242 results about "Trim tab" patented technology

A trim tab control system adapted to adjust trim tabs to optimize the velocity of a water vessel. The trim tab control system is adapted to have a tilt sensor and a velocity sensor in communication with the microcontroller where the microcontroller records the position of the trim tabs based on trim tab adjustments that the trim tab control system initiates, as well as trim tab adjustments initiated by the helmsman of the water vessel.

A trim panel, e.g., a roof lining for a vehicle passenger compartment, characterized in that the trim panel comprises an integral acoustic radiator and a vibration exciter mounted on the radiator to launch bending waves into the radiator to cause it to resonate to produce an acoustic output. The acoustic radiator has a periphery which is integral with the radiator and the trim panel.

A boat trim tab system having an automatic controller for positioning trim tabs to perform user selected preset functions or maintain previously used positions in response to real time operating conditions. The system is intended to be a stand alone system that is installed on a boat using a master control module to operate the trim tabs and a manual keypad to provide a user interface to the master control module. The system gathers real time data from a variety of onboard sources and uses the data to determine the optimal position of the trim tabs to enhance boat performance.

An automotive door trim assembly includes an interior door trim panel with an access opening that facilitates installing and servicing various accessories installed within the interior of an automotive door, between the door's exterior skin and the interior trim panel. The access opening is covered by an access panel that is slidably coupled to the interior trim panel for movement between a first position wherein the access panel is removable from the door trim panel to expose the access opening, and a second position wherein the access panel is secured to the door trim panel and covers the access opening. The access panel is coupled to the interior trim panel by cooperating first connecting members disposed on the interior trim panel and second connecting members disposed on the access panel.

A boat control system includes trim tabs mounted on the lower transom of a boat, with an electric trolling motor attached to each tab. The control system controls positioning of the trim tabs within a trim range and within a troll range. If a main engine ignition switch changes from off to on while the trim tabs are within the troll range, the control system automatically moves trim tabs positions out of the troll range, and disables the trolling motors.

A trim tab (18, 204) hinged (19) at the bottom edge of a boat transom (12, 179) is rotated into a position below the boat when the drive (58, 186) is in a lowest-most trim position, and is raised up, when the drive is above a selected pickup trim position. A push tube (58) connected to the motor (16) operates a push rod (49) and a trim tab (18). A push bar (96, 97) is moved by the drive, causing pieces (104, 105) to rotate trim tabs (18a). A fluidic slave cylinder (142) is operated by a master cylinder (134) or by a pump (148) responding to a position detector (150). Levers (164, 167) may be connected by a cable (155). A hydraulic master cylinder (195) is disposed on a part (186) of an outdrive that rotates for trim, its cylinder rod (200) contacting a fixed part (184), driving fluid to a slave cylinder (201) mounted on a fixed part (183) with its piston rod (202) moving a trim tab (204).

A boat control system includes trim tabs mounted on the lower transom of a boat, with an electric trolling motor attached to each tab. A user control provides commands to control positioning of the trim tabs and operation of the motors. Steering with the motors is provided by controlling the relative speed and propeller direction of the motors. The user control includes an input for generating a return-to-center command that causes the motors to be driven at the same speed and in the same direction.

Methods and arrangements to rapidly adjust the trim of a watercraft are disclosed. More specifically, embodiments comprise a sensor to quickly detect changes in the trim angle of a watercraft and a driver adapted to effect rapid changes in the trim angle. For example, many embodiments include large hydraulic pumps and hydraulic connections to adjust the angle of a trim adjuster such as the angle of trim tabs, an outboard motor, or a stern drive. Some embodiments implement high torque electric motors or high capacity pneumatic systems. The drivers may, for example, effect changes in the angle of the trim adjuster within two seconds. In one embodiment, the driver may effect a change in the trim angle within one second or less.

Methods, systems and apparatus for filter design, analysis and adjustment are provided. Various embodiments may include, for example, methods, systems and apparatus for electric signal filter tuning. Embodiments may also include design techniques for planar electric signal (e.g., RF signals) filter tuning. In at least an embodiment of the present invention a technique for filter tuning is provided which may include parameter extraction, optimization and tuning recipes techniques that may require only a single permanent filter tuning. In at least another embodiment a system and method of filter design, analysis and adjustment according to the present invention includes use of tuning that may be set using a mechanical scribing tool or a laser trimming device. In at least one other embodiment, a filter tuning technique may be provided and include providing trimming tabs on a resonator edge that may be disconnected or trimmed for filter tuning.

A trim tab control system determines current tab position based upon a feedback signal that represents incremental motion of the actuator drive motor. Prior to power down, the current tab position is stored in non-volatile memory, and is retrieved on power up. The control system characterizes the actuator during a learning function by driving the actuator between the upper and lower limit positions and counting the number of increments. The display of tab position is based upon the current tab position count and the number of increments in a full range of motion. Automatic up and down commands cause the actuator to be driven up or down until a stop command is received or a limit position is reached.

A vehicle trim panel is illuminated from behind to create an illuminated design (e.g., logo and / or lettering) includes a transparent layer and an opaque layer with an opening(s) in the shape of the design. An opaque or partially opaque design piece may be placed over the opening(s) in the opaque layer and be lit around its edges. The vehicle trim panel may be formed by forming a panel with a transparent layer and an opaque layer. An opening in the opaque layer may be formed by removing opaque material (e.g., by machining or laser etching) or by masking (the mask is placed between the opaque layer and transparent layer and removed taking a portion of the opaque layer with it). A design piece may be placed over the location of the opening in the opaque layer.

A trim tab of resilient material affixed in a cantilever fashion at the stern of a boat and of a regressive flexural stiffness such that when deflected, the undersurface of the trim tab assumes the shape of a progressive curve in the direction of water flow. A trim tab of a progressive curve which has gas or liquid ejection to the undersurface to control the boundary layer. A trim tab located under a surface drive whereby the bite of the propeller is controlled relative to the trim tab and the trim tab is controlled to optimize the boat hull.

A trim tab monitoring circuit is provided which receives a signal that is representative of a voltage potential across a stator winding of a motor which is attached to the trim tab. This signal is passed through a high pass filter to remove the DC component of the signal, amplified, and passed through a low pass filter to remove certain high frequencies components of the signal. A zero crossing detector is used to discern individual pulses which are then received by a counter that provides a single output pulse for a predetermined number of input pulses. The series of output pulses from the counter are conditioned and, in conjunction with a direction sensor, provided to an up / down counter controller that provides digital signals to a signal output circuit. The signal output circuit provides a DC voltage output to a display and the DC output voltage is representative of the position of the trim tab.

The present invention relates to a door inside handle assembly for vehicles, in which a door inside handle is mounted in a housing installed in a door trim in such a fashion as to be pivotally moved inwardly into the inner space of the housing by means of the pushing force of a driver or passenger, and a separate linkage mechanism for converting the pivotal force of the handle which is exerted toward the interior of the housing into the pulling force of the rod member is additionally installed between the handle and a rod member which is connected to a door locking latch and is positioned opposite to a door trim so as to allow a driver or passenger to simultaneously unlock and open the door while outwardly pushing the door inside handle, thereby improving convenience of manipulation.

A fascia support structure and aerodynamic shutter assembly for a vehicle includes a fascia support structure, comprising: a top portion comprising a substantially U-shaped body comprising a top fascia support member, a first side fascia support member and a second side fascia support member, the first side fascia support member having a first side baffle, the second side fascia support member having a second side baffle; and a bottom portion comprising a bottom baffle, the bottom portion attached to the first and second side fascia support members, the top portion and the bottom portion comprising a fascia support structure opening, at least one of the first side baffle, second side baffle or bottom baffle having a seal member disposed on a leading edge. The assembly also includes an aerodynamic shutter system comprising a shutter frame having a shutter frame opening and a plurality of rotatable shutters disposed therein.

A door trim panel for a door frame of a motor vehicle. The door trim panel includes a main body portion adapted to be removably secured to the door frame and a bolster removably secured to the main body portion. The bolster covers an access opening defined in the main body portion. Fastened to the bolster is an armrest that includes a plurality of spaced-apart nibs or projections positioned to contact an integral support surface of the bolster to thereby support the armrest. In certain embodiments of the invention, the bolster may be integral with the main body portion.

Methods and arrangements to rapidly adjust the trim of a watercraft are disclosed. More specifically, embodiments comprise a sensor to quickly detect changes in the trim angle of a watercraft and a driver adapted to effect rapid changes in the trim angle. For example, many embodiments include large hydraulic pumps and hydraulic connections to adjust the angle of a trim adjuster such as the angle of trim tabs, an outboard motor, or a stern drive. Some embodiments implement high torque electric motors or high capacity pneumatic systems. The drivers may, for example, effect changes in the angle of the trim adjuster within two seconds. In one embodiment, the driver may effect a change in the trim angle within one second or less.

Vehicle fascia assembly includes a plastic fascia panel and a grille frame. The fascia panel has a grille opening defined by a flange extending rearward from the show surface toward the back side of the fascia panel. The flange has a plurality of flexure fingers at spaced intervals along the flange. The grille frame has a forward facing show surface and has a C-shaped channel molded around the outer edge of the show surface. Upon the assembly of the grille frame onto the backside of the fascia panel, the spaced apart channel legs fit onto the flange and the flexure fingers are biased and then engage with an abutment face on the grille frame, thereby attaching the grille frame onto the back side of the fascia panel without exposing the show surface of the fascia panel to injury by the grille frame during the assembly operation.

A boat hull configured to create a desired wake shape through a combination of two distinct hull types that interact with the water flow at specified moments. Controlled shaping of the wake shape is achieved through redirection of water flowing across the transom of the main hull, onto a secondary transom of a secondary “diffuser” suction hull that creates a negative pressure that sucks the aft portion of the boat hull into the water, thereby immersing the secondary transom into the water where it can effectively interact with the water and “carve” the desired wake shape desirable for wake surfing.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that provides a cohesive, harmonized look to aircraft galleys and other aircraft areas. The system allows airlines to easily change the decorative front fascia of galley (and other) airline components, even while the components are installed on the aircraft. The replacement is accomplished without the use of tools or extensive manual effort by providing replaceable and interchangeable panels for use on aircraft or other passenger transport vehicles or vessels.

An automotive door panel assembly is provided, comprising a door trim panel. The door trim panel is comprised of an outer trim panel surface; an inner trim panel surface; and at least one tubular stake. The tubular stake includes outer tubular walls protruding from the inner trim panel surface. The tubular stake including a seal sleeve flow channel connecting the outer trim panel surface to the inner trim panel surface. The panel assembly includes an overmold material applied to the outer trim panel surface. The overmold material fills the seal sleeve flow channel and generates an overmold seal sleeve skin on the outer tubular walls. A door main panel assembly is included having at least one clip hole. The tubular stake is positioned within the at least one clip hole. The overmold seal sleeve skin removably engages the at least one clip hole to form a primary seal between the door trim panel and the door main panel assembly.

An automotive door assembly comprises a door frame, an interior trim panel removably secured to the door frame by a plurality of connecting members, and one or more door accessories disposed between the door frame and the interior trim panel and connected to the door frame and interior trim panel by the connecting members. The connecting members include first engagement portions that fixedly attach the door accessories to the door frame, and second engagement portions that releasably attach the door frame and door accessories to the trim panel. The door accessories are initially supported on the interior trim panel for assembly onto the door frame when the trim panel is installed on the door frame. Thereafter, the door accessories remain fixed to the door frame when the trim panel is removed.

A Reconfigurable Nose Control System (RNCS) is designed to adjust the flight path of spin-stabilized artillery projectiles. The RNCS uses the surface of a projectile nose cone as a trim tab. The nose cone may be despun by the action of aerodynamic surfaces, to zero spin relative to earth fixed coordinates using local air flow, and deflected by a simple rotary motion of a Divert Motor about the longitudinal axis of the projectile. A forward section of the nose cone having an ogive is mounted at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the projectile, forming an axial offset of an axis of the forward section with respect to the longitudinal axis of the projectile. Another section of the nose cone includes another motor, the Roll Generator Motor, that is rotationally decoupled from the forward section and rotates the deflected forward section so that its axis may be pointed in any direction within its range of motion. Accordingly, deflection and direction of the forward section may be modulated by combined action of the motors during flight of the projectile.

A support member for attaching a vehicle fascia such as a front bumper fascia, to a vehicle frame or other support component is described. The support member includes a bracket at one end of the member and various fasteners for attachment to the vehicle fascia.

A jack plate (9) moveable upwardly and downwardly between various positions has a trim tab (28) disposed on a fixed portion (10) of the jack plate near the base of the transom (11) of a boat. The moveable portion (12) of the jack plate has a push cap (44) that, at a pickup position of the jack plate, pushes a rod (43) which rotates a lever (38) to move an arm (33) to push the trim tab (28) into an operative position aft of and below the hull of the boat. Above the pickup position, the push cap does not contact the rod; a return spring (50) causes the trim tab (28) to rotate upwardly, into a position where it is ineffective.

Provided is a grommet assembly including an elastic grommet main body and hard inner members to be fitted into the collar part of the grommet main body where openings for inserting electric wires are notched in part of the peripheral wall of the inner member. A lid wall is closed on an opening by way of a locking unit. A cover for protecting electric wires is integrally arranged on the inner member. The outer peripheral surface of the collar part is clamped between a door panel and a door trim. The cover is locked to the door trim by way of the locking unit. An elastic pressing member is arranged on the door trim in order to engage the pressing member with the inside of the collar part of the grommet main body thus clamping the collar part between itself and the door trim.

A spacecraft comprises a main body; at least one elongated solar wing extending from the main body, defining a generally flat plane and comprising a pair of longitudinally extending side edges; at least one other component or structure extending from the main body and spaced at a separation distance from the at least one solar wing; and at least one solar trim tab coupled to the at least one solar wing, linearly elongated and extending in the generally flat plane in a direction transversely away from one of the longitudinally extending side edges, and sized and positioned along the longitudinally extending side edge for counteracting or compensating for one or more types of disturbance torques.