Patents Issued in June 18, 2024
  • Patent number: 12012194
    Abstract: An outboard motor includes an attachment attached to a hull, and a support vertically rotatably connected to the attachment and horizontally rotatably supporting an outboard motor main unit. The support includes an upper support and a lower support. The outboard motor includes a left reinforcement that includes a left upper connector connected to the upper support and a left lower connector connected to the lower support, and a right reinforcement that includes a right upper connector connected to the upper support and a right lower connector connected to the lower support. The left upper connector is located leftward of a left side of the upper support. The right upper connector is located rightward of a right side of the upper support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto Mizutani, Tomohiro Hagi, Chiharu Masuda
  • Patent number: 12012195
    Abstract: An outboard motor includes a power converter to convert AC power generated by a generator that generates power by operation of a drive engine into DC power and to supply converted DC power to a plurality of batteries, a voltage detector to detect a voltage value of the DC power converted by the power converter, and a phase angle controller configured or programmed to perform a retarding/advancing control until the voltage value of the DC power becomes equal to or higher than a first preset voltage value, which is higher than a voltage value at a start of the retarding/advancing control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shimpei Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 12012196
    Abstract: In a swaying mode of a watercraft, a controller sets either of a first shift mechanism and a second shift mechanism to a forward moving state and sets the other of the first and second shift mechanisms to a rearward moving state, while controlling a rudder angle of a first marine propulsion device and a rudder angle of a second marine propulsion device such that a net thrust of a thrust generated by the first marine propulsion device and a thrust generated by the second marine propulsion device is oriented in a sideways direction. When setting the first shift mechanism to the forward moving state and setting the second shift mechanism to the rearward moving state in the swaying mode, the controller switches the second shift mechanism to the rearward moving state and then switches the first shift mechanism to the forward moving state after a delay at the start of the swaying mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kento Sakurada
  • Patent number: 12012197
    Abstract: A stratospheric airship includes a nonrigid balloon equipped with a solar generator arranged on the upper part of the nonrigid balloon intended to be illuminated in flight by the sun, the airship comprising: at least one device for managing the position of the centre of gravity of the airship; at least one device for stabilizing the attitude of the airship; and a module for the coupled control of the devices, configured to control the airship, when the speed of travel of the airship with respect to the surrounding air is below a first threshold (S1) and/or the temperature of the solar generator is above a second threshold (S2), in such a way that it rotates by substantially half a turn about its longitudinal axis (AL), so as to protect the solar generator from illumination by the sun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: THALES
    Inventors: Hervé Renault, Jean-Pierre Prost, Magali Mesrine
  • Patent number: 12012198
    Abstract: A rear pressure bulkhead comprising a dome shaped structure, and a set of built-in extension components (“petals”) homogeneously distributed along the periphery of the dome-shaped structure. This results in the dome-shaped structure being secured to a frame of the aircraft, while the extension components are secured to longitudinal structures of the aircraft. An aircraft rear fuselage is provided including such a rear pressure bulkhead so that the available cabin space, i.e., pressurized space, is extended without enlarging the fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignees: Airbus SAS, Airbus Operations S.L., Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Laure Partouche, John Arthur Jones, Christopher Holmes, Wouter Brok, Ralf Reinhold, Adolfo Avila Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 12012199
    Abstract: A windshield assembly comprises a support panel, a windshield, and a frame, surrounding the windshield. The frame comprises a frame inboard leg, which is in contact with an inboard windshield surface. A hinge pivotally couples a frame-inboard-leg top portion of the frame inboard leg to the support panel and has a pivot axis. A channel is provided in the support panel. At least a portion of the frame-inboard-leg bottom portion, at least a portion of the frame-inboard-leg first lateral portion, and at least a portion of the frame-inboard-leg second lateral portion are located in the channel. The channel comprises a channel base leg. A seal is located in the channel between the channel base leg and the frame inboard leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Daren Evans, Nick A. Kovaltchouk, Joshua R. Holcomb
  • Patent number: 12012200
    Abstract: A rotor assembly has a rotor hub having a unitary structure. The rotor assembly further includes a unitary crosshead having a first upper tab and a first lower tab located vertically below the first upper tab. The first upper tab and the first lower tab define a slot therebetween to accept a first pin of the first rotor blade. A second upper tab and a second lower tab located vertically below the second upper tab define a slot therebetween to accept a second pin of the second rotor blade. A first recess is provided between the first lower tab and the second lower tab so that the crosshead comprises no material directly between at least a portion of the first lower tab and the second lower tab along at least one straight path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: George Matthew Thompson, Jonathan Knoll, Paul Sherrill
  • Patent number: 12012201
    Abstract: An assembly for an aircraft turbine engine is provided. The assembly generally includes an un-ducted propeller blade of which the root has a bulbous portion; a system for setting the pitch of the blade about a pitch setting axis, the pitch setting system including a cup, configured to be placed inside the outer casing, has a flared open top end for axial insertion of the root and in which the root of the blade can be axially affixed by a locking member; and at least one radial retention prong in a radial space reserved between the wall of the cup and the root.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Safran Aircraft Engines
    Inventors: Clément Cottet, Vivien Mickaël Courtier, Vincent Joudon, Thierry Georges Paul Papin
  • Patent number: 12012202
    Abstract: A system for the prioritization of flight controls in an electric aircraft is illustrated. The system includes a plurality of flight components, a sensor, and a computing device. The plurality of flight components are coupled to the electric aircraft. The sensor is coupled to each flight component of the plurality of flight components. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to detect a failure event of a flight component of the plurality of flight components and generate a failure datum associated to the flight component of the plurality of flight components. The computing device is communicatively connected to the sensor and is configured to receive the failure datum associated to the flight component of the plurality of flight component from the sensor, determine a prioritization element as a function of the failure datum, and restrict at least a flight element as a function of the prioritization element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Beta Air, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua E. Auerbach, Nicholas Moy, Collin Freiheit
  • Patent number: 12012203
    Abstract: A heavy-lift UAV frame includes a central frame portion and a pocket area for receiving an avionics package. Top and bottom plates are secured to the central frame portion and include four corner members that extend diagonally outward therefrom. A plurality of boom hinges are interposed between each of the corner members pivot a boom arm between an extended position for flight and a retracted position for storage and transport. Each boom arm and hinge combination includes a complementary dimension to one side of the central frame portion to position a boom arm parallel thereto when in the retracted position. A plurality of landing gear hinges are positioned along the bottom of the frame and transition a plurality of landing gear legs between a ready for flight position and a storage position. In the storage position each of the legs are positioned diagonally beneath the central frame portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Harris Aerial LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Harris, Ethan Camp Wash
  • Patent number: 12012204
    Abstract: A rotor for an aircraft is described having: a support angularly fixed with respect to an axis and housing a power source; a unit rotatable about axis and housing an electrical load of the resistive type; and a power supply system for the electrical load (21, 24) and comprising: a first transformer electrically interposed between the power source and the load; the first transformer comprises: a first winding arranged on the support and a second winding arranged on the unit, a stator carried by the support, rotationally fixed with respect to axis and to which the first winding is fixed; and a rotor operatively connected to the unit and to which the second winding is fixed; the power supply system comprises a capacitive circuit electrically connected to the first transformer, so as to reduce the reactive power absorbed by the rotary transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignees: LEONARDO S.P.A., POLITECNICO DI MILANO
    Inventors: Enrico Bellussi, Massimo Brunetti, Giovanni Facchini, Nicola Ostuni, Francesco Castelli Dezza, Marco Mauri, Steven Chatterton, Nicola Toscani
  • Patent number: 12012205
    Abstract: A flight control computer (FCC) may implement automatic rotor tilt control by gathering or receiving, as inputs, airspeed or a commanded airspeed for the aircraft, acceleration or a commanded acceleration for the aircraft, pitch attitude of the aircraft and pilot pitch bias commands for the aircraft, a rotor tilt angle, and/or the like. The FCC calculates, from the airspeed, the commanded airspeed, the acceleration, the commanded acceleration, the pitch attitude, the pilot pitch bias commands, and/or the like, a commanded rotor tilt angle for the aircraft. From the aircraft rotor tilt angle and the commanded rotor tilt angle, the FCC calculates a rotor tilt angle error for the aircraft, and from the rotor tilt angle error, calculates a rotor tilt rate command for the aircraft. The FCC outputs the resulting rotor tilt rate command to (an) aircraft flight control element actuator(s) to tilt the aircraft rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Thomas Christensen, Sang Gyun Park
  • Patent number: 12012206
    Abstract: The aircraft can include: an airframe, a tilt mechanism, a payload housing, and can optionally include an impact attenuator, a set of ground support members (e.g., struts), a set of power sources, and a set of control elements. The airframe can include: a set of rotors and a set of support members. By utilizing a larger rotor blade area (and/or larger rotor disc area) and adjusting the blade pitch and RPM, the rotors can augment the lift generated by the aerodynamic profile of the aircraft in the forward flight mode in addition to providing forward thrust. Variants generating lift with the rotors can reduce or eliminate additional control surfaces (e.g., wing flaps, ailerons, ruddervators, elevators, rudder, etc.) on the aircraft since the thrust and motor torque is controllable (thereby indirectly controlling lift) at each rotor, thereby enabling pitch, yaw, and/or roll control during forward flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Inventors: Gregor Veble Mikic, Alex Stoll, JoeBen Bevirt
  • Patent number: 12012207
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus (100) according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first determination unit (121) that determines an operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (1) based on a first threshold for determining whether the unmanned aerial vehicle (1) can enter the inside, a second threshold, which is greater than the first threshold, for determining whether the unmanned aerial vehicle (1) can land on a water surface of pooled water in the inside, and space information indicating a space of the inside, and a second determination unit (122) that determines a flight altitude of the unmanned aerial vehicle (1) with respect to the water surface or a floor surface of the manhole after the unmanned aerial vehicle (1) enters the inside based on the first and second thresholds, and the space information in a case where it has been determined that the unmanned aerial vehicle (1) can enter the inside and cannot land on the water surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuaki Watanabe, Yujin Hamano, Daisuke Uchibori, Masafumi Nakagawa, Atsushi Aratake
  • Patent number: 12012208
    Abstract: Systems and methods for inspecting or maintaining a structure, such as a utility pole or a metal tower), with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are disclosed. The UAV can be configured to fly to a target location on the structure and measure characteristics of the structure such as a component thickness. The UAV can precisely repeat the measurement at a later time to determine any change in component thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: OSMOSE UTILITIES SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Wayne Litton, Matt Gardner, Kevin Niles
  • Patent number: 12012209
    Abstract: The invention relates to a water scooping apparatus (2) for an aircraft (1), comprising a water scooping unit (7) that is associated with a water tank (10) via an extendible tubular member (5). The water scooping unit being provided with an intake opening (20) that is in fluidic communication with the extendible tubular member and arranged at a side of the water scooping unit facing away from the sky when the water scooping apparatus is in an active state, the water scooping unit (7) being provided with a plurality of surface-piercing hydrofoils (25, 26, 27, 28) arranged surrounding the intake opening (20) and configured to generate an upward force when being moved through a body of water to position the water scooping unit with respect to a surface (9) of the body of water in such a way to ensure water intake via the intake opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: SCODEV INTERNATIONAL B.V.
    Inventors: Jacobus Gerardus Hendrikus Maria Benedik, Stefano Brizzolara
  • Patent number: 12012210
    Abstract: An integrated multifunction dynamic display system and method for an air vehicle that provides an interactive user experience. The system is based around an array of multifunction display nodes that are disposed throughout the air vehicle. The multifunction display nodes are connected through a databus or network such that the display nodes can operate individually or in combination to create a desired interactive experience. The nodes can include interior lighting, exterior lighting, interior displays, exterior displays, and windows. The multifunction dynamic display system can be used to control or otherwise provide interior lighting or displays, loading/unloading instruction, inflight entertainment or information, emergency notification and instruction, augmented reality, external lighting and displays. In addition, the multifunction dynamic display can be configured for each passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Alakai Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Brian D. Morrison, Peter F. Falt
  • Patent number: 12012211
    Abstract: A carrier device for a seating area divider provided within a vehicle cabin, in particular an aircraft cabin, comprising at least a base member and a fixation device which is coupled to the base member to support the base member on a cabin floor. The base member is configured to carry a privacy divider screen of the seating area divider. The fixation device comprises at least a seat track locking member protruding perpendicular from the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Adient Aerospace, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Lee Senechal, Anthony Harcup
  • Patent number: 12012212
    Abstract: An assembly is provided for an aircraft structure. This aircraft structure assembly includes an acoustic panel and a thermal anti-icing system. The acoustic panel includes an exterior surface. The thermal anti-icing system includes a susceptor and a microwave system. The susceptor is configured with the acoustic panel. The microwave system is configured to direct microwaves to the susceptor for melting and/or preventing ice accumulation on the exterior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventors: Steven M. Kestler, Joseph V. Mantese
  • Patent number: 12012213
    Abstract: An electrically powered aerial vehicle includes at least one motor where each motor includes a stator and a rotor, a motor housing having an inlet opening and a discharge opening for airflow, a plurality of rotor blades rotatable by the rotor, each of the plurality of rotor blades having a cavity running from a proximal end of the rotor blade towards a distal end of the rotor blade, and a blade hub coupled to the rotor blades at the proximal end of each rotor blade and coupled to the motor housing at the discharge opening. A chamber is defined in the blade hub and is in fluid communication with the discharge opening of the motor housing and the cavity of each rotor blade. The airflow is centrifugally drawn in from the motor housing through the discharge opening and transported through the chamber and into the cavities of the rotor blades when the rotor blades are rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventor: Jose Palacios
  • Patent number: 12012214
    Abstract: A hybrid propulsion system for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft comprising at least one combustion engine driving an electricity generator, at least one electrical energy storage assembly associated with each electricity generator and defining, with each electricity generator, an energy branch, a plurality of electric motors actuating a same plurality of rotors providing together the propulsion and/or the lift of the aircraft, and an electrical power and distribution unit supplying power to the plurality of electric motors from the electricity generator and/or from the electrical energy storage assembly according to a pre-established flight phase, the system including at least two energy branches having an asymmetric configuration and each supplying power selectively, by means of the electrical power and distribution unit, all or part of the plurality of electric motors, and in that the electricity generators of the combustion engines have between them a power ratio comprised between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: SAFRAN HELICOPTER ENGINES
    Inventors: Romain Jean Gilbert Thiriet, Stéphane Meyer Beddok
  • Patent number: 12012215
    Abstract: An aircraft and a method for controlling such an aircraft comprising two turboshaft engines, an electric machine, an electrical power source and a rotor rotated by one of the two turboshaft engines and/or by the electric machine. The aircraft comprises at least one controller configured to implement, at all times, a current operating mode of the electric machine and the electrical power source, selected from seven operating modes, allowing standard start-up or fast start-up respectively of a turboshaft engine in a switched-off state or in a standby state. The electric machine can also provide first or second levels of power assistance to a turboshaft engine in order to transmit engine torque to the gas generator of that turboshaft engine, apply mechanical resistance to a turboshaft engine or help ventilate a turboshaft engine in a switched-off state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventor: Stephane Cerqueira
  • Patent number: 12012216
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a support structure for attaching the engine to an aircraft pylon. The support structure includes: an engine-side interface member, a pylon-side interface member interfacing to the engine-side interface member, and a top V-shaped connection formation above the engine core and pair of side V-shaped connection formations on opposite lateral sides of the engine core, each V-shaped connection formation being formed by a pair of connection members meeting at a vertex, the vertex of the top V-shaped connection formation joining to the top of the engine-side interface member, the vertices of the side V-shaped connection formations respectively joining to the bottom ends of the engine-side interface member, and the connection members extending forwardly from their respective vertices to join to front fixation points at the core casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Richard G Stretton
  • Patent number: 12012217
    Abstract: An aircraft includes a fuselage, a main entry door with an associated passenger loading zone, an auxiliary power unit (APU) in the fuselage, and an APU inlet assembly. The APU inlet assembly has an inlet duct, and inlet door, and means for redirecting sound waves coupled to or integrated with an interior side of the inlet door. The inlet duct has a first end coupled to the APU, and a second end associated with the inlet door. The inlet door moves between a closed position and an open position. The means for redirecting sound waves is positioned at a particular location on the interior side of the inlet door, and includes certain acoustic features and characteristics. The particular location and the acoustic features and characteristics cooperate to redirect sound waves generated by the APU away from the passenger loading zone when the inlet door is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael Lucas
  • Patent number: 12012218
    Abstract: A flight display is described. The flight display includes a display screen, a physical network interface, and multiple processors. The flight display interfaces with the flight deck by way of the physical network interface. The display screen displays images representative of avionics data in response to signals generated by one or more of the processors. The processors also generate command signals causing an actuator of the aircraft to control a flight control surface or a throttle. In this regard, the one or more of the processors perform various automatic flight control system (AFCS) functions. A system is further described including multiple of the flight displays. By hosting the AFCS functions across processors of the multiple flight displays, a level of command integrity may be reached. Furthermore, backups flight displays are available to be reconfigured to perform the AFCS functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Segal, Charles Steffen, John P. Perich, Jason K. Dahlstrom, Thomas M. Scanlon, Ajay Karthik Ganesan
  • Patent number: 12012219
    Abstract: A device includes one or more processors configured to access sensor data generated during a time window by one or more sensors onboard an aircraft. The one or more processors are configured to determine, based on the sensor data, a lateral acceleration dataset indicating frequency and magnitude of lateral buffet of the aircraft detected during the time window. The one or more processors are configured to determine, based on the sensor data, a vertical acceleration dataset indicating frequency and magnitude of vertical buffet of the aircraft detected during the time window. The one or more processors are configured to determine a buffet metric based on the lateral acceleration dataset and the vertical acceleration dataset. The one or more processors are configured to determine a buffet indicator based, at least in part, on the buffet metric. The one or more processors are configured to provide the buffet indicator to a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas John Esser, Jia Luo, Dustin K. Biggerstaff, Darren Gordon McDonald
  • Patent number: 12012220
    Abstract: A calibration system for aircraft control surface actuation includes an inclinometer coupleable to an aircraft control surface. The inclinometer is configured to provide measurement data of an inclination value corresponding to an angle at which the surface is deflected. The system includes an adapter with a wireless transmitter module and an interface connector connected to the inclinometer. The adapter is configured to receive and wirelessly transmit the measurement data. The system includes a wireless receiver device and a computing device connected thereto to receive the measurement data. The computing device is configured to determine if the inclination value differs by more than a predetermined amount from a directed deflection angle for the surface. The computing device is also configured to communicate an adjustment amount to a controller configured to direct deflection of the surface, based on the difference between the measured inclination value and the directed deflection angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jonathan B. Vance, Andrew J. Martignoni, III
  • Patent number: 12012221
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a stand for launching, landing, testing, refueling and recharging a UAV, and methods for testing, landing and launching the UAV are disclosed. Further, embodiments may include transferring a payload onto or off of the UAV, and loading flight planning and diagnostic maintenance information to the UAV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Airogistic, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jeff Michalski, Michael Foley
  • Patent number: 12012222
    Abstract: Innovative peripheral bar assembly for a transportation vehicle is provided. One method includes retrieving, by a processor of a seat device of an aircraft coupled to a removable, peripheral bar assembly having a plurality of programmable, light emitting diodes (LEDs), configuration information to operate the LEDs; transmitting, by the processor, one or more commands to the peripheral bar assembly to operate one or more of the LEDs; and operating, by the peripheral bar assembly, the one or more LEDs, in response to the one or more commands to indicate non-verbal communication based on one or more pre-defined communication protocols indicating a seat-by-seat status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: PANASONIC AVIONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Diaz, Steven Christopher Vazquez, Yoshimi Yamamoto, Sebastian Petry, Mehdi Izadyar, Nicholas Ma, Omar Lopez Cisneros
  • Patent number: 12012223
    Abstract: A camera payload configured for attachment to an unmanned aerial system with a payload interface. The camera payload includes a payload interface that includes a configuration that is structured and arranged to provide tool-free mechanical retention, electrical connections for power, and electrical connections for data; at least one camera mounted in the camera payload; at least one composite skin and at least one internal structure; at least one sealable and removable camera window retained on an outside of the camera payload; and at least one computer arranged within the camera payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Flightwave Aerospace Systems
    Inventors: Trent Lukaczyk, Daniel Levy, Michael Colonno
  • Patent number: 12012224
    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: August 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 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: 12012225
    Abstract: A device and a method for introducing a drone to an area of interest are presented. The delivery system may include a housing, a drone, either a timer or a receiver, a lock mechanism, and a biasing mechanism. The housing further includes a pair of parts with or without subparts. At least one sensor is attached to the drone. The timer or the receiver is secured to the housing and communicable with the lock mechanism to control function thereof. The lock mechanism is adapted to releasably secure the parts or the subparts. The drone is enclosed within the housing in a CLOSED configuration when the lock mechanism is locked. The biasing mechanism separates the parts or the subparts to an OPEN configuration when the lock mechanism is unlocked. The drone is introducible to the area of interest in the CLOSED configuration and separable from the housing in the OPEN configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Inventors: Joseph W. Warwick, Jason T. Erdreich
  • Patent number: 12012226
    Abstract: Airport gate visual docking guidance system digital twin methods, systems, and devices are described herein. One method includes: identifying that a device of the visual docking guidance system is non-responsive, determining which device is non-responsive, initiating start-up of one visual docking guidance system program selected from: a visual docking guidance system software program, a central computing system program, or an operating station program, selecting a digital twin data set corresponding to the device of the visual docking guidance system that was non-responsive, wherein the set includes parameter data that was customized by a user of the visual docking guidance system and is particular to the device of the visual docking guidance system that was non-responsive, and sending the digital twin parameter data to the device of the visual docking guidance system that was non-responsive to update one or more parameters stored in association with the visual docking guidance system program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jayaprakash Meruva, Rajesh V. Poojary, Sachin Kumar S., Ganapati Hegde
  • Patent number: 12012227
    Abstract: One variation of a tram system includes: a chassis; a latch configured to selectively engage a latch receiver mounted to an aircraft; an alignment feature adjacent the latch and configured to engage an alignment receiver mounted to the aircraft and to communicate acceleration and braking forces from the chassis into the aircraft; an optical sensor facing upwardly from the chassis; a drivetrain configured to accelerate and decelerate the chassis along a runway; and a controller configured to detect an optical fiducial arranged on the aircraft in optical images recorded by the optical sensor adjust a speed of the drivetrain to longitudinally align the alignment feature with the alignment receiver based on positions of the optical fiducial detected in the optical images, trigger the latch to engage the latch receiver once the aircraft has descended onto the chassis, and trigger the drivetrain to actively decelerate the chassis during a landing routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Inventor: Ilya Daniel Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 12012228
    Abstract: A device for the supply of fuel to aircraft includes an elevating arm (1) situated above a mobile trolley (1.2) and where the elevating arm (1) is articulated with respect to a shaft (1.1) between a first position that is substantially horizontal and parallel to the surface of the floor and a second elevated position; an adaptor assembly (2) integrally joined to the upper surface of the elevating arm (1) and from which a drive handle (5) emerges frontally which is configured to mobilise the mobile trolley (1.2) by multiple wheels (1.3); and an articulated clamp (3) actuated by an actuation mechanism (4) integrally joined to the adaptor assembly (2) on the lower and internal surface of the elevating arm (1) such that the articulated clamp (3) is configured to be adjusted on a handle of the pit coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Vimasol E Hijos, SL
    Inventors: Juan Martínez Maciá, Vicente Martínez Maciá
  • Patent number: 12012229
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for charging an aircraft can include a robotic charging device, and a computing system configured to obtain data associated with a transportation itinerary and energy parameter(s) of the aircraft. The data associated with the transportation itinerary can be indicative of an aircraft landing facility at which the aircraft is to be located. The computing system can determine (e.g., select) a robotic charging device from among a plurality of robotic charging devices for charging the aircraft based on the transportation itinerary data and energy parameter(s) of the aircraft; determine charging parameter(s) for the robotic charging device based on the transportation itinerary data; and communicate command instruction(s) for the robotic charging device to charge the aircraft according to the charging parameter(s). The robotic charging device can be configured to automatically connect with a charging area of the aircraft for charging a battery onboard the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: JOBY AERO, INC.
    Inventors: Ian Andreas Villa, Luke Asher Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 12012230
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of aeronautical propulsion, and more specifically to an emptying and monitoring device and method for emptying and monitoring a fluid drained from an aircraft engine. The emptying and monitoring device comprises at least one first intake passage for receiving, directly from the aircraft, fluid drained from the engine, and a first quality sensor assembly for detecting at least one quality parameter of the fluid drained from the engine, having been admitted through the first intake passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Alméric Pierre Louis Garnier, Josselin Xavier Coupard
  • Patent number: 12012231
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring at least one aircraft engine, said method including an acquisition (100) according to the first and second sets of measurements of respectively endogenous and exogenous variables. The method also includes: a normalization (200) of the measurements of the first set relative to the measurements of the second set, a generation (300) of a current model representative of the evolution of the behavior of the engine based on the normalized measurements, a detection (400) of potential abnormality in the behavior of the engine based on a comparison of the current model with a reference model, a generation (500) of a maintenance message, a transmission (600) of said ground message, the acquisition, normalization, generation of a current model, the detection and generation of a maintenance message being made on board the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Guillaume Rémi Bonnet, Josselin Xavier Coupard
  • Patent number: 12012232
    Abstract: A spacecraft attitude control module (1) according to the invention is compact and easy to assemble with additional modules to form an operative attitude control system. The module comprises a robust rectangular, preferably cubic support frame with an attitude control assembly fitted within the confines of the support frame, the assembly including a reference structure comprising a platform, a flywheel support structure (15, 18, 19, 26) and a flywheel (25). The flywheel support structure may be fixed to the platform (10) or it may be a gimbal structure that is rotatable relative to the platform. In the first case the module is a reaction wheel module. In the second case the module is a single gimbal control moment gyroscope module. A preferred embodiment includes a slanted position of the platform (10) relative to the ground plane (100) of the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Veoware SPRL
    Inventors: Julien Demonty, Julien Tallineau
  • Patent number: 12012233
    Abstract: Chemical propellant storage and supply systems and methods for use on spacecraft are provided. The systems and methods include a fluid pump for moving chemical propellant within the system at selected pressures. This can include operating the fluid pump to supply propellant to a thruster system at a selected pressure. A fuel tank can be refilled by connecting a propellant resupply source to the system, and operating the fluid pump to move propellant from the propellant resupply source to the fuel tank. In a system with multiple fuel tanks, the fluid pump can be operated to move propellant from a donor fuel tank to a recipient fuel tank. The chemical propellant can be stored in one or more fuel tanks at a relatively low pressure. In addition, the chemical propellant is not pressurized by a gaseous pressurant while it is stored in the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Gordon C. Wu, Derek Chan, Robert J. Baltrum, Jr., Eric R. Turner
  • Patent number: 12012234
    Abstract: An electrodeless plasma thruster with closed-ring-shaped gas discharge chamber (1, 10) can include a gas discharge chamber (1, 10) closed-ring-shaped in fluid communication with a propellant storage system (10, 70). An antenna (3, 30) can be positioned on the exterior of the gas discharge tube (1, 10). A guide tube (2, 20) can be coupled with the gas discharge chamber (1, 10) at a first end and have a second open end. A magnetic system (7, 50) can be positioned on the second end of the guide tube (2, 20). The magnetic system (7, 50) can be electrically coupled with a power supply. The power supply can be electrically coupled with a power converter (11, 80) and a control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Khalifa University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Andrei Ivanovich Shumeiko, Firas Salah Jarrar, Sean Shan Min Swei
  • Patent number: 12012235
    Abstract: A solar panel module includes a solar panel; a printed circuit board combined with a plane of the solar panel and including a microchamber and an ignition circuit; and a propellant inserted into the microchamber and connected to the ignition circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: CUBEROCKET INC.
    Inventors: Jeongrak Lee, Eunji Lee, Youngbin Son, Yoonju Lee, Hanseong Jo
  • Patent number: 12012236
    Abstract: A collet assembly, for an umbilical plate that connects a vehicle to a ground station prior to a launch of the vehicle, includes an active decoupler. The active decoupler includes a pin. A cuff has a central opening. The pin passes through the central opening. A plurality of fingers are pivotally coupled to the cuff. A plurality of levers are pivotally coupled to the plurality of fingers and the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Harry Kendall Warden, Jeffrey Wayne Weathers, James Boyd Weathers
  • Patent number: 12012237
    Abstract: A method for wrapping a load with a film, strip, band of extensible material comprises: unwinding a film of extensible material from a reel; making a pleat on the film by means of a pleating system; stretching the film by means of a pair of pre-stretching rollers; welding the pleat by means of at least one of the pre-stretching rollers; wrapping the load with the film provided with the pleat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: AETNA GROUP S.P.A.
    Inventors: Mauro Ceré, Gabriele Canini
  • Patent number: 12012238
    Abstract: A packaging system for the storage of an ophthalmic device is disclosed. The packaging system includes a sealed container containing one or more unused ophthalmic devices immersed in an aqueous packaging solution that includes ectoine or an ophthalmologically acceptable ectoine derivative. The aqueous packaging solution has an osmolality of at least about 150 mOsm/kg, a pH of about 6 to about 9 and is sterilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: BAUSCH + LOMB IRELAND LIMITED
    Inventors: Alok K. Awasthi, Jade J. Russell, Mark R. Mis
  • Patent number: 12012239
    Abstract: Methods for manufacturing cartridges for fluid mixture dispensers are disclosed herein. For example, the cartridges can be ingredient cartridges for fluid mixture dispensers each holding a set of discrete ingredients in a set of ingredient reservoirs. The methods of manufacturing the cartridges can include configuring the cartridges with loadouts including selecting specific ingredients, selecting a number of reservoirs, and selecting a relative size of the various reservoirs. The methods can also include collecting a set of population data using a network of fluid mixture dispensing devices, analyzing the set of population data, and configuring the cartridges so that they are each optimized for a consumption pattern using the set of population data. The methods can further include filling the cartridge reservoirs according to the loadout and packaging the cartridges for shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Palm Mass Customization, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Posner, Yashodhan Deshpande
  • Patent number: 12012240
    Abstract: Machine (10) and method for the automatic treatment of components of inhalers, in particular cartomizers for electronic cigarettes, wherein each component has a central body, preferably of tubular shape, having a lower end part normally protected by a removable lower cap and an upper end part normally protected by a removable upper cap. Upstream and downstream from one or more work stations (S3) and/or one or more inspection stations (S4) there are, respectively, a removal station (S2), configured to selectively and automatically remove the caps from the respective central bodies, and a repositioning station (S5), configured to selectively and automatically return the caps to the corresponding central bodies of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: I.M.A. INDUSTRIA MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE S.P.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Zaniboni
  • Patent number: 12012241
    Abstract: A filling aid. The filling aid includes a locking portion including a groove feature; and a locking feature having a locked and an unlocked position; and a filling syringe holder slidably attached to the locking portion, the filling syringe holder including a filling needle cradle portion having a tongue feature; and a needle housing portion comprising at least one tab having a starting position and a filling position, wherein the groove feature configured to accommodate the tongue feature, and wherein the locking feature interact with the filling syringe holder wherein when the locking feature moves from the locked position to the unlocked position the needle housing portion moves from the starting position to the filling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Richard J. Lanigan, Kevin L. Grant, Lisa A. Gustin, Timothy D. Moreau
  • Patent number: 12012242
    Abstract: Method for packaging electrical insulators (4) for high voltage or very high voltage, such as electrical line insulators made with a dielectric material chosen from glass or porcelain, and more specifically, electrical insulators with a protective hydrophobic silicone elastomer coating covering the surface of the electrical insulators, under vacuum or under inert gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: SEDIVER
    Inventors: Mylène Guillot, Thomas Goigoux
  • Patent number: 12012243
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for automated dispensing of individual medicament portions. The systems can include a housing that encloses a receiving space having a bottom surface. A separation device may be provided and arranged on the bottom surface with at least one channel to receive at least one medicament portion. At least one channel may have an opening facing the receiving space and an opening facing the bottom surface. The opening facing the bottom surface may be associated with a contact area on the bottom surface, over which contact area the medicament portions may be guided upon a movement of separation device. At least one recess may be arranged in the bottom surface outside of the contact area to receive contamination particles present in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: CAREFUSION GERMANY 326 GMBH
    Inventors: Hardy Schmidt-Ellinger, Dietmar Gross