Patents Issued in November 21, 2019
  • Publication number: 20190351968
    Abstract: A flexible towing device for single-track vehicles, comprising a towing element adapted for mounting on a first of single-track vehicles and comprising a flexible towing element and a lock attached to one of the ends of the flexible towing element, a locking mechanism assembly adapted for mounting on a second of single-track vehicles and comprising a first portion of the body comprising a half-seat, a second portion of the body comprising a half-seat, which half-seats of the first and the second portion, respectively, form a seat for detachable coupling of the lock of the towing element assembly, wherein the lock of the towing element assembly is releasable from the seat of the locking element mechanism assembly following applying a release force to the lock. A towing element assembly and a locking mechanism assembly for use in the flexible towing device for single-track vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Michal OLSZEWSKI, Adam TOMASZUK, Jaroslaw SZUSTA, Lukasz DERPENSKI
  • Publication number: 20190351969
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member including a first end to be mounted to a bicycle handlebar and a second end opposite to the first end. A hydraulic unit is operatively coupled to an 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 closer to the free end of the operating member than at least one of the wireless communicator and the power supply when viewed from the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsushi KOMATSU, Takafumi NISHINO, Takehiko NAKAJIMA
  • Publication number: 20190351970
    Abstract: In order to solve low strength and labor-saving of transmission mechanism of conventional crank assembly for a bicycle, this invention provides a crank device. The crank device of this invention includes: a housing (3) to be connected to a frame of the bicycle; a transmission member (4) accommodated in the housing (3) in a loose-fit manner; a supporting shaft (5) partially accommodated in the transmission member (4) in a loose-fit manner; and two driving assemblies (8, 9). Each of the driving assemblies (8, 9) includes: a driving member (82, 92) secured to transmission member (4) and to be connected to a sprocket of the bicycle, wherein one end of the supporting shaft (5) passes through the transmission member (4) and the driving member (82, 92) in a loose-fit manner; and a force arm (81, 91) including an ear (811) secured to the driving member (82, 92) and a bump (812) pivoted to the one end of the supporting shaft (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: De Jin YE
  • Publication number: 20190351971
    Abstract: An Actuating device for a bicycle is provided. The actuating device may include a static element which is positionally fixed in relation to a bicycle frame, a movable element which is movable in relation to the static element, an electromechanical drive which provides drive force for a movement of the movable element. The electromechanical drive has a motor and a gearing driven by the motor. The gearing may include a first gearing wheel and a second gearing wheel which is in engagement with the first gearing wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GmbH
    Inventors: SEBASTIAN DUEWELING, MATTHIAS REINBOLD, ROBERT BOEHM, SVEN BAUMANN, SVEN SCHMELZING
  • Publication number: 20190351972
    Abstract: A transmission for a bicycle includes at least four shift elements, one input shaft (1), a first planetary gear set (PS1) which is operatively connected to the input shaft (1), and a second planetary gear set (PS2). A carrier of the first planetary gear set is rotationally fixed to a carrier of the second planetary gear set (PS2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Valerie Engel, Uwe Griesmeier, Matthias Wesa, Michael Wechs, Jens Moraw, Gerhard Niederbrucker
  • Publication number: 20190351973
    Abstract: A boat hull includes a bow section and a flat aft section to allow an air film to be introduced under the boat hull. At least one slot or round hole is arranged proximate a location where the bow section meets the flat aft section. The slot or round hole provides a low-pressure injection point for pumped or drawn-in air and/or exhaust gas, which lubricates an operative surface of the flat aft section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Anthony Little
  • Publication number: 20190351974
    Abstract: A structure for reducing the drag of a ship and its application thereof is provided. The structure for reducing the drag of a ship includes at least one turbulence generating structure which is installed on the side surface between the widest section and the aft end or on the bottom surface between the deepest portion and the aft end of the ship. The arrangement of the turbulence generating structure can generate turbulence to reduce the drag of the ship, and thereby increase the speed of the ship and/or reduce the ship's fuel consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Chen-Hsin MEI
  • Publication number: 20190351975
    Abstract: Implementations of an inflatable raft that has a figure-eight shape are provided. The figure-eight shape serves to stabilize the inflatable raft and allows it to be paddled and maneuvered by a single paddler. In some implementations, the inflatable raft comprises a figure-eight shaped buoyant member, the figure-eight shaped buoyant member defines a front lobe that is connected to a rear lobe by a narrow central section. The inflatable raft also comprises a floor that is connected to the underside of the figure-eight shaped buoyant member. In some implementations, the inflatable raft may further comprise a substantially rigid deck insert configured to rest on the floor and to interlock with the figure-eight shaped buoyant member of the inflatable raft. The deck insert is configured to provide a substantially stable platform for a person using the inflatable raft, and to increase buoyancy and the overall rigidity of the inflatable raft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: WadeWater Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy Hardee
  • Publication number: 20190351976
    Abstract: The articulating bowsprit permits deployment of sails from a point forward of the bow on sailing vessels. The unique characteristics include: simple installation and removal for stowage, high degree of flexibility for optimal point of attachment including deck or side mounting, ability for fixed length or telescoping configurations, horizontal support of bowsprit with deck mounting brackets, and pinned connections at each end which eliminates torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2015
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Rodney Martin Percival
  • Publication number: 20190351977
    Abstract: This document describes a system for the deployment, towing and recovery of marine equipment from a waterborne carrier, which carrier comprises a hoisting arrangement for lifting the marine equipment into the water. The system cooperates with the hoisting arrangement, and comprises a lateral deployment-recovery assembly for deployment and recovery on a lateral side of the carrier, and includes: a tow winch and an aft lateral outrigger connected to the carrier. The assembly also comprises a tow line guide and a guider winch including a guide line attachable to the tow line guide. The aft outrigger comprises a seat for the tow line guide and a sheave for the guide line to enable guiding of the tow line guide to the seat. The document also describes a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: Fugro N.V.
    Inventors: Mike CHIVERS, Hans VAN DER WIEL, Sebastiaan Cornelis Antonius VAN VELDHUIZEN
  • Publication number: 20190351978
    Abstract: A system for securing a submerged buoy including a signalling element floating on the surface and connected to the buoy by a link, said securing system being wherein it includes a reversible coupling device comprising an attachment member secured to the end of the link opposite the signalling element, a complementary attachment member rigidly connected to the buoy and capable of engaging with said attachment member in order to allow the link to be secured to or released from the buoy, a pressure sensor, a control unit associated with a time measurement unit, said control unit ordering said complementary attachment member to separate from said attachment member when a pressure variation, measured by associating said pressure sensor and said time-measurement unit, is higher than a set value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: SCATRI SA
    Inventor: Patrice BIOUSSE
  • Publication number: 20190351979
    Abstract: A board suitable for riding a wave is described. The board includes interconnected deck and bottom reinforcing zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Daniel Pene MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20190351980
    Abstract: The invention is directed toward a “Rail saver with a handle. The rail saver has a handle the extends laterally away from the rail saver, creating a “loop” which the user can grab to maintain control over a water sports vehicle such as a long board, SUP, toil board, sail board, body board and other water sports vehicles. The “rail saver with a handle” is designed to add the functionality of being able to grab and control a free-floating board while in water. Grabbing and controlling an SUP board is also difficult while holding a paddle. This new functionality provides an opportunity to control a board with one hand whether or not you are holding a paddle. By holding and using the handle, the board rider avoids injury to his fingers or hands from grasping at a leash cord that is not designed to be grabbed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Roy L. Lundstedt, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190351981
    Abstract: A harness for sailing, comprising a harness body with a pair of side flaps, a groin piece connected to the harness body and connecting to a spreader bar assembly. The spreader bar assembly comprising a front piece, and a pair of distal flaps, in which a respective side flap can be positioned between the front piece and the respective distal flap to be releasably secured therein; the spreader bar assembly comprising a quick release strap positioned between each distal flap and respective side flap, such that when the quick release strap is moved distally of the spreader bar assembly, the distal flap is separated from the side flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Andrue KERR, Bartosz MILCZARCZYK
  • Publication number: 20190351982
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shut-off valve installed in an accommodation chamber regulating entry/exit of air. The shut-off valve includes: a body removably disposed in the accommodation chamber and having multiple air passage holes; a valve stem adapted to be moved vertically along a valve stem insertion hole formed in the body; a disc mounted on a disc engagement portion formed at a lower end of the valve stem to open/close at least one of the multiple air passage holes; a rotor disposed on an upper side of the body to vertically move the valve stem, the rotor being provided with an opening/closing indicator to check opening/closing of the shut-off valve outside the accommodation chamber, wherein the accommodation chamber has an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall, the body disposed passing through the upper wall and lower wall of the accommodation chamber, and the disc is located outside the accommodation chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Soon Hwan YUN, Young Chun KIM, Seong Jae LEE
  • Publication number: 20190351983
    Abstract: There is provided a storage system for storing and retrieving watercraft or other items to or from a storage position in a storage area as part of an enclosure having a plurality of storage areas. The storage system may include at least one carrier to support the item during movement to or from a storage position, and a positioning system to move the carrier system. An elevator system is usable to move the positioning system and carrier system to and from a storage area, and a control system is usable to control the positioning system to move the carrier system and item into and out of its storage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Richard C. Lydle
  • Publication number: 20190351984
    Abstract: An environmental protection garment for use during water activities includes a wetsuit. A plurality of bladders, a receiver, a transmitter, and a controller are coupled to the wetsuit. An inflation unit coupled to the wetsuit and fluidically coupled to the plurality of bladders. The receiver is global position system enabled. The controller is operationally coupled to the inflation unit, the receiver, and the transmitter. The controller is positioned to selectively actuate the inflation unit to inflate the bladders to increase a buoyancy of a user. The controller is positioned to selectively actuate the receiver to receive location coordinates and the transmitter to transmit the location coordinates and a distress signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Africa Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20190351985
    Abstract: A subsea assistance system for supporting saturation diver operations includes an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) such as an observation remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) that can be flown to a subsea worksite, and various items of ancillary electrical equipment that are connected or subsea-connectable to the UUV or to a skid forming part of the UUV. Those items can include any of: a hand-portable subsea display that displays an image to a diver communicated from the UUV, which image can be generated or enhanced underwater and/or by surface support; a subsea camera that captures subsea image data for communication to the UUV and from the UUV to surface support; and a selection of electrical power tools for performing subsea tasks. Fast-acting protective devices protect divers when using high-voltage wet-mateable subsea connectors on the UUV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Ian Adamson
  • Publication number: 20190351986
    Abstract: A watercraft comprises a motor, an inertial mass, and a fin. The motor oscillates the inertial mass about an axis, producing a torque reaction on and oscillation of the motor. Oscillation of the motor is communicated to the fin, producing thrust. A fluke, fin, or wing comprises an angle of attack mechanism, wherein the angle of attack mechanism may use power from the fluke, fin, or wing to adjust an angle of attack of the fluke, fin, or wing relative to a surrounding thrust fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Martin Spencer Garthwaite
  • Publication number: 20190351987
    Abstract: A hybrid paddle for use in both a standing and a kneeling position is disclosed. The paddle has a shaft terminating in a blade at each end. At or near each throat or junction between the shaft and a blade is a handle. The handle has a grip sufficiently offset from the blade to allow a user to grip the handle without his or her hand colliding with the blade. While kneeling, the user grips the shaft with both hands, and alternates the placement of the blades in the water. While standing, the user grasps the handle with one hand and the shaft with the other hand, and a single blade is placed in the water. In this way, the same paddle is used in both the standing and kneeling positions, and the user can alternate between standing and kneeling as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Brian Dobbins
  • Publication number: 20190351988
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a BOG reliquefaction method for LNG ships. The BOG reliquefaction method for LNG ships includes: 1) compressing BOG; 2) cooling the BOG compressed in Step 1) through heat exchange between the compressed BOG and a refrigerant using a heat exchanger; 3) expanding the BOG cooled in Step 2); and 4) stably maintaining reliquefaction performance regardless of change in flow rate of the BOG compressed in Step 1) and supplied to the heat exchanger to be used as a reliquefaction target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Hae Won JUNG, Dong Eok KANG, Joon Chae LEE, Dong Kyu CHOI
  • Publication number: 20190351989
    Abstract: Kites having an inflatable lifting-body shape with side wings or keels and a horizontal stabilizer or tail to control the angle of attack of the lifting body can be constructed efficiently and economically through a process that builds a laminate of flat sheets, then cuts and joins the sheets to produce an inflatable envelope. Other pieces are affixed to the envelope to produce a finished kite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: Head Full of Air LLC
    Inventors: Mathew W. LIPPINCOTT, Charles M. WILLARD
  • Publication number: 20190351990
    Abstract: A fuselage structure for an aircraft has a frame structure, which extends in a circumferential direction and has a first connecting section and a second connecting section, which is arranged spaced apart from the first connecting section, a reinforcing structure, which extends between the first and the second connecting sections and is connected respectively to the first and the second connecting sections, an outer shell, which is secured on an outer side of the reinforcing structure, and an inner shell, which is secured on an inner side of the reinforcing structure. The reinforcing structure has a profiled cross section when viewed in a longitudinal direction extending transversely to the circumferential direction and, together with the inner shell and the outer shell, forms a plurality of channels, which are adjacent to one another in the circumferential direction and each extend in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Linde, Norbert Heltsch
  • Publication number: 20190351991
    Abstract: A window arrangement for a vehicle subject to pressure changes may include a first transparent member and a second transparent member spaced apart from one another. A flexible seal may be interposed between the first transparent member and the second transparent member. A hermetically sealed variable volume enclosure is sealed off from a cabin interior. The hermetically sealed variable volume enclosure may be bounded by the first transparent member, the second transparent member, and the flexible seal joining the first transparent member and the second transparent member around a perimeter thereof. The flexible seal may have an elastically mobile body structured and arranged to permit relative movement between the first transparent member and the second transparent member to change a volume of the enclosure in response to a pressure change in the cabin interior to equalize a pressure differential between the enclosure and the cabin interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Stéphane Monfette
  • Publication number: 20190351992
    Abstract: A payload system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”), including a plurality of payload modules configured to attach to an underside of the UAV, wherein each payload module defines a curved surface having a plurality of mounting holes therethrough, and wherein the plurality of payload modules is interconnected to form a substantially continuous mounting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Matthew Stock
  • Publication number: 20190351993
    Abstract: A stabilizer for an aircraft tail includes a housing defining an interior. The housing is releasably connected to the aircraft tail. A mission-specific equipment package is stowed in the housing interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: PETER BENNETT HOUSER, JESSICA MARIE LAVIGNE
  • Publication number: 20190351994
    Abstract: A modification to conventional aircraft empennage design, which is also adaptable to all-wing aircraft. Vertical stabilizer/rudder assemblies are hinged such that actuator and lock mechanisms are able to vary the aircraft empennage configuration from one with fully functional conventional vertical stabilizer(s)/rudder(s) to one with no vertical stabilizer/rudder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Richard Michael Truhill
  • Publication number: 20190351995
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a rotorcraft includes: a rotor system; a sensor; a flight control device; and a flight control computer (FCC) coupled to the rotor system, the sensor, and the flight control device, the FCC configured to: determine a rotation speed of the rotor system; select a first aeroservoelasticity filter configuration from a plurality of aeroservoelasticity filter configurations according to the rotation speed of the rotor system, the aeroservoelasticity filter configurations being predetermined configurations corresponding to different rotation speeds of the rotor system; receive a signal from the sensor; filter the signal according to the first aeroservoelasticity filter configuration; and adjust the flight control device according to the filtered signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Jillian Samantha Alfred, Christopher M. Bothwell
  • Publication number: 20190351996
    Abstract: A vehicle architecture and the associated method of operation for fixed wing aircraft transition from operation underwater to flight in air. More particularly, the vehicle architecture and method allows transition and long-range operation in both water and in air. The method starts with the vehicle oriented for long range flight in water. The method is composed of a flight orientation change for high speed ascent by rolling over, then water ascent, tractor propeller transition, wing transition, pusher propeller transition, boundary layer flight, and air ascent. The vehicle will ascend in its highspeed water configuration. As the tractor propeller breaches the surface of the water it will change its pitch collectively to optimize for low speed operation in air. As the wings breach the surface of the water, they will increase in camber to optimize for low speed operation in air. The vehicle will change angle of attack to stay within the ground effect regime in air using firstly the submerged control surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Evangelos Livieratos
  • Publication number: 20190351997
    Abstract: An aircraft landing gear is disclosed having 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Fraser Wilson
  • Publication number: 20190351998
    Abstract: A drive system for rotating a wheel of an aircraft landing gear is disclosed. The drive system includes a motor operable to rotate a drive pinion via a drive path, and a driven gear adapted to be mounted to the wheel. The drive system has a first configuration in which the drive pinion is capable of meshing with the driven gear to permit the motor to drive the driven gear via the drive path. The drive path has an input shaft having an axis of rotation spaced from an axis of rotation of an output shaft. The output shaft is operable to pivot about the axis of rotation of the input shaft. Also, an aircraft landing gear having a wheel and the drive system, where the driven gear of the drive system is mounted to the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Arnaud DIDEY
  • Publication number: 20190351999
    Abstract: A propulsion assembly for a rotorcraft includes a blade assembly, a drive shaft coupled to the blade assembly and an electric motor coupled to the drive shaft and operable to provide rotational energy to the drive shaft to rotate the blade assembly. The propulsion assembly includes a landing assistance turbine coupled to the drive shaft and operable to selectively provide rotational energy to the drive shaft during an underpowered descent to rotate the blade assembly and provide upward thrust, thereby reducing a descent rate of the rotorcraft prior to landing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Bradley Stamps, Michael K. McNair, John Richard McCullough
  • Publication number: 20190352000
    Abstract: There is disclosed a rotor for an aircraft capable of hovering, comprising: a stationary support structure; a rotative element, which is rotatable about a first axis with respect to said stationary support structure with a first rotational speed; at least one blade, which is operatively connected with said rotative element; and a transmission group, which comprises an output element rotatable about first axis with a second rotational speed different from first rotational speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Luigi BOTTASSO, Antonio ZOCCHI, Massimo BRUNETTI, Luca MEDICI, James WANG, Giorgio LUCCHI
  • Publication number: 20190352001
    Abstract: Propulsion system (8) for a single-engine helicopter (1), comprising: a main engine (9) connected to a front drive shaft (5) and a rear drive shaft (7), respectively, suitable for driving a main gearbox (4) referred to as MGB (4) and a tail gearbox (6) referred to as TGB (6); ? an assistance device (10) attached to the main engine (9); characterised in that said propulsion system (8) is designed in order that the assistance device (10) can mechanically drive the TGB and MGB (6, 4) by introducing power to the rear drive shaft (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicants: SAFRAN HELICOPTER ENGINES, SAFRAN HELICOPTER ENGINES
    Inventors: Romain THIRIET, Camel SERGHINE, Alphonse PUERTO, Christian SARRAT
  • Publication number: 20190352002
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a local control system for a rotor assembly of an apparatus includes a first actuator disposed in the rotor assembly and configured to control motion of a first controllable element in the rotor assembly. The rotor assembly is mounted to the apparatus and is rotated responsive to torque and rotational energy provided thereto. The local control system also includes a first sensor disposed in the rotor assembly and configured to provide position feedback in relation to the first controllable element. The local control system also includes a first local control computer disposed in the rotor assembly and communicably coupled to a first central control computer disposed in the apparatus external to the rotor assembly, where the first local control computer is configured to transmit a control signal to the first actuator and receive a feedback signal from the first sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Kynn Jerald Schulte, Troy Cyril Schank
  • Publication number: 20190352003
    Abstract: A helicopter autopilot system includes an inner loop for attitude hold for the flight of the helicopter including a given level of redundancy applied to the inner loop. An outer loop is configured for providing a navigation function with respect to the flight of the helicopter including a different level of redundancy than the inner loop. An actuator provides a braking force on a linkage that serves to stabilize the flight of the helicopter during a power failure. The actuator is electromechanical and receives electrical drive signals to provide automatic flight control of the helicopter without requiring a hydraulic assistance system in the helicopter. The autopilot can operate the helicopter in a failed mode of the hydraulic assistance system. A number of flight modes are described with associated sensor inputs including rate based and true attitude modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: John E. Mercer, Nicholas Albion, Mark Bartel, Marc Feifel, Mark Marvin
  • Publication number: 20190352004
    Abstract: An aircraft for vertical take-off and landing includes an aircraft frame having an open frame portion, at least one vertical thruster, a pod, separable from the aircraft and including a cabin to contain at least one of cargo and passengers, where the pod, when mounted to the aircraft, defines at least a portion of the aircraft frame, and a mounting system including at least one attachment member configured to attach the pod to the open frame portion. Such aircraft is capable of flight with and without the pod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: SERGEY V. FROLOV, MICHAEL CYRUS, JOHN PETER MOUSSOURIS
  • Publication number: 20190352005
    Abstract: Aspects may define a race course using a plurality of gates each including a fiducial marker that encodes a location, an ordering, and a pose of the corresponding gate. Each of the gates may include an opening through which robotic vehicles participating in a race may traverse, and a flight path may be defined through the opening of the gates. Each fiducial marker may be displayed around a perimeter of the opening of a corresponding gate, and may include a unique pattern that conveys the location, ordering, and pose of the corresponding gate to video cameras provided on the robotic vehicles. A pilot may use the fiducial markers presented on the gates to navigate the robotic vehicle through the race course, for example, so that the pilot may not need to rely solely upon the first-person view provided by the streaming video transmitted from the robotic vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Joshua Shomin, Paul Daniel Martin, Ross Eric Kessler, Matthew Hyatt Turpin, Stephen Marc Chaves, Daniel Warren Mellinger, III
  • Publication number: 20190352006
    Abstract: A drone speaker system is configured to deploy a fleet of drone speaker units. Each drone speaker unit includes a speaker configured to broadcast acoustic signals and a flight system configured to aerially transport a speaker. The drone speaker system initially generates a spatial map of a location where the drone speaker units are to be deployed. The drone speaker system then identifies suitable perching locations for the drone speaker units. Then, the drone speaker system deploys the fleet of drone speaker units to those perching locations to place one or more speakers. Once positioned in this manner, the speakers can generate a sound field. The drone speaker units may also reconfigure the speakers to achieve different sound fields having varying characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Sven KRATZ, Joseph VERBEKE, Stefan MARTI, Adam BOULANGER
  • Publication number: 20190352007
    Abstract: Provided is a packing tool of holding an item such that the item is sandwiched between a pair of films, the packing tool includes a container, at least one pair of films that are stretchable, and a fixing portion of fixing the at least one pair of films that face with each other and are in a stretched state in internal space of the container, and the container includes a base material of a foamed synthetic resin provided with the internal space and a coating layer of a polyurea resin that covers an outer surface of the base material and an inner surface in the internal space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Naofumi TAKEMOTO
  • Publication number: 20190352008
    Abstract: A device for waking up a crew member resting on an aircraft includes a processing unit configured to detect current development parameters of the aircraft and/or to detect a state of consciousness of at least one other active crewmember. The processing unit is also configured to activate an apparatus for waking up the resting crew member, when at least one predetermined condition for waking up the resting crew member on one or several current parameters of the aircraft and/or on a parameter representative of the state of consciousness of the at least one other active crew member is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: François-Xavier D'ARBONNEAU, Patrick DARSES, Bruno FERRY, François SALMON-LEGAGNEUR, Jean-Christophe DENJEAN
  • Publication number: 20190352009
    Abstract: An example of operating a display system of a lavatory of a vehicle is provided. The method includes: (i) receiving, at a controller, information indicating that the lavatory is in use; (ii) in response to receiving the information, operating, by the controller, the display system in a first state while the lavatory is in use; (iii) determining, by the controller, that the lavatory is no longer in use; and (iv) in response to determining that the lavatory is no longer in use, operating, by the controller, the display system in a second state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Stephen M. Young, Darren C. McIntosh
  • Publication number: 20190352010
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for inflatable air pads for aircraft. One embodiment is an apparatus that includes an air pad affixed to a mount within an interior of an aircraft. The air pad includes a front face, a bladder that is inflatable within the air pad, and sides that constrain the front face of the air pad to extend a uniform distance outward from the mount when the bladder is inflated. The apparatus also includes an inflator that is coupled with the air pad and is configured to inflate the bladder from an undeployed volume to a deployed volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Mohammed H. Kabir, Alan D. Byar, Jan M. Leon, Todd C. DePauw
  • Publication number: 20190352011
    Abstract: Sleep systems for aircraft are disclosed. An example sleep system includes a seat having a first headrest. A lateral sleep apparatus is positioned adjacent the seat. The lateral sleep apparatus includes a second headrest and a cradle coupled to the second headrest. The cradle includes a first attachment assembly and a second attachment assembly. The first attachment assembly is to couple the cradle to a support structure of a cabin of an aircraft and the second attachment assembly is to couple the cradle to the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Nyein Chan Aung, Mark Armstrong, Arthur de Bono, Robbie Napper
  • Publication number: 20190352012
    Abstract: An air distribution system for use in an aircraft includes a main distribution duct configured to receive mixed air and a gasper distribution duct coupled in flow communication with the main distribution duct. The gasper distribution duct is configured to receive a portion of the mixed air from the main distribution duct. The system also includes a plurality of gasper outlets in flow communication with the gasper distribution duct. The plurality of gasper outlets includes a subset of gasper outlets located within a same region of the aircraft. The system also includes a heater in flow communication between the gasper distribution duct and the subset of gasper outlets. The heater is configured to heat the mixed air flowing from the gasper distribution duct to the subset of gasper outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Fue Chue Vue
  • Publication number: 20190352013
    Abstract: An engine mount system having failsafe securement points. The engine mount system includes a forward mount carrying a coat hanger shackle having a spherical bearing and a cylindrical bearing. Securement of the engine mount to a support utilizes pins and bolts with a retaining double wrench washer incorporated into the final mounting structure. The engine mount system additionally includes an aft mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Gerald P. WHITEFORD, Kirk W. OLSEN, Jason GREGORY, James A. MACIAK
  • Publication number: 20190352014
    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. A main engine anticipation logic is configured to produce a rotor power demand associated with the main rotor system. A propulsor loads engine anticipation logic is configured to produce an auxiliary propulsor power demand associated with the translational thrust system. The flight control computer providing the engine control system with a total power demand anticipation signal based on a combination of the rotor power demand and the auxiliary propulsor power demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Matthew T. Luszcz
  • Publication number: 20190352015
    Abstract: A method of operating an aircraft includes, prior to an in-flight refueling operation, operating the aircraft using fuel from a first fuel tank connected to a fuel delivery system. Subsequently, the in-flight refueling operation is performed over a refueling area while operating the aircraft from another fuel tank, including (1) disconnecting the first fuel tank from the fuel delivery system, (2) jettisoning the first fuel tank, and (3) taking on a replacement fuel tank by (a) capturing the replacement fuel tank from the refueling area and (b) bringing the captured replacement fuel tank onboard the aircraft. The replacement fuel tank is then connected to the fuel delivery system and the aircraft is operated using fuel from the replacement fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Brandon Reid Hall
  • Publication number: 20190352016
    Abstract: An inerting system and method for an aircraft includes an inert gas generation apparatus, an air supply line, a compressor and an inert gas line. The compressor supplies the inert gas generation apparatus with air from the air supply line at a pressure necessary for operation of the inert gas generation apparatus. The inert gas line carries the inert gas produced by the inert gas generation apparatus on to an inert gas consumer. The air supply line is connected to an exhaust air system of the aircraft. A method for supplying an inert gas in an aircraft includes tapping of air from an exhaust air system of the aircraft, compression of the tapped air, and production of inert gas in an inert gas generation apparatus from the compressed air. An aircraft is disclosed in which such an inerting system is arranged and/or used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Frank KLIMPEL, Alexander SOLNTSEV
  • Publication number: 20190352017
    Abstract: A generator control unit includes a plurality of permanent magnet generator (PMG) inputs, a transformer including a multi-configuration input winding and at least one output winding. Each PMG input in the plurality of PMG inputs is connected to the multi-configuration input winding at a corresponding input winding input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel Knope, Christopher Derek Thornton, Richard T. Wetzel, Christopher Gillette, Benjamin Fisher, Timothy Arn Goodrich, Adrian E. Vandergrift, Dana A. Sievert