Patents Examined by Daniel Yeagley
  • Patent number: 8657041
    Abstract: A control system for a lawnmower vehicle having a plurality of electric motors may include at least one controller for controlling operation of the drive wheel electric motor in response to an operation amount of at least one operator. The controller may control operation of a driver for driving a mower-related electric motor to cause the mower-related electric motor to activate or stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihiro Ishii, Kengo Sasahara, Kazunari Koga, Jun Matsuura, Tomoyuki Ebihara, Katsumoto Mizukawa
  • Patent number: 8651225
    Abstract: A steering system includes a fluid pump and an electro-hydraulic steering circuit in selective fluid communication with the fluid pump. The electro-hydraulic steering circuit defines a first flow path having a first proportional valve and a first load-sense passage in selective communication with the first proportional valve. The first proportional valve includes a closed position. A hydrostatic steering circuit is in selective fluid communication with the fluid pump and defines a second flow path having a second proportional valve and a second load-sense passage in selective fluid communication with the second proportional valve. The second flow path is in a parallel flow configuration with the first flow path. An isolation valve is disposed in the first flow path in series with the first proportional valve. The isolation valve includes a closed position and is piloted to the closed position by fluid communicated through the second load-sense passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Cadman, Nathan Harold French, Wade Leo Gehlhoff, Robin Francis Ireton
  • Patent number: 8651508
    Abstract: A portable trailer dock system features a floating dock assembly pivotally mounted atop a trailer frame to allow elevating of a free end of the floating dock assembly above the corresponding distal end of the trailer opposite the towing end thereof so that the dock can be held above the water surface when the trailer is backed into a body of water to temporarily install the dock thereat. In another embodiment, the connection between the dock and trailer is releasable to allow floating of the dock further out over the water. Another embodiment features a cover disposed over an a-frame neck of the trailer and a pair of extensions pivotally mounted to opposite sides of the neck for selective pivoting into deployed positions cooperating with the a-frame cover to form a walkway between the dock and the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Preston Woodhouse
  • Patent number: 8646559
    Abstract: An ice-particle spray generating device for use on snow vehicles is disclosed. The present invention provides an adapter having a locking device to prevent the connecting means of the ice-particle spray generating device to loosen when the snow vehicle is travelling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Denis Beaudoin
  • Patent number: 8640816
    Abstract: A vehicular steering apparatus includes: a road-wheel turning mechanism mechanically separated from, but electrically connected to a steering wheel; a first rotation shaft connected to the steering wheel; a second rotation shaft connected to the road-wheel turning mechanism; and a connection mechanism for interconnecting the first and second rotation shafts in such a manner that the first and second rotation shafts can rotate idle relative to each other within a range of a predetermined relative rotational angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuji Shibahata
  • Patent number: 8636294
    Abstract: The invention relates to a passage system for transmission elements for controlling bicycle components. In order to provide larger passages through a frame tube, a passage system for transmission elements of bicycle components is proposed, with a bicycle frame with a tube construction of frame tubes, a passage for transmission elements, and at least one transmission element. At least one frame tube has in its lateral surface a first opening and a second opening, which lie opposite each other. The first opening has a first edge region and the second opening has a second edge region, which are formed with a statically effective reinforcement. A passage opening of the passage for transmission elements is formed between the first and the second opening, wherein the transmission element is arranged leading through the passage opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Jochen Klieber
  • Patent number: 8636298
    Abstract: A wheelchair has a car body of which rear and bottom wall portion are opened, a seat to be divided into right and left portions, a device for moving the right or left portion of the seat, and a holding plate provided on the car body for holding the device for moving the portion of the seat. The device has a link for connecting the seat portion to the car body, and an operation rod for operating the link so that the seat portion is moved between an opened position and a closed position, respectively. Wheels for supporting the car body, brake for the wheel, a brake operation device for operating the brake, a device is provided for synchronously driving the seat moving device and the brake operation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Yosiharu Nimura
  • Patent number: 8632090
    Abstract: A coaxial tube holder is provided, which essentially has a holder major body having an aperture for tightening and holding fork tube of bicycle. The holder major body has an abutment segment provided on the bottom side thereof, which is abutted against bearing seat body of head tube. An ornamental cover is inserted outside the holder major body. Then the assembly can be finished very easily and securely between the head tube and the fork tube by the holder major body. Further, the ornamental cover can be made in different color or to be transparent, or to have decorative body having pattern, veins or characters images thereon, so that the overall design can be more novel and dazzling to attract more consumer groups to purchase. Hence, benefit of enhancing competitiveness of industry can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Chih-Hsien Chen
  • Patent number: 8632089
    Abstract: A mechanism for converting reciprocal motion to rotary motion. A pair of driving members are mounted to undergo reciprocal up-and-down movement about a first axis. A pair of driving chains are drivingly connected to the respective driving members so that reciprocal up-and-down movement of the driving members transmits respective driving forces to the driving chains. A driven member is mounted for undergoing rotational motion in one direction of rotation about a second axis different from the first axis. A drive unit transfers, via the driving forces of the driving chains, reciprocal up-and-down movement of the driving members to rotational motion of the driven member in the one direction of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventors: Wilson X. Bezerra, Silvana A. Bezerra
  • Patent number: 8622163
    Abstract: A scooter-type motorcycle is provided with a fuel cell system for driving the motorcycle by an electric power and includes: a vehicle body including a pair of left and right upper frames extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and a pair of left and right lower frames extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and having rear side end portions bent and connected to the respective upper frames; a fuel cell mounted on the vehicle body; a fuel tank connected to the fuel cell, in which the fuel tank is disposed in a center tunnel surrounded by the upper frames and the lower frames. A pair of left and right upper frames and a pair of left and right lower frames constitute a fuel tank supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Eguchi, Kazuyuki Hirota
  • Patent number: 8620555
    Abstract: A method for assessing slippage of wheels in a vehicle includes the steps of measuring, via a sensor, an initial value of vehicle speed, determining, via a processor, at least one of a minimum vehicle speed and a maximum vehicle speed, and determining, via the processor, wheel slip using the initial value and the at least one of the minimum vehicle speed and the maximum vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mahir Hodzic, Eric J. Holdorf, Eric E. Krueger, Kevin S. Kidston
  • Patent number: 8585070
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing bicycle frame includes a front frame, a rear frame, and a shock-absorbing unit. The rear frame includes a seat stay and a chain stay interconnected to form an angle therebetween. The shock-absorbing unit includes a first flexible member connected removably to the chain stay and the front frame, and a second flexible member connected between the chain stay and the front frame and disposed directly above the first flexible member. The first and second flexible members are deformable in first and second directions, respectively. The first direction intersects the second direction. As such, when subjected to an external force, the first and second flexible members are deformed to absorb shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: A-Pro Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Luke Beale
  • Patent number: 8584533
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive torque sensor device which detects a torque applied to a rotary shaft is provided. The magnetostrictive torque sensor device includes a magnetostrictive portion provided on a surface of the rotary shaft, a coil and a cylindrical back-yoke disposed in outer periphery of the coil. The coil includes a bobbin arranged in outer periphery of the magnetostrictive portion, and a wire wound around the bobbin. A slit is provided on the back-yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Miyoshi, Yoshihiro Oniwa, Yasuo Shimizu, Atsuhiko Yoneda, Yutaka Arimura, Katsuji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8573629
    Abstract: A tow bar has first and second bar elements telescopically engaged to slide between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. A latch housing mounted on the second bar element pivotally mounts a latch element. A locking sear having a sear locking surface and a sear back surface is pivotally mounted to move between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the locking position, a sear locking surface abuts a latch stop of the first bar element to lock the first and second bar elements in the extended configuration. In the unlocking position, the sear locking surface disengages the latch stop, allowing the first and second bar elements to move to the collapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Dethmers Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jason Jay Kraai, Russell Mark Ensz
  • Patent number: 8573630
    Abstract: A tow bar has a first bar element, a second bar element, and a latch mechanism. The first bar element has a proximal end, a first elongate body, and a latch stop opposite the proximal end. The second bar element has a distal end, a second elongate body, and a latch end opposite the distal end. The first bar element is telescopically engaged within the second bar element to slide between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. The latch mechanism is adapted to abut the latch stop to lock the first and second bar elements in the extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Dethmers Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jason J. Kraai, Russell Mark Ensz
  • Patent number: 8561746
    Abstract: The motorcycle comprises an engine with a gearbox, a gear group and a drive wheel. A secondary transmission chain placed between the engine and said gear group, whereas a tertiary transmission chain is placed between the gear group and the drive wheel. The secondary transmission chain is placed at one side of the motorcycle and the tertiary transmission chain is placed at an opposite side of the motorcycle with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof. This arrangement is resulted in the motorcycle body having substantially narrower width compared to the width of the prior art motorcycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Jose Luis Belil Creixell
  • Patent number: 8544570
    Abstract: A riding lawnmower includes left and right wheels, at least one caster wheel, a lawnmower blade or reel, and a control section. The left and right wheels are independently driven by electric rotary machines to travel. The lawnmower blade or reel is driven for mowing. The control section, in response to turn instruction input by a turn operator, controls the left and right wheels according to preset standard setting conditions, or according to deceleration setting conditions which differ from the standard setting conditions, under which at least one of a vehicle movement speed and vehicle turning speed is decelerated more than under standard setting conditions. The riding lawnmower includes a section designating either standard setting conditions or deceleration setting conditions. In a riding lawnmower, left and right wheels are caused to turn around a turn center position corresponding to a turn instruction according to designated setting conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihiro Ishii, Kengo Sasahara, Kazunari Koga, Jun Matsuura, Tomoyuki Ebihara, Katsumoto Mizukawa
  • Patent number: 8540265
    Abstract: A scooter with a foot platform, front and rear wheels at the forward and rear ends of the foot platform, and a bearing at the forward end of the platform; a steering column mounting sleeve attached to the bearing, a front wheel drive shaft slidable within the steering column mounting sleeve, a hub extension at the lower end of the steering column mounting sleeve supporting the front wheel, a drive extension having a drive member on the lower end of the front wheel drive shaft, a drive pinion coupled to the front wheel and engaged with the drive member and hand bars at the upper end of the steering column mounting sleeve operable by downward movement to slide the front wheel drive shaft downwardly through the steering column mounting sleeve for driving the front wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Brendan W. Malone
  • Patent number: 8534416
    Abstract: The invention concerns a hydraulic steering (1) with a steering unit (2) with feedback behavior, a steering motor (8) connected to the steering unit (2) via working pipes (L, R), a steering member (6) and a feedback suppression device (9), which is located in at least one working pipe (L, R). It is endeavored to change the feedback behavior of such a steering in a simple manner. For this purpose, the feedback suppression device (9) has a valve arrangement (10) with hydraulic control inlet (C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss Aps
    Inventors: Svend Erik Thomsen, Tom Rudolph, Poul Ennemark
  • Patent number: 8523213
    Abstract: An adult scale three-wheeled device facilitates movement for mobility challenged persons. The device is foot propelled while seated either through walking while seated or pedaling. The device is provided with a limited footprint for navigating confined areas while the individual is seated in a substantially standing position, with the pedals being repositionable so as to allow unobstructed walking while remaining seated. A lockable braking system prevents one or more wheels from turning. The device is collapsible for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Raphael