Patents Examined by Joseph Rocca
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Patent number: 9505458Abstract: A link mechanism includes a shock absorber rod pivotally supported in an upwardly and downwardly swingable manner on a body frame. A shock absorber arm is disposed between a pair of left and right rod portions constituting the shock absorber rod. A front end portion of the shock absorber arm is connected to a lower end portion of a shock absorber unit, a rear upper end portion is connected to a swing arm, and a rear lower end portion is connected to a rear end portion of the shock absorber rod. A link guard covers at least an area from a front end portion of the shock absorber rod to the front end portion of the shock absorber arm on the lower side thereof to be fixed to and to spread over the pair of left and right rod portions.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Kineo Tomura, Yotaro Mori
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Patent number: 9505332Abstract: A vehicle recovery tool is used to tow disabled vehicles. The recovery tool includes a structural member that is mounted on an axle assembly including wheels. The structural member is configured to be coupled to or engage a vehicle to be towed that is positioned behind the recovery tool and to be coupled to or engage a towing vehicle positioned in front of the vehicle. A linear actuator is used to lift the structural member as well as the vehicle to be towed to a raised position. With the structural member in the raised position, the linear actuator further positions the structural member into a locked position in which the load of the vehicle being towed is supported by a control linkage against a stop, preferably on the axle assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Inventor: LeRoy G. Hagenbuch
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Patent number: 9499229Abstract: The aim of the invention is to improve the stability of bicycles fitted with at least one seat for transporting children, by re-centering and lowering the centre of gravity of the child via a specific frame structure, optionally in combination with a choice of reduced wheel diameters and/or an increase in the spacing of the pedals. The location for the feet (31) of the child is inside the supporting structure (9, 10?) of the bicycle linking the seat tube (4?) to the rear wheel axle (14).Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Inventor: Etienne Richelle
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Patent number: 9499194Abstract: In a speed reducer of an electric power steering system, a first bearing supports a first end portion of a worm so that the first end portion is movable in an axial direction. Elastic members elastically support the worm in the axial direction. A second bearing supports a second end portion of the worm. An urging member oscillates and urges the worm. The sum of first frictional resistance in the axial direction between an inner ring of the first bearing and the worm and second frictional resistance in the axial direction between the urging member and an outer circumference of an outer ring of the second bearing is less than engagement frictional resistance in the axial direction of the worm.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2014Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventors: Wataru Yamada, Hirotsugu Kusano, Arata Kikuchi, Yoshitomo Nagai
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Patent number: 9499227Abstract: A step structure for being disposed on left and/or right sides of a saddle riding type vehicle includes a base portion connected to the vehicle and forming at least part of a first footrest, and a movable portion rotatably coupled to the base portion so that the movable portion is movable between first and second operative positions thereof by being rotated relative to the base portion. The movable portion forms a second footrest disposed at a position different from the first footrest when the movable portion is at the second operative position thereof and jointly forms a first footrest with the base portion when at the first operative position thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koichi Nozoe
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Patent number: 9493200Abstract: A drive unit couples to a steering unit for a multi-axle vehicle for conveying a passenger. The drive unit includes a chassis configured as a supporting structure of the drive unit, a drive module with a motor and a first axle with wheels for driving the vehicle, a coupling device for coupling the drive unit to the steering unit, an operating element for operating the drive module, and a seat arrangement for supporting the passenger. The drive unit is also configured such that a total center of mass of the drive unit is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in front of the first axle. A corresponding steering unit and a vehicle comprising a corresponding drive unit and a steering unit are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: IEM Schwenk GmbHInventors: Peter Schwenk, Ludwig Thalhofer
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Patent number: 9496769Abstract: A battery apparatus comprises a bicycle crank axle having a first end, a second end, and a hollow portion. The first end of the bicycle crank axle is configured to attach to a first bicycle crank arm, the second end of the bicycle crank axle is configured to attach to a second bicycle crank arm, and a power source is disposed within the hollow portion. The power source is configured to provide operating power to an electrical component disposed in the first bicycle crank arm, and the power source is configured to provide operating power to an electrical component disposed in the second bicycle crank arm. The hollow portion opens through the first end of the bicycle crank axle so that the power source is detachable through the first end of the crank axle.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Toshio Tetsuka
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Patent number: 9493205Abstract: A tricycle with foldable double wheel assembly comprises: a frame, a single-wheel assembly and a double-wheel assembly respectively disposed at front end and rear end of the frame, and a handlebar assembly matching with the single-wheel assembly to control steering, the double-wheel assembly comprising a supporting beam and two wheels disposed on the supporting beam, wherein the supporting beam comprises two branches of same structures, the two wheels being respectively disposed on the two branches, the supporting beam having a first stable state where the two branches are open, and a second stable state where the two branches are put together side by side. The supporting beam in the double-wheel assembly of the present utility model is foldable so that it is not necessary to occupy a relatively large space to carry/store the tricycle and the usage convenience of the tricycle is thus improved.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: SMART TRIKE MNF PTE LTD.Inventor: Ilan Ben Meir
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Patent number: 9487262Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 10, 2013Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Inventor: Hung-Chang Chao
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Patent number: 9487085Abstract: A transaxle is adaptable to a vehicle equipped with a longitudinal engine including an engine output shaft to be oriented in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle. The transaxle comprises a transmission output shaft to be oriented in a lateral direction of the vehicle so as to be drivingly connected to a drive wheel of the vehicle, a hydrostatic transmission and a mechanical transmission for transmitting power from the engine output shaft to the transmission output shaft, and first and second power take-off shafts for taking off power from the mechanical transmission. The engine is joined to the transaxle so that the engine, the hydrostatic transmission and the mechanical transmission are assembled together. The first and second power take-off shafts are distributed rightward and leftward from the engine.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2015Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jun Matsuura, Koji Iwaki
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Patent number: 9482143Abstract: A water pump is disposed so as to be mounted on a cylinder head cover of an engine. An electric motor is disposed continuously from the water pump. The water pump sends cooling water to a water jacket of a cylinder block via a cooling water pipe disposed so as pass in front of the cylinder head cover and a cylinder head. In an upper end portion of a radiator, an inlet through which the cooling water is led from the engine is disposed on the left and an outlet through which the cooling water is supplied to the water pump is disposed on the right. The inlet is connected to the cylinder block via a cooling water pipe, and the outlet is connected to the water pump via a cooling water pipe.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Yoshisato Inayama
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Patent number: 9474666Abstract: A wheelchair leg arranged to be attached to a frame of a wheelchair comprising a first member, a bracket secured to the first member and operatively arranged to attach the first member to the frame, a second member pivotably attached to the first member, a third member arranged in telescoping engagement with the second member, and a spring located between the second member and the third member and operatively arranged to provide tension between the second and third members when the third member is moved relative to the second member.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Inventor: Robert Smith
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Patent number: 9475534Abstract: The set of bicycle headsets that are threadless and/or have pressed frame cups/races can be locked to prohibit the nominal rotation of the headset and bicycle handlebars about the bicycle's steer tube by this invention. This invention uses standard threadless headset components in addition to three newly invented components: The upper head tube race with spin-lock grooves, the external ring lock, and the headset spacer with spin-lock grooves. The locking configuration is achieved by mating male pins on the interior surface of the external ring lock with female spin-lock grooves that are on the exterior surfaces of the upper head tube race with spin-lock grooves and headset spacer with spin-lock grooves. There are a sets of spin-lock grooves that, when the male pins are mated accordingly, provide the locked and unlocked configurations of the headset.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Inventors: Corrina Ladakis Gibson, Brandon Mark Benjamin
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Patent number: 9475538Abstract: A foldable riding vehicle includes a frame having a front end and a rear end pivotally connected together. The front end is connected to a steering mechanism which includes a steering handle and which engages with a front wheel. The rear end has a first distal end pivotally connected to the front end and a second distal end engaging with a rear wheel. A seat support has a first end pivotally connected to the rear end of the frame and a second end supporting a seat. A pedal mechanism is movable between use and stowed positions. The foldable riding vehicle, in a folded position, includes the steering handle located symmetrically with respect to the frame and the pedal mechanism moving to the stowed position, and allows the front wheel to be located above the rear wheel and not to abut a surface, and the rear wheel to rotate on the surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Lekuma Energy Technology Inc.Inventors: Yao-Chin Wang, Shuo-Feng Wang
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Patent number: 9475388Abstract: An engine control system for a vehicle comprises a torque module and a drag request evaluation module. The torque module controls torque output of an engine based on a driver torque request and increases the torque output based on a wheel drag torque request generated based on a driven wheel speed. The drag request evaluation module disables the increase of the torque output when the driven wheel speed is greater than an undriven wheel speed by more than a predetermined speed.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Richard B. Jess, Michael L. Kociba, Joseph M. Stempnik, James L. Worthing, Katie C. Bonasse
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Patent number: 9475539Abstract: A steering stop for bicycle handlebars, comprising a first stop element adapted to be fixed to the head tube of a bicycle fork, and a second stop element cooperating with the first stop element to limit the steering angle. The second stop element is adapted to be mounted to the bicycle frame, in particular to the top tube of the bicycle frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2012Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: CANYON BICYCLES GMBHInventors: Jan Ehrhard, Lutz Scheffer
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Patent number: 9475535Abstract: A vehicle includes a center transmission plate, a first center turnable portion configured to turn about a first center turning axis extending in an up-down direction, a second center turnable portion configured to turn about a second center turning axis extending in a front-rear direction, a left transmission plate, a first left turnable portion configured to turn about a first left turning axis extending in the up-down direction, a second left turnable portion configured to turn about a second left turning axis extending in the front-rear direction, a right transmission plate, a first right turnable portion configured to turn about a first right turning axis extending in the up-down direction, and a second right turnable portion configured to turn about a second right turning axis extending in the front-rear direction. A tie rod is supported on the second center turnable portion, the second left turnable portion, and the second right turnable portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toshio Iizuka, Yosuke Hirayama, Yutaka Kubo, Takahiro Watanabe, Noboru Miyamoto, Kaoru Sasaki, Hirokatsu Ogawa
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Patent number: 9475532Abstract: Variable-attitude systems used with training wheels for children's bicycles and mini-motorcycles are provided, which include a metal arm, mounted on a bicycle or mini-motorcycle frame, by a second metal arm and by a hinge joint, wherein elastic elements are provided, housed around the joint which, through the two arms thereof, imparts a pressure which may be modulated on the second arm which supports the training wheels to adhere to the sliding plane.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Inventor: Andrea Di Vitto
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Patent number: 9475544Abstract: A bicycle includes: a frame that supports a front wheel and a rear wheel; a pair of up-and-down links that are respectively provided on a right side and a left side of the frame in a front view; a pair of pedals that are respectively supported by the pair of up-and-down links; and a drive unit that drives the rear wheel. A front end of each of the pair of up-and-down links is pivotally attached to the frame, and a rear end of each of the pair of up-and-down links is respectively connected to each of the pair of pedals. The drive unit includes a pair of crank arms that are arranged point-symmetrically at an angle of 180° in a front view, and a force that depresses each of the pair of pedals so that the pair of pedals alternately swing is transmitted to the pair of crank arms through the pair of up-and-down links. The bicycle further includes a horizontally-holding mechanism that holds each of the pair of pedals approximately horizontally while rotating of each of the pair of up-and-down links.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Katayama Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Noboru Kataoka
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Patent number: 9469369Abstract: A vehicle frame, in particular a mountain bike frame or a trekking bicycle frame, comprises main frame element. A rear frame is pivotably connected with the main frame element. A damping element is provided between the rear frame and the main frame element. A first connection point of the damper element is connected with the rear frame and a second connection point of the damping element is connected with the main frame element. For the purpose of changing the frame characteristics, a displacing element is provided for the displacement of the first connection point. The locking of the displacing element is done with the help of an actuator element.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2012Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: CANYON BICYCLES GMBHInventor: Vincenz Thoma