Patents by Inventor Douglas J. Duff
Douglas J. Duff has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240157811Abstract: A work vehicle is configured to perform an activity in a work area. The work vehicle includes a chassis, a plurality of ground engaging members coupled to the chassis for movement of the chassis in the work area, a generator configured to generate energy from performance of the activity of the work vehicle in the work area, an energy storage device connected to the generator to store energy generated by the generator and configured to be charged to an initial charge, a work member, and a controller configured to establish an initial charge setting corresponding to the initial charge of the energy storage device based on at least one anticipated activity input of the work vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2023Publication date: May 16, 2024Inventors: STACY K. WORLEY, BRITON T. EASTMAN, DOUGLAS J. DUFF
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Patent number: 11890947Abstract: A work vehicle is configured to perform an activity in a work area. The work vehicle includes a chassis, a plurality of ground engaging members coupled to the chassis for movement of the chassis in the work area, a generator configured to generate energy from performance of the activity of the work vehicle in the work area, an energy storage device connected to the generator to store energy generated by the generator and configured to be charged to an initial charge, and a controller configured to establish an initial charge setting corresponding to the initial charge of the energy storage device based on at least one anticipated activity input of the work vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2020Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Stacy K Worley, Briton T. Eastman, Douglas J. Duff
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Publication number: 20220118859Abstract: A work vehicle is configured to perform an activity in a work area. The work vehicle includes a chassis, a plurality of ground engaging members coupled to the chassis for movement of the chassis in the work area, a generator configured to generate energy from performance of the activity of the work vehicle in the work area, an energy storage device connected to the generator to store energy generated by the generator and configured to be charged to an initial charge, and a controller configured to establish an initial charge setting corresponding to the initial charge of the energy storage device based on at least one anticipated activity input of the work vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2020Publication date: April 21, 2022Inventors: STACY K. WORLEY, BRITON T. EASTMAN, DOUGLAS J. DUFF
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Patent number: 10300946Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a joint of a connecting rod is provided. The joint couples a first segment of the rod to a second segment of the rod. The apparatus includes a body and a first leg having a first distal end for engaging the first rod segment to inhibit rotational movement of the first rod segment while permitting axial movement of the first rod segment relative to the first leg. The apparatus also includes a second leg for engaging the second rod segment. The second leg has a second distal end for inhibiting rotational movement of the second rod segment relative to the second leg. The apparatus further includes a clamp for selectively inhibiting axial movement of the second rod segment relative to the second leg.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Douglas J. Duff
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Patent number: 10202268Abstract: A chair configured to movably couple to parallel guide rails of a frame includes a support bar having a first end and an opposing second end. A transverse cross-member is coupled to the first end of the support bar. The transverse cross-member has a first side portion and an opposing second side portion. A first support assembly is coupled to the first side portion of the transverse cross-member. The first support assembly is configured to removably couple to a first guide rail of the parallel guide rails. A second support assembly is coupled to the second side portion of the transverse cross-member. The second support assembly is configured to removably couple to a second guide rail of the parallel guide rails.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2015Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Douglas J. Duff
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Patent number: 10053078Abstract: According to one aspect, a method includes receiving, in a dynamometer, brake pedal position information. The brake pedal position information indicates a position of a brake pedal operatively coupled to a vehicle. The method also includes displaying, via a display in communication with the dynamometer, an indication of the position of the brake pedal based on the brake pedal position information. The method further includes determining a brake force generated via a brake of the vehicle when the position of the brake pedal is within a predetermined range of brake pedal positions.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2015Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Douglas J Duff
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Patent number: 9964457Abstract: An apparatus includes a force sensor including a housing and a support rotatably coupled to the housing. The housing also includes a handle coupled to the support to rotate with the support. The handle is spaced apart from the housing to define a space between the housing and the handle. The apparatus further includes an angular position sensor disposed in the space between the housing and the handle to sense relative rotation between the housing and the handle.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2015Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Douglas J. Duff, Andrew M. Sweigart
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Publication number: 20170361874Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a joint of a connecting rod is provided. The joint couples a first segment of the rod to a second segment of the rod. The apparatus includes a body and a first leg having a first distal end for engaging the first rod segment to inhibit rotational movement of the first rod segment while permitting axial movement of the first rod segment relative to the first leg. The apparatus also includes a second leg for engaging the second rod segment. The second leg has a second distal end for inhibiting rotational movement of the second rod segment relative to the second leg. The apparatus further includes a clamp for selectively inhibiting axial movement of the second rod segment relative to the second leg.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventor: Douglas J. Duff
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Patent number: 9658062Abstract: A target holder that can be secured within a central aperture of a vehicle wheel includes a base defining a central axis of the target holder. The base has a first end configured to receive a target and an opposing second end. A retainer is coupled to the second end of the base. The retainer is insertable into the central aperture and engageable with the vehicle wheel to secure the target holder to the vehicle wheel. A plunger is disposed in the retainer. A lever is pivotably coupled to the base and operatively coupled to the plunger. With the retainer inserted into the central aperture, the lever is actuateable to move the plunger toward the retainer to urge a terminal end portion of the retainer to expand radially outward from the central axis of the target holder to engage an inner wall of the vehicle wheel defining the central aperture.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2015Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Douglas J. Duff, Thomas W. Kara
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Publication number: 20170030711Abstract: A target holder that can be secured within a central aperture of a vehicle wheel includes a base defining a central axis of the target holder. The base has a first end configured to receive a target and an opposing second end. A retainer is coupled to the second end of the base. The retainer is insertable into the central aperture and engageable with the vehicle wheel to secure the target holder to the vehicle wheel. A plunger is disposed in the retainer. A lever is pivotably coupled to the base and operatively coupled to the plunger. With the retainer inserted into the central aperture, the lever is actuateable to move the plunger toward the retainer to urge a terminal end portion of the retainer to expand radially outward from the central axis of the target holder to engage an inner wall of the vehicle wheel defining the central aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2015Publication date: February 2, 2017Inventors: Douglas J. Duff, Thomas W. Kara
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Publication number: 20170028977Abstract: According to one aspect, a method includes receiving, in a dynamometer, brake pedal position information. The brake pedal position information indicates a position of a brake pedal operatively coupled to a vehicle. The method also includes displaying, via a display in communication with the dynamometer, an indication of the position of the brake pedal based on the brake pedal position information. The method further includes determining a brake force generated via a brake of the vehicle when the position of the brake pedal is within a predetermined range of brake pedal positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2015Publication date: February 2, 2017Inventor: Douglas J. Duff
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Publication number: 20170023424Abstract: An apparatus includes a force sensor including a housing and a support rotatably coupled to the housing. The housing also includes a handle coupled to the support to rotate with the support. The handle is spaced apart from the housing to define a space between the housing and the handle. The apparatus further includes an angular position sensor disposed in the space between the housing and the handle to sense relative rotation between the housing and the handle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2015Publication date: January 26, 2017Inventors: Douglas J. Duff, Andrew M. Sweigart
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Publication number: 20170020293Abstract: A chair configured to movably couple to parallel guide rails of a frame includes a support bar having a first end and an opposing second end. A transverse cross-member is coupled to the first end of the support bar. The transverse cross-member has a first side portion and an opposing second side portion. A first support assembly is coupled to the first side portion of the transverse cross-member. The first support assembly is configured to removably couple to a first guide rail of the parallel guide rails. A second support assembly is coupled to the second side portion of the transverse cross-member. The second support assembly is configured to removably couple to a second guide rail of the parallel guide rails.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2015Publication date: January 26, 2017Inventor: Douglas J. Duff
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Patent number: 9506639Abstract: An apparatus includes a light fixture and a cable operatively coupled to the light fixture. In one aspect, the apparatus also includes an actuator operatively coupled to the cable to draw in or draw out the cable. The apparatus further includes a bar having a first portion pivotably coupled to the light fixture and a second portion pivotably coupled to a support.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Douglas J. Duff
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Patent number: 7976027Abstract: Sealing member seals a through-hole formed in a panel that defines first and second compartments of a vehicle, and it has a tubular section and stopper portions. The intercompartment sealing member is fit onto a receiving member provided in the first compartment. Lip section, extending from the tubular section toward the panel in a spread-out form, is bendable (reversible) with respect to the panel. The lip section has operating convexities provided on its panel-facing surface. Manipulation of the operating convexities can invert the lip section, initially bent away from the panel, to contact the panel. The stopper portions function to limit a bent amount through which the lip section can be bent away from the panel (in the reverse direction).Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinobu Noro, Douglas J. Duff, Andy Sweigart, Katsuyuki Suzuki, Takashi Komoriya
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Publication number: 20090102139Abstract: Sealing member seals a through-hole formed in a panel that defines first and second compartments of a vehicle, and it has a tubular section and stopper portions. The intercompartment sealing member is fit onto a receiving member provided in the first compartment. Lip section, extending from the tubular section toward the panel in a spread-out form, is bendable (reversible) with respect to the panel. The lip section has operating convexities provided on its panel-facing surface. Manipulation of the operating convexities can invert the lip section, initially bent away from the panel, to contact the panel. The stopper portions function to limit a bent amount through which the lip section can be bent away from the panel (in the reverse direction).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventors: Yoshinobu Noro, Douglas J. Duff, Andy Sweigart, Katsuyuki Suzuki, Takashi Komoriya
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Patent number: 6363774Abstract: A vehicle brake leakage detector installs between a vehicle brake pedal and a reference point such as a steering wheel, for testing vehicle hydraulic brake systems, and, specifically, for detecting brake fluid leaks. A brake contact at one end of the detector contacts the vehicle brake pedal and a reference end at the opposite end of the detector contacts any tangible reference location, such as a steering wheel. Force means are associated with the detector for applying force for pressurizing the vehicle brake fluid when the detector is installed. A sensor detects relative movement between the brake contact and reference end to determine whether any brake fluid leaks are present. An output source indicates whether any brake fluid leaks are detected.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2001Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Honda of America, Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Douglas J. Duff
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Publication number: 20020017129Abstract: A vehicle brake leakage detector installs between a vehicle brake pedal and a reference point such as a steering wheel, for testing vehicle hydraulic brake systems, and, specifically, for detecting brake fluid leaks. A brake contact at one end of the detector contacts the vehicle brake pedal and a reference end at the opposite end of the detector contacts any tangible reference location, such as a steering wheel. Force means are associated with the detector for applying force for pressurizing the vehicle brake fluid when the detector is installed. A sensor detects relative movement between the brake contact and reference end to determine whether any brake fluid leaks are present. An output source indicates whether any brake fluid leaks are detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2001Publication date: February 14, 2002Inventor: Douglas J. Duff