Patents Issued in June 1, 2021
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Patent number: 11021190Abstract: A vehicle includes a trailer assembly supported by a rear chassis system. The rear chassis system includes a chassis frame having at least two longitudinal chassis members. The rear chassis system includes a rear suspension frame coupled to a back rear axle. The rear suspension frame includes a bearing head with a bearing aperture. Equalizing beams extend between the front rear axle and the back rear axle, with each equalizing beam including a bushing aperture. The rear chassis system also includes a plurality of suspension mounts. To minimize relative translations experienced by the suspension mounts during operation of the vehicle, opposing end sections of a spindle cross member, along with the bearing aperture and the bushing aperture are coaxially aligned. Likewise, the opposing spindle end sections, the bearing aperture, the bushing aperture, and a top plate of each suspension mount are coplanar.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Ross P. Wietharn, Julian Lowerson, Joel Kenneth Cadbury-Allen, Simon J. Gould, Mark Robinson
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Patent number: 11021191Abstract: A structural component for a motor vehicle body comprises: an outer panel with an outer wall and two outer flange portions; an inner panel with an inner wall and two inner flange portions; a reinforcing profile with a profile base, two profile walls opposite one another and two connecting portions connected thereto; wherein, in an upper pillar section, a maximum profile height of the reinforcing profile is greater than a maximum profile height of the outer panel, wherein the connecting portions of the reinforcing profile are supported against the inner wall, and wherein the connecting portions of the reinforcing profile are supported against the inner wall, and wherein the outer flange portions and the inner flange portions directly abut one another and are fixed to one another, wherein the connecting portions of the reinforcing profile are fixed, at least in a lower section of the structural component, between the outer flange portions and the inner flange portions.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2017Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Muhr und Bender KGInventors: Johannes Walch, Michael Stein, Hubertus Steffens
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Patent number: 11021192Abstract: A underbody structure includes a tunnel brace (22) laid on a floor tunnel (18) of a vehicle. The tunnel brace (22) has a front convex section (71), a central groove section (72) and a rear convex section (73). The front convex section (71), the central groove section (72) and the rear convex section (73) are formed to have equal width dimensions with each other. The tunnel brace (22) is formed so as to have an M-shaped cross section by the front convex section (71), the central groove section (72) and the rear convex section (73). The tunnel brace (22) is formed such that the width dimension of the tunnel brace in the vehicle body forward/rearward direction has a maximum value at right and left end portions (22a, 22b) and has a minimum value at a central section (22c).Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2017Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Takayuki Soma
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Patent number: 11021193Abstract: A side rail includes a reinforcement region having a closed-section structure by base members and reinforcement plate members having a greater plate thickness than a plate thickness of the base members. In the reinforcement region, in a state in which the reinforcement plate members are fitted in fitting portions provided at positions corresponding to respective corner portions in the base members, the base members and the reinforcement plate members are joined to each other by laser welding.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yoshiaki Kitamura, Gouta Yamane
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Patent number: 11021194Abstract: An air guiding arrangement for a motor vehicle includes: a carrier arranged on a vehicle body, and on which an air guide is mounted such that the air guide is drivable from a retracted home position to an extended maximum position by a drive, a sensor arrangement that monitors the position of the air guide and is connected to a controller so as to transmit data corresponding to the position, the sensor arrangement comprising an electric field sensor arrangement to monitor the position of the air guide, at least one electromagnetic field source is provided in the air guide, and at least one electric field receiver, which is a sensor of the sensor arrangement, is provided in the carrier and/or in the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Klaus Pfister, Markus Paulitsch, Dimitar Danev, Steffen Hoelzel
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Patent number: 11021195Abstract: An active front deflector assembly having a deflector panel, actuator, and linkage assemblies each with a predetermined geometry and ratio of links to each other for movement of the active front deflector assembly between at least a deployed position and a retracted position. The deflector panel is positionable at multiple heights. The assembly deploys and retracts based on vehicle requirements, and, when deployed, redirects the air flow in the front of the vehicle to improve the vehicle aerodynamics for either fuel economy or performance characteristics. Additionally, it allows for the deflector panel to retract so the vehicle meets ground clearances, etc. The deflector panel is also both rigid and semi-rigid to absorb impact energy. A drive shaft transmits the drive from one side to the other side. The deflector is both rigid and semi rigid to absorb impact energy.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Jeffry J. Zielinski, Anthony J. Povinelli, Martin R. Matthews, Jeffrey B. Manhire
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Patent number: 11021196Abstract: A track link assembly comprises a plurality of link subassemblies. Each link subassembly may include a pair of links coupled together. Each link may include a first aperture and a second aperture, and the second aperture of each link may be larger than the first aperture. The track link assembly may include a pin element extending through the first aperture of a first link and the second aperture of a second link in each link subassembly. The track link assembly may include a bushing element with a central opening. The bushing element may surround a portion of the pin element and extend through the second aperture of the second link of each link subassembly. The bushing element may include at least one hole configured to couple a track shoe to the bushing element.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Galat, Temitope O. Akinlua
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Patent number: 11021197Abstract: A robotic vehicle for traversing surfaces is provided. The vehicle is comprised of a chassis supporting a magnetic drive wheel for driving and steering the vehicle and a stabilization mechanism. The magnetic wheel comprises two flux concentrator yokes and an axially magnetized hub extending therebetween. The hub includes a central housing configured to house a sensor probe and enhance the magnetic pull force of the wheel by providing a continuous pathway of high magnetic permeability material for magnetic flux to flow axially through the drive wheel. The stabilization mechanism comprises a front and rear facing support element moveably coupled to the chassis and configured to contact the surface and move symmetrically relative to the chassis thereby maintaining the vehicle and probe normal to the surface and providing stability to the vehicle while traversing surfaces regardless of surface curvature and vehicle orientation.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Pablo Carrasco Zanini, Fadl Abdellatif, Abdullah Arab, Brian Parrott
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Patent number: 11021198Abstract: A robotic vehicle for traversing surfaces is provided. The vehicle is comprised of a chassis supporting a magnetic drive wheel for driving and steering the vehicle and a stabilization mechanism. The magnetic wheel comprises two flux concentrator yokes and an axially magnetized hub extending therebetween. The hub includes a central housing configured to house a sensor probe and enhance the magnetic pull force of the wheel by providing a continuous pathway of high magnetic permeability material for magnetic flux to flow axially through the drive wheel. The stabilization mechanism comprises a front and rear facing support element moveably coupled to the chassis and configured to contact the surface and move symmetrically relative to the chassis thereby maintaining the vehicle and probe normal to the surface and providing stability to the vehicle while traversing surfaces regardless of surface curvature and vehicle orientation.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Pablo Carrasco Zanini, Fadl Abdellatif, Abdullah Arab, Brian Parrott
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Patent number: 11021199Abstract: A foldable transportation trailer able to be folded in two separate locations to enable the folded trailer to assume a vertical position behind the vehicle towing it, when not in use, thus providing a substantially minimal footprint to the trailer in its compacted state. In this manner, when compacted and folded, the trailer reduces from an elongated length of approximately 20 feet, to a length of 3 feet when compacted.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Inventor: Wayne Linkletter
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Patent number: 11021200Abstract: A modular vehicle assembly system and methods for increased flexibility and adaptability of a high-volume assembly facility which builds several vehicle models. In one example, the invention includes modular assembly equipment (AE) support pallets which are shipped to vendors for installation of selected AE equipment devices that are specific to a predetermined assembly operation and then validation tested prior to shipment to the assembly facility. The validated modular AE pallets and AE devices are then shipped to the assembly facility and quickly installed to support manufacturing, assembly or other operations.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Comau LLCInventor: Velibor Kilibarda
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Patent number: 11021201Abstract: A telescoping carer's handle for a child's kick scooter comprising a padded handle on one end of a telescoping pole mechanism. The telescoping pole mechanism is arranged parallel to and attaches to the vertical portion of the child kick scooter's T-bar handlebar by means of one or more clamps and brackets. The telescoping carer's handle is reversibly extendable and retractable from the scooter in a direction substantially upwards and downwards, respectively, relative to the handlebar portion of the scooter. There can be a locking mechanism between adjacent telescoping tubes that allows the user to raise or lower the top of the pole and then lock it into position so that, in use, a carer located adjacent to the scooter can grasp the handle at a comfortable height and safely steer, stop and or propel the scooter and child, and alternatively retract the carer's handle when not in use.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Inventor: Jon Paul Tkach
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Patent number: 11021202Abstract: A position light-integrated blinker apparatus for a saddle riding vehicle with improved visibility a blinker-light light source; position-light light sources; and a housing which houses both the blinker-light light source and the position-light light sources. A position light light-emitting region formed by illumination of the position-light light sources surrounds a blinker light light-emitting region formed by illumination of the blinker-light light source.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takuro Tanaka, Yuki Kanemura, Yuta Hosoda
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Patent number: 11021203Abstract: Foldable electrical vehicles and related charging infrastructure are described. The foldable electrical vehicle generally includes three structural members (front and rear wheel-bearing structural members and a seat-bearing structural member) that are pivotally interconnected along their lengths such that they may be pivoted between a closed position wherein the three structural members are disposed roughly parallel to each other in a compact folded configuration, and an open riding configuration wherein an angular relation is formed between the structural members.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Urban Electric Co.Inventors: Sven Etzelsberger, Grant Delgatty, Peter Lee
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Patent number: 11021204Abstract: A system including: a seat post; a user interface operatively connected with the seat post, the user interface configured for receiving instructions associated with a height of the seat post and for communicating received instructions to at least one controller coupled with a motive source of the seat post; and a valve assembly in communication with the motive source, the valve assembly regulating fluid flow within a variable finite positioning seat post height mode in response to a translation of the received instructions by the motive source.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Sante Pelot, David M. Haugen, Wes Allinger, Mario Galasso, Andrew Laird
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Patent number: 11021205Abstract: A clutch assist apparatus that has a casing, a controller, a position sensor that communicates with the controller to identify the position of a hand lever, a motor controlled by the controller and coupled to the casing, a cable pulling lever pivotally coupled to the casing about a rotation axis and configured to be coupled to a clutch cable, the cable pulling lever being movable between a first position and a second position. Wherein, the cable pulling lever selectively transitions a clutch assembly between an engaged position when the cable pulling lever is in the first position and a disengaged position when the cable pulling lever is in the second position. Further wherein, the cable pulling lever is movable between the first position and the second position by either the motor or the hand lever.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: ALIVE! INFINITY LLCInventors: Alex Johnson, Aaron Overholser
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Patent number: 11021206Abstract: The actuator device for a hydraulic actuation system for a brake/clutch for a motorcycle is described. The actuator device may have a support structure associable with a handlebar of the motorcycle. The actuator device may also have an actuation assembly having a push rod operatively connectable to at least one braking device. The actuator device may also have an actuation lever connected to the support structure so as to be rotatable about an actuation axis, where the actuation lever is provided with a pusher adapted to interface with the push rod. The actuator device may also have an adjustment device adapted to modify both the angular position, in a rest condition, of the pusher and of the actuation lever with respect to the handlebar and to modify a pitch between the actuation axis of the actuation lever and a contact and thrust point of the pusher on the push rod.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Freni Brembo S.p.A.Inventors: Marcello Colombo, Roberto Lavezzi
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Patent number: 11021207Abstract: A linear brake for a bicycle comprises a pair of pivot mounts, each of which is mounted on a bicycle member laterally of a wheel rim, one on either side of the wheel. A brake arm is pivotally mounted in levered relation on each pivot mount below adjacent and biased away from the wheel rim. A brake shoe is affixed to each brake arm upper end. A control cable is affixed to a control member above the wheel with the control member being connected to the center of a yoke cable. The yoke cable is affixed to the lower end of each brake arm with yoke cable passed partway around the annular component on each pivot mount.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Inventor: John McIntyre
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Patent number: 11021208Abstract: A braking system includes a vehicle having a front brake and a rear brake. The system includes a moveable structure connected to a rear brake. The rear brake may be a hydraulic brake. When the rear brake is actuated, the moveable structure moves. The movement of the structure pressurizes hydraulic fluid in a tube which actuates a front hydraulic brake.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Syscend, Inc.Inventors: Brian Michael Riley, Roger Tong
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Patent number: 11021209Abstract: A pedal that includes a pedal body having a clipless structure and a member. The clipless structure includes a lip at a first portion of the pedal and a cleat at a second portion of the pedal. The pedal includes a detachable shoe platform having a cleat portion securable to the lip and a clip securable to the member. The detachable shoe platform may include an adjustable toe clip having a strap, which wraps around a shoe of a rider. The strap is adjustable by an adjustable strap fastener assembly having a lever coupled to a plate secured in a housing. The lever includes a first end biased against the strap and a second end engaged by a trigger. The trigger is operable to move the lever from a closed position to an open position against the bias force, thereby releasing the strap for adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Foundation Fitness LLCInventors: Eric D. Golesh, Patrick A. Warner, Jeffrey G. Stein
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Patent number: 11021210Abstract: A bicycle control device is provided for providing a comfortable traveling environment to the rider. The bicycle control device basically includes an electronic controller controlling an operational state of an electric auxiliary drive, which assists in travel of a bicycle, based on an operational state of a suspension. The bicycle control device can be included in an electric auxiliary drive, a suspension and/or an adjustable seatpost.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Atsushi Komatsu, Yuta Kurokawa, Shingo Sakurai
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Patent number: 11021211Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include an electric assist bicycle adapted for a both personal and public use, and subcomponents of the bicycle. The electric assist bicycle can include a hollow frame with one or more cables routed within the hollow frame. The hollow frame can be configured with an internal battery compartment. The electric assist bicycle can further include a modular electronic locking system.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: NEUTRON HOLDINGS, INC.Inventors: Nicholas Foley, Jacob Bouchard
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Patent number: 11021212Abstract: A bicycle battery unit is configured to reduce the effect of contact with an obstacle. The bicycle battery unit includes a plurality batteries, a housing accommodating the batteries and a protector. The protector is integrally provided on at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing. The protector has a lower hardness than a hardness of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2017Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Makoto Shimoda, Yoshitaka Nose, Yuya Yoneda, Taihei Nishihara
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Patent number: 11021213Abstract: A bicycle operating device includes a base, a positioning ratchet, a positioning pawl and a release. The base includes a base plate having first and second oppositely facing surfaces. The positioning pawl is movable between holding and releasing positions. The positioning pawl engages the positioning ratchet to selectively establish predetermined positions of the positioning ratchet while in the holding position. The positioning pawl disengages from the positioning ratchet to permit the positioning ratchet to move in one direction while in the releasing position. The release is movable between first and second positions. The release moves the positioning pawl from the holding position to the releasing position as the release moves from the first position towards the second position. The release contacts the positioning pawl at a contact area disposed between the first and second oppositely facing surfaces while the release is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Tsuyoshi Nakamura
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Patent number: 11021214Abstract: A bicycle system includes controller devices. Each controller device includes at least one respective input element configured to receive input from a user. The system includes operation-enacting devices. Each operation-enacting device is configured to enact at least one respective operation on the bicycle. The system includes a network coordinator device configured to (i) establish a wireless network for communications between the network coordinator device, the controller devices, and the operation-enacting devices, and (ii) transmit to the operation-enacting devices, via the wireless network, a roster identifying the controller devices and the operation-enacting devices paired to the wireless network. The controller devices are configured to transmit to the operation-enacting devices, via the wireless network, signals indicating input received by the input elements of the controller devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventor: Alexander Kon-I Ho
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Patent number: 11021215Abstract: A telescoping device mount is configured to hold an electronic device. The telescoping device mount is configured to fully extend or fully retract the electronic device. The telescoping device mount includes a telescoping post, a mount segment, and a base. The telescoping post includes an inner post segment and an outer post segment. The mount segment is configured to secure an electronic device thereto. The mount segment includes an outer collar slidably securable to the outer post segment of the telescoping post. The base is secured to the inner post segment such that the outer post segment telescopes relative to the inner post segment. In a fully retracted position, the electronic device is proximate to the base and/or an underlying surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2020Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: IDEAL TOOL AND MANUFACTURINGInventors: Todd Price, Blake Price
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Patent number: 11021216Abstract: Described herein are mooring systems for floating structures and methods for manufacturing and installing such mooring systems. The mooring system may comprise a line having a first end operatively connected to the floating structure and a second end operatively connected to an anchor underwater or to a seabed, wherein the line comprises at least two substantially rigid links joined together; and a watertight sheath surrounding the line and extending at least along a length of the line from a position below the waterline to a position above the waterline.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2020Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Robert R. Oberlies, Sangsoo Ryu, Chia-Hao Ko
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Patent number: 11021217Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine vessel, with a control panel movably mounted to the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Inventor: Thomas M. Day
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Patent number: 11021218Abstract: An apparatus and method for decreasing the difficulty of executing a “pop-up” maneuver on a water sport board, such as a surfboard, is disclosed. Said apparatus consists of either one or two devices attached to the surfboard at the location where a user places his hands to execute the pop-up maneuver. Said devices move the user's hands away from the deck of the surfboard, creating more space between the surfer and the board during the pop-up maneuver, facilitating the user to swing the user into position and execute the pop-up maneuver.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Inventors: Robert Ray Blocker, Raelene Ehlers Blocker, Weston Robert Blocker
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Patent number: 11021219Abstract: A trolling motor is provided including a position sensor configured to determine the direction of the trolling motor housing, a digital display, a processor, and a memory including computer program code. The computer program code is configured to, when executed, cause the processor to receive position data from the position sensor, generate display data based on the position data, and cause the display data to be displayed on the digital display. The digital display is integrated with the main housing and configured to display the display data so as to provide an indication of the current direction of the trolling motor housing relative to the watercraft.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: NAVICO HOLDING ASInventor: Paul Robert Bailey
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Patent number: 11021220Abstract: There is provided a boat maneuvering support device for a boat including an outboard motor, a power device which outputs a thrust force in a port-starboard direction, and a steering mechanism which changes a steering angle. The device includes a rotational speed detection unit which detects a rotational speed of a propeller of the outboard motor, and a control unit which controls a magnitude of the thrust force output by the power device. The control unit controls the magnitude of the thrust force output by the power device so as to change a balance between a magnitude of a first turning force which makes the boat turn by a thrust force of the outboard motor and a magnitude of a second turning force which makes the boat turn by the thrust force of the power device.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2017Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Yamamoto, Akifumi Fujima, Yoshihiro Harada
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Patent number: 11021221Abstract: A mask for surface snorkeling includes a rigid frame (2), a transparent visor (3), a soft face mask (4) sealingly applicable to the face of the user and having a membrane (7) which delimits an upper viewing chamber (8) being shaped to contain the eyes of the user and a lower breathing chamber (9) being shaped to contain the nose and the mouth of the user, and a breathing circuit (5) connected to the lower chamber (9), a ventilation circuit of the upper chamber (8) being further provided that is independent of and separated from the breathing circuit (5).Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Cressi-Sub S.P.A.Inventor: Carlos Alberto Godoy
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Patent number: 11021222Abstract: An underwater watercraft including a passenger compartment and an ingress/egress port in which the watercraft has buoyancy and center of gravity adjusted to maintain a generally level or other desired attitude when submerged, and an optionally angled attitude at a water surface for ingress/egress. The attitude is also adjustable via the placement of ballast and optionally including a movable ballast that adjusts the location of the center of gravity as desired. The ingress-egress port optionally includes an entry elevated from a main passenger compartment and including a riser and optionally removable or concealable handrails. The ingress-egress port has an angled orientation in a submerged mode, and an optional orientation generally parallel to the water surface or angled but above the surface in a surface mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Inventor: Ian Sheard
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Patent number: 11021223Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to interconnectable tiles configured for operation in an aquatic environment or a near-zero/zero gravity environment. The interconnectable tiles are configured to interconnect relative to one another to form interconnected surfaces, and individual interconnectable tiles provide thrust, ballast, and/or buoyancy to the overall interconnected surface so as to move the interconnected surface in a desired configuration.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Austin C. Fikes, Seyed Ali Hajimiri
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Patent number: 11021224Abstract: A system for operating a boat equipped with an electric drive includes a component controller. The component controller includes a component interface for connecting a system component of the electric drive, and a communication interface for connecting the component controller to a system bus of the drive control.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Torqeedo GmbHInventor: Jens Biebach
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Patent number: 11021225Abstract: A pole-shaped aircraft framework assembly including a first plug-and-turn connector forming a first end, a second plug-and-turn connector forming a second end, the second end opposite the first end, a first rod extending from the first plug-and-turn connector towards the second plug-and-turn connector, and a coupling component coupled to the second plug-and-turn connector for detachable coupling with the first rod. The first rod has a circumferential outer surface including alternately on a circumferential path in a cross-sectional plane of the first rod a ridged section and a plain section. The coupling component includes a tubular part having a circumferential inner surface including alternately on a circumferential path in a cross-sectional plane of the tubular part at least one ridged section and at least one plain section. One of the first rod and the coupling component is rotatable relative to the other one, engaging respective ridges of the first rod and the coupling component.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Hermann Benthien, Nils Kaiser
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Patent number: 11021226Abstract: A method for producing a fuselage portion, in particular for an aircraft or spacecraft, has the following method steps: welding a skin portion containing a thermoplastic material with a former containing a thermoplastic material in the region of a predetermined welding zone; and connecting an attachment element, configured as a crack stopper, to the skin portion and to the former in the region of the welding zone.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2017Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventor: Paul Joern
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Patent number: 11021227Abstract: An access cover for an aircraft hole that comprises a plurality of access cover holes, an inner surface, a plurality of first projections protruding from the inner surface, and a plurality of fixing elements configured to fix the access cover to a supporting structure of the aircraft hole. The fixing elements each comprise a male fixing element having an outer threaded surface, the male fixing element being configured to pass through a hole, and a locking element comprising a threaded hole and an extended portion, wherein the outer threaded surface of the male fixing element is configured to thread with the threaded hole of the locking element.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS S.L.Inventor: Juan Zúñiga Sagredo
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Patent number: 11021228Abstract: A morphing airfoil system includes an airfoil having a bulkhead structured to form a leading edge of the airfoil. A first spool is rotatably coupled to the bulkhead, and a second spool is rotatably coupled to the bulkhead opposite the first spool. An airfoil skin has a first end secured to the first spool, a second end secured to the second spool, and a portion extending between the first and second spools to form an exterior surface of the airfoil. The airfoil skin is structured to be windable around the first and second spools such that a configuration of the airfoil is controllable by rotating at least one of the first spool and the second spool so as to wind a portion of the airfoil skin around, or unwind a portion of the airfoil skin from, the at least one of the first spool and the second spool.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Danil V. Prokhorov
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Patent number: 11021229Abstract: A wing for an aircraft, comprising a main wing, a slat, and a connection assembly movably connecting the slat to the main wing, allowing the slat to be moved between a retracted and at least one extended position. The assembly comprises an elongate slat track mounted to the main wing movably along a track longitudinal axis and connected to the slat. The wing has a compact connection assembly that does not require the front spar to be penetrated, in that the slat track is rotatably connected to the slat via a first hinge. The assembly further comprises a link element rotatably connected to the slat via a second hinge, and rotatably mounted to the main wing via a third hinge spaced apart from the second hinge. Also, a first axis of rotation of the first hinge is spaced apart from a second axis of rotation of the second hinge.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2017Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventor: Florian Lorenz
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Patent number: 11021230Abstract: An aircraft turbine engine has a pair of rotating and non-ducted propellers. An upstream propeller has an outer diameter D1 and a downstream propeller has an outer diameter D2. The engine further includes a system for varying the diameter D2. The downstream propeller includes an annular row of blades, each of which is configured to be mounted telescopically in the radial direction (R) in an outer fan duct.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINESInventor: Anthony Binder
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Patent number: 11021231Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle includes a housing, a wireless communication circuit, a navigation circuit, a plurality of propulsion systems, and a propeller. At least one of the plurality of propulsion systems includes a motor, and a construction disposed to the motor. The construction includes a first side, a second side facing the motor in a direction opposite to the first side, a shaft inserting hole disposed to the second side, and a latching protrusion and a latching groove that are extended sequentially inside the shaft inserting hole. The propeller is fastened to the construction, and includes a hub coupled to the first side of the construction, a fixing shaft that protrudes in a direction of the construction that is inserted to the shaft inserting hole of the construction, and at least one protrusion on an outer circumferential surface of the fixing shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seung-Chul Baek, Jaeho Kang, Yeonggyu Yoon, Min-Woo Yoo, Min-Sung Lee
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Patent number: 11021232Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle includes a propulsion system including a driving device having a main body, a driving shaft rotatable relative to the main body, and a locking member disposed on the main body. The locking member includes at least one snap-fitting member. The propulsion system also includes a propeller coupled with the driving device, the propeller including a blade base and a blade mounted on the blade base. The at least one snap-fitting member is configured to snap-fit with the propeller. The propulsion system also includes an elastic abutting member sleeve coupled with the driving shaft, a first installation foolproof member disposed on the blade base, and a second installation foolproof member disposed on the locking member.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Tao Deng, Ruochen Tang, Yueyao Tu
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Patent number: 11021233Abstract: An actuator rod assembly for a blade pitch control system is provided herein. The actuator rod assembly includes a tubular outer rod and an inner rod. The outer rod has a first end and a second end. The inner rod has a first end and a second end and extends through the tubular outer rod. The inner rod is tensioned against the tubular outer rod so as to place the outer rod in compression.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: CLAVERHAM LIMITEDInventors: Suat Bekircan, Paul Brewer, Reg Raval
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Patent number: 11021234Abstract: Various mechanisms for adjusting pitches of propeller blades are described. For example, the pitch adjustment mechanism may include a propeller hub enclosing a geared mechanism that cooperates with a compound gearbox having first and second planetary stages to adjust pitches of propeller blades. Alternatively, the pitch adjustment mechanism may include a propeller hub enclosing a pitch adjustment assembly that utilizes tension cables and torsion springs, or rack-and-pinion structures, to adjust pitches of propeller blades. Using any of the various mechanisms, the pitches of propeller blades may be rotated at least 90 degrees, and up to and exceeding 360 degrees, in order to effect thrust reversals and/or adjust thrust profiles.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2017Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Gornall, David Moro Ludena, Cyriel Notteboom, Michael Piedmonte, James Thomas
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Patent number: 11021235Abstract: Oil transfer tube for a system to control the regulation of a turbine engine propeller pitch, in particular of an aircraft, the tube being intended to be mounted coaxially inside a tubular shaft of the propeller, the tube having an elongated shape and including a first male longitudinal end part intended to be inserted in a female housing of a stator casing equipped with an oil supply circuit of the tube, and a second male longitudinal end part around which is intended to be mounted a hydrodynamic bearing to guide the tube in the shaft, wherein the first end part includes a free annular end with a convex rounded cross-section intended to bear axially against an annular bottom of said housing, and in that said second end part comprises an outer axial annular bearing surface of an inner ring of the bearing, the annular bearing surface presenting in cross-section a convex curved shape.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: SAFRAN TRANSMISSION SYSTEMSInventors: Xavier Paul Lucien Hert, Aldric Renaud Gabriel Marie Moreau De Lizoreux, Boris Pierre Marcel Morelli
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Patent number: 11021236Abstract: A method of supplying hydraulic power via a zonal hydraulic system to an aircraft having a plurality of operating phases includes determining a current operating phase of the aircraft and setting a power limit (e.g., a pressure set point and/or flow limitation) for at least one hydraulic power unit based on the current operating phase. The hydraulic system includes a plurality of hydraulic zones. Each of the hydraulic zones includes a local controller, a hydraulic power unit controlled by the local controller, and at least one actuator powered by the hydraulic power unit. Energy savings may be realized by altering the pressure set point for and/or limiting the flow to hydraulic systems in inactive and/or less active zones. The zonal hydraulic system may be reconfigured for safety based on sensed failures and/or during emergency or alternate power conditions with limited available power. Duty cycles for multiple electric motor driven pumps of the system may be balanced.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Joshua Aaron Smith, Jeffrey David Skinner, Jr., Stefan Frischemeier
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Patent number: 11021237Abstract: A sub-system 200 for an aircraft hydraulic system 20 that includes a first inlet 202 for receiving fluid from a supply 22 of hydraulic fluid, a system valve 210 for controlling fluid flow from the sub-system 200 to a hydraulically-operable system 24 of the aircraft hydraulic system 20, a check valve 220 for permitting fluid flow from the sub-system 200 and preventing or hindering fluid flow into the sub-system 200, a second inlet 240 for receiving fluid from a second supply 28 of hydraulic fluid, and a selector 230. The selector 230 configured to place the system valve 210 in fluid communication with the first inlet 202 when the selector 230 is in a first state, and to place the system valve 210 in fluid communication with the check valve 220 and the second inlet 240 when the selector 230 is in a second state different from the first state.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Airbus Operations LimitedInventors: Alessio Tarantino, Peter Keenan
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Patent number: 11021238Abstract: A force sensing element is used in a pressure transducer. The force sensing element includes a flat, disc-type spring having a unitary body that circumscribes a central axis, and a plurality of spirals that are continuous with each other and extend radially outwardly from the central axis. The plurality of spirals includes nested symmetrical flights having walls with a non-uniform thickness, and the disc spring is uniformly deflectable along the central axis in response to force acting on the disc-type spring. The spring is configured to have a high accuracy and a high fatigue life such that the spring is suitable for use in high-pressure applications that may require repeatability while operating with over 10 million cycles of unidirectional or bi-directional axial loading.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Parker-Hannifin CorporationInventors: Jason Zoolakis, David Hilton, Edward Hyrlik
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Patent number: 11021239Abstract: A system for shrinking landing gear includes a shock strut having a cylinder and a piston to be received by the cylinder. The system further includes an upper cam fastened to the piston and a lower cam fastened to the cylinder. The system further includes a brace configured to be coupled to the shock strut to lock the landing gear in a deployed position, and to fold towards the shock strut during retraction of the landing gear. The system further includes a collar coupled to the brace and the piston and configured to rotate relative to the cylinder in response to folding of the brace such that rotation of the collar rotates the piston and the upper cam relative to the lower cam, the rotation of the upper cam relative to the lower cam forcing the piston towards the aircraft attachment within the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATIONInventor: Adam J. Ditzler