Patents Issued in April 30, 2024
  • Patent number: 11970252
    Abstract: A method for controlling a marine propulsion device to have sufficient power available within a power system to meet demands, the marine propulsion device having an engine rotatably engaged with a transmission via a clutch. The method includes measuring the power available within the power system and measuring the demand for power on the power system. The method further includes determining a power difference between the demand and the power available within the power system, and comparing the power difference to a minimum threshold. The method further includes increasing a speed of the engine and increasing a slip of the clutch when the power difference is exceeds the minimum threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Waldvogel, Brett Bielefeld, David J. Belter
  • Patent number: 11970253
    Abstract: A boat lift assembly includes a first base member having a central beam portion and first and second sloped beam portions, and a second base member having a central beam portion and first and second sloped beam portions. The assembly includes a first plurality of roller tubes coupled to the first sloped beam portions of the first and second base members, and a first plurality of rollers disposed on the first plurality of roller tubes. The assembly includes a second plurality of roller tubes coupled to the central beam portions of the first and second base members, and a second plurality of rollers disposed on the second plurality of roller tubes. The assembly includes a third plurality of roller tubes coupled to the second sloped beam portions of the first and second base members, and a third plurality of rollers disposed on the third plurality of roller tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Great Lakes Lift, Inc.
    Inventor: David John Sturtevant
  • Patent number: 11970254
    Abstract: A cold weather infant survival suit includes a principal body cavity having infant/baby holding attachments to fit/hold their small bodies and a coverable cranial opening. The structure of the suit includes a layered structure of mechanically interconnected cavities within cavities. 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: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Inventor: Diego Jacobson
  • Patent number: 11970255
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a baby float. The multi-functional baby float comprises a float body and a buoyant tail for increasing the buoyancy of the back; the buoyant tail is detachably connected with the end of the float body; and the back of a head of the float body is provided with an elevating mechanism for raising the head of the float body. The elevating mechanism comprises an inflatable airbag or a connecting structure. The connecting structure comprises some rows of female buckles; the buoyant tail is provided with son buckles; and the buoyant tail is fixedly connected with the float body through the matching of the son buckles and the female buckles. The present invention has the characteristics that the back buoyancy can be increased to prevent roll-back, the buoyant tail can be detached and installed below a headrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Zhejiang Mambobaby Baby Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Weixin Zhou
  • Patent number: 11970256
    Abstract: An air deployable buoyant device for transmitting data on its location and the conditions in the air as it descends to the surface of a body of water, and on conditions on a body of water on a real-time basis is disclosed. The device includes a buoy and a plurality of sensors and a transmitter associated with the buoy. The transmitter transmits data on the location of the device and the conditions in the air and on a body of water on a real-time basis to at least one receiver. The receiver may be located over the horizon or in line of sight with the device. The sensors are in communication with the transmitter, and each sensor measures at least one condition in the air and/or on a body of water to assist in locating a person in the water and provide information on the water conditions to a rescue team. Methods of deploying and using the buoyant device are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Gene David Sauder, II, Bon Strout
  • Patent number: 11970257
    Abstract: A hydraulic power trim lift device for a marine propulsion system has at least one lift cylinder, at least one pump and a tank. The lift cylinder has a lift piston chamber and a lift rod chamber separated from the lift piston chamber by a lift cylinder piston. The pump is connected to the lift rod chamber via a first line arrangement and to the lift piston chamber via a second line arrangement. The lift piston chamber is connected to the tank via the second line arrangement when the first line arrangement is pressurized. The second line arrangement has a flow control device acting in the direction of flow to the tank. Furthermore, a marine propulsion system with such a power trim lift device is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: HAWE Hydraulik SE
    Inventors: Paul Franz, Florian Mayr, Jürgen Osterried
  • Patent number: 11970258
    Abstract: An outboard motor includes a bracket, an outboard motor body, a harness, and a seal. The bracket is attached to a transom of a boat. The outboard motor body is supported by the bracket. The harness extends from the outboard motor body through an opening of the transom into the boat. The seal is detachably attached to the opening to hold the harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kentaro Takeda
  • Patent number: 11970259
    Abstract: A linking drive system comprises a first drive shaft of the first drivetrain connected between a first prime mover and a first propulsor. The linking drive system comprises a second drive shaft of the second drivetrain connected between a second prime mover and a second propulsor. The linking drive system further comprises a linking drive clutch, which comprises at least a first clutch part and a second clutch part. The first clutch part and the second clutch part are engageable with each other and can transmit rotation therebetween. At least one flexible drive link is coupled between the linking drive clutch and the first and/or second drive shafts. Rotation from one of the first and second drive shafts is transferred to the other of the first and second drive shafts when the linking drive clutch is engaged thereby linking the first and second drivetrains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Svitzer A/S
    Inventors: Thomas Bangslund, Esben Grundtvig
  • Patent number: 11970260
    Abstract: Provided is a radar and communications enhanced sail for a sailboat, sail ship, or sail drone. The sail includes a first sail section comprising an active communication system, a second sail section comprising a passive communication system, or a combination thereof. The active communication system includes an antenna array (transceiver) and a software-defined radio (SDR), while the passive communication system comprises a reflective panel or sections and/or array of reflector panels or sections. The active system utilizes its SDR and transceiver to communicate back and forth with an onshore SDR and transceiver to provide information as necessary. The passive system receives a radar signal via the reflective material on the sail and reflects the signal back at the radar, which produces a radar cross section indicating that there is an object (in this case the sailboat) in the ocean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Corey Bergsrud, Katherine Grace Pfeiffer, Edward Zipperle, Michael Combs
  • Patent number: 11970261
    Abstract: Aircraft comprising a primary propeller driven in rotation by a motor, the motor having a first assembly and a second assembly movable in rotation relative to each other along an axis of rotation, the primary propeller being secured in rotation to one of said first assembly and second assembly, the first assembly and the second assembly being movable in translation relative to each other along a direction of translation defined by the axis of rotation, between a rest position and a service position, characterized in that said aircraft comprises a locking system, comprising a housing and an indexing element, the housing being formed in one among the first assembly and the second assembly, the indexing element being secured to the other among the first assembly and the second assembly, the locking system having an engaged configuration in which the indexing element is at least partially inserted into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: SAFRAN ELECTRICAL & POWER
    Inventors: Jacques Eche, Yann Tondriaux
  • Patent number: 11970262
    Abstract: A wing for an aircraft is disclosed having a main wing, a high lift body, and a connection assembly movably connecting the high lift body to the main wing, such that the high lift body can be moved between a retracted position and at least one extended position. The connection assembly includes a drive system having a first drive unit and a second drive unit, wherein the first drive unit has a first input section coupled to a drive shaft, a first gear unit and a first output section drivingly coupled to a first connection element. The second drive unit has a second input section coupled to the drive shaft, a second gear unit, and a second output section drivingly coupled to a second connection element. The first output section includes a first output wheel and the second output section includes a second output wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Schreck, Bernhard Schlipf
  • Patent number: 11970263
    Abstract: A braking system for an aircraft may comprise: a brake assembly; a hydraulic braking subsystem having a hydraulic brake actuator configured to operate the brake assembly; an electric braking subsystem having an electric brake actuator configured to operate the brake assembly and a load cell configured to measure a force supplied by the electric brake actuator; a hydraulic brake control unit configured to control the hydraulic braking subsystem; and an electric brake control unit configured to control the electric braking subsystem, the electric brake control unit in operable communication with the hydraulic brake control unit, the electric brake control unit configured to calibrate the load cell by a scale factor based on a measured force from the load cell, a measured hydraulic pressure used to exceed the measured force received from the hydraulic brake control unit, and a piston area of the hydraulic brake actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Marc Georgin, Richard A. Poisson
  • Patent number: 11970264
    Abstract: An electrically-powered VTOL aircraft has a fuselage with a cabin flexibly connected to a powerplane assembly that includes a plurality of electrically-powered rotors and booms. The powerplane assembly can pitch and roll relative to and independently of the cabin, thereby generating efficient fore, aft and lateral thrust while the cabin attitude remains unchanged. This provides a stable passenger experience and enhanced performance and controllability with reduced cost and complexity. In some embodiments, the fuselage is vertically elongated and the powerplane assembly mounts above the fuselage such that a person may walk beneath the rotors completely erect without the fear of being struck by any of the rotors. Using a vertically elongated cabin in conjunction with a relatively high powerplane provides various performance benefits that improve controllability and maneuverability particularly in congested environments, reduce complexity and costs, and enhance passenger safety and experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Inventor: William Swindt Butterfield
  • Patent number: 11970265
    Abstract: A floating moving device includes a first rotation unit, a second rotation unit, a third rotation unit, a fourth rotation unit, and a fifth rotation unit. A fourth adjustment unit adjusts a direction of a fourth impeller such that a rotation axis of the fourth impeller is parallel to at least an up-down direction at a takeoff time. A fifth adjustment unit adjusts a direction of a fifth impeller such that a rotation axis of the fifth impeller is parallel to the up-down direction at the takeoff time. A first adjustment unit adjusts a position of a first wheel such that the first wheel comes into contact with the ground until the takeoff is performed. A second adjustment unit adjusts a position of a second wheel such that the second wheel comes into contact with the ground until the takeoff is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: TATSUMI RYOKI CO., LTD
    Inventor: Toyoshi Kondo
  • Patent number: 11970266
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a flight control mechanism for controlling flight of an unmanned aerial vehicle by controlling collision between the vehicle and a boundary surface, an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with the mechanism, and a method for using the mechanism and the vehicle. Provided is a flight control mechanism for an unmanned aerial vehicle including: a first initial collision member; a second initial collision member; and a holding member that holds the first and second initial collision members with a space therebetween above the body of the unmanned aerial vehicle, is tiltable with respect to the vehicle body by rotating about a predetermined position inside or above the vehicle body toward the side of the vehicle body, and rotates in response to collision between the first or second initial collision member and a boundary surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignees: ACSL, Ltd., NJS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Kuroiwa, Shosuke Inoue, Yusuke Inagaki
  • Patent number: 11970267
    Abstract: A control device (200) includes a ground vehicle controller (230) that causes a ground vehicle to travel at a target area, an acquirer (210) that acquires state information expressing a state of a surface of the target area while the ground vehicle travels the target area, and a determiner (240) that determines, based on the acquired state information, whether or not an aircraft is landable at the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Rakuten Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Toshiaki Tazume
  • Patent number: 11970268
    Abstract: A fractal unmanned aircraft system (200) includes a first module (100), a second module (100) and a third module, (100) each having a top member (120) and a first thruster (130) affixed thereto. Each module (100) is laterally coupled to each other. A fourth module (100) has a bottom that is affixed to the top members (120) of the first module (100), the second module (100) and the third module (100) so as to form a tetrahedral structure. A power source (220) supplies power to the first thrusters (130). A control circuit (222) controls the unmanned aircraft system so as to cause the fractal unmanned aircraft system (200) to fly in a controlled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Garanger, Jeremy Epps, Eric Feron, Michael Miller
  • Patent number: 11970269
    Abstract: Assemblies for air vehicle control surfaces and related methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a control surface; a bullnose carried by the control surface, the bullnose moveable relative to the control surface; a first actuator operatively coupled to the control surface to cause the control surface to rotate; and a second actuator operatively coupled to the control surface, the second actuator to cause the bullnose to move from a first position to a second position to cause an opening to be formed relative to the control surface, the movement of the bullnose independent of rotation of the control surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark S. Good, Kevin Tsai
  • Patent number: 11970270
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a chaff dispensing system that is provided on an aircraft. The chaff dispensing system includes a container, a dispensing assembly, a controller, and a volume of chaff material. The container has a first end, a second end, and a chamber that extends between the first and second ends, and the second end defines an ejection port. The dispensing assembly is provided on the aircraft, and the dispensing assembly is operably engaged to the container. The controller is electrically connected to the dispensing assembly. The volume of chaff material is disposed inside the chamber of the container. The volume of chaff material is dispensed by the dispensing assembly operably through the controller in metered volumes of chaff material. In addition, a first volume of chaff material may be metered at a first time and a second volume chaff material may be metered at a second time in which the second volume of chaff material is different than the first volume of chaff material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Danny L. Plemons, Mark J. Dube
  • Patent number: 11970271
    Abstract: A recline mechanism is described. The recline mechanism provides for adjusting an angle of a seatback of a passenger seat. The recline mechanism prevents angular adjustments of the seatback when a cylinder and piston assembly is in a locked state and permits the angular adjustments when in an unlocked state. A solenoid is provided to lock and unlock a valve of the recline mechanism. The solenoid is engaged and disengaged in response to receiving electrical signals from a button. The button generates an electrical signal when the button is depressed and again when the button is released. The button includes an electromagnet or a piezoelectric for generating the electrical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Dowty, David D. Nicolato, Alen Wyss
  • Patent number: 11970272
    Abstract: In an example, a cargo system for storage in a seating area of an aircraft is described. The cargo system includes a plurality of storage containers including a first container operably connected to a second container via at least one connector. The connector(s) is/are configured to allow relative movement of the first container to the second container between a first and second position. Based on the first container being in the first position, the plurality of storage containers are in a stacked arrangement in which the second container supports the first container. And based on the first container being in the second position, the plurality of storage containers are in a seated arrangement in which (i) the first container is positioned relative to the second container and configured to sit on a passenger seat in an aircraft and (ii) the second container abuts or sits adjacent to the passenger seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Thomas Skyler Sartorius
  • Patent number: 11970273
    Abstract: Examples provide a seat assembly, a system including the seat assembly and a method for reducing electromagnetic interference in an aircraft. A seat assembly for an aircraft includes a frame having a base and a support member operatively coupled to the base. A seat is coupled to the base and a first side of the support member. The seat includes a conductive substrate layer configured to absorb electrical charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Murat Saylik, Joseph A. Bolton
  • Patent number: 11970274
    Abstract: A suspension line assembly for a parachute assembly, comprising a plurality of suspension lines bound together at a confluence, a first riser extending between the confluence and a first attachment location disposed on a first strap, a second riser extending between the confluence and a second attachment location disposed on a second strap and a cradle disposed between the first riser and the second riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: AMI INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Bradley Mastrolia, Ian Walter Haas
  • Patent number: 11970275
    Abstract: An air vehicle is provided including: a main lift generating wing arrangement having a port wing and a starboard wing, empennage and main propulsion system. The air vehicle further includes a distributed electrical propulsion (DEP) system having secondary electrical propulsion units coupled to each one of the port wing and the starboard wing. The main propulsion system is configured for providing sufficient thrust such as to enable powered aerodynamic flight of the air vehicle including at least: powered aerodynamic take off absent operation of the DEP system; and powered aerodynamic landing absent operation of the DEP system. The DEP system is configured for selectively providing at least augmented lift to the main lift generating wing arrangement in at least landing. A method for landing an air vehicle on a moving platform under separated wake conditions is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Danny Abramov, Shay Hemo
  • Patent number: 11970276
    Abstract: In an aspect, a modular battery configuration with a centralized bus on an electric aircraft, including an electric aircraft which comprises a propulsor configured to generate thrust and a centralized electrical bus connected to the propulsor. A plurality of modular battery packs is configured to provide electricity to the centralized electrical bus, wherein the plurality of modular battery packs is arranged about a center of gravity of the electric aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: BETA AIR, LLC
    Inventor: Herman Wiegman
  • Patent number: 11970277
    Abstract: The present invention includes a hybrid propulsion system for an aircraft comprising: an engine disposed within a fuselage of the aircraft, two electrical generators disposed within the fuselage and connected to the engine, and two nacelles. Each nacelle comprises a proprotor, and each nacelle houses two electric motors connected to the proprotor. Each electrical generator is connected to the two electric motors in each nacelle. The proprotors provide lift for vertical takeoff and landing in a helicopter mode. A fan is coupled to the fuselage and connected to two additional electric motors. Each additional electric motor is connected to one of the two electric generators. The fan provides thrust for forward flight during an airplane mode. The airplane mode includes increasing power to the fan while decreasing power to the proprotors to zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Alexander Fenny, John Robert Wittmaak, Jr., Mike John Ryan, Joseph Scott Drennan
  • Patent number: 11970278
    Abstract: A thrust mount assembly includes a thrust link-lever that has a first end region, a second end region, and a fulcrum region disposed between the first end region and the second end region. A thrust link-lever may be coupled or couplable to a fulcrum body of an aft engine-mount at a fulcrum position of the thrust link-lever. When coupled to a turbomachine, the fulcrum position of the thrust link-lever may be laterally offset and/or laterally adjustable relative to an axis of rotation of the turbomachine. A load translated from an engine frame of a turbomachine to an engine-mounting linkage system may be determined and a fulcrum position for the thrust mount assembly may be adjusted laterally relative to an axis of rotation of the turbomachine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Kudum Shinde, Mahesh Shenvi Khandeparker
  • Patent number: 11970279
    Abstract: A control system and methods for controlling the position of one or more engine-mounting links of an engine-mounting linkage system are provided. In one aspect, an engine-mounting linkage system includes one or more engine-mounting links that each have an adjustable inclination angle. An inclination angle of a link may be adjusted by an actuator of the control system. One or more controllers of the control system can control the actuator and thus the inclination angle of the link by determining a control command based at least in part on an output received from one or more sensors of the control system. The controllers can then cause the actuator to change the inclination angle of the link based at least in part on the determined control command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Timothy Leo Schelfaut, Anthony Michael Metz, Jonathan Edward Coleman, Thomas P. Joseph
  • Patent number: 11970280
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly between an aircraft pylon (30) and a turbomachine (20) of longitudinal axis (X), the pylon (30) and the turbomachine (20) each comprising front and rear longitudinal regions, the assembly comprising a rear support (40) configured to connect the rear region of the turbomachine (20) to the rear region of the pylon (30), the assembly being characterized in that the rear support (40) comprises a sliding pivot connection arranged between the rear region of the turbomachine (20) and the rear region of the pylon (30), so as to allow the turbomachine (20) only translational and rotational movements along and about the longitudinal axis (X) and along and about a vertical axis (Z) and a rotational movement about a transverse axis (Y).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Guillaume Glemarec, Guilhem Seize, Eric Francois Michel Maingre, Jean-Baptiste Vignes
  • Patent number: 11970281
    Abstract: A method and system for providing corrective action to a rotorcraft experiencing motor failure is provided. Included in the method and system are embodiments that receive feedback from sensors directed at measuring a state of motors used to provide lift to the rotorcraft. The method and system also describe embodiments for determining that there is a malfunctioning motor, and furthermore, the appropriate corrective action for responding to the malfunctioning motor. In some embodiments, the method and system are configured to reduce power to the malfunctioning motor while simultaneously adjusting power supplied to the remaining motors such that changes in total thrust and net torque are minimized. Further, the method and system are configured to perform diagnostics on the malfunctioning motor while power is still being supplied to the first motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Inventor: Ansel Misfeldt
  • Patent number: 11970282
    Abstract: Systems and methods of aircraft thrust management are provided. For example, a propulsion system for an aircraft comprises a fuel cell assembly comprising a fuel cell, a turbomachine, and a controller comprising memory and one or more processors. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the propulsion system to perform operations including receiving data indicative of a propulsion system thrust discrepancy and modifying an output of the fuel cell in response to receiving data indicative of the propulsion system thrust discrepancy. Modifying the fuel cell output may include modifying output products, an electrical power output, or both of the fuel cell to balance the thrust provided by the propulsion system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Honggang Wang, Kum Kang Huh, Michael Anthony Benjamin, Koji Asari
  • Patent number: 11970283
    Abstract: A dual-motor system includes a first motor rotationally coupled to a first drive shaft. The first drive shaft is coupled to a common shaft couplable to a rotationally driveable member. The dual-motor system also includes a second motor rotationally coupled to a second drive shaft. The second drive shaft is coupled to the common shaft. The first motor and the second motor are coaxially aligned with the first drive shaft passing through the second drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk L. Groninga, Daniel B. Robertson
  • Patent number: 11970284
    Abstract: An exemplary method to determine an airspeed and an angle of attack of a propeller powered vehicle includes determining the power delivered to the propeller, the air density, a propeller power coefficient, an advance ratio for the propeller, and the airspeed using the advance ratio and determining the angle of attack using the airspeed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Kip Gregory Campbell
  • Patent number: 11970285
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an on-board emergency remote assistance and data retrievable system configured to download and retrieve image, audio and video information from the inside and outside of a manned aerial vehicle (MAV) using an on-board unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), while the MAV is either in the air or crashed. The UAV system including at least one drone in coordination with a remote station to automatically locate a distressed MAV while in operation, to track it and provide assistance when possible, wherein the drone being integrated into the MAV. The system of the present invention conclusively prevents the lost or disappearance, and crash of the manned aerial vehicle without a trace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Inventor: Jean Edrice Georges
  • Patent number: 11970286
    Abstract: A flight recorder system of an aircraft includes a resource controller module (RCM) communicatively coupled, via a switch fabric, to a set of flight recorder system modules (FRM). Each FRM comprises a respective control module, a respective local memory, and a respective set of input and output (I/O) ports communicatively coupled to the switch fabric. The RCM is configured to detect a respective FRM coupled to the switch fabric, and based on the detection, configure an operation of the FRM, and wherein the respective local memory of the FRM is readable by the RCM, and shareable with the other FRMs via the switch fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems LLC
    Inventors: Brian L Douthitt, Christopher Robert Eckert
  • Patent number: 11970287
    Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Skydio, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Scott Thompson, Adam Parker Bry, Asher Mendel Robbins-Rothman, Abraham Galton Bachrach, Yevgeniy Kozlenko, Kevin Patrick Smith O'Leary, Patrick Allen Lowe, Daniel Thomas Adams, Justin Michael Sadowski, Zachary Albert West, Josiah Timothy VanderMey
  • Patent number: 11970288
    Abstract: A method of slowing an aircraft overrunning a runway, including covering an area adjacent a runway with irregular foamed glass bodies having aspect ratios of about 1:1.9 and diameters of about 10 mm to about 80 mm to define a bed, pouring liquid cement over the foamed glass bodies such that the cement infiltrates at least through the bed, curing the liquid cement to define a composite material of foamed glass bodies in a cementitious matrix, and crushing at least a portion of the composite material with an oncoming aircraft, slowing the aircraft. The composite material is at least 85 volume percent foamed glass bodies. When pouring the cement, the liquid cement flows over and around the foamed glass bodies. The aggregate bodies crush and break up before slip failure occurs when being overrun by an aircraft. The aggregate bodies intersect to define stacking angles of about 35 degrees. The cementitious matrix has a cementitious surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Earthstone International LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Ungerleider, W. Gene Ramsey
  • Patent number: 11970289
    Abstract: A method of producing a shim for use in an aircraft, the method comprising: providing an aircraft airframe; measuring a surface of the airframe; creating a digital model of the airframe using those measurements; providing an aircraft skin; measuring a surface of the aircraft skin; creating a digital model of the aircraft skin using those measurements; digitally assembling the digital model of the airframe with the digital model of the aircraft skin; using the digitally assembled models, creating a digital model of a shim, the digital model of the shim substantially filling a gap between the digitally assembled digital models of the airframe and the skin; and producing a physical shim using the digital model of the shim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventors: Jack Richard Sharples, Alistair James Fletcher, Jonathan Michael Carberry
  • Patent number: 11970290
    Abstract: This disclosure discloses a method comprising: positioning a stencil having an opening onto an aerospace part such that the aerospace part is accessible through the opening; positioning a masking medium onto the aerospace part through the opening; removing the stencil from the aerospace part such that the masking medium remains on the aerospace part and treating the aerospace part with the masking medium thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: ORIZON AEROSTRUCTURES, LLC
    Inventors: Mitch Flood, Tyler Barnhart, Richard Paul Newell
  • Patent number: 11970291
    Abstract: A toilet for a zero-gravity condition, having: a seat extending from a first end to a second end, and from a first side to a second side; a leg rest at the first end of the seat that is level with the seat; a backrest at the second end of the seat that extends away from the seat, toward an outer end of the toilet, a first sidewall at the first side of the seat and a second sidewall at the second side of the seat, the sidewalls extend away from the seat toward the outer end of the toilet; a basin extending away from the seat toward an inner end of the toilet; a first inflatable member extending about the leg rest, the sidewalls and the backrest, the first inflatable member is configured to inflate against a back, sides and under legs of a person seated against the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND SPACE SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Ashley Himmelmann, Daniel J. Kaplan, Jake Rohrig, Rachel L LaDue
  • Patent number: 11970292
    Abstract: To facilitate on-orbit servicing, such as for a refueling operation, techniques are presented for a servicing satellite to cut through the multi-layer insulation blanket of a client satellite to provide access to the client satellite without releasing unacceptable quantities of foreign object debris from the multi-layer insulation. The serving satellite includes a sealing tool, such as a pair of heater rollers, that apply pressure and heat to the insulating blanket to melt the inner layers and seal the outer layers together. The servicing satellite can then use a cutting tool to cut the sealed region and access the client satellite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Maxar Space LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Warnock, Jeanine M. W. Olson, Eric V. Werner
  • Patent number: 11970293
    Abstract: A drone with extendable and rotatable wings and a multiple accessory securing panel is provided. The extendable wings help increase the lift of the drone and reduce the air drag on the drone. The multiple accessory securing panel allows various tools and objects to be temporarily and selectively secured to the drone. The multiple accessories may be secured to the drone by a ground based rotating delivery unit. The drone may have a removable front nose and legs which receive power from a power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: EPAZZ, INC.
    Inventor: Shaun Passley
  • Patent number: 11970294
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining a resource remaining datum of an electric aircraft is disclosed. The apparatus includes a processor and a memory communicatively connected to the processor. The memory contains instructions configuring the processor to receive aircraft data from at least a sensing device, wherein the at least a sensing device is configured to measure at least a parameter of a battery pack of the electric aircraft and generate aircraft data as a function of the at least a parameter of the battery pack of the electric aircraft. The memory contains instructions configuring the processor to determine a reserve energy as a function of a flight mode of the electric aircraft and determine a resource remaining datum as a function of the aircraft data and the reserve energy, wherein the resource remaining datum is related to the battery pack of the electric aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Beta Air, LLC
    Inventors: Steven J. Foland, Thomas Henck, Herman Wiegman
  • Patent number: 11970295
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protection device for protecting the connection between a detachable wired drone (1) and the wire (5) thereof. This device enables the plug (3) to be reused even when it has fallen many times from a great height and limits the risk of injury and electrocution of people. The device consists of a non-conductive envelope surrounding the electrical contacts of the plug (3), a procedure or a mechanical system that cuts off the power when the plug (3) is detached from the drone (1), a system for mechanical protection against impacts, which can be an energy-dissipating envelope, a parachute-like system (4) for slowing down the fall, or the separation of the plug into a plurality of parts connected by a flexible element. The device according to the invention is particularly applicable to wired drones (1) in order to speed up movement outside the perimeter defined by the wire (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: ELISTAIR
    Inventors: Timothée Penet, Olivier Dubois, Guilhem De Marliave
  • Patent number: 11970296
    Abstract: A pallet wrapping system with at least two guides sets configured to narrow the width of stretch film to form a banded edge on the stretch film. A plurality of rollers is positioned adjacent to the plurality of guides to facilitate passing the stretch film through the plurality of guides. A first roll of stretch film positioned to pass stretch film to the first set of guides, and a second roll of stretch film positioned to receive banded stretch film from the first set of guides, layer the banded stretch film onto unhanded stretch film to form an unbanded composite stretch film, and then pass the unhanded composite stretch film to the second set of guides to form a banded composite stretch film having a banded first ply with a width equal to the first width and a banded second ply with a width equal to the second width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Inventor: Darrel Bison
  • Patent number: 11970297
    Abstract: A system, device and method to facilitate tying a knot are provided. In the context of a device, the device includes a fixture defining an internal passage therethrough. The fixture defines a circumferential groove opening through an interior surface of the fixture and into the internal passage. The groove includes first and second groove portions that cross one another. Opposite ends of the groove are coincident and open through an exterior surface of the fixture. With relation to a system, the system includes a fixture and a lead member supply mechanism configured to alternately feed a lead member through the groove and to withdraw the lead member from the groove once the tie member is connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Tyler E. Berkey, Daniel Thomas, Matthew L. Scott
  • Patent number: 11970298
    Abstract: A processing plant, in particular for making respective products, in particular defined by articles or packages of respective articles, the articles being preferably in the form of articles of the tissue industry, the plant including at least one unit for detecting products, in particular defective products, especially defective articles and/or packages, preferably for detecting defective rolls and/or packs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: PULSAR S.R.L.
    Inventor: Massimo Franzaroli
  • Patent number: 11970299
    Abstract: A device for filling containers for bags of smokeless tobacco, includes an infeed station for feeding a succession of inner frames, a filling station to feed a succession of individual bags tobacco to a respective inner frame, a release station for releasing inner frames full of bags, a conveyor defining a feed line which passes through the infeed station, the filling station and the release station and which has a housing to hold and move a respective inner frame from the infeed station to the release station via the filling station. A suction device is disposed in the filling station to apply suction in the housing of the conveyor disposed in the filling station and a rotation device is disposed in the filling station and confronting the housing. The rotation device rotates the inner frame in the housing so successive radial compartments of the inner frame confront respective bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: G.D S.P.A.
    Inventor: Fulvio Boldrini
  • Patent number: 11970300
    Abstract: Provided herein is a system for automated dispensing and packaging of articles. Systems may include: a controller configured to receive an indication of an order to be packaged, where the order includes one or more articles; a packaging station; a web of bags, where the web of bags is fed to the packaging station; a pneumatic table configurable to support a bag disposed at the packaging station; an opening mechanism including a pneumatic nozzle to open the bag disposed at the packaging station; a loading bin configured to be inserted into the open bag and deposit the one or more articles; and a closure apparatus to seal the bag disposed at the packaging station after receiving the one or more articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: OMNICELL, INC.
    Inventors: David J. White, Patrick J. Braun
  • Patent number: 11970301
    Abstract: A firework packaging system includes a firework packaging assembly, including a first and second firework assemblies, each including a base unit and a plurality of launching tubes mounted in the base unit, such that the first firework assembly and the second firework assembly are packaged in an opposing overlapping configuration, with internal overlap such that first tubes slide into second tubes, or external overlap such that first tubes slide between adjacent second tubes. The fireworks packaging system can further include a shipping crate, containing a plurality of cases, each containing a plurality of firework packaging assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Inventor: Hongbo Zhou