Patents Examined by Conan Duda
  • Patent number: 9271886
    Abstract: A headrest assembly for assisting individuals with hypertonic extension pattern provides a pivoting support that better matches the pivoting motion of the patient's head in backward extension. A restoring spring absorbs and dissipates the energy of the extension and provides adjustable spring restoring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: WISYS TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventor: Charles Joseph Stephens
  • Patent number: 9242521
    Abstract: A multi-function hitch accessory retaining device and method which includes an assembly comprising a housing, receiver engagement pin, biasing mechanism, fastener, and coupling pin that is inserted into an accessory shank and configured to easily engage and disengage a conventional hitch receiver as well as a method of firmly securing the shank within the hitch receiver tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Patent number: 9233585
    Abstract: A towing tie assembly including a link having longitudinal and oppositely longitudinal ends and incorporating four pleated straps, each pleated strap forming longitudinally extending series of “C” bends, each “C” bend having a stem section and a pair of arm sections, each “C” bend's stem and arm sections defining a capture space, and each longitudinally extending “C” bend series forming a series of adjacent arm pairs with each “C” bend formed arm capture space receiving one of the adjacent arm pairs; the towing tie assembly further having fastening loops connected operatively to the link's longitudinal and oppositely longitudinal ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Inventor: Tommy B. Haynes
  • Patent number: 9198814
    Abstract: A wheeled chair for transporting patients includes a plurality of footrests for supporting a patient's feet thereon. Each footrest is pivotable between an up position and a down position, and includes a biasing mechanism for biasing the footrest toward the up position, or the down position, or whichever of the two positions the footrest is currently closer to. A swing mechanism swings the footrests from a use position in front of the seat to a stowed position alongside the seat. A trigger, such as a button, automatically activates the swinging. The swinging may take place about a vertical axis that is common to the axis about which the front caster wheels swivel. Pivot extensions may be included on the footrests that provide a tool for enabling a caregiver to manually pivot the footrest between the up and down positions with his or her foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Anish Paul, William D. Childs, John Michael Arend
  • Patent number: 9193410
    Abstract: There is provided a battery unit in which at least three batteries are lined up in the vehicle widthwise direction and these are connected in series to supply electric power to a driving motor; among the respective batteries, center side batteries that are arranged on the vehicle center side, are arranged higher than side batteries that are arranged on the vehicle outer sides; and a breaker is fitted to the these center side batteries, on a connection path that connects the center side batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Takato Watanabe, Katsuichi Yagisawa, Hisashi Matsuo, Hideki Inaizumi
  • Patent number: 9186942
    Abstract: A fifth wheel slideable hitch assembly with a pair of base rails defining apertures to receive rollers. The rollers protrude out of the base rails and contact the underside of corresponding uprights, allowing for longitudinal displacement of the uprights and a fifth wheel fore and aft. The assembly also includes a T-shaped selector plate and an indicator pin that clearly alerts a user to the status of the hitch position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Camco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher H. Waggoner, Jeff R. Russell, Jacob C. Atwell, Dallas V. Eisenhauer
  • Patent number: 9108675
    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 fraction devices together via one of the first and second steering inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Boyle, Justin R. Shook, Mark K. Wall, Jeffrey A. Friebel
  • Patent number: 9101520
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel approach to improving the use of wheelchairs by offering the ability for the wheelchair to transition between accommodation for a seated position, and accommodation for a standing position, more particularly, wherein the inventive mobile manual standing wheelchair allows for a standing position during the course of mobile use, and which also permits the user to traverse narrow entrances and doorframes, and also allows the user to have improved access in front for elevated surfaces such as countertops and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignees: The United States of America, as Represented by the Department of Veterans Affair, The Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Gary D. Goldish, Andrew Hansen, Eric A. Nickel
  • Patent number: 9102205
    Abstract: An ATV is disclosed having a frame, a seat supported by the frame, front and rear wheels supporting the frame, a drivetrain supported by the frame, and an operator's compartment extending generally between the seat and a front enclosure. The ATV includes foot pedals to control the speed and acceleration of the vehicle. The ATV may include a floorboard including a footwell and a dead pedal for locating the operator's foot relative to the foot pedals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew M. Kvien, Jeff S. Lovold, Timothy S. Wysocki, Russell L. Knochenmus
  • Patent number: 9096282
    Abstract: A rig includes a base structure in contact with an operating surface and configured to support the rig on the operating surface. A transportation system is operatively coupled to the base structure and is configured to position the rig over an extraction point. A raised platform is connected to the base structure by a plurality of support beams. A hoisting device is connected to the raised platform. A drawworks is supported on the base structure and is operatively connected to the hoisting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Entro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn R. Smith, Harlan B. Smith
  • Patent number: 9084710
    Abstract: A wheeled chair for transporting patients includes a frame, a seat, a plurality of wheels, and a plurality of armrests. The armrests are pivotable about a common pivot axis that is oriented generally horizontally and that is positioned underneath the seat and forward of a back support. Each armrest may include a locking mechanism for holding the armrests in a use position. When locked in the use position, a user may apply an upward force on the armrests to lift the chair upwardly that does not cause pivoting of the armrests. The chair is designed to allow nesting with other chairs of similar design. The front wheels may be positioned laterally apart a greater distance than the rear wheels to allow a first chair to nestingly receive a rear portion of a second chair. Foley hooks may also be included on the chair for hanging a Foley catheter bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Stryker Croporation
    Inventors: Anish Paul, William D. Childs, Steven L. Birman, John Michael Arend
  • Patent number: 9085335
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle is disclosed having a frame and ground engaging members supporting the frame. A driver's seat is supported by the frame, and extends along a first longitudinal axis. A passenger's seat is supported by the frame and extends along a second longitudinal axis, where the first and second longitudinal axes are laterally spaced apart. The passenger seat may also be movable to a second location to allow for the vehicle to support a gurney, which extends in a front to back orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Foss
  • Patent number: 9073423
    Abstract: A drive and steering unit for driving and steering a load support comprises, in one embodiment, a steering assembly including a steering gear attached to a wheel housing and engaged with the steering power system, the steering gear being rotatable about an axis in response to actuation of the steering assembly, a drive assembly connected to the steering gear, and a drive power system coupled to the drive assembly and movable with the steering gear. In an alternate embodiment, the steering assembly is connected to the wheel through a steering gear attached to a slewing ring that supports the drive assembly and is rotatable with the drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Boomerang Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Merin Swasey, Tyler Kirby, Kelly Hoth
  • Patent number: 9067620
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to construction machinery such as an excavator or a wheel loader, and more particularly, to an emergency steering apparatus for construction machinery, capable of controlling a steering operation at the time of emergency in which a part of equipment malfunctions or is in an inoperable state. More specifically, an emergency steering apparatus for construction machinery according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a steering actuator; an emergency hydraulic pump connected to the steering actuator through a pair of driving flow paths; an emergency steering unit configured to receive working oil, which is discharged from the emergency hydraulic pump, and operate a steering means; and an emergency steering controller configured to control whether or not the emergency hydraulic pump is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Doosan Infracore Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: In Pyo Jang
  • Patent number: 9061706
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle having a plurality of self contained tracked drive units, each unit including an electric motor to propel a track belt, and a plurality of road wheels and tensioning wheels. Each tracked drive unit is connected to the vehicle by affixing devices and by electrical, data, and fluid lines, and is separable from the vehicle by detachment of the affixing devices and disconnection of the electrical, data, and fluid lines. The tracked vehicle can locomote upon the tracked drive units remaining after the separation a tracked drive unit. A tracked vehicle with remote tracked drive jettisoning capability, wherein a tracked drive unit is affixed to the hull of the tracked vehicle by explosive bolts; the electrical, fluid, and data lines are severable by severing charges; and the tracked drive is jettisonable by remote commands to detonate the explosive bolts and sever the electrical, data, and fluid lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Inventors: Vitaly Grossman, Boris Mezir, Mike Nem
  • Patent number: 9056645
    Abstract: A bicycle with a drive on a front wheel, which after the handlebar is turned relative to the front wheel frame, has reduced overall dimensions and can be easily adjusted to be ridden by two persons. The bicycle frame includes the front wheel frame and the rear wheel frame coupled together by a joint and a crossed line transmission, with a fixed seat and back-rest. The axis of the joint intersects the floor at a point spaced behind the point of contact of the front wheel with the floor. The handlebar is mounted rotationally in a swivel axle of the front wheel frame. The small wheel of the transmission is immovably fixed to the rear wheel frame in the axis of the joint, and the big wheel of the transmission is immovably joined through the swivel axle with the handlebar and rotates about the axis of the swivel axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: IZZYBIKE MAREK JUREK
    Inventor: Marek Jurek
  • Patent number: 9044369
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel approach to improving the use of wheelchairs by offering the ability for the wheelchair to transition between accommodation for a seated position, and accommodation for a standing position, more particularly, wherein the inventive mobile manual standing wheelchair allows for a standing position during the course of mobile use, and which also permits fixed gearing of multiple speeds that also accommodates forwards and backwards motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignees: The United States of America, as Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Regards of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Gary D. Goldish, Andrew Hansen
  • Patent number: 9045177
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an omni-directional terrain crossing mechanism, including a transformable mechanism with a plurality of claw wheels, in order to be capable of fast moving on the flat ground or in uneven terrain environments. The omni-directional terrain crossing mechanism includes a first body and a second body. Each of the first body and the second body includes at least one pair of claw wheels. Moreover, the omni-directional terrain crossing mechanism is capable of transforming one pair of first claw wheels of the first body and one pair of second claw wheels of the second body into a pair of complete wheels. Consequently, as compared with the existing mobile machines, the omni-directional terrain crossing mechanism in the present disclosure is capable of moving in various challenging terrain environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Jui-Jen Chou, Li-Shing Yang, Cheng-Tse Yang
  • Patent number: 9033358
    Abstract: A trailer hitch coupler guard including a trailer hitch coupler receiving member; a trailer hitch coupler covering member; an extraction stopping lug attached to and extending upwardly from the trailer hitch coupler receiving member; a hinge interconnecting the trailer hitch coupler receiving member and the trailer hitch coupler covering member, the hinge facilitating movement of the trailer hitch coupler covering member between opened and closed positions, the trailer hitch coupler covering member overlying the trailer hitch coupler receiving member upon movement to the closed position, and being displaced away from the closed position upon movement to the opened position; and a pair of eyed flanges fixedly attached to one of the members among the trailer hitch coupler receiving member and the trailer coupler covering member; the flanges' eyes being positioned for alignment with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Christopher H. Williamson
  • Patent number: 9027950
    Abstract: An anti-rattle hitch (100) includes a tubular insert (102) that is configured to be inserted into a receiver (90). A wedge mechanism comprising a first wedge member (112) and a second wedge member (114) are disposed in the insert, and have slidably engaged angled faces. The second wedge member includes one or more pistons that extend through piston (110) apertures in the insert such that the longitudinal position of the second wedge member is fixed. An adjustment member (120) adjusts the position of the first wedge member, thereby adjusting the piston position which can be biased against the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Kevin Lahn