Patents Issued in August 18, 2020
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Patent number: 10745082Abstract: A bicycle operating device includes a base member, an actuator arranged to be movable with respect to the base member and having a cable holder, and a user operated input arranged to be movable with respect to the base member to move the actuator. In a state where the actuator is located in a first position, the user operated input moves the actuator from the first position to a second position by being operated with respect to the base member in a first direction. In a state where the actuator is located in the second position, the user operated input moves the actuator from the second position to the first position by being operated in the first direction or a second direction, which differs from the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
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Patent number: 10745083Abstract: Disclosed herein are hydrofoil vessels and systems integrated with renewable energy sources. In one aspect, the hydrofoil vessel includes one or more hulls, an omni-directional platform connecting the one or more hulls of the hydrofoil vessel. The omni-directional platform may include at least one of: a sail, a wind turbine, a solar panel, a hydroelectric motor, a hydrofoil controller platform, and a battery component. Also disclosed herein are methods and computer readable medium for controlling an omni direct modular hydrofoil vessel having one or more hulls integrated with renewable-energy sources.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Inventor: Volodymyr Zadorozhnyy
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Patent number: 10745084Abstract: A system for enhancing a wake profile produced by a pontoon boat is provided. The system includes a pair of ramps attached to the bottom of a platform supported by at least two pontoons. The ramps may be oriented downward with a rear end of the ramp disposed in the water between the pontoons. The water flowing between the pontoons is displaced downward by the ramps, thereby increasing water displacement and directing the water to produce an improved wake profile. Downforce may be applied to the boat by one or more wake plates, with a faceted portion of the wake plate facing forward and upward, such that when water impacts the faceted portion a downforce is provided. The wake plates may be attached to the ramps or may be separate from the ramps.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2019Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Avalon & Tahoe Mfg. Inc.Inventors: Kris Douglas Forrest, Duane Nicholas Dinninger, Greg Ryan Boyd
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Patent number: 10745085Abstract: A security device comprising: a barrier, and a plate, wherein the barrier and the plate are releasably attachable to each other, and when the barrier and plate are attached the device comprises a slot for receiving a rail and the device may hang on a rail with the rail received in the slot, and the barrier protrudes in a horizontal direction, perpendicular from a plane extending downwardly from the rail, to provide an overhang; and wherein at least a portion of the plate is made from a bullet-resistant material.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Inventor: Bruce McGarian
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Patent number: 10745086Abstract: A mooring connector assembly (3) has a body (10) arranged to be pivotally mounted to a structure (1), such as a tethered buoy, to be moored for movement about a pivot axis. At least a part of the body extends below the pivot axis when so mounted and oriented for use. A line stopper (17) is mounted to the part of the body which extends below the pivot axis in use and is operative to retain a mooring line (2) relative to the body. The body is configured to receive a tensioner (20) for tensioning a mooring line (2) retained by the stopper such that the tensioner urges the line at a point which is below the pivot axis when the body is oriented for use. The body may be an elongate tube (10) pivotally connected to a structure to be moored (1) at one end and fitting with a chain stopper (17) at the opposite end. The tube is configured to receive a chain tensioner (20) between the chain stopper (17) and pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: BALLTEC LIMITEDInventors: Marco Andre Teixeira, Jonathan Scott Preston, Jonathan Fletcher Jackson, William David Loton Parry
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Patent number: 10745087Abstract: The invention relates to a unit, having a floating wind turbine, which has a floating foundation, and having a floating mooring buoy, which can be connected to the floating foundation of the floating wind turbine and which has at least one anchoring means for anchoring the mooring buoy to the bed of a body of water, characterized in that the floating foundation of the floating wind turbine has a hole for holding the mooring buoy.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Aerodyn Consulting Singapore PTE LTDInventor: Sonke Siegfriedsen
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Patent number: 10745088Abstract: The invention relates to a method for constructing habitable installations for floating structures, comprising the following steps: lowering a first adapted standard container (3) through at least one vertical prismatic cavity (25) of a carrying structure (2) until it is supported on support brackets (4) of the floor below; securing the first container (3) to said support brackets (4) of the floor below; and, for each subsequent floor, securing a number of subsequent support brackets (4) to the carrying structure (2) on each container (3) already in position; lowering a subsequent container (3) until it is supported on said subsequent support brackets (4); and securing said subsequent container (3) to subsequent support brackets (4) on which it is resting. The invention also includes a habitable installation (1) constructed according to said method, and a container (3) adapted for carrying out said method.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: GABADI S.L.Inventor: Antonio José Llago Hermida
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Patent number: 10745089Abstract: The present disclosure provides hydraulic power sources for wakeboats are provided. The power sources can include: a wakeboat having a hull and an engine; a hydraulic pump mechanically driven by the engine; and a hydraulic motor powered by the hydraulic pump. The power sources may also include a load powered by the hydraulic motor. The present disclosure also provides methods for hydraulically powering a load from aboard a wakeboat are also provided. The methods can include: comprising: mechanically driving a hydraulic pump with an engine of the wakeboat; using the hydraulic pump to power a hydraulic motor; and using the hydraulic motor to drive a load.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2019Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Inventor: Richard L. Hartman
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Patent number: 10745090Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a houseboat assembly formed from a cabin assembly secured to a hull assembly. In some version of the houseboat assembly, one or both of the cabin assembly and the hull assembly may be formed in accordance with a boat type and/or a floor plan. The boat type and/or floor plan may be selected by a customer. The cabin assembly may be formed at a first location and the hull assembly may be formed at a second location. The cabin assembly and hull assembly may then be transported to a third location. At the third location, the cabin assembly may be secured to the hull assembly to form the cabin assembly at the third location. The third location may be requested or specified by the customer.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Harbor Cottage, LLCInventor: James DeSales Hamilton
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Patent number: 10745091Abstract: A marine navigational light fixture includes a light source and a cutoff sub-housing holding the light source. The cutoff sub-housing has a main frame having first and second laterally opposite sides; first and second sidewalls projecting from the first and second sides of the main frame, respectively; and first and second cutoff surfaces located on the first and second sidewalls, respectively. The first and second cutoff surfaces are configured to provide practical cutoff of light emitted from the light source outside of a specified arc of visibility. The marine navigational light fixture also includes a main housing holding the cutoff sub-housing. A luminaire subassembly for the marine navigational light fixture includes a colored component having a color that is in the same color family as a color of light emitted from the luminaire subassembly. The colored component can be a lens, a filter cap, a PCB, and/or a telltale.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2019Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Robert Tate, Donald J. Olsen, Philip Wetzel, Anuj Maloo
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Patent number: 10745092Abstract: There is provided a storage system for storing and retrieving watercraft or other items to or from a storage position in a storage area as part of an enclosure having a plurality of storage areas. The storage system may include at least one carrier to support the item during movement to or from a storage position, and a positioning system to move the carrier system. An elevator system is usable to move the positioning system and carrier system to and from a storage area, and a control system is usable to control the positioning system to move the carrier system and item into and out of its storage position.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2019Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: THE RICHARD C. LYDLE REVOCABLE TRUSTInventor: Richard C. Lydle
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Patent number: 10745093Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices, and methods for swimming using a swimming apparatus that includes an exterior shell, optionally including a top half and bottom half and an opening to accommodate a propulsion system.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Inventors: William Kohnen, Henrick R. Kohnen
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Patent number: 10745094Abstract: Provided is a propeller for a submersible, comprising a housing (1) having a cylindrical structure with two open ends, a stator sleeve (2) having a cylindrical structure with one open end, the stator sleeve suspended in an internal cavity of the housing (1), a motor stator (3) fixed inside the stator sleeve (2), a rotor sleeve (4) having a cylindrical structure with one open end and disposed on the stator sleeve (2), a motor rotor (5) fixed to an inner wall of the rotor sleeve (4), and a propeller (6) fixed to an outer wall of the rotor sleeve (4). The propeller (6) of the underwater propeller is directly fixed to the rotor sleeve (4) so that the structure of the motor is compact, and the rotational shaft transmission is not required so that the length of the propeller is shortened and the volume is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: TIANJIN DEEPFAIR OCEAN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Jiancang Wei
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Patent number: 10745095Abstract: An electric inboard motor for a boat, includes a main body, a motor, a motor controller, a motor mounting base, a paddle, a paddle shall, a speed-adjusting handle assembly and a main body overturning locking mechanism. The speed-adjusting handle assembly further includes a speed-adjusting handle spindle, an axle sleeve, a handle sleeve, a button, a spring and at stop block; one end of a handle shell is fixedly connected with the stop block, and the handle sleeve abuts against a stepped face of the stop block, the speed-adjusting handle spindle is connected with the handle shell in a rotation manner, the speed-adjusting handle spindle is connected with the axle sleeve through a first pin, the axle sleeve is fixedly connected with the button, and the axle sleeve is connected with the stop block in a rotation manner and connected with the handle sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Inventors: Zhang He, Limin Zhang, Bo Rao
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Patent number: 10745096Abstract: Virtual anchor features for a navigation/autopilot system for use on a marine vessel are provided herein. An example apparatus associated with a marine vessel includes a processor and memory including computer program code, the memory and the computer program code configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to receive user input indicating at least a first geographic location and a desired offset distance; determine a current geographic location of at least one of the marine vessel or the apparatus; determine if the current geographic location is within a distance threshold of the desired offset distance from the first geographic location; and cause, in an instance in which the current geographic location is not within the distance threshold, one or more motors of the marine vessel to operate to cause the marine vessel to move to a new geographic location accordingly. A desired orbit pattern may also be employed.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: NAVICO HOLDING ASInventor: Jeremiah D. Clark
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Patent number: 10745097Abstract: Kites having an inflatable lifting-body shape with side wings or keels and a horizontal stabilizer or tail to control the angle of attack of the lifting body can be constructed efficiently and economically through a process that builds a laminate of flat sheets, then cuts and joins the sheets to produce an inflatable envelope. Other pieces are affixed to the envelope to produce a finished kite.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Head Full of Air LLCInventors: Mathew W. Lippincott, Charles M. Willard
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Patent number: 10745098Abstract: A composite structural member and an arrangement of such composite structural members are constructed to provide a multi-functional under-floor airframe that reacts flight, handling and internal cargo loads, and is capable of absorbing energy when subjected to vertically applied compression loads, such as loads that may be applied in hard landing or crash situations. The composite structural member and arrangement of such composite structural members adds no parasitic weight to the aircraft, i.e., there is no need for additional energy-absorbing systems, structures or mechanism; and is lighter weight as compared to metal. The composite structural member and related parts of the arrangement of such composite structural members are designed to progressively collapse throughout the stroke (or displacement) that occurs when a dynamic compressive load is applied to the structural member and to work together with crashworthy seats to mitigate injuries to occupants.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Douglas R. Ludin, Matthew S. Stauffer, Akif Bolukbasi, Eric Schulze
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Patent number: 10745099Abstract: A conductor in composite is disclosed. In various embodiments, an electrically conductive structure, such as an electrically conductive metal, is sandwiched between insulating material and two or more layers of fiber reinforced composite material, to form a stack that is used to form a composite structure that includes the electrically conductive layer. The layer may comprise an electrical line, trace, bus, etc. to conduct electricity from one location to another within the composite structure, such as to connect a battery or other power source at one location to an electrical load at another location.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: WISK AERO LLCInventor: Geoffrey Alan Long
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Patent number: 10745100Abstract: Counterbalance assemblies include a torsion bar spring for counter-balancing the weight of upwardly opening aircraft doors for ease of opening and closing. The torsion bar spring may be linked to the aircraft door through an integrated gear reduction system comprised of two pairs of spur gears and respective shafts as well as a linkage assembly. A cable reel is connected to the output shaft and the input shaft is connected to a four bar linkage system attached to the end of the torsion bar. The cable reel stores the lift cable and provides the output torque to lift the aircraft door. When the aircraft door opens or closes, the center of mass loses or gains height respectively, causing a variation of gravitational potential energy. In such a manner, the gravitational potential energy is exchanged with strain elastic energy from the counter-balance spring therefore reducing the required external source of energy whether it is from a power assisted means or manual operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: EMBRAER S.A.Inventors: Oberdan Martins Silva, Saint Clair Trisotto, Brian Admas Linhares, Jorge Toshio Hashimoto, Paulo Junio Sacramento Horta Moreira, Ricardo Pamplona Lang
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Patent number: 10745101Abstract: A modular electrical signal supply assembly includes at least one power/data strip (PDS) configured to provide an electrical signal to an electrical device and at least one mounting clip configured to couple each PDS to a sub-floor surface structure. A vehicle includes an interior cabin with an electrical signal distribution system that includes at least one modular electrical signal supply assembly and at least one electrical devices. Each modular electrical signal supply assembly includes a PDS and a mounting clip. Each PDS is configured to provide an electrical signal to an electrical device and is electrically coupled to at least one other PDS.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2019Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Spence, Yakentim M. Ibrahim
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Patent number: 10745102Abstract: An aerial vehicle having an arm for supporting an a lift generating means, the aerial vehicle being advantageously a multicopter, comprising an arm mount means for swinging an arm supporting the lift generating means between a retracted position and an extended locked and releasable position.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: GRIFF AVIATION ASInventors: Jan Martin Nysæter, Hans Petter Førde, Leif Johan Holand
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Patent number: 10745103Abstract: Aircraft, aircraft wings and associated shear ties are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first panel coupled to a second panel to define a wing box; a rib disposed chordwise within the wing box; and a stringer disposed spanwise within the wing box immediately adjacent at least one of the first panel or the second panel, the rib including a shear tie including first and second legs extending in opposite directions, the first and second legs to be coupled to at least one of the first panel, the second panel, or the stringer.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: David Wesley Trop, Patrick B. Stickler, William John Koch, IV, Benjamin Joseph Palmer
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Patent number: 10745104Abstract: The construction of a stringer transition through a common base eliminates the need for plate fittings and their associated fasteners to connect opposing ends of a first stringer having a large cross-sectional area to a second stringer having a smaller cross-sectional area. A base of composite material is secured to a skin panel of an aircraft wing with the base aligned with and extending along the longitudinal length of the skin panel. The first stringer is secured to the base and the second stringer is secured to the base, with the first stringer and second stringer longitudinally aligned with the base and with a longitudinal spacing between the first stringer and the second stringer. The base connects the first stringer to the second stringer and only the base connects the first stringer to the second stringer.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Gregory A. Cass, Garrett C. Hanson
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Patent number: 10745105Abstract: A tip structure for an aircraft airfoil, such as a control surface (ailerons, flaps, elevators, rudders, etc) and/or a lifting surface (wings, HTP's, VTP's) is a unitary body and includes a tip shell and a metallic material on the outer surface of the tip shell suitable to withstand a lighting strike. The tip shell has been obtained by a single-stage injection molding process using a thermoplastic composite material having fibers dispersed therein, and the metallic material has been integrally formed with the tip shell.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Airbus Operations, S.L.Inventors: Soledad Crespo Peña, Francisco Javier Honorato Ruiz, Iker Vélez De Mendizabal Alonso, Carlos García Nieto, Enrique Guinaldo Fernández, Álvaro Torres Salas, Pablo Cebolla Garrofe, Álvaro Calero Casanova
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Patent number: 10745106Abstract: A fairing is provided in one example embodiment and may include an apparatus to receive at least one of a foot traffic load and a hand traffic load, wherein the apparatus can include: a step portion that is to receive at least a portion of the foot traffic load; a handhold portion that is to receive at least a portion of the hand traffic load, wherein the handhold portion extends downward from the step portion; and a support structure, wherein the support structure extends downward from of the step portion. The apparatus can include an outer flange attached to the fairing. At least a portion of the step portion the apparatus can be recessed within the fairing at a distance between one inch and three inches from a top surface of the fairing. The handhold portion can include one or more drain holes.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.Inventors: Brent Scannell, Thomas Mast
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Patent number: 10745107Abstract: A wing, a method of controlling lift on a wing, and a system to produce lift on a wing are provided. The wing may include a fore-element, an aft-element, a pivotable linkage that operatively connects the aft-element leading edge to the fore-element trailing edge in a span-wise direction, and an actuator. The actuator may deflect the aft-element through a predetermined deflection angle about the pivotable linkage relative to the fore-element within less than or equal to two convective periods. The method may include deflecting a span-wise flap through the deflection angle in less than or equal to two convective periods to produce high lift. The system may include a sensor to detect an input and a controller to deflect the span-wise flap of the wing by the deflection angle in not more than two convective periods based on the received input signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Inventors: Michael V. Ol, Alberto Medina
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Patent number: 10745108Abstract: A coupling is disclosed for connecting a propeller to a motor in an aircraft such as a rotary wing aircraft and the like. The coupling comprises a propeller hub having an inner propeller hub bore defining an axial keyway. A rotatable shaft has an internal shaft bore connected for rotation with the motor. A radial key is slidably located in a radial aperture extending through the rotatable shaft. An actuator is slidably mounted within the internal shaft bore of the rotatable shaft. The radial key is received with the axial keyway for securing the propeller hub to the rotatable shaft. A depression of the actuator retracting the radial key relative to an outer surface of the rotatable shaft for permitting the propeller hub bore to be introduced onto the rotatable shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Inventors: Tim Nilson, Daniel Nethery, Austin Holbrook
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Patent number: 10745109Abstract: An assembly of two parts, one of the parts being made of composite material with fiber reinforcement obtained from a fiber preform made by three-dimensional weaving and densified with a matrix, the assembly including a mechanical anchor element secured to one of the parts and inserted inside the other part.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINESInventors: Julien Schneider, Johann Feunteun, Thierry Godon
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Patent number: 10745110Abstract: Herein provided are systems and methods for synchrophasing multi-engine aircraft. A phonic wheel is coupled to a first propeller of a first engine of the aircraft. A sensor is disposed and configured for producing a signal in response to passage of first and second position markers on the phonic wheel. A control system is communicatively coupled to the sensor for obtaining the signal, and configured for: determining an expected delay between two subsequent signal pulses of the signal; identifying from within the plurality of signal pulses a particular pulse associated with the second position marker; determining, based on a particular time at which the particular pulse associated with the second position marker was produced, that a rotational position of the first propeller corresponds to a reference position at the particular time; and performing at least one synchrophasing operation for the aircraft based on the rotational position of the first propeller.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Ella Yakobov, James R. Jarvo, Roja Tabar
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Patent number: 10745111Abstract: A propeller hydraulic actuation system, includes a double-acting dual chamber hydraulic pitch change actuator. The pitch change actuator includes a first pressure circuit having first fluid supply lines and a first hydraulic chamber and a second pressure circuit having second fluid supply lines and a second hydraulic chamber. A piston separates the first and second chambers. At least one pressure sensor is provided for obtaining pressure measurements from which a load differential (F) applied to the piston by the circuits can be calculated. A closed loop controller is arranged to control the fluid supplied to the first and second pressure circuits, wherein the closed loop controller includes an actuator position loop arranged to utilise feedback on the actuator position to control the actuator position.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: RATIER-FIGEAC SASInventor: Julien Lassalle
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Patent number: 10745112Abstract: A method and system delay the laminar-to-turbulent transition of a supersonic or hypersonic boundary layer flow moving in a flow direction over a surface. For supersonic boundary layer flow, oblique first-mode instability waves present in the boundary layer and propagating at an oblique angle relative to the flow direction cause a laminar-to-turbulent transition in the boundary layer flow. These instability waves have a wavelength associated therewith in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction. Flow disruptors are used to generate modulations within the boundary layer flow wherein a wavelength of the modulations along the direction perpendicular to the flow direction is less than one-half of the wavelength of the instability waves.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINSTRATOR OF NASAInventors: Pedro Paredes Gonzalez, Meelan M. Choudhari, Fei Li
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Patent number: 10745113Abstract: A method of assembling a wing tip device to a wing of a powered aircraft including: providing a wing tip, providing a wing tip device, pivotably attaching the wing tip device to the wing at a first position, pivoting the wing tip device about the first position, and attaching the wing tip device to the wing at a second position spaced from the first position.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2019Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITEDInventors: Julien Chaussee, Camille Paumes, Norman Wijker, Stuart Alexander
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Patent number: 10745114Abstract: An exposed main landing gear cavity in a bottom wall of an aircraft fuselage may include a main landing gear cavity outer ring recessed within the fuselage and having an inner surface encircling the main landing gear cavity, first baffle extending inward from the outer ring inner surface at an aft and inboard position on the inner surface, and a second baffle extending inward from the outer ring inner surface at an aft and outboard position on the outer ring inner surface. The main landing gear cavity may further include an aft fairing disposed proximate the outer ring bottom edge of the outer ring and connected to the fuselage at an aft side of the main landing gear cavity. An aft fairing top surface may have curvature causing the top surface to extend downward away from the outer ring as the top surface extends inward away from the outer ring.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Eric E. Adamson, David A. Treiber
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Patent number: 10745115Abstract: Aerial vehicles may be configured to control their attitudes by changing one or more physical attributes. For example, an aerial vehicle may be outfitted with propulsion motors having repositionable mounts by which the motors may be rotated about one or more axes, in order to redirect forces generated by the motors during operation. An aerial vehicle may also be outfitted with one or more other movable objects such as landing gear, antenna and/or engaged payloads, and one or more of such objects may be translated in one or more directions in order to adjust a center of gravity of the aerial vehicle. By varying angles by which forces are supplied to the aerial vehicle, or locations of the center of gravity of the aerial vehicle, a desired attitude of the aerial vehicle may be maintained irrespective of velocity, altitude and/or forces of thrust, lift, weight or drag acting upon the aerial vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gur Kimchi, Dominic Timothy Shiosaki, Ricky Dean Welsh
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Patent number: 10745116Abstract: An aircraft is provided and includes a rotor, which is rotatable relative to an airframe, a rotor, which is rotatable relative to the airframe and which generates a rotor induced vibration, an engine to generate rotational energy, a drive portion to transfer the rotational energy from the engine, a gearbox disposed to transmit the rotational energy from the drive portion to the rotor to drive rotor rotation, support members connecting the gearbox to the airframe and an actuation system configured to generate an anti-vibration load applicable to the gearbox via an actuator comprising an actuator element disposed along one of the support members and a stinger element extending from the actuator element to a connection point of the support member and the gearbox to transmit a portion of the anti-vibration load from the actuator element to the connection point to counter the rotor induced vibration at the gearbox.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2015Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: William A. Welsh, Bryan Kenneth Baskin, Chris Paul Butler
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Patent number: 10745117Abstract: A quill shaft which translates rotational energy between a gear and a drive shaft having a drive shaft spline includes a first leg having an inner spline which meshes with the drive shaft spline and a second leg concentric with the first leg and radially offset and separated from the first leg by a gap. The second leg includes an outer spline which meshes with the gear. The first leg is connected to the second leg at one end to allow for change to a gap size during while translating the rotational energy between the gear and a drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2015Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: Todd A. Garcia, Bryan Kenneth Baskin, Huali Ding, Biqiang Xu
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Patent number: 10745118Abstract: A rotary wing aircraft including a prime mover, a main rotor assembly having a first plurality of rotor blades operatively coupled to a main rotor shaft rotatable at a first speed ratio, a tail rotor assembly including a second plurality of rotor blades operatively coupled to a tail rotor shaft rotatable at a second speed ratio, and a variable ratio gearbox assembly mechanically connected to the tail rotor assembly. The variable ratio gearbox assembly operates to selectively vary the second speed ratio relative to the first speed ratio.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: Frederick L. Bourne, Timothy F. Lauder, Nicholas D. Lappos
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Patent number: 10745119Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for propelling self-propelled movable objects are provided. In one aspect, a rotor assembly for a self-propelled movable object comprises: a hub comprising a first fastening feature; a drive shaft comprising a second fastening feature and directly coupled to the hub by a mating connection of the first and second fastening features, wherein the drive shaft is configured to cause rotation of the hub such that the mating connection of the first and second fastening features is tightened by the rotation; and a plurality of rotor blades coupled to the hub and configured to rotate therewith to generate a propulsive force.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Tao Wang, Tao Zhao, Zhi Gang Ou
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Patent number: 10745120Abstract: In one embodiment, a rotor hub comprises a yoke for attaching a plurality of rotor blades, a constant velocity joint to drive torque from a mast to the yoke and to enable the yoke to pivot, and a rotor control system configured to adjust an orientation of the plurality of rotor blades. Moreover, the rotor control system comprises: a swashplate, an adapter ring, a plurality of actuators controlled based on a flight control input, a plurality of lower pitch links configured to transfer motion between the swashplate and the adapter ring, a plurality of phase adjustment levers configured to adjust a control phase associated with motion transferred between the swashplate and the adapter ring, and a plurality of upper pitch links configured to adjust a pitch of the plurality of rotor blades, wherein there are more upper pitch links than lower pitch links.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2019Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.Inventors: Gary Miller, Frank B. Stamps
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Patent number: 10745121Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a multicopter-assisted launch and retrieval system generally including: (1) a multi-rotor modular multicopter attachable to (and detachable from) a fixed-wing aircraft to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; (2) a storage and launch system usable to store the modular multicopter and to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; and (3) an anchor system usable (along with the multicopter and a flexible capture member) to retrieve the fixed-wing aircraft from wing-borne flight.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Hood Technology CorporationInventors: Andreas H. von Flotow, Corydon C. Roeseler, Daniel Pepin Reiss
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Patent number: 10745122Abstract: An aircraft tail rotor system includes a rotating pitch change shaft, a translating element, and a pitch change bearing assembly including a first bearing and a second bearing. The pitch change bearing assembly is operable to transmit movement of the translating element to the rotating pitch change shaft via the first bearing or the second bearing. A failure section is formed at an interface between the first bearing and the translating element. When the failure section decouples the first bearing from the translating element such that the first bearing does not transmit movement of the translating element to the rotating pitch change shaft, the second bearing transmits movement of the translating element to the rotating pitch change shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: Michael F. Mullen, William Wolcott, Kyle Winters
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Patent number: 10745123Abstract: A rotorcraft includes a flight control computer (FCC), a first rotor system, and a second rotor system. The first rotor system includes a first swashplate coupled to a first rotor and a first multiple actuators configured to move the first swashplate. The second rotor system includes a second swashplate coupled to a second rotor and a second multiple actuators configured to move the second swashplate. The rotorcraft also includes a first communications channel coupled between the FCC, a first actuator of the first multiple actuators, and a second actuator of the second multiple actuators. The rotorcraft also includes a second communications channel coupled between the FCC and a third actuator of the first multiple actuators.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventors: Michael Trantham, Brady G. Atkins, Charles Eric Covington
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Patent number: 10745124Abstract: A rotor system for an aircraft including a driving member; an externally driven rim configured to be rotated by the driving member; a hub having a hub axis, the hub including a rotatable housing and a non-rotatable housing; a plurality of rotor blade assemblies rotatably coupled to the rotatable housing of the hub and the externally driven rim such that rotation of the externally driven rim rotates the plurality of rotor blade assemblies about the hub axis, each rotor blade assembly having a rotor blade rotatable about a respective pitch change axis; and a pitch control mechanism operably associated with the hub and the plurality of rotor blade assemblies, wherein, actuation of the pitch control mechanism rotates each rotor blade assembly about the respective pitch change axis to collectively control the pitch of the rotor blade, thereby generating a variable thrust output. Also, a method of operating the rotor system.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2019Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventors: Alison Ann Davis, Charles Speller
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Patent number: 10745125Abstract: Provided is a hovering vehicle capable of safely moving while hovering from the ground. A hovering vehicle includes: at least six impellers including six or more impellers provided below an operator cab, for blasting, downward in a z direction, air taken in from the air intake space between the impellers and the operator cab; at least six motors including six or more motors for driving the six or more impellers; and an electricity storage unit for supplying power to the six or more motors. The hovering vehicle is allowed to hover from the ground by the air blasted from three or more of the six or more impellers, and the six or more impellers are arranged on the circumference of a circle with the center passing through an axis parallel to the z direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2019Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: TATSUMI RYOKI CO., LTDInventor: Toyoshi Kondo
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Patent number: 10745126Abstract: An unmanned aerial system (UAS) that displays an image, video or other effect is described. The UAS may include a camera that captures the image for display. The UAS may be used in connection with a water display, and multiple UASs may operate together.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2016Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: WETInventors: Dezso Molnar, John Canavan
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Patent number: 10745127Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for providing reliable control of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). A system for providing reliable control of the UAV can include a computing device that can execute reliable and unreliable programs. The unreliable programs can be isolated from the reliable programs by virtue of executing one or more of the programs in a virtual machine client. The UAV can initiate a recovery action when one or more of the unreliable programs fail. The recovery action can be performed without input from one or more of the unreliable programs.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Kespry Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Stuart Stabler, Robert Parker Clark, Nathaniel Hall-Snyder, Paul Doersch
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Patent number: 10745128Abstract: The present invention discloses an unmanned aerial vehicle including a main body, a plurality of arms, a propulsion assembly and a battery assembly, where each arm is coupled to the main body and the propulsion assembly is disposed on the each arm. The battery assembly is accommodated in a battery compartment of the main body. The battery assembly includes a shell, a battery body substantially disposed in the shell, a clamp button, and a restorable elastic piece. An end of the clamp button is mounted or connects to the shell, and the other end of the clamp button is detachably coupled to the main body. An end of the restorable elastic piece is disposed on the shell or connect to the shell, and the other end of the restorable elastic piece contacts the clamp button.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2019Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: AUTEL ROBOTICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Longxue Qiu, Xingwen Wu
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Patent number: 10745129Abstract: Techniques and architecture are disclosed for a multirotor vehicle having a rotor assembly with a plurality of rotors to provide upward thrust. Attached to the rotor assembly is a frame that includes a frame extension having a first end pivotally attached to the rotor assembly. The extension also includes a second end pivotally attached to a frame body. The vehicle further includes first and second actuators. The first actuator pivots the rotor assembly to position it within a horizontal plane to allow thrust generated by the rotor assembly to lift the vehicle. The second actuator pivots the rotor assembly within the horizontal plane so that thrust generated by the rotor assembly lifts the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a harness connected to the frame and configured to secure an operator's torso to the multirotor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Inventor: Timothy James Near
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Patent number: 10745130Abstract: A container for aerial delivery of a payload is comprised of a box, a lid adapted to close the box, a harness adapted to support the box and lid, a parachute coupled to the harness, and a plurality of inflatable tubes placed within the box and surrounding the payload. The plurality of inflatable tubes adapted to cushion the payload. The parachute has at least one slit adapted to control the descent of the system.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2016Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: The SkyLife Company, Inc.Inventors: Andrew E. Potter, Jeffrey J. Potter, Terry C. Potter, Iain A. McNeil, Anthony J. Kujawa
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Patent number: 10745131Abstract: A load beam for an aerial vehicle comprises an elongate beam having a bottom. There is a plurality of load attachment points disposed along the bottom of the elongate beam. Each of the load attachment points is configured to selectively couple to a load such that the load is coupled to a first one of the load attachment points, or the load is coupled to a second one of the load attachment points and a third one of the load attachment points, whereby the load is connected to the load beam so as to be airlifted by the aerial vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: BOOST HUMAN EXTERNAL CARGO SYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Derek Thomas, Jeff Yarnold