Patents Examined by Brian Cassidy
  • Patent number: 9663014
    Abstract: A platform apparatus for a vehicle including a first structure including a first surface and a first interlocking joint; a second structure including a second surface and a second interlocking joint to receive the first interlocking joint; and a linkage that connects the first structure and the second structure and articulates the apparatus from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position the first surface and the second surface are vertically stacked and in the open position the first structure and the second structure are interlocked through the first interlocking joint and the second interlocking joint and the first surface and the second surface are horizontally adjacent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Aaron Welter, Eric Archambeau, Bradley Baskin
  • Patent number: 9630666
    Abstract: A portable lookout platform is provided with legs which can be moved between raised and lowered positions via a cable and winch system. Pulleys and rollers provide for controlled movement of the legs. A platform is mounted on top of the legs to support a person. The ladder provides access for a person to the platform when the legs are raised. The legs, platform and ladder are mounted on a trailer for transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Inventors: David C. Keene, Brent C. Keene
  • Patent number: 9623926
    Abstract: A walker device is disclosed including an overarching frame with an overarching top, and a sitting assembly coupled to the frame. The frame extends at least primarily in a first direction between a front side with at least two front wheels and a rear side with a first rear wheel. The frame includes a rear frame part and a middle frame part. The rear frame part includes a height allowing a user to walk over the rear frame part and take place on the sitting assembly. The middle frame part includes a width allowing a user to place his or her legs on either side of the middle frame part. The sitting assembly suitably includes a hinge with a saddle pad for a transition between a first state and a second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Barbara Elisabeth Alink
  • Patent number: 9623551
    Abstract: An automotive creeper is disclosed herein. The automotive creeper includes a plurality of spaced-apart longitudinal frame members extending in a lengthwise direction of the automotive creeper; a plurality of spaced-apart, transverse frame members connected to each of the plurality of spaced-apart longitudinal frame members, at least one of the plurality of spaced-apart, transverse frame members including an open end that is configured to receive a support member of an automotive creeper accessory device inserted therein; and a body pad supported on one or more of the plurality of spaced-apart, transverse frame members, the body pad configured to accommodate a torso of a user resting thereon. A mechanics chair assembly that includes a mechanics chair and the automotive creeper is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventors: Craig Eugene Bowen, Richard Mark Spring
  • Patent number: 9604125
    Abstract: An accessory assembly for a skateboard includes a bracket configured to be mounted to a first surface of a base plate of a skateboard truck. The first surface is opposite a second surface of the base plate, where the second surface faces a deck of the skateboard when mounted to the skateboard. The bracket includes a mounting hole and a receiving element, and is configured to span only a portion of a perimeter of the base plate. An accessory component includes a housing having an engaging element, the engaging element being configured to be removably coupled with the receiving element. An accessory is mounted to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: ShredLife, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Page, Kyle Kitzmiller
  • Patent number: 9604527
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain for powering a vehicle includes a micro turbine assembly with multi-fuel capabilities and a turbine drive shaft extending therefrom. The turbine drive shaft has a turbine engaged position where a turbine rotational output of the micro turbine assembly is transferred by the turbine drive shaft to wheels of the vehicle, and a turbine unengaged position where the turbine rotational output is independent from the wheels. A generator is selectively connected to the micro turbine assembly in parallel with a portion of the turbine drive shaft. A power storage device is chargeable by the generator and can drive an electric motor. A motor drive shaft has a motor engaged position where a motor rotational output of the electric motor is transferred by the motor drive shaft to the wheels, and a motor unengaged position where the motor rotational output is independent from the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Vittorio Manente
  • Patent number: 9597951
    Abstract: A cooling system for a heavy road vehicle provided with a hybrid propulsion system includes a mechanical propulsion system and a hydraulic propulsion system. The cooling system includes a pump and a first cooling circuit including a gearbox cooling circuit a hydraulic propulsion system cooling circuit and a first radiator for cooling of a coolant flowing in the first cooling circuit. The radiator is connected in series with and located upstream of the gearbox cooling circuit and the hydraulic propulsion system cooling circuit. The cooling system is designed such that the hydraulic propulsion cooling circuit and the gearbox cooling circuit are connected in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Filip Alm, Aleksandar Kovac
  • Patent number: 9592861
    Abstract: An axle mounted spare tire assembly is disclosed for use in replacing a damaged vehicle tire or tire support structure to permit a vehicle to then travel to a vehicle repair shop. The apparatus is comprised of a saddle which surrounds and bolts onto a vehicle's axle. A support tire is mounted below the saddle on a self-locking axle and will rotate as the vehicle is driven. The saddle is provided with a plurality of bolts to facilitate attachment to round, U-shaped, and square vehicle axles. The saddle is also equipped with a detachable handle to allow for ease of attachment and transfer of the assembly to and from the damage site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Gary Fontenot
  • Patent number: 9592864
    Abstract: An upper transition assembly is disclosed. The upper transition assembly may have an upper spacer plate extending from a first spacer end to a second spacer end. The upper spacer plate may have a base portion having a first width. The upper spacer plate may also have a projection extending from the base portion. The projection may have a second width smaller than the first width. The upper transition assembly may also have a lower spacer plate extending from adjacent the first spacer end to a first distal end disposed between the first spacer end and the second spacer end. The lower spacer plate may have a third width about equal to the second width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining America, LLC
    Inventor: Adalbert Zimmer
  • Patent number: 9579969
    Abstract: A refuse vehicle includes a chassis having an engine, a body assembly defining an internal volume and coupled to the chassis, a tailgate pivotally attached to the body assembly and movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively expose the internal volume of the body assembly, a CNG fuel system including a CNG fuel tank coupled to the tailgate and moveable therewith, the engine configured to be powered by the CNG fuel system, at least one of one a non-structural conduit, a non-structural raceway, and a non-structural channel configured to contain at least one of wiring and a hydraulic line, and an impact mitigation system coupled to the tailgate. The impact mitigation system provides a protected region within which the CNG fuel tank is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Lucas D. Crist, Grant D. Wildgrube, Jarud H. Hoefker, Leslie H. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 9580020
    Abstract: A step-up side rail system is designed to be attached to at least one (1) side frame of a pickup truck, or other similar large vehicle. The device provides a measure of protection from incidental contact while acting as step by which access to the cab, or other nearby portions of the vehicle, may be gained. The device is configured to accommodate a variety of vehicles and step widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Inventor: Mark E. Rees
  • Patent number: 9573043
    Abstract: Boot binding systems for riding a snow gliding board, including a pair of boot bindings, each member of the pair having a toe latch pedal mechanism at the toe end of a baseplate on which the rider's boot rests, the toe latch pedal having dual function to either a) attach each boot binding to a ride mode interface in ride mode configuration or to b) attach each boot binding to a ski touring mode interface in ski touring configuration. In a “release position” the toe latch pedal is disengaged so that the baseplate assembly may be detached or switched between the ski touring mode interface and the ride mode interface in alternation. In a “lock position”, the toe of the rider's boot depresses the toe latch pedal and locks the boot binding onto the selected interface. As co-planar with the baseplate, the latch pedal also supports the rider's boot when in the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: William J Ritter
  • Patent number: 9566851
    Abstract: A mounting structure of a high voltage unit for an electric vehicle includes a first high voltage unit that has vehicle body fixing parts to be fixed to a vehicle body at both ends in a width direction, and a second high voltage unit that is arranged on an upper side of the first high voltage unit in a vertical direction of the vehicle, in which, in the second high voltage unit, a high voltage heavy component included in the second high voltage unit is arranged closer to a lowermost surface in the vertical direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoki Kawamura, Hirofumi Shimizu, Nobuaki Yokoyama, Izuho Hirano
  • Patent number: 9550458
    Abstract: A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Nicholas Smith, Eric Charles Bajza, William Franklin Bibb, VI
  • Patent number: 9540028
    Abstract: An infant stroller apparatus includes a first and a second leg segment, a handle segment and a backrest frame. The first and second leg segments are respectively affixed with a first and a second coupling member that are connected with each other. The handle segment is affixed with a third coupling member that is connected with the first coupling member. The backrest frame is connected with the second leg segment. A latch assembled with the second coupling member is movable to engage with the third coupling member to lock the handle segment and the first and second leg segments in an unfolded state. A release actuator operatively connected with the latch is pivotally connected with the second leg segment adjacent to the pivot axis of the backrest frame. The release actuator is rotatable to cause the latch to disengage from the third coupling member for allowing folding of the infant stroller apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventors: Andrew J. Taylor, Curtis M. Hartenstine, Anthony V. Ruggiero
  • Patent number: 9539871
    Abstract: In a vehicle, a first left straight line, passing through a first left front connector and a first left rear connector connecting a left upper arm and a left auxiliary frame, inclines inward toward a widthwise center as the first left straight line extends rearward in a bottom view. A second left straight line, passing through a second left front connector and a second left rear connector connecting a left lower arm and a left main subframe, inclines inward toward the widthwise center as the second left straight line extends rearward in the bottom view. A central position between the first left front connector and first left rear connector in the front-rear direction is rearward relative to a central position between the second left front connector and second left rear connector in the front-rear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Suzuki, Masayuki Kubo
  • Patent number: 9533565
    Abstract: An active grille shutter assembly includes a frame adapted to be connected to a portion of a vehicle and forming at least one opening therein and a plurality of shutters disposed in and extending across the at least one opening and being pivotally connected to the frame. The active grille shutter assembly also includes at least one linkage connected to the shutters and an actuator supported by the frame and being connected to one of the shutters to move the at least one linkage to open and close the shutters as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Montaplast of North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Elliott, Sascha Klausen, Andrew Kowalski
  • Patent number: 9526971
    Abstract: In one example, a ski binding control and release assembly includes a housing, a motor disposed in the housing, an actuator element disposed in the housing and connected to the motor, and an arm partly disposed in the housing, the arm being operably engaged with the actuator element, and the arm being selectively engageable with a toe piece. A cover is also provided that encloses a substantial portion of the housing. A binding plate is provided that is configured to be disposed on top of the cover, and the binding plate, cover and housing forming a stack that is mountable to a ski. Finally, a control system is provided that is remotely operable to move the arm, and the control system is configured for wireless communication with a remote control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: ROSSLAND BINDING COMPANY
    Inventors: Rob C. Barden, Gautam Goodapati, Blair L. Fredricks, Gordon J. Wilson, Jeffrey Wayne Herr
  • Patent number: 9522634
    Abstract: A horizontally moving retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle, such as a low to the ground vehicle like a van. The horizontal vehicle step can provide access to different portions of the vehicle. Further, the horizontal vehicle step can act as a safety mechanism to reduce potential harm to a user in accidentally stepping in gaps between the vehicle and a curb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Nicholas Smith
  • Patent number: 9511635
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering air through a powered axle assembly for use in automatic tire inflation systems. The apparatus comprises a base attachable to a non-rotating structure within the axle assembly and having the drive axle extend therethrough. A rotor is mountable in the axle assembly for rotation with the drive axle and for forming an air chamber between the rotor and the base and extending about the drive axle. An annular sealing member in sealing engagement with the rotor and the base is disposed within the air chamber and is rotatable with the rotor and with respect to the base. The base includes at least one air inlet for delivering air in a radial direction into the air chamber and the rotor includes at least one air outlet for air flow out of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Airgo IP, LLC
    Inventors: Kyle J. Berkness, Phillip K. Berkness