Patents Issued in April 16, 2020
  • Publication number: 20200115012
    Abstract: Controlling marine vessel: obtaining motion data related to the marine vessel; obtaining an operation state related to one or more apparatuses exerting force from the marine vessel to ambient water; detecting a disturbance in one or more degrees of freedom affecting the marine vessel based on the motion data; and determining control data for the one or more apparatuses exerting force to attenuate the detected disturbance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Juha Orivuori, Kalevi Tervo, Andrei Korsström
  • Publication number: 20200115013
    Abstract: A system and a method to warn a ship crew of potential violent motions in the immediate near future for the oceangoing vessel when operating in seas. Violent ship motions not only discomfort ship crews, damage cargos and ship structures, but also pose potential capsizing risk to ships. The system includes motion sensors; computer hardware and software; and warning devices. The sensors measure the ship roll, pitch, yaw, and rudder motions. The time histories of these motions are stored in the hardware and constantly analyzed using Finite Fourier Transform (FFT) to detect the nonlinear inertial coupling effect which is newly discovered by the inventor and believed to be the root cause leading to violent motions and capsizing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventor: Shaojie Tang
  • Publication number: 20200115014
    Abstract: The invention relates to the naval field and in particular to a method for launching a structure (1) intended to float in water (15). This method comprises loading the structure (1) onto a pontoon (10) floating in the water, the bearing placement below the water (15) of at least one prop (2) connected to the structure (1) while the structure (1) rests on the pontoon (10) floating in the water (15), lowering the pontoon (10), with disengagement of the pontoon (10) vertically from the structure (1) and its subsequent removal while the structure (1) is supported by the at least one prop (2) bearing below the water (15), and lowering the structure (1), which is still supported by the at least one prop (2), until the structure (1) floats in the water (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: IDEOL
    Inventor: Thomas CHOISNET
  • Publication number: 20200115015
    Abstract: The invention discloses a snorkeling breathing apparatus comprising a mask, a first breathing tube assembly and a one-way exhaust valve. The mask comprises an outer mask and a breathing mask provided within the outer mask and, equipped with a breathing chamber. The breathing tube assembly comprises a first breathing tube and a one-way inhaling valve. The breathing tube is connected to the breathing mask through the inhaling valve. The exhaust valve is connected and mounted on the outer mask and the breathing mask. While inhaling, the inhaling valve conducts and air enters the chamber through the breathing tube. While exhaling, the exhaust valve conducts and air flows from the chamber to outside. The invention aims at making an innovation to the breathing system by separating, the exhalation and suction mechanically, to make sure air in the breathing cavity is always fresh, and to increase the safety performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventor: QINGDONG SANG
  • Publication number: 20200115016
    Abstract: An underwater vehicle includes a longitudinal body that defines a longitudinal axis and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis between a forward orientation and a sideways orientation, a wing attached to the longitudinal body that is moveable between a vertically extending wing orientation when the longitudinal body is in the forward orientation and a horizontally extending wing orientation when the longitudinal body is in the sideways orientation, a propulsion system having a front propulsion device and a rear propulsion device that is arranged rearwardly along the longitudinal axis relative to the front propulsion device, and an after-propulsion system arranged at a rear end of the longitudinal body that provides thrust along the longitudinal axis. The secondary propulsion system provides thrust in a perpendicular direction relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Andrew D. Wilby, Emily J. Pikor, Joseph M. Misulia
  • Publication number: 20200115017
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a submerged compartment is presented. The apparatus includes deployable physical connection hardware provided with the submerged compartment. The deployable physical connection allows for a transfer of fluid between the submerged compartment and a region near a marine free surface when deployed. The deployable physical connection hardware comprises a hose in one aspect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Kim M. Aaron, Kerry T. Nock
  • Publication number: 20200115018
    Abstract: In one aspect, a device for providing propulsion in water is provided by the present disclosure. The device includes a parallel mechanism including at least five rigid bars and at least five joints, each joint being positioned between two of the rigid bars and configured to allow movement of the at least five rigid bars, a first servo motor coupled to a first rigid bar included in the at least five rigid bars, a second servo motor coupled to a second rigid bar included in the at least five rigid bars, and a controller coupled to the first servo motor and the second servo motor and configured to actuate the first servo motor and the second servo motor according to a predetermined pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel AUKES, Mohammad SHARIFZADEH, Kevin NICHOLS, Yuhao JIANG
  • Publication number: 20200115019
    Abstract: Propulsion apparatus for an aquatic vessel comprises an aerodynamic body which extends along a longitudinal axis between first and second ends and in a transverse direction between a leading edge and trailing edge. The aerodynamic body has one or more external wind-receiving surfaces which extend between the leading edge and the trailing edge, thereby defining an aerodynamic profile of the aerodynamic body in cross-section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The propulsion apparatus further comprises at least one air vent and at least one air flow generator configured to expel air through the at least one air vent. The at least one air vent and/or the at least one air flow generator are configured to direct expelled air across at least a portion of the one or more or more external wind-receiving surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Sabrina Maria MALPEDE, Donald William MACVICAR
  • Publication number: 20200115020
    Abstract: A staggered engine mount transom that extends from the primary engine mount transom of a boat for increasing the number of outboard engines mounted on a boat. A transom extension can include one or more supports for a transom section to which the outboard engines can be mounted. Engines mounted on a transom and a transom section can have overlapping operating widths and closer propeller center lines of propulsion. A transom extension can also have one or more engine pods in which outboard engines can be mounted so that the engine operating widths further overlap and the center lines of propulsion are even closer together. This allows more outboard engines to be mounted on a boat than can be mounted on just a single plane transom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventor: ANTHONY KALIL
  • Publication number: 20200115021
    Abstract: A transmission (6) for a marine outboard propulsion system (1) which comprises an input shaft (7) connectable to an engine (4), a countershaft (19) arranged parallel to the input shaft (7), several pairs of gears (15, 16; 17, 18) for transmitting rotation of the input shaft (7) to the countershaft (19) and switching elements (23, 25, 30) for selectively engaging gears (15, 16, 17, 18, 38) to enable at least two forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio. The transmission (6) comprises an output shaft (8) which is arranged coaxial to the input shaft (7) and a PTO countershaft (31) adapted to drive at least one PTO-aggregate (9, 10). The transmission is part of a marine outboard propulsion system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Fernando GALLATO, Adone BERTOLO
  • Publication number: 20200115022
    Abstract: An electric actuator comprises a housing and an output shaft reciprocatingly received by the housing. There is a screw assembly disposed within the housing and coupled to the output shaft. The screw assembly includes a plurality of annular rollers and a central screw received by the annular rollers. The annular rollers are rotatable about the central screw. There is a motor which includes a stator and a rotor. The rotor has an inner bore which engages the annular rollers. Rotation of the rotor causes the central screw to translate axially relative to the rotor and the output shaft to reciprocate relative to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Noam Dean Davidson, Ray Tat Lung Wong, Mark Isaac Dyck
  • Publication number: 20200115023
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a virtual sensor system for determining the speed through water of a marine vessel. The method includes obtaining propeller revolutions per minute and at least one of torque at propeller, propulsion power, thrust and engine fuel flow, obtaining speed over ground or logged data from one or more speed through water logs of the vessel and using the obtained data and hydrodynamic modelling to determine the speed through water of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: Eniram Oy
    Inventors: Matti ANTOLA, Antti SOLONEN, Jussi PYÖRRE
  • Publication number: 20200115024
    Abstract: A system for an unmanned aerial vehicle can include an altitude control system 320, which further includes a compressor assembly 400, a valve assembly 500, and an electronics control assembly 600. The compressor assembly may include a compressor housing 410 that includes a compressor inlet 402, an outlet 202, and a cavity 414 extending therethrough and joining the inlet to the outlet. A diffuser 408 may be coupled to the compressor housing. A motor housing 407 may be disposed within the central cavity at the inlet of the compressor housing, and a compressor motor 406 may be disposed within the motor housing. An impeller 412 disposed within the compressor housing may be coupled to a driveshaft 444 for rotation therewith. The valve assembly may be coupled to an opening 416 of the compressor inlet. The valve head 502 may be configured to move into and away from the inlet opening so as to change a size of the circumferential area of the inlet opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Kevin Anderson, Jonathan Nutzmann, John Cromie, Nathan Winder
  • Publication number: 20200115025
    Abstract: An aerial vehicle includes a deformable frame. The deformable frame includes a center frame and two arm assemblies. The two arm assemblies are disposed at two sides of the center frame respectively, and are rotatably connected to the center frame, to enable the deformable frame to switch between an unfolded state and a folded state. Each arm assembly includes a deformable rod and a cross rod. The deformable rod includes a first end rotatably connected to the center frame, and a second end rotatably connected to the cross rod and having a height larger than the first end. In the unfolded state, second ends of the deformable rods in the two arm assemblies are away from the center frame. In the folded state, the deformable rods in the two arm assemblies are stacked above the center frame. The aerial vehicle further includes a loading mounted on the center frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventor: Guibin LIANG
  • Publication number: 20200115026
    Abstract: Beaded panels and method of forming beaded panels. A beaded panel as described herein includes a base structure comprising a sheet of material, and beads that comprise a protrusion on a first side of the base structure, and a concavity on an opposing second side of the base structure. A geometry of the beads comprises a center section having a conic shape about a longitudinal axis, flared sections symmetric about the center section along the longitudinal axis, and a transition section that curves outward from a base of the center section and the flared sections to blend with a flat surface on the first side of the base structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Cominsky
  • Publication number: 20200115027
    Abstract: A windowed structure includes a body having a frame with an outer wall extending between a first end and a second end. An inner wall extends from the outer wall. The inner wall is connected to the outer wall at the first end to define a proximal joint of the body delimiting a window opening extending through the body. A window element covers the window opening and defines an outer window surface and an inner window surface. The window element has an overlap segment overlaying the outer wall and attached thereto. An unobstructed portion of the window element is defined between the overlap segment and is unobstructed by the frame between the proximal joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Pier-Alexandre Pelletier, Guillaume Noiseux-Boucher, Sebastien Duval
  • Publication number: 20200115028
    Abstract: A door opening system with a deceleration mechanism may be adapted to control an opening of a door module that includes a door panel and a door frame. Deceleration mechanism may include strap that connects door panel with door frame, spool, and spool. Spool may receive one end of strap, is biased to roll up a first portion of strap, and adapted to perform a first unwinding of the first portion of strap. Spool may receive a second end of strap, is biased to roll up a second portion of strap, and adapted to perform a second unwinding of the second portion of strap from spool. Spool may include a braking apparatus that is adapted to decelerate the second unwinding when a velocity of the second unwinding is above a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas TENDYRA, Stephen WARD, Guido BORCHERS, Uwe RENNER, Xaver PASCOE, Markus BUEHLMEYER
  • Publication number: 20200115029
    Abstract: A privacy door assembly for installation in an aircraft relative to a flight deck door of the aircraft includes a door frame having a first post and a second post, where the second post comprises a latch recess. The privacy door comprises a latch positioned on an edge of the privacy door and arranged to engage the latch recess when the privacy door is in a closed position within the door frame. An access door is positioned in the privacy door, where the access door is rotatable from a closed position to an open position in a forward direction. A first mechanical door handle system including a mechanical combination lock is positioned on an aft side of the privacy door and coupled to the latch, and a second mechanical door handle system is positioned on a forward side of the privacy door and coupled to the latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Sami Movsesian, Jeffrey M. Dunn, Min I. Koo, Steven H. Sauer
  • Publication number: 20200115030
    Abstract: A wing leading edge assembly is disclosed including a leading edge panel and a cover panel located over the structural component. The cover panel has a thermoplastic layer with an inner surface. A thermoplastic fastening member extends through the structural component and is welded to the inner surface so that the structural component is fastened between the inner surface and the fastening member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Rodney EVANS, David Andrew PHIPPS
  • Publication number: 20200115031
    Abstract: An adjustable fixed structure attachment system 200 for an aircraft wing, the attachment system 200 including a bracket 210 having: a wall 212 for connection to a wing box, a protrusion 214 protruding from the wall 212, and a slot 216 extending through the protrusion 214, wherein the slot 216 has a height and a width, and a bush 220 having a bore 222 extending therethrough for receipt of a pin, wherein the bush 222 is insertable into the slot 216 and dimensioned relative to the slot 216 so that the bush 220 is substantially immovable in a width-wise direction of the slot 216, and is moveable in a height-wise direction of the slot 216 to thereby vary a position of the bush 220 within the slot 216.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Rodney EVANS, Vernon HOLMES
  • Publication number: 20200115032
    Abstract: A high-lift device surface and associated method of designing the high-lift device surface is described. Methods include entering one or more flight conditions, and receiving aerodynamic forces at a wing, the wing comprising a fixed portion, a seal coupled to and extending from the fixed portion of the wing, and a high-lift device surface having an as-built shape determined based on an anticipated deformation during flight. Methods also include deforming the high-lift device surface based, at least in part, on the received aerodynamic forces, contacting, based on the deforming, the high-lift device surface with the seal, wherein the deforming causes the high-lift device to deform from the as-built shape to a second shape, and wherein the contacting causes the high-lift device to fully contact the seal to prevent air flow between the seal and the high-lift device surface due to the received aerodynamic forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jan A. Kordel, Jacob Daniel Virnig, Michael Albert Balzer, Bruce Detert, Emanuel Rizal Setiawan
  • Publication number: 20200115033
    Abstract: An under-wing flap support mounting structure incorporates a clevis on a forward end of an underwing beam. A spherical bearing support assembly carrying a spherical bearing is mounted to a fixed wing structure proximate a lower wing skin. A joint coupling has a lug pivotally coupled to the clevis and a longitudinal pin extending from the lug. The longitudinal pin is slidably received in the spherical bearing. The lug has a bore in which a fuse pin is disposed to secure the lug to the clevis and inhibit the lug from pivoting relative to the clevis. A force applied to an aft portion of the underwing beam that is sufficient to urge separation from the wing causes the clevis to apply a shear force to shear the fuse pin and enable the lug to pivot and cause the longitudinal pin to slide out of the spherical bearing. The underwing flap support separates from the wing without resulting damage to the underside of the wing structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Kevin R. Tsai, Mark D. Gerber
  • Publication number: 20200115034
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a slat end seal for use with a slat of an aircraft. The slat end seal includes a shell having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a sidewall extending from the first surface. The shell includes a plurality of through holes in the first surface of the shell. The slat end seal also includes a lattice structure coupled to the first surface of the shell and configured to compress in response to a force applied to the second surface of the shell. The lattice structure includes a plurality of supports defining a plurality of interstitial voids between the plurality of supports. The lattice structure also includes at least one through hole aligned with at least one through hole of the plurality of through holes in the first surface of the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventor: John Dovey
  • Publication number: 20200115035
    Abstract: A rotor system is provided in one example embodiment and may include a rotor duct; at least one rotor blade, wherein the at least one rotor blade comprises a tip end; and a tip extension affixed at the tip end of the at least one rotor blade, wherein the tip extension is comprised, at least in part, of a flexible material and the rotor blade has a fixed extended length based on the tip extension. The tip extension may provide a clearance distance between the tip extension and the rotor duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Kirk L. Groninga, Daniel B. Robertson, Matthew Edward Louis, Robert Glenn Vaughn, Michael J. Ryan, Brent Randal Achttien
  • Publication number: 20200115036
    Abstract: A rotor system is provided in one example embodiment and may include a rotor duct; at least one rotor blade, wherein the at least one rotor blade comprises a tip end; and a tip extension affixed at the tip end of the at least one rotor blade, wherein the tip extension comprises a plurality of flexible elements and the rotor blade has a fixed extended length based on the tip extension. The tip extension may provide a clearance distance between the tip extension and the rotor duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Robert Glenn Vaughn, Michael J. Ryan, Brent Randal Achttien, Kirk L. Groninga, Daniel B. Robertson, Matthew Edward Louis
  • Publication number: 20200115037
    Abstract: Methods and systems for slowing down an aircraft having a propeller. The method comprises operating the propeller at a reference speed with the propeller blades in a first position, applying a load to the propeller to slow down a rotational speed of the propeller when the propeller is in a windmilling state or just before the propeller enters the windmilling state, adjusting the propeller blades to a second position in response to the load being applied, to increase the rotational speed of the propeller back towards the reference speed, and operating the propeller at the reference speed with the propeller blades in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Sylvain LAMARRE, Simon LOPEZ
  • Publication number: 20200115038
    Abstract: A first assembly can be configured to exert mechanical control forces on a second assembly through a tensioned and inelastic cable including steel. An electrical power source can be in electric communication with a first portion of the cable. An electrical power consumer can be in electric communication with a second portion of the cable. The cable can be a wire rope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: David Russell Trawick
  • Publication number: 20200115039
    Abstract: A device for sensing a physical parameter includes a sensor element configured for measuring the physical parameter and for outputting a corresponding measured signal, wherein the measured signal is influenceable by a sensor drift of the sensor element. The device includes a corrector for correcting the measured signal output by the sensor element to obtain a corrected signal, wherein the corrector is configured for evaluating the measured signal to determine a drift effect of the sensor drift on the measured signal and for correcting the measured signal so as to at least partially compensate for the drift effect. The device includes a signal output configured for outputting the corrected signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Saumitra Sanjeev Chafekar, Ankit Kalbande
  • Publication number: 20200115040
    Abstract: A boundary layer control (BLC) system for embedment in a flight surface having a top surface, a bottom surface, a leading edge, and a trailing edge. The BLC system may comprises an actuator having a crossflow fan and an electric motor to drive the crossflow fan about an axis of rotation. The actuator may be embedded within the flight surface and adjacent the leading edge. In operation, the actuator is configured to output local airflow via an outlet channel through an outlet aperture adjacent the top surface to energize a boundary layer of air adjacent the top surface of the flight surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventor: Francesco Giannini
  • Publication number: 20200115041
    Abstract: A leading edge structure (11) for a flow control system of an aircraft (1) including a leading edge panel (13) surrounding a plenum (17) that extends in a span direction (19). The leading edge panel (13) has a first side portion (21) extending from a leading edge point (23) to a first attachment end (25) and a second side portion (27) opposite the first side portion (21), extending from the leading edge point (23) to a second attachment end (29), wherein the leading edge panel (13) comprises an inner surface (33) facing the plenum (17) and an outer surface (37) in contact with an ambient flow (39), and wherein the leading edge panel (13) comprises a plurality of micro pores (45) forming a fluid connection between the plenum (17) and the ambient flow (39).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventor: Alexander BÜSCHER
  • Publication number: 20200115042
    Abstract: Methods of retracting a strut assembly for stowing aircraft landing gear comprise longitudinally translating an upper bulkhead within an upper tubular housing from a lower position to an upper position by pressurizing an upper bulkhead space between an upper plate of the upper bulkhead and an upper bulkhead restriction structure that is fixed to the upper tubular housing. Other methods of retracting a strut assembly for stowing aircraft landing gear comprise flowing liquid from an upper liquid chamber positioned above an upper bulkhead within an upper tubular housing to a recoil chamber, wherein during the flowing, the liquid is prevented from passing from the recoil chamber to a pressure chamber that is defined between the upper bulkhead and a lower bulkhead, thereby longitudinally translating a lower tubular housing upward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Justin Duane Cottet, James E. Cusworth, Malcolm Scott Bryant, George Sonnenburg
  • Publication number: 20200115043
    Abstract: Rotor flight vehicle includes a first rotor, a power unit, a transmission from the power unit to the first rotor, wherein said transmission comprises at least one belt, a group of rotational axes, at least one power output axle connected to the power unit and at least one rotor axle connected to said first rotor, the belt is applied to the power output axle, the power output axle is concentric with a rotational axis, the belt transmits power to the rotor axle, the rotor axle is concentric with a rotational axis, wherein consecutive rotational axes of the group of rotational axes extend in a relation to each other such that the angle between them is in the range of 80-100 degrees, wherein the belt has a maximal torsion of 80-100 degrees, in the belt's transition between two respective consecutive rotational axes of the group of rotational axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventor: Anders Ljung
  • Publication number: 20200115044
    Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for protecting an aerodynamic surface from erosion including a screen capable of being applied to a leading edge of the aerodynamic surface; and an erosion protection coating applied to the screen before or after the screen is applied to the leading edge, wherein the erosion protection coating protects the aerodynamic surface from erosion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Bryan John Huber, Jared Mark Paulson
  • Publication number: 20200115045
    Abstract: An electrically or hybrid powered multirotor aircraft with complete redundancy on all of its functions of lift, of propulsion, and of control, the aircraft having optimized energy consumption and comprising: a longitudinal structure having two longitudinal beams; a fuselage fastened to the longitudinal structure; two fixed wings serving essentially to provide the aircraft with lift in cruising flight and arranged at respective ends of the longitudinal structure and in a common first plane; at least six rotors serving essentially to provide the aircraft with lift during stages of takeoff and landing, the rotors being arranged in a common second plane distinct from the first plane and parallel to the first plane in such a manner as not to be situated vertically above or below a fixed wing; and two propulsion propellers. An electrical or hybrid power plant serves to drive the rotors and the propulsion propellers in rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventors: Emmanuel Mermoz, Frederic Balayn, Xavier Maraninchi
  • Publication number: 20200115046
    Abstract: A system for automated landing of an airborne body suspended on a parawing includes a case with a powered pulley driven by a controlled motor to extend and extract cables attached to the parawing. The cables are extended at the beginning of the landing approach to locate the parawing away from the airborne body, while maintaining the tension of the parawing straps to ensure that the parawing maintains aerodynamic behavior. When the airborne body lands and is secured to the landing pad, the cables are unwound until the parawing approaches the airborne body at which stage it is deflated and collected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventor: Raphael Yoeli
  • Publication number: 20200115047
    Abstract: Provided is a multi-UAV continuous movement control method for energy efficient communication coverage. The method includes: determining observation information at a current moment, the observation information including one or more of the following: energy consumption information of a UAV, coverage indication information of users covered by a UAV network facilitated by the UAV or coverage fairness information of the UAV network; determining control information corresponding to the observation information using a DDPG model according to the observation information, wherein the DDPG model is generated from a DDPG algorithm with sample information as an input, the sample information indicating a mapping relationship between sampled observation information and sampled control information; and controlling the UAV to move according to the control information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: XIANBIN CAO, WENBO DU, PENG YANG, XING XI, DAPENG WU
  • Publication number: 20200115048
    Abstract: A complex system includes an unmanned flying object, a vehicle in which the unmanned flying object is mountable and including a power supply device, a travel controller configured to transmit a travel instruction signal including a command to travel in a state where the unmanned flying object is mounted in the vehicle to the vehicle when flying of the unmanned flying object is disabled and traveling of the vehicle is enabled, and a flying controller configured to transmit a flying instruction signal including a command to fly away from the vehicle to the unmanned flying object when flying of the unmanned flying object is enabled and traveling of the vehicle is disabled. The vehicle travels in a state where the unmanned flying object is mounted in the vehicle based on the travel instruction signal, and the unmanned flying object flies away from the vehicle based on the flying instruction signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tae SUGIMURA, Hirotaka KARUBE, Kazuki MATSUMOTO, Makoto MORI, Jun KONDO
  • Publication number: 20200115049
    Abstract: An aerial vehicle includes a lift generation member provided in an airframe in an expandable manner, a manipulation mechanism connected to the lift generation member and configured to manipulate the lift generation member, an expansion apparatus configured to expand the lift generation member, a control unit configured to control the manipulation mechanism, and a falling sensing unit configured to sense falling of the airframe. The expansion apparatus is configured to expand the lift generation member based on a falling sensing signal and the control unit is configured to start control of the manipulation mechanism based on the falling sensing signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: NIPPON KAYAKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi NAKAMURA, Yasuhiko YAGIHASHI, Dairi KUBO
  • Publication number: 20200115050
    Abstract: To enable control of a flight of a UAV more appropriately. There is provided a control device including: an identification unit that identifies a sign installed on the ground on the basis of information acquired by a UAV; and a control unit that controls the flight of the UAV in accordance with the identification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Sho MURAKOSHI
  • Publication number: 20200115051
    Abstract: A restrain and release mechanism for an externally airborne load, includes at least one stiff support for suspending the load and an elastically deformable adaptive member designed to maintain the load at pressure contact against the support. The adaptive member is a three-dimensional monolithic metallic body obtained using an additive manufacturing method and having a flexural orthotropic behaviour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: AEREA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luca Andrea PERNECHELE, Dario GUFFANTI
  • Publication number: 20200115052
    Abstract: A system for deploying and retrieving a parasite aircraft includes a parasite aircraft with a dock and a carrier aircraft that includes a maneuverable capture device tethered to the carrier aircraft via a cable. The maneuverable capture device includes a plurality of rotors and is configured to dock in the dock of the parasite aircraft. A method of deploying a parasite aircraft includes positioning a parasite aircraft on a loading surface; positioning a carrier aircraft above the parasite aircraft; releasing, from the carrier aircraft, a maneuverable capture device comprising a plurality of rotors; securing the maneuverable capture device to a dock positioned on the parasite aircraft; lifting, via a cable secured at a first end to the carrier aircraft and at a second end to the maneuverable capture device, the parasite aircraft with the carrier aircraft; and releasing the parasite aircraft from the maneuverable capture device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Alexander FENNY, Joseph Scott DRENNAN, Michael John RYAN, John Richard MCCULLOUGH, Brett Rodney ZIMMERMAN
  • Publication number: 20200115053
    Abstract: A parasite aircraft for airborne deployment and retrieve includes a wing; a fuselage rotatably mounted to the wing; a dock disposed on top of the fuselage and configured to receive a maneuverable capture device of a carrier aircraft; a pair of tail members extending from the fuselage; and a plurality of landing gear mounted to the wing. A method of preparing a parasite aircraft for flight includes unfolding an end portion of a wing; unfolding an end portion of a tail member of the parasite aircraft; and rotating a fuselage of the parasite aircraft so that the fuselage is perpendicular to the wing. A method of preparing a parasite aircraft for storage includes rotating a fuselage of the parasite aircraft to be parallel with a wing of the parasite aircraft; folding an end portion of the wing; and folding an end portion of a tail member of the parasite aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Scott DRENNAN, Carlos Alexander FENNY, Michael John RYAN, John Richard MCCULLOUGH, Brett Rodney ZIMMERMAN
  • Publication number: 20200115054
    Abstract: An example of a maneuverable capture device includes a frame, a plurality of rotors secured to the frame, an attachment point disposed on the frame for securing a cable of a carrier aircraft to the frame, and an attachment feature configured to secure maneuverable capture device to a dock of a parasite aircraft. An example of a method of docking a maneuverable capture device with a parasite aircraft includes positioning a carrier aircraft above a parasite aircraft, releasing the maneuverable capture device attached to the carrier aircraft by a cable from the carrier aircraft, flying the maneuverable capture device to a dock of the parasite aircraft, and securing the maneuverable capture device to the dock of the parasite aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Michael John RYAN, Carlos Alexander Fenny, Joseph Scott Drennan, John Richard McCullough, Brett Rodney Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20200115055
    Abstract: A system for launching an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), comprising: a capsule comprising at least two parts; a UAV configured to be encapsulated inside the capsule in a folded configuration; and an aerial carrier comprising a release mechanism, the carrier configured to carry the capsule; the carrier further configured to be launched and eject the capsule upon arrival at a desired aerial location, using the release mechanism; wherein prior to the ejection, the carrier is further configured to execute vertical maneuvers in order to reduce the carrier's speed and change the carrier's angle thereby creating suitable conditions for the capsule's ejection; the capsule configured to split and release the UAV upon being ejected; and the ejected UAV further configured to unfold upon release from the capsule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventor: Gedalia Kuperman
  • Publication number: 20200115056
    Abstract: A system and method for passenger interaction receives an input from a passenger to create an actual, virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) environment within which the passenger wishes to immerse and then share via social media. The input includes a passenger order to immediately share the environment, delay sending or store the environment. Each environment includes a characteristic of the passenger as immersed within a location element and vehicle element associated with the vehicle in which the passenger is traveling. The system maintains a hardware suite capable of creation of the desired environment and displaying the environment to the passenger. The system then formats and transmits the environment in a format recognizable by a social media application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventor: Glenn A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20200115057
    Abstract: A cart bay for an aircraft galley structure includes a housing defined by interior surfaces and capable of housing one or more removable galley carts in a secured position. Chilled air is introduced into the cart bay through a plenum of inlet to maintain perishable contents of the galley cart at a safe temperature. The side walls of the cart bay include rubstrip assemblies for guiding the galley carts in and out of the bay, absorbing impact and noise. The rubstrip assemblies may include a corrugated carrier layer behind a solid rubstrip; the corrugated carrier layer includes apertures for controlling and directing the flow of chilled air along the side walls to maximize the exterior surfaces of the galley carts reachable by the chilled air, separating the galley carts from the side walls and allowing chilled air to reach the side exterior surfaces of the galley carts via the apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Rafal H. Chylinski, Nick Undricov, Peter John Leslie Burd
  • Publication number: 20200115058
    Abstract: A retrofit seat back assembly is disclosed. In various embodiments, the assembly includes a supplemental recline panel having an upper end and a lower end; a pivot member disposed proximate the upper end and configured to pivotally engage a seat back frame of a stowable seat; an actuator disposed proximate the lower end and configured to operably engage the seat back frame and move the supplemental recline panel between a retracted position and a deployed position; and a bias element disposed between the supplemental recline panel and the seat back frame and configured to urge the supplemental recline panel toward the seat back frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E Hoover, Dominic J. Maglia, Akhil Rajagopal Kozhipuram, Pradeep Acharya
  • Publication number: 20200115059
    Abstract: An additively manufactured heating element is printed on a flexible substrate and attached to an aircraft component having a complex geometric surface. The heating element is made of a plurality of layers of a conductive ink, which is electrically connected to a controller through one or more leads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Adam George, Reid Philip Beery, James A. Mullen
  • Publication number: 20200115060
    Abstract: A resistive heating circuit for a heated or ice protected aircraft structure includes a flexible dielectric substrate, a resistive heating element supported by the substrate, and a bus bar. The bus bar is electrically connected to the resistive heating element and includes a conductive ink printed onto the substrate such that the bus bar and resistive heating element flex freely with the heated or ice protected aircraft structure. Heated or ice protected aircraft structures and methods of making resistive heating circuits for heated or ice protected aircraft structures are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventor: Brad Hartzler
  • Publication number: 20200115061
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle includes: a plurality of rotary wings; a load object disposed on an airframe of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the load object being an external device or a piece of goods disposed at an outside of the airframe; and an air bag device configured to protect the external device. The air bag device includes: a sensor configured to detect a collision and/or a fall of the airframe; an air bag inflatable by a supply of gas; and an inflator configured to supply the gas to the air bag. The air bag includes a plurality of buffers each being a bag body inflatable into an approximately columnar shape. The plurality of inflated buffers are aligned in their radial direction such that the plurality of inflated buffers cover an outer surface of the load object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: PRODRONE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji TAKEUCHI, Kiyokazu SUGAKI, Masahiko SUGIMOTO