Patents Examined by Gabriela C Craciun
  • Patent number: 9533727
    Abstract: A pedal-powered one-wheeled vehicle with apparatus coupled to the pedals for laterally stabilizing a user's legs. The user can apply inward pressure to the leg stabilizing apparatuses to achieve greater lateral stability and more precise control of the vehicle. Means may be provided for keeping the leg stabilizing apparatuses from moving too far apart, and for varying the distance between the pedals. Some embodiments may have an elliptical wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Shane Chen
  • Patent number: 9527536
    Abstract: A telescopic axle assembly includes a knuckle housing pivotally mounted to a vehicle frame. The knuckle housing projects therefrom. A rotary drive shaft extends through the knuckle housing and the sleeve. A first wheel hub housing is slidably coupled to the knuckle housing and has a bore which slidably receives the sleeve. A second wheel hub housing is rotatably mounted to the first wheel hub housing. A transmission transmits torque between the drive shaft and the second wheel hub housing. Hydraulic cylinders move the wheel hub housings with respect to the knuckle housing and the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Kendall L. Giesmann, Dennis A. Bowman
  • Patent number: 9511773
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having a transmission coupled to vehicle wheels, an internal combustion engine, a planetary gearset coupled to the engine and to a differential output shaft to drive the vehicle wheels, a traction motor coupled through gearing to the differential output shaft and the planetary gearset, a generator coupled to the planetary gearset and electrically coupled to the traction motor, a traction battery coupled to the generator and the traction motor, and at least one controller in communication with the engine, the traction motor, and the generator includes limiting engine speed in response to a wheel slip event to an engine speed limit based on motor speed and generator speed to prevent the generator speed from exceeding a corresponding threshold when the wheel slip event terminates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shunsuke Okubo, Jonathan Andrew Butcher, Shailesh Shrikant Kozarekar
  • Patent number: 9511812
    Abstract: A steering driving device for a self-balancing two-wheeled vehicle, the device comprising a first driving mechanism for providing a driving force for a steering system of the self-balancing two-wheeled vehicle by utilizing a first driving manner, a second driving mechanism for providing a driving force for the steering system of the self-balancing two-wheeled vehicle by utilizing a second driving manner, an actuating mechanism fixedly connected to a steering shaft, a transforming mechanism for canceling the coupling of the second driving mechanism and the actuating mechanism when the first driving mechanism is coupled to the actuating mechanism. The steering driving device for the self-balancing two-wheeled vehicle is able to conveniently and reliably switch between the two driving manners, and to ensure the small and compact volume of the two-wheeled vehicle, so that the entertainment of the self-balancing two-wheeled vehicle is enhanced, and an operator would have a good driving experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Shanghai New Century Robot Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yangbin Chen, Lin Shen, Jiyong Fang
  • Patent number: 9487265
    Abstract: Phase gear and lever mechanism converts reciprocating power to rotary power with phase gear providing power stroke of greater duration than travel stroke so as to develop efficient power through a power stroke. A modified lever and gear mechanism converts reciprocating power to rotary power at variable out power ratio. In addition, an alternative embodiment of the variable lever is for use with the phase gear is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventor: Alexander Gendell
  • Patent number: 9487076
    Abstract: A technique for increasing the capacity of air passing through a radiator main body, in a vehicle having a radiator. A vehicle includes a radiator main body for cooling a refrigerant introduced from an engine main body with a fan for conveying air to the vicinity of the radiator main body. A baffle member capable of sucking air from or blowing air into the radiator main body is attached to the radiator main body. A connecting duct for conveying air to the baffle member from the fan is provided between the baffle member and said fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hisashi Matsuo, Sho Koyano, Yoji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9487262
    Abstract: An adjustable bicycle frame for change in the riding modes is provided with a bottom bracket secured to pedals; a seat tube extending upward out of the bottom bracket; a chain stay extending rearward out of the bottom bracket and the seat tube; a rear wheel rotatably secured to the chain stay and contacting the ground; a head tube with a stem pivotably secured thereto; a fork pivotably secured to the head tube and extending downward; a front wheel rotatably secured to the fork stay and contacting the ground; a rearward inclined telescopic tubing including first and second tubes. After changing length of the telescopic tubing, a length between the front wheel and the rear wheel is changed, an inclined angle of the seat tube is changed, and an inclined angle of the head tube is changed coherently, thereby implementing a racing mode or a slow, urban riding mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventor: Hung-Chang Chao
  • Patent number: 9481419
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle, with a bicycle seat assembly rotatably connected to the bicycle. Rotation movement of the bicycle seat assembly is possible, seen in the driving direction, to the left and to the right side and is independent of the steering movement of the bicycle. The axis of rotation of the bicycle seat assembly is arranged in front of the axis of the bottom bracket, seen in the driving direction, and the seating surface of the bicycle seat is arranged behind the axis of the bottom bracket, seen in the driving direction. The rotatable bicycle seat assembly enables an upright riding position by dodging the cyclist's leg pedaling downwards through a rotational movement. At the same time it supports the hip side of the other leg. The driver is supported by the bicycle seat even in the upright riding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Karsten Bettin
  • Patent number: 9475546
    Abstract: An electrical assist device is provided for a bicycle. The device includes an electric machine, a drive pinion, an attachment device, a source of electrical energy, and a controller. The attachment device fixes the electric machine to the bicycle near a tire of a wheel of the bicycle. The source of electrical energy powers the electric machine. The controller controls the electric machine. The electric machine includes a rotor, which drives the drive pinion. The drive pinion includes helicoidal teeth structured to mesh tangentially with complementary teeth fastened to the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: David Olsommer, Olivier Essinger
  • Patent number: 9474667
    Abstract: The disclosed Wheelchair Contamination Shield is a fender for a wheelchair that covers a large portion of the tire, protects the user's fingers from contact with tire. Further, the Wheelchair Contamination Shield prevents fingers from being caught in gap between hand rim and wheel, where contact with the rotating standoffs can be harmful. The mounting system of the Wheelchair Contamination Shield optionally includes removable foam blocks and arcuate mounting slots. The combination of these elements simplifies the process of mounting the device on the wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Jason Gruber
  • Patent number: 9475533
    Abstract: A training wheel apparatus for learning to ride a bicycle includes a lift activation assembly, wherein the lift activation assembly includes a grip. The training wheel apparatus further includes a wheel mount assembly configured to operatively connect to a wheel. The training wheel apparatus further includes a cable configured to operatively connect to the lift activation assembly and the wheel mount assembly via the grip. When activated by rotation of the grip in a first direction, the lift activation assembly is configured to use the cable to change an elevation of the wheel between a first position and a second position while the wheel is in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Peyton Webb Robertson
  • Patent number: 9469514
    Abstract: An actuator adapted to remotely actuate a hitching mechanism attaches a towed vehicle such as a trailer to a forklift fork. The actuator is adapted to allow an operator of the forklift to remotely engage and disengage the hitch pin from the connection device of the towed vehicle without dismounting the forklift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Roger L. Hendricks
  • Patent number: 9469218
    Abstract: A vehicle has a body. A pivotable seat has a front portion pivotally connected to the body about a front pivot point and extending rearwardly therefrom to a back portion. A rear left leg is pivotally connected to the body about a left lower pivot point and to the back portion to about a left upper pivot point. A rear right leg is pivotally connected to the body about a right lower pivot point and to the back portion about a right upper pivot point. A distance between the lower pivot points is greater than a distance between the upper pivot points. The seat is pivotable relative to the body about an instantaneous seat pivot axis passing through the front pivot point, a left axis extending through the left upper and lower pivot points, and a right axis extending through the right upper and lower pivot points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Bruno Girouard, Vincent Tognon, Benoit Marleau
  • Patent number: 9452097
    Abstract: An electric powered mobility vehicle includes a main support having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the main support also includes a front end and a rear end. The mobility vehicle also includes a seat assembly secured to the upper surface of the main support adjacent the rear end and a steering assembly extends upwardly from the upper surface of the main support along the front end thereof. A control assembly and a power drive transmission assembly are linked to a plurality of rotating forked assembly units secured to the main support for creating the forces necessary to move and maneuver the present mobility vehicle. Each of the plurality of rotating forked assembly units includes a plurality of fork arms extending outwardly from a central hub and wheels coupled to free ends of the plurality of fork arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Clive Lu
  • Patent number: 9434445
    Abstract: Provided herein is a power assisted motorized vehicle which can be operated in either a manual mode or a motorized mode or in a combination of manual and motorized modes. The vehicle includes, inter alia, a frame connected to at least one fork capable of supporting a wheel having a first driven sprocket assembly and a second driven sprocket assembly, a rechargeable electrical power supply attached to the frame, a motor controller attached to the frame, an electric motor supported by the frame and attached to a first driving sprocket which is coupled to the first driven sprocket assembly and a manual pedal assembly supported by the frame and comprising a pedal crank shaft with two pedals and a second driving sprocket which is coupled to the second driven sprocket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Dr. Nathan Jauvtis Engineering
    Inventor: Nathan Jauvtis
  • Patent number: 9415829
    Abstract: In a rear wheel suspension structure of a motorcycle includes a body frame, a swing arm swingably supported by the body frame through a pivot shaft and a drive shaft for transmitting drive power to a rear wheel. A drive shaft insertion hole is formed in the swing arm with the drive shaft being inserted in the insertion hole. The pivot shaft is arranged so as to overlap with the drive shaft insertion hole in a side view. The pivot shaft is provided as a one-side supporting shaft. Another-side supporting shaft is provided independent from each other on the left and right. A thrust bearing and a radial bearing are arranged between the swing arm and the one-side supporting shaft as well as the another-side supporting shaft provided in the swing arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takatoshi Ebinuma, Kenji Kofuji, Masayuki Fujita
  • Patent number: 9415826
    Abstract: A spacer for positioning between a head tube of a bicycle frame and a front wheel fork of the bicycle. The spacer includes an annular body defines a center axis and extends axially between annular upper and lower spacer surfaces. A bore extends axially through the body concentrically with the center axis between a first opening in the annular upper spacer surface and a second opening in the annular lower spacer surface. The annular upper spacer surface includes a radially outer planar rim and an engagement flange disposed radially inwardly from the planar rim, the engagement flange projecting axially upwardly from the planar rim and circumscribing the opening. The planar rim and the engagement flange abut complementary surfaces on a lower mating surface of the head tube and form a seal with the head tube upon being engaged therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: INDUSTRIES RAD INC.
    Inventor: D'Arcy O'Connor
  • Patent number: 9409611
    Abstract: An articulated tracked vehicle comprising a first vehicle unit and a second vehicle unit controllably connected by means of a control member, wherein each vehicle unit comprises two tracks driven by drive wheels, wherein the first vehicle unit comprises a mechanical propulsion unit with a combustion engine for driving the drive wheels of the first vehicle unit and the second vehicle unit consists of one electric propulsion unit for driving the drive wheels of the second vehicle unit, wherein the combustion engine is arranged to drive a generator for electric power generation, wherein the generator is arranged to transfer electric power via power electronics to the electric propulsion unit of the second vehicle unit, wherein power transfer between said vehicle units is arranged to be effected only electrically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: BAE Systems Hägglunds Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Bjorn Hellholm, Gustav Soderstrom
  • Patent number: 9409599
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering device comprising a steering member for mutually steering a first vehicle unit and a second vehicle unit of an articulated vehicle which comprises a link mechanism for mutually pivoting said vehicle units, a housing configuration arranged to form a supply space between said vehicle units and a removal mechanism arranged in the supply space, wherein the removal mechanism comprises a heating device arranged to heat air intended to stream through the housing configuration. The invention also relates to an articulated vehicle with a steering member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Max Thorén, Martin Carlsson
  • Patent number: 9409621
    Abstract: A cycle or bicycle is driven both by rotation of pedals that drive a rear wheel in a conventional manner, and by fore and aft movement of the handlebars. Fore and aft movement of the handlebars about an adjustable hinge, which also rotate as a unit about a front wheel turning axis, is transmitted to a drive rod. The drive rod then drives an actuator mechanism which transfers force due to movement of the handlebars to the primary drive mechanism through which pedal power is also applied to the rear wheel. Forces generated by this movement of the handlebars is additive to forces applied by the rider directly to the pedals, in a coordinated manner that does not inhibit steering of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: Alexander Clark Hunt