Patents Examined by Henry Y Liu
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Patent number: 11808339Abstract: A pulley assembly (120) for engaging an endless member (118) includes a first pulley (124), a second pulley (126) and at least one transition segment set (128, 130) comprising one or more transition segments (152, 162a, 162b) that are independently movable between an engaged region and a disengaged region to transition the endless member (118) between the first pulley (124) and the second pulley (126). An actuator system (122) includes a support structure (220), an actuator subassembly (222, 226) secured to the support structure (220) and a stator (224, 228). The actuator subassembly (222, 226) includes a follower (250) and a sled (248), which is movable in a circumferential direction between an advanced position and a retreated position, in response to an electromotive force generated on the sled (248) by the stator (224, 228).Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2018Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: INMOTIVE INC.Inventors: Anthony Wong, Sarah Fondyga, Jack Shillinger
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Patent number: 11808352Abstract: An idler sprocket shaft support device for use with chain-driven equipment (e.g., snowblowers) is provided. The support device includes a spacer through which the sprocket shaft passes through, and an elongate support member coupled to the spacer and extending through an aperture in an adjacent support plate. By locking the elongate support member within the aperture in the adjacent support plate at a particular distance, the spacer also is locked thereby holding the sprocket shaft at a desired positional setting.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2022Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Inventor: Larry R. Buchanan
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Patent number: 11796046Abstract: An isolated drive assembly that includes a drive member, which is rotatable about a rotational axis, a drive member hub, which is rotatable about the rotational axis relative to the drive member, an isolator assembly, which has an elastomeric element that transmits rotary power between the drive member and the drive member hub, and a torque limiter. The torque limiter has first and second sets of engagable limiter elements that limit rotation of the drive member relative to the drive member hub in opposite rotational directions to limit a magnitude of a moment that is transmitted through the elastomeric element.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2022Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Andreas Steiger
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Patent number: 11795766Abstract: A lubricator assembly for servicing a tubular member includes a mounting base, a lubricant housing movably coupled to the mounting base and configured to receive lubricant from a lubricant source, a guide pin slidably disposed in the lubricant housing, a first seal positioned between the guide pin and the lubricant housing and a second seal positioned between the guide pin and the lubricant housing, and a first chamber extending between the first seal and the second seal, wherein the guide pin is configured to direct lubricant disposed in the first chamber against the tubular member in response to the tubular member engaging the guide pin.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2019Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: Andrew McKenzie, Robert Donnally, Lei Cheng, George Wu, Leo Yang
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Patent number: 11796034Abstract: The frictional power transmission belt includes a frictional power transmission surface formed of a composite fibrous layer containing a fibrous member, an isocyanate compound, and a resin component, wherein the fibrous member contains a cellulose-based fiber. A proportion of each of the isocyanate compound and the resin component in the composite fibrous layer may be 2 to 15% by mass.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2019Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Mitsuboshi Belting Ltd.Inventors: Kouhei Hamamoto, Hiroki Takechi
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Patent number: 11788615Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a composite bicycle front sprocket are disclosed herein. One embodiment discloses a composite bicycle front sprocket assembly having an outer assembly of a first material. The bicycle front sprocket assembly also has a center assembly of a second material. The center assembly is disposed at least partially within the outer assembly. The center assembly is irremovably coupled with the outer assembly. The center assembly is irremovably coupled with the outer assembly without an external fastening device to irremovably couple the center assembly with the outer assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Robert Erik Moore, Douglas Alexander Chalmers
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Patent number: 11787504Abstract: An electrical actuator for a bicycle rear derailleur making use of a standard wireless remote control (RC) servo unit relying exclusively on highly efficient spur gearing reduction and facilitating highly accurate derailleur positioning thereof through an integral digital magnetic rotary encoder with assembly thereof sealed in a two-piece housing with a lateral extension for an auxiliary spur gear serving to transmit actuation effort thereof to actuation shaft of a rear derailleur.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2023Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Inventor: Hazem Nihad Hamed
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Patent number: 11787506Abstract: A derailleur comprises a base member, a chain guide, and a linkage structure. The linkage structure includes a first link pivotally coupled to the base member about a first link pivot axis. The chain guide includes a first chain guide pivotally coupled to the first link about a first guide pivot axis spaced apart from the first link pivot axis. The first chain guide includes a first guide body and a first guide protrusion. The first guide protrusion protrudes from the first guide body and is pivotally coupled to the first link about the first guide pivot axis. The first guide protrusion is spaced apart from the first link in an axial direction with respect to the first guide pivot axis to define an intermediate space between the first guide protrusion and the first link in the axial direction. The intermediate space is free of a spring.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Takashi Furuya, Kazutaka Fukao
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Patent number: 11772741Abstract: A sprocket support comprises at least ten internal spline teeth configured to engage with a bicycle hub assembly. The at least ten internal spline teeth of the sprocket support includes at least ten internal-spline driving surfaces. The at least ten internal-spline driving surfaces each include a radially outermost edge and a radially innermost edge. A radial length is defined from the radially outermost edge to the radially innermost edge. A total of the radial lengths of the at least ten internal-spline driving surfaces is equal to or larger than 7 mm. At least one internal-spline driving surface of the at least ten internal-spline driving surfaces has a first internal-spline-surface angle defined between the at least one internal-spline driving surface of the at least ten internal-spline driving surfaces and a first radial line. The first internal-spline-surface angle ranges from 0 degree to 10 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2022Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Hiroshi Fujita, Kazuki Koshiyama, Takashi Nakanishi
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Patent number: 11772743Abstract: A system and method for a bicycle transmission. Specifically, a bicycle transmission having a housing with a first shaft passing therethrough; a set of two conical gear assemblies in opposing parallel alignment disposed within the housing, each having a plurality of different sized gears arranged in a progressive order. A first conical gear assembly is engaged about the first shaft. A second conical gear assembly engaged about a second shaft parallel to the first shaft, the second shaft structured and arranged to have at least a proximate position and a distal position relative to the first shaft. A drive belt is disposed generally normally about one of the two conical gear assemblies and passing therebetween, the drive belt engaging a gear from the first conical gear assembly with a gear from the second conical gear assembly when the second conical gear assembly is in the proximal position.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2023Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Inventor: Joseph Francis Keenan
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Patent number: 11773945Abstract: A tensioning bar assembly for a drive system of an agricultural machine includes a longitudinal bar having a top end, a bottom end, and a threaded portion. An attachment device is coupled to the top end to attach to a tensioning arm. A compression spring is located around a portion of the longitudinal bar. A first spring retainer engages with and retains a first end of the spring. A first locking nut fits to the threaded portion of the bar and retains the first spring retainer longitudinally in place relative to the bar. The longitudinal bar is rotationally freely coupled to the attachment device to permit free axial rotation of the bar about its longitudinal axis relative to the attachment device, and an engagement head is attached to and located at or proximate the bottom end of the longitudinal bar for engagement with a tool.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2023Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: AGCO CorporationInventors: Andrew Mark Veer, William Ryan Haar
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Patent number: 11767078Abstract: A drive arrangement for a bicycle may be provided with various interactive components configured to reliably and repeatably engage and disengage with one another both when new and after a period of wear. The drive arrangement may include a drive sprocket assembly connected to a driven sprocket assembly with a chain movable by a gear changer.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2020Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GmbHInventors: Bruno Ribeiro, Pedro Santos, Diogo Silva, Matthias Reinbold, Henrik Braedt, Jorge Latimer, John Collen
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Patent number: 11767080Abstract: A rear sprocket assembly comprises a first sprocket and a lock device. The lock device includes a first lock member, a second lock member, and a biasing 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 fourth axial end has at least one radial projection configured to abut against the first sprocket in the axial direction in a mounting state. The biasing member is disposed between the first sprocket and the at least one radial projection in the axial direction in the assembled state to bias the first sprocket and the at least one radial projection in a biasing direction in which the first sprocket and the at least one radial projection are separated from each other.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2022Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Hiroshi Fujita, Koji Yuasa
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Patent number: 11761516Abstract: A device for tensioning a belt of a video camera assembly, including a belt tensioner terminal and an elastic thrust element operating on the belt tensioner terminal for thrusting the belt tensioner terminal against the belt. The device further includes an adjustment element for determining an adjustable positioning of the belt tensioner terminal with respect to the belt and at least one constraint element for operating between a rest condition, where it does not constrain the positioning of the belt tensioner terminal, and a constraint condition, where it constrains in position the belt tensioner terminal. The adjustment element is operatively connected to the thrust element in a removable way. Advantageously, the thrust element and the adjustment element share a same operative direction, the at least one constraint element operating or developing along a direction which is orthogonal to said operative direction of the thrust element and of the adjustment element.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2019Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: VIDEOTEC S.P.A.Inventors: Alessio Grotto, Angelo Ribello
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Patent number: 11754151Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for a vehicle includes: a variator including; a primary pulley, a secondary pulley, and an endless annular member wound around the primary pulley and the secondary pulley, the secondary pulley being provided with an urging member configured to generate an urging force in a direction in which a groove width of the secondary pulley is decreased, and a transmission gear ratio of the variator being brought to a high side of a lowest transmission gear ratio by a centrifugal hydraulic operation of an oil stored in a pulley pressure receiving chamber of the primary pulley when a vehicle speed becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined vehicle speed when the vehicle is towed.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2019Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignees: JATCO LTD, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Atsushi Kuroki
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Patent number: 11753106Abstract: An apparatus for a bicycle includes an intermediate power connector configured for transmitting power between a bicycle component and a power source positioned remote from the bicycle component. The intermediate power connector has a coupling portion configured for removable attachment to a connecting portion of the bicycle component. The bicycle component can also include a battery having a battery coupling portion configured for removable attachment to the connecting portion of the bicycle component. The battery and the intermediate power connector can be selectively attachable to the bicycle component to provide power thereto.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventor: Kevin Wesling
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Patent number: 11753108Abstract: A human-powered vehicle control device is configured to control a derailleur in a suitable state. The human-powered vehicle control device includes an electronic controller configured to control a derailleur mounted to a human-powered vehicle based on a change in pressure of a tire detected by a pressure detector detecting the pressure of at least one tire of the human-powered vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2022Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Satoshi Idogaki, Tadaharu Kurotobi, Koji Yuasa
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Patent number: 11753109Abstract: A bicycle electric/electronic derailleur has a plurality of mutually movable components: a support body configured to be attached to a bicycle frame, a chain guide, and a pair of connecting arms, for connection between the support body and the chain guide at respective geometric articulation axes. A geared motor controls the motion of the plurality of mutually movable components. At least one first component has a case with a chamber containing the geared motor and/or one or more electric/electronic devices. The chamber crosses at least one articulation axis. The case comprises a blind hole that is coaxial with the one axis and open outwards of the case. A second component has a pivot pivotable in the blind hole.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2022Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.LInventors: Paolo Pasqua, Luca De Poli
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Patent number: 11745828Abstract: A front derailleur comprises a base member, a chain guide, and a linkage structure. The base member includes a mounting hole. The mounting hole has a center axis. The linkage structure comprises a first link member and a second link member. The first link member is pivotally coupled to the base member about a first pivot axis. The second link member is pivotally coupled to the base member about a second pivot axis. The first link member is pivotally coupled to the chain guide about a third pivot axis. The second link member is pivotally coupled to the chain guide about a fourth pivot axis. At least three of the first pivot axis, the second pivot axis, the third pivot axis, and the fourth pivot axis are non-parallel to and non-perpendicular to the center axis of the mounting hole.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2020Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventor: Naoki Fujimoto
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Patent number: 11745827Abstract: Bicycle rear derailleur device (1) comprising a chain guide assembly (15) made up of two parts: a guiding cage (28) and a tension cage (32). It also comprises a movable member (18) coupled to a base member (10) via a linking member (13) to align the chain guide assembly (15) with the different sprockets. Said tension cage (32) carries a tension pulley (11), is pivotably coupled to the movable member (18) and is biased by a main spring or biasing member (17). The guiding cage (28) carrying a guiding pulley (14), and the tension cage (32) are both configured to move either jointly or independently of each other, such the distance between both pulleys (14, 11) is fixed or free respectively, varying as a consequence the chain tension. To do so, the guiding cage (28) is pivotally coupled to the tension cage (32) comprising between them coupling means (16) that selectively and reversibly make both cages united or not.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2019Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Rotor Componentes Tecnologicos, S.L.Inventors: David Martinez Garcia, Pablo Carrasco Vergara, Carlos Miguel Carton Cordero, Angelica Del Rio Garcia