Patents Issued in March 7, 2023
  • Patent number: 11597479
    Abstract: A testing device for testing a drive train or components within a marine propulsion system is provided and includes a first disk with a plurality of first disk depressions that faces a second disk with a plurality of second disk depressions. The first disk and the second disk are secured relative to each other so that they define a space, and a seal at outer edges of the disks is in fluid communication with the space. One of the first disk and the second disk is secured to a driven shaft. Upon rotation of the driven shaft, a load is produced due to shearing of fluid between the disks, yet no thrust is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Volvo Penta Corporation
    Inventor: Donald A. Carlson, III
  • Patent number: 11597480
    Abstract: A system for guiding a boat, which includes the boat and a remote server. The boat includes a central unit linked to a user interface, a receiver for receiving data transmitted by at least one electronic tag affixed to a device of the boat and to a radio device for bidirectional communication with the remote server. The central unit transmits information resulting from the data transmitted by the tags, the current position and the route plan of the boat via the radio device to the server, and receives route plan modification data, which are displayed on the user interface, from this server. In this way, the operator of the boat is able to gain knowledge of the movement of nearby craft and of possible collision risks. Further, the boat may include on-board connected objects that communicate with the central unit in order to determine whether devices are missing on board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: KARA TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Ivain Bignonet, Cedric Martin
  • Patent number: 11597481
    Abstract: Methods and structures are disclosed for providing autonomous control of an underwater vehicle using a state machine. A controller is used onboard the underwater vehicle and includes a state machine having a plurality of operating states. Each of the plurality of operating states includes one or both of entrance criteria and exit criteria. The controller is configured to transition from executing a first operating state of the plurality of operating states to executing a second operating state of the plurality of operating states in response to the exit criteria of the first operating state and the entrance criteria of the second operating state both being met. The plurality of operating states includes a first portion of operating states associated with a first task, a second portion of operating states associated with a second task, and a third portion of operating states associated with both the first and second tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Julia E. Filiberti, Ronald M. Carvalho, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11597482
    Abstract: A cold weather survival suit includes a principal body cavity having pneumatically connected extensions to fit body extremities and a coverable cranial opening. The structure of the suit includes a layered structure of mechanically interconnected suits within suits. A composite of tear-proof and insulation material forms an internal suit or first envelope that is surrounded by a waterproof suit and then by a tear resistant suit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventor: Diego Jacobson
  • Patent number: 11597483
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a wheel structure and a kayak using the same, relating to the field of ships.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: NINGBO KAYAKA SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Bingrui Chen
  • Patent number: 11597484
    Abstract: An underwater vehicle having a hovering system using a tube type launcher. The underwater vehicle includes a streamlined body and a hovering system connected to a rear of the streamlined body to generate a kinetic force of the streamlined body. The hovering system includes an extension shaft extended to be connected to the rear, a connection assembly connected to the rear through the extension shaft, and an auxiliary propeller assembly connected to the connection assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: AGENCY FOR DEFENSE DEVELOPMENT
    Inventors: Kun Chul Hwang, Dong Hoon Lee, Jun Ho Lee, Jae Moon Yoon
  • Patent number: 11597485
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for providing retractable control fins on an underwater vehicle. The retractable control fins can be extended away from a main hull portion of the underwater vehicle and retracted inwards to a stowage region within the hull portion to protect the fins from damage and reduce an overall outer diameter (e.g., in the case of a cylindrical body) of the underwater vehicle. In some embodiments, the control fins are folded inwards to reduce the vehicle diameter. In other embodiments, the control fins are pulled inwards using a rotating structure designed to slide the control fins through an opening and into an inner portion of the hull to reduce the vehicle diameter. The retraction of the fins through the various retraction mechanisms reduces the envelope diameter of the underwater vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignees: BAE Systems Information and Electronic, Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher G. Van Valkenburgh, Richard N. Jorgenson, Gary M. Shapiro, Jerrod S. Allen
  • Patent number: 11597486
    Abstract: A tiller for an outboard motor includes a tiller body that is elongated along a longitudinal center axis between a proximal end and a distal end. A throttle grip is on the distal end of the tiller body. A trim switch assembly is located at a distal end of the throttle grip. The trim switch assembly includes a momentary switch and a driver. The driver is configured to output current to activate a trim relay on the outboard motor in response to actuation of the momentary switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Madalyn G. Pielow, Paul M. Kraus
  • Patent number: 11597487
    Abstract: A cooling system for an outboard motor of a marine vessel is provided. The cooling system includes an oil sump housing having an inner housing wall and an outer housing wall. The inner housing wall defines a transmission mounting cavity, and the inner housing wall and the outer housing wall defines an oil containment cavity that at least partially surrounds the transmission mounting cavity. The cooling system further includes a first sprayer nozzle and a second sprayer nozzle. Both the first sprayer nozzle and the second sprayer nozzle are coupled to the oil sump housing and configured to spray cooling fluid within the transmission mounting cavity onto an inner surface of the inner housing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne M. Jaszewski, Brian E. Healy, Darin C. Uppgard
  • Patent number: 11597488
    Abstract: A maneuvering system for a ship provided with, in the stern, a port-side propulsion system, and a starboard-side propulsion system. For controlling the system, a forward or backward force of the ship 1 is obtained by the difference between the forward and backward propulsion forces of the propulsion systems and a first turning moment in a turning direction of the ship generated by the propulsion forces is offset by a second turning moment in the turning direction of the ship generated by steering a port-side rudder, whereby the ship moves in a transversal manner toward its starboard side while rotation of the ship is avoided. A high degree of maneuverability is thereby achieved with a relatively simple maneuvering operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koh Murata
  • Patent number: 11597489
    Abstract: An airframe design may include a bonded frame or assembly, and one or more components that may be removably attached to the bonded frame. The bonded frame may include struts, central bulkheads, a tail section, a plurality of wing sections, and motor mounts that are adhered together using adhesive. The one or more attachable components may include a forward fuselage, motors, propellers, motor pod fairings, stabilizer fins, and landing gear that are attached using fasteners. The bonded frame may reduce the number of parts of the airframe design and may also reduce complexity, cost, and weight, while also increasing stiffness and strength. Further, the various attachable components may facilitate fabrication, assembly, and maintenance of an aerial vehicle having the airframe design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon T. Braam, Kyle Thomas Miller, Bradley David Urban, Raffaele Cipolletta, Rahul Bhardwaj, Dominic Shiosaki
  • Patent number: 11597490
    Abstract: Additive manufactured airframe structure having a plurality of additive manufactured airframe segments operable to be linked together in an assembled direction. Each of the plurality of additive manufactured airframe segments are separate from one another in an unassembled configuration. Plurality of reinforcement elements operable to be received in a receiving portion of the plurality of airframe segments and extending through the plurality of airframe segments in a normal direction. Receiving portion is located on the interior of a respective one of the plurality of airframe segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: RapidFlight Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: John F. Gundlach, Jacob S. Allen
  • Patent number: 11597491
    Abstract: A wall covering panel for a nose of an aircraft. The panel comprises a rigid carrying framework preferably having an alveolar structure obtained by 3-D printing, a décor carried by the carrying framework and an acoustically and thermally insulating padding fixed to the carrying framework, and also attachments for fixing the carrying framework to the primary structure of the aircraft. Preferably, the panel also integrates systems, such as electrical route portions or ventilation route portions that traverse the panel from one side to the other or lead to an outlet equipment item also integrated in the panel. Only the carrying structure of the panel, which carries the décor, the insulating padding and any route portions and equipment items, is fixed to the primary structure of the aircraft. The number of attachments is low; the kitting-out and the finishing of the nose of the aircraft are greatly simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Bernard Guering, Romain Delahaye
  • Patent number: 11597492
    Abstract: Systems and methods include providing an aircraft with a fuselage having a sliding door system disposed on at least one side of the fuselage. The sliding door system includes a forward sliding door having an upper slide rail and a lower slide rail, a rearward sliding door having an upper slide rail and a lower slide rail, an upper rail coupled to each of the upper slide rail of the forward sliding door and the upper slide rail of the rearward sliding door, a lower rail coupled to each of the lower slide rail of the forward sliding door and the lower slide rail of the rearward sliding door, and a plurality of actuators coupled to each of the upper rail and the lower rail and configured to displace and retract the forward sliding door and the rearward sliding door linearly with respect to the fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Charles Griffiths, Bryan Sugg, Samuel Bryk
  • Patent number: 11597493
    Abstract: Aircraft door (1) including an opening (4), a frame (3), a hinge structure (5) and a circular translation guide device designed to maintain the orientation of the opening (4) during the opening or closing thereof. The hinge structure (5) is connected to the opening (4) by a lifting arm (8) allowing a lifting movement of the opening (4) relative to the hinge structure (5). The circular translation guide device includes a single link (11) connected to the frame (3) by one of the ends thereof and by the other of the ends thereof to a lever (13) which is attached to the hinge structure (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: LATECOERE
    Inventor: Martin Gildas
  • Patent number: 11597494
    Abstract: An airfoil including: an airfoil portion having an airfoil surface; and a communication hole extending at least in the airfoil portion and a first opening open in the airfoil surface, through which the first opening is communicated with a second opening provided in a portion of the airfoil. On a cross-section perpendicular to the spanwise direction through a position of the first opening of the spanwise direction, an angle A1 satisfying a condition (a) exists within an angle range ?10 degrees to 10 degrees with respect to an extension line obtained by extending a camber line of the airfoil portion from a leading edge. The condition (a) is a static pressure at a position of the first opening is equal to a static pressure at a position of the second opening when the airfoil portion receives a fluid flow from a direction of the angle A1 toward the leading edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Yasuro Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 11597495
    Abstract: A vented hat stringer for an aircraft comprises a first hat-stringer leg with a first-hat-stringer-leg surface, a second hat-stringer leg with a second-hat-stringer-leg surface, a first hat-stringer sidewall, a second hat-stringer sidewall, and a hat-stringer connecting wall, comprising a hat-stringer-connecting-wall surface and a virtual hat-stringer-connecting-wall symmetry plane, passing through hat-stringer connecting wall. The vented hat stringer further comprises a ventilation opening, extending through at least one of the first hat-stringer sidewall or the hat-stringer connecting wall, or extending through at least one of the second hat-stringer sidewall or the hat-stringer connecting wall. The ventilation opening defines a ventilation-opening centerline, wherein the ventilation-opening centerline does not coincide with the virtual hat-stringer-connecting-wall symmetry plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Steve L. Patterson, Daniel M. Levine, Jeffrey E. Barnes, Jeffrey F. Stulc, Christopher R. Loesche, Garrett C. Hanson
  • Patent number: 11597496
    Abstract: A leading edge for an airfoil of an aircraft includes a leading plate with a convex side and a concave side, and at least one container filled with a non-Newtonian fluid. The leading edge is configured to be secured to the torsion box of the airfoil. The at least one container is arranged between the concave side of the leading plate and the torsion box of the airfoil. An airfoil is also provided including such a leading edge. A method is provided for assembling such a leading edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.L.
    Inventors: Javier Carlos Gomez del Valle, Alberto Balsa-Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 11597497
    Abstract: A leading edge structure for an aerodynamic surface of an aircraft with an outer wall part curved in a streamlined manner around an interior compartment and having an inner surface pointing toward the interior compartment and an outer surface provided for contact with the external surrounding flow. The outer wall part has a first outer wall section extending from a leading edge point in an incident flow direction in a convexly curved manner in the direction of a first side. The outer wall part has a second outer wall section which extends from the leading edge point in the incident flow direction in a convexly curved in the direction of a second side. An inner wall part is arranged in the interior compartment opposite the inner surface of the outer wall part and extends from the first outer wall section to the second outer wall section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Guido Kuhlmann, Hubert Temmen, René Schröder, Wilhelm Rombs
  • Patent number: 11597498
    Abstract: A seal for sealing an aircraft fuel tank, an aircraft wing rib and stringer sealing assembly, an aircraft wing fuel tank, an aircraft structural wing box, an aircraft wing, and a method of sealing an aperture are disclosed. The seal is for sealing a wing rib to a stringer passing through an aperture in the rib at a variable position in the aperture. The seal includes self-adjustment means to absorb any tolerance when forming the seal, upon the stringer being assembled into the aperture in the rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Edwards, Antony Peacock, Timothy Sanderson
  • Patent number: 11597499
    Abstract: A morphing airfoil system includes an airfoil including a bulkhead and an airfoil body extending from the bulkhead, at least one inflatable/deflatable bladder positioned within the airfoil body, and a bladder pressurization mechanism configured for controlling pressurization of the at least one bladder. The system also includes one or more processors and a memory communicably coupled to the one or more processors and storing an airfoil control module including instructions that when executed by the processor(s) cause the processor(s) to control operation of the bladder pressurization mechanism to increase or decrease internal pressure in the at least one bladder to change a configuration of the airfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Danil V. Prokhorov
  • Patent number: 11597500
    Abstract: A variable camber wing for mounting to a vehicle chassis has an actuator shaft and a static pin extending from the chassis. The wing's nose segment defines a proximal edge and a distal edge and has a channel therethrough between the proximal and distal edges, an arcuate aperture therethrough aft of the channel, and a second aperture therethrough aft of the arcuate aperture. The wing has a first linkage defining a clevis on a proximal end and hingeably connected to the nose segment. The clevis can rotatably engage with the static pin extending through the arcuate aperture. A second linkage defines a second clevis on a proximal end and a distal edge. The second linkage is configured to hingeably connect to the first linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventor: Richard E Dooley
  • Patent number: 11597501
    Abstract: Technologies for providing noise shielding are described herein. In some examples, noise shields are installed proximate to one or more of the main engines of the aircraft. The noise shields can be extended during terminal operations and retracted during flight operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Blended Wing Aircraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Page
  • Patent number: 11597502
    Abstract: A blade angle feedback system for an aircraft-bladed rotor rotatable about a longitudinal axis and having an adjustable blade pitch angle is provided. A feedback device is coupled to rotate with the rotor and to move along the axis with adjustment of the blade angle. At least one position marker is affixed to a core of the feedback device and extends along a direction angled relative to the axis. The core is made of a first material having a first magnetic permeability and the position marker comprises a second material having a second magnetic permeability greater than the first magnetic permeability. A sensor is positioned adjacent the feedback device and produces, as the feedback device rotates about the axis, a sensor signal in response to detecting passage of the position marker. A control unit generates a feedback signal indicative of the blade angle in response to the sensor signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventor: Dana Tomescu
  • Patent number: 11597503
    Abstract: A semi-active system for providing a required fluid flow, the system comprising an outlet configured to protrude into the main flow direction of an external fluid flow external to the semi-active system, an exhaust channel provided, in relation to the main flow direction of the external fluid flow, beneath the outlet, the exhaust channel being configured to inject an exhaust fluid flow into the external fluid flow, a device configured to produce a jet fluid flow and a pipe provided within the exhaust channel, the pipe being configured to fluid-communicatively couple to the device, and entrain, by the produced jet fluid flow, the exhaust fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Kreuzer, Hubert Stuke, Udo Krause
  • Patent number: 11597504
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an architecture of a propulsion system of a multi-engine helicopter comprising turboshaft engines connected to a power transmission gearbox, characterized in that it comprises: at least one hybrid turboshaft engine capable of operating in at least one standby mode during a stable cruise flight of the helicopter; at least two systems for controlling each hybrid turboshaft engine, each system comprising an electric machine connected to the hybrid turboshaft engine and suitable for rotating the gas generator thereof, and at least one source of electrical power for the electric machine, each reactivation system being configured such that it can drive the turboshaft engine in at least one operating mode among a plurality of predetermined modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignees: SAFRAN HELICOPTER ENGINES, SAFRAN ELECTRICAL & POWER
    Inventors: Philippe Vallart, Jean-Michel Bazet, Loic LeDuigou
  • Patent number: 11597505
    Abstract: An improved rotorcraft of the type having a fuselage and a set of N?4 rotors. The rotorcraft includes a structural support system affixed to the fuselage and mounting the set of rotors. The support system is configured as a set of airfoils that provide lift when the fuselage is in level flight. The fuselage has a central longitudinal axis that defines the direction of forward flight of the rotorcraft. Each of the rotors defines a corresponding rotational plane, that is tilted forward in the direction of the forward flight, when the central longitudinal axis of the fuselage is horizontal. Each airfoil may be positioned so that a majority of its length is disposed beneath the rotational plane of its corresponding rotor. When the rotorcraft is at a cruise speed, the airfoils are configured to provide lift that approximately matches the lift provided by the rotors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: SiFly Aviation, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian L. Hinman, Phil Frank
  • Patent number: 11597506
    Abstract: A rotor system for aerial vehicles where two or more rotor systems are used in a coaxial or tandem arrangement on the aerial vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: FT HOLDINGS INC.
    Inventors: Jason Peter Clarke, Daniel John Clarke
  • Patent number: 11597507
    Abstract: The application discloses a coaxial helicopter, the cyclic pitch-changing mechanism simultaneously adjusts the pitches of the upper and the lower rotor systems, to make uniformity cyclic pitch-changing adjustment of the upper and lower rotors, and make independent collective pitch adjustment of the upper rotor system; the differential pitch-changing mechanism and the cyclic pitch-changing mechanism jointly act on the lower rotor system, to perform differential collective pitch adjustment of the upper and lower rotor systems. The synchronous rotating mechanism drives the swashplate members to synchronously rotate along with the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Suzhou Taoxun Aviation Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xun Ge, Yuan Shen, Shuzhen Guo, Liangwei Li, Weidong Liu
  • Patent number: 11597508
    Abstract: An aircraft having reverse thrust capabilities includes a fuselage, a plurality of flight components, a pilot control located within the fuselage, a sensor attached to the pilot control configured to detect an aircraft datum from the pilot control, and a flight controller, located within the fuselage, the flight controller configured to receive the aircraft datum from the sensor, and initiate a reverse torque command of a flight component of the plurality of flight components as a function of the aircraft datum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: BETA AIR, LLC
    Inventors: Herman Lucas Norbert Wiegman, Nathan William Joseph Wiegman, Lochie Ferrier, Riley Clinton Griffin
  • Patent number: 11597509
    Abstract: An aircraft that closely integrates thrust and aerodynamics to achieve VTOL flight, forward flight, and smooth transitions from VTOL to forward flight. The invention combines a Box wing, Ducted Rotors and movable Flaperons for VTOL and sustained forward flight of an aircraft. In forward flight, the concept uses a plurality of fixed Ducted Rotors to not only provide thrust, but also enhance dynamic lift and controllability by interacting closely with the two fixed primary lifting bodies of each ducted wing section. In VTOL flight and transitioning to forward flight, the Ducted Rotors direct air through movable Flaperons attached to the trailing end of the ducted wings, providing smooth power, controllability, and aircraft orientation throughout transition. Throughout all phases of flight, differential actuation of Ducted Rotors and Flaperons provide control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventor: Reynaldo Thomas Alfaro
  • Patent number: 11597510
    Abstract: A ducted fan assembly includes a duct having an inlet, an inner surface, an expanding diffuser and an outlet. A fan disposed within the duct between the inlet and the expanding diffuser is configured to rotate about a fan axis to generate airflow. An active flow control system includes a plurality of injection zones circumferentially distributed about the inner surface. The expanding diffuser has a diffuser angle configured to create flow separation when the airflow is uninfluenced by the active flow control system such that the airflow has a thrust vector with a first direction that is substantially parallel to the fan axis. Injection of pressurized air from one of the injection zones asymmetrically reduces the flow separation between the airflow and the expanding diffuser downstream of that injection zone such that the thrust vector of the airflow has a second direction that is not parallel to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Bryan Robertson, Kirk Landon Groninga, Matthew Edward Louis
  • Patent number: 11597511
    Abstract: A vertical landing and take-off aircraft VTOL transitions from a vertical takeoff state to a cruise state where the vertical takeoff state uses propellers to generate lift and the cruise state uses wings to generate lift. The aircraft has an M-wing configuration with propellers located on the wingtip nacelles, wing booms, and tail boom. The wing boom and/or the tail boom can include boom control effectors. Hinged control surfaces on the wings, tail boom, and tail tilt during takeoff and landing to yaw the vehicle. The boom control effectors, cruise propellers, stacked propellers, and control surfaces can have different positions during different modes of operation in order to control aircraft movement and mitigate noise generated by the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Joby Aero, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Moore, John Conway Badalamenti, Ian Villa, Adam Warmoth, David Josephson
  • Patent number: 11597512
    Abstract: An aircraft capable of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) and traverse flight. The aircraft generally includes a fixed outer structure including at least a generally cylindrical wing having an internal body situated within the fixed outer structure. A space is defined between the internal body and the fixed outer structure. Within this space are one or more rotatable ring impellers that create(s) thrust sufficient to achieve lift for the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: AMERICAN AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Russell Randall
  • Patent number: 11597513
    Abstract: A multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprises: a fuselage; a plurality of rotor mechanisms disposed on the fuselage, each rotor mechanism including a rotor; and a plurality of connection mechanisms disposed on the fuselage. The plurality of connection mechanisms have a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of rotor mechanisms, each connection mechanism corresponding to one of the plurality of rotor mechanisms. Each rotor mechanism is movably connected to the fuselage through the corresponding connection mechanism; and the plurality of rotor mechanisms are configured to be rotated with respect to the corresponding connection mechanisms to cause the plurality of rotor mechanisms to overlap with each other and form a rotor mechanism assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yifen Liu
  • Patent number: 11597514
    Abstract: Unmanned aircraft have aligned forward and aft propulsion systems possessing different performance and/or noise characteristics. According to some embodiments, unmanned aircraft have a forward engine and a forward tractor propeller and an aft engine and an aft pusher propeller. Selected ones of forward and aft propulsion systems will thus be provided to have greater and lesser operational flight performance characteristics and greater and lesser noise signature characteristics, respectively, as compared to the other. For example, the forward propulsion system may be provided with the greater operational flight performance and higher signature characteristics as compared to the aft propulsion system, while conversely the aft propulsion system may be provided with a lesser flight performance and lower noise signature characteristics as compared to the forward propulsion system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: EMBRAER S.A.
    Inventors: Raphael Felipe Gama Ribeiro, Tarik Hadura Orra
  • Patent number: 11597515
    Abstract: A charging and recharging drone assembly system and apparatus are provided. The system has a unique charging pad having a plurality of cones which direct the legs of a charging drone into a specific location on the charging pad for charging/re-charging. A QR code may be located in the middle of a cover of a charging pad so that the charging drone may detect the charging pad from the air and may direct the charging drone to land on a specific spot on the landing pad for charging. The movable cover may cover the charging pad when the charging pad is not in use to protect the charging pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: EPAZZ, INC.
    Inventor: Shaun Passley
  • Patent number: 11597516
    Abstract: An airborne delivery system employs unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) released from an airborne platform, such as a Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPAD), to more accurately deliver supplies. The airborne delivery system is configured to be mounted on a JPAD, or similar airborne platform. As with a conventional JPAD, the JPAD is then released from an airborne vehicle. After a certain amount of flight time, one or more UAVs are released mid-flight from the airborne delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Kurt Klinkmueller, Anthony Wieck, Andrew Valentine, Joshua Holt, James Bluman, Andrew Kopeikin, Ekaterina Kuhlwein, Abdul Halim Abdul Rahim, Ronald Tobin, Nena Riccoboni, Seth Jackson
  • Patent number: 11597517
    Abstract: A projectile component that can be removably attached to a flying vehicle is disclosed. The projectile component includes a net configured in the projectile component, a receiving cavity configured in the projectile component, and a weight attached to the net via a string. The weight can be configured in the receiving cavity in preparation for firing the net from the projectile component. In order to entangle a target flying vehicle in the net, a cocklebur associated with the weight is included. Upon firing the net from the projectile component, and upon the net engaging with a target device, the cocklebur becomes entangled with the net to secure the target flying vehicle. A drawstring structure associated with the net can also be used to ensure that the net envelops and captures the target flying vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Fortem Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Edmund Gooch, Devin Donald Lebaron, Adam Eugene Robertson
  • Patent number: 11597518
    Abstract: An accommodation system for an accommodation space for storing rollable containers in a vehicle. After a front container, which is arranged at the insertion opening, has been removed in the conventional manner, it is possible, through the use of the accommodation system, to remove the rear container which is arranged considerably spaced apart from the insertion opening in the interior of the accommodation space. For this purpose, a rail system is provided in the floor region of the accommodation space. A transfer plate is movable on the rail system in the floor region of the accommodation space and can assume a storage position and a removal position for the rear container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Bauer, Hans-Gerhard Giesa, Roland Lange, Andreas Wietzke
  • Patent number: 11597519
    Abstract: A passenger assistant system includes an artificial intelligence processing unit, a sensor interface, a flight crew interface, a passenger interface, and at least one end effector. The sensor interface couples the artificial intelligence processing unit with at least one sensor configured to provide environmental information regarding a cabin of an aircraft. The flight crew interface couples the artificial intelligence processing unit with at least one flight crew input. The passenger interface couples the artificial intelligence processing unit with at least one passenger input. The at least one end effector is coupled to the artificial intelligence processing unit. The artificial intelligence processing unit is configured to direct the at least one end effector to perform at least one task responsive to information acquired from one or more of the sensor interface, flight crew interface, or passenger interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventors: Yakentim M. Ibrahim, Daniel K. Bittner
  • Patent number: 11597520
    Abstract: A component positioning system and method are configured to facilitate positioning of a component (such as a seat assembly) on a seat track within an internal cabin of a vehicle. The component positioning system and method include a component, and a position indicator coupled to a portion of the component. The position indicator emits a proper position indication when the component is in a proper position in relation to the seat track. The position indicator emits a remedial position indication when the component is not in the proper position with respect to the seat track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: James Jason Salmon, Jeffrey Scott Roberts, Patrick William O'Neill
  • Patent number: 11597521
    Abstract: A modal restraint system for an occupant of a seat of an aircraft. The modal restraint system includes a strap feeder unit and a strap selectively retractable into and extendable from the strap feeder unit. The strap feeder unit is adapted to switch between a plurality of modes including an unfixed mode and a fixed mode. The strap is extendable from and retractable into the strap feeder unit in the unfixed mode. The strap is substantially unextendable from the strap feeder unit in the fixed mode. The strap feeder unit is in the unfixed mode by default. The strap feeder unit is operable to switch from the unfixed mode to the fixed mode in response to a precautionary event including detection of an operational parameter that is beyond a predetermined threshold, thereby reducing freedom of movement of the occupant relative to the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Sinusas, Olivier Andre Boisvert, Guillaume Noiseux-Boucher, Steve Loveland, Sebastien Duval
  • Patent number: 11597522
    Abstract: A passenger seat or group of seats includes a tray table set into the armrest on either side of the associated seat, the tray table capable of translating lengthwise along the armrest and pivoting between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. In the stowed configuration, the tray table extends vertically above the armrest and may be stowed between (and partially behind) the associated seat and an adjacent seat, serving as a partial barrier between the two seats. In the deployed configuration, the tray table extends horizontally across the associated seat for use by the occupying passenger. The tray table is padded on its underside to provide the passenger with head and shoulder support when in the stowed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian L. Frost
  • Patent number: 11597523
    Abstract: An air management system with a set of compressed air sources for supplying pressurized air to air consumer equipment. In particular, either an air bleed system, electrical compressors, or a combination thereof may perform such supplying of compressed air depending on the aircraft operation condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.L.
    Inventors: Esteban Martino-Gonzalez, Juan Tomas Prieto Padilla
  • Patent number: 11597524
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating device for an aircraft interior. The heating device has a mechanically loadable support structure, a mechanically loadable and thermally conductive outer structure, and a heater for converting electrical energy into thermal energy, wherein the heater is arranged between the support structure and the outer structure and has a heating layer composed of a resistance material with a positive temperature coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Jenoptik Advanced Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Seidler, Ulf-Dieter Ulken
  • Patent number: 11597525
    Abstract: An arm restraint assembly for an ejection seat may comprise a primary arm configured to pivot about a primary arm pivot joint, a first cable portion coupled to the primary arm, and an attenuator coupled to the first cable portion. The first cable portion may be configured to pivot the primary arm about the primary arm pivot joint. The attenuator may include a housing and a plunger having a head located in the housing. The head of the plunger may be biased toward a first end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyle Teal, Neil Cross
  • Patent number: 11597526
    Abstract: A control system for a hybrid electric powerplant of an aircraft can include a master controller configured to receive one or more power settings and to output a heat engine setting and an electric motor setting and a heat engine controller operatively connected to the master controller. The heat engine controller can be configured to receive the heat engine setting and to control a heat engine system as a function of the heat engine setting to control torque output by a heat engine. The system can include an electric motor controller operatively connected to the master controller. The electric motor controller configured to receive the electric motor engine setting and to control an electric motor system as a function of the electric motor setting to control torque output by an electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Mark, Richard Ullyott, Manuel Acuna, Joseph Kehoe
  • Patent number: 11597527
    Abstract: An aircraft propulsion system is disclosed and includes a first gas turbine engine including a first input shaft driving a first gear system, a first fan driven by the first gear system, a first generator supported on the first input shaft and a fan drive electric motor providing a drive input to the first fan, a second gas turbine engine including a second input shaft driving a second gear system, a second fan driven by the second gear system, a second generator supported on the second input shaft and a second fan drive electric motor providing a drive input to the second fan and a controller controlling power output from each of the first and second generators and directing the power output between each of the first and second fan drive electric motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Bernard Kupratis, Frederick M. Schwarz, William G. Sheridan, Glenn Levasseur
  • Patent number: 11597528
    Abstract: An aircraft includes a battery pack, an internal support structure to support the battery pack in the aircraft, a first bracket rigidly coupling the battery pack to the support structure, and a second bracket rotationally coupling the battery pack to the support structure. The first and second brackets may be located on opposite sides of the battery pack. The internal support structure may be located in a wing of the aircraft and the first and second brackets may be aligned in a fore-aft direction of the aircraft. The internal support structure may be located in a nacelle of the aircraft and the first and second brackets may be aligned along a transverse direction of the aircraft. The second bracket may include two hangers to support a mass of the battery pack in tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Joby Aero, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest Villanueva, Austin Lawrence Newman, Michael Patrick Tucker, Robert Thodal, Christopher Cochran, Matthew Clyde Cusimano, Edward Stilson, Ahsan Mehmood