Patents Examined by Conan Duda
  • Patent number: 9963178
    Abstract: A kit for converting a tandem arrangement into a single-wheel arrangement for a towed agricultural machine includes an adapter with an attachment flange and fastener holes formed in this flange for the attachment of the attachment flange to a machine frame of the towed agricultural machine, a supporting axle mount formed on the attachment flange, a single-wheel axle arranged on the attachment flange, and a wheel flange arranged on the single-wheel axle for attaching a wheel rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Sebastien Guerin, Lionel Guiet, Emmanuel Chapon
  • Patent number: 9757288
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a steering assembly, a drive assembly and a seat, the steering assembly comprises a first armrest connected to a first link arm, and a second armrest connected to a second link arm; a first tie rod connected to the first link arm and a second tie rod connected to the second link arm; a first steering block connected to the first tie rod and a second steering block connected to the second tie rod; a third tie rod interconnecting the first and second steering blocks; and a first and second steering wheel, and/or the drive assembly comprises a first and second drive wheel connected to an axle; a support shaft; foot pedals connected to a crank; a first chain connecting the crank to a gear hub; and a second chain connecting the gear hub to the axles or connecting components of the gear hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Kenneth Simons
  • Patent number: 9758144
    Abstract: A hovercraft includes a lift air supply source having a dynamic air flow area in communication with a central lift air chamber to provide continuous air flow to the central lift air chamber and a static air flow area in communication with an inflatable skirt extending around a periphery of the hovercraft. Air flow from the static air flow area enters the skirt to replenish air leaking from the skirt. The static air flow area has less air flow than the dynamic air flow area. The static air flow area is located at a higher position than the dynamic air flow area to reduce the likelihood of water entering the inflatable skirt when the hovercraft is operated on water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Charles E. Hill & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Hill
  • Patent number: 9757289
    Abstract: A mobile chair apparatus is described that comprises a drive assembly that preferably includes one or more moveable foot pedals, and drive wheels which rotate in response to rotation of the foot pedals by the mobile chair occupant, and a steering assembly which comprises two steering wheels and two armrests, wherein movement of just one armrest will translate into movement of both steering wheels, and wherein the drive assembly and the steering assembly concurrently enable the mobile chair occupant to propel and steer the mobile chair apparatus without assistance from another person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Simons
  • Patent number: 9751393
    Abstract: Left and right radiators in a saddle type vehicle are formed in a trapezoidal shape and disposed such that a shorter one of two side portions of each of the radiators which extend in parallel or substantially in parallel to each other as viewed in front elevation is positioned at the inner side in the vehicle widthwise direction. A longer one of the side portions is disposed at the outer side in the vehicle widthwise direction. Forward projections of an exhaust pipe projecting forwardly from an engine pass below the shorter side portions at the inner side in the vehicle widthwise direction of the radiators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masato Nakata, Satoshi Seo, Tetsuya Tanabe, Kota Noguchi
  • Patent number: 9738347
    Abstract: A bicycle including a frame that has a head tube, and a frame member that is elongated along a longitudinal axis. The bicycle also includes a receiver that is disposed in the frame member, and a battery pack that is coupled to the frame member and detachably connected to the receiver. The receiver has a tapered socket and a power connector encircled by the tapered socket. The battery pack has a tapered end cap that is insertable into the tapered socket along the longitudinal axis. The tapered end cap includes a battery connector disposed on an end of the battery pack. The tapered end cap is at least partially nested within the tapered socket along the longitudinal axis upon connection between the receiver and the battery pack, and the battery connector is electrically connected to the power connector upon nesting the tapered end cap in the tapered socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jan Talavasek, Amber R. Lucas, Ian Hamilton, Robert F. Meyer, Markus Spenninger, Holger Krauss
  • Patent number: 9682739
    Abstract: A blow molded toy cycle has a female bearing area with tapered and recess sections. A fork has a corresponding male bearing area that includes a tapered section and an annular protrusion section. A protrusion spaced at a distance from the annular protrusion extends from the shaft and has a surface to contact a top surface of the body to secure the fork when the male and female bearing areas are in contact. The fork has integrally formed tabs that to bend around an axle to form a bearing area for the axle that allows the axle to rotate within the fork. A blow molded pedal attaches to a section of the axle and has a series of ribs disposed between side sections to form a bearing area that allows the pedal to rotate around the axle. Two rear and one front wheels attach to the body and fork respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Custom-Pak, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Anderson, Andrew James McDonnough, Pamela Jo Naeve, Duane David Franzen, Jr., Alan Walter Knapper, Michael Grinnall
  • Patent number: 9676318
    Abstract: A step-and-guide apparatus that aids on centering a boat on a boat trailer and assists an operator in boarding and exiting the boat when on the water or on land is disclosed. The step-and-guide apparatus has first and second guide mechanisms positioned on opposing sides of a trailer frame, and each apparatus includes a trailer mount assembly, a bracket arrangement, an arm having a first end and a second end, with a first end of the arm being rotatably coupled to the bracket arrangement, and a step-and-guide board affixed to the second end of the arm and that is oriented lengthwise along the boat. The arm and the step-and-guide board are rotatable between a first position and a second position defined by the bracket arrangement, with the step-and-guide board functioning as a step when in the first position and as a boat guide member when in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Inventor: Gregg Donald Langenfeld
  • Patent number: 9677516
    Abstract: A combustion engine of a motorcycle has an engine rotary shaft extending in a vehicle widthwise direction. Incoming wind taken in from a front of a steering handle that is positioned in front of the combustion engine, is introduced through an air intake duct to the combustion engine. The air intake duct extends from the front of the steering handle to a rearward of a cylinder block so as to pass above a radiator and pass laterally of one side of the cylinder block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shohei Naruoka, Hisatoyo Arima, Satoaki Ichi, Hiroyuki Watanabe, Kozo Arai, Yoshinobu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9677416
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for a vehicle is disclosed, said drive mechanism converting the reciprocating clockwise-counterclockwise motion of an input shaft into continuous rotation of an output shaft by means of two one-way clutches mechanically coupled to the input shaft and the output shaft, said one-way clutches having their power stroke in opposite directions of rotation. In an embodiment, said drive mechanism can be contained in a wheel hub and used for human-powered vehicles such as scooters, bicycles, wheelchairs, rollerskates, or other vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Inventor: Marc Weber
  • Patent number: 9669736
    Abstract: A vehicle includes vehicle body-side steps having a plurality of abutment surfaces on which seat-side protrusions abut from above. Each abutment surface has a height different from each other, with the seat being adjustable in height by selectively abutting the seat-side protrusions on the abutment surfaces. A rider's seat has a covering portion formed at a front portion thereof and extending substantially in parallel with an inclined upper surface of a fuel tank. When abutment positions of the seat-side protrusions are changed from either first ones of the abutment surfaces to second ones, the covering portion changes a position thereof so as to slide substantially in parallel with the inclined upper surface of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ryoji Imai
  • Patent number: 9663918
    Abstract: A track assembly for a work vehicle includes an endless track and a drive wheel, the drive wheel defining an inboard side, an outboard side, and a central plane extending therebetween. The drive wheel includes a partition extending between an outer wall and an inner wall. The partition defines an inboard division substantially closed off from an outboard division to reduce an amount of debris or other material from reaching the work vehicle adjacent to which the track assembly may be positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Brian Vik, Daniel Zurn, Jordan Weckerly, Russell Stoltman
  • Patent number: 9643648
    Abstract: A work vehicle is disclosed with a propulsion system that is selectively operable in a first, turning mode or a second, straight mode. The vehicle includes a first traction device, a second traction device, a first steering input, and a second steering input. In the first, turning mode, an operator is able to steer the vehicle left, right, or straight by independently operating the first and second traction devices via the first and second steering inputs. In the second, straight mode, the operator is able to steer the vehicle straight by operating both the first and second traction devices together via one of the first and second steering inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Boyle, Justin R. Shook, Mark K. Wall, Jeffrey A. Friebel
  • Patent number: 9638307
    Abstract: An electric power steering device includes a worm which is swingably connected to the rotation shaft of an electric motor through a joint. A first end portion and second end portion of the worm are supported by a first bearing and a second bearing, respectively. A pair of elastic members elastically urge the worm to an axial neutral position. An annular leaf spring which is held by a housing urges the second end portion toward a worm wheel through the second bearing. A synthetic resin member having a sliding contact surface which is in contact with the leaf spring is integrally disposed on the second bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Arata Kikuchi, Hirotsugu Kusano, Yasutaka Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 9630647
    Abstract: An electric power steering system includes a joint that connects a rotary shaft of an electric motor with a worm shaft of a speed reducer. The joint includes a first rotational element that has a boss into which a first end portion of the worm shaft is press-fitted, and a flange extending radially from the boss. The first bearing is held by a housing and supports the first end portion so that the first end portion is rotatable and movable in an axial direction. A first elastic body, which urges the worm shaft in the axial direction toward the electric motor through the first rotational element, is provided between an inner ring of the first bearing and the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Arata Kikuchi, Yoshitomo Nagai
  • Patent number: 9616721
    Abstract: A universal offset lawn mower towing device includes a hitch engagement unit having a first elongated shaft with an opening along one end. An offset adjustment unit having a second elongated shaft member is slidingly positioned within the first elongated shaft, and further includes a semi-circular plate with a plurality of alignment apertures. A pair of mower attachment arms extend outward from the semi-circular plate and include mower attachment nuts along their distal ends. A safety tether includes an elongated steel cable that runs the length of the device, and connects the safety handle of the upright mower to the riding mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: William Perez
  • Patent number: 9616919
    Abstract: A hydraulic steering device is provided comprising a supply port arrangement having a pressure port (P) and a tank port (5), a working port arrangement having two working ports (L, R), a main flow path (14) between the pressure port (P) and the working port arrangement, a return flow path (16) between the working port arrangement and the tank port (5), flow meter means (15) being arranged in said main flow path (14), an amplification flow path (17) being arranged in parallel to said main flow path (14), said amplification flow path (17) being connected to said main flow path (14) downstream said flow meter means (15) in a direction from said pressure port (P) to said working port arrangement. A risk of dangerous situations in case of jamming of the flow meter should be reduced. To this end pressure increasing means are provided increasing a pressure over said flow meter means (15) in case a flow through said main flow path (14) is blocked by said flow meter (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Danfoss Power Solutions APS
    Inventors: Niels Arbjerg, Rene Andersen
  • Patent number: 9616920
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a power steering motor assembly connected with the steerable vehicle wheels. A first pump connected with the power steering motor assembly is continuously driven by an engine of the vehicle, during operation of the engine, to supply fluid under pressure to the power steering motor assembly. A second pump connected with the power steering motor assembly is continuously driven by an engine of the vehicle, during operation of the engine. A valve connected with the power steering motor assembly and the second pump directs fluid flow from the second pump to at least one of the power steering motor assembly and reservoir during operation of both the first pump and the second pump. A pumping mechanism includes a first pumping area defining the first pump and a second pumping area defining the second pump. The first pumping area is smaller than the second pumping area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Daniel E. Williams, Amine Nhila
  • Patent number: 9615472
    Abstract: An apparatus for removably securing an electrical element within a tubular steerer tube within a frame element consists of a canister for housing the electrical element, an expandable sleeve, and an expansion bolt coupling the canister and expandable sleeve to actuate compression of the expandable sleeve thereby securing the assembly within the tubular steerer tube. A preload cap is secured to the assembly to retain a bearing system to permit the steerer tube to rotate relative to the frame. One or more of a light, switch, and connector may be disposed in the preload cap to provide system conditions, controls, charging, communication, and so on. In certain embodiments, requirements for a central extension bolt extending from preload cap to expansion bolt are obviated, providing a relatively uninterrupted volume within the steerer tube in which to house electronics, route wiring, and so on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventor: Craig Calfee
  • Patent number: 9610970
    Abstract: A steering gear mechanism has a steering housing and a steering input shaft. The steering housing is sealed and has a receptacle through which the steering input shaft passes into the steering housing. The receptacle is sealed against the steering input shaft. A first opening is provided on the steering input shaft within the steering housing, and a second opening is provided outside of the steering housing. The first and second openings are in fluid communication with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: TRW AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Jörg Merker, Christian Wutzler