Search Patents
  • Wind wheel with rotationally faced plates
    Patent number: 5855470
    Abstract: This invention accomplishes these and other objectives with a wind wheel (1) having at least one planetary gear wheel (10) affixed rigidly to a wind-wheel axle (2) from which gear trains for each of a plurality of wind-wheel plates (9) are rotated to maximum plate frontage in wind flow (30) by gear belts (21) intermediate the gear trains and axes of the plurality of wind-wheel plates. The gear trains each have a second gear wheel (12) with a 0.50-to-1.0 gearing ratio to the planetary gear, a third gear wheel (15) with a 2.0-to-1.0 gearing ratio to the planetary gear, a first gear-belt wheel (18) extended concentrically from a side of the third gear wheel and having a 0.60-to-1.0 gearing ratio to the planetary gear and, a second gear-belt wheel (20) having a gearing ratio that is equal to the first gear-belt wheel. The plurality of wind-wheel plates with corresponding drive trains is preferably six but can be any number appropriate for design preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Alan G. Holmes
  • Cognitive Automation Platform for Dynamic Resource Management and Control
    Publication number: 20210304088
    Abstract: Systems for using cognitive automation techniques to generate resource recommendations are provided. In some examples, current resource data may be received. The current resource data may include current staffing data, skills associated with current staff, and the like. In some examples, environmental condition data may also be received. The environmental condition data may include current weather information, predicted weather information, power outage information, and the like. The resource data and environmental data may be analyzed using cognitive automation techniques to identify and/or generate one or more resource recommendations. The resource recommendations may include adjustments to staffing, modification of locations at which processes are performed, and the like. The identified or generated recommendations may be transmitted to one or more computing devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen T. Shannon, Elena Kvochko, Jinna Kim, Christine D. Black, Monika Kapur
  • Privacy Screen for Deck Railing
    Publication number: 20120103541
    Abstract: Disclosed is a retractable weatherproof blind that extends across an existing railing system of a deck or balcony. The device originates from a first spindle and connects an outstretched length of blind to a second spindle to afford weather protection and privacy. The device is quickly deployable, thereby enabling users to enjoy the sun, breeze and the view, or to provide a level of privacy and protection therefrom as desired. The device can be installed without modification to the existing deck or balcony railing, and can be quickly set up or taken down as desired. The present invention may be used on residential and commercial decks and balconies, including either tubular spindle railings or on glass railing systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Linda Maxwell, Andrew Maxwell
  • Cognitive automation platform for dynamic resource management and control
    Patent number: 11423339
    Abstract: Systems for using cognitive automation techniques to generate resource recommendations are provided. In some examples, current resource data may be received. The current resource data may include current staffing data, skills associated with current staff, and the like. In some examples, environmental condition data may also be received. The environmental condition data may include current weather information, predicted weather information, power outage information, and the like. The resource data and environmental data may be analyzed using cognitive automation techniques to identify and/or generate one or more resource recommendations. The resource recommendations may include adjustments to staffing, modification of locations at which processes are performed, and the like. The identified or generated recommendations may be transmitted to one or more computing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen T. Shannon, Elena Kvochko, Jinna Kim, Christine D. Black, Monika Kapur
  • System and method for holistic flight and route management
    Patent number: 9824593
    Abstract: A distributed system for flight and route management (FARM) of one or more aircraft of the system may include onboard processing devices for combining sensor data local to an aircraft with cloud-based data received through the system from other aircraft or from ground-based processing devices, thereby generating situation models of each aircraft relative to its flight path and in the context of current and predictive conditions (weather, traffic, terrain, threats, etc.). The FARM system may evaluate situation models against prioritized constraint sets of business rules or policies associated with each aircraft's flight plan to determine, crosscheck, and implement possible modifications to the flight plan. Localized aircraft data and flight plan modifications may be propagated through the system via a variety of communications networks to provide synchronized, holistic airspace data portraits to aircraft and ground control alike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Kronfeld, Kevin Delaney, Scott J. Zogg, James P. Mitchell, Jennifer A. Davis, Geoffrey A. Shapiro
  • Umbrella Anti-Inversion Apparatus
    Publication number: 20140283888
    Abstract: The present invention includes an umbrella anti-inversion apparatus comprising a removable cuff and a plurality of removable and adjustable straps. The cuff is attached around an umbrella shaft and the straps extend radially from the strap openings on the adjustable cuff to the umbrella tips to which they are connected. There are adjusting means incorporated on to the straps enabling easy modification of length thereby providing varied tension in each strap for effectively preventing undesirable displacement of the rib outer ends; thus providing a particular means for averting the inversion of an umbrella canopy in an open position from high winds and other weather events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Aubrey Michael Gray
  • Umbrella anti-inversion apparatus
    Patent number: 8939163
    Abstract: The present invention includes an umbrella anti-inversion apparatus comprising a removable cuff and a plurality of removable and adjustable straps. The cuff is attached around an umbrella shaft and the straps extend radially from the strap openings on the adjustable cuff to the umbrella tips to which they are connected. There are adjusting means incorporated on to the straps enabling easy modification of length thereby providing varied tension in each strap for effectively preventing undesirable displacement of the rib outer ends; thus providing a particular means for averting the inversion of an umbrella canopy in an open position from high winds and other weather events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Aubrey Michael Gray
  • Protective encasement for trailer couplers
    Patent number: 5681053
    Abstract: A protective encasement for a vehicular trailer coupler of the latching lever towball and tongue type, completely covering the top land sides of the coupler. The encasement is made of strong thick-walled material such as but not limited to thermoplastic alloy molding and is secured to the coupler by a removable customized internal shackle through the latch lever lockhole. The shackle ends are locked into a completely encapsulated lockbody. When locked, the encasement outer wall is continuous except for the recessed lock keyhole and the flush shackle grip. This encasement provides protection for attached and unattached trailers, strongly resists tampering, is impervious to the weather, protects individuals against injuries from protrusions on the coupler, safeguards the trailer from accidental uncoupling, can be produced in bright external colors for highly visible identification, and requires no coupler or vehicle modification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Alpine Solutions Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward V. Misukanis, Michael E. Misukanis, Robert M. Thomas
  • SURROUNDING ESTIMATION BASED ON SENSORS OF A MOBILE DEVICE
    Publication number: 20160014554
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for estimating a surrounding in which a mobile device is situated based on sensors of the mobile device. The sensors can be typical sensors currently existing on mobile devices and not dedicated for surrounding detection purposes. One embodiment includes a method which comprises retrieving a weather condition from a remote server; deriving, based on the weather condition, a plurality of weights for sensors on the mobile device; applying each weight to an output of a corresponding sensor on the mobile device; and determining whether the mobile device is likely to be indoor or outdoor based on one or more weighted outputs from the sensors. Among other advantages, embodiments disclosed herein increased accuracy to estimate the mobile device's surrounding without the need of dedicated sensors or other modification to mobile network infrastructures, thereby providing the benefit of surrounding sensing without incurring the cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Sudipta Sen, Tejas Jukar, Vivek Agarwal, Subhakar Reddy Chedulla
  • Surrounding estimation based on sensors of a mobile device
    Patent number: 9326097
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for estimating a surrounding in which a mobile device is situated based on sensors of the mobile device. The sensors can be typical sensors currently existing on mobile devices and not dedicated for surrounding detection purposes. One embodiment includes a method which comprises retrieving a weather condition from a remote server; deriving, based on the weather condition, a plurality of weights for sensors on the mobile device; applying each weight to an output of a corresponding sensor on the mobile device; and determining whether the mobile device is likely to be indoor or outdoor based on one or more weighted outputs from the sensors. Among other advantages, embodiments disclosed herein increased accuracy to estimate the mobile device's surrounding without the need of dedicated sensors or other modification to mobile network infrastructures, thereby providing the benefit of surrounding sensing without incurring the cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Seven Networks, LLC
    Inventors: Sudipta Sen, Tejas Jukar, Vivek Agarwal, Subhakar Reddy Chedulla
  • PRE-EMPTIVE GENERATION OF AUTONOMOUS UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE INSPECTIONS ACCORDING TO MONITORED SENSOR EVENTS
    Publication number: 20230394982
    Abstract: A property is identified for inspection based on a determination of a weather event impacting the property. A flight plan usable by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in identifying an extent of damage to the property caused by the weather event is determined. A user interface is presented at a user device. The user interface includes user interface controls configured for toggling layers of the user interface. The layers include a first layer that includes a geofence, a second layer that includes an inspection area of the property, a third layer that includes one of a launch location or a landing location of the UAV, and a fourth layer that includes a base map layer of an area that includes the property. A modification to the flight plan is received via the user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Caity Cronkhite, Brent Davidson, Kartik Ghorakavi, Lauren Gimmillaro, Edward Dale Steakley
  • Light-weight buoy
    Patent number: 3939509
    Abstract: A life buoy or similar article of manufacture (for example, one capable of being used as a construction element), including a doughnut-shaped hollow element, which optionally may be of flexible plastic and contain pressurized gas (optionally helium); but preferably it is a gas-filled toroidal tube of blown glass or metal, permanently sealed, and flanked and protected against shock by foamed plastic (or similar porous material), coated with waterproofing rubber or paint. This hollow element may be cylindrical, spherical or polygonal, but preferably it is doughnut-shaped. The foamed plastic may be limited to the exterior of the hollow element or also may be on its interior. At its center the article may have a cylindrical or toroidal hole; or optionally the foamed plastic may continuously bridge over the hollow element at the center of the article. Such foamed plastic bridging over the article's center in the form of FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1976
    Inventor: Alvin Edward Moore
  • Flashing assembly & method for use & manufacture
    Publication number: 20020166292
    Abstract: A flashing assembly that incorporates a plurality of overlapping flashing sections that are each preferably formed from a sheet material. Each section includes opposite edge portions that are arranged about a generally V-shaped configuration. Joining the sections together is at least one clinch joint that is substantially formed and registered upon the overlapping edge portions of at least two different overlapping flashing sections. The clinch joint is adapted to releasably fasten the at least two sections. Various modifications include one or more additional clinch joints that are also substantially formed upon the same overlapping edge portions of the first clinch joint and the V-shaped configuration that forms an angle of approximately 90 degrees. In other variations of the preceding modifications, the clinch joint is a mechanical press fit interference joint or a welded, press fit, or adhesive joint, or some combination or permutation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Jerry Joseph Quinn
  • Flashing assembly
    Patent number: 7121047
    Abstract: A flashing assembly that incorporates a plurality of overlapping flashing sections that are each preferably formed from a sheet material. Each section includes opposite edge portions that are arranged about a generally V-shaped configuration. Joining the sections together is at least one clinch joint that is substantially formed and registered upon the overlapping edge portions of at least two different overlapping flashing sections. The clinch joint is adapted to releasably fasten the at least two sections. Various modifications include one or more additional clinch joints that are also substantially formed upon the same overlapping edge portions of the first clinch joint and the V-shaped configuration that forms an angle of approximately 90 degrees. In other variations of the preceding modifications, the clinch joint is a mechanical press fit interference joint or a welded, press fit, or adhesive joint, or some combination or permutation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: StepFast, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jerry Joseph Quinn
  • Engine heater, small, portable
    Patent number: 4815426
    Abstract: An engine heater for automotive vehicles which adapts a common propane torch to accomplish the heating. The prime features of the invention are its simplicity, compactness, economy, ease of being carried in the vehicle, and its not needing any installation in or modification to the vehicle in order to be used. Heat is safely applied over a relatively large area of the bottom of a vehicle's engine oil pan and then the heated oil pan and oil will cause the critical interior portions of the engine to be warmed; thus, greatly enhancing the engine's ability to start and run in very cold weather. The device also includes means of preventing strong wind from either blowing out the flame or carrying most of the heated air/exhaust gas discharge away from the bottom of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Inventor: Paul S. Henschel
  • Magnetic fire hydrant guard
    Patent number: 4716922
    Abstract: A device is provided, designed to prevent unauthorized operation of fire hydrants by completely concealing the hydrant operating nut and weather shield within freely rotating sleeves, thereby rendering the hydrant inoperable. The hydrant is made operable by the use of a specially designed self-contained magnetic operating wrench. The hydrant again becomes inoperable when the magnetic wrench is disengaged. The device is externally mounted for easy, quick field installation with common tools, and requires no modification of the internal hydrant mechanism. The device is designed to be used on all hydrant makes and models having an operating nut extending vertically above the hydrant bonnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Inventor: John P. Camp
  • Cellular Antenna Tower and Equipment Enclosure Based on Shipping Container
    Publication number: 20150244056
    Abstract: An antenna tower structure for wireless communication antennas includes an antenna cupola mounted on a tower based on at least one standardized ISBU shipping container that has been modified and erected to stand upright on a foundation. The modifications may include longitudinal reinforcements along at least two longitudinal edges of the container, mounting hardware at the two ends of the container, an access door on a side of the container, an access hatch in the upper end of the container, a ladder extending longitudinally inside the container, and a floor extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container. The container provides a weather-protected climate-controlled interior space for sheltering electronics equipment. The cupola has antennas installed on at least one level, and may include shutters, a clock, a bell etc. to hide the antennas and disguise the tower. The exterior of the structure may be finished to match surrounding buildings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventor: Chadwick J. WALTON
  • Ventilated screen for motor vehicle passenger compartment window openings
    Patent number: 3960195
    Abstract: A ventilating screen for window openings of motor vehicle passenger compartments which provides for the circulation of fresh air into the passenger compartment while the motor vehicle is stopped and moving. The ventilating screen allows the window to be closed completely or partially while still in place in the window opening in the event of inclement weather, and to adjust the amount of air flow. Further, the ventilation screen is easily removable from the window opening with the window either open or closed. The method for fitting the screen to particular window openings provides for its universal application in vertually any motor vehicle, and the method of installing it in the vehicle window opening obviates any modification to the motor vehicle structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1973
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1976
    Inventor: Clandes B. Marchbanks
  • Fixed style of rifle buttstock for carbines and rifles
    Publication number: 20030140541
    Abstract: An M16 or commercial equivalent style rifle buttstock is provided with a stowage compartment within the buttstock body for an M4/M16 style firearm or commercial equivalent that utilizes an adjustable receiver extension which is cylindrical with a radially disposed elongated rib. The buttstock can be inserted without any permanent modifications to the host firearm, and is completely reversible. Internal storage for accessories is provided, and the buttstock is able to accept standard M16 style or commercial buttplates, with or without hinged access doors to the stowage compartment. The buttstock provides an improvement to the ajustable buttstock used on M4/M16 style firearms in cold weather which can become frozen in place in the collapsed position and not provide a proper mounting of the carbine relative to the user. Additionally the buttstock provides all of the standard ergonometric relationships of an M16 style firearm or commercial variant for the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Ira Kay
  • Cellular Antenna Tower and Equipment Enclosure Based on Shipping Container
    Publication number: 20140259978
    Abstract: An antenna tower structure for wireless communication antennas includes an antenna cupola mounted on a tower based on at least one standardized ISBU shipping container that has been modified and erected to stand upright on a foundation. The modifications may include longitudinal reinforcements along at least two longitudinal edges of the container, mounting hardware at the two ends of the container, an access door on a side of the container, an access hatch in the upper end of the container, a ladder extending longitudinally inside the container, and a floor extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container. The container provides a weather-protected climate-controlled interior space for sheltering electronics equipment. The cupola has antennas installed on at least one level, and may include shutters, a clock, a bell etc. to hide the antennas and disguise the tower. The exterior of the structure may be finished to match surrounding buildings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Chadwick J. Walton
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