Patents Issued in June 9, 2020
-
Patent number: 10676136Abstract: A cross-car beam, includes a plastic beam body 22, defining a first end 24 and a second end 26 spaced from the first end 24 along a first direction D1, such that the plastic beam body 22 is elongate in the first direction D1. The plastic beam body 22 further defines a cross-sectional shape 28 along, a plane P1 that is normal to the first direction D1. The cross-car beam 20, may further include a metallic beam body 42 configured to be coupled to the plastic beam body 22. The metallic beam body 42 defining a first end 44 and a second end 46 spaced from the first end 44 along a direction, for example the first direction D1 when the metallic bean body 42 is coupled to the plastic beam body 22, such that the metallic beam body 42 is elongate in the first direction D1.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2016Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: SABIC Global Technologies B.V.Inventors: Vineet Kapila, Mark Turner, Anil Tiwari, Matthew Delaney, Amit Kulkarni, Paul Michael Atkinson
-
Patent number: 10676137Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a body having floorboards positioned along the base of the vehicle body and extending from a front end of the vehicle to a rear end of the vehicle along an uninterrupted path. The path may be accessed by a front opening in the body or a rear opening in the body. A pass through door may provide selective access to a front trunk along the uninterrupted path through the vehicle dash board. In an embodiment the vehicle may include a reconfigurable rear cab comprising a plurality of removably connected components configurable between at least a first and second arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Bollinger Motors, LLCInventor: Robert Bollinger
-
Patent number: 10676138Abstract: A vehicle underbody structure containing a floor panel, at least one longitudinal beam extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle under said floor panel and at least one lowerside sill part extending in the longitudinal direction adjacent to the floor panel, and at least one reinforcement element extending in a transversal direction, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, said reinforcement element made of a press hardened steel part having a tensile strength higher or equal to 1200 MPa and extending under the floor panel and being attached at one of its transversal ends to the longitudinal beam and at the other of its transversal ends to the lowerside sill part is provided. A vehicle body including the vehicle underbody structure is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2016Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: ARCELORMITTALInventors: Ivan Viaux, Florin Arnautu
-
Patent number: 10676139Abstract: A linking structure (1) is provided for linking a fiber-reinforced plastic component (2) to a support. The linking structure (1) has a main body (3) produced from a fiber-composite material and has a linking portion (4) configured so that a fastening screw can pass through the linking portion (4). The fastening screw is screw-fittable to the support. The linking portion (4) has two opposite end sides, and a fiber-reinforced cross-laid structure (7) extends between the two end sides of the linking portion (4).Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Patrick Kuehner, Markus Flaig
-
Patent number: 10676140Abstract: A rear diffusor unit includes a base element configured to be mounted in a fixed position on a body of a vehicle; a movable diffusor element; and a drive device with which the movable diffusor element is movable relative to the base element between two end positions. The diffusor element is a box diffusor element having two fixed side walls, a fixed rear wall, and a fixed base.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Thomas Wolf, Markus Keller, Sven Wallrabe, Dominik Beierl
-
Patent number: 10676141Abstract: A method for making available a ballasting proposal for an agricultural tractor includes providing an implement for the tractor, calculating a target tractive power for the implement for each axle of the agricultural tractor, and deriving a target value for an axle load to be maintained on each axle based upon a function of the calculated target tractive power. The method further includes determining an actual axle load on each axle, comparing the target value to the actual axle load, calculating an axle ballasting value based on a result of the comparing step required to maintain the target valve, and outputting the ballasting value.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Florian Schott, Florian Reinmuth
-
Patent number: 10676142Abstract: A fifth wheel assembly safety coupling arrangement includes a fifth wheel hitch including a top support surface and a recess configured to receive a kingpin member therein, a locking arrangement moveable between a locked position, wherein the kingpin is prevented from being removed from within the recess by the locking arrangement, and an unlocked position, wherein the kingpin is not prevented from being removed from within the recess by the locking arrangement, and a pneumatic cylinder assembly configured to receive a first pneumatic input from a first air supply exerting a first force on the pneumatic cylinder assembly, and a second pneumatic input from a second air supply exerting a second force on the pneumatic cylinder assembly, wherein the pneumatic cylinder assembly prevents the locking arrangement from moving from the locked position to the unlocked position when the sum of the biasing force and the first force is greater than the second force.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND, Inc.Inventors: Gerald Hungerink, Daniel C. Colby
-
Patent number: 10676143Abstract: A pair of master track links has a first master track link including a first body. The first body defines a first bore and includes a first interface region including a plurality of teeth, and at least one tooth of the plurality of teeth includes a free end and a crown defining a crown width proximate the free end of the at least one tooth. The at least one tooth also includes a root disposed opposite the crown defining a root width, and the crown width is greater than the root width.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Eric James Johannsen, Arthur James Bland
-
Patent number: 10676144Abstract: A modular trailer system is disclosed. The system may include variously configured modular rails, tie down systems, fender mounting systems, cable fences, modular ramps, and/or mountable accessories whereby the versatile trailer system may be readily reconfigured.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: PJ TRAILERS, INC.Inventor: Aaron Neil Barnes
-
Patent number: 10676145Abstract: A bicycle includes a lower frame member and an upper frame member connected to a head tube. The lower frame member includes a down tube, a bottom bracket, and chain stays. The upper frame member includes a top tube, seat stays, and a passage formed in part by a first side wall and a second side wall. The first and second side walls include a first and second openings, respectively. A seat tube extends in an upward direction from the bottom bracket and through the passage. The seat tube includes an opening that extends laterally therethrough. A passive pivot assembly secures the seat tube within the passage, and includes a guide sleeve that extends through the first opening, through the opening in the seat tube, and through the second opening. One or more fasteners secure the guide sleeve to the upper frame member.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2019Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Trek Bicycle CorporationInventors: Tim Hartung, Steven Moechnig
-
Patent number: 10676146Abstract: An electrical seatpost assembly comprises a first cylinder, a second cylinder, a positioning structure, an electrical actuator, and a power supply. The second cylinder is telescopically received in the first cylinder. The positioning structure is to adjustably position the second cylinder relative to the first cylinder in a telescopic direction. The electrical actuator is to actuate the positioning structure in accordance with an electrical signal. The power supply is to supply electrical power to the electrical actuator. The power supply and the electrical actuator at least partly overlap with each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the telescopic direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2019Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Nobukatsu Hara, Toyoto Shirai
-
Patent number: 10676147Abstract: A safety warning method includes the following steps. Step 1 is to generate a plurality of distance sensing signals by an optical object ranging module according to an approaching object. Step 2 is to obtain a relative distance trend according to the distance sensing signals and its corresponding time. Step 3 is to generate a control signal according to the relative distance trend. Step 4 is to drive and control a warning device to generate a warning signal according to the control signal. In addition, the present invention also provides a mobile vehicle and a safety warning device.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: ISSA TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Chi-Wei Chiu
-
Patent number: 10676148Abstract: An electric three wheeled vehicle includes a vehicle chassis supporting a vehicle operator seat or saddle. The vehicle chassis defines a storage region beneath the vehicle operator seat or saddle. One or more energy storage devices for powering one or more electric motors of the vehicle are located within the storage region and are supported by the chassis. The storage region and/or the energy storage device(s) each form an elongate three-dimensional volume having a long axis that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2019Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: ARCIMOTO, INC.Inventor: Mark Douglas Frohnmayer
-
Patent number: 10676149Abstract: An axle assembly including: an axle sleeve having first and second end faces, an axially extending through opening, and a radially extending first engagement surface; and a control shaft extending within the opening and having a radially extending second engagement surface. The control shaft is axially displaceable relative to the axle sleeve and is axially retained to the axle sleeve by means of an overlie engagement between the first and second engagement surfaces. At least one of the first and second engagement surfaces is radially displaceable between an engaged orientation corresponding to the overlie engagement and a released orientation corresponding to a release of the overlie engagement. The overlie engagement serves to axially retain the control shaft to the axle sleeve and the released orientation serves to remove the overlie engagement and permit the control shaft to be axially withdrawn and separated from the axle sleeve in the retracting direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Inventor: Raphael Schlanger
-
Patent number: 10676150Abstract: An integrated drive for bicycle handlebars comprising a grip body having a shape and size suitable for being gripped by the cyclist in a holding condition while riding, a brake lever carried by the grip body, a hydraulic system mounted inside the grip body and mechanically actuated by the brake lever to send pressurised fluid into a braking system, and a set of gearshift drives, on said grip body. Such a drive, which encloses in the same grip body not only all that is needed to drive the hydraulic brake, but also drives for the gearshift and allows the overall bulk to be significantly reduced.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2014Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.Inventor: Giuseppe Dal PrĂ
-
Patent number: 10676151Abstract: A hydraulic operating device for a small vehicle including a bicycle is basically provided with a base member, an operating member, a piston, a handlebar fixing structure and a hydraulic reservoir tank. The base member includes a cylinder having a cylinder bore. The operating member is pivotally coupled to the base member about a pivot axis. The piston is movably disposed in the cylinder bore and operatively coupled to the operating member to move the piston within the cylinder bore. The handlebar fixing structure is coupled to the base member. The handlebar fixing structure defines a handlebar arrangement area. The hydraulic reservoir tank has a hydraulic fluid chamber fluidly connected to the cylinder bore. The hydraulic reservoir tank at least partially overlaps the handlebar arrangement area as viewed in a pivot axis direction parallel to the pivot axis of the operating member.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Mototsugu Nakai, Kohei Obuchi, Natsuki Noma
-
Patent number: 10676152Abstract: A bicycle crank assembly with adjustment orientation system for ovoid toothed chainrings comprising a right crank arm (2) provided with a fifth torque transmission profile (211); a shaft (1) provided with a second torque transmission profile (121) which is non-rotatably engaged to said fifth profile (211); and a transmission element (3), for incorporating toothed chainrings, provided with a fourth torque transmission profile (301) to non-rotatably engage with the first torque transmission profile (120) of the shaft (1). So, when combining the N2 angular positions provided by the coupling between the right crank (2) and the shaft (1) with the N1 angular positions provided by the coupling between the transmission element (3) and the shaft (1), Nt different relative angular positions between the right crank (2) and the transmission element (3) are obtained, thus increasing the possible orientations and decreasing the angular increment between consecutive orientations of the crank assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Rotor Componentes Tecnologicos, S.L.Inventor: Pablo Carrasco Vergara
-
Patent number: 10676154Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur that is movable between shift positions in association with an indexer. The inner mechanical end stop is adjusted at the first indexing position so there is no loosening of the control cable in the last downward gearshifting operation, with the benefit of an immediate and rapid response in the first upward gearshifting operation. The outer end stop is adjusted to interrupt the rotation of the cable-winding bush before it reaches the last indexing position. This pair of mechanical end stops limits the excursion of the derailleur to prevent it being able to shift the chain too much towards the frame or too much away from the frame, which ensures that the chain is not shifted beyond the gears.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventor: Marco Minto
-
Patent number: 10676155Abstract: A device for actuating a bicycle front derailleur and displacing a transmission chain between toothed wheels of different diameters. An indexer associated with the derailleur comprises a first stop position and a second stop position. The first stop corresponds to engagement of the transmission chain on a first toothed wheel and the second stop position corresponds to engagement of the transmission chain on a different toothed wheel. A control lever operatively active on the indexer switches between the stop positions with a single actuation of the control lever.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventors: Marco Minto, Christian Marangon
-
Patent number: 10676156Abstract: A bicycle control device for issuing at least one command to at least one bicycle equipment comprises a body configured to be mounted on the bicycle, at least one manual actuation member associated with the body, and a clicking mechanism. The clicking mechanism comprises a magnetic clicking switch having a first element that is fixed with respect to the body, and a second element that is movable with respect to the first element and actuatable by said at least one manual actuation member when said manual actuation member issues said command.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.Inventors: Marco Masciolini, Fabiano Fossato, Francesco Negrin
-
Patent number: 10676157Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a snowmobile including a chassis, a tunnel, an engine, a drive track and a drivetrain. The tunnel is attached to the chassis and includes running boards located on either side of the tunnel. The engine is attached to the chassis and within an engine bay. The drivetrain is operatively connected to the engine to deliver propulsive power to the drive track, wherein the running boards extend forward alongside at least a portion of the engine bay.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: ARCTIC CAT INC.Inventor: David L. Vigen
-
Patent number: 10676158Abstract: The invention is a watercraft with at least one hull which creates hydrodynamic lift by using narrowing concave channels (1) on the underside of the said at least one hull where propulsion (3) is placed such that the said propulsion draws water through the said narrowing concave channels (1).Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2016Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Inventor: Yu Lee Tan
-
Patent number: 10676159Abstract: A catamaran hull of hybrid structure includes a first lateral float, a second lateral float and a central float connecting the first lateral float to the second lateral float; the hull further including a first beam having a first bulkhead and a second beam having a second bulkhead, each bulkhead lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the bow-stern line and including: a central part including a lower element intended to collaborate with a lower part of the central float; a first lateral part including a lower element intended to collaborate with a lower part of the first lateral float; a second lateral part including a lower element intended to collaborate with a lower part of the second lateral float; the hull part arranged between the first bulkhead and the second bulkhead defining a monobloc hull portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: KAYFLO DEVELOPPEMENTInventors: Laurent Da Rold, Jean Delaune, Jean-Marc Salpetrier
-
Patent number: 10676160Abstract: A method of mooring a floating vessel having a fairlead stopper coupled thereto is provided. The method includes retrieving a line pre-reeved on the fairlead stopper, connecting the line to an upper end of a mooring line, retrieving a second end of the line, connecting the second end to a winch of the AHV, and hauling in the mooring line to apply tension thereto. Also disclosed are mooring lines and systems, including lines having tensioning connectors thereon, such as tri-plate connectors, for stretching lines.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Bardex CorporationInventors: Nick Atallah, Dennis Graney
-
Patent number: 10676161Abstract: A boat tethering and launching system and device including a first longitudinally extending length of tethering material having a first modulus of elasticity, the first length of tethering material having a first end and a second end; a second longitudinally extending length of tethering material having a second modulus of elasticity, the second length of tethering material having a first section, a second section, and a third section, the second end of the first length of tethering material being coupled to the first section of the second length of tethering material; a biasing member having a length that is shorter than that of the second section of the second longitudinally extending length of tethering material, the biasing member having a third modulus of elasticity; and wherein each of the first, second, and third moduli of elasticity have different values.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2019Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Inventor: Steve Loehrig
-
Patent number: 10676162Abstract: An autonomous anchor device, involving a streamlined body configured to freefall through a water column and to drive itself into sediment of an aquatic environment and a plurality of blades operably coupled with the streamlined body and configured to deploy itself into the sediment as well as retract itself from the sediment.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: United States Government as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Leif Roth, Josh Bianchi, Adam White, Brian Daniel Shook
-
Patent number: 10676163Abstract: In one example, a watercraft includes a hull in the form of a unitary, single-piece structure that is substantially hollow, and made of plastic. A grip is provided that is integral with the hull and includes a recess that is formed in a skin of the hull and is integral with the hull, and the grip also includes an undercut that is formed in the skin of the hull proximate an edge of the recess. The undercut is integral with the hull and communicates with the recess.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventors: Samuel S. Robbins, Dennis Jay Norman
-
Patent number: 10676164Abstract: A marine apparatus for collecting waste, including a vessel frame; at least one float or ballast tank mounted on the vessel frame; a removable frame configured to receive a waste collector; at least one guide mounted on either the vessel frame or the removable frame; and at least one slide mounted on the other of the vessel frame or the removable frame, said at least one slide including a channel closed at one end and open at an opposite end, the open end forming a receiving end for receiving a respective guide.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: IADYSInventor: Nicolas Carlési
-
Patent number: 10676165Abstract: An adjustable fin for use on a surfboard, the adjustable fin comprising: a base which comprises a mounting means for mounting the adjustable fin to a surfboard, and a member extending in a direction contrary to the mounting means. The adjustable fin further comprises a fin section comprising two outer fin surfaces which meet at a leading edge and a trailing edge; an underside surface comprising an opening to an internal cavity, the internal cavity configured to house the member and enable slidable movement of the member in a direction towards the leading edge or the trailing edge; and a locking means that is manipulate and which projects into the internal cavity, wherein the locking means can releasably couple to the member at one of two or more locking positions thereby preventing slidable movement of the member.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Flying Fin Systems Pty LtdInventor: Glenndin George Miller
-
Patent number: 10676166Abstract: A wakeboat has a hull, the hull forming a wake when moving forward in the water, with a left quiet region and a right quiet region in the wake. The hull may exhibit rotation around one or more of its roll, pitch, and yaw axes which affects the quiet regions in the wake. A gyroscope supported in the hull may be used to rotate the hull around one or more axes. Such rotation may be used to create a surf left and/or surf right configuration, and measured via one or more sensors. Other systems and methods are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2019Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Skier's Choice, Inc.Inventors: Richard Lawrence Hartman, Matthew Douglas Brown, Travis Lane Turley
-
Patent number: 10676167Abstract: A boat lift includes four posts and four linear actuators, each attached to one of the posts. Each linear actuator includes an extendable and retractable member oriented for extension and retraction substantially parallel to the post. Ends of a first pair of the extendable and retractable members are connected to a first carrier and ends of a second pair of the extendable and retractable members are connected to a second carrier. A cradle or platform is supported by the first and second carriers. The boat lift may be supported by the ground, by a structure, for example, a dock, a sea wall or a wall of a boat house, or by pontoons.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: LIPPERT COMPONENTS, INC.Inventors: Robert L. Tiedge, Mark Kinder, Nicholas Cornett
-
Patent number: 10676168Abstract: A breathing-air tank pressure tracking system includes a housing having lights mounted therein. The lights are spaced-apart from one another and disposed along a line. A pressure sensor is coupled to a tank containing pressurized breathing air. The pressure sensor detects a pressure of the pressurized breathing air and produces a signal indicative thereof. The housing is configured to be coupled to an exterior portion of a dive helmet wherein the lights are positioned in a field-of-view of a user wearing the dive helmet. A controller, mounted in the housing, is coupled to the pressure sensor and the lights. The controller activates selected ones of the lights based on the signal received from the pressure sensor.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2019Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Brian C. Wentworth, Dennis Gallagher, Richard Manley, William Hughes, III, Bryan Le
-
Patent number: 10676169Abstract: A recreational power and stabilizing apparatus according to various aspects of the present technology includes an elongated handle body, a spring member coupled to the elongated handle body, and a traction element. The spring member comprises a compound curving element having a lower power region and a high power region. The traction element is coupled to the spring member and engages the ground during use.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Powerstick, Inc.Inventor: Hester LeShawn Charles
-
Patent number: 10676170Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a flex connection for high altitude balloon applications. During operation flex connection allows a payload of a high-altitude balloon to remain level when an envelope of the balloon is tilted, in order to change the direction of the balloon. As an example, a system may include a balloon envelope, a payload, a cable between the balloon envelope and the payload, and a flex connection on the cable. The flex connection enables the payload to remain level relative to the ground when the balloon is in flight and the balloon envelope is tilted relative to the payload. The flex connection includes a top portion, a plurality of discs, and a bottom portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Loon LLCInventors: Kyle Brookes, John Cromie, Raymond Louis Gradwohl
-
Patent number: 10676171Abstract: A structural panel is provided that includes a first core structure and a second core structure. The second core structure includes a plurality of core components, which components includes a corrugated ribbon, a first wall and a second wall. The corrugated ribbon includes a plurality of baffles and a plurality of porous septums. The baffles and the porous septums are laterally between and connected to the first wall and the second wall. Each of the porous septums are longitudinally between a respective adjacent pair of the baffles. A first of the core components projects longitudinally into and/or along the first core structure at a splice joint between the first core structure and the second core structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Rohr, Inc.Inventors: Sreenivas Narayanan Nampy, David M. Adams
-
Patent number: 10676172Abstract: An apparatus for selectively increasing a wing area of an aircraft having a fuselage with an interior space includes an inflatable wing moveable between a stowed condition located in the interior space and a deployed condition located outside the interior space. The wing includes at least one inflatable spar. The inflatable spar is operatively coupled to a source of pressurized inflation fluid for selective inflation as the wing moves into the deployed condition. A plurality of reels is secured to the aircraft. A plurality of cables connects the wing to the reels. At least one reel is operable to unwind a selected cable to allow the wing to partially inflate to the deployed condition by ram air generated by movement of the aircraft as the inflatable spar is being inflated by the pressurized inflation fluid. A method for selectively increasing a wing area of an aircraft is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas E. Keavney, Robert E. Bauer
-
Patent number: 10676173Abstract: An aircraft (102) having a wing assembly (101) including a fixed wing (105) with a wing tip device (103). The wing tip device (103) is moveable between: a flight configuration; and a ground configuration. The outer end of the fixed wing (105) terminates at an outer rib (115), and the inner end of the wing tip device (103) terminates at an inner rib (117). The outer and inner ribs (115, 117) are located on opposing sides of an interface between the fixed wing (105) and the wing tip device (103). The fixed wing-skin (119) terminates inwardly of the interface, but the outer rib (115) has a surface-forming portion (127) forming an extension of the fixed wing-skin towards the interface. The wing tip device-skin (121) terminates outwardly of the interface, but the inner rib has a surface-forming portion (129) forming an extension of the wing tip device-skin towards the interface.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITEDInventors: Robert Ian Thompson, Sylvain Boye, Benjamin Bishop
-
Patent number: 10676174Abstract: A wing (9) having a base section (11) and a tip section (13) pivotably connected to the base section (11) such that the tip section (13) is pivotable between a deployed position and a stowed position in which the spanwise length of the wing (9) is smaller than in the deployed position. The wing arrangement also has an actuating arrangement (19) including a linear hydraulic actuator (21) coupled between the base section (11) and the tip section (13) such that it is operable to selectively move the tip section (13) between the deployed position and the stowed position, a first and a second hydraulic connection portion (79a, 79b) connected to the linear hydraulic actuator (21) such that they are in fluid communication with different chamber sections (27a, 27b) of a cylinder (25) of the linear hydraulic actuator (21), and a first hydraulic subsystem (81a) and a second hydraulic subsystem (81b).Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventors: Christoph Winkelmann, Johannes Rupp
-
Patent number: 10676175Abstract: A winglet for attachment to a wing portion of an aircraft comprises a winglet tip and a winglet root opposite from the winglet tip. The winglet has an opening for receiving therethrough a connector for connecting the winglet to a wing portion in use. The winglet has a retainer internal of the winglet for use in retaining the connector relative to the winglet. The retainer has a hole that extends along an axis that passes through the opening for receiving therethrough a portion of the connector when the connector is located through the opening. The retainer comprising a body for reacting against a retention component with which the connector engages in use.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITEDInventors: Samuel Moore, Scott Roberts
-
Patent number: 10676176Abstract: An aerial vehicle may include adjustable configurations to selectively provide protection for propellers of the aerial vehicle. Portions of the wing and/or the tail plane of the aerial vehicle may be reconfigured to an extended configuration around a periphery of one or more propellers during generally vertical flight or hovering operations, when delivery a payload, and/or upon detecting objects in proximity. Likewise, the portions of the wing and/or the tail plane may be reconfigured to a retracted configuration that eliminates or minimizes adverse aerodynamic effects during generally horizontal flight operations, when operating at high altitude, and/or upon detecting no objects in proximity. During the reconfiguration, portions of the leading edge of the wing may be extended or retracted, and/or portions of the tail plane may be extended, retracted, and/or rotated.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael Piedmonte, David Moro Ludena, Cyriel Notteboom, Christopher Gornall, James Thomas
-
Patent number: 10676177Abstract: The present invention relates to robotic landing gear for a rotorcraft that is designed to allow for landing on sloped and irregular surfaces. The robotic landing gear consists of articulated legs with contact sensors. Once the contact sensor touches a landing surface, the articulated leg in which contact is detected retracts to maintain a certain amount of contact pressure with the surface. Each articulated leg does this independently until contact is detected on the sensors of all of the robotic legs, at which point the legs lock in position and the rotorcraft can safely land.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2016Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Inventors: Mark F. Costello, Michael Brian Ward, R Matthew Tallent, Ryan Hofmeister, Ashish Bagai
-
Patent number: 10676178Abstract: A drive system for an aircraft landing gear, the drive system comprising: a pinion gear; a drive shaft arranged to rotate the pinion gear about a drive axis; a driven gear arranged to mesh with the pinion gear to be rotatable by the pinion gear, the driven gear being connectable to a wheel of the landing gear to be capable of rotating the wheel about a wheel axis; and a flexible interface comprising a crowned spline joint between the drive shaft and the pinion gear. The crowned spline joint is arranged to permit tilting of the pinion gear relative to the drive axis. In some embodiments a first spline joint between the drive shaft and the pinion gear is arranged to permit tilting of the pinion gear relative to the drive axis; and a second spline joint is arranged to permit translation of the pinion gear along the drive axis relative to the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2014Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITEDInventors: Arnaud Didey, Fraser Wilson
-
Patent number: 10676179Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical braking method for an aircraft having at least one electromechanical brake 2 fitted to at least one braked wheel 1 of the aircraft, the brake 2 having friction members 3 and a plurality of electromechanical actuators 4, each actuator 4 comprising a pusher 5 suitable for being moved by means of an electric motor 6 to selectively apply a pressing force on the friction members 3. According to the invention, for a given braking operation, a total braking force to be applied against the friction members 3 of the brake is distributed in non-uniform manner amongst the actuators 4 of the brake, such that at least two actuators 4 apply respective different forces.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2013Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: MESSIER-BUGATTI-DOWTYInventors: Marion Laur, Thomas LePage, Jean-Frederic Diebold, Philippe Chico
-
Patent number: 10676180Abstract: A flying vehicle with a fuselage having a longitudinal axis, a cockpit extending substantially from the center of the fuselage, a left front wing extending from the fuselage, a right front wing extending from the fuselage, a left rear wing extending from the fuselage, a right rear wing extending from the fuselage. Each wing contains a rotor rotatably mounted and a direct drive brushless motor providing directional control of the vehicle. A centrally located ducted fan encompasses the cockpit and provides VTOL capabilities. The central location of the cockpit and central ducted fan aid in balance and stability. The central ducted fan is itself a brushless motor with the stator windings encapsulated in the ducted fan housing and rotor magnets within the fan. All motors and rotatable mounts are controlled by a fly-by-wire system integrated into a central computer with avionics allowing for autonomous flight.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Airborne Motors, LLCInventor: Jesse Antoine Marcel
-
Patent number: 10676181Abstract: An aircraft is provided including an airframe, an extending tail, a counter-rotating, coaxial main rotor assembly having an upper rotor assembly and a lower rotor assembly, and a translational thrust system including a propeller positioned at the extending tail. The translational thrust system is configured to provide translational thrust to the airframe when the aircraft is in a non-autorotation state and to generate power when in an autorotation state. A gearbox interconnects the propeller and the main rotor assembly to drive the main rotor assembly and the translational thrust system in the non-autorotation state. When the aircraft is in autorotation, the power generated by the propeller drives rotation of the main rotor assembly via the gearbox.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: Erez Eller, Matthew T. Luszcz, William J. Eadie, Steven D. Weiner
-
Patent number: 10676182Abstract: An electric propulsion system includes a static mast fixed to the airframe and a secondary mast positioned in overlapping arrangement with the static mast. The secondary mast defines an axis of rotation. An elastomeric bearing is arranged at an interface between the static mast and the secondary mast. An actuator assembly includes at least one actuator connected to the secondary mast. The actuator assembly is operable to pivot the secondary mast relative to the axis of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventor: Timothy F. Lauder
-
Patent number: 10676183Abstract: A rotor blade rotation system includes two or more rotor blades, each rotor blade in mechanical communication with a hub and pivotable about an axis of rotation, a bearing plate comprising a rotating portion and a non-rotating portion, a fold linkage coupled to the rotating portion of the bearing plate and in mechanical communication with the rotor blade, and an actuator coupled to the non-rotating portion of the bearing plate and operable to reposition the bearing plate from a first position to a second position such that the folding links pivot the rotor blades from a deployed position to a forward folded position.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.Inventors: Carlos Alexander Fenny, Rohn Lee Olson, Andrew James Zahasky
-
Patent number: 10676184Abstract: A pitch control system configured to vary a pitch angle of a plurality of propeller blades of a propeller system is provided including a motor having a motor shaft configured to rotate about an axis. A rotary switch having a tab protruding generally outwardly is coupled to the motor shaft and is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The pitch control system also includes a position sensor configured to monitor the position of the rotary switch. The position of the rotary switch is proportional to the pitch angle of the plurality of propeller blades.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2015Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: Mark M. Cyr, Karl Gradzki
-
Patent number: 10676185Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 27, 2015Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: Kevin L. Bredenbeck, Jr., Bryan S. Cotton, Mark K. Wilson
-
Patent number: 10676186Abstract: An aircraft includes a fuselage and a wing extending from each lateral side of the fuselage. A nacelle is pivotably se cured to each wing. The nacelle has a rotor located thereat, with the rotor having a rotor tip path plane defined by rotation of the rotor about a rotor axis of rotation. When the rotor tip path plane is changed relative to the wing, the nacelle pivots relative to the wing about a nacelle hinge axis to reduce flapping required by the rotor. A method of operating an aircraft includes changing a rotor tip path plane orientation relative to a wing of the aircraft. The rotor disposed at a nacelle, with the nacelle pivotably secured to the wing. The nacelle is pivoted relative to the wing to reduce an overall tip path plane change requirement of the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2015Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: SIKORKSY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventor: Mark R. Alber