Patents Issued in September 17, 2019
  • Patent number: 10414463
    Abstract: A base member includes a first end to be mounted to a bicycle handlebar and a second end opposite to the first end. An operating member is pivotally coupled to the base member about a first pivot axis. A hydraulic unit is coupled to the operating member to operate a bicycle component in response to an operation of the operating member. An electrical switch is to be activated by an input operation from a user. A wireless communicator is electrically connected to the electrical switch to wirelessly transmit a signal to an additional component in response to the input operation. A power supply is electrically connected to the wireless communicator to supply electrical power to the wireless communicator. At least part of the hydraulic unit is disposed below at least one of the wireless communicator and the power supply in a mounting state of the bicycle operating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsushi Komatsu, Takafumi Nishino, Takehiko Nakajima
  • Patent number: 10414464
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the design of seagoing vessels and can be used for most hull types from slow-moving ships and barges to high-speed ships and boats that are operated up to planing speed, and also for sailing boats. The invention relates to the design of the vessel's forepart and relates to a device that reduces the vessel's wave resistance within a wide speed range, and also reduces or eliminates spray and wave-breaking resistance. The device comprises a body that is fully or partly submerged in a mass of water and positioned at the bow area, the body working in interaction with the hull behind. The body is designed and positioned such that it displaces oncoming water mass in the vertical plane and then leads the water mass that passes on the top surface of the body away from and/or parallel to the bow area, such the hull itself, behind the body, displaces oncoming water masses to the least possible extent. A reduced resistance to forward movement from the vessel is thus obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Rasmussen Maritime Design AS
    Inventor: Roar Johan Moen
  • Patent number: 10414465
    Abstract: A hydraulic bow door apparatus, comprising a bow door movably mounted on a deck by a hinge shaft, the bow door comprises a doorframe and a door leaf hermetically mounted together, the front side of the doorframe is mounted with a hydraulic actuating cylinder, the cylinder body of the hydraulic actuating cylinder is hinged with the doorframe, the end of its piston rod is hinged with the hinge shaft through a first connecting rod assembly, after the piston rod of the hydraulic actuating cylinder is pushed out, the bow door is turned into a horizontal placement state; and the front side of the bow door is mounted with a foldable guardrail assembly. The hydraulic bow door apparatus ensures the protective security of a passage which is formed after the bow door is connected to dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: WUXI XINFAN MARINE EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xiaohua Zhou
  • Patent number: 10414466
    Abstract: The invention has for object a system and a method for the realization of floating platforms formed by the aggregation of floating forms in reinforced concrete, the union set of the modules is made integral forming a single plate inserting and pulling special steel cables that cross the entire platform in sheaths arranged in the walls of the modules themselves, the pulled cables, locked in this position, compress the plate to increase resistance, the present method and system are also characterized by the fact that the quota of the platform does not vary with the tides and the loads to which it is subjected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Giorgio Grossi
  • Patent number: 10414467
    Abstract: Disclosed is an anchor having a fluke, a shank that is connected to the fluke, and a coupling to attach the fluke to an anchor line or anchor chain, wherein the shank has two shank legs each having a straight shank plate with an outer surface that extend on the opposite sides of the plane of symmetry of the anchor and that diverge from the coupling towards the fluke, wherein the fluke has two straight penetration plates with a top surface on the opposite sides of the plane of symmetry of the anchor, wherein the orientation of the outer surfaces with respect to the top surfaces is specified by three angles under narrow ranges to provide excellent penetration properties and an excellent holding capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: STEVLOS B.V.
    Inventors: David Peter Van Den Ende, Victor Maria Wilhelm Gerard Remmers
  • Patent number: 10414468
    Abstract: Cushions for use in seating for boats and methods of using the same. According to one embodiment, the cushion is designed for use with a bucket-type boat seat and includes an insert and a casing. The insert has a J-shape and is made up of three foam pads joined to one another, with a first of the foam pads designed to be positioned over the boat seat, with a second of the foam pads designed to be positioned in front of the boat seat, and with a third of the foam pads designed to be positioned under the boat seat. The casing preferably conforms substantially to the shape of the insert and is designed to permit the insert to be inserted into and/or removed from the casing. The cushion additionally includes a fastener coupled to the casing for use in securing the casing to the boat seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: REGAL BOAT SEAT CUSHIONS INC.
    Inventor: Martin J. Dennehy
  • Patent number: 10414469
    Abstract: A spring-loaded wakeboard booster has a vertical swivel connection to the towing tower of a motorboat at its proximal end. The swivel connection rotatably supports a cylindrical piston spring assembly, which has a tow rope connection shaft at its proximal end, through which the piston spring assembly is connected by a tow line extending to the wakeboard. When the wakeboard is being towed, the force on the tow line draws the piston toward the proximal end of the piston spring assembly, thereby compressing the spring. When the wakeboard reaches the crest of the boat's wake, the water resistance drops and the spring expands, drawing the board forward and over the wake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Steven Smaracko
  • Patent number: 10414470
    Abstract: Wakeboat hull control systems and methods are provided to permit the accurate reproduction of a wake behind a wakeboat. The onboard wake control system receives data from a draft measuring system. Incorporation of the data from the draft measuring system permits accurate reproduction of a wake behind the wakeboat after a change in an onboard variable such as the number, weight or position of passengers, the weight or position of cargo and the position of trim tabs or amount/location of ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Skier's Choice, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Hartman
  • Patent number: 10414471
    Abstract: Device for a structure designed to tilt from one side to the opposite side, with the device comprising: at least one intermediate chamber (17) between the first and second edges, first and second side tanks (15a, 15b) communicating with the intermediate chamber(s) to manage liquid inputs and outputs, the side tanks each including a wall (19) which delimits them externally and being located towards the two extremities of the intermediate chamber, characterised with each side tank comprising: an upper section positioned so that it receives the liquid in line with the elongation direction (17a) of the intermediate chamber which supplies it, and a lower section which will connect to the upper section, with each of the upper and lower sections connected to the intermediate chamber(s) for the liquid inlets and outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: GEPS Techno
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Longeroche, Philippe Magaldi
  • Patent number: 10414472
    Abstract: Trolling motor assemblies with an integrated screen and/or user interface are provided herein. For example, the screen is integrated in the main housing or a foot pedal housing of the trolling motor assembly and accessible/visible by a user while the trolling motor is deployed. Such an assembly provides an easy-to-use and compact assembly that provides useful marine features for the user right at the trolling motor, thereby saving space and allowing the user to receive all pertinent information at their current position on the watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: NAVICO HOLDING AS
    Inventor: Jeremiah Clark
  • Patent number: 10414473
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and related method for cleaning vessel hulls and other subsea structures at sea. In an embodiment, a hull cleaning system comprises a housing defining an interior void; a multifunction bar; a propulsion system; a power system; a positioning system; a water pump operatively connected to the power system; a high flow manifold operatively in fluid communication with the water pump; a hull cleaner; and a suction device configured to selectively adhere the hull cleaning system to a hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery Neal Ledda, Duane Martin Baker, III, Bruce Brian Brown, Anthony Louis Kopera, George Kotula, Thomas Knight Tolman, Gary Wieboldt, Christopher Embree Wong
  • Patent number: 10414474
    Abstract: A boat handling apparatus includes a carriage frame supported for rolling movement along a first horizontal track between a lifting position adjacent to a first end of the first track and a stored position adjacent to an opposing second end of the first track. A second upright track is fixed in proximity to the first end of the first track to depend downwardly from the first track. A cradle frame which is arranged to support a boat thereon is transferrable from a raised position supported on the carriage frame so as to be movable with the carriage frame between lifting and storage positions thereof, to a lowered position in which the cradle frame is movable up and down along the second track below the first horizontal track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Dale David Place
  • Patent number: 10414475
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a personal flotation device that can be worn by a user includes an inflation system including an inflatable bladder and a gas-generating component, the gas-generating component being configured to generate gas using a chemical reaction and inject the generated gas into the bladder to inflate it, and an inflation control system configured to control activation of the gas-generating component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Aydin Kemal Sunol, Evan James Ticknor, Selina Kyle Guardiano, Timothy Warren Jacobson, Everett David Rogers, Kyle Louis Cogswell, Robert Dana Frisina, Christopher Lawrence Passaglia
  • Patent number: 10414476
    Abstract: Exemplary systems enable operation of mobile devices underwater. Antennas on a buoy assembly allow a mobile device to maintain wireless communications. A series of cable segments connect a buoy assembly to a waterproof case capable of sealing a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Aaron B. Cole, Donald R. Thompson, Manda Schaeffer, Steven M. Seghi, Travis W. Vincent, Zachary P. Steffes
  • Patent number: 10414477
    Abstract: An unmanned underwater vehicle propulsion system includes a turbine engine having a mechanical output, an electrical generator including a mechanical connection to the mechanical output, and an electrical input/output. At least one power bus connects the electrical input/output to one of a motor drive and a motor. A rechargeable energy storage system is connected to the at least one power bus and is configured to provide power to the power bus in at least a first mode and receive power from the power bus in a second mode. A controller is configured to control at least one of the electrical generator, the motor drive, the motor, and the rechargeable energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Himmelmann
  • Patent number: 10414478
    Abstract: A marine propulsion system configured to propel a marine vessel in a body of water. The marine propulsion system includes an engine and an exhaust system that conveys exhaust gas from the engine. A controller controls the marine propulsion system and includes a memory module that stores operating modes with corresponding sound profiles for controlling the marine propulsion system. An input device is provided for selecting one of the operating modes for controlling the marine propulsion system. Selecting a first operating mode causes the marine propulsion system to sound different than selecting a second operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew S. Waisanen, William P. O'Brien, Steven M. Anschuetz, Robert R. Osthelder
  • Patent number: 10414479
    Abstract: A new and improved system for interconnecting components in a vehicle body structure, and especially for interconnecting fiber-reinforced composite components in a fuselage structure of an aircraft. The system includes: a first adapter member having a first mating portion that is adhesively bonded with a profile of a first component of the structure in more than one plane, and a first attachment portion connected to the first mating portion; a second adapter member having a second mating portion that is adhesively bonded with a profile of a second component of the structure in more than one plane, and a second attachment portion connected to the second mating portion; and a connector member to securely interconnect the first and second attachment portions of the first and second adapter members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Memis Tiryaki, Ulrich Bieling
  • Patent number: 10414480
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for securing aircraft sidewall. One embodiment comprises a hanger for supporting sections of sidewall for an aircraft. The hanger includes an elongated vertical member that attaches to a frame of the aircraft, and sets of keyholes that are each arranged in a vertical pattern along the member and that are each configured to support a corresponding section of sidewall of the aircraft. Each keyhole includes a receptacle dimensioned to receive a fitting from a section of sidewall, and a slot dimensioned to slidably accept the fitting via the receptacle to secure the fitting in place. The slot size of keyholes in each set varies from one end of the vertical pattern to another end of the vertical pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Cory M. Hitchcock, Thomas S. Perkins, Erik Ivar Wiman, Gregory A. Tubbs
  • Patent number: 10414481
    Abstract: During a method for forming a structural panel, a core structure is formed that includes a plurality of corrugated ribbons and a plurality of walls. Each of the corrugated ribbons is laterally between a respective adjacent pair of the walls. Each of the corrugated ribbons includes a plurality of baffles and a plurality of porous septums. Each of the porous septums is longitudinally between a respective adjacent pair of the baffles. The forming of the core structure includes bonding a first of the walls to a first of the corrugated ribbons and subsequently bonding a second of the walls to the first of the corrugated ribbons. The core structure is bonded to a first skin. The core structure is bonded to a second skin. The core structure is vertically between the first skin and the second skin, and the first skin is configured with a plurality of perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Pierick, Raymond R. Listak, Andrew S. Gurney
  • Patent number: 10414482
    Abstract: The invention relates to airfoils, called jn1431-265 and 1413-362, which operate intelligently by adjusting the variable aerodynamics thereof, not only through the attack and sine angle, but also through the effect of scale (air speed), which, when combined, improve the efficiency of the wings configured therewith by up to 30%, cause the wings to experience a predictable stall and also rapidly recover therefrom, and also making the wings configured therewith more efficient at low speed, which reduces the need to use flaps or slats (“high lift devices”), and, in the event that flaps or slats are used, increase the effect of said airfoils even more. On the other hand, at an increased speed, the aerodynamic variables also adjust by up to a third of the value thereof (the angle of attack remaining unchanged), causing the wing to also be very stable at high speed conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Juan Gerardo Narvaez Tijerina
  • Patent number: 10414483
    Abstract: An aircraft has a wing, a pylon carried by the wing, at least one of a rotor system component and a drive system component disposed within the pylon, and a wing extension carried by the at least one of a rotor system component and drive system component, wherein the wing extension is foldable relative to the pylon to selectively reduce an overall space occupied by the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Ray Ivans, Brent Chadwick Ross
  • Patent number: 10414484
    Abstract: An aircraft (40). The aircraft comprises a plurality of propellers (46) mounted to wings (44). Each propeller comprises at least one blade (72, 74) coupled to a respective propeller cyclic actuator (78) configured to cyclically alter the pitch of the respective blade (72, 74) as the propeller rotates. The aircraft (40) is configured such that provision of cyclic pitch to the propeller (46) twists at least a portion of the wing (44) about a span of the wing (46) relative to the fuselage (42), to thereby adjust the local angle of incidence of the wing (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Matthew Moxon
  • Patent number: 10414485
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved propeller blade design by modifying a classic propeller blade design by changing the twist distribution across the propeller blade(s). This is accomplished by increasing the twist of each propeller blade on the inboard portion of the blade compared to a classic propeller design. At a break point, the twist provided across the propeller blade from the break point to the tip of the blade decreases so that the attack angle at the tip of the propeller blade is less than that of a classic propeller blade design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Albion H Bowers
  • Patent number: 10414486
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an airfoil comprises a proximal end; a distal end opposite said proximal end; a distal portion extending adjacent said distal end; an edge extending between said proximal end and said distal end; and a surface extending between said proximal end and said distal end, said edge and said surface defining a sweep and a cahedral through said distal portion, wherein the distal portion extends over an acoustically active portion of the airfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Trevor Howard Wood, Kishore Ramakrishnan
  • Patent number: 10414487
    Abstract: An aircraft propeller blade including a streamlined structure constituted by at least one piece of fiber reinforcement obtained by three-dimensionally weaving yarns and densified by a matrix, together with a spar including an enlarged portion extending outside the fiber reinforcement and forming the root of the blade, and a shaping portion present in a housing arranged inside the fiber reinforcement. The fiber reinforcement includes a non-interlinked zone forming the housing inside the fiber reinforcement. The non-interlinked zone opens out into the bottom portion and into the rear edge of the fiber reinforcement so as to form an opening for inserting the shaping portion of the spar into the housing of the fiber reinforcement. The opening present in the rear edge of the fiber reinforcement extends over a height that is less than the height of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Adrien Laurenceau, Adrien Jacques Philippe Fabre, Matthieu Gimat
  • Patent number: 10414488
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems to dampen oscillations of a payload coupled to a tether of a winch system arranged on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). For example, the UAV's control system may dampen the oscillations by causing the UAV to switch to a forward flight mode in which movement of the UAV results in drag on the payload, thereby damping the oscillations. In another example, the control system may cause the UAV to reduce an extent flight stabilization along at least one dimension, thereby resulting in damping of the detected oscillations due to energy dissipation during movement of the UAV along the dimension. In this way, the control system could select and carry out one or more such techniques, and could do so during retraction and/or deployment of the tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Wing Aviation LLC
    Inventors: Andre Prager, Trevor Shannon
  • Patent number: 10414489
    Abstract: An aircraft landing gear comprising an axle (100), a wheel (102) borne by the axle, a stack of discs (104) arranged to impose a braking torque on the wheel in response to a pressure imposed on the stack of discs, at least one electromechanical actuator (106) extending facing the stack of discs in order in a controlled manner to apply the imposed pressure to the stack of discs, and an actuator bearer (107) designed to bear the electromechanical actuator. The electromechanical actuator is fixed to the actuator bearer while at the same time being demountable. The actuator bearer is incorporated into the axle in such a way that the axle and the actuator bearer form a single component. There also is a method of demounting a stack of discs from such a landing gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Dominique Onfroy, Philippe Chico
  • Patent number: 10414490
    Abstract: A blade of a rotor for a rotary wing aircraft. The blade presents relationships for variation in the sweep and in the chord of the profiles of sections of the blade, in particular in order to improve the twisting stiffness and the bending stiffness of the blade. The blade is then double-tapered and it presents three sweeps, making it possible firstly to improve the aerodynamic performance of the blade in forward flight, and secondly to reduce the noise given off by the blade, in particular during an approach flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventors: Debbie Leusink, David Alfano, Vincent Gareton
  • Patent number: 10414491
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The vertical take-off and landing aircraft includes a single wing, a plurality of engines, a first set of propellers on a first side of the single wing, a second set of propellers on a second side of the single wing, a first power transfer unit, a second power transfer unit, landing gears connected to the single wing, and a fuselage with a capacity of 100 passengers connected to the single wing. The plurality of engines includes a first engine mounted to the first side of the single wing and a second engine mounted to the second side of the single wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Kazem Milani
  • Patent number: 10414492
    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. The tailboom assembly includes a plurality of landing members. In a vertical takeoff and landing mode of the aircraft, the first and second rotor assemblies rotate about the fuselage to provide vertical thrust. In a forward flight mode of the aircraft, the first rotor assembly rotates about the fuselage to provide forward thrust and the second rotor assembly is non-rotatable about the fuselage forming wings to provide lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Bryan Robertson, Kirk Landon Groninga, Frank Bradley Stamps
  • Patent number: 10414493
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated launch, retrieval, and servicing of a hovering aircraft is provided. The apparatus includes a line which is elevatable while maintaining a principally horizontal axis. For retrieval, the aircraft translates principally spanwise over the line, following a path which is principally horizontal and normal to the line. At an appropriate moment, the line is elevated and contacts the aircraft's wing. As the aircraft continues translating, the line slides along the wing until captured in a cleat. The aircraft is then stably tethered in hover, and its position can be manipulated by articulating the line, such as to guide the aircraft into a docking station. For launch the aircraft lifts itself into hover while tethered to the line. Articulation of the line guides the aircraft into a launch position, at which point the line is disconnected from the cleat, thereby releasing the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Aerovel Corporation
    Inventors: Brian T. McGeer, Kristoffer Gauksheim, Rutger Engbersen, Andrew Crafts, Michael Baxter
  • Patent number: 10414494
    Abstract: A method for navigating an airborne device relative to a target comprises detecting, at an optical detector on the airborne device, an optical signal generated by one or more LEDs on the target; comparing the detected optical signal with a previously-detected optical signal; determining, based on the comparison, a change in location of at least one of the airborne device or the target; adjusting a position of the airborne device based on the determined change in location; predicting a movement of the target based on information indicative of at least one of a position, a rotation, an orientation, an acceleration, a velocity, or an altitude of the target, wherein the position of the airborne device is adjusted based on the predicted movement; detecting an obstacle in a flight path associated with the airborne device and adjusting a position of the airborne device based on detected obstacle information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Wing Aviation LLC
    Inventor: Damien Bruno Jourdan
  • Patent number: 10414495
    Abstract: In some embodiments, provide systems, apparatuses and methods to deliver products using unmanned delivery aircraft. In some embodiments, product delivery system is provided, comprising: an unmanned delivery aircraft configured to deliver a package to a package drop point corresponding to a location of a vehicle at a predefined drive-through station, wherein the delivery aircraft comprises: one or more cameras; an image processor configured to process images captured by the one or more cameras and based on the processing of the images confirm a precise location of the package drop point as defined according to a determined current location and an orientation of the vehicle; and a crane system that supports the first package and lowers the first package to the package drop point relative to the current location and orientation of the vehicle while the delivery aircraft hovers above the vehicle by a threshold distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Chandrashekar Natarajan, Donald R. High
  • Patent number: 10414496
    Abstract: A secondary cable connected to a tow reel connects a secondary tow target with a primary tow target. The primary tow target has a mother tow reel positioned at its center of gravity. The mother tow reel is connected to a primary cable that connects the primary tow target to an aircraft. The primary tow target is provided with a pair of lugs positioned on the primary tow target such that an axis line extends through the pair of lugs and through the center of gravity of the primary tow target. A slide ring that is slidable along a cable yoke is attached to the pair of lugs. The slide ring is connected to the secondary cable such that a line of force from the secondary cable is constantly directed through the center of gravity of the primary tow target allowing for the stable aerodynamic flight of the towing aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Tony Still
  • Patent number: 10414497
    Abstract: A lightweight shield for aircraft protection against threat of high energy impacts, which comprises, a structural layer that has a first side and a second side, the first side being intended for receiving the impact, and a ballistic material layer for absorbing high energy impacts, having a first side and a second side. The first side of the ballistic material layer is faced to the second side of structural layer and joined to the structural layer via a progressively detachable interface and, the second side of the ballistic material layer is a free surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS S.L.
    Inventors: Iker Vélez De Mendizábal Alonso, Esteban Martino González, Carlos García Nieto, Edouard Menard, Enrique Guinaldo Fernández, Soledad Crespo Peña, Jesús Javier Vázquez Castro
  • Patent number: 10414498
    Abstract: A power drive unit (PDU) for moving cargo within an aircraft includes an actuator configured to move a unit load device (ULD) relative to the PDU. The PDU also includes a network access device configured to receive a second PDU state corresponding to a second PDU, and to transmit data. The PDU also includes a controller configured to determine a current state of the PDU based on sensor data corresponding to presence of the ULD above the PDU and the second PDU state, and to control the actuator based on the current state of the PDU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott Harms, Aaron J. Roberts, Daniel Tweten
  • Patent number: 10414499
    Abstract: A passenger service unit (PSU) for a transport vessel has a unitary chassis with a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. Each one of the apertures is independently sized to receive at least one of a plurality of different modules. Each one of the modules includes one or more PSU fixtures having components different from other ones of the plurality of modules. A representative vessel is a passenger aircraft. Representative modules include vent and passenger reading light module, speaker module, passenger oxygen supply module and display module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Peco Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: David Freund, Brendan Keavney, Caleb Flori
  • Patent number: 10414500
    Abstract: An electronic device holder disposed on a seat back comprises a base fixed to the seat back; a folding shelf rotatably attached to the base via first and second pivot members and configured to be rotated between a stowed position and a use position; and a sliding member attached to the base and configured to be moved upward and downward. The folding shelf includes an upper surface; and a plurality of retaining lips extending from the upper surface to form a plurality of recesses. The folding shelf and the sliding member form an angle in the use position so as to hold an electronic device between one of the recesses and a free end of the sliding member in the use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Kevin Irons, Shayne Ellis, Nick David Eterovic, Ian Woodward
  • Patent number: 10414501
    Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat having a dynamic breakover assembly includes a seat bottom frame and a seat back pivotally-mounted to the seat bottom frame that allows the angle of the seat back relative to the seat bottom frame to be varied from an upright taxi takeoff and landing (TTOL) position to a reclined position. The seat may include a means for sensing acceleration corresponding to a force indicative of an abnormal event; and a breakover mechanism coupled to the seat bottom frame and the seat back in which the means for sensing acceleration is coupled to the breakover mechanism. The breakover mechanism can prevent movement of the seat back in a forward direction past the TTOL position during normal use, and permit forward movement of at least a portion of the seat back in the forward direction past the TTOL position upon activation by the means for sensing acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeff Thompson, Jay Pierson, Brad Barg, Travis Finlay, Thomas Martz, Neng Yue, Dennis Hedrick, Randy Penley
  • Patent number: 10414502
    Abstract: A method of automatic positioning a seat in an apparatus comprising two cameras located on either side of the seat, each one in a position able to acquire images of a face of a user seated on the seat. The seat comprises at least one motor, each motor acting on a position of the seat along a predefined axis. The method comprises: for each camera: obtaining a position of a predefined image zone in which at least one eye of a user of the apparatus should be located; acquiring an image of a user seated on the seat; detecting at least one eye of the seated user in the image acquired; and obtaining a relative position between each eye detected and the predefined zone. By using each relative position obtained, at least one motor is actuated until each predefined zone contains at least one eye of the seated user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Jean Monfraix, Mathieu Collignon
  • Patent number: 10414503
    Abstract: A crew attendant seat assembly configured to be installed in an aircraft cabin and including a seat including a seat bottom hinged to a seatback to rotate between a stowed position and a deployed position, a spring member mountable to a static structure adjacent the and to an adjustable aperture on the hinge, the spring having two mounting positions, a harness mounted to the seat for restraining a seated passenger including a shoulder strap and a lap belt, and a storage area for retaining at least one of the lap belt and the buckle when the seat bottom is stowed, wherein at least one of the lap belt and the buckle are enclosed by the crew attendant seat assembly when the seat bottom is stowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Markus Spagl
  • Patent number: 10414504
    Abstract: An aircraft seat mounting device with at least one carrier profile, with at least one aircraft seat element and with at least one intermediate element, which at least substantially encompasses the at least one carrier profile and is coupled to the at least one aircraft seat element. The intermediate element is arranged rotatably with respect to the carrier profile at least in case of crash/deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Roderwald, Thomas Drenzeck
  • Patent number: 10414505
    Abstract: An environmental control system for an aircraft uses engine bleed air for cabin environment control. The environment control system regulates the inlet airflow by assessing a plurality of parameters that provides, but not limited to, the aircraft operating conditions and external environment data, aiming at substantially reducing the extracted engine bleed air demand for cabin environment control and fuel consumption reduction and concurrently complying with aircraft pressurization, ventilation and thermal load requirements. The environmental control system airflow target is calculated based on the actual aircraft operating conditions, external environment data and a multi-dimensional airflow schedule map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Embraer S.A.
    Inventors: Bernardo Campos da Silva Franco, Leandro Coelho Herd, André Mendes Quintino, Nicolau Braga Santos
  • Patent number: 10414506
    Abstract: An aircraft includes an airframe parachute system. The parachute system includes an activation system, an extraction system, a harness system, and a parachute assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Cirrus Design Corporation
    Inventors: Garrett John Homan, David A. Rathbun, Kevin P. Welsh, Jeremy Travis Engel, Anthony Dale Kasher
  • Patent number: 10414507
    Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting blade tip clearance targets and utilizing the adjusted targets to optimize the clearances between the blade tips and surrounding shrouds of a turbine engine are provided. In one exemplary aspect, one or more engine controllers utilize a machine-learned model to customize blade tip clearance targets based on the way an engine has been uniquely operated in the past for a particular flight mission. Present flight data associated with a present flight of a given flight mission is obtained. A model blade tip clearance target is adjusted based at least in part on the machine-learned model and the present flight data. The machine-learned model is trained at least in part on past flight data indicative of the manner in which the turbine engine has been operated for one or more past flights of the flight mission. An adjusted blade tip clearance target is then generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Timothy Leo Schelfaut
  • Patent number: 10414508
    Abstract: In one aspect the present subject matter is directed to a gas-electric propulsion system for an aircraft. The system may include a turbofan jet engine, an electric powered boundary layer ingestion fan that is coupled to a fuselage portion of the aircraft aft of the turbofan jet engine, and an electric generator that is electronically coupled to the turbofan jet engine and to the boundary layer ingestion fan. The electric generator converts rotational energy from the turbofan jet engine to electrical energy and provides at least a portion of the electrical energy to the boundary layer ingestion fan. In another aspect of the present subject matter, a method for propelling an aircraft via the gas-electric propulsion system is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Anthony Hamel, Kurt David Murrow
  • Patent number: 10414509
    Abstract: A propulsor and mount arrangement comprises a propulsor rotor and a fan casing surrounding the propulsor rotor. The fan casing receives two side mounts and a thrust link pivotally attached to the fan casing at a location that will be within 10° of a vertically lowermost location when the propulsor is mounted on an aircraft, and the side mounts being at circumferentially opposed positions, and within a lower 270° when the propulsor is mounted on an aircraft. At least a portion of both the side mounts, and a pivot point connect the thrust link to the fan casing in a common plane defined perpendicular to a rotational axis of the propulsor rotor. An aircraft is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Jesse M. Chandler
  • Patent number: 10414510
    Abstract: A retractable landing gear includes a main strut having an upper end that is configured to connect to aircraft primary structure and a lower end configured to connect to an axle or bogie truck. An articulated stay has a distal end configured to connect to the aircraft structure and a proximal end pivotally connected to a cardan pin member. The cardan pin member has a cylindrical portion with a first recessed annular channel. The cardan pin member is retained in the socket by a ring assembly formed by two semi-annular ring members that slidably engages the first recessed channel. The ring assembly defines a second recessed annular channel. A collar is configured to be positioned over the second recessed channel, and to contract upon a change in temperature to lockingly engage the second recessed channel, to secure the split ring assembly in the first recessed channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS CANADA INC.
    Inventor: Robert Kyle Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10414511
    Abstract: A method and device for automatically powering off an aerial vehicle, and an aerial vehicle, are provided. The method comprises detecting an operating state of the aerial vehicle, and shutting down a propulsion output of the aerial vehicle if the operating state of the aerial vehicle is a landed state, to effect automatic powering off of the aerial vehicle after landing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Renli Shi, Xuyang Pan, Jianyu Song, Canlong Lin
  • Patent number: 10414512
    Abstract: One aspect is a flight control system for a rotary wing aircraft that includes flight control computer configured to interface with a main rotor system, a translational thrust system, and an engine control system. The flight control computer includes processing circuitry configured to execute control logic. The control logic includes a primary flight control configured to produce flight control commands for the main rotor system and the translational thrust system. Main rotor engine anticipation logic is configured to produce a rotor power demand associated with the main rotor system. Propulsor loads engine anticipation logic is configured to produce an auxiliary propulsor power demand associated with the translational thrust system. The auxiliary propulsor power is combined with the rotor power demand to produce a total power demand anticipation signal for the engine control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Matthew T. Luszcz