Patents Issued in March 17, 2020
  • Patent number: 10589821
    Abstract: A bicycle chain device that includes a mounting bracket configured to be affixed to a bicycle. The bicycle has a solitary bicycle front sprocket. A cage is movably mounted to the mounting bracket so that the cage is positioned adjacent to the front sprocket. The cage has a chain-receiving slot, through which a bicycle chain passes. The cage is configured to move in accordance with a shifting operation of a bicycle rear derailleur to maintain alignment with a chain to prevent the chain from falling off the sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Nobukatsu Hara
  • Patent number: 10589822
    Abstract: A wireless control system for a bicycle may include a base part attachable to a bicycle and a movable part. The control system may also include an electric motor disposed on the electromechanical component and a control unit disposed on the electromechanical component for operating the electric motor to operate the electromechanical component, the control unit including a wireless receiver. The control system includes a wake sensor connected to the control unit, the wake sensor configured to communicate a wake signal to the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Jordan, Todd Squires
  • Patent number: 10589823
    Abstract: A pontoon boat includes port and starboard pontoons and cross members connecting the pontoons. A shock absorber may be installed at each point of connection of the pontoons to the cross members. A cross member may be embodied as a double-webbed beam having first and second parallel flanges and first and second webs disposed between and connected to the flanges. Each pontoon may include a two-stage lifting strake having a first surface and a second surface inclined from the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: BARLETTA BOAT COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: William Fenech, Mark Neibert
  • Patent number: 10589824
    Abstract: An adjustable shade system for a boat is disclosed. The shade system includes at least one canvas and at least one pole, for example, an outrigger pole. The at least one canvas is secured to the at least one pole using at least one attachment point. In addition, the shade system includes at least one pivoting connection. The pivoting connection is coupled to a mounting surface and to the first end of the at least one pole. The pivoting connection is adapted to selectively cause the at least one pole to rotate in at least one rotational direction relative to the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: GEM Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Erle Matthew Bridgewater, Matthew Stewart Onorato, Wylie Davin Nagler, Michael Joseph Fafard
  • Patent number: 10589825
    Abstract: An adaptor for an anchor including a first member configured for coupling a chain and a hollow second member for pivotally coupling an anchor. The second member defines a longitudinally extending blind slot on an inner surface and a longitudinally extending opening diametrically opposite the blind slot. The blind slot configured to restrict pivoting motion of the anchor within the second member and a swivel coupler for coupling the first member to the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: CMP GROUP LTD.
    Inventors: Michael A. Duff, Mark Pocock
  • Patent number: 10589826
    Abstract: A system for transferring liquid natural gas from a ship to a facility, the transfer system comprising: a hoisting device which is designed to be secured on the deck of the ship; a mobile chassis, which is supported by the hoisting device; a first on-board pipe, for transferring liquid natural gas from the ship to the facility, said first on-board pipe being supported by the mobile chassis; and a second on-board pipe for the transport of inert gas, said second on-board pipe being supported by the mobile chassis comprising a first connection element which is associated with the second duct, and being connected to the first on-board pipe between the valve and the second connection element of the first on-board pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: GAZTRANSPORT ET TECHNIGAZ
    Inventors: Guillaume Gelin, Bertrand Bugnicourt, Nicolas Vilmen, Benjamin Charpentier, Arnaud Landure
  • Patent number: 10589827
    Abstract: A structure for stabilizing a barrel on a pontoon vessel includes a deck structure. First And second hull frame members are affixed to the deck structure and extend therealong. In spaced relationship to each other. A first and second conduit extends along a respective hull frame member; the first conduit being spaced from the second conduit by a distance to receive a portion of a barrel therebetween and each conduit contacting the barrel above a barrel central line. A strap having a first end anchored near the first conduit, and tracing a path from the anchor beneath, and in contact with, the barrel disposed between the first conduit in the second conduit, along the second conduit, and returning to the first conduit by tracing a path from the second conduit to the first conduit beneath and in contact with the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Cruisin' Tikis, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory B. Darby
  • Patent number: 10589828
    Abstract: A self-inflating personal flotation device (“SIPFD”) configured to be worn by a wearer and aid the wearer automatically. The SIPFD may communicate with a global communication network and pressurized gas cartridge assembly based on a triggering event. The SIPFD may have a wearable data transmitter of a heartbeat device; a water depth device; and a geolocation device. The SIPFD may have a neck inflation device and a torso inflation device both connected to the pressurized gas cartridge assembly to enable the pressurized gas cartridge to inflate the neck and torso inflation devices when prompted. The prompt may be automatic or on request and be performed using an actuator mechanically communicating with the pressurized gas cartridge assembly to: (i) inflate the neck and torso inflation devices; and (ii) deflate the neck and torso inflation devices associated with a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Inventor: Jordan Denning Sexton
  • Patent number: 10589829
    Abstract: A robotic submersible includes a housing having a body and a tail. In another aspect, a pump and a pump tank adjust the buoyancy of a submersible housing. In a further aspect, a first linear actuator controls the pump and/or a buoyancy, and/or a second linear actuator controls a position of a battery and/or adjusts a center of gravity. Another aspect includes a pump and at least one linear actuator that control gliding movements of the housing. In still a further aspect, a motor couples a tail with a body, such that the motor controls the movements of the tail to create a swimming movement. Moreover, an additional aspect provides a controller selectively operating the pump, first actuator, second actuator, and motor to control when swimming and gliding movements occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Xiaobo Tan, Feitian Zhang, Jianxun Wang, John Thon
  • Patent number: 10589830
    Abstract: A method for controlling a thruster of a marine vehicle includes a body and a thruster mounted on the body of the vehicle, the vehicle being at least partially immersed in a liquid and moving with respect to the liquid along an axis of displacement in a direction of displacement and rotating about at least one axis of rotation perpendicular to the axis of displacement with a rotational speed, the thruster including an upstream propeller and a downstream propeller along the axis of displacement in the direction of displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: THALES
    Inventors: Christophe Borel, Jean-Philippe Brunet, Benoît Theckes, Cyril Bouyer
  • Patent number: 10589831
    Abstract: A multi-axis aircraft with a wind resistant unit includes a fuselage having an upper face and a lower face. The fuselage includes a central axis passing through the upper face and the lower face. A plurality of rotors is mounted to the fuselage. Each rotor includes a rotating axis parallel to the central axis. A wind resistant unit includes a plurality of wind barriers disposed in a radial direction perpendicular to a reference axis. Each wind barrier includes a plurality of rods fixed by at least one fixing member. Two adjacent rods have a passage therebetween. Each rod includes an axis proximal end facing the reference axis and an axis remote end remote to the reference axis. Each wind barrier includes a coupling end and an airflow diversion end. The coupling end is fixed by at least one coupling member to the upper face of the fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Inventor: Nan-Chang Chiu
  • Patent number: 10589832
    Abstract: A tension-only member for a truss structure and a method of operating a vehicle with tension-only members is provided. Tension-only members readily deform when a compressive load is applied. The tension-only members may be a leaf spring, a strap, a cable, or a rope between two connector ends. The tension-only members are placed diagonally in a truss such that the tension-only members support a load applied in one direction but deflect when a load is applied in an opposite direction. A truss structure with such tension-only members can be flexible to enable a vehicle frame to which it is attached to flex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Chathura B. Nandalochana, Mark E. Wentland, Joel A. Bruhns, James W. Hoskinson, Brendon T. Rippe, Curtis Wen, Mona T. Tafesh
  • Patent number: 10589833
    Abstract: A drain grommet with integrated fire shield. In one embodiment, the drain grommet includes a drain tube configured to extend through a drain, and to pass fluid through the drain via an opening into a hollow channel of the drain tube. The drain grommet further includes a fire shield integrally coupled with the drain tube via a standoff, wherein the standoff supports the fire shield at a vertical distance above the opening of the drain tube, and wherein the fire shield is larger than the opening of the drain tube in a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: John Charles Walters
  • Patent number: 10589834
    Abstract: An aircraft window includes an outer window assembly that includes a pressure pane coupled to a pressure pane frame. An inner window assembly includes a bezel adapted to couple to a perimeter of the inner window assembly against the outer window assembly. The bezel has a plurality of attachment features disposed thereon. A plurality of retaining features is disposed around the perimeter of the window. The retention features are configured to engage the attachment features for retaining the inner window assembly on the outer window assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bradley L. Busscher, David I. Driscoll, Andrew T. Mitchell, Kevin L. Ash
  • Patent number: 10589835
    Abstract: A fastener assembly for attaching a floor panel to an airframe is disclosed. The fastener assembly includes a collet, a pin, a capnut, and a subplate. The collet comprises at least one tang, extending from a cylindrical collar that defines a collet aperture. An external thread is formed on the collar, and a tab is formed on a distal end of the tang. The collet tang extends through a floor panel aperture, a subplate aperture, and an airframe aperture, and may interact with a subplate asymmetry. The capnut is screwed onto the collet, such that the pin is forced to slide along the collet tang and the tab is engaged with the airframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Christopher J. Mills
  • Patent number: 10589836
    Abstract: An aircraft includes a fuselage, having a crown section and a keel, a first passenger cabin, having a first floor, located in an aft portion the fuselage, and a first cargo deck, located below at least a portion of the first passenger cabin. A forward split level cabin including an upper second cabin having a second floor above the level of the first floor, and a lower third cabin beneath the upper second cabin and having a third floor below the level of the first floor. A second cargo deck is located in the forward portion of the fuselage and beneath at least a portion of the lower third cabin. The crown section has a substantially constant cross-sectional shape fore-to-aft above the first passenger cabin and the split level cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Mithra M. K. V. Sankrithi, Sergey D. Barmichev
  • Patent number: 10589837
    Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a spar member for an aircraft wing including a support beam having an interior surface, an exterior surface, and opposing ends configured for an aircraft wing, the interior surface and exterior surface disposed between the opposing ends; and a first spar flange extending generally laterally from the exterior surface, the first spar flange configured for attachment with a first wing skin. The first spar flange can be an upper or lower spar flange. In some embodiments, the first spar flange is at an acute angle relative to the exterior surface of the support beam. In certain embodiments, the first spar flange is at an angle of from about 50 degrees to about 85 degrees relative to the exterior surface of the support beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas K. Wolfe, David G. Carlson, John R. McCullough, George R. Decker
  • Patent number: 10589838
    Abstract: Transitioning quadcopters and tricopters use passively adjusting tiltwings to reduce the number of actuators needed to control flight. Both transitioning copters can operate with four controlled actuators comprising four motor speeds for the quadcopter and three motor speeds and one rudder position for the tricopter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: The Suppes Family Trust
    Inventor: Galen Suppes
  • Patent number: 10589839
    Abstract: A wing for an aircraft, comprising a main wing, a slat, and a connection assembly for movably connecting the slat to the main wing. The connection assembly comprises first and second link elements. The first link element has a first link end rotatably mounted to the slat via a first joint, and a second link end rotatably mounted to the main wing via a second joint. The second link element has a first element end rotatably mounted to the slat via a third joint, and a second element end rotatably mounted to the main wing via a fourth joint. The first joint, the second joint and the third joint are formed as spherical joints or as universal joints, while the fourth joint is formed as a hinged joint, wherein the hinge axis is inclined between a wing thickness direction and a wing span direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Bernhard Schlipf, Florian Lorenz
  • Patent number: 10589840
    Abstract: An aircraft nose gear-mounted flight control device promotes aircraft stability during low-speed phases of flight, including take-offs and landings. The flight control device is an operable airfoil secured to an aircraft nose gear, either to a vertical support strut or to a wheel axle thereof. The airfoil is deployed when the nose gear is deployed, and is retracted when the nose gear is retracted. Upon deployment, the airfoil is effective to at least provide aircraft pitch control. In some configurations, the airfoil deploys as two separate but mirror-imaged left and right airfoil components that move in concert to provide pitch control. In other configurations, the airfoil components move at relatively different angular rates and amounts to provide both pitch and roll control. The entire airfoil may be pivotal for pitch control, or may instead be fixed, but have moveable flaps or flap-like portions that provide pitch control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Joseph Brown, Neal A. Harrison
  • Patent number: 10589841
    Abstract: In one aspect, a spinner fairing includes a base configured to be fixed relative to a hub system; a movable spinner assembly movable relative to the base; the movable spinner assembly comprising a first movable member and a second movable member. Each first and second movable member being selectively configurable between a closed position and a contracted position, in which the movable spinner assembly has a decreased shape and/or volume. In another embodiment, a spinner fairing can include at least one static member and a moveable member. In still another embodiment, a rotor head fairing assembly includes an upper housing and a lower housing coupled to a hub system; the upper housing including an upper movable member; the lower housing comprising a lower movable member. In yet another embodiment, a rotor head fairing includes at least one moveable upper housing and lower housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Jared M. Paulson, Tyler W. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 10589842
    Abstract: A proprotor assembly for a tiltrotor aircraft having a forward flight mode. The proprotor assembly includes a spinner subjected to freestream airflow during forward flight. The spinner is elongated to form a tapered leading portion and a substantially cylindrical aft portion. The spinner forms a plurality of rotor blade cutouts exposing an inner chamber. The proprotor assembly includes a plurality of proprotor blade assemblies protruding radially from the spinner through the rotor blade cutouts. The rotor blade cutouts are formed at the substantially cylindrical aft portion of the spinner to reduce the freestream airflow into the inner chamber via the rotor blade cutouts during forward flight, thereby reducing drag experienced by the tiltrotor aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Helmuth Peter Koelzer, Brendan Patrick Lanigan, Michael Kenneth Farrell
  • Patent number: 10589843
    Abstract: A propulsion device includes a cylinder body, a first set of blades, a second set of blades, a first transmission shaft, a second transmission shaft, a power gear box and an accelerator. The first set of blades and the second set of blades are disposed in an airflow channel of the cylinder body. The first transmission shaft is connected to the first set of blades and the second transmission shaft is connected to the second set of blades. The first transmission shaft and the second transmission shaft are interconnected by the accelerator. The first set of blades has a first rotation speed, and the accelerator causes the second set of blades to have a second rotation speed. The second rotation speed is greater than the first rotation speed to increase the propulsion force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Inventor: Yao-Chang Lin
  • Patent number: 10589844
    Abstract: A control method for controlling aerodynamic means of an aircraft having mechanically decoupled flight controls enabling the aircraft to be piloted by at least two pilots. The aircraft has at least two control members operated by respective ones of the at least two pilots and each enabling control signals to be generated for causing the aerodynamic means to move relative to an incident air stream. The control method includes piloting logic (“operational” logic). The operational logic includes a dual operating mode in which each control member can control the aerodynamic means. In the dual operating mode, only one of the at least two control members, (the “activated” member), has exclusive control over a full travel amplitude of the aerodynamic means. The other control member, (the “deactivated” member), then is temporarily inoperative on the aerodynamic means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventors: Adrien Ott, Romeo Byzery, Jean-Baptiste Vallart
  • Patent number: 10589845
    Abstract: A device for releasably mounting an autopilot control circuit to a flight control component of an aircraft, includes a frame that holds a component of an autopilot control circuit; a first coupler releasably fastened to the frame and operable to releasably mount the frame to the airframe of an aircraft; and a second coupler releasably fastened to the frame and operable to releasably mount the frame to a flight control component of the aircraft. When the device is releasably mounted in an aircraft's cabin and the autopilot control circuit is engaged, the autopilot control circuit controls an aspect of the aircraft's flight by moving the second coupler relative to the first coupler. With the device one can releasably mount an autopilot control circuit to an aircraft that does not have one and use the autopilot control circuit and device to control one or more aspects of the aircraft's flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Inventors: Tzafrir Sheffer, Yarden Sheffer
  • Patent number: 10589846
    Abstract: A split winglet configured for attachment to a wing tip of a wing. The split winglet may include an upper winglet extending from the wing tip above a chord plane of the wing and a ventral fin projecting below the chord plane. The upper winglet and the ventral fin may include tip configurations. At least one of the upper winglet tip configuration and the ventral fin tip configuration may be provided by a curved blade cap attached thereto. The curved blade cap may include a leading edge having a first curve with a first radius, and a trailing edge having a second curve with a second radius different from the first radius. The curved blade cap may also include a distal segment oblique to the first curve and the second curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Aviation Partners, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis B. Gratzer
  • Patent number: 10589847
    Abstract: A landing gear (0) for an aircraft comprising a wheel (R), a system (1) for rotationally driving the wheel that is mobile between a clutched position and a safety position by passing through a declutched position, and a manoeuvring system (3) to displace the driving system (1) between its declutched and clutched positions. The gear comprises an elastic return (4) for returning the driving system (1) to its safety position and first and second abutments (51a, 52a) that are separated as long as the driving system (1) is away from its safety position and in contact with one another when the driving system (1) is in safety position. The first and second abutments (51a, 52a) oppose the passing of the driving system (1) from its safety position to its declutched position when the abutments are in contact with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS
    Inventor: Vincent Bellenger
  • Patent number: 10589848
    Abstract: A landing-gear assembly (1) for an aircraft, the landing-gear assembly comprising: an axle shaft (2); a leg (3) presenting a first portion (3a) carrying said axle shaft (2) and a second portion (3b) connected to a carrier structure of the aircraft; a main damper (5); and a first secondary damper (6a) distinct from the main damper (5). The first secondary damper (6a) is carried by the axle shaft (2) and comprises: an inertial mass (M); and connection means (7a) between the inertial mass (M) and the axle shaft (2) damping movements of the inertial mass (M) along a first axis (X1) of movement of the inertial mass (M) relative to the axle shaft (2), said first axis of movement (X1) extending in a plane (P) perpendicular to said steering axis (Z).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Florent Dauphin, Florent Fortier, Sébastien Dubois
  • Patent number: 10589849
    Abstract: A trim tab for use in a blade housing includes a cavity connected to an opening extending from the cavity out a trailing edge of the blade housing, the cavity has a first dimension which is greater than a second dimension of the opening at a same spanwise location of the blade housing. The trim tab has a trim portion, a head portion having a head dimension substantially similar to the first dimension, and a tail portion connecting the trim portion and the head portion. The tail portion has a tail dimension substantially similar to the second dimension such that the trim tab is retainable by the blade housing when the head portion is disposed within the cavity and the tail portion is disposed within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy James Conti, David N. Schmaling, Leon M. Meyer, Yih-Fam Chen
  • Patent number: 10589850
    Abstract: An erosion protection system (EPS) has a first erosion protection unit (EPU) having a first ligament and a first scale attached to the first ligament, the first scale having an outer hardness that is greater than a hardness of the first ligament. The EPS also has a second EPU having a second ligament and a second scale attached to the second ligament, the second scale having an outer hardness that is greater than a hardness of the second ligament. The EPS also has an interstitial space between the first ligament and the second ligament wherein at least one of (1) the first scale overlaps at least a portion of the second EPU and (2) the second scale overlaps at least a portion of the first EPU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Paul Nissen, John R. McCullough
  • Patent number: 10589851
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a multicopter-assisted launch and retrieval system generally including: (1) a multi-rotor modular multicopter attachable to (and detachable from) a fixed-wing aircraft to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; (2) a storage and launch system usable to store the modular multicopter and to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; and (3) an anchor system usable (along with the multicopter and a flexible capture member) to retrieve the fixed-wing aircraft from wing-borne flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Hood Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Andreas H. von Flotow, Corydon C. Roeseler, Daniel Pepin Reiss
  • Patent number: 10589852
    Abstract: An embodiment device includes a clamp body having a clamp opening, an extension opening and a traverse block having an internally threaded portion, a reaction plate having a recess in a first face at a first side of the reaction plate and one or more pins disposed in the recess extending away from the first face, and further having an extension extending along a long axis of the reaction plate through the extension opening, and bearing blocks disposed on a second side of the reaction plate opposite the first side, where the traverse block is disposed between the bearing blocks. An actuator is aligned parallel to the long axis of the reaction plate and extending through each of the bearing blocks and through the traverse block, and the actuator has an eternally threaded portion engaged with the internally threaded portion of the clamp body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventor: Kevin Matthew Knott
  • Patent number: 10589853
    Abstract: A technical object of the present invention is to provide an unmanned aerial vehicle capable of performing a position movement while maintaining posture stabilization. To this end, the unmanned aerial vehicle of the present invention includes: a main body unit; a plurality of propeller motors of which the rotational speed is adjusted by the main body unit; supports which extend from the main body unit in order to support the plurality of propeller motors; propellers which are axially coupled to the plurality of propeller motors and output thrust; and tilting units which tilt rotating shafts of the propellers with respect to the main body unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: KOREA AEROSPACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Seon-Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 10589854
    Abstract: An aircraft is provided and includes a fuselage from which a tilt-wing respectively extends, first prop-rotors, which are formed to define first rotor disks and which are respectively disposed on first portions of each side of the tilt-wing, second prop-rotors, which are formed to define second rotor disks and which are respectively disposed on second portions of each side of the tilt-wing such that the corresponding pairs of first and second rotor disks overlap, and a drive shaft system. The drive shaft system is configured to synchronize respective operations of the first and second prop-rotors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark R. Alber, Jeffrey Parkhurst, Charles Gayagoy
  • Patent number: 10589855
    Abstract: In a first aspect, there is a rotor system for a tiltrotor aircraft, the rotor system including an upper outboard engine in a fixed location on a wing member of the tiltrotor aircraft; a lower outboard engine in a fixed location on the wing member; and a prop-rotor pylon in power communication with the upper and lower outboard engines, the prop-rotor pylon being configured to selectively rotate between a vertical position and a horizontal position. In another aspect, there is provided a tiltrotor aircraft including a fuselage; a wing member; an upper outboard engine in a fixed location on the wing member; a lower outboard engine in a fixed location on the wing member; and a prop-rotor pylon in power communication with the upper and lower outboard engines, the prop-rotor pylon being configured to selectively rotate between a vertical position and a horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk L. Groninga, Daniel B. Robertson
  • Patent number: 10589856
    Abstract: An electrically powered vertical takeoff and vertical landing (VTOL) aircraft, which comprises at least two main propellers, wherein the main propellers are adapted to generate at least 70% of the aircraft propulsion. The aircraft also comprises at least one adjustment propeller, which has its propeller slipstream adapted to produce a torque relative to a first axis or the first and second axes with respect to a fuselage of the aircraft for turning the aircraft relative to said first axis or said first and second axes. In addition, not less than 35%, but not more than 85%, of the aircraft's mass is adapted to lie, during takeoff and/or landing, on a rear side of a propeller line of said main propellers with respect to a nose of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Lentola Logistics Oy
    Inventor: Markus Hohenthal
  • Patent number: 10589857
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle adapted for hover and short/vertical take-off and landing (S/VTOL) is disclosed. The vehicle comprises: a body having an aspect-ratio less than two and having therein a payload volume, at least one propeller located forward of the body, at least one rudder. The body may have an inverse Zimmerman planform which provides lift as air flows across the body in horizontal flight/fixed wing mode, and further adapted such that during hover and/or short/vertical take-off and landing (S/VTOL) the vehicle operates as a rotorcraft with the body oriented with the at least one propeller substantially above the body. The vehicle is suited to a method of inspection, such as power line inspection where large distances can be analysed efficiently by flying in fixed wing mode, but by transitioning to hover mode allows detailed inspection of selected areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Alfredo Criado, Grzegorz M. Kawiecki, Omar Valero
  • Patent number: 10589858
    Abstract: There is provided a method of using a device capable of controlled flight in a surrounding environment, the device comprising: lifting means for providing lift to the device; object-retaining means for holding an object to be affixed to a target site; and a dispensing assembly for dispensing an adhesive, wherein the method comprises: controlling the lifting means so as to controllably fly the device in the surrounding environment; and using the device to affix an object held by the object-retaining means to a target site in the surrounding environment by dispensing an adhesive from the dispensing assembly. Thus, an aerial device, for example a robotic device, may be used to fly to a desired location and affix an object at the desired location, by dispensing, ejecting or otherwise applying an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Imperial College Innovations Limited
    Inventors: Mirko Kovac, Talib Muhammad Talib Alhinai
  • Patent number: 10589859
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for aerial recovery of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are provided. The apparatus includes a rigid base having a first section and a second section, wherein the first section is securely mounted to a floor of an aircraft. The apparatus further includes a servicing platform moveably mounted to the base and configured to move along a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aircraft such that in an extended position, the servicing platform at least partially protrudes from a rear cargo door of the aircraft, wherein the servicing platform comprises a capturing mechanism configured to capture the UAV in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignees: ST ENGINEERING AEROSPACE LTD., SINGAPORE TECHNOLOGIES AEROSPACE LTD
    Inventors: Chi Hui Frederic Foo, Han Lin Hsi
  • Patent number: 10589860
    Abstract: An infrared (IR) emitter projects a spherical IR pattern. The IR emitter may include one or more IR lasers to produce two IR laser beams, two beam expanders, two diffraction screens to each produce diffracted radiation, a top wide angle lens, and a bottom wide angle lens. The wide angle lenses may each receive diffracted radiation from a respective one of the diffractions screens and may emit a spherical IR pattern including a plurality of longitudinal lines, each longitudinal line including a first portion of the spherical IR pattern emitted from the top wide angle lens and a second portion of the spherical IR pattern from the bottom wide angle lens. The IR emitter may be part of an object detection system in an aerial vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Patrick Campbell, Gary Fong
  • Patent number: 10589861
    Abstract: A drone control system in which a drone can move to a position where a purpose can be achieved and performs an action according to the purpose is provided. The drone control system 1 controls a drone 10 capable of performing a predetermined action on a predetermined object, and includes a state data acquiring module 201 that acquires state data indicating a state of the object, a purpose data acquiring module 202 that acquires purpose data which is a purpose of moving the drone, and a detecting module 203 that detects an action point, which is position information at which an action for the purpose is executed, based on the acquired state data and purpose data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: OPTIM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shunji Sugaya
  • Patent number: 10589862
    Abstract: A rope deployment mechanism includes a load beam pivotable between an open position and a closed position. Also included is a linkage assembly engaged with the load beam in the closed position and moveable to allow the load beam to pivot to the open position. Further included is a locking rod operatively coupled to the linkage assembly. Yet further included is a sliding member translatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the sliding member is engaged with the locking rod to prevent movement of the locking rod and the linkage assembly in the locked position, and wherein the locking rod and the linkage assembly are moveable in the unlocked position. Also included is a lever configured to actuate movement of the linkage assembly to allow the load beam to move to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Barton J. Hainsworth, Robert Wislocki
  • Patent number: 10589863
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods to attach an object to an overhead section of a cabin of an aircraft. An example apparatus includes a bracket to be positioned between rails in a cabin of an aircraft. The bracket includes edges having first attachment points to align with second attachment points of each of the rails. The bracket is positionable along a length of the rails by aligning the first attachment points of the bracket with a portion of the second attachment points of the rails. The bracket also includes flanges disposed between the edges. The flanges have respective third attachment points and fourth attachment points aligned to receive fasteners for hanging a device used in the cabin of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William Maclay, Peter Zarkowskyj
  • Patent number: 10589864
    Abstract: An aircraft cabin is provided that comprises an cabin interior space, a plurality of cabin enclosing surfaces, and a multifunctional support rail. The multifunctional support rail comprises a plurality of rail segments connected to each other forming a continuous rail arrangement. Further a number of first segments are provided as handrail in a first height, and a number of second segments is provided as a support handrail in a second height. The first height is in a waist region of a standing passenger, and the second height is in a shoulder or head region of a standing passenger. Still further, the first segments are connected with the second segments by a number of third segments provided as support handle running in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Seibt, Jens Wiebalck
  • Patent number: 10589865
    Abstract: Apparatuses comprising a guide plate for safety restraint webbing is described herein. Also, systems comprising a guide plate and shroud for safety belts or restraint webbing are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: AMI Industries, Inc
    Inventor: Garrett Orders
  • Patent number: 10589866
    Abstract: An anti-icing system according to the present invention includes: a piccolo tube that includes a flow path through which heated gas flows in the longitudinal direction from a rear end to a front end, and a plurality of ejection holes provided along the longitudinal direction to make the flow path communicate with an outside; and an engine serving as a supply source that supplies the heated gas toward the piccolo tube. The piccolo tube is decreased in an area of the flow path in a stepwise manner or in a continuous manner in the longitudinal direction, and has a continuous side surface provided with the ejection holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masatoshi Morishita, Masanori Tsujita, Satoshi Watanabe, Yoichi Uefuji, Kazuhiro Kawai, Toshiyuki Ishida, Gento Ichikawa, Go Fujita
  • Patent number: 10589867
    Abstract: A vectored thrust control module for an aircraft that includes a servo system that couples to the aircraft structure at an output shaft connection point. A thrust motor assembly is fully supported by the servo system and rotates a bladed component to provide thrust to the aircraft. Further, the thrust motor assembly is rigidly connected with the servo system to rotate together about a longitudinal axis thrust line with respect to the aircraft structure. The bladed component and the thrust motor assembly generate a line of thrust that extends through the connection point of the servo system to the aircraft structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: FLIGHTWAVE AEROSPACE SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Trent Lukaczyk, Michael Colonno
  • Patent number: 10589868
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an aircraft propulsor with a fan cowl with one or more tangential restraints. The tangential restraints may be configured to contact one or more tangential receiving portions of a fixed portion of the aircraft propulsor. The fan cowl may receive a load that may include a bending load. The tangential restraints may be configured to convert the bending load to membrane tension and thus decrease deflection of the fan cowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jason F. Joel
  • Patent number: 10589869
    Abstract: An inlet lip structure includes: an annular inner barrel with forward and aft ends; an annular outer barrel with forward and aft ends; an annular aft bulkhead interconnecting the aft ends of the inner and outer barrels; an annular forward bulkhead interconnecting the forward ends of the inner and outer barrels; an annular lip skin interconnecting the forward ends of the inner and outer barrels, the lip skin having a C-shaped cross-section comprising a nose with inner and outer legs extending therefrom, the lip skin having opposed inner and outer surfaces; and wherein the outer leg of the lip skin incorporates a fuse element having an ultimate strength which is lower than an ultimate strength of the remainder of the lip skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul C. Wittman, Dongming Dominic Gao
  • Patent number: 10589870
    Abstract: An air data probe includes a probe head defining a longitudinal axis between a forward tip and aft base. A port opening is defined in the forward tip. A first conduit is in fluid communication with the port opening to guide fluid flow from the port opening to a first chamber. The first chamber is downstream from the port opening. A second conduit, offset radially and circumferentially from the first conduit, is in fluid communication with the first chamber to guide fluid flow from the first chamber to a second chamber. The second chamber is downstream from the first chamber. The offset between the first and second conduits is configured to prevent particle ingestion from the port opening from entering the second conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy T. Golly, Greg A. Seidel, Paul R. Johnson