Patents Examined by Michael R Stabley
  • Patent number: 11691469
    Abstract: A multi-layered sheet material (1) including a reinforcing support (2) having a polymer coating (3) on at least one side, alternatively on both sides, wherein the reinforcing support (2) includes at least one textile fabric (6), such as a supporting woven fabric (6a), wherein the fabric (6), has at least two surface regions (13a; 13b; 34a; 34b) that differ from each other in at least one mechanical property, as well as a crossway element, such as a crossway bellows, for components, vehicles, building connections, or for flight passenger bridges or staircase bridges, including at least one such multi-layered sheet material, and a vehicle, a building connection, and a flight passenger or staircase bridge including such a crossway element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Hübner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Busch, Andreas Wiegrefe, Reinhard Hübner
  • Patent number: 11691680
    Abstract: A load-bearing trailer dolly which connects a tongue-type boat, utility or other trailer to a towing tandem trailer and bears weight from the trailer during towing. In a preferred embodiment, the trailer dolly is characterized by an axle mounted on a pair of wheels. A dolly frame height-adjustable trailer hitch centered coaxial above the axle axis and midway point framed dolly plate mount by operation of an adjustable sleeve reducer fastened by pinning and lock. Includes dual connecting adjustable height tongues for attachment to rear end trailer hitches on the tandem towing trailer at which a pair of hitch fasteners for engaging the trailer dolly tongues are attached to the rear of the tandem trailer. The adjustable tongue hitches on trailer dolly will give ability to horizontal level tandem dolly. A shock-absorbing spring is fitted between the axle mount and the dolly frame for cushioning the dolly frame on the axle mount as the trailer is towed behind the towing tandem trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Inventor: Randal D Walton
  • Patent number: 11685462
    Abstract: A bicycle handlebar assembly comprises a base bar, a v-shaped stem selectively removable from the base bar, and a bicycle fork assembly. Control cables from the bicycle may be routed from the base bar into hollow diverging stem members of the v-shaped stem. The bicycle fork assembly comprises an external-steerer fork having a load-bearing member and a preload tensioning rod. The preload tensioning rod fits within a head tube of the bicycle, and a hollow space around the preload tensioning rod accommodates control cables passing from the v-shaped stem into a hollow portion of the bicycle frame. The v-shaped stem is secured against the base bar by a pair of nut plates. In some examples, an engagement portion of an accessory such as an aerobar extension assembly is configured to secure the v-shaped stem and an aerobar extension against the base bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: PON BICYCLE I B.V.
    Inventors: David Killing, Jonathan Edward Max Strack, Robert James Pike
  • Patent number: 11685424
    Abstract: An eddy current brake for a steer-by-wire steering system of a vehicle that includes a steering wheel may include magnets and a magnet carrier. The eddy current brake may be connected in a force-transmitting manner to an axle to which the steering wheel is connected, and to the steering wheel, in a force-transmitting manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Robert Kopiniok, Alexander Ein Waldt
  • Patent number: 11685463
    Abstract: A steering linkage assembly that allows an offset between a steering axis and a headtube axis of a bicycle. In turn, rider cockpit dimensions are divorced from vehicle performance aspects such that vehicle performance aspects may be tailored regardless of rider size. The steering linkage assembly generally includes linkage members on an opposite side of a linkage chassis than handlebars of the bicycle to improve performance by increasing steering angle range allowed by the linkage. In addition, different linkage members and linkage chasses may be provided to accommodate different offsets between the steering axis and the headtube axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: CLEV DESIGN, LTD.
    Inventor: Robb Henry Jankura
  • Patent number: 11667347
    Abstract: A saddle-riding type vehicle includes: a vehicle body frame; a swing arm supported in a swingable manner with respect to a pivot frame of the vehicle body frame; and a rear suspension in which a link arm supported by the swing arm and the pivot frame are coupled, and damping is controlled by a hydraulic oil. In addition, the saddle-riding type vehicle includes: a sub-tank provided in the rear suspension and storing the hydraulic oil; and a detection sensor that detects behavior of a vehicle body while traveling. Moreover, in a top view of the saddle-riding type vehicle viewed from above, the sub-tank and the detection sensor are disposed so as to overlap with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yohei Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 11666933
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a zero-turn radius robotic base may comprise a substantially rectangular (e.g., rectangular) base portion that comprises a plurality of wheels. In various embodiments, the plurality of wheels are configured to support the robotic base adjacent a support surface (e.g., the ground, a suitable flooring surface within a building, etc.). In some embodiments, the robotic base comprises a first and second driving wheel and a plurality of stability wheels. In some embodiments, an axis of rotation of the first and the second driving wheel are collinear. In various embodiments, the plurality of stability wheels are spaces apart from the axis of rotation of the first and second driving wheels to provide stability to the robotic base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: RevolutioNice Inc.
    Inventors: Sreenivas Raman, Bill Tompkins, TianHao Ye
  • Patent number: 11668059
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a safety trailer has semi-tractor hitches at both ends and a safety wall that is fixed to one side of the trailer. That side, however, can be changed to the right or left side of the road, depending on the end to which the truck attaches. A caboose can be attached at the end of the trailer opposite the tractor to provide additional lighting and impact protection. Optionally, the trailer can be equipped with overhead protection, lighting, ventilation, onboard hydraulics, compressors, generators and other equipment, as well as related fuel, water, storage and restroom facilities and other amenities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Concaten, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin K. Groeneweg
  • Patent number: 11661134
    Abstract: A bicycle can include a forward frame triangle that can include a top tube, a bottom tube, a bottom bracket, a structural seat tube, a compliant seat tube, and a pair of seat stays. The top tube can have a first end connected to a head tube and a second end. The bottom tube can have a first end connected to the head tube. The bottom bracket can be connected to the bottom tube. The structural seat tube can be connected to the bottom bracket and the top tube. The compliant seat tube can extend in an upward direction from the bottom bracket to the top tube and within the structural seat tube. The compliant seat tube can be coupled to the forward frame triangle such that the compliant seat post can bend within the structural seat tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: Reggie Lund, Steven Moechnig
  • Patent number: 11661103
    Abstract: A steering control device for a steering system includes an electronic control unit configured to: calculate target torque that is a target value of the motor torque; control operation of the motor; calculate a vehicle speed basic axial force based on a detected vehicle speed; calculate another state quantity basic axial force based on a state quantity other than the detected vehicle speed; calculate a distributed axial force by adding the vehicle speed basic axial force and the other state quantity basic axial force at individually set distribution ratios; calculate the target torque based on the distributed axial force; and reduce the distribution ratio of the vehicle speed basic axial force when the detected vehicle speed is abnormal as compared to when the detected vehicle speed is normal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignees: JTEKT CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takashi Kodera, Isao Namikawa, Yusuke Kakimoto, Yoshio Kudo
  • Patent number: 11654733
    Abstract: A towing coupler for truck or other vehicle includes a body and a hook. A first latch is coupled to the body for pivoting about a first pivot axis between an open and closed position. In the open position, a draw bar or other towing element of a towed vehicle can be placed on or removed from the hook while in the closed position the first latch retains the draw bar on the hook. A second latch is coupled to the body for pivoting about a second pivot axis between first and second positions. The first latch is biased to pivot toward the open position and the second latch is biased to pivot in the opposite direction from the first latch. The first and second latches have surfaces configured for coupling together to retain the first latch in the position to which it is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Premier Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Zachery D. McCurter
  • Patent number: 11655889
    Abstract: An electromechanical power steering system for a motor vehicle includes a worm shaft which can be driven by an electric motor and which meshes with a worm wheel coupled to a steering shaft. The worm shaft is rotatably mounted in a bearing which has at least one bearing ring fitted in a retainer that can be displaced relative to the worm wheel. In order to specify an electromechanical power steering system having an improved retainer, which has higher dimensional stability and increased stiffness, according to the invention the retainer has a main body of plastic, which is injection-molded onto the bearing ring as an injection-molded part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventor: Felix Vonier
  • Patent number: 11648979
    Abstract: A steering system installed on a vehicle, including: a steering mechanism including a steering member and configured to enable a wheel to be steered in accordance with a movement of the steering member; an operation assist device configured to apply a torque to a steering shaft for assisting an operation of a steering operation member; a steering assist device configured to assist the movement of the steering member utilizing a working fluid; and a controller configured to control a torque applied to the steering shaft by the operation assist device and control a supply flow rate of the working fluid, wherein the steering assist device assists the movement of the steering member with an assist force that depends on the supply flow rate, and the controller increases the supply flow rate when an operation speed of the steering operation member becomes equal to or higher than a set threshold speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Toshimasa Aoki, Shuji Fujita, Koki Sato, Hiroki Fukui, Tsuyoshi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 11643160
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an accessory mounting system. The accessory mounting system can be used to mount an accessory to a vehicle. The accessory mounting system includes a base assembly and an accessory assembly. The base assembly can be fixedly positionable on the vehicle about a first axis, the base assembly including a first locking member and a base assembly second member. The accessory assembly can be removably securable to the base assembly. The accessory assembly can include a second locking member that selectively engages the first locking member. The accessory assembly can be rotatable about the first axis relative to the base member. The accessory mounting system can further include a charger that receives the accessory assembly. The charger can include a charge receiver engager that electrically engages the charge receiver, and electrically disengages from the charge receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Southern California Design Company
    Inventor: Travis Downing
  • Patent number: 11643166
    Abstract: A bicycle has a bicycle body, a bicycle component, and a battery. The bicycle body has a frame including a down tube, a component mounting portion, and a seat tube. The bicycle component includes a bicycle drive unit. At least a portion of the bicycle component is arranged inside the frame. The battery is mounted on the bicycle to supply the bicycle component with electrical power. The frame further includes a first open portion that is provided on the component mounting portion and opens toward an upper side of the bicycle. At least a portion of the bicycle drive unit is disposed inside the frame and is exposed through the first open portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Noda, Takaaki Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 11634190
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to bicycles, in particular, the present disclosure provides systems and devices for converting a standard bicycle into a cargo bicycle using various detachable components. The ability to convert a standard bicycle into a cargo bicycle and back again confers many advantages, including eliminating the need for a separate bicycle for transporting cargo and encouraging the use of bicycles as a mode of transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Inventor: Scott Taylor
  • Patent number: 11628696
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a three-point attachment trailer hitch. An example hitch includes a crossbar including a first end and a second end, the first end or the second end including at least one tab protruding from an edge of the first end or the second end, and a first endplate positioned on the first end or the second end of the crossbar using the at least one tab, the endplate including a first threaded hole and a second threaded hole, a diameter of the second threaded hole larger than a diameter of the first threaded hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick McDonald, Steven Paul Sic, Zane Butterfield
  • Patent number: 11628697
    Abstract: A system and method of raising and lowering a ball coupler for coupling to a ball hitch is provided. A combination of hydraulic pump and hydraulic piston are employed to raise and lower the ball coupler of a gooseneck trailer. Both custom and off the shelf parts combine to create a user friendly system to couple and uncouple a gooseneck trailer to the truck. The system described herein replaces the need to raise and lower a gooseneck trailer's coupling system by hand crank and gear box and even the need to climb into the back of the truck bed. Varying trailer frame configurations and ball coupler sizes can be employed with the present invention. Also described and shown in this provisional is a non-rotating free end hydraulic piston device and method. Also described and shown is a coupling bushing device and method for securing a conventional coupler to piston rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Inventors: William K Chapin, Ronald L Perdue
  • Patent number: 11613324
    Abstract: A saddle riding vehicle includes a steering handlebar, a pair of left and right handle posts that supports the handlebar, and a stay that supports an electric part. In the saddle riding vehicle, the stay is supported by the handle posts, the electric part includes a first electric part and a second electric part, and the second electric part is disposed at least at a position between the left and right handle posts in a vehicle front view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takuro Tanaka, Toru Sakai, Kei Mayuzumi
  • Patent number: 11613301
    Abstract: Power assisted steering systems provide a gear reduction of approximately 25:1 between a steering wheel and a steering mechanism and approximately 625:1 between an electric motor and a steering mechanism. The system is back-driveable from the steering mechanism. In one embodiment, the gear reduction is provided primarily by three planetary gear sets, with the remainder provided by axis transfer gearing. In another embodiment, the gear reduction is provided primarily by a cycloidal gear set, with the remainder provided by axis transfer gearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Nicholas Hrusch, Kyle DeHoff