Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100332574 | Digital random number generator - A hardware-based digital random number generator is provided. The digital random number generator is a randomly behaving random number generator based on a set of nondeterministic behaviors. The nondeterministic behaviors include temporal asynchrony between subunits, entropy source “extra” bits, entropy measurement, autonomous deterministic random bit generator reseeding and consumption from a shared resource. | 12-30-2010 |
20140032933 | PROVIDING ACCESS TO ENCRYPTED DATA - Embodiments of methods, systems, and storage medium associated with providing access to encrypted data for authorized users are disclosed herein. In one instance, the method may include obtaining a derived value for an authenticated user based on user personalization data of the authenticated user, and generating a user-specific encryption key based on the derived value. The derived value may have entropy in excess of a predetermined level. The user-specific encryption key may enable the authenticated user to access the encrypted data stored at the storage device. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. | 01-30-2014 |
20140091832 | INTEGRATED CIRCUITS HAVING ACCESSIBLE AND INACCESSIBLE PHYSICALLY UNCLONABLE FUNCTIONS - An integrated circuit substrate of an aspect includes a plurality of exposed electrical contacts. The integrated circuit substrate also includes an inaccessible set of Physically Unclonable Function (PUF) cells to generate an inaccessible set of PUF bits that are not accessible through the exposed electrical contacts. The integrated circuit substrate also includes an accessible set of PUF cells to generate an accessible set of PUF bits that are accessible through the exposed electrical contacts. Other apparatus, methods, and systems are also disclosed. | 04-03-2014 |
20140095867 | DEVICE, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR SECURE TRUST ANCHOR PROVISIONING AND PROTECTION USING TAMPER-RESISTANT HARDWARE - A method and device for securely provisioning trust anchors includes generating a database wrapper key as a function of computing device hardware. The database wrapper key encrypts a key database when it is not in use by a trusted execution environment and may be generated using a Physical Unclonable Function (PUF). A local computing device establishes a secure connection and security protocols with a remote computing device. In establishing the secure connection, the local computing device and remote computing device may exchange and/or authenticate cryptographic keys, including Enhanced Privacy Identification (EPID) keys, and establish a session key and device identifier(s). One or more trust anchors are then provisioned depending on whether unilateral, bilateral, or multilateral trust is established. The local computing device may act as a group or domain controller in establishing multilateral trust. Any of the devices may also require user presence to be verified. | 04-03-2014 |
20150055778 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A NON-DETERMINISTIC RANDOM BIT GENERATOR (NRBG) - A hardware-based digital random number generator is provided. In one embodiment, a processor includes a digital random number generator (DRNG) to condition entropy data provided by an entropy source, to generate a plurality of deterministic random bit (DRB) strings, and to generate a plurality of nondeterministic random bit (NRB) strings, and an execution unit coupled to the DRNG, in response to a first instruction to read a seed value, to retrieve one of the NRB strings from the DRNG and to store the NRB string in a destination register specified by the first instruction. | 02-26-2015 |
20150319150 | DEVICE, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR SECURE TRUST ANCHOR PROVISIONING AND PROTECTION USING TAMPER-RESISTANT HARDWARE - A method and device for securely provisioning trust anchors includes generating a database wrapper key as a function of computing device hardware. The database wrapper key encrypts a key database when it is not in use by a trusted execution environment and may be generated using a Physical Unclonable Function (PUF). A local computing device establishes a secure connection and security protocols with a remote computing device. In establishing the secure connection, the local computing device and remote computing device may exchange and/or authenticate cryptographic keys, including Enhanced Privacy Identification (EPID) keys, and establish a session key and device identifier(s). One or more trust anchors are then provisioned depending on whether unilateral, bilateral, or multilateral trust is established. The local computing device may act as a group or domain controller in establishing multilateral trust. Any of the devices may also require user presence to be verified. | 11-05-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130020430 | Method of Extending and Improving Aircraft Life and Efficiency - A method for extending the useful and economic life of an aircraft and improving aircraft efficiency is provided. This method produces significant fuel savings on the ground and in flight as well as cost-effective and efficient operation of and reduced maintenance requirements for older aircraft. The increased economic viability of the continued use of older aircraft is achieved by equipping an aircraft with at least one onboard drive wheel assembly controllably powered to drive the aircraft during ground travel independently of aircraft engines or external tow vehicles. The substantial elimination of damage to an aircraft's airframe, brakes, landing gear, and engine components resulting from tow vehicle attachment, brake application during ground travel with operating aircraft engines, or by FOD produces cleaner, more efficient engine operation during flight. Significant and substantial potential cost savings realized by the present method makes the continued use of older aircraft a viable option. | 01-24-2013 |
20130062459 | METHOD FOR ENHANCING PILOT EFFICIENCY AND AIRCRAFT SAFETY DURING GROUND TRAVEL - A method for enhancing pilot and cockpit crew efficiency and increasing aircraft safety during aircraft ground travel between landing and takeoff is provided. The present method is most effective in enhancing pilot efficiency and aircraft safety in an aircraft equipped with at least one powered, self-propelled drive wheel that drives the aircraft on the ground independently of the aircraft main engines or external tow vehicles that is controlled by the pilot and cockpit crew to maneuver the aircraft during ground travel. | 03-14-2013 |
20150151834 | AIRPORT TERMINAL AIRCRAFT GATE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - An airport terminal gate traffic management system is provided that maximizes efficiency and safety of passenger transfer and aircraft servicing and minimizes aircraft time parked at a terminal. Aircraft are driven forward into and out of gates by controllable landing gear wheel non-engine drive means and parked in a parallel or perpendicular orientation relative to the terminal that facilitates passenger transfer through a maximum number of aircraft doors. Passenger transfer and aircraft servicing may begin upon aircraft arrival using all available accessible aircraft doors. Departing aircraft may be turned by an unassisted pilot and driven forward with the controllable non-engine drive means to a takeoff runway. Airport terminal aircraft gate traffic is most effectively and efficiently managed when a significant number of aircraft using an airport are equipped with non-engine drive means controllable to move them into and out of a parking orientation optimal for passenger transfer. | 06-04-2015 |
20150175256 | METHOD FOR ACCELERATED POWERED SELF PUSH BACK OF AN AIRCRAFT - A method for accelerated power push back of an aircraft equipped with a pilot-controlled engines-off taxi system that drives the aircraft without reliance on the aircraft's main engines or tugs is provided. An aircraft is quickly and efficiently moved out of a gate where it is positioned in a nose-in orientation. The pilot controls the taxi system to drive the aircraft in reverse along a perpendicular path away from the terminal to a location where there is sufficient space for the aircraft to stop and turn, and the aircraft is turned and driven in a forward direction to a takeoff runway. Pilot reliance on ground personnel guidance during push back maneuvers is minimized by providing a monitoring system designed to monitor gate and ramp areas around the aircraft in any visibility or environmental conditions and provide feedback to the pilot. | 06-25-2015 |
20150175271 | Method for Monitoring Autonomous Accelerated Aircraft Pushback - A method for monitoring an autonomous accelerated pushback process in an aircraft equipped with an engines-off taxi system is provided to maximize safety and facilitate the accelerated pushback process. The aircraft is equipped with a monitoring system including a number of different kinds of sensors and monitoring devices positioned to maximally monitor the aircraft's exterior ground environment and communicate the presence or absence of obstructions in the aircraft's path while the pilot is controlling the engines-off taxi system to drive the aircraft in reverse away from a terminal gate and then turn in place at a selected location before driving forward to a taxiway. The sensors and monitoring devices may be a combination of cameras, ultrasound, global positioning, radar, and LiDAR or LADAR devices, and proximity sensors located at varying heights adapted to continuously or intermittently scan or sweep the aircraft exterior and ground environment during aircraft ground movement. | 06-25-2015 |
20150175275 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING EFFICIENCY OF AIRCRAFT GATE SERVICES AND TURNAROUND - A system and method is provided for improving efficiency of aircraft gate services and reducing time spent by an aircraft parked parallel to an airport terminal wherein aircraft utilities and gate services provided during turnaround are supported by an arrangement of flexibly movable, service and utility-carrying extendable passenger boarding bridges that enable passenger and baggage exchange concurrently with connection of utilities and provision of gate services to the aircraft. Aircraft are maneuvered by a pilot into and out of a parallel parking location in a forward direction by an engines-off electric taxi system that does not rely on the use of aircraft main engines to drive the aircraft, enabling loading bridge, utility, and service connections to be made to multiple aircraft doors as soon as the aircraft arrives at a parking space and then quickly disconnected upon departure. | 06-25-2015 |
20150217872 | METHOD FOR SLOT CREATION AT AN AIRPORT - A method is provided for creating additional takeoff and landing slots at airports that are constrained from operation by curfews that limit the hours when aircraft can operate. Aircraft may be moved on the ground to and from takeoff and landing runways without operation of the aircraft's engines entirely by tow vehicles, aircraft transfer apparatus, or non-engine drive means so that aircraft are ready to take off at the expiration of an airport's morning curfew. Aircraft may also land just prior to start of an airport's evening curfew and be moved to parking destinations entirely by tow vehicles, aircraft transfer apparatus, or non-engine drive means without operating engines. Airport capacity may be increased without requiring infrastructure expansion. | 08-06-2015 |
20150221224 | PERMANENT WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM FOR AN AIRCRAFT EQUIPPED WITH A WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM - A permanent wireless onboard to ground operations communications system is provided for an aircraft equipped with a pilot-controllable drive wheel drive system for autonomous ground movement without reliance on the aircraft's engines or external tow vehicles, including an onboard wireless communications link installed to remain permanently with the aircraft designed to interface wirelessly with ground personnel at any airport, aerodrome, or airfield where the aircraft lands immediately upon landing. The permanent wireless onboard to ground operations communications system provides a substantially instantaneous connection between a pilot and ground personnel to facilitate guidance of pilot-controlled autonomous ground movement during taxi, parking in nose-in and parallel orientations, and pushback without reliance on visual signals. The present communications system establishes and maintains cockpit to ground communications during pilot-controlled autonomous aircraft ground movement to enhance the safety of ramp operations and improve the speed at which ramp operations can be safely conducted. | 08-06-2015 |
20150232202 | METHOD FOR MAINTAINING A SUPPLY OF AVAILABLE AIRCRAFT EQUIPPED WITH NON-ENGINE DRIVE MEANS FOR USE BY AIRLINES - A method for maintaining a supply of available aircraft equipped with non-engine drive means for autonomous ground movement is provided that enables an air carrier, particularly a low cost carrier, to operate reliably, efficiently, and economically to provide substantially uninterrupted air transport service. The present method is designed to enable airlines with fleets of older aircraft retrofitted with non-engine drive means for autonomous ground movement to operate economically and efficiently through a cooperative arrangement with a maintenance, repair, and overhaul provider that maintains and ensures an available supply network of spare and backup aircraft. The supply network may be global in geographic scope and may provide spare or backup aircraft equipped with non-engine drive means to one or more airlines. | 08-20-2015 |
20150251751 | SURFACE TRAVEL SYSTEM FOR MILITARY AIRCRAFT - A surface travel system for military aircraft is provided that enables efficient, quiet, and safe ground operations of one or more aircraft in a wide range of military missions and operations. The surface travel system includes controllable onboard drive means that effectively drives one or more of the aircraft's wheels to move the aircraft autonomously, efficiently, quietly, and safely on any travel surface required for a military mission. The present invention allows the rapid safe deployment of multiple aircraft from tight spaces and enhances the readiness and availability of aircraft for a wide range of military operations. | 09-10-2015 |
20150274284 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING EFFICIENCY OF AIRCRAFT GATE SERVICES AND TURNAROUND - A system and method is provided for improving efficiency of aircraft gate services and reducing time spent by an aircraft parked parallel to an airport terminal wherein aircraft utilities and gate services provided during turnaround are supported by an arrangement of flexibly movable, service and utility-carrying extendable passenger boarding bridges that enable passenger and baggage exchange concurrently with connection of utilities and provision of gate services to the aircraft. Baggage transfer is facilitated by conveyors mounted on one or more loading bridges and designed to provide a direct connection between an aircraft and a terminal. Aircraft are maneuvered by a pilot into and out of a parallel parking location in a forward direction by an engines-off electric taxi system, enabling loading bridge, utility, and service connections to be made to multiple aircraft doors as soon as the aircraft reaches a parking location and then quickly disconnected upon departure. | 10-01-2015 |
20150298823 | AIRCRAFT PASSENGER BOARDING SYSTEM - An aircraft passenger boarding system is provided for aircraft equipped for pilot-controllable engines-off taxi that enables a pilot to drive the aircraft without engines in a forward direction into and out of an optimum parallel or angled gate parking orientation that permits terminal connections to both forward and aft doors on a terminal-facing side of the aircraft. Selected defined classes of passengers board the aircraft separately, through a designated loading bridge connected to a forward door or through a designated loading bridge connected to an aft door, to be seated in a designated front or rear aircraft section. An airline may flexibly allocate variably sized sections of the aircraft interior for each defined class, depending on the relative numbers of passengers in each class. Airport terminal interior gate space may be used to separate passenger classes as required for separate boarding through a forward door or an aft door. | 10-22-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090121254 | Method for Modification of Built In Potential of Diodes - In broad terms the present invention is a semiconductor junction comprising a first material ( | 05-14-2009 |
20110284685 | Wheel Structure for Integrating an Electric Drive Motor - A wheel design is provided for an aircraft landing gear wheel that is configured to maximize the space available within a landing gear wheel well to support a motor driver assembly that drives the aircraft wheel when the aircraft is on the ground. The wheel includes inboard and outboard support walls that are spaced apart a selected distance along the wheel axle so that the motor driver assembly components are substantially completely contained within the wheel space defined by the support walls. The preferred motor driver assembly includes an electric motor and a gear and clutch assembly operatively connected to the wheel to drive the wheel and move the aircraft on the ground. The wheel and motor driver assembly described herein may be retrofitted in an existing aircraft wheel without changing existing landing gear components, including tires, piston, and axle. | 11-24-2011 |
20110297786 | Integrated Electric Motor and Gear in an Aircraft Wheel - A wheel design is provided for an aircraft landing gear wheel that is configured to maximize the space available within a landing gear wheel well to support a geared motor assembly that drives the aircraft wheel when the aircraft is on the ground. The wheel includes inboard and outboard support walls that are spaced apart a selected distance along the wheel axle so that the geared motor assembly components are substantially completely contained within the wheel space defined by the support walls. The preferred motor driver assembly includes an electric motor and a gear and clutch assembly operatively connected to the wheel to drive the wheel and move the aircraft on the ground. The wheel and motor driver assembly described herein may be retrofitted in an existing aircraft wheel without changing existing landing gear components, including tires, piston, and axle. | 12-08-2011 |
20120001018 | Electric Motor Integrated with a Wheel - An integral motor and wheel assembly for aircraft landing gear is provided that includes an electric motor packaged within at least one gear wheel and configured to fit completely within the space provided in an existing aircraft for the landing gear components. The motor is positioned within the wheel to minimize the spin-up weight and to maximize the space within a given volume allocated for the motor. Installation of this motor and gear wheel assembly in an existing aircraft landing gear is designed to permit the continued use of existing landing gear components, including tires, axles, and pistons, so that the assembly can be easily retrofitted into existing aircraft. | 01-05-2012 |
20130020430 | Method of Extending and Improving Aircraft Life and Efficiency - A method for extending the useful and economic life of an aircraft and improving aircraft efficiency is provided. This method produces significant fuel savings on the ground and in flight as well as cost-effective and efficient operation of and reduced maintenance requirements for older aircraft. The increased economic viability of the continued use of older aircraft is achieved by equipping an aircraft with at least one onboard drive wheel assembly controllably powered to drive the aircraft during ground travel independently of aircraft engines or external tow vehicles. The substantial elimination of damage to an aircraft's airframe, brakes, landing gear, and engine components resulting from tow vehicle attachment, brake application during ground travel with operating aircraft engines, or by FOD produces cleaner, more efficient engine operation during flight. Significant and substantial potential cost savings realized by the present method makes the continued use of older aircraft a viable option. | 01-24-2013 |
20130062459 | METHOD FOR ENHANCING PILOT EFFICIENCY AND AIRCRAFT SAFETY DURING GROUND TRAVEL - A method for enhancing pilot and cockpit crew efficiency and increasing aircraft safety during aircraft ground travel between landing and takeoff is provided. The present method is most effective in enhancing pilot efficiency and aircraft safety in an aircraft equipped with at least one powered, self-propelled drive wheel that drives the aircraft on the ground independently of the aircraft main engines or external tow vehicles that is controlled by the pilot and cockpit crew to maneuver the aircraft during ground travel. | 03-14-2013 |
20130064688 | Integrated Direct Drive Starter/Generator for Turbines - A starter/generator machine for a turbine with a turbine enclosure, an air duct, and a plurality of fan blades is provided. The starter/generator machine includes a plurality of stator elements spaced at intervals in a ring shape adjacent to the air duct and a plurality of rotor elements mounted on the fan blades. The stator elements and the rotor elements are mounted to interact magnetically to exert a force sufficient to move the rotor elements. The stator elements are shaped to minimize air flow interference and are formed with a core, at least one pole, and multiple windings. The spacing between the stator elements and the rotor elements forms an air gap on the order of 5-10 mm, and the number of stator elements is different from the number of rotor elements. | 03-14-2013 |
20130088860 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING ARTIFICIAL LIGHT - A system and method for generating artificial light for interior or exterior illumination are provided to illuminate interior and exterior underground, underwater, ground level, and above ground structures and spaces by employing various combinations of solar photovoltaic-generated power and conventional power to directly power LED or other light sources to provide interior or exterior illumination of a desired optimal intensity. One embodiment of this system provides a virtual skylight that illuminates interior structures and spaces with the benefits of illumination provided by a conventional skylight but without the disadvantages. A direct connection between a solar photovoltaic cell and the LED or other light-producing source eliminates complex and costly circuitry in both interior and exterior applications. The system is configured to provide, alternatively, solar PV power and/or conventional power as required to maintain artificial illumination at a desired optimum threshold intensify. | 04-11-2013 |
20130104949 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERTER DEVICES | 05-02-2013 |
20130112806 | DRIVE SYSTEM WITH HARMONIC DRIVE FOR SELF-PROPELLED AIRCRAFT WHEEL - A drive system with harmonic drive designed to meet the high power and torque requirements required to drive an aircraft independently on the ground is provided. The drive system includes an electric motor driven by a harmonic drive assembly that may be configured to be integral with the motor. This drive system with harmonic drive can be effectively installed in an existing aircraft nose wheel or main wheel without changes to other components. | 05-09-2013 |
20130112807 | METHOD FOR REDUCING AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE COSTS AND TIME OUT OF SERVICE - A method for reducing both an aircraft's scheduled and unscheduled maintenance costs and an aircraft's time out of service for maintenance, repair, and overhaul is provided. The present method is implemented by providing onboard drive means on an aircraft capable of translating torque through aircraft wheels and controllable to move the aircraft independently on the ground without reliance on the aircraft's engines or external tow vehicles. Substantially eliminating the use of an aircraft's main engines and tow vehicles to move the aircraft on the ground between landing and takeoff significantly reduces and may substantially eliminate aircraft maintenance requirements and aircraft time out of service and produces quantifiable substantial cost savings. | 05-09-2013 |
20130126711 | LOW LIGHT VISION AND THERMAL IMAGING DEVICES WITH COOL CHIP COOLING - Improved low light vision and thermal imaging devices are provided. The devices of the present invention employ thermionic or thermotunneling cooling, with or without Avto Metals™, to ensure efficient operation under conditions of low illumination or the complete absence of illumination to detect emitted or reflected infrared and visible light radiation, significantly reducing thermal noise to produce superior image resolution and sensitivity within a small, lightweight footprint that will have a wide range of military, law enforcement, civilian, and other applications. | 05-23-2013 |
20130138584 | METHOD FOR INCREASING SLOTS AT AN AIRPORT - A method is provided for increasing the number of takeoff and landing slots and increasing gate capacity at airports with slot controls, including airports that are constrained from operation by curfews that limit the hours when aircraft can operate. The present method is intended to be used in connection with an aircraft that is equipped with onboard wheel drive means capable of translating torque through aircraft wheels and controllable to move the aircraft independently on the ground quietly and efficiently to a runway for takeoff without reliance on the aircraft's engines or the use of external tow vehicles. | 05-30-2013 |
20130200209 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAINTAINING AIRCRAFT GROUND TRAVEL SPEED AND DIRECTION - A system and method for setting, controlling, or maintaining a selected taxi speed and route for one or more aircraft equipped with an onboard non-engine powered drive means powering one or more aircraft wheels to move the aircraft during taxi is provided. Taxi speed and/or route can be set, maintained, or controlled by the aircraft pilot or ground traffic control in conjunction with taxi speed and travel of other aircraft and ground vehicles. A pilot activates a speed control to set and control taxi speed. The aircraft will automatically travel on the ground at that speed without input from the pilot until it is necessary to change the speed manually or automatically. Airport ground traffic control can generate taxi profiles for all non-engine driven aircraft to automatically control, subject to pilot capability to override, the taxi of multiple aircraft at an airport in conjunction with ground vehicle movement. | 08-08-2013 |
20130214089 | METHOD FOR IMPROVING GROUND TRAVEL CAPABILITY AND ENHANCING STEALTH IN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES - A method for improving ground movement capability and enhancing stealth in unmanned aerial vehicles is provided. The present method comprises providing, in an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with wheels, one or more onboard drive means capable of translating torque through the vehicle wheels and controllable to move the unmanned aerial vehicle on the ground without reliance on the unmanned aerial vehicle main motive power source. The onboard drive means is controllably powered by a power source with substantially no acoustic signature to move the unmanned aerial vehicle quietly on the ground with only a minimal audible or visible footprint. This method provides a significant expansion of ground movement capability and expands the potential ground uses of unmanned aerial vehicles, particularly in military applications. The present method can also be applied to move any manned aerial vehicle or aircraft on the ground with only minimal audible or visible footprints. | 08-22-2013 |
20130240664 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING RELATIONAL SPEED AND POSITION IN AN AIRCRAFT EQUIPPED WITH A LANDING GEAR DRIVE WHEEL - A method is provided for determining a relational speed and position of two moving components, preferably an aircraft landing gear drive wheel, a component of the drive wheel, a drive means driving the landing gear drive wheel, or a component of the drive means, using fiber optic technology. Speed and positional information relating to the relative positions of a part of a landing gear drive wheel and a part of a drive means driving the drive wheel can be obtained to ensure their proper engagement or interaction. A single optical fiber preferably provides information relating to drive wheel speed, drive means speed, drive wheel position, and drive means position, therefore enabling efficient autonomous ground travel of an aircraft equipped with this system. The present method can also be employed to monitor aircraft wheel speed in aircraft that use thrust from the engines to move an aircraft on the ground. | 09-19-2013 |
20130240665 | METHOD FOR IMPROVING EFFICIENCY OF AIRPORT DEICING OPERATIONS - A method for improving the efficiency of airport deicing operations is provided. The present method equips aircraft using an airport with onboard non-engine drive means powered to drive one or more landing gear wheels to move the aircraft on the ground autonomously during taxi without reliance on the aircraft's engines. Decreasing or substantially eliminating the operation of aircraft engines during taxi substantially eliminates the likelihood that ice, snow, slush, and other runway contaminants moved by the jet blast produced by aircraft engine operation during taxi will be sprayed from the runway onto surfaces of taxiing aircraft, both prior to deicing and after deicing. Deicing operations can be conducted more quickly, and repeated deicing operations on a single aircraft can be avoided. | 09-19-2013 |
20130314545 | LOW LIGHT VISION AND THERMAL IMAGING DEVICES WITH COOL CHIP COOLING - Improved low light vision and thermal imaging devices are provided. The devices of the present invention employ thermionic or thermotunneling cooling, with or without Avto Metals™, to ensure efficient operation under conditions of low illumination or the complete absence of illumination to detect emitted or reflected infrared and visible light radiation, significantly reducing thermal noise to produce superior image resolution and sensitivity within a small, lightweight footprint that will have a wide range of military, law enforcement, civilian, and other applications. | 11-28-2013 |
20140048085 | COOLING FILTER FOR CIGARETTES AND SMOKING ARTICLES - An integral cooling and filtering device designed to be fitted on a smoking end of a cigarette or other smoking article is provided to reduce the temperature of smoke produced by combustion of smoking material and to filter the cooled smoke prior to contact with a smoker's mouth. The device is configured with a receptacle to hold a cigarette or like smoking article and a mouthpiece section that directly contacts the smoker's mouth. A cooling section and a filter section are positioned between the receptacle and the mouthpiece section. Temperature reduction of the smoke is provided by a thermionic cooling means. The filter section can include a substantially permanent cleanable filter or a replaceable filter. The mouthpiece section may be a heat-resistant metal, a plastic, or another appropriate mouth contact material, while the receptacle and cooling and filtering sections are preferably formed of a suitable metal. | 02-20-2014 |
20140061374 | METHOD FOR INCREASING LANDING GEAR EFFECTIVE LIFE AND AIRCRAFT LANDING CYCLES - A method for reducing maintenance and increasing the effective life of an aircraft's landing gear, thereby increasing the aircraft's flight and landing cycles is provided. The present method eliminates adverse stresses and forces produced on landing gear components by the operation of a tow vehicle to tow the aircraft on the ground by providing an onboard wheel driver that is powered to drive at least one of the aircraft's nose wheels or main wheels to move the aircraft on the ground. Movement of the aircraft on the ground is controlled by the operation of the driver-powered drive wheel, eliminating the possibility of damage to landing gear components associated with tug operation. | 03-06-2014 |
20140138478 | METHOD FOR REDUCING AIRLINE FLEET CARBON EMISSIONS AND CARBON EMISSIONS FEES - A method for reducing airline fleet carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions and fees associated with the emission of greenhouse gases is provided. The method is implemented by equipping at least a substantial portion or all of the aircraft in an airline's fleet with onboard wheel drive means capable of translating torque through aircraft wheels and controllable to move the aircraft on the ground independently without complete reliance on the aircraft's engines or the use of external tow vehicles. One or more drive wheels, each of which may be powered by onboard electric, hydraulic, or other wheel drive means, are controllable to move each aircraft efficiently during ground travel without increasing carbon emissions. | 05-22-2014 |
20140193780 | TRAINING SYSTEM AND SIMULATION METHOD FOR GROUND TRAVEL IN AIRCRAFT EQUIPPED WITH NON-ENGINE DRIVE MEANS - A training system and method for operating aircraft equipped with non-engine drive means during independent ground travel is provided. The system and method of the present invention is designed specifically to train pilots, ground personnel, and air traffic control to move an aircraft safely and efficiently on the ground during taxi and pushback using the aircraft's non-engine drive means to propel the aircraft independently during ground travel. Simulations and procedures for training pilots and ramp personnel in the conduct of pushback operations and forward taxi with an aircraft equipped with non-engine drive means are also provided. | 07-10-2014 |
20150110237 | Method and System for High Efficiency Electricity Generation Using Low Energy Thermal Heat Generation and Thermionic Devices - A system and method are provided for generating electric power from relatively low temperature energy sources at efficiency levels not previously available. The present system and method employ recent advances in low energy nuclear reaction technology and thermionic/thermotunneling device technology first to generate heat and then to convert a substantial portion of the heat generated to usable electrical power. Heat may be generated by a LENR system employing nuclear reactions that occur in readily available materials at ambient temperatures without a high energy input requirement and do not produce radioactive byproducts. The heat generated by the LENR system may be transferred through one or more thermionic converter devices in heat transfer relationship with the LENR system to generate electric power. | 04-23-2015 |
20150142214 | MONITORING AND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ENHANCING GROUND MOVEMENT SAFETY IN AIRCRAFT EQUIPPED WITH NON-ENGINE DRIVE MEANS - An improved monitoring and control system capable of providing automatic control of ground movement in an aircraft equipped with non-engine drive means for autonomous ground movement to enhance airport ground safety and efficient ground travel is provided. The monitoring and control system is installed on aircraft equipped with non-engine drive means controllable to move the aircraft autonomously on the ground and includes monitoring means positioned in locations on the aircraft selected to obtain a maximum amount of information relating to an aircraft's ground position and operation, processor means, data transmission means, and manual or automatic control means to control and direct operation of an aircraft's non-engine drive means to move the aircraft autonomously, safely and efficiently on the ground. The improved monitoring and control system can be employed with one or a number of aircraft simultaneously to increase safety and efficiency of airport ground operations. | 05-21-2015 |
20150151853 | METHOD FOR IMPROVING OVERALL AIRPORT AIR QUALITY DURING AIRCRAFT GROUND OPERATIONS - A method is provided for improving overall air quality at airports during ground operations that includes providing a plurality of aircraft landing and taking off from an airport with onboard drive means controllable to move the aircraft on the ground without reliance on aircraft main engines or external tow vehicles while significantly minimizing operating time of aircraft engines after landing and/or prior to takeoff. As the number of aircraft equipped with onboard drive means for ground movement increases, levels of undesirable engine exhaust components in airport exterior ambient air, in airport ground facilities interior air, and in geographical areas surrounding the airport decrease as a result of the replacement of both the aircraft engines and the operation of external tow vehicles by the onboard drive means. Aircraft engines are not started until the aircraft reaches a takeoff runway where engine exhaust emissions are more readily dissipated by the taxiing aircraft. | 06-04-2015 |
20150159968 | HEAT DISSIPATION SYSTEM FOR AIRCRAFT DRIVE WHEEL DRIVE ASSEMBLY - A system is provided for dissipating heat in an onboard non-engine powered aircraft wheel drive assembly with drive means that power one or more aircraft wheels to drive the aircraft autonomously on the ground without directly using the aircraft engines. The heat dissipation system is integral with a wheel drive assembly mounted substantially completely within a nose or main landing gear wheel. A reservoir mounted outboard or inboard of the wheel drive assembly increases thermal distribution mass and fluidically communicates with wheel drive assembly components to automatically circulate heat transfer fluid between the wheel drive assembly and the reservoir when the operating temperature exceeds a predetermined maximum temperature during aircraft ground travel. The heat dissipating system can be retrofitted in an existing aircraft to improve thermal distribution and prolong wheel drive assembly and drive means operation and useful life. | 06-11-2015 |
20150232202 | METHOD FOR MAINTAINING A SUPPLY OF AVAILABLE AIRCRAFT EQUIPPED WITH NON-ENGINE DRIVE MEANS FOR USE BY AIRLINES - A method for maintaining a supply of available aircraft equipped with non-engine drive means for autonomous ground movement is provided that enables an air carrier, particularly a low cost carrier, to operate reliably, efficiently, and economically to provide substantially uninterrupted air transport service. The present method is designed to enable airlines with fleets of older aircraft retrofitted with non-engine drive means for autonomous ground movement to operate economically and efficiently through a cooperative arrangement with a maintenance, repair, and overhaul provider that maintains and ensures an available supply network of spare and backup aircraft. The supply network may be global in geographic scope and may provide spare or backup aircraft equipped with non-engine drive means to one or more airlines. | 08-20-2015 |
20150251751 | SURFACE TRAVEL SYSTEM FOR MILITARY AIRCRAFT - A surface travel system for military aircraft is provided that enables efficient, quiet, and safe ground operations of one or more aircraft in a wide range of military missions and operations. The surface travel system includes controllable onboard drive means that effectively drives one or more of the aircraft's wheels to move the aircraft autonomously, efficiently, quietly, and safely on any travel surface required for a military mission. The present invention allows the rapid safe deployment of multiple aircraft from tight spaces and enhances the readiness and availability of aircraft for a wide range of military operations. | 09-10-2015 |
20150253773 | AIRCRAFT GROUND TRAVEL TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A traction control system and method are provided for an aircraft equipped with a ground travel drive system with drive wheels powered by onboard wheel drive means that are capable of translating torque through the aircraft drive wheels and that are automatically controllable to control traction without reliance on the aircraft's brakes to keep the aircraft moving efficiently and autonomously on the ground under a range of environmental conditions. | 09-10-2015 |
20150266565 | OPTIMIZING GROUND MOVEMENT IN A WIDE-BODY AIRCRAFT EQUIPPED WITH NON-ENGINE DRIVE MEANS - A system is provided for maximizing efficient ground travel in wide-body and other aircraft equipped with onboard non-engine drive means for autonomous ground travel. Selective operation of the non-engine drive means and selective operation of the aircraft's engines are integrated to power aircraft movement when different ground travel speeds are required between landing and takeoff, optimizing savings and maximizing the cost/benefit ratio for equipping the aircraft with a non-engine drive means. The non-engine drive means may be designed to move a wide-body aircraft at low speeds required for ground maneuvers in a ramp area to move the aircraft at speeds typically used for pushback, initial forward roll, all start-stop situations, and other low speed ground travel. One or more of the aircraft's engines may be operated to move the aircraft at higher taxi speeds. | 09-24-2015 |
20150329202 | CONTROL OF GROUND TRAVEL AND STEERING IN AN AIRCRAFT WITH POWERED MAIN GEAR DRIVE WHEELS - A controllable aircraft taxi system is provided that enables the simultaneous control of aircraft autonomous ground movement and direction of aircraft autonomous ground movement. Independently controlled non-engine drive means capable of driving an aircraft landing gear wheel to move an aircraft autonomously on the ground without reliance on the aircraft's main engines are mounted to provide driving torque to aircraft a selected number of main landing gear wheels. The aircraft nose landing gear steering system is provided with steering angle detection and measurement means adapted to communicate with main landing gear wheel non-engine drive means, enabling simultaneous control over both autonomous aircraft ground travel and direction of autonomous aircraft ground travel. The present invention overcomes steering challenges presented by using non-engine drive means on main landing gear wheels to drive aircraft autonomously during taxi. | 11-19-2015 |
20150353207 | Aircraft Gate Parking and Servicing Method - An improved aircraft gate parking and servicing method is provided, wherein an aircraft is maneuvered into an airport terminal gate and parked in an optimum orientation at an angle that facilitates maximum access to aircraft front and rear doors. Boarding bridges are designed to facilitate connection to doors located rear of an aircraft wing without extending over the aircraft wing to maximize efficiency of passenger transfer. Passenger transfer and servicing of the aircraft may occur concurrently before the aircraft is maneuvered out of its optimum orientation in the parking space and driven to a takeoff runway for departure. Required safety margins are maintained at all times during aircraft maneuvers into and out of the optimum parking orientation. Stairs may be provided to simultaneously access aircraft doors not connected to boarding bridges. In a preferred embodiment, aircraft are moved to an optimum parking location by engines-off electric taxi systems. | 12-10-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100216665 | DETECTION OF IMMOBILIZED NUCLEIC ACID - The present invention provides methods for determining the presence of immobilized nucleic acid employing unsymmetrical cyanine dyes that are derivatives of thiazole orange, a staining solution and select fluorogenic compounds that are characterized as being essentially non-genotoxic. The methods comprise immobilizing nucleic acid, single or double stranded DNA, RNA or a combination thereof, on a solid or semi solid support, contacting the immobilized nucleic acid with an unsymmetrical cyanine dye compound and then illuminating the immobilized nucleic acid with an appropriate wavelength whereby the presence of the nucleic acid is determined. The cyanine dye compounds are typically present in an aqueous staining solution comprising the dye compound and a tris acetate or tris borate buffer wherein the solution facilitates the contact of the dye compound and the immobilized nucleic acid. Typically the solid or semi-solid support is selected from the group consisting of a polymeric gel, a membrane, an array, a glass bead, a glass slide, and a polymeric microparticle. Preferably, the polymeric gel is agarose or polyacrylamide. The methods employing the non-genotoxic compounds represent an improvement over commonly used methods employing ethidium bromide wherein the present methods retain the advantages of ethidium bromide, ease of use and low cost, but without the disadvantageous, known mutagen requiring special handling and waste procedures. | 08-26-2010 |
20100227331 | DETECTION OF IMMOBILIZED NUCLEIC ACID - The present invention provides methods for determining the presence of immobilized nucleic acid employing unsymmetrical cyanine dyes that are derivatives of thiazole orange, a staining solution and select fluorogenic compounds that are characterized as being essentially non-genotoxic. The methods comprise immobilizing nucleic acid, single or double stranded DNA, RNA or a combination thereof, on a solid or semi solid support, contacting the immobilized nucleic acid with an unsymmetrical cyanine dye compound and then illuminating the immobilized nucleic acid with an appropriate wavelength whereby the presence of the nucleic acid is determined. The cyanine dye compounds are typically present in an aqueous staining solution comprising the dye compound and a tris acetate or tris borate buffer wherein the solution facilitates the contact of the dye compound and the immobilized nucleic acid. Typically the solid or semi-solid support is selected from the group consisting of a polymeric gel, a membrane, an array, a glass bead, a glass slide, and a polymeric microparticle. Preferably, the polymeric gel is agarose or polyacrylamide. The methods employing the non-genotoxic compounds represent an improvement over commonly used methods employing ethidium bromide wherein the present methods retain the advantages of ethidium bromide, ease of use and low cost, but without the disadvantageous, known mutagen requiring special handling and waste procedures. | 09-09-2010 |
20120058566 | DETECTION OF IMMOBILIZED NUCLEIC ACID - The present invention provides methods for determining the presence of immobilized nucleic acid employing unsymmetrical cyanine dyes that are derivatives of thiazole orange, a staining solution and select fluorogenic compounds that are characterized as being essentially non-genotoxic. The methods comprise immobilizing nucleic acid, single or double stranded DNA, RNA or a combination thereof, on a solid or semi solid support, contacting the immobilized nucleic acid with an unsymmetrical cyanine dye compound and then illuminating the immobilized nucleic acid with an appropriate wavelength whereby the presence of the nucleic acid is determined. The cyanine dye compounds are typically present in an aqueous staining solution comprising the dye compound and a tris acetate or tris borate buffer wherein the solution facilitates the contact of the dye compound and the immobilized nucleic acid. Typically the solid or semi-solid support is selected from the group consisting of a polymeric gel, a membrane, an array, a glass bead, a glass slide, and a polymeric microparticle. Preferably, the polymeric gel is agarose or polyacrylamide. The methods employing the non-genotoxic compounds represent an improvement over commonly used methods employing ethidium bromide wherein the present methods retain the advantages of ethidium bromide, ease of use and low cost, but without the disadvantageous, known mutagen requiring special handling and waste procedures. | 03-08-2012 |
20130011927 | DETECTION OF IMMOBILIZED NUCLEIC ACID - The present invention provides methods for determining the presence of immobilized nucleic acid employing unsymmetrical cyanine dyes that are derivatives of thiazole orange, a staining solution and select fluorogenic compounds that are characterized as being essentially non-genotoxic. The methods comprise immobilizing nucleic acid, single or double stranded DNA, RNA or a combination thereof, on a solid or semi solid support, contacting the immobilized nucleic acid with an unsymmetrical cyanine dye compound and then illuminating the immobilized nucleic acid with an appropriate wavelength whereby the presence of the nucleic acid is determined. The cyanine dye compounds are typically present in an aqueous staining solution comprising the dye compound and a tris acetate or tris borate buffer wherein the solution facilitates the contact of the dye compound and the immobilized nucleic acid. | 01-10-2013 |