04th week of 2017 patent applcation highlights part 19 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20170021864 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE - A method for operating a vehicle, including detecting a surroundings of the vehicle; subdividing the detected surroundings into cells of an occupancy grid, the cells respectively having opposite lateral boundaries relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the lateral boundaries being formed by lane markings; ascertaining, based on the detected surroundings, an occupancy value of the specific cell into which the vehicle intends to change by a lane change; performing the lane change as a function of the ascertained occupancy value. A corresponding device as well as a corresponding computer program are also described. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021865 | VEHICLE LOWER PORTION STRUCTURE - A vehicle lower portion structure has: a tunnel portion disposed at a vehicle transverse direction central portion of a floor portion; a front side member whose rear portion is disposed at a vehicle lower side of the floor portion and a vehicle transverse direction outer side of the tunnel portion; a first member including a first horizontal wall that extends from the rear portion toward a vehicle transverse direction inner side, and a first vertical wall bent toward a vehicle upper side from the first horizontal wall; and a second member spanning an opening portion of the tunnel portion. The second member includes a second horizontal wall, and a second vertical wall that is bent toward the vehicle upper side from the second horizontal wall, is disposed parallel to the first vertical wall, and is joined to the first vertical wall. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021866 | FRONT VEHICLE BODY STRUCTURE - A front vehicle body structure includes: front lower side members extending along a length of a vehicle and located on left and right sides along a width of the vehicle; and a center lower cross reinforcement member extending along the width of the vehicle so as to interconnect middle portions of the left and right front lower side members along the length of the vehicle, where a steering gear box is mounted on the center lower cross reinforcement member. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021867 | FRONT VEHICLE BODY AND METHOD OF FABRICATING FRONT VEHICLE BODY - A front vehicle body includes a side member including a side member inner panel and a side member outer panel, a first reinforcing member, one end of which penetrates the side member and is coupled to the side member inner panel, and an intermediate portion of which is coupled to the side member outer panel, and a fender apron member disposed outside the side member and coupled to the other end of the first reinforcing member. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021868 | VEHICLE FRONT SECTION STRUCTURE - A vehicle front section structure includes a front side member, a gusset that juts out from a side face of a front end of the front side member, a bumper reinforcement that is disposed at a front end side of the vehicle body front section, and a crash box that is disposed between front ends of the front side member and the gusset, and an outer side section of the bumper reinforcement, that couples both of the front ends and the outer side section together, and undergoes compressive plastic deformation due to collision load. A flat portion is integrally formed at an end of the bumper reinforcement, with a front face of the flat portion extending along the vehicle width direction and a vehicle up-down direction and, in vehicle front view, overlapping with a side wall portion at the vehicle width direction outer side of the crash box. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021869 | MOTOR VEHICLE INSTRUMENT PANEL WITH SLIDING COVER OVER CRUSH SPACE - A motor vehicle having an instrument panel that is spaced rearward away from a bottom end of a windscreen so that it is less likely to be damaged in the event of a frontal impact. A cover is attached to vehicle body structure adjacent to the bottom end of the windscreen to cover the gap produced by spacing the instrument panel from the bottom of the windscreen. The cover overlies an upper surface of the instrument panel and slides rearward over the upper surface when the bottom end of the windscreen moves rearward into the crush space during a collision. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021870 | PRESS-FORMED PRODUCT, AUTOMOBILE STRUCTURAL MEMBER INCLUDING THE SAME, PRODUCTION METHOD AND PRODUCTION DEVICE FOR THE PRESS-FORMED PRODUCT - A bulkhead, which is a press-formed product, includes a top plate part, side flange parts and corner flange parts. The side flange parts each extend from respective sides of the top plate part. The corner flange parts each extend from respective corner parts of the top plate part. The corner flange part connects the side flange parts to each other. In the corner flange part, a part having a minimum value of plate thickness is present in a central portion in a circumferential direction, and parts having a maximum value of the plate thickness are present on both sides thereof. A ratio of the maximum value and the minimum value is in a range of more than 1.0 to 1.6 or less. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021871 | LIGHTWEIGHT STRUCTURAL JOINER - A structural joiner including one or more box beams disposed between inner and outer arcuate surfaces and methods of assembling are described. The extrusions delineate various channels for structural considerations. In an implementation, the joiner may be implemented on a multi-passenger vehicle, such as a bus. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021872 | AERODYNAMIC DRAG REDUCING APPARATUS - An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes folding panels that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021873 | REAR SPOILER DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE - A rear spoiler device for a vehicle with at least one rear door has a side air guiding element which can be adjusted between a retracted basic position and a travel position for contour extension and aerodynamic air guiding, a roof air guiding element which can be adjusted between a basic position and a travel position for contour extension and aerodynamic air guiding, and a coupling device for coupling the adjustment movements of the side air guiding element and the roof air guiding element. The coupling device is provided between a lower side of the roof air guiding element and an upper end of the side air guiding element. The upper end of the side air guiding element can be adjusted along the lower side of the roof air guiding element during the adjustment movement | 2017-01-26 |
20170021874 | SPORTS HOOP FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A sports hoop is provided for a motor vehicle. The sports hoop includes a one-piece internal frame, an outer cover received over an outer surface of the internal frame and an inner cover received over an inner surface of the internal frame. Slip joints and expansion joints are provided to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction to maintain a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021875 | IMAGE RECORDING DEVICE FOR VEHICLE WITH DUAL WI-FI ACCESS FUNCTION AND IMAGE SHARING SYSTEM USING THE SAME - The image recording device for a vehicle with dual Wi-Fi access function, includes: a imaging unit; a communicating module having an AP function unit which is adapted to function as an AP of a Wi-Fi communication and a STA function unit which is adapted to function as a STATION of a Wi-Fi communication, thereby allowing for access to a peripheral AP; a storage unit for storing the image information from the imaging unit; and a control unit. Wherein the control unit is configured to allow a specific smart phone as STATION to access the AP function unit, or selectively to allow the STA function unit to access a remote cloud server when it as STATION accesses a peripheral AP; to transfer an image information being imaged in real-time or an image information stored in the storage unit to the smart phone by using the AP function unit or to the cloud server via the peripheral AP by using the STA function unit; and to control an operation status thereof according to a control information received from the smart phone by using the AP function unit or from the cloud server by using the STA function unit. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021876 | SPARE WHEEL MOUNTING SYSTEM - A mounting system for a wheel having a center portion with a plurality of wheel apertures includes a cap for covering the center portion of the wheel and having a pocket. The system includes a first fastener having a shank that fits through at least one of the wheel apertures. The shank has a first end, a second end, and a head at the first end configured to be captured by the cap pocket. The first fastener also includes a nut configured to thread onto the second end. The system also includes a second fastener having a shank that fits through at least one of the wheel apertures. The system additionally includes a wheel carrier bracket defining a plurality of bracket apertures, wherein the second fastener is configured to be threadably engaged with at least one of the bracket apertures. A vehicle having such a mounting system is also disclosed. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021877 | Kingpin Locking System - A kingpin locking system for securing a kingpin on a trailer to a tractor is provided. The system comprises a C-shaped member having a main body portion, a first jaw portion, and a second jaw portion. A first spring member is mounted between the center portion and the first jaw portion with the first spring member allowing the first jaw portion to move in a general direction toward and away from the second jaw portion. A key mechanism activates a locking mechanism to lock the first and second jaw portions together and deactivates the locking mechanism to unlock the first and second jaw portions. Upon positioning the C-shaped member about the kingpin and moving the first jaw portion into contact with the second jaw portion, the key mechanism activates the locking mechanism thereby securing the first and second jaw portion together and securing the trailer to the tractor. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021878 | TRACK SHOE HAVING INCREASED SERVICE LIFE USEFUL IN A TRACK DRIVE SYSTEM - A track shoe for a track drive system, which comprises a shoe base, one or more drive lugs attached to the shoe base, and a wear plate attached to the shoe base. The shoe base and drive lugs may be formed from a prehardened engineering steel, such as MECASTEEL 145. The wear plate may be formed from MECASTEEL 145 or an advanced abrasion-resistant steel, such as Creusabro 8000. The drive lugs may be replaceably attached to the shoe base, preferably by welding. The wear plate may be replaceably attached to the shoe base, preferably by fasteners such as bolts. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021879 | TRACK LINK ASSEMBLY FOR A MACHINE - A track link assembly is disclosed for a machine. The track link assembly may include a first track link having a first thru hole and a second track link having a second thru hole aligned with the first thru hole. The track link assembly may further include a track pin disposed within the first and second thru holes. The track pin may have an end protruding from the first and second track links. The track link assembly may also include a ring-shaped flange integrally formed from the end of the track pin after insertion of the track pin into the first and second track links. The ring-shaped flange may have an outer diameter larger than a diameter of the first and second thru holes. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021880 | MOUNTING STRUCTURE WITH STORABLE TRANSPORT SYSTEM - A mounting structure for a rig may include a base configured to support the mounting structure on an operating surface and a plurality of transport systems operatively connected to the base and configured to lift the mounting structure off of the operating surface. An elevated rig platform may be connected to the base by a plurality of support struts, wherein at least some of the support struts comprise a mounting connection that is configured to pivot to lower the elevated rig platform toward the base and place the mounting structure in a partially collapsed state. Additionally, a connecting member may be attached to one or more of the plurality of transport systems, wherein in response to the elevated rig platform being lowered to the partially collapsed state, the connecting member may be configured to displace at least a portion of the one or more transport systems. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021881 | Robotic Mobile Low-Profile Transport Vehicle - A robotic mobile low-profile transport vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle can comprise a first transport module having a frame assembly, a mobility system, and a propulsion system and a second transport module having a frame assembly and a mobility system. A multi-degree of freedom coupling assemblage can join the first and second transport modules together. The vehicle can include a first platform supported about the frame assembly of the first transport module, and a second platform supported about the frame assembly of the second transport module. Each of the platforms can be configured to receive a load for transport. Additionally, the vehicle can include a control system that can operate to facilitate intra-module communication and coordination to provide a coordinated operating mode of the first and second transport modules and the coupling assemblage about a given terrain. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021882 | APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING RELATIVE ORIENTATIONS OF COMPONENTS, AND METHODS OF USE AND MANUFACTURE THEREOF - Some embodiments are directed to an adjuster for adjusting a position of a vehicle door relative to other vehicle components. The adjuster can include a pin that is configured to be held by a vehicle door latch so as to form a rigid connection between the pin and the vehicle door. The pin can also be configured to be released from the vehicle door latch upon actuation of a vehicle release mechanism. A frame can be supported by a surface that is static relative to the vehicle. An actuator can connect the frame to the pin. The actuator can be configured to enable the vehicle door to be manually raised or lowered by a predetermined distance that facilitates the vehicle door adopting a position that provides enhanced communication between the vehicle door latch and a vehicle striker. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021883 | TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE - In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a seat assembly for a motorcycle is provided. The seat assembly has a forward end and a rear end. The seat assembly including a seating surface; and a cantilevered seat support including a mount portion and a cantilevered portion, the cantilevered seat support providing for coupling to a frame of the motorcycle such that a rear end of the seat support is spaced apart from the frame and exclusively coupled to the frame via the mount portion at the forward end of the seat assembly, the cantilevered portion including a first length extending from the mount portion to the rear end. The seating surface is supported by the cantilevered seat support such that greater than 50% of the length of the cantilevered portion is obscured from view when viewed in a lateral plan view. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021884 | LIGHTING DEVICE FOR AN AT LEAST PARTIALLY MUSCLE-POWERED VEHICLE BY MEANS OF LIGHT-GUIDING ELEMENTS - The present invention comprises an illumination device ( | 2017-01-26 |
20170021885 | MULTI-FUNCTION BICYCLE CARGO RACK AND STAND COMPONENT - A multi-function bicycle component which fastens to a bicycle and which is rotatable relative to the bicycle frame to multiple positions to serve as a cargo rack or luggage carrier in a first position and a bicycle stand or kickstand in a second position. The multi-function bicycle component rotates at or near the wheel axis and comprises a rotation preventing assembly which fastens the multi-function bicycle component relative to the bicycle frame in a riding position. When used in conjunction with a folding bike, the multi-function bicycle component also serves as a stand to assist during the folding process, and/or as a stand when the bicycle is in the folded position. The multi-function bicycle component may also include a bicycle fender. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021886 | BICYCLE SAFE SYSTEM - A cycle safe system for providing secure storage of items on a bicycle. The cycle safe includes a container having a body and a cap, the cap housing a locking mechanism with a user interface on a top face and a latch capable of being extended out of the cap via a latch opening disposed on the side of the cap, and a bracket having a base member with an anchor opening at one end, a stopper at the opposite end, and a lateral support component connected to one or more sides of the base member, the lateral support component configured to enclose the container. When the container is inserted into the bracket and the locking mechanism is engaged, the latch engages with the anchor opening and the container is immovably secured in the bracket. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021887 | STRUCTURE FOR FRONT PART OF SADDLED VEHICLE - A front structure for a saddle-riding vehicle includes a meter unit, a meter covering for covering at least an area forwardly of the meter unit, and a windshield disposed forwardly of the meter covering. When viewed from lateral side, the windshield is disposed having been rearwardly upwardly tilted. The windshield has a rear surface is of a curved shape in which a region from its opposite side end portions to an intermediate portion is bulged forwardly. The meter covering has a front wall so shaped as to have a forwardly protruding shape effective to divert sunlight, coming from rear and subsequently reflected from the windshield, away from the focal point of the reflected sunlight. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021888 | COMPOSITE BICYCLE FRAME AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - The described bicycle has a frame made of a composite material and defining a monocoque shell which is monolithic, entirely formed of the composite material, and includes: a rear upper portion, a head tube portion, and a rear mounting portion; and first and second side panels each extending between, and integrally formed with, at least the head tube portion at a forward end and the rear upper portion and the rear mounting portion at a rearward end. The first and second side panels are integrally interconnected along their respective top and bottom edges to form a substantially hollow shell structure at least partially enclosing a shell cavity defined between the laterally spaced apart first and second side panels. The hollow shell structure defines a rear opening between the rear upper portion and the rear mounting portion that communicates with the shell cavity. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021889 | NARROW ULTRA EFFICIENT THREE WHEELED VEHICLE WITH AUTOMOTIVE CLASS FEEL AND HANDLEBAR STEERING - An electric three wheeled vehicle includes a vehicle chassis supporting a vehicle operator seat or saddle. The vehicle chassis defines a storage region beneath the vehicle operator seat or saddle. One or more energy storage devices for powering one or more electric motors of the vehicle are located within the storage region and are supported by the chassis. The storage region and/or the energy storage device(s) each form an elongate three-dimensional volume having a long axis that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A vehicle operator, when seated upon the seat or saddle, sits astride the one or more energy storage devices. A handlebar steering assembly is operatively coupled to a pair of front wheels to provide steering. The vehicle includes a single rear wheel. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021890 | CARGO CYCLE WITH PASSENGER SEATS - A cargo cycle includes a frame, a plurality of wheels and a rider seat assembled on the frame, and a passenger compartment supported on the frame. The passenger compartment includes a plurality of side walls and at least one passenger seat disposed inwards of the side walls. The passenger seat has a plurality of reclining positions reclined at different angles relative to the side walls. The passenger seat includes a back support and a seat portion. The back support has a folded orientation in which it is folded down parallel to the seat portion and forms a cover of the passenger compartment. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021891 | STRESSED FORK MOTORCYCLE REVERSE TRIKE CONVERSION APPARATUS - A reverse trike attachment is provided. The reverse trike attachment includes a motorcycle connector frame operable to secure to a front end of a motorcycle frame. A rotating fork joint is secured to and is rotatable relative to the motorcycle connector frame. The rotating fork joint is operable to secure to a motorcycle fork. A wheel assembly includes a first and second wheel mount spindle secured to opposing sides of the motorcycle connector frame. A first wheel is pivotally secured to the first wheel spindle and a second wheel is pivotally secured to the second wheel mount spindle. The first and second wheels each pivot about a vertical axis. The first ends of a first and second tie rod are secured to the rotating fork joint and the second ends of the first and second tie rods are secured to the first and second wheel spindle respectively. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021892 | NON-OVERLAPPING FRAME FOLDING BIKE - A folding bike designed such that when the bicycle is folded, the front and rear frame structural members bypass each other in a non-overlapping manner except at folding and fastening positions using an axis of rotation at or near the seat tube, wherein the folding bicycle maintains a rigid riding position using an innovative fastening mechanism positioned to fasten by actuation of a member located not above the uppermost surface of the front frame, and which may be equipped with primary and secondary retention wherein the secondary retention may automatically engage when the bike is unfolded to the operative riding position. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021893 | TRANSPORTATION DEVICE FOLDABLE BETWEEN PERSONAL TRANSPORTER AND BICYCLE CONFIGURATIONS - A transportation device includes a frame foldable between a bicycle configuration and a personal transporter configuration. A sensor configured to sense when the frame is in at least one of the bicycle configuration and the personal transporter configuration. A first wheel and a second wheel are each rotatably coupled to the frame. A first motor is coupled to the first wheel and a second motor is coupled to the second wheel. A controller is programmed to instruct the first motor to rotate in a first direction in response to a signal from the sensor that the frame is in the bicycle configuration, and to instruct the first motor to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction in response to a signal from the sensor that the frame is in the personal transporter configuration. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021894 | BICYCLE - The invention relates to a bicycle, with a bicycle seat assembly rotatably connected to the bicycle. Rotation movement of the bicycle seat assembly is possible, seen in the driving direction, to the left and to the right side and is independent of the steering movement of the bicycle. The axis of rotation of the bicycle seat assembly is arranged in front of the axis of the bottom bracket, seen in the driving direction, and the seating surface of the bicycle seat is arranged behind the axis of the bottom bracket, seen in the driving direction. The rotatable bicycle seat assembly enables an upright riding position by dodging the cyclist's leg pedaling downwards through a rotational movement. At the same time it supports the hip side of the other leg. The driver is supported by the bicycle seat even in the upright riding position. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021895 | BRAKE DEVICE AND STRADDLED VEHICLE - During control ON of a brake control device, an ECU acquires a front wheel target braking force and a rear wheel target braking force from operation amount-front/rear wheel target braking force characteristics stored in a storage based on a master cylinder pressure detected by a master pressure sensor, and controls an oil pressure unit such that oil pressures corresponding to the acquired front wheel target braking force and rear wheel target braking force are respectively supplied to a front wheel brake and a rear wheel brake. During control OFF of the brake control device, oil pressures generated by a tandem master cylinder are directly supplied to the front wheel brake and the rear wheel brake. Hydraulic pressure control is performed such that operation amount-both wheels target braking force characteristics in a control ON state is equal to operation amount-both wheels target braking characteristics during a control OFF state. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021896 | BICYCLE CONTROL APPARATUS AND BICYCLE ASSIST DEVICE EQUIPPED WITH THE CONTROL APPARATUS - A bicycle control apparatus is provided that permits a determination of a rotating body to be detected of a sensor that outputs a signal that reflects the rotational speed of a rotating body, and a bicycle assist device equipped with this control apparatus. The bicycle control apparatus includes a controller that, based on an output of a first sensor for outputting a signal that reflects a rotational speed of a rotating body provided to a bicycle, and an output of a second sensor for outputting a signal that reflects a rotational speed of a rotating body provided to the bicycle, determines whether or not the detection target of the first sensor and the detection target of the second sensor are the same rotating body. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021897 | BICYCLE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM - A bicycle management APP dedicated to an APP-compatible device configured to communicate with an APP interface module of a bicycle electronic system. The bicycle management APP comprises software code configured to carry out at least one of (a) updating a firmware stored and executed by a controller of the bicycle electronic system, and/or (b) setting a value for one or more parameters of the firmware stored and executed by the controller of the bicycle electronic system. And, a bicycle electronic system comprising an APP interface module; a user assembly comprising an APP-compatible device with the APP and at least one bicycle electronic system comprising said APP interface module; and an information system for managing bicycles comprising at least one user assembly and a server, the APP-compatible device of said at least one user assembly being configured to communicate with the server over a telecommunication network, in particular Internet. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021898 | WAVE PIERCING SHIP HULL - A ship hull comprises a bottom portion having a wave piercing bow, a top portion having first and second side surfaces extending to a top deck and a substantially horizontal surface extending away from the bottom portion at a position between the bottom portion and the top portion. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021899 | SECURITY DEVICE - Security barrier comprising: a substantially planar support element ( | 2017-01-26 |
20170021900 | VESSEL - The present invention relates to a vessel having a superstructure that is movable to increase and/or reduce space in one of at least two zones on the deck of the vessel. The invention further relates to an amphibious vehicle having motive pods that move in an athwartship direction and then downwardly when the motive pods are deployed. The invention further provides for a ramp arrangement for a vessel that allows for an increased amount of deck space, and facilitates ingress and /or egress from the vessel by cargo or passengers. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021901 | LIGHTING AND ENHANCED VISIBILITY FOR DIVERS - Systems, devices, and methods are provided for underwater lighting and enhanced visibility for divers using interchangeable lens filters. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021902 | HUMAN THERMAL WARMING SUITS FOR WET SUBMERSIBLES - Thermal warming suits for a human occupant of a wet submersible vehicle are described. The thermal warming suits provide a dedicated envelope configured to encase at least a portion of the human occupant in a deformable suit that can be assembled around or donned, as well as be removed, by the occupant or others before or after entry and seating in or on the wet submersible vehicle, while underwater or surfaced. The suits provide a deformable, weight and space (i.e. volume) conscious, collapsible loose fitting perimeter around the occupant. The suits can be used to create a pneumatic barrier around at least a portion of the occupant by using a gas such as air provided from a gas reservoir to force water from the interior of the suit. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021903 | Natural Gas Transport Vessel - A lightweight transport vessel transports compressed natural gas underwater without needing to liquefy the gas for transport. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021904 | Flow Fin - A human propelled watercraft having a pair of flexible fins supported by a mast extending into the water each adapted to oscillate through an arcuate path in a generally transverse direction with respect to the central longitudinal dimension of said watercraft. Pedals are provided for applying input force whereby as input force is applied, the flexible fins can twist to form an angle of attack for providing forward thrust with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the watercraft while moving in both directions along the arcuate path. Each of the fins preferably is composed of a layer of stiff and durable material that is wrapped around the mast. The two layers of material touch at the trailing edge and they are free to slide relative to each other. Preferably, each of the fins is provided with adjustable tensioning at the tip of the mast. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021905 | OUTBOARD MOTOR SWITCH DEVICE HAVING REMOTE HANDSET SYSTEM - A switch device includes an ENT switch for allowing a keyless controller to perform an authentication process, a S/S switch for manipulating start and stop of an engine, and a single common manipulating member for allowing a user to manipulate ON/OFF switching operations of the ENT switch and the S/S switch. The ENT switch and the S/S switch are switched between ON and OFF depending on a motion of the single common manipulating member. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021906 | POWER PADDLE - A portable propulsion system for a watercraft may include a shaft, a propeller, an outer casing, and a flexible strap. The shaft may have a prop end section, a drive end section, and a rotational axis extending from the prop end section to the drive end section. The propeller may be connected to the prop end section of the shaft. The drive end section may be configured for removable connection to a driver for rotation of the propeller via rotation of the shaft about the rotational axis to propel the watercraft. The outer casing may be disposed around the shaft. The flexible strap may have first and second end sections connected to the outer casing in respective first and second regions. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021907 | Lighter-Than-Air Fractal Tensegrity Structures - The purpose of this invention, which is referred to as a vacuustat, is to generate buoyancy in the atmosphere by means of an evacuated or partially evacuated container, rather than by using a lighter-than-air lifting gas such as hydrogen or helium. This particular vacuustat design comprises a flexible airtight membrane supported by a fractal tensegrity internal structure consisting of a relatively small mass of compressive members forced into higher-order buckling modes through use of tension members. The advantages of such a design over conventional aerostats include superior buoyancy control for ascent and descent, greatly increased flight endurance, and cost-effectiveness in operation. This particular vacuustat design has a much greater lifting efficiency than previous designs, and should also be easier and more cost-effective to manufacture. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021908 | PRESSURE BULKHEAD FOR AN AIRCRAFT FUSELAGE - A pressure bulkhead ( | 2017-01-26 |
20170021909 | ADVANCED LOCK DESIGN FOR BALL-LOCK DEVICES - A ball-lock type fastening device for connecting a work piece to a structure is disclosed. The fastening device includes a number of features designed to improve the reliability, repeatability and strength of the locking mechanism compared to traditional ball-lock fasteners. The features include the shape of the locking balls, the shape of the retention housing which engages the locking balls, and mechanisms for controlling deployment and retraction of the locking balls. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021910 | SANDWICH STRUCTURE - A sandwich structure with an outer cover layer, inner cover layer, core layer, and pins extending through the core layer. The sandwich structure has a large core thickness resistant to crack formation and to detachment of the cover layers from the core layer. An anchor layer is between the outer and inner cover layers and divides the core layer, at least in areas, into an outer core layer section and inner core layer section. An outer group of pins extends through the outer core layer section and an inner group of pins extends through the inner core layer section. The outer group pins are connected to the anchor layer with their first end and to the outer cover layer with their opposite second end, and the inner group pins are connected to the anchor layer with their first end and to the inner cover layer with their opposite second end. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021911 | COUPLING DEVICE, WING ASSEMBLY FOR AN AIRCRAFT COMPRISING SUCH COUPLING DEVICE AND AIRCRAFT COMPRISING SUCH WING ASSEMBLY - A coupling device for supporting a first wing section against a second wing section of an aircraft, and configured for passive flight load alleviation includes a housing including a chamber including a first portion and a second portion and filled with a fluid, a piston device movably arranged in the chamber and separating the first portion from the second portion in a fluid tight manner, a first fluid pathway connecting the first portion to the second portion, a first pressure relief valve arranged in the first fluid pathway and blocking the first fluid pathway, if the pressure in the second portion is smaller than a first relief pressure and opening the first fluid pathway, if the pressure in the second portion is greater than the first relief pressure. In addition, the coupling device can be used to actuate the second wing section against the first wing section. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021912 | DE-ROTATION SYSTEM FOR A SHAFT FAIRING - A fairing system for a rotary wing aircraft is provided including a shaft fairing mounted for rotation about a first axis of rotation. A de-rotation system contained with the shaft fairing includes a toroidal continuously variable transmission configured to control the rotation of the shaft fairing about the first axis of rotation. A position control system includes at least one position sensor and a controller. The at least one position sensor is configured to monitor a position of the shaft fairing relative to the first axis of rotation. The controller is operably coupled to the at least one position sensor and the de-rotation system. The controller is configured to adjust a gear ratio of the toroidal continuously variable transmission in response to a sensed position of the shaft fairing. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021913 | Method And Device For Automatic Management Of An Actuator Controlled By A Servo-Valve - The device for automatic management of an actuator controlled by a servo-valve, includes a sensor for measuring the actual value of a parameter at the output of the actuator for a given control command, a computation unit for computing a theoretical value of said parameter, by applying the control command to a nominal performance model which models the operation of the actuator exhibiting nominal performance, a computation unit for computing the difference between the measured actual value of the parameter and the computed theoretical value of said parameter, a control unit for computing an adapted gain as a function of this difference, and a link for applying the adapted gain to the servo-valve for it to use it as gain value, so as to allow the actuator to restore nominal performance. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021914 | FIBER OPTIC SENSING AND CONTROL SYSTEM - An improved flight control system comprising a flight control surface of an aircraft or spacecraft, a first optical fiber having a fiber optic sensor configured to sense a first parameter associated with the flight control surface at a first position and a second fiber optic sensor configured to sense a second parameter associated with the flight control surface at a second location, an interrogator connected to the first optical fiber and configured to convert the sensed parameters from both the first fiber optic sensor and the second fiber optic sensor into an electrical signal, and the interrogator communicating with a flight control computer. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021915 | Adjustable Weight Distribution for Drone - Apparatus, methods, and systems for adjusting a center of mass of a drone may include a balance track and a repositionable weight. The balance track may be configured to extend outwardly from a central region of the drone. The balance track may include a plurality of weight-balance fixation positions. The repositionable weight may be configured to be secured at any one of the plurality of weight-balance fixation positions. In various embodiments the repositionable weight may include an electronic component. Various embodiments may include a another balance track configured to extend outwardly from the central region along a second axis that is different from a first axis of the other balance track. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021916 | SPIN RESISTANT AIRCRAFT CONFIGURATION - A configuration and system for rendering an aircraft spin resistant is disclosed. Resistance of the aircraft to spinning is accomplished by constraining a stall cell to a wing region adjacent to the fuselage and distant from the wing tip. Wing features that facilitate this constraint include but are not limited to one or more cuffs, stall strips, vortex generators, wing twists, wing sweeps and horizontal stabilizers. Alone or in combination, aircraft configuration features embodied by the present invention render the aircraft spin resistant by constraining the stall cell, which allows control surfaces of the aircraft to remain operational to control the aircraft. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021917 | AERODYNAMICALLY ORIENTED THERMAL PROTECTION SYSTEM OF HYPERSONIC VEHICLES - Aerodynamically oriented thermal protection system (TPS) for hypersonic aerospace vehicles which is based on a suitable spike—forebody configuration. The conical forebody semi-angle is much smaller than the cone-shaped spike tip semi-angle. As a result a separated recirculating flow is established in the region after the spike tip and a series of expansion waves are formed near the forebody—main body intersection. The separated recirculating flow shields the forebody from heat following the shock wave, and the expansion waves prevent high temperatures in the area of the forebody—main body intersection and beyond. Due to the spike tip large shock wave angle the whole of the aerospace vehicle lies within the spike tip shock wave cone and, thus, shock wave—shock wave interactions are avoided. The proposed spike—forebody configuration substantially reduces aerodynamic heating and, therefore, a conventional TPS with the associated mass penalty, and safety, reliability, maintenance and cost drawbacks is avoided. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021918 | STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING SENSORY SYSTEM INTEGRATED TO A SELF-ADAPTING MORPHING SYSTEM - A system and method for damage detection and for evaluating the real operation conditions for structural platforms using structural health monitoring is integrated to a system and method that permits for the platform to provide a flexible geometric control considering a self-adapting morphing which is capable of providing better operating structural platform performance. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021919 | REAR DOOR OF A LANDING GEAR BOX COMPRISING AN AIR PASSAGE ORIFICE AND A CLOSURE MEMBER OF THE LATTER - A landing gear box of an aircraft comprising a front door with independent opening and a rear door with opening mechanically connected to the landing gear, including an orifice in the rear door provided with a closure member and a drive mechanism allowing movement of this closure member independently of any movement of the rear door. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021920 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AIRCRAFT BRAKING AND TAXIING - Systems and methods are disclosed for aircraft braking and taxiing systems for use in, for example, an aircraft. In this regard, a system may comprise an electric motor and a clutch. The electric motor may include a first output shaft and a second output shaft. The clutch may selectively engaging the motor to at least one of a driver transmission and a brake transmission, wherein, in response to engagement with the driver transmission, the electric motor drives, exclusively, an aircraft wheel via the first output shaft, wherein, in response to engagement with the brake transmission, the electric motor drives, exclusively, a brake clamping system via the second output shaft to apply force to an aircraft brake disk stack. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021921 | Powered Clutch for Aircraft Wheel Drive System - A powered clutch assembly is provided for an aircraft landing gear or other vehicle wheel drive system equipped with wheel drive motors controllable to move the aircraft or vehicle during ground travel. Electric power for the clutch assembly is transferred to clutch actuation elements by a rotary power transfer assembly mounted between stationary and rotating elements within the landing gear wheel drive system to clutch actuation elements. Actuation elements are powered to securely lock clutch rotating elements when required to improve the reliability of failsafe operation of the clutch assembly when torque should not be transferred and to unlock clutch rotating elements when torque should be transferred when the landing gear wheel drive system is used to drive the aircraft during ground travel. Power transferred from the rotary power transfer assembly may also be used to operate components associated with the aircraft drive wheel other than the powered clutch assembly. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021922 | ROTOR PHASE CONTROL - Embodiments are directed to obtaining data from at least one sensor, processing, by a processor, the data to determine an independent rotor phase lag for each of a plurality of axes associated with a rotorcraft, and issuing, by the processor, at least one command to provide for on-axis moments in accordance with the independent rotor phase lag for each of the axes. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021923 | POWER AND COMMUNICATION INTERFACE FOR VERTICAL TAKE-OFF AND LANDING (VTOL) UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVS) - A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system including: a rearward facing tang extending from a rear fuselage portion of a VTOL UAV; one or more metallic contacts disposed on an exterior surface of the tang; a UAV pod including a landing surface; and an opening disposed in the landing surface to receive the tang. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021924 | CONTROL SYSTEM AND STRATEGY FOR TAIL SITTER - A tail sitter aircraft is capable of forward flight and hover operations. The tail sitter aircraft includes a wing and first and second prop-nacelles supportively disposed on the wing. Each of the first and second prop-nacelles includes an articulable rotor, which is rotatable about variable rotational axes and which includes blades that are collectively and cyclically controllable in both forward flight and hover regimes. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021925 | AUTOMATED READINESS EVALUATION SYSTEM (ARES) FOR USE WITH AN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM (UAS) - Methods and systems for an Automated Readiness Evaluation System (ARES), which is adapted for use with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The ARES (and UAS with such an ARES) is configured for a particular task or application selected by the user based upon their level of specific knowledge. The system may include: hardware components with communication protocols; a task, module data, and skill level repository; a user device; and an optional base system. Methods are provided for configuration, calibration, error checking, and operation of a UAS whereby the ARES serves as a mission planner by calculating the mission parameters for a user-selected task to minimize mission failure by determining the variables for task completion. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021926 | PROPULSION DEVICES WITH IMPROVED CONTROLS - A personal propulsion device adapted to achieve flight by discharging a fluid, including a passenger assembly adapted to support an individual person; at least one fluid discharge nozzle coupled to the passenger assembly, where the nozzle is movable with respect to the passenger assembly to define a range of motion, and where the nozzle is biased towards at least one position in the range of motion. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021927 | AIRBORNE PLATFORM FOR AIRCRAFT WITH ATTITUDE CORRECTION AND TOW HITCH ASSEMBLY - In a general aspect, a device for attaching a towed device to an aircraft in flight can include an attachment cable secured to the towed device. The attachment cable can have one end forming a closed loop and including a loop head. The device can also include a first attachment element secured to the loop head of the attachment cable, The first attachment element can include first electrical connectors. The device can further include a towing cable attached to the aircraft and a second attachment element attached to one end of the towing cable. The second attachment element can be configured to cooperate mechanically and electrically with the first attachment element. The second attachment element can include second electrical connectors configured to cooperate with the first electrical connectors. The device can still further include fasteners or guides configured to hold the loop head of the attachment cable off the ground. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021928 | MOUNTING ARM ASSEMBLY - A mounting arm assembly movable between stowed and deployed configurations, includes a pivot arm pivotally engaging an armrest of a seat; a tilt arm engaging the pivot arm; and a mount engaging the tilt arm for supporting a personal electronic device. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021930 | CRADLE RECLINE MECHANISM FOR AIRCRAFT PASSENGER SEAT - In a preferred embodiment, a cradle recline mechanism for an aircraft passenger seat includes a guide mechanism for guiding a seat bottom of the aircraft passenger seat forward and lower as the seat bottom moves from an upright sitting position to a cradle recline sitting position, where a rear portion of the seat bottom is lowered more than a front portion of the seat bottom, causing the seat bottom to angle upwards from a bottom edge of the seat back. A seat back of the passenger seat may be pivotably connected to the seat bottom such that it is pulled forward and down with the movement of the seat bottom, with the recline angle determined by a rigid support mechanism disposed behind the seat back. Passenger weight may be counterbalanced using a moveable control mechanism such as a locking gas spring. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021931 | LATERALLY-EXPANDING TRAY TABLE - In a preferred embodiment, an aircraft passenger seat includes a seat back and a laterally-expanding tray table including a telescoping table segment and a main table segment having an interior pocket for receiving the telescoping table segment in a retracted position, where the telescoping table segment is adjacent to the main table segment in a fully extended position to form a contiguous table surface. The seat back may include a mounting region for stowing the laterally-expanding tray table, including a latching mechanism for latching the main table segment in a stowed position. The mounting region may extend across half the width of the seat back. The seat back may include storage region(s) horizontally adjacent to the mounting region, each storage region configured to stow a passenger convenience feature. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021932 | SLIDING AND PIVOTING TRAY TABLE - Described are pivoting and sliding tray tables ( | 2017-01-26 |
20170021933 | AIRCRAFT SEAT BASE FRAME - In a preferred embodiment, an aircraft passenger seat base frame can include spaced left and right spreaders supporting a seat pan and a seatback. Additionally, a front transverse structural member and a rear transverse structural member can each interconnect with the left and right spreaders. An in-flight entertainment component compartment defined in the seat pan at least in part by placement of the front transverse structural member and the rear transverse structural member can enclose an in-flight entertainment component, wherein the front transverse structural member is positioned for aligning in a vertical plane with at least a portion of the in-flight entertainment component, and the rear transverse structural member is positioned for aligning in a horizontal plane with at least a portion of the in-flight entertainment component. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021934 | ICE DETECTING APPARATUS - An ice detecting apparatus comprising: a body including at least one ice detector mounted thereon and having an ice detecting surface and a scraping member so mounted relative to said body as to allow their movement one relative to the other and configured for scraping ice from said detecting surface during said movement. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021935 | Horizontal axis propeller engine assembly for an aircraft - An engine assembly for an aircraft, comprising a mast. The engine assembly comprises an engine with a horizontal engine axis, an engine shaft having a first end rigidly connected to the engine and a second end, and a reducer having an input shaft meshing with the second end, and an output shaft to which a propeller is fixed. The engine assembly is configured such that the engine is fixed to the mast by a rigid connection, the reducer is fixed to the mast by means of flexible fasteners, the rotation between the engine shaft and the input shaft being driven via a slide link, the engine shaft has a first part and a second part and, therebetween, a flexible part assuring a tolerance to an angular misalignment between the axis of the second part and the axis of the first part. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021936 | ENGINE CONTROL COMPUTER OF AIRCRAFT, AND AIRCRAFT - The invention deals with the restriction on the mode change of an engine due to latching in the case of restarting the engine that has stopped in flight. A FADEC that controls an engine of an aircraft in accordance with a mode, includes a latch operating section that latches the mode, and an in-parking/in-flight determining section that determines whether the aircraft is on the ground or flying off the ground. The latch operating section operates when the in-parking/in-flight determining section determines the aircraft is on the ground, and does not operate when the in-parking/in-flight determining section determines that the aircraft is in fight. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021937 | NACELLE COMPRISING AN EXCHANGER FOR COOLING A STREAM OF FLUID - A nacelle for a propulsion unit includes at least one scoop opening to the external air, and a canal supplying external air from the scoop to two ducts which separate downstream of the canal, forming a dividing lip, and at least one exchanger to cool a stream of fluid entering the exchanger. The exchanger is arranged in the region of and in contact with the separation lip. The external air circulates from the scoop towards the two ducts making it possible to cool the stream of fluid entering the exchanger. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021938 | AIRCRAFT HEAT EXCHANGE SYSTEM INCLUDING A THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE - A heat exchange system for an aircraft includes an aircraft controller for controlling an operation of an aircraft, a thermoelectric device having a low temperature side and a high temperature side. Heat is transferred away from the inlet line to the outlet line through the thermoelectric device when a predetermined condition is met. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021939 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING AT LEAST ONE POSITION INDICATOR FOR AN AIRCRAFT - A method and device for displaying at least one position indicator for an aircraft. The display device includes at least one unit for generating information for determining, during a flight of the aircraft, a control value representative of the movement by a first pilot of his joystick relative to at least one of the roll and pitch axes of the aircraft, at least one computation unit for computing a piloting command representative of the control value determined by the unit for generating information, and one display unit for displaying at least one symbol on at least one screen intended for the second pilot and directly visible by the latter, the symbol representing the position indicator and being displayed on the screen in a position illustrating the piloting command on the screen. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021940 | LANDING GEAR LIGHTS HAVING MULTI-AXIS ROTATION - Landing gear lights having multiple degrees of rotation are described herein. One disclosed example apparatus includes an aircraft landing gear light fixture having a first spherical portion, and a light assembly coupled to the light fixture, where the light assembly includes a second spherical portion adjacent the first spherical portion. The disclosed example apparatus also includes first and second pivots to allow the light assembly to rotate relative to the light fixture about two axes, where the rotation of the light assembly relative to the light fixture occurs by the first and second spherical portions moving relative to one another. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021941 | POD OPERATING SYSTEM FOR A VERTICAL TAKE-OFF AND LANDING (VTOL) UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV) - A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) storage and launch system includes a UAV pod having a UAV pod processor and a UAV selectively enclosed in the UAV pod, the UAV having only two rotors. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021942 | POD COVER SYSTEM FOR A VERTICAL TAKE-OFF AND LANDING (VTOL) UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV) - An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) storage and launch system includes a UAV pod having an open position and a closed position, the closed position establishing an interior that is weather resistant to an environment external to the UAV pod and a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAV enclosed in the UAV pod so that the UAV pod in the closed position provides a weather resistant interior for the VTOL UAV. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021943 | Capturing Hook for Aerial System - A capturing hook for engaging a cable during capture and release of an aerial vehicle may comprise a first and second gate pivotally supported at their first ends by a base portion and each being movable between a closed position and an open position, but spring-biased to the closed position. The capturing hook may further include a latch device comprising a movable locking part biased by a return spring to a locked position to lock the second gate in the closed position. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021944 | Aerial System and Vehicle for Continuous Operation - An aerial vehicle landing station comprising a first post and a second post, wherein the second post is spaced apart from the first post and a cable to capture an aerial vehicle, wherein the cable is stretched between the first post and the second post and configured to support the weight of the aerial vehicle once captured and the cable may provide a charging current to the aerial vehicle once captured. One or more markers may be further positioned on the cable to designate a landing point, wherein the one or more markers are configured to be visually tracked by the aerial vehicle. A cable management device coupled to the cable via one or more pulleys may regulate tension of the cable. A communications transceiver at the aerial vehicle landing station may wirelessly communicate data with the aerial vehicle. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021945 | AIRCRAFT GROUNDING SYSTEM - Liquid dispensing assemblies including adhesive anchoring assemblies configured to adhere to a support surface external to a device such as a vehicle. An air vehicle includes (a) a fluid adhesive container assembly detachably attached to the air vehicle, wherein the fluid adhesive container assembly comprises: (i) an adhesive container comprising fluid adhesive; and (ii) one or more fibers, wherein the one or more fibers are configured, or a brush of fibers, or a fabric of fibers, is configured to conduct the fluid adhesive and to structurally support an adhesive bond between the one or more fibers and a surface; and (b) means for dispensing the fluid adhesive from the fluid adhesive container, to the one or more fibers. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021946 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONFIGURABLE AND SCALABLE UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES AND SYSTEMS - An unmanned aircraft system (UAS) making use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for more than one task. The inventors discovered that an improved UAS could be provided by combining one or more of these three elements: (1) hot-swappable modular kits (e.g., a plurality of components useful in UAVs to perform particular user-selectable tasks); (2) an interconnection mechanism for each component with identification protocols that provides both a physical and a data connection; and (3) an intelligent system that interprets the identification protocols and determines the configuration for a selected task, error checking, airworthiness, and calibration. The system and associated methods for the task based drone configuration and verification reduces the possibility of task failure by an operator. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021947 | Large-Area Structures for Compact Packaging - A space-based solar power station, a power generating satellite module and/or a method for collecting solar radiation and transmitting power generated using electrical current produced therefrom, and/or compactible structures and deployment mechanisms used to form and deploy such satellite modules and power generation tiles associated therewith are provided. Each satellite module and/or power generation tile may be formed of a compactable structure and deployment mechanism capable of reducing the payload area required to deliver the satellite module to an orbital formation within the space-based solar power station and reliably deploy it once in orbit. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021948 | SPACE VEHICLE - Space vehicles are provided, each including a body and a solar panel array system. The body has a longitudinal axis and a plurality of body portions. Adjacent body portions are hinged to one another about a respective body hinge axis to enable the body portions to be selectively pivoted about the respective body hinge axes with respect to one another from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the undeployed configuration the body has a first length dimension along a reference axis, and in the deployed configuration the body has a second length dimension along the reference axis. The second length dimension is greater than first length dimension. The solar panel system includes at least two panel sets. Each panel set has at least one solar panel, each panel set being movably mounted to one of the body portions and being selectively deployable from a stowed configuration to an extended configuration. In the stowed configuration the at least one panel of each respective panel set is in circumferentially overlapping relationship with an outside of the body, and in the extended configuration, the panels are projecting away from the respective the body portion. Methods for deploying a space vehicle are also provided. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021949 | FEEDING ASSEMBLY TO FILL CAPSULES OR THE LIKE WITH AT LEAST TWO PRODUCTS, IN PARTICULAR PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS, IN GRANULES - The bottom of a capsule is filled with at least two products contained in respective annular rotating containing tanks, which are mounted concentrically, and have a plurality of pairs of radially aligned filling holes; the filling holes of each pair of filling holes being associated with a relative closing device, which is selectively movable between a closing position of both filling holes, a first opening position of one of the two filling holes, and a second opening position of the other filling hole. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021950 | SYSTEM FOR LOADING ITEMS INTO A CONTAINER-DEFINING SHEET - A system for loading items into a container-defining sheet. The system includes a support for receiving the container-defining sheet, the support having a top surface provided with a number of apertures equal to the number of cavities embossed in the container-defining sheet. A support illumination board is positioned on a back portion of the support. The illumination board includes a plurality of evenly-spaced-apart support light indicators, each support light indicator being positioned substantially centrally with respect to a corresponding aperture of the support and adapted to back-illuminate one of the containers of the container-defining sheet upon placement of the container-defining sheet into the support. An illumination board controller controls operation of the support light indicators to indicate into which container of the container-defining sheet each item is to be loaded. An enclosure with drawers holding items to be put into the container-defining sheet is also disclosed. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021951 | DUAL SYRINGE FLUID PUMP - A dual syringe fluid pump ( | 2017-01-26 |
20170021952 | CARPET WRAPPING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USING SAME - The invention comprises a carpet wrapping apparatus. The apparatus comprises a pair of rotatable rollers for supporting a roll of sheet material and for rotating the roll of sheet material supported thereon and a vertically extending curtain disposed adjacent and spaced from the roll of sheet material so that there is a horizontal gap between the curtain and the roll of sheet material when supported on the rollers. The apparatus also comprises a source of pressurized air directed toward the curtain and a plastic film dispenser disposed above the rollers for dispensing a plastic film between the curtain and the source of pressurized air so that the pressurized air blows the plastic film toward the curtain and into the gap. A method of wrapping a roll of carpet with a plastic film is also disclosed. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021953 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING A FROZEN PRODUCT - A method for packaging a frozen food product includes placing a fluid food product into a flexible container, sealing the container and pasteurizing the food product in the sealed container. The method further includes applying a form to at least one surface of the flexible container, the form embossing the container and creating a series of compartments separated by thin segments therebetween, and freezing the product in the container with the form in place. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021954 | METHOD FOR PRODUCING COLLECTIONS OF PRINTED PRODUCTS, AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT SAID METHOD - In a method for producing a collection ( | 2017-01-26 |
20170021955 | THERMO-FORMING PACKAGING MACHINE - The thermo-forming packaging machine according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a sealing station, a first forming station for forming trays into a lower film web that is in a first forming plane clamped in the first forming station, and a second forming station for forming lids into an upper film web that is in a second forming plane clamped in the second forming station. The sealing station can be configured to create a sealing seam in a sealing plane. The thermo-forming packaging machine may be characterized in that the first forming plane is provided at least 200 mm below the second forming plane, wherein the first and the second forming planes are at least approximately parallel to each other. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021956 | LARGE FORMAT CONTAINER - Provided is a blow molded container including a bottom, four sidewalls extending upward from the bottom to a shoulder region, a neck disposed on the shoulder region and defining an opening at the top of the container, and vertical ribs extending from the shoulder region to the bottom along the sidewalls. The shoulder region includes shoulder ribs and a shoulder base portion, the shoulder ribs formed of should rib walls extending upward from the shoulder base portion and a shoulder rib top portion extending between shoulder rib walls to form an upper part of the shoulder ribs. Each shoulder rib extends from the neck to an upper part of a corresponding vertical rib to provide improved top load resistance at the top and neck of the container. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021957 | DISPOSABLE TRAY - Disposable tray includes a base and a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall extends upwardly from the base to define an interior. The perimeter wall includes a set of opposing first sidewalls and a set of opposing second sidewalls. Each of the opposing first sidewalls having a first maximum height above the base and each of the opposing second sidewalls having a second maximum height above the base. The tray further includes a divider wall extending upwardly from the base. The divider wall extends between the set of opposing second sidewalls to define a plurality of compartments. The divider wall intersects each of the opposing second sidewalls proximate the second maximum height. The second maximum height is greater than the first maximum height. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021958 | Trapezoidal Storage Device - An exemplary design for upright storage devices, such as dressers or cabinets or shelving units, to dramatically improve stability, and thus safety, is provided. In general, such storage devices can be constructed with one or both base angles measuring less than 90 degrees, giving them a trapezoidal cross section. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021959 | SHEET PACKAGING MATERIAL FOR PRODUCING SEALED PACKAGES OF POURABLE FOOD PRODUCTS - A sheet packaging material includes fold lines along which the sheet packaging material is foldable to form a sealed package containing a pourable food product. The packaging material comprises at least one base layer that imparts stiffness, at least one lamination layer applied to and covering the base layer; and a removable portion which, in use, is partly detachable from a remainder of the sheet packaging material and foldable at a folding zone to free a pour opening by which to pour the food product from the package. The removable portion comprises at least one aperture formed at least in the base layer and covered by a cover material, and the removable portion is crossed by one of the fold lines defining in use an edge between two walls of the package. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021960 | Recyclable Container Blank and Method of Forming a Shipping Pack Having Articles Secured Therein - A container blank ( | 2017-01-26 |
20170021961 | CONVERTIBLE CASE WITH DEPLOYABLE VENTILATION PANELS FOR SHIPPING AND DISPLAYING FOOD PRODUCTS - A convertible case for shipping and displaying packages of a food product includes a body formed from a first blank of a cardboard material and a hood formed from a second blank of a cardboard material. The first blank is foldable into a six-sided rectangular body and filled, using automatic or manual production processes, into a shipping configuration assembly having a front with a partially open region and a removable portion with a glue area, a back having a partially open region and a removable portion having a glue region, a left side, a right side, a top having a left panel and a right panel that are each shaped to provide a logo area and defining a partially open region between the logo areas, and a bottom having one or more selectively removable vent panels. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021962 | END CLOSURE WITH DOUBLE ANTI-MISSILE SCORE - An end closure for food and beverage containers provides controlled opening characteristics to prevent the unintentional missiling of a tear panel. The end closure comprises a score line that defines a portion of the tear panel, and the end closure may comprise one or more anti-missile features that inhibit the propagation of a fracture down a score line, which reduces the likelihood that a tear panel will inadvertently detach from the end closure and injure the user or another. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021963 | PALLET ASSEMBLY - A pallet includes fire retardant coatings to improve the overall fire performance of the pallet. First, the coatings may be used in combination with fire retardant additives in the plastic material of the pallet in order to reduce the amount of additives, thereby reducing cost and improving the structural performance of the pallet. Alternatively or additionally, the fire retardant coatings may be placed inside the pallet. This eliminates the chance that the fire retardant coating will get worn off during use. For example, the coating could be placed between the reinforcement sheet and the deck or runners, within the columns, etc. | 2017-01-26 |
20170021964 | STORAGE RECEPTACLE STACKING SYSTEM - Provided is a storage receptacle stacking system comprising a set of receptacles. Each receptacle is an open rectangular prism defined by, a back panel, which has a top edge, a bottom edge, a right edge, and a left edge, and a first back panel surface, and a set of side panels. The set of side panels has top, bottom, left, and right panels. Each receptacle is removably engaged to at least one other receptacle by a first set of fasteners. For each receptacle, at least one of the panels in the set of side panels is adjacent to and parallel with at least one of the panels in the set of side panels of another receptacle, and any one of the panels in the set of side panels may be engaged in the alternative with any one of the panels in the set of side panels of any other receptacle. | 2017-01-26 |