Patents Issued in April 28, 2020
-
Patent number: 10633088Abstract: An aerial imaging aircraft operable to transition between thrust-borne lift in a VTOL orientation and wing-borne lift in a biplane orientation. The aircraft includes an airframe having first and second wings with first and second pylons coupled therebetween. The airframe has a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis in the VTOL orientation. A two-dimensional distributed thrust array is coupled to the airframe. The thrust array includes a plurality of propulsion assemblies each operable for variable speed and omnidirectional thrust vectoring. A payload is coupled to the airframe and includes an aerial imaging module. A flight control system is operable to independently control the speed and thrust vector of each of the propulsion assemblies such that in a level or inclined flight attitude, the flight control system is operable to maintain the orientation of the aerial imaging module toward a focal point of a ground object while translating the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventors: John Richard McCullough, Paul K. Oldroyd
-
Patent number: 10633089Abstract: A motorized device capable of moving in a fluid and including one or more locomotor systems, each having at least one drive assembly linked to at least one locomotion member and a motor controlled by a voltage. The frequency of a reciprocating motion of the drive assembly matches the resonant frequency of the locomotion member linked to a non-movable portion by at least one prestrained elastic member. The instantaneous amplitude of the reciprocating motion of the drive assembly is adjusted to control the average position and the maximum amplitude of the reciprocating motion of the locomotion member. The drive assembly includes at least one speed reducer for reducing the speed of rotation of the motor. When the motor is operating at its maximum mechanical power, the speed of rotation transmitted to the at least one locomotion member is reduced to match the resonance frequency.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2016Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: OFFICE NATIONAL D'ÉTUDES ET DE RECHERCHES AÉROSPATIALESInventors: Thierry Le Moing, Mathieu Rognant
-
Patent number: 10633090Abstract: A cross flow fan to be incorporated into an aircraft comprises a cross flow fan rotor to be positioned in an aircraft, a drive arrangement for the cross flow fan rotor, and a plurality of vanes positioned downstream of the cross flow fan rotor. An aircraft is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2016Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Wesley K. Lord
-
Patent number: 10633091Abstract: A system to monitor vehicle accidents using a network of aerial based monitoring systems, terrestrial based monitoring systems and in-vehicle monitoring systems is described. Aerial vehicles used for this surveillance include manned and unmanned aircraft, satellites and lighter than air craft. Aerial vehicles can also be deployed from vehicles. The deployment is triggered by sensors registering a pattern in the data that is indicative of an accident that has happened or an accident about to happen.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2016Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Scope Technologies Holdings LimitedInventors: Samuel Lavie, Gil Emanuel Fuchs, Clayton Richard Morlock
-
Patent number: 10633092Abstract: A technique is directed to operating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a fuselage defining a flight direction of the UAV and wing-plate assemblies that propel the UAV in the flight direction defined by the fuselage. The technique involves providing, while the flight direction defined by fuselage of the UAV points vertically from a takeoff location on the ground, thrust from propulsion units of the wing-plate assemblies to fly the UAV along a vertical takeoff path. The technique further involves maneuvering, after the UAV flies along the vertical takeoff path, the UAV to align the flight direction along a horizontal flight path that is perpendicular to the vertical takeoff path. The technique further involves providing, after the UAV flies along the horizontal flight path, thrust from the propulsion units of the wing-plate assemblies to land the UAV along a vertical landing path that is perpendicular to the horizontal flight path.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2016Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: AAI CorporationInventor: Neal H. Willford
-
Patent number: 10633093Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for monitoring an asset via an autonomous model-driven inspection. In an example, the method may include storing an inspection plan including a virtually created three-dimensional (3D) model of a travel path with respect to a virtual asset that is created in virtual space, converting the virtually created 3D model of the travel path about the virtual asset into a physical travel path about a physical asset corresponding to the virtual asset, autonomously controlling vertical and lateral movement of the unmanned robot in three dimensions with respect to the physical asset based on the physical travel path and capturing data at one or more regions of interest, and capturing data at one or more regions of interest, and storing information concerning the captured data about the asset.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Mauricio Castillo-Effen, Ching-Ling Huang, Raju Venkataramana, Roberto Silva Filho, Alex Tepper, Steven Gray, Yakov Polishchuk, Viktor Holovashchenko, Charles Theurer, Yang Zhao, Ghulam Ali Baloch, Douglas Forman, Shiraj Sen, Huan Tan, Arpit Jain
-
Patent number: 10633094Abstract: A system includes an unmanned aerial vehicle including a chassis, a tank attached to the chassis, a sprayer fluidly connected to the tank, a heating element attached to the chassis, a fan drawing air over the heating element, and a clamp attached to the chassis; and a computer in communication with the unmanned aerial vehicle and programmed to instruct the clamp to attach to an external sensor of a vehicle, instruct the sprayer to spray water and detergent onto the external sensor, and instruct the fan to blow heated air at the external sensor.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventor: Oswaldo Perez Barrera
-
Patent number: 10633095Abstract: An imaging system includes a first imaging device and a second imaging device disposed flanking the main wing of an aircraft. The first imaging device and the second imaging device are disposed so that at least part of a first imaging range of the first imaging device overlaps a second imaging range of the second imaging device. The first imaging device and the second imaging device are also disposed so that the first imaging range and the second imaging range overlap an extension of the pitch axis of the aircraft and do not overlap the roll axis of the aircraft or an extension thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2016Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshifumi Asao, Masaharu Matsumoto, Keijiroh Nagano, Masaaki Higashida
-
Patent number: 10633096Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 27, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: AMI INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Douglas E Hoover, Dominic J. Maglia, Akhil Rajagopal Kozhipuram, Pradeep Acharya
-
Patent number: 10633097Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a desired volumetric conditioned airflow rate and for reducing noise level, airflow recirculation and airflow separation are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a nozzle housing having a pair of opposing sidewalls and a front and back wall that define an airflow passage. The airflow passage has a centerline extending between the inlet and the outlet and has a plurality of cross-sections taken perpendicular to the centerline that collectively define a smooth contour along a length of the airflow passage. The cross-sections each have a thickness between the front and back wall that is greater at side edges than at the centerline. The thickness of the cross-sections decreases along a length of at least a first portion of the nozzle housing. A width of each of the cross-sections between the sidewalls increases along the length of at least the first portion of the nozzle housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2016Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventor: Thamir R. Al-Alusi
-
Patent number: 10633098Abstract: An environmental control system includes a turbo-compressor assembly and a ram air system. The turbo-compressor assembly includes a first turbine, a first compressor, and a first heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger has a first heat exchanger first side in fluid communication a first turbine outlet, a first heat exchanger second side, a first heat exchanger inlet in fluid communication a first compressor outlet, and a first heat exchanger outlet. The ram air system has a first ram air inlet in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger second side, and a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the first ram air inlet.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2016Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventor: Brian R. Shea
-
Patent number: 10633099Abstract: A water extractor includes a body with an outer wall, an inlet, an outlet, a first centerline axis, an inner nozzle, an outer chamber, a serpentine channel, a pocket, and a boss. The first centerline axis extends through a center of the body, the outlet, and the inlet. The inner nozzle is co-axial with the first centerline axis. The outer chamber extends between the outer wall and the inner nozzle. The serpentine channel fluidly connects the inlet and the outer chamber. The pocket is fluidly connected to a portion of the outer chamber and is configured to collect water from the outer chamber. The boss extends from and is fluidly connected to the pocket. The boss includes a second centerline axis at an angle with the first centerline axis of approximately 10 degrees or greater.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Kevin P. Walsh, Murtuza Lokhandwalla, Patrick McCord
-
Patent number: 10633100Abstract: An ejection seat is disclosed comprising a seat back; a headrest assembly mounted to or forming part of the seat back; a pair of head support beams stowable in the headrest assembly, configured to be deployed such that they project forwardly from the headrest assembly, for capturing a seat occupant's head therebetween, and a pair of arm retention curtains, wherein at least part of each arm retention curtain is stowed in a rolled condition, configured such that deploying the head support beams and/or drawing the tethers forward from the seat back unfurls the arm retention curtains.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: MARTIN-BAKER AIRCRAFT CO. LTD.Inventors: Paul Adams, Craig Hudson, James Lorbiecki, Phil Rowles, Michael Constantine, Steve Ruff, James Boyd-Moss
-
Patent number: 10633101Abstract: In order to further benefit from the principle of boundary layer ingestion by engines of an aircraft assembly, the rear portion of the fuselage of this aircraft assembly includes a front portion which splits up into at least two distinct rear portions, spaced apart from each other, and each integrating the rotary ring of the receiver of one of the engines.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SASInventors: Camil Negulescu, Jean-Michel Rogero, Renaud Faure
-
Patent number: 10633102Abstract: A screen device includes a screen, a plurality of first photoelectric conversion elements, a plurality of second photoelectric conversion elements, a flying object, a support member, and a controller. The plurality of first photoelectric conversion elements are on the screen and are arranged at an outermost periphery, in a frame shape, of an area in which photoelectric conversion elements are arranged. The plurality of second photoelectric conversion elements are on the screen and are arranged inside the area at the outermost periphery covered by the plurality of first photoelectric conversion elements. The flying object is configured to be powered by electric power generated by the plurality of second photoelectric conversion elements. The support member connects the screen with the flying object. The controller is configured to control the flying object based on an evaluation of the electric power generated by the plurality of first photoelectric conversion elements.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2016Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Yusuke Adachi, Motonobu Yoshikawa, Masahiro Inata, Norikazu Katsuyama, Ryo Okumura, Fumio Muramatsu, Naoto Yumiki
-
Patent number: 10633103Abstract: A propulsion unit for an aircraft is provided. The propulsion unit includes a stationary unit having at least one cowl pivotally mounted on an axis collinear with a longitudinal axis of the propulsion unit between an operating position or a maintenance position allowing access to the turbojet engine for regular maintenance operations and irregular maintenance operations. The maintenance position for irregular maintenance operations includes an opening angle of the cowl that is greater than the opening angle of the cowl to carry out regular maintenance operations. The propulsion unit further includes at least one cylinder and at least one safety connecting rod secured to the cowl and stationary unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: SAFRAN NACELLESInventors: Jean-Philippe Joret, Emmanuel Lesteven, Vincent Peyron, Patrick Boileau
-
Patent number: 10633104Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid-electric propulsion system for an aircraft includes determining a flight phase parameter for the aircraft is equal to a first value, and operating the hybrid-electric propulsion system in an electric charge mode in response to determining the flight phase parameter for the aircraft is equal to the first value. The method also includes determining the flight phase parameter for the aircraft is equal to a second value different from the first value, and operating the hybrid-electric propulsion system in an electric discharge mode in response to determining the flight phase parameter for the aircraft is equal to the second value.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Brandon Wayne Miller, Michael Thomas Gansler, Sridhar Adibhatla, Daniel E. Bergsten, Nicholas Adam Wagner, David Allen Gutz
-
Patent number: 10633105Abstract: An autothrottle system for an aircraft includes a motor, actuator assembly, and position sensor operatively connected between the motor and a moving portion of the actuator assembly. An electronic controller is configured to control the motor to move the actuator assembly to actuator positions based at least on position information from the position sensor to move the throttle lever to lever positions. When a surge condition is detected the autothrottle increases the throttle lever in a regulated manner for optimal performance over the different regions of an engine power output.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Inventor: Geoffrey S. M. Hedrick
-
Patent number: 10633106Abstract: A system is provided for alternating starter use during multi-engine motoring in an aircraft. The system includes a first engine starting system of a first engine and a controller. The controller is operable to coordinate control of the first engine starting system to alternate use of power from a power source relative to use of the power by one or more other engine starting systems of the aircraft while maintaining a starting spool speed of the first engine below a resonance speed of the starting spool during motoring of the first engine.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: David Gelwan, Jesse W. Clauson, Frederick M. Schwarz
-
Patent number: 10633107Abstract: A turboshaft engine includes an inlet, a swirl frame mounted downstream of the inlet, and an inlet seal mounted to one of the inlet and the swirl frame extending toward the other of the inlet and the swirl frame. The inlet seal includes a support member and an elastomeric member extending from a first end portion coupled to the support member to a second, cantilevered end portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2016Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventor: Zachariah Steeves
-
Patent number: 10633108Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank system includes at least one fuel tank having a plurality of interconnected bays and a vent arranged so as to allow an inward venting of atmospheric air. The system is arranged so as to direct the inwardly vented air along a vent duct. The vent duct is arranged so as to convey the inwardly vented air to substantially each one of the interconnected bays.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventors: Dominic Ashton, John Wood, John Foster
-
Patent number: 10633109Abstract: A method utilizing quantities of flexible foam material inserted into a fuel tank, thereby providing ignition mitigation and minimizing the risk of explosion in the tank. The foam material is sculpted into a few, or a substantial quantity of foam blocks. In large-scale installations, the blocks are labeled according to exact placement within a stacking pattern that replicates the tank interior. The blocks are inserted by technicians through existing access ports until the tank is filled, excepting minimal planned void spaces. The foam material establishes ignition mitigation by acting as an ignition blocker, mechanically interfering with the compression wave created by a flame front in an explosion, and changing the vaporous mixture-above the fuel level in the tank. Upon completion of foam insertion, the fuel tank is filled with purging fluid, drained through a filter until no debris is found, and a new maximum fuel quantity recalibrated.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: JETAIRE AEROSPACE, LLCInventor: Michael D Williams
-
Patent number: 10633110Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank inerting system includes an inlet, an oxygen absorption unit, and a vent to discharge oxygen from the system. The inlet may be configured to be in fluid communication with a ullage of a fuel tank. In embodiments, the oxygen absorption unit is in communication with the inlet and includes a chamber, a temperature reversible oxygen absorption medium within said chamber, and a temperature controller for selectively heating or cooling the medium. The reversible oxygen absorption medium may be a medium which absorbs oxygen by chemisorption.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Subrata Sarkar, Alan Massey, Kailash Golecha, Prasant Jha, Surbhi Kohli, Amit Kalmegh, Vismay Walle, Chandrashekhar S. Nehete
-
Patent number: 10633111Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing an intensity of an electrical discharge that occurs within a fluid transport system in an aerospace vehicle. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a transport member. The transport member is configured for use in the fluid transport system. The transport member includes a material configured to reduce voltages and currents, induced in response to an electromagnetic event, along the transport member.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James Patrick Irwin, David William Minteer, John Thomas Axtell, Benjamin A. Johnson
-
Patent number: 10633112Abstract: A flying machine includes a flying machine body including a rotor blade; a frame including a frame body supporting the flying machine body, and a pressing section that is pressed against a target object at least at two locations separated along a direction orthogonal to a width direction of the frame body; and a detector fixed to the frame, and having a detection direction that is a direction orthogonal to a direction joining the two locations together and facing toward the target object.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventors: Moyuru Yamada, Yoshiro Hada
-
Patent number: 10633113Abstract: Liquid dispensing assemblies including adhesive anchoring assemblies configured to adhere to a support surface external to a device such as a vehicle. An air vehicle includes (a) a fluid adhesive container assembly detachably attached to the air vehicle, wherein the fluid adhesive container assembly comprises: (i) an adhesive container comprising fluid adhesive; and (ii) one or more fibers, wherein the one or more fibers are configured, or a brush of fibers, or a fabric of fibers, is configured to conduct the fluid adhesive and to structurally support an adhesive bond between the one or more fibers and a surface; and (b) means for dispensing the fluid adhesive from the fluid adhesive container, to the one or more fibers.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: AEROVIRONMENT, INC.Inventors: Christopher Eugene Fisher, John Peter Zwaan, David R. Thompson, Marc L. Schmalzel, Karl R. Klingbiel, Tyson R. Jensen, Pavel Belik, Eric James Aagaard
-
Patent number: 10633114Abstract: An airport lighting system includes one or more lighting elements, a transient protection apparatus, and one or more electrical control cabinets. The transient protection apparatus is coupled to the one or more lighting elements. One or more electrical control cabinets are coupled to the transient protection apparatus. Each of the control cabinets produces one or more of control and power signals that are effective to operate the one or more lighting elements. The transient protection apparatus is configured to provide protection for one or more of the electrical control cabinets and the one or more lighting elements from electrical surges.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2016Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: HOWARD UNIVERSITYInventor: James Momoh
-
Patent number: 10633115Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can automatically guide itself to the vicinity of a charging station of an automated landing, charging and takeoff system, which then assists with the close-range laser guidance of the UAV in order for it to dock, without the need for landing gear. The dock has locating valleys that help the booms of the UAV to self-align under the force of gravity. Electrical connections are automatically made for data download and charging. A cover may be closed over the UAV during charging.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2016Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Inventor: Orest Jacob Pilskalns
-
Patent number: 10633116Abstract: A method for joining two aircraft structural parts by a bolted or riveted joint and for preventing cracks at said joint includes providing a first metallic aircraft structural part and a second aircraft structural part, wherein the first aircraft structural part includes a first joint region and a second aircraft structural part includes a second joint region. Furthermore, the method includes inducing compressive residual stresses in a first area of the first joint region for preventing cracks by applying parallel crack retarding regions formed as stripes in the first area, drilling fastener holes in the first and second areas of the first. Finally, the method includes a step of fastening together the first and second aircraft structural parts at the first and second joint regions by a bolted or riveted joint.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2015Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Domenico Furfari, Nikolaus Ohrloff
-
Patent number: 10633117Abstract: A system for moving first and second fuselage structures into assembly alignment, the system including a first transmitter indexed to a first seat track of the first fuselage structure, a first reflector target indexed to a first seat track of the second fuselage structure, a second transmitter indexed to a second seat track of the first fuselage structure, a second reflector target indexed to a second seat track of the second fuselage structure, wherein the first and second transmitters and the first and second reflector targets cooperate to provide first and second measurements indicative of position of the first fuselage structure relative to the second fuselage structure, and a manipulator system including at least one assembly actuator coupled to the first fuselage structure to move the first fuselage structure into assembly alignment with the second fuselage structure based upon the first and second measurements.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jake A. Wilson, Craig A. Charlton, Andrew M. Huckey, Mark E. Nestleroad
-
Patent number: 10633118Abstract: A mobile rustproofing washing system includes a receptacle, a control module, a water supply module, a filtration module and a washing module. The receptacle is removably disposed on a mobile carrier. The control module is disposed in the receptacle. The water supply module is disposed in the receptacle and includes a front water tank and a rear water tank. The filtration module is connected to the front water tank and the rear water tank. The filtration module receives and filters water from the front water tank. The filtered water is stored in the rear water tank. The washing module connects with the rear water tank and receives water therefrom, so as to carry out a washing process. Therefore, the mobile rustproofing washing system is quick to mount/demount and easy to use, thereby having high mobility.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: NATIONAL CHUNG SHAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Yu-Ping Wang, Chin-Cheng Wu, Ming-Jia Wang, Chun-Yu Chen, Yi-Rong Zeng, Kuan-You Liu, Ming-Ta Hsieh, Ching-Wen Fan
-
Patent number: 10633119Abstract: Methods of testing a monument that is attached to a floor of the aircraft. The testing uses a compliance matrix based on attachment points where the monument is attached to the floor of the aircraft. The testing uses a test monument that is equipped with extension members and load cells positioned at the corresponding attachment points. A test load is applied to the test monument and reaction loads are determined at each attachment point. During the test period, the compliance matrix and reaction loads are used to calculate displacements at each attachment point. Each of the extension members are then adjusted by the corresponding displacement. At the end of the test period, determination is made as to whether the test monument is capable of sustaining the predetermined load and adjusted displacements at the attachment points.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventor: Alexey N. Smirnov
-
Patent number: 10633120Abstract: An aircraft includes a fuselage having an upper surface and a lower surface and a plurality of planetary modules housed in the fuselage, an individual planetary module having a first jet engine directed outward of the upper surface of the fuselage and a second jet engine directed outward of the lower surface of the fuselage, the individual planetary module rotatable within the fuselage about a vertical axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Inventor: Charles Grigg
-
Patent number: 10633121Abstract: A magnetic shield system for providing human occupants of spacecraft with protection from cosmic and solar radiation using electromagnets or solenoids for generating magnetic fields but which magnetic fields are kept at a sufficient distance from a spacecraft to greatly reduce the interference effect of the magnetic fields on the spacecraft electronic systems. The electromagnets or solenoids are placed at the ends of arms or shafts placed equidistantly from each other and projecting in uniform formation from the body of the spacecraft along the main axis or body of the spacecraft. The electromagnets or solenoids are placed parallel with each other and parallel with the main body of the spacecraft, are in-line with each other and are placed around the exterior of the spacecraft and along the main axis of the body of the spacecraft. Electromagnets may also be placed at the front and back of the spacecraft.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Inventor: Eamonn Patrick Trainor
-
Patent number: 10633122Abstract: The disclosure concerns a joint (1) for releasably connecting a first space craft element (2) to a second space craft element (3) comprising a first flange (4) on the first space craft element (2) and a second flange (5) on the second space craft element (3). The joint (1) comprises first shoe portions (6) and second shoe portions (13) formed as sectors of a solid of revolution, keeping the flanges (4, 5) together in a longitudinal direction, The shoe portions are positioned next to each other in a circumferential direction the reference to a longitudinal direction of the space crafts. The first shoe portions being arranged to, at a prevailing Coulomb friction, not allow self-locking and the second show portions are arranged to allow self-locking.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: RUAG SPACE ABInventors: Örjan Arulf, Johan Öhlin, Magnus Thenander
-
Patent number: 10633123Abstract: A spacecraft includes payload equipment and bus equipment, each of the payload equipment and the bus equipment being coupled with a secondary structure arrangement. The spacecraft is configured to structurally interface with a launch vehicle upper stage only by way of an exoskeletal launch support structure (ELSS) that provides a first load path between a launch vehicle upper stage and the secondary structure arrangement. The spacecraft is configured to deploy from the launch vehicle upper stage by separating from the ELSS. In some implementations, the first load path is the only load path between the spacecraft and the launch vehicle upper stage, and substantially all of the ELSS remains with the launch vehicle upper stage. Because the secondary structure may be substantially less massy then the ELSS, subsequent orbit raising maneuvers may then be executed with a spacecraft having a reduced dry mass.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, LLCInventor: Jason Chiang
-
Patent number: 10633124Abstract: An apparatus for filling a product into a container is provided. The apparatus can include a filling unit to deliver the product into the container; a drive unit to move the container in relation to the filling unit between a first position, in which a bottom end of the container is arranged at a maximum distance from the filling nozzle, and a second position, in which the bottom end of the container is arranged at a minimum distance from the filling nozzle, and a controller to controlling delivery of the product through the filling nozzle, to control the drive unit, and to calculate a new drive unit motion profile for controlling movement from said second position to said first position.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2016Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventors: Peter Lindberg, Gert Ekberg
-
Patent number: 10633125Abstract: An apparatus for filling a product into a container is provided. The apparatus can include a filling unit that can deliver the product into the container. The filling unit can include a pump and a filling nozzle at its one end. The apparatus can also include a drive unit for moving the container in relation to the filling unit between a first position, in which a bottom end of the container is arranged at a maximum distance from the filling nozzle, and a second position, in which the bottom end of the container is arranged at a minimum distance from the filling nozzle. A controller can control delivery of the product through the filling nozzle and control the drive unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2016Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventors: Peter Lindberg, Gert Ekberg
-
Patent number: 10633126Abstract: A machine for positioning the flaps of a box, including: a conveying surface, arranged so as to advance one or more boxes along an advancement direction; a deflecting element, structured so as to tilt two opposite transverse flaps of a box back with respect to the direction of advancement of the boxes, and to tilt two opposite side flaps of the box outwards; at least one orientating device, structured so as to arrange at least one transverse flap in a substantially vertical position, and at least one grip device, which is movable along the advancement direction and structured so as to grip the transverse flap in the substantially vertical position.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: BORTOLIN KEMO S.P.A.Inventor: Marino Sain
-
Patent number: 10633127Abstract: An automatic packaging apparatus is provided, having a conveyor, a continuous longitudinally folded web, cutting and sealing mechanisms for forming flexible pouches from the web. The apparatus also includes processing stations for loading the pouches, transferring fluids (typically gases) into and out of the pouches, and sealing the pouches. Various alternative methods and devices are provided for separating each sealed pouch from the web by either making a continuous cut across a connecting strip of web material downline of the processing stations or pre-perforating the connecting strip upline of the processing stations. When the connecting strip is pre-perforated, a sealed pouch of sufficient weight may be separated from the web passively by a takeaway conveyor, and a lighter sealed pouch may be separated from the web by a tear-off mechanism that grips and pulls the web.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: CVP SYSTEMS LLCInventors: Mark Rearick, Chris Duszka, Joel Swidergal
-
Patent number: 10633128Abstract: An installation for producing a support for a product in a unitary dose including a supply member of a material web, a cutting apparatus to obtain a support card having a main portion, in which there is formed a main opening, and a foldable flap, in which there is formed a secondary opening. The installation further includes movement members for receiving the packaging of a product in a unitary dose so that a portion projects from the main opening and a peripheral edge is supported on the main portion of the card. The installation also includes folding members for folding the flap so as to enclose a portion of the peripheral edge between the flap and the main portion of the card. The installation also includes a fixing apparatus for fixing the flap to the main portion of the card.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2016Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Inventors: Flavio Este, Lorenzo Spagna, Maurizio Bertoni
-
Patent number: 10633129Abstract: Bale strap assemblies for strapping a pressed bale are materials capable of being strapped are discussed herein. The bale strap assemblies account for jumping affects at the weld jaws due to reciprocating motions of the crank on the connecting rod and are adjusted by varying relative positions between the crank and the weld jaws.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: H.W.J. Designs for Agribusiness, Inc.Inventor: Bradley P. Actis
-
Patent number: 10633130Abstract: A modular strapping machine feeds steel strapping material around a load, tensions the strapping material and welds the strapping material to itself in an end-to-end weld. The modular strapping machine includes a frame, a feed head removably mounted to the frame, a tension head removably mounted to the frame, a sealing head removably mounted to the frame and a strap chute. A strap straightener is mounted between the tension head and the sealing head. A leading end of the steel strapping material is conveyed from the feed head, through the tension head and the sealing head, through the strap chute and back to the sealing head. The sealing head is configured to grip the leading end, grip and sever a trailing end of the strapping material to form a loop end and weld the leading end to the loop end in an end-to-end weld.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Signode Industrial Group LLCInventors: James A. Haberstroh, Timothy B. Pearson, Dustin D. Elliott, Lemuel J. Bell, Jr., Christopher S. Krohn, Sergio Falbo
-
Patent number: 10633131Abstract: A binding machine for gardening includes a main handle, a clincher arm, a tape guide, a tape gripping device and a cutting blade. The clincher arm is rotatably attached to the main handle. The tape guide is configured to draw out and guide a tape at a front end portion of the main handle. The tape gripping device is configured to grip an end portion of the tape drawn out from the tape guide, at a front end portion of the clincher arm. The cutting blade is configured to cut the tape. The tape guide is movably provided such that a position of the tape guide when the tape gripping device operates to grip the end portion of the tape and a position of the tape guide when the cutting blade operates to cut the tape are different from each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: MAX CO., LTD.Inventors: Susumu Hayashi, Satoshi Taguchi, Hajime Takemura
-
Patent number: 10633132Abstract: A method of forming and filling a pouch, comprises forming opposing walls of a film; sealing the opposing walls of film together to form at least one pouch; filling an interior section of the at least one pouch through an opening in an upper portion of the at least one pouch with a flowable material; forming a top sealed expressing-shaped region to close the opening in the at least one pouch; and cradling the pouch with a foldable flat that is more rigid than the pouch that can be folded or rolled to compress the pouch to express the flowable material through the expressing shaped region.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Momentive Performance Materials Inc.Inventors: Phillip Neal Sharp, Sven Newman, David C. Thomsen, Anita G. Mooy
-
Patent number: 10633133Abstract: A forming station for a thermoform packaging machine, wherein the forming station comprises a forming tool upper part and a forming tool lower part that are each configured for cooperating so as to thermoform a film positioned between the forming tool lower part and the forming tool upper part. The forming station includes a first change bar that is adapted to be releasably attached to a reception area of the forming tool lower part and the first change bar carries a plurality of punches or blades.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller SE & Co. KGInventors: Hans-Christian Schiche, Bastian Grondinger
-
Patent number: 10633134Abstract: The present invention provides, in various embodiments, a rotary-type machine (M) for continuously sealing individual foil bags (B) by way of ultrasonic welding between an anvil (6) and a sonotrode (5) in at least one welding station (S) of a carousel (1), where each foil bag (B) can be positioned by way of holders (11). In some embodiments, the rotary-type machine (M) comprises at least one welding station (S) composed of a sonotrode (5) being located stationary at least relative to the direction of circulation (8) and anvils (6) which with intermediate spacings (7) rotate past said sonotrode (5) successively in the direction of circulation (8) of the carousel (1). According to the invention, the foil bags (B) are sealed at the stationary sonotrode (5) when the anvils (6) equipped with the foil bags (B) are rotated past.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: INDAG POUCH PARTNERS GMBHInventors: Rolf Harth, Frank Lechert, Daniel Schwab
-
Patent number: 10633135Abstract: A system enables management of dispensable units by supporting functions such as retrieval, scheduled distribution, analysis, and notifications. To this end, a dispensable retrieval mechanism may be programmed to carry out blind retrievals of dispensable units using a retrieval strategy with a predetermined sequence of retrieval attempts (e.g., fixed or varying two-dimensional retrieval patterns), which may be open loop or closed loop. Techniques may also include the identification of dispensable units through optical sensors and weight measurement devices that can detect, e.g., a texture, a shape, and a size of dispensable units. Such identification can be used to program retrieval attempts by a retrieval robot and in the formulation of the retrieval pattern. Additionally, networked notification systems for dispensable units can be used for updating rules or schedules related to the dispensable units, or alerting users and remote resources of any potential misuse or hazards of the dispensable units.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Hero Health, Inc.Inventors: Kutadgu Akdogan, Christian Von Heifner, Maya Kelley, Greggory Paul Hagopian, Kalyan C. Vepuri
-
Patent number: 10633136Abstract: Method and machine for reducing the height of a box without removing a section of the material of the box and without the use of any cutting tool whatsoever, but by folding high sections of side walls towards the centre of the box. The method includes: breaking the connections between the side walls along the upper section of the vertical ridges of the box, from the height of the vertical walls of the box to the level of the top of the stack of objects previously positioned in the box, by exerting a force, directed towards the exterior of the box, on the high section of at least two of the side walls; simultaneously folding towards the exterior the high sections on which force is exerted; then folding all the high sections towards the interior of the box, in order to bring the side walls into a substantially horizontal plane.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2015Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: B+ EquipmentInventors: Bernard Dominici, Robert Casanova, Joris Peters, Claude Durand
-
Patent number: 10633137Abstract: An exemplary web of preformed bags includes first and second layers, first and second side, first and second side seals proximate the first and second edges, a plurality of transverse seals extending between the first and second side edges, an opening in the first layer, and a line of separation in the second layer, and first and second cuts in the first and second side seals. The first and second cuts are configured to reduce or eliminate a breaking force necessary to break the first and second side seals when the web is torn along the line of separation.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2016Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, LLCInventor: John M. Stock