Patents Issued in May 12, 2020
  • Patent number: 10647373
    Abstract: An adjustable assembly for a bicycle includes a first support having an interior surface and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support. One of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion, and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. Further, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. The expansion portion is configured to engage the interior surface of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position. In addition, the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael McAndrews, Ron Powers
  • Patent number: 10647374
    Abstract: A straddle type vehicle includes a body frame, and a rear fender attached to the body frame. The rear fender has a fitting portion fitted to a fitted portion of the body frame to be held by the body frame, and a fixing portion fixed to the body frame by a fixing member in a fitted state in which the fitting portion is fitted to the fitted portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kohei Akita
  • Patent number: 10647375
    Abstract: A tricycle may be operable between a first mode of operation steerable by a tricycle rider, and a second mode of operation steerable by an individual pushing the tricycle. In both such first and second modes, the frame of the tricycle is configured to rotatably support the rear wheels and configured to support the head tube at a distance from the rear wheels such that a distance between the head tube and rear wheels need not necessarily be changed even when the front wheel axis location is changed from one mode to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SMART TRIKE MNF PTE LTD
    Inventor: Yoram Baron
  • Patent number: 10647376
    Abstract: The flip-pivot bicycle is a collapsible bicycle, that can be folded by a new method, and belongs into the class of the bicycles foldable about two or more axes. The flip-pivot bicycle consists of a driving-frame-segment (1) comprising the driving-wheel (7), a steering-frame-segment (3), comprising the steering-wheel (6), and a central-frame-segment (2), which connects them. The central-frame-segment (2) and the driving-frame-segment (1) is connected by and can pivot above a pivot-axis (4), which pivot-axis (4) is perpendicular to the plane of the parallelly positioned wheels (6, 7), or forms an angle of maximum 45 degree with this perpendicular. The central-frame-segment (2) and the steering-frame-segment (3) is connected and can pivot by a flip-axis (5), which flip-axis (5) is in the plane of the parallelly positioned wheels (6, 7), or is parallel to this plane, or forms an angle of maximum 45 degree with this plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Ferene Molnár
  • Patent number: 10647377
    Abstract: A foldable vehicle includes head and chassis assemblies hinged together, and a foldable vehicle lock. The head assembly includes upper and lower heads hinged together. The chassis assembly includes front and rear chassis hinged together. A foldable linkage folds and unfolds the foldable vehicle. The foldable linkage is hinged with the head assembly, the front and rear chassis such that the head assembly, the front and rear chassis are driven to conduct relative movement to perform the corresponding foldable and unfoldable operations. The foldable vehicle lock includes a head locking assembly to lock the upper head with the lower head, a chassis locking assembly to lock the front chassis with the rear chassis, and a whole vehicle locking assembly to lock the head assembly with the chassis assembly. The chassis and whole vehicle locking assemblies are controlled synchronously by a linkage controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SHENZHEN RELYNC TECH LTD.
    Inventors: Jianhui Zhang, Yongwei Wang, Gaojia Cai, Chaoxiang Huang, Gang Wang
  • Patent number: 10647378
    Abstract: A high performance motorcycle having a frame, engine suspension, and rear wheel drive system that enables rider foot positioning close to the longitudinal centerline of the motorcycle and an overall aerodynamic profile. The engine suspension, centering and damping system allows for lateral movement while damping vibration and unwanted oscillations. The rear wheel drive includes a driven pulley axially disposed on a rear wheel axle, a drive pulley configured to receive motive output from the motorcycle engine, an idler pulley disposed above a line between the axes of rotation of the drive pulley and the rear wheel axle, and a belt or chain disposed around and operatively connecting the drive pulley, the driven pulley and the idler pulley, wherein the idler pulley and the drive pulley configured so as to provide substantially constant tension to a belt or chain over the range of travel of the rear suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: John M. Speicher
  • Patent number: 10647379
    Abstract: A bicycle trailer has a frame with a hitch portion that comprises first and second yoke arms with respective first end and second end portions. Skewer engagement latches can be coupled to the second end portions of the yoke arms. The skewer engagement latches can have stops that pivot between stop open and closed positions. In the stop open positions, respective end portions of a bicycle skewer can inserted into or separated from the latches. In the stop closed positions, respective end portions of the bicycle skewer, if positioned in respective latches, are retained coupled to the yoke arms by the latches. The stops are moved between open and closed positions by an actuator, such as by respective cable portions attached to the stop portions. Desirably the actuator simultaneously moves the stops between the open and closed positions. The latches can have skewer engagement surfaces that are least in part spherical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Burley Design LLC
    Inventors: Mike Dotsey, Evan Aamodt, Andrew J. Miller, Patrick Nolan, Noah Dingler, Sarah Campbell, Lindsay Malatesta, Erin H. Morrissey, Scott Spence, Jon Anderegg
  • Patent number: 10647380
    Abstract: An electrically assisted vehicle includes an electric motor, a device including a microcontroller and a transmission circuit that sends motor control-related data used to control rotation of the electric motor, and a control circuit that controls the electric motor based on the data. The control circuit and the device both retain the same data generation rule. When the control circuit sends first data to the device, the microcontroller generates second data which at least includes a portion of first reception data having been received, generates third data from the second data by using the rule, and sends, via the transmission circuit, the third data to the control circuit. The control circuit generates fourth data at least from the first data by using the rule, and compares a portion of second reception data received from the device against the fourth data. If the result of comparison indicates a match, the control circuit permits control of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yutaka Saruwatari
  • Patent number: 10647381
    Abstract: A display unit for an electric bicycle, the display unit being fastenable to a handlebar of bicycle with the aid of a holding assembly. A display unit is mountable with the aid of holding assembly optionally in a first mounting position closer to the rider or in a second mounting position further away from the rider. Furthermore disclosed is an electric bicycle having such a display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: BIKETEC AG
    Inventors: Ivica Durdevic, Lukas Beat Studer, Philipp Walter Suter, Simon Lanz, Robin Woodtli, Timo Woelk, Omar Afzal
  • Patent number: 10647382
    Abstract: A charge system and a charge method adapted to a bicycle are provided. The charge system includes a hub dynamo, a power apparatus, a sensor and a control apparatus. The control apparatus is coupled to the hub dynamo, the power apparatus and the sensor. The sensor is adapted to sense a riding condition of the bicycle. According to the riding condition, the control apparatus selects a power supply pattern of the hub dynamo. When the power supply pattern is selected to be a stop pattern, a connection loop between the hub dynamo and the power apparatus is turned off by the control apparatus. When the power supply pattern is selected to a first pattern, the connection loop between the hub dynamo and the power apparatus is turned on by the control apparatus, such that the hub dynamo supplies power to the power apparatus at a first rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Chieh Ho, Chia-Wei Lin, Chao-Shun Yang
  • Patent number: 10647383
    Abstract: A toothed wheel assembly that has at least two toothed wheels. Each toothed wheel has a plurality of teeth separated from one another by corresponding troughs and the second toothed wheel has a greater number of teeth than the number of teeth of the first toothed wheel. A plurality of connection bodies connect the first and second toothed wheels axially and space them. Each connection body has a first connection portion that is connected to the second toothed wheel and extends radially from the second toothed wheel towards the first toothed wheel and a second connection portion connected to the first toothed wheel that extends axially from the first toothed wheel. The second connection portion of each connection body has a circumferential bulk the radial projection of which is completely contained in a trough of the first toothed wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventors: Micro Civiero, Filippo Bisarello
  • Patent number: 10647384
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe a recreational vehicle spindle, including a spindle body having one or more sockets in the spindle body, and an upper attachment mechanism in contact with the spindle body and adapted to attach to a steering component. The spindle also includes a lower attachment mechanism in contact with the spindle body and adapted to attach to a ski or wheel. The one or more sockets are adapted to each receive a ball and stud forming one or more ball joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Vigen, Guy L. Sibilleau
  • Patent number: 10647385
    Abstract: Watercraft hulls and parts thereof are disclosed which improve hydrodynamic performance for yachts, sailboards, and other craft. Drag at the transition from displacement mode to planing mode may be reduced to be the same or less than the minimum drag experienced in planing mode. Exemplary embodiments may include a bow with a center planing surface and tunnels to either side. The bow tunnels may each end in a step. At least part of the center planing surface may be cambered. A spoiler and/or interceptor may be provided at an aft end of a camber of a planing surface. For some hulls, the bow is followed by a main lift surface which is followed by a back lift surface (from stem to stern). In the back lift surface behind the main lift surface, a tunnel surface may be provided to add longitudinal stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventors: John H. Keller, John Wallace Keller
  • Patent number: 10647386
    Abstract: The invention relates to a watercraft having a hull (10) which has a hydrofoil assembly (20) in the region of the stern (12) and another hydrofoil assembly (30) in the region of the bow (11), the hydrofoil assemblies (20, 30) each having hydrofoils (21, 31) arranged on both sides of the hull (10). To achieve a stable position in the water while ensuring good driving dynamics under a wide range of conditions, according to the invention the hydrofoil assemblies (20, 30) are coupled to at least one adjustment unit (22, 32) such that the bow-side hydrofoil assembly (20) and the stern-side hydrofoil assembly can each be at least partially individually height adjustable (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Peter Schnauffer
  • Patent number: 10647387
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides generally for a hydrofoil system that may allow a surfboard to glide above the water surface. According to the present disclosure, a rider may be able to manipulate a hydrofoil device attached to a surfboard with limited training and athletic ability. The present disclosure provides for a hydrofoil system that may allow riders to use a light leaning motion to adjust the angle of a front wing to create forward thrust to produce a flow for creating lift. In some aspects, the front wing may tilt to reduce downward drag force in a lifting phase while locking into place during a glide to provide a sustained lift of the surfboard out of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Dombois Designs Inc.
    Inventor: Markus Dombois
  • Patent number: 10647388
    Abstract: A jet boat includes a cockpit arranged in a central portion of the jet boat on a boat body centerline, a bulwark provided along a circumference of a deck, and a platform fixed to a stern. In the bulwark, the upper surface of a rear bulwark between the platform and the cockpit is located above the upper surface of a foot space and below the seating surface of a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ren Onodera
  • Patent number: 10647389
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotating and sliding boat boarding door mechanism configured to aid the vessel's occupants in their ingress and egress to and from the vessel. More particularly, the present invention provides a rotating and sliding boat boarding door assembly and system that slidingly moves into a recess in the vessel's exterior (e.g., side, transom, and/or gunwale) that has been configured to receive and maintain the boarding door assembly in a position where it is out of sight when fully recessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: The Hinckley Company
    Inventors: Scott Bryant, Keith Attee, Tom Buerkle
  • Patent number: 10647390
    Abstract: A buoy device includes a first part having a first support structure and a second part having a buoyant body and a second support structure. The first and second support structures are connectable to form a rotatable connection between the first part and the second part. The buoyant body further includes one or more buoyancy elements releasably arranged on the second part. The buoy device may be a turret buoy, a CALM turret buoy, or a CALM turntable buoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: CAN SYSTEMS AS
    Inventors: Arild Bech, Eirik Storvoll
  • Patent number: 10647391
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mount for attaching objects, like cameras and bindings to the surfaces of a surfboard. Further disclosed is related methods of fabricating or retrofitting a surfboard with said mount. The more specific details of the disclosed mount and related methods are described in connection with the figures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Byron Rohrer
  • Patent number: 10647392
    Abstract: Disclosed is a module configured for removable attachment to a board and attached to an end of a mast, where the mast supports a hydrofoil and a motor to drive the board. The module includes a connector for connecting to a power source, internal control circuitry, and a thermal bridge to thermally connect the control circuitry to the mast. The module comprises a watertight cavity in which the internal control circuitry is contained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: FLITEBOARD PTY LTD
    Inventor: David Trewern
  • Patent number: 10647393
    Abstract: A method for increasing cargo capacity of a floating vessel with a buoyant hull for cargo, with a load line presentation device affixed to the buoyant hull without interrupting water flow along the buoyant hull the load line presentation device presenting: a baseline load line indicator plimsoll mark and a plurality of increased capacity load line indicator plimsoll marks, with an increased capacity model in memory connected to a processor in communication with the load line presentation device; the increased capacity model configured for automatically integrating a plurality of variables including: wave size, wave period, wind speed, surface current, vessel length, type of vessel, quantity of disconnected superstructures, quantity of sheer, and bow height and identifying increased capacity load line plimsoll mark for a voyage of the floating vessel, the load line presentation device displays the increased capacity load plimsoll mark improving baseline capacity of the buoyant hull from 1% to 30%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Asgard Marine Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Beebe, Jose H. Vazquez
  • Patent number: 10647394
    Abstract: A device for heat exchange for use with underwater diving equipment including a pressurized gas source is disclosed. The heat exchange device includes a manifold and a heat sink. The manifold distributes gas supplied from the pressurized gas source to breathing equipment. The heat sink is for warming up the gas before the gas is distributed to the breathing equipment using heat exchange with ambient water surrounding the heat sink. The manifold and the heat sink are connected such that the gas warmed up by the heat sink returns to the manifold before being distributed to the breathing equipment. The returning warm gas may warm up the manifold and the cold gas entering the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Huish Outdoors, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas J. Toth, Daniel Thomas
  • Patent number: 10647395
    Abstract: A method for for assessing severity of an underwater dive includes calculating a dive severity index by: (a) determining the gas breathed by the diver; (b) measuring the dive time; (c) determining the depth profile of the dive; (d) calculating a dive severity index based on a function of steps (a), (b) and (c); and (e) assessing severity based on the dive severity index calculated in step (d), wherein the steps (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) are carried out in real time, at each instant of the dive time of the diver, and step (d) is performed according to the formula: DSI=k1*f(GAS)*f(D)*f(T), where: DSI is the dive severity index, k1 is an arbitrary constant, f(GAS) is a function of the inhaled gas, f(D) is a function of the dive depth, and f(T) is a function of the dive time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventors: Sergio Angelini, Lorenzo Tonetto
  • Patent number: 10647396
    Abstract: The invention involves a paddleboard kit for converting any water sports board such as a surfboard into a paddleboard. An oar support assembly, typically secures oars with pivotal paddles to the board; facilitating rowing exercises that may be practiced while kneeling or standing. During use, the pivotable paddles pivot in such a way that the blade portion holds a steady position in relation to a shaft portion on the power stroke, whilst being free to fold in the opposite sense on the idle stroke when each stroke is executed as a substantially axial thrust of the shaft. The oar support assembly secures the pair of oars and is itself secured to the board by way of board couplers adjustably coupled to a portion of a strap that tightens to snuggly wrap around the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventors: Marjaneh Marjan, Manouchehr Marjan
  • Patent number: 10647397
    Abstract: A robotic jellyfish comprises a torque reaction engine and a jellyfish body, wherein the torque reaction engine cyclically oscillates and causes a wave to propagate across the jellyfish body, accelerating thrust fluid and propelling the robotic jellyfish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Fishboat Incorporated
    Inventor: Martin Spencer Garthwaite
  • Patent number: 10647398
    Abstract: An outboard engine for propelling a boat includes a propulsion unit with an electric motor, a propeller driven by means of the electric motor, a control unit for controlling the power of the electric motor, and a water detection means. The water detection means is adapted to detect whether the propeller is submersed in water. The power of the electric motor can be influenced via the control unit based on the detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Torqeedo GmbH
    Inventor: Jens Biebach
  • Patent number: 10647399
    Abstract: An electric actuator for imparting steering movement to a propulsion unit of a marine vessel includes a housing and an output shaft reciprocatingly received by the housing. There is a motor disposed within the housing. The motor has a rotor assembly and a stator. Rotation of the rotor assembly causes the output shaft to translate axially relative to the rotor assembly and causes the output shaft to reciprocate relative to the housing. There is a coupling assembly mounted to the housing. The coupling assembly coupling the electric actuator to the propulsion unit of the marine vessel. There is a steering control unit mounted to the housing. The steering control unit drives the motor to cause the rotor assembly to rotate and the output shaft to reciprocate relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Marine Canada Acquisition Inc.
    Inventors: Noam Dean Davidson, Richard Tyler Redfern, Edmond Adeeb Elia Astafanus, Eric B. Fetchko, Mark Isaac Dyck
  • Patent number: 10647400
    Abstract: An outboard motor for a marine vessel application, transmission devices for such an outboard motor, and related methods of making, operating, and modifying attributes of same, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the motor includes a horizontal-crankshaft engine in an upper portion of the motor, positioned substantially above a trimming axis of the motor. In at least another embodiment, first, second and third transmission devices are employed to transmit rotational power from the engine to propeller(s). In at least a further embodiment, the motor is made to include a rigid interior assembly formed by the engine, multiple transmission devices, and a further structural component. In further embodiments, the motor includes numerous cooling, exhaust, and/or oil system components, and/or other transmission features. In at least some additional embodiments, a transmission device of the motor is configured to facilitate gear ratio variation and/or includes an integrated oil pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: AB Volvo Penta
    Inventors: Eric A. Davis, Richard A. Davis
  • Patent number: 10647401
    Abstract: A boat includes: a propulsion device configured to generate propulsion force for a vessel body from driving force from an engine; a detection unit configured to detect a current position, a bow direction, and a movement speed of the vessel body; a steering device configured to change a cruising direction of the vessel body; a steering sensor configured to detect an operation amount of the steering device; and a control device that is connected to the propulsion device, the detection unit, and the steering sensor, and is configured to acquire an operating status of the propulsion device and a detection result obtained by the detection unit and the steering sensor, and to control the propulsion device based on the detection result. The control device executes a turning operation with the propulsion device, when the operation amount of the steering device detected by the steering sensor exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: YANMAR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Gakuji Tamura, Jun Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10647402
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to transport unmanned aircraft systems to delivery products. In some embodiments, gas-filled aerial transport and launch system, comprises: a transport aircraft comprising: a gas chamber; and a carrier compartment where the gas chamber induces a lifting force on the carrier compartment; at least one propulsion system; and a navigation control system that controls the direction of travel of the transport aircraft; wherein the carrier compartment comprises: an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) storage area configured to receive multiple UASs; and an UAS launching bay that enables the UAS to be launched while the transport aircraft is in flight and while the UAS is carrying a package to be delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. High, David C. Cox
  • Patent number: 10647403
    Abstract: An actuatable emergency exit door with a door actuating device that comprises at least two connection rods that are pivotally mountable to an associated structural frame that is adapted for accommodating the actuatable emergency exit door in closed state, the at least two connection rods being provided for enabling an opening movement of the actuatable emergency exit door with respect to the associated structural frame during opening, wherein at least one door-mounted goose neck-shaped structure is mountable to the associated structural frame for enabling an initial translational opening movement and subsequently a swiveling opening movement of the actuatable emergency exit door with respect to the associated structural frame during opening. The invention is further related to an aircraft or space craft with a pressurized cabin having such an actuatable emergency exit door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Christoph Merkel, Stephen Ward, Michal Vinarsky, Florian Naumann
  • Patent number: 10647404
    Abstract: To provide an unmanned aerial vehicle that is optimized for freight purposes and that efficiently performs loading and unloading of freight and efficiently performs airframe management. This object is solved by an unmanned aerial vehicle that includes a plurality of propellers. An airframe of the unmanned aerial vehicle includes: a body having a freight chamber that is a hollow portion and that is integral with the body; and a plurality of arms supporting each of the plurality of propellers. A combination of the one arm and the one propeller or plurality of propellers supported by the one arm constitute a retractable propeller. The retractable propeller is partially or entirely storable in the freight chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: PRODRONE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kiyokazu Sugaki, Kazuo Ichihara
  • Patent number: 10647405
    Abstract: An aerodynamic structure incorporated in an aircraft control surface provides a spar extending along at least a portion of the control surface in a direction and the spar includes a plurality of bends along the direction of extension along the control surface to provide space to accommodate actuator fittings or other structural or operational requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: David C. Reusch
  • Patent number: 10647406
    Abstract: A closed-angle composite airfoil spar is provided for an airfoil assembly. The composite airfoil spar comprises a web portion having a thickness. The composite airfoil spar also comprises a flange portion having a thickness. The flange portion extends transverse to the web portion. The composite airfoil spar further comprises a radius portion interconnecting the web and flange portions. The radius portion is an acceptable amount thinner relative to thickness of the web portion and thickness of the flange portion based on design requirements and material properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Eric E Deck, Charles Alan Rhodes, Jeffry K Berner
  • Patent number: 10647407
    Abstract: A wing flap includes a flap body. The flap body includes an upper skin, a lower skin opposite the upper skin, and a plurality of spars that extend between the upper skin and the lower skin. The wing flap also includes a torque member that is coupled to the flap body. A portion of the torque member is contiguous with at least one of the upper skin and the lower skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jan A. Kordel, Michael A. Balzer, Mark M. Bleazard, Jacob D. Virnig, Wendell C. K. Choy, Gregory M. Santini
  • Patent number: 10647408
    Abstract: A composite structure with an integrated hinge is disclosed. In various embodiments, the composite structure includes a plurality of layers of fiber reinforced polymer material; and a hinge structure comprising one or more layers of bendably flexible hinge material a first region of which is interleaved between adjacent layers of said layers of fiber reinforced polymer material comprising the composite structure and bonded to said adjacent layers by bonding material comprising said composite structure, and a second region of which extends beyond said layers of fiber reinforced polymer material comprising the composite structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: WISK AERO LLC
    Inventors: Chris Van Pelt, James Joseph Tighe
  • Patent number: 10647409
    Abstract: Locking device, propeller, and aerial vehicle are provided. An exemplary propeller includes a blade; and a locking part, configured for locking the blade to a driving shaft. The locking part includes a fastening portion and a pressing portion. The pressing portion includes a pressing end, an abutting end including an accommodating hole, and an abutting part configured within the accommodating hole for abutting against the fastening portion. The fastening portion is accommodable within the accommodating hole of the pressing portion. The pressing portion of the locking part is slidably connected with the blade. A portion of the driving shaft protrudes into the accommodating hole of the pressing portion. The fastening portion is abutted against the abutting part of the pressing portion and engaged with the driving shaft to lock the driving shaft on the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Weidong Li, Xifeng Zhao
  • Patent number: 10647410
    Abstract: A spinner assembly includes a cone-shaped member having a plurality of blade openings. The cone-shaped member is receivable about a shaft at a first location. A bulkhead frame is connected to the cone-shaped member. At least one strut is configured to couple the bulkhead frame to the shaft at a second location. The at least one strut includes at least one arm having a longitudinal rigid member and at least one flexure region that defines an axis about which the at least one arm bends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Higbie, David Littlejohn
  • Patent number: 10647411
    Abstract: Pitch actuation system for a turbine engine propeller, comprising an actuator, a movable part of which is configured to be connected to blades of the propeller so as to rotate them relative to the blade pitch axes (B), comprising: a transmission screw that can rotationally and translationally move along a longitudinal axis (A), a nut, through which said transmission screw passes and which cooperates with this screw so as to translationally displace along the axis (A) with a view to modifying the pitch of the propeller blades, and means for decoupling between the rotation of the propeller and said nut, which is rotationally fixed; first blade pitch control means, which comprise at least one electric motor setting a component into rotation through a planet reduction gear with a view to modifying the position of the transmission screw; second blade feathering means configured to act on the transmission screw with a view to modifying the pitch of the blades if the first means are inactive, and in that said fir
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventor: Huguette De Wergifosse
  • Patent number: 10647412
    Abstract: A control augmentation system for high aspect ratio aircraft has aileron/flaperon and throttle position sensors; spoiler and flap controls; a mode switch with manual, and landing modes; and a controller driving left and right spoiler and flap servos, the controller including at least one processor with memory containing firmware configured to: when the mode switch is in manual mode, drive both spoiler servos to a symmetrical position according to the spoiler control; when the mode switch is in landing mode, drive the left spoiler to a position dependent on aileron and throttle position, and the right spoiler to a position dependent on aileron and throttle position, the left and right spoiler positions differing whenever ailerons are not centered, and an average of spoiler positions is more fully deployed when the throttle position is at a low-power setting than when the throttle position is at a high-power setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Marc Arnold
  • Patent number: 10647413
    Abstract: A flight control system of an aircraft is provided and includes modules configured to shape one or more flight control commands through a flight control system to provide a shaped flight control command and to determine expected power required data for the shaped flight control command. The flight control system further includes an architecture configured to determine enhanced engine load demand anticipation utilizing data reflective of an angle of attack of the aircraft for use in a determination of the expected power required data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Matthew T. Luszcz
  • Patent number: 10647414
    Abstract: A fly-by-wire system for a rotorcraft includes a computing device having control laws. The control laws are operable to engage a roll command or a yaw command in response to deflection of a beep switch of a pilot control assembly, wherein a roll angle for the roll command or a yaw rate for the yaw command is determined based on forward airspeed of the rotorcraft. The beep switch may be disposed on a collective control of the pilot control assembly. The control laws are further operable to disengage the roll command or the yaw command in response to the beep switch being returned from a deflected position to a neutral position. In representative aspects, the roll angle or the yaw rate may correspond to a standard rate turn (e.g., 3° per second).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Jillian Samantha Alfred, Luke Dafydd Gillett, Robert Earl Worsham, II
  • Patent number: 10647415
    Abstract: A method and a device for coupling piloting members (20, 50), wherein saturation values (SCpsat?, SCpsat+, SCcopsat?, SCcopsat+) of at least one force saturator (28, 58) are adapted such that a force-feedback is exerted for each of these saturation values at a force-feedback value, taken at the force application centre of the manoeuvring handle (21, 51), of between 4 daN and 40 daN, with the result that a function of disconnecting is at least in part performed by the at least one force saturator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: RATIER FIGEAC
    Inventor: Cedric Antraygue
  • Patent number: 10647416
    Abstract: A fluidic oscillator device, in particular for a or in a flow control system for an aircraft or spacecraft, has a first and a second fluidic actuator, wherein each of the actuators has an inlet for supplying pressure and a first and a second outlet, from which an actuator flow can be discharged. The device further has a fluidic control for controlling an oscillating discharge of the actuator flow from the first and second outlet of the actuators, wherein the control has a connection portion which is arranged between the first actuator and the second actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
    Inventors: Karin Bauer, Markus Blechschmidt, Sebastian Schwarz, Peter Langenbacher
  • Patent number: 10647417
    Abstract: A method of controlling a drive system of an aircraft. The drive system comprised a drive motor arranged to drive at least one wheel of an aircraft landing gear. A power signal indicative of a power level for the drive motor and a speed signal indicative of a rotation speed of the drive motor are received. A torque level for the drive motor is determined using the power signal and the speed signal. The drive motor is then driven such that the torque generated by the drive motor is at the determined torque level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignees: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED, AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Antonio Colosimo, Lukasz Sznajder, Xavier Guery
  • Patent number: 10647418
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a particle damper for damping a component when the particle damper is attached to the component. The particle damper comprises a plurality of pockets configured to hold a plurality of particles, and the particle damper also comprises an attachment fitting for coupling the particle damper to the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Michael S. Seifert, Brett C. Howard, Thomas C. Parham, Jr., Martin Alex Peryea
  • Patent number: 10647419
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a configuration of an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) in which the fuselage of the UAV is center mounted and at least some of the motors are configured to encompass at least a portion of the fuselage. In such a configuration, the stator and rotor of the motor extend around a perimeter of the fuselage, the propellers are coupled to an outer perimeter of the rotor, and the propellers extend radially outward away from the fuselage. Likewise, a closed wing may be coupled to the fuselage and positioned to encompass the radially extending propellers and at least a portion of the fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ricky Dean Welsh
  • Patent number: 10647420
    Abstract: An aircraft rotor blade includes a surface of the rotor blade, at least one main hole that extends through the surface and has a width and a length, and at least one leader hole that extends through the surface and has a length that is less than the length of the main hole and arranged spaced from and adjacent the main hole. The leader hole gradually increases in width from a first end of the leader hole opposite the main hole to an opposed second end of the leader hole proximate the main hole to operatively gradually distribute stress in the leader and main holes and rotor blade and reduce an amount of the stress exerted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Krzysztof Kopanski, Justin Thomas
  • Patent number: 10647421
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a blade spar that includes transversely at least one arrangement. A pressure-side mold and a suction-side mold are defined for each arrangement that is to be fabricated. Each mold includes at least one removable slide and a base. Each slide is then removed from a mold and the tape segments of a hank are laid by a fiber-placement method on each mold. Each mold is closed by putting the slides into place on the mold. During a finalizing step, the molds are juxtaposed and the spar is heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventors: Andre Amari, Jacques Gaffiero
  • Patent number: 10647422
    Abstract: A pitch control system configured to vary a pitch angle of at least one of a plurality of propeller blades of a propeller system is provided including a switch movable between a neutral position and a plurality of non-neutral positions. Movement of the switch to a first non-neutral position generates a command to move the propeller blades in a first direction. Movement of the switch to a second non-neutral position generates a command to move the propeller blades in a second direction. Movement of the switch to a third non-neutral position generates a command to move the propeller blades to a zero thrust position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin L. Bredenbeck, Bryan S. Cotton, Mark K. Wilson