407168
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a drone having a landing control device that is configured to rotate wings into an auto-rotation decent configuration causing the drone to enter a nose-down attitude and spin about a long axis of the drone, and to collectively control pivot angles of the wings to enables control of decent rate and lateral motion during an auto-rotation descent. The landing control device may be a landing carousel including a pivotal frame secured to a drone body and configured to rotate about a carousel axis extending laterally relative to a longitudinal axis of the body. The landing carousel may include a first wing motor configured to pivot a first wing about a wing pivot axis extending parallel to the carousel axis, and a second wing motor configured to pivot a second wing about the wing pivot axis independent of the pivot the first wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Donald Bolden Hutson, Charles Wheeler Sweet, III, Paul Ferrell
  • Patent number: 10407169
    Abstract: A tail sitter aircraft includes a fuselage having a forward portion and an aft portion. The forward portion of the fuselage includes first and second rotor stations. A first rotor assembly is positioned proximate the first rotor station. A second rotor assembly is positioned proximate the second rotor station. A tailboom assembly extends from the aft portion of the fuselage and includes a plurality of landing members. A pusher propeller extends from the tailboom assembly. In a vertical takeoff and landing mode, the first and second rotor assemblies rotate about the fuselage to provide vertical thrust. In a forward flight mode, rotation of the pusher propeller provides forward thrust and the first and second rotor assemblies are non-rotatable about the fuselage forming a dual wing configuration to provide lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk Landon Groninga, Daniel Bryan Robertson, Frank Bradley Stamps
  • Patent number: 10407170
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a number of rotary blade unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is described. The apparatus includes a first physical connector, a first electrical connector, a second physical connector, a second electrical connector, a storage area, and a UAV control unit. The first physical connector attaches the apparatus to a first UAV. The first electrical connector connects electricity between the apparatus and the first UAV. The second physical connector attaches the apparatus to a second UAV. The second electrical connector connects electricity between the apparatus and the second UAV. The storage area stores an energy source for the apparatus. The UAV control unit includes a processor and storage medium. The processor and storage medium are in communication with a cloud based network and receive instructions for the operation of the UAV, including steering instructions, through the cloud based network from a remote control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Mark Hall, Craig Boswell, Joe Fox
  • Patent number: 10407171
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an unmanned aerial vehicle, including: a fuselage; a battery accommodation cavity, disposed on the fuselage; a battery pack, including at least two battery blocks and mounted inside the battery accommodation cavity; a battery circuit board, electrically connected to the battery blocks in the battery pack; and a functional module, electrically connected to the battery circuit board, the battery blocks in the battery pack supplying power to the functional module via the battery circuit board at the same time. By using the solution of the present invention, endurance of the unmanned aerial vehicle is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: AUTEL ROBOTICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dongdong Luo, Feng Ni, Hang Lv, Wenbing Su