Patents Examined by Henry Y Liu
  • Patent number: 11867256
    Abstract: A bicycle chain includes inner link members and outer link member. An inner link having two connecting openings which are formed at a distance from each other, pass through the inner link in the thickness direction thereof and are each designed for receiving a connecting component in order to connect the inner link to a further inner link in order to form an inner link member of a bicycle chain. An outer link member may be formed and attached to the inner link. The inner and/or outer links may be formed with features asymmetric about various orientations of the links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GmbH
    Inventors: Pedro Miguel Nunes Dos Santos, Diogo Daniel Soares Da Silva
  • Patent number: 11867274
    Abstract: A sprocket assembly (101) comprises a sprocket carrier (102), a sprocket (103), and a plurality of fixing devices (104) for use in securing the sprocket (103) to the sprocket carrier (102). Each fixing device (104) comprises a bolt (601) and a nut (602), the nut (602) engageable with a threaded shank portion (604) of the bolt (601), and the bolt (601) insertable through a fixing aperture (401) of the sprocket carrier (102) into a fitted condition in which the bolt (601) is retained within the sprocket carrier (102) by an interference fit between a knurled shank portion (605) of the bolt (601) and the sprocket carrier (102). A sprocket (103), a sprocket carrier (102), and a sprocket protector (106) for use within the sprocket assembly (101).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventors: James Hobbs, Lee Michele Ricciardi
  • Patent number: 11866126
    Abstract: A multi-sprocket arrangement for a rear wheel hub of a bicycle may have improved gearshift characteristics, reduced vibrations during skewed running, and improved wear characteristics. The multi-sprocket arrangement includes a multiplicity of sprockets of different diameters, wherein at least one of the sprockets has a multiplicity of teeth. Also on the circumference of said sprocket, as viewed in a circumferential direction, at least one sequence of teeth is provided in which, with regard to their material thickness, a thin tooth is followed by a thick tooth which is followed in turn by another thin tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GmbH
    Inventor: Henrik Braedt
  • Patent number: 11867275
    Abstract: A belt tuning device to an accessory belt drive system (ABDS) that utilizes a torsional spring to connect the belt pulley to the shaft of a motor generator unit to isolate the system and allow the pulley to advance ahead of the motor or to be behind the motor. The tuning device also has a free running zone providing a decoupling function for the system, allowing the tuning device to be both a driver and a generator of power. The tuning device has all of the belt pulley, a spring retainer, a torsion spring, a stop ring, and a shaft fixed in relation to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Xiaohua Joe Chen, Anthony R. Mora, Peter Ward
  • Patent number: 11866127
    Abstract: The disclosure describes an electromechanical rear derailleur for coaxial mounting on a rear wheel axis. The rear derailleur has a base member, a pivot mechanism, a movable member having a chain guiding arrangement, and an electromechanical drive for driving the pivot mechanism. The pivot mechanism connects the base member to the movable member. The chain guiding arrangement is connected to the movable member for rotation about an axis of rotation. The base member comprises a first connection end, which can be mounted coaxially with the rear wheel axis, and a second connection end for coupling with the pivot mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Boehm, Sebastian Dueweling
  • Patent number: 11858588
    Abstract: A rear sprocket assembly comprises a first sprocket and a lock device. The lock device includes a first lock member and a second lock member. The first lock member includes a first axial end and a second axial end. The second lock member includes a third axial end and a fourth axial end. The third axial end is configured to be attached to the second axial end of the first lock member in an assembled state where the first sprocket and the lock device are assembled as one unit. The fourth axial end has at least one radial projection configured to abut against a first sprocket in the axial direction in the mounting state. The lock device is configured so that the first sprocket is slidable relative to the lock device in the axial direction in the assembled state and before the mounting state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Fujita, Atsuhiro Emura
  • Patent number: 11859078
    Abstract: An aqueous treatment agent for preparing a cord by treating an untreated yarn for a power transmission belt includes at least a first aqueous treatment agent. The first aqueous treatment agent contains an epoxy resin (A), a polycarbonate polyol (B), and a blocked polyisocyanate (C). The epoxy resin (A) may contain a bisphenol type epoxy resin (A1). The polycarbonate polyol (B) may contain a polycarbonate diol (B1). The blocked polyisocyanate (C) may contain at least one blocked polyisocyanate selected from the group consisting of an aliphatic polyisocyanate or derivatives thereof and an aromatic polyisocyanate and having a dissociation temperature of 120° C. to 180° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Mitsuboshi Belting Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuya Tomoda
  • Patent number: 11851135
    Abstract: A cinch direct mount 2× ring system is disclosed. One embodiment discloses a chainring assembly having a drive side crank arm with a chainring assembly interface including a plurality of splines, a circumference, and an axial length. The chainring assembly includes a first chainring having a first outer diameter and a first center assembly shape. The chainring assembly includes a second chainring having a second outer diameter and a second center assembly shape, the second outer diameter being different than the first outer diameter. The chainring assembly also includes a fastener to couple the first chainring and the second chainring with the chainring assembly interface, such that at least one of the first center assembly shape or the second center assembly shape engages with the plurality of splines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan Michael Choltco-Devlin, Jason Kennett, David Robert Edwards
  • Patent number: 11845513
    Abstract: A bicycle rear sprocket assembly comprises a plurality of bicycle sprockets comprising a first sprocket and a second sprocket. The first sprocket includes a first opening having a first minimum diameter that is smaller than a minimum outer diameter of a sprocket support body of a bicycle rear hub assembly. The second sprocket includes a second opening and at least ten internal spline teeth. The second opening has a second minimum diameter that is equal to or larger than the minimum outer diameter. The at least ten internal spline teeth are configured to engage with the sprocket support body of the bicycle rear hub assembly. The at least ten internal spline teeth include a plurality of internal-spline driving surfaces each including a radial length. A total of the radial lengths of the plurality of internal-spline driving surfaces is equal to or larger than 7 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Fujita
  • Patent number: 11835120
    Abstract: A CVT clutch is provided. A fixed sheave of the CVT clutch is statically mounted on an end of the post. A movable sheave assembly is dynamically mounted on the post. The movable sheave includes a recess cavity that is defined by a movable sheave housing. A spider is statically mounted on the post within the recess cavity of the movable sheave assembly. At least one interchangeable ramp is positioned within the recess cavity so that at least one space is provided between the at least one interchangeable ramp and a sheave face of the movable sheave housing. An engagement member is positioned to engage an associated interchangeable ramp and the spider. A main bias member is configured to assert a bias force on the spider and cover to position each engagement member at a select location on the associated interchangeable ramp when a countering force is not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher David Hamm, Shane Clair Okeson, Canaan Wray Ricke, Gregory J. Adkins
  • Patent number: 11835133
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pulley having: a shaft; a first shroud, called the fixed shroud, mounted so as to be unable to move in translation with respect to the shaft; a second shroud, called the movable shroud, mounted to be driven in rotation by the shaft but is able to move longitudinally with respect to the latter; a mechanism for mechanically controlling the longitudinal movement of the second shroud with respect to the shaft, having: —a first assembly, which is mounted on the shaft and driven in rotation by the latter, —a second assembly, which is mounted on the shaft by way of at least one torsion spring such that the relative angular position of the second assembly with respect to the shaft depends on the torque transmitted by the shaft, and —a device for locking in at least one position between the first assembly and the second assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventors: Xavier Moine, Guillaume Lhermite
  • Patent number: 11835134
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes: a fix pulley; a slide pulley: an endless annular member sandwiched by the fix pulley and the slide pulley; a cylinder member which is fixed to the fix pulley, and which includes a cylinder cylindrical portion constituting a wall of a pulley pressure receiving chamber; and a stopper member disposed at a position at which the stopper member is abutted on the cylinder member when a hydraulic pressure which is equal to or greater than a predetermined value is supplied to the pulley pressure receiving chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignees: JATCO LTD, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Atsushi Kuroki
  • Patent number: 11835111
    Abstract: A power transmission belt includes a belt body made of rubber and a cord embedded in the belt body. The belt body has a portion having the cord embedded therein, and the portion is made of a rubber composition having a storage normal modulus at 25° C. in a grain direction of 80 MPa or more and the ratio of the storage normal modulus at 25° C. in the grain direction to a storage normal modulus at 25° C. in a cross-grain direction of 1.20 or more to 2.50 or less. The rubber composition is arranged such that the grain direction corresponds to a belt length direction and the cross-grain direction corresponds to a belt width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: BANDO CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shogo Kobayashi, Ikuhito Doi, Hideyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 11828206
    Abstract: A hydraulic tensioner having a piston sliding around an outside surface of a pin or rod, so that the high pressure chamber for chain control is created by the area between the piston internal diameter and the rod outside diameter. A spring around the outside of the rod presses against the bottom of the piston, biasing the piston outward during low oil pressure conditions. Preferably, the piston is steel and the rod is aluminum, the reverse of prior art designs, which means that as temperature increases, the piston to bore clearance reduces. This can offset the oil viscosity reduction and maintain the same performance over operating temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventors: Paul Freemantle, Dale N Smith
  • Patent number: 11827311
    Abstract: An assembly for minimizing the disengagement of a chain from a chain ring is disclosed. The assembly includes a bracket and a chain guide assembly. The chain guide assembly includes an inboard leg, an outboard leg, and a lock. The lock may be configured to allow a rider to remove the outboard leg of the chain guide assembly without tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Eko Sport, Inc.
    Inventors: Darek C. Barefoot, Scott Winans, Timothy A. Fry, Sean Gregory Mailen
  • Patent number: 11814138
    Abstract: A rear derailleur is provided, including: a base, configured to be mounted to a bicycle; a movable member, movably disposed on the base; a shaft, rotatably connected to the movable member; a chain guide, connected to the shaft; a biasing member, disposed between the chain guide and the movable member; a resistance mechanism, connected to the movable member to apply frictional resistance to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: AD-II ENGINEERING INC.
    Inventors: Chien-Hao Su, Yu-Hsuan Cheng, Kai-Hung Hu
  • Patent number: 11814137
    Abstract: A plurality of sprockets which are coaxial with respect to a sprocket rotation axis, are arranged with axial spacing from each other and have different numbers of teeth which are constructed for positive-locking engagement with a bicycle chain. The pinion arrangement has a gear range quotient which is formed by division of the number of teeth of the sprocket having the largest diameter by the number of teeth of the sprocket having the smallest diameter, and has a packing density quotient which is formed by division of the number of sprockets in the sprocket arrangement by the axial spacing measured in millimeters of the axially outermost pinions from each other. The pinion arrangement may have a gear range packing coefficient, formed from the product of the gear range quotient and the packing density quotient, which is greater than 1.25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GmbH
    Inventors: Henrik Braedt, Matthias Reinbold
  • Patent number: 11814135
    Abstract: A crank assembly comprises a crank arm, a front sprocket unit, and at least one chain-drop control protrusion. The at least one chain-drop control protrusion is configured to inhibit a drive chain from getting into a space provided radially inwardly from the at least one control protrusion and between the crank arm and the front sprocket unit in the axial direction. The at least one chain-drop control protrusion is configured to be provided to at least one of an axially inwardly facing crank-surface of the crank arm and an axially outwardly facing sprocket-surface of the front sprocket unit. The at least one chain-drop control protrusion has a through bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Kohei Ohyabu
  • Patent number: 11812692
    Abstract: A sheet-metal spinning cutter bar assembly includes a cutter bar body. One end of the cutter bar body is provided is provided with a pulley through a screw. The cutter bar body includes a bearing seat. Two ends of the bearing seat are respectively provided with bearings. A mandrel is inserted into the bearing seat, and a tail end of the mandrel is connected with the pulley. The pulley is provided with a plurality of sets of lightening holes. A fixing plate and a supporting plate are arranged on the bearing seat, which are connected by interference fit and welding, and are provided with reinforcing ribs. A processing method of the sheet-metal spinning cutter bar assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Zhejiang Dongxing Auto Parts CO., LTD
    Inventor: Zhaoxing Pan
  • Patent number: 11815158
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a core wire for a frictional power-transmission belt, the core wire including a Lang lay cord, having a total fineness of 300 to 1000 tex, and including a rubber component adhered to at least a part of a surface of the core wire, in which the Lang lay cord comprises a first-twisted yarn, and in which the first-twisted yarn comprises a carbon fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Mitsuboshi Belting Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Tomoda, Takeshi Nishiyama, Masashi Tamura, Tomomitsu Kurokawa