Patents Issued in June 1, 2021
  • Patent number: 11021240
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided. The UAV includes a first guard grill, a second guard grill configured to be removably combined with the first guard grill and form an external structure and an inner space of the UAV with the first guard grill, a housing configured to include a central portion located in the center of the inner space and embed a processor and a navigation system, one or more propelling elements configured to be located the inner space and be disposed around the central portion, and a plurality of motor assemblies configured to be located in the inner space and drive the propelling elements while being electrically connected with the processor. When viewed from the outside of the external structure, the propelling elements are partially covered by at least one of the first guard grill or the second guard grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wu Seong Lee, Bae Seok Lim, Youn Hyung Choi, Seung Nyun Kim, Yong Sang Yun
  • Patent number: 11021241
    Abstract: An aircraft is provided and includes an airframe, an extending tail, a counter rotating, coaxial main rotor assembly including an upper rotor assembly and a lower rotor assembly, a translational thrust system positioned at the extending tail, the translational thrust system providing translational thrust to the airframe, at least one sensor and at least one inertial measurement unit (IMU) to sense current flight conditions of the aircraft, an interface to execute controls of a main rotor assembly in accordance with control commands and at least one flight control computer (FCC) to issue the control commands. The at least one FCC includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory having logic and executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed, cause the CPU to issue the control commands based on the current flight conditions and a result of an execution of the logic for the current flight conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Bredenbeck, Bryan S. Cotton, Kenneth C. Arifian, Erez Eller, Matthew T. Luszcz
  • Patent number: 11021242
    Abstract: Apparatus for vertical or short takeoff and landing, and operational control during flight. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a main body assembly, the main body assembly including: a fuselage, the fuselage includes one or more power motor assemblies and one or more actuator motor assemblies; a plurality of power mounting bodies and a plurality of power/articulation mounting bodies; a static rail that is operatively coupled with the plurality of power mounting bodies; a transient rail that is operatively coupled with the plurality of power/articulation bodies; and a plurality of airfoils, each of the plurality of airfoils being coupled to a respective power/articulation mounting body. Various sub-systems of the apparatus and methods of manufacture and use are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: The Hayden Effect, LLC
    Inventor: Raymond Don Hayden, III
  • Patent number: 11021243
    Abstract: A tension airfoil assembly includes an outer rim located concentrically with a hub supported by a plurality of spokes, each spoke extending therebetween. A series of airfoils, each airfoil having an aerodynamically lifting shape extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. Each airfoil of the series of airfoils is assembled to the tension airfoil assembly by coupling an area of the airfoil proximate the leading edge to a leading edge spoke and an area of the airfoil proximate the trailing edge to a trailing edge spoke. The airfoils are arranged having a gap provided between the trailing edge of each forward located airfoil and the leading edge of each trailing located airfoil. The tension airfoil assembly can be employed as a propulsion and/or lifting device integrated into a vehicle, such as an airplane, a helicopter, a tandem rotor helicopter, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventor: Alfred Finnell
  • Patent number: 11021244
    Abstract: A helicopter includes a full authority digital engine controlled (FADEC) engine, a first two-position throttle switch disposed on a first collective control stick, the first two-position throttle switch being movable between a Fly position and an Idle position, and a second two-position throttle switch disposed on a second collective control stick, the second two-position throttle switch being movable between a Fly position and an Idle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Yann Lavallee, Carey Cannon
  • Patent number: 11021245
    Abstract: A vertical take-off and landing aircraft is shown. The VTOL aircraft has a main wing having a left wing and a right wing configured as folding wings, and one or more of a foreplane, having a left canard and a right canard configured as folding wings, and/or a tailplane, having a left stabiliser and a right stabiliser configured as folding wings. Each one of the folding wings has a fixed inboard section and a folding outboard section. The folding outboard section is downwardly foldable to a landing condition to support the aircraft on a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Darren I James
  • Patent number: 11021246
    Abstract: A method and system for capturing images of an asset using an unmanned aerial vehicle. The method includes acquiring structural information of the asset, acquiring surrounding information associated with the asset, analyzing the structural information and the surrounding information of the asset to define image capturing points for the unmanned aerial vehicle, and capturing the images of portions of the asset from the defined image capturing points. Moreover, each of the defined image capturing points allows the unmanned aerial vehicle to capture an image of a portion of the asset with an even background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Sharper Shape Oy
    Inventor: Ville Koivuranta
  • Patent number: 11021247
    Abstract: Described is system and method for determining a location of a client device. In one implementation, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) receives an image of the UAV, obtained by the client device. The image is processed to determine a source area of the client device. As the UAV navigates toward the area, it scans the area for the client device and/or obtains additional information from the client device to aid in determining the location of the client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Ernest Canavor, Jon Aaron McClintock
  • Patent number: 11021248
    Abstract: A controller system of an aerial vehicle may receive environmental data from one or more sensors of the aerial vehicle and adjusts limits of the aerial vehicle given the environmental conditions. When the aerial vehicle receives an input, such as a flight input from a remote controller or an environmental input such as a gust of wind, the controller system calculates appropriate motor inputs that are provided to the thrust motors of the aerial vehicle such that the adjusted limits of the aerial vehicle are not exceeded. In calculating the appropriate input to the thrust motors, the controller system performs an iterative process. For example, for a given maximum torque that can be applied to the thrust motors, the controller system iteratively allocates the torque such that torque components that are important for the stability of the aerial are first fulfilled, whereas subsequent torque components may be fulfilled or scaled back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Anthony Enke, Benjamin Tankersley, Jean-Bernard Berteaux, Axel Murguet, Garance Bruneau
  • Patent number: 11021249
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for responding to an attacker including a shooter who opens fire at a site where people are gathered, including identifying, neutralizing, and restraining the attacker. A system may include a central control unit configured to receive signals indicative of gun fire, to responsively determine an origin of the gun fire, to identify features of a shooter associated with the gun fire and to release a UAV from a shielded UAV housing to engage the shooter. The UAV may be configured to fly towards the shooter, according to the origin of the gun fire and the identifying features of the shooter, and to neutralize the shooter by operating a UAV incapacitating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventor: Itai Raz
  • Patent number: 11021250
    Abstract: An airborne fire extinguishing system includes a fluid reservoir, a flow control valve in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, a deflector in fluid communication with the flow control valve, and an infrared camera. The fluid reservoir is configured to contain a fire extinguishing agent for suppressing a fire, particularly water. The flow control valve regulates a flow of the fire extinguishing agent between the fluid reservoir and the deflector. The deflector dispenses the fire extinguishing agent in a controlled manner such that the fire extinguishing agent is diffused in a specified concentration into the air. The infrared camera is configured to produce a thermographic image resulting from thermal radiation produced by a fire to help provide targeting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventor: Kenneth Heck
  • Patent number: 11021251
    Abstract: A nose assembly of an aircraft includes a nose airframe having a nonhorizontal mounting surface and a turret assembly mounted on the nonhorizontal mounting surface. The turret assembly includes a turret device housing rotatable relative to the nonhorizontal mounting surface. The nose airframe includes a nose skin forming a nose fairing having an apex aperture. The nose skin at least partially covers the turret assembly such that the turret assembly is at least partially inset in the apex aperture of the nose fairing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Ray Ivans
  • Patent number: 11021252
    Abstract: A compactor trolley for aeronautical applications, more particularly a trolley provided with a drawer having a door with a safety closing system that incorporates a flap for direct access to the waste storage compartment, without the need to pull out the drawer and/or open the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventor: Lucio Iacobucci
  • Patent number: 11021253
    Abstract: The invention concerns a communications system and a communications method and software for passengers in an aircraft. The aircraft comprises an aircraft-supported data-processing arrangement and at least one on-board communications interface for communication with a passenger appliance, the communications system being arranged to receive a passenger profile from the passenger appliance by means of the communications interface of the aircraft and transmitting it to the data-processing arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: LUFTHANSA TECHNIK AG
    Inventor: Andrew Muirhead
  • Patent number: 11021254
    Abstract: A multi-rail galley includes a countertop on top of a first storage portion, and a second storage portion above the countertop. The countertop includes a first plurality of rails on a top surface that are configured for receiving at least one countertop insert. The second storage portion has a second plurality of rails beneath a bottom surface of the second storage portion and configured for receiving at least one hanging insert. A method of providing a customizable aircraft galley includes providing a countertop above a storage compartment, the countertop having a horizontal surface facing upwards with a plurality of rails disposed on top of the horizontal surface, installing a galley insert onto one of the plurality of rails via a matching slot in the galley insert, and removing the galley insert from one of the plurality of rails, enabling stowage of the galley insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Textron Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: David James Swanson, Michael Allen Bullard, Phillip Anthony Kendrick
  • Patent number: 11021255
    Abstract: An aircraft seat with tilt-shift functionality includes a backrest frame pivotably mounted to the seat frame, the backrest frame having rollers set into its upright end that translate through slots in the seat frame and lateral slots in its forward end capable of accepting sliders attached to the seatpan. When a passenger leans backward in the seat, tilting the backrest frame backward and downward, a shift linkage below the backrest frame translates the backward tilt to a forward shift of the seatpan forward to enhance the comfort of the passenger. The aircraft seat may further be capable of longitudinal and lateral translation as well as a full 360-degree swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Oleson, Andrew J. Shutter, John Iossifidis
  • Patent number: 11021256
    Abstract: A parachute assembly for an ejection seat may comprise a canopy and a first suspension line coupled to the canopy. A first riser may be coupled to the first suspension line. A seat cushion may be coupled to the first riser. The seat cushion may be configured detach from the ejection seat and restrict rearward translation of a head of an occupant of the ejection seat upon deployment of the parachute assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Jaro S. Volny, Kassidy L. Carson, Scott R. Patterson
  • Patent number: 11021257
    Abstract: A gas turbine includes a mounting structure for mounting the engine to a pylon. A propulsor section includes a fan having a fan diameter. A geared architecture drives the fan. A generator section includes a fan drive turbine that drives the geared architecture. A turbine to fan diameter ratio is substantially less than 45%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Gukeisen
  • Patent number: 11021258
    Abstract: The design of a novel digital controller for a motor driven aircraft arrestment system of the type used on aircraft carriers is described. The unique control and feedback design of the described controller has many advanced features, which provide many advantages over existing designs for controlling advanced arresting gear systems. Also described is a trajectory generator subsystem which provides the port and starboard side speed and position references used by both an engage phase controller and/or an arrest phase controller of the aircraft arrestment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Electro Standards Laboratories
    Inventors: Raymond B Sepe, Jr., Yacine Boudria, Steven Bastien
  • Patent number: 11021259
    Abstract: A system for neutralizing exhaust gases from an aircraft at altitude includes a turbofan jet engine. The turbofan jet engine creates exhaust gases. An exhaust is located within the turbofan jet engine. The exhaust has an interior volume. At least one corona discharge unit is located within the interior volume of the exhaust. The at least one corona discharge unit creates electrical discharges comprising high-speed relativistic electrons and gamma rays within the exhaust. The exhaust gases and the electrical discharges are directed to interact with one another in the interior volume of the exhaust. The interaction generates positively charged plasma ions within the exhaust gases. The exhaust gases are neutralized before leaving the turbofan jet engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventor: Philip Onni Jarvinen
  • Patent number: 11021260
    Abstract: An aircraft fuel system including at least one fuel tank, a source of inerting gas, an inlet for introducing the inerting gas into the at least one fuel tank, and a vent system arranged to allow the inward and outward venting of air from the fuel tank. In embodiments, the vent system includes a vent, an inward vent pressure valve disposed between the vent and the at least one fuel tank and configured to enable the at least one fuel tank to increase by a predetermined pressure over ambient air pressure, and an outward vent pressure valve disposed between the at least one fuel tank and the vent and configured to enable the at least one fuel tank to decrease by a predetermined pressure below ambient air pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventor: John Wood
  • Patent number: 11021261
    Abstract: A protective coating composition for providing protection to a component of a ram air turbine system in need thereof. The protective coating composition comprises an aqueous-soluble or alkaline-soluble polymer matrix, one or more compressible fillers, and one or more non-compressible fillers. The disclosure also provides a method for providing a protective coating onto components of a ram air turbine system in need thereof for providing indentation and scratch resistance thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew M. Zweig, Eric A. Bruton, Richard J. Toth
  • Patent number: 11021262
    Abstract: An apparatus for unlocking an actuator comprises a first member mounted in a housing for longitudinal movement along an axis. A recess is formed in a surface of the first member. The apparatus further comprises a second member for operative connection to a lock release element of an actuator for movement in a direction generally transverse to the axis of movement of the first member. The second member has a follower element resiliently biased into contact with the surface of the first member. The apparatus further comprises an unlocking actuator for moving the first member along the axis between a first, locking position in which the follower element engages the surface and a second, unlocking position in which the follower element is at least partially received within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Tomasz Janisiow
  • Patent number: 11021263
    Abstract: Embodiments include techniques for an automated aircraft landing analysis, the techniques includes requesting landing information corresponding to a current landing, wherein the landing information includes historic average landing information, and receiving the landing information. Techniques also include retrieving recorded aircraft system parameters corresponding to the current landing, and calculating a landing distance for the current landing. Techniques include calculating a deviation of the calculated landing distance for the current landing, and displaying results of the calculated deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: ROSEMOUNT AEROSPACE INC.
    Inventors: Ramamurthy Prasanna, Ajay Byappanahalli Sundaramurthy
  • Patent number: 11021264
    Abstract: A helicopter anti-bird-collision system including a search light (2) and a control unit (35) which is configured for operating the search light (2) in a flash light mode by switching the search light periodically on and off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: GOODRICH LIGHTING SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventor: Andre Hessling-Von Heimendahl
  • Patent number: 11021265
    Abstract: Example implementations relate to stowage bin lighting interfaces. An example apparatus includes a panel portion, and a set of fasteners configured to couple the panel portion to a stowage bin such that a curvature of the panel portion aligns with a curvature of the exterior of the stowage bin. Each fastener is configured to extend through the stowage bin into a back portion of the panel portion to couple the panel portion to the stowage bin. Aligning the curvature of the panel portion with the curvature of the exterior of the stowage bin enables the stowage bin to open and close when the panel portion is coupled. The apparatus further includes a lighting interface configured to couple between the panel portion and the exterior of the stowage bin at a position that enables the lighting interface to provide illumination through openings in the panel portion and ambient lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Sean R. Cysewski
  • Patent number: 11021266
    Abstract: A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) storage and launch system includes a UAV pod having a UAV pod processor and a UAV selectively enclosed in the UAV pod, the UAV having only two rotors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: AEROVIRONMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Eugene Fisher, Jason Sidharthadev Mukherjee, William Arden Lott
  • Patent number: 11021267
    Abstract: A tie-down for attachment to an aft tail section of an aircraft for inhibiting damage to the aircraft when the aircraft is on the ground is disclosed. The tie-down has a mount member configured to attach to the aft tail section and a projection member supported by the mount member. The projection member extends in a generally downward direction from the mount member so as to provide a contact surface with the ground that is lower than the aft tail section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventor: Pete L. Nelson
  • Patent number: 11021268
    Abstract: An aircraft boarding apparatus has a passenger bridge that has a confinement structure coupled to the second passenger bridge. The confinement structure exerts a ground-anchoring effect on the second passenger bridge to offset the ultralight configuration of the passenger bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Gatelink Aircraft Boarding Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 11021269
    Abstract: A method and a distributed architecture for controlling functions of an aircraft comprising: a controller, an Input/Output (IO) node and a processor configured to display a graphical user interface component representing at least a portion of an aircraft cabin divided into at least two sections on the IO node and receive, by the IO node, a first and a second input from a user for selecting one of the at least two sections and selecting a preset of at least one controllable parameter respectively. Upon determining that the user requests a modification of the selected preset for the selected section, a preset setting menu including the at least one controllable parameter associated with the selected preset is displayed; a third input from the user for modifying the at least one controllable parameter is received and a modified preset based on the modified at least one controllable parameter is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER INC.
    Inventors: Tim Fagan, Erin Murphy, Linsey Nancarrow, Jeff Bartenbach
  • Patent number: 11021270
    Abstract: An antenna assembly has a solar layer having one or more solar cells generating solar power, an antenna layer connected to the solar layer and having electronic components utilizing the solar power generated by the solar layer, and a thermal dissipation device dissipating heat locally at the antenna assembly. A large number of antenna assemblies are connected to form an antenna array in which heat is generated locally at each antenna assembly and dissipated locally at each antenna assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: AST & Science, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan D. Honour, Javier Hernandez Bahlsen, Huiwen Yao, Adam H. Halperin, Abel Avellan
  • Patent number: 11021271
    Abstract: Provided is a reaction wheel assembly ruggedized for use in kinetically launched satellites. An example reaction wheel assembly may include a shaft mounted to a body of a satellite, a wheel mounted to the shaft, wherein a center of a gravity of the wheel is co-aligned with the shaft, and a support device mounted to the body of the satellite. The reaction wheel assembly may include bearings for holding the shaft to the body of the satellite and allowing a rotation of the wheel. The support device can be engaged to support the wheel to reduce a load on the shaft and the bearing, the load being caused by an acceleration of the satellite during a kinetic launch of the satellite. After the satellite is launched into space, the support device can be disengaged from supporting the wheel to allow the wheel to spin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: SpinLaunch Inc.
    Inventors: Maxim Clarke, Carl Lawhon, Jonathan Yaney
  • Patent number: 11021272
    Abstract: A control moment gyroscope includes: an inner gimbal; a rotor that is held by the inner gimbal to be rotatable around a spin axis; a spin motor that is disposed on the inner gimbal, and that rotates the rotor around the spin axis; a stator that holds the inner gimbal to be rotatable around a gimbal axis that is perpendicular to the spin axis; gimbal bearings that are disposed between the inner gimbal and the stator to face each other from opposite sides of a plane that is perpendicular to the gimbal axis and that includes the spin axis, to be in contact with the plane in question, or to include the plane in question; and a torque module that is disposed on the stator, and that rotates the inner gimbal around the gimbal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Munetaka Kashiwa, Kazuhiko Fukushima
  • Patent number: 11021273
    Abstract: A spacecraft includes a propulsion system that includes one or more pressurant tanks configured to store an inert gas at a high pressure, one or more propellant tanks configured to store liquid propellant at an intermediate pressure, electric thrusters operable with the inert gas at a low pressure and pneumatically coupled with the one or more pressurant tanks by way of a first pressure regulator, and chemical thrusters operable with the liquid propellant. The inert gas is one or a mixture of two or more of xenon, argon and krypton. At least a portion of the liquid propellant is stored in at least one of the propellant tanks, the propellant tank including an ullage volume pneumatically coupled with at least one of the pressurant tanks by way of a second pressure regulator having an output set to the intermediate pressure and the ullage volume is pressurized by the inert gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, LLC
    Inventors: Gordon Wu, David Marlow
  • Patent number: 11021274
    Abstract: Small cubesat systems may be available for a lower cost, have a higher reliability, and be much simpler to use than conventional cubesats. A complete turnkey system solution may be provided, including the ground station and remote field units. The satellite, ground station, and field unit may be provided separately as kits that are ready to go out-of-the-box as soon as they arrive. This enables universities, researchers, and hobbyists to obtain and deploy their own functional satellites. Furthermore, theoretical designs and functionality may be rapidly prototyped and demonstrated, which allows for proof-of-concept without needing to build a larger, more expensive satellite system and hope that the new design or functionality works as intended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Triad National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Judd, Nicholas Dallmann, Kevin McCabe, Donald Enemark, Michael Proicou, Daniel Seitz
  • Patent number: 11021275
    Abstract: A method of providing filled product bags of sterile and particulate-free fluid includes securing a product bag to one of a plurality of movable cradles, wherein the product bag has a bladder, a stem fluidly connected to an opening of the bladder, and a filter disposed in-line with the stem. After securing the bag, an inlet of the stem is connected to an outlet of a nozzle assembly and at least partially filling the product bag with a fluid through a nozzle of the nozzle assembly to create a filled product bag, wherein filling the product bag includes passing the fluid through the filter and into the bladder. After filling, the stem of the filled product bag is sealed at a location below the filter. The stem is cut at a location above the seal and below the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignees: BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC., BAXTER HEALTHCARE SA
    Inventors: Grant Anthony Bomgaars, Joseph Vincent Ranalletta, Yuanpang Samuel Ding, Ying-Cheng Lo, Mark Edward Pasmore, Michael Joseph Sadowski, Anastasios Hristakos, Thomas Edward Dudar, Bernd Krause
  • Patent number: 11021276
    Abstract: A method for producing a packaging material comprises providing a core material layer of fibre-based material having an inner side and an outer side, embossing the core material layer for forming embossed features having an initial height, the embossed features protruding from the outer side of the core material layer to later form a tactile pattern on a side of the package to be formed by the packaging material, and laminating at least one layer to the inner side of the embossed core material layer such that the height of the embossed features is temporarily reduced to a minimum height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Ola Persson, Karin Olsson, Pär Rydberg, Peter Williamsson, Mugeni Nuamu
  • Patent number: 11021277
    Abstract: Banknote processing equipment is disclosed, which comprises a chamber having an open end for insertion of a bag into the chamber and an extractor adapted to establish a lower ambient pressure between the chamber and the bag to that within the bag to cause the bag to expand into an open configuration during a banknote filling operation, whereby the banknote processing equipment can deposit banknotes in the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: TIDEL ENGINEERING, L.P.
    Inventor: Robert Wright
  • Patent number: 11021278
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for tamping the contents of a container are disclosed. An embodiment of an apparatus includes a tamp head for tamping the contents of the container; and a container support assembly structured and arranged to temporarily support the bottom surface of the container during tamping, the container support assembly comprising a support element having a protrusion extending upward from a substantially flat and horizontal upper surface, wherein the protrusion is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the bottom surface of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: James D. Evans, Herbert Cary Longest, Tamika S. Murrell, Robert V. Powell, Jr., Jeremy Straight, Jarrod Chalkley
  • Patent number: 11021279
    Abstract: Manufacturing capsules, comprising preparing a first and a second capsule element, at least the first element containing a cavity, each element, being provided with a peripheral ring, bringing the elements together, so that the rings are superimposed, placing the two elements between a sonotrode and an anvil, the anvil containing an anvil recess and a striking surface, surrounding the anvil recess, the sonotrode including a sonotrode recess, with the same cross-section as the anvil recess, and a working surface surrounding the sonotrode recess, wherein the striking and working surfaces are configures to come into contact with each other on a working area, extending around the recesses, clamping the rings between the working surface and the striking surface by the proximity of a sonotrode and the anvil, activating the sonotrode and directing the ultrasound towards the anvil, whilst maintaining the clamping action, wherein the rings are detached from the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: MELCHIOR MATERIAL AND LIFE SCIENCE FRANCE
    Inventor: David Delhaye
  • Patent number: 11021280
    Abstract: A former assembly (10) for a packaging machine. The former assembly (10) includes a frame (11) that supports a former shoulder (17). The former shoulder (17) has a former opening (20) that is aligned with a tubular delivery chute (21). Product is delivered to the chute (21), from where product is delivered to the opening (20) and therefore the former shoulder (17). The delivery chute (21) has an interior (22) having a plurality of projections (44) in the form of ridges (45). The ridges are located at angular positions spaced about the generally central axis (19) and have their major direction of extension downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: TNA Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Marek Grus, Darren Ken Alchin
  • Patent number: 11021281
    Abstract: An orbital stretch wrapping apparatus is provided and includes a base frame, a circular ring mounted on the base frame and rotatable with respect to the base frame about an axis of rotation, a stretch film dispenser mounted on the circular ring and rotatable with the circular ring about the axis of rotation, the stretch film dispenser having a subframe fixed to the circular ring, a roll of stretch film mounted to the subframe and rotatable with respect to the subframe, a first feed roller mounted to the subframe and rotatable with respect to the subframe, a second feed roller mounted to the subframe and rotatable with respect to the subframe, and a brake member connected to the first feed roller and the second feed roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: TAB Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Brizek, Andrew G. Brizek
  • Patent number: 11021282
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strapping device configured to carry out a strap-attachment check cycle. After attaching leading and trailing strap ends of a strap to one another to form a tensioned loop of strap around a load, the strapping device is configured to carry out the strap-attachment cycle to test the strength of the attachment between the leading and trailing strap ends and to provide feedback as to whether the strap attachment is satisfactory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Signode Industrial Group LLC
    Inventor: Dustin D. Elliott
  • Patent number: 11021283
    Abstract: A method is provided, wherein the eggs which are pre-incubated in setter trays are transferred to the poultry house in these setter trays. In the poultry house, a layer of insulating covering material is provided on the floor of the poultry house, in one or more strips. The covering material comprises, in particular, litter which is applied in a layer thickness of at least 2 cm. By a set of egg pickup members of a transfer machine, the pre-incubated eggs are removed in the poultry house from the setter trays, after which they are positioned on the covering material by the transfer machine. In this way, the eggs can be placed in the poultry house efficiently, with a minimal risk of damage to the eggs a high hatching rate being ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: VERVAEKE-BELAVI
    Inventor: Steven Vervaeke
  • Patent number: 11021284
    Abstract: A bottom fillable espresso cartridge base and apparatus and method for filling and plugging the bottom of the espresso cartridge base. The espresso cartridge base includes an open bottom and a press in bottom plug. The top of the espresso cartridge may be sealed by a foil lid or the like, or be open and an adhesive attachable lid may be included for attachment by a user. A first method utilizes a hand held multi-function tool including a cartridge holder with a holder lid to capture the espresso cartridge, and a bottom tamper and plug seating arm. A second method utilizes a stationary base residing on a flat surface, a cartridge holder to retain cartridges on the base, and individual tools to fill and tamp brewing material in the cartridge, and to attach the bottom plug to the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventor: Adrian Rivera
  • Patent number: 11021285
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing and packaging dosed quantities of solid drug portions is provided. The apparatus includes multiple dosing stations, each dosing station having an output opening for dispensing solid drug portions, a collector for collecting dosed quantities of solid drug portions dispensed by the dosing stations and forwarding the dosed quantities of solid drug portions to a packager, and multiple fall ducts configured to guide the solid drug portions from the output openings to the collector, each fall duct having an outlet and a number of inlet openings, the output openings of the dosing stations being aligned with the inlet openings of the fall ducts when a fall duct is positioned adjacent to a column of dosing stations. Each fall duct includes a first part and a second part detachably connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: BD SWITZERLAND SÀRL
    Inventors: Eddy R. Lokkers, John Van De Koot
  • Patent number: 11021286
    Abstract: An article feeder assembly having a pocketed separator and a discharge tube configured to deliver articles to the pocketed separator. Some embodiments include an initial feeder assembly in overlying relation with a track extending from the initial feeder assembly to the discharge tube. Articles are oriented in end-to-end orientation in the initial feeder assembly and delivered to the pocketed separator in vertical end-to-end orientation. As pocketed separator rotates with respect to discharge tube, vertical retention members pass through a tunnel in the discharge tube and rotate articles out of the discharge tube. The discharged articles are secured in pockets delineated by the retention members. Some embodiments use one or more cam mechanisms to properly orient the discharged articles as the pocketed separator rotates. Properly oriented articles are then delivered to an advancing mechanism, such as a conveyor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Performance Feeders, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Roberts, Gregory Pflum
  • Patent number: 11021287
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure unit (1) for sealing a package (2) for a food product, comprising a conveyor (3) for transporting the package (2) through the pressure unit (1) in a travelling direction (d), a first rotatable pressure roller (11) and a first rotatable anvil roller (21). The first pressure roller (11) is arranged opposite to the first anvil roller (21) to form a first nip (4) for receiving and rotationally engage with a portion (5) of the package, and arranged downstream of the first pressure roller (11) and the first anvil roller (21) in the travelling direction, a second rotatable pressure roller (12) and a second rotatable anvil roller (22). The second pressure roller (12) is arranged opposite to the second anvil roller (22) to form a second nip (6) for receiving and rotationally engage with the portion (5) of the package. The first anvil roller (21) and the second anvil roller (22), respectively, has a smooth rim surface (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Göran Sturesson, Mikael Lindstedt, Lars Carlsson
  • Patent number: 11021288
    Abstract: A packaging machine, comprising a control unit, a plurality of measuring devices and a plurality of working units for different processes. The control unit is functionally connected to the working units and the measuring devices. A work cycle at the packaging machine comprises at least a first functional process and a second functional process at one or at different working units, the second functional process starting later than the first functional process. The control unit may execute an early start for the second functional process of a working unit, when an actual process value of the preceding first functional process of the program sequence of one of the working units has not yet reached the respective target process value. The control unit may control the early start of the second functional process based on an approximation method for predetermining the temporal end of the first functional process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMUELLER SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Tobias Enderle, Thomas Holderied, Claus Botzenhardt
  • Patent number: 11021289
    Abstract: An apparatus for opening a receptacle for transporting value objects includes a suction device for suctioning the receptacle and a severing device for severing the receptacle in a suctioned region of the receptacle. The receptacle can be present in the form of a plastic bag in particular. A method for opening the receptacle then includes the steps of suctioning the receptacle by means of the suction device and of severing the receptacle in a suctioned region of the receptacle by means of the severing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: GIESECKE+DEVRIENT CURRENCY TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventor: Michael Stapfer