Additional Traction Wheel Patents (Class 180/15)
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Patent number: 11654736Abstract: The present application relates to a technical field of a balancing scooter, particularly discloses an auxiliary riding device, a balancing scooter and an auxiliary riding method for the balancing scooter. The auxiliary riding device includes a mounting base, a stop block, a braking mechanism and an auxiliary mechanism; the auxiliary mechanism includes a swinging arm rotatably connected to the mounting base and an auxiliary member connected to the swinging arm; the swinging arm has a released state and a contraction state; the stop block has a locked state engaged with the swinging arm and an unlocked state separated from the swinging arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2022Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: SHENZHEN HUIXINGCHEN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Wuming Long, Feng Long, Zewei Wei
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Patent number: 11435738Abstract: A surveillance system includes a robot and an operator control unit (OCU) for controlling the robot. The robot includes a light-weight frame housing, wheels, motor compartments positioned within the light-weight frame housing, wheel motors positioned within the motor compartments and attached to the wheels, a camera for capturing surveillance images and an electronic controller that is electrically or wirelessly connected to the wheel motors and the camera and that is wirelessly connected to the OCU. The light-weight frame is made of light-weight foam that substantially surrounds, structurally supports and protects the robot wheel motors, camera and electronic controller from mechanical shock during intended use.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2018Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Inventor: Gary Graf
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Patent number: 11376908Abstract: A mobile mechanism, a mobile robot having the mobile mechanism and a method for moving the mobile robot are disclosed. The mobile mechanism includes a housing in which a guide portion is provided, a sliding seat mounted on the guide portion and movable along the guide portion, a moving wheel fixed on the sliding seat and partially protruding beyond a surface of the housing, a pressing portion pressing against the sliding seat and moving the sliding seat toward the surface of the housing; and a deformation portion mounted on the housing and connected with the pressing portion, exerting a force for moving the sliding seat towards the surface of the housing through the pressing portion when deformed.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2019Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: GUANGZHOU COAYU ROBOT CO., LTD.Inventors: Weixun Wu, Mengqin Li, Liguo Ding, Kai Yang, Huang Ding, Zhuobin Zheng
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Patent number: 11241791Abstract: Provided is a tangible, non-transitory, machine readable medium storing instructions that when executed by the processor effectuates operations including: capturing visual readings to objects within an environment; capturing readings of wheel rotation; capturing readings of a driving surface; capturing distances to obstacles; determining displacement of the robotic device in two dimensions based on sensor readings of the driving surface; estimating, with the processor, a corrected position of the robotic device to replace a last known position of the robotic device; determining a most feasible element in an ensemble based on the visual readings; and determining a most feasible position of the robotic device as the corrected position based on the most feasible element in the ensemble and the visual readings.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2019Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: AI IncorporatedInventors: Ali Ebrahimi Afrouzi, Lukas Fath, Chen Zhang, Brian Highfill
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Patent number: 11192448Abstract: An axle assembly for frame rail vehicles is described herein. The axle assembly includes a drive unit that includes a first drive unit assembly, a second drive unit assembly, a first axle shaft, and a second axle shaft. The first drive unit assembly includes a first electric machine, a first output assembly, and a first offset gear reduction assembly. The second drive unit assembly includes a second electric machine, a second output assembly, and a second offset gear reduction assembly. The first electric machine and the second electric machine are orientated in a same direction, and spaced such that the axle centerline axis is positioned between the first electric machine and the second electric machine. The first offset gear reduction assembly is spaced from the second offset gear reduction assembly such that the axle centerline axis is positioned between the first offset gear reduction and the second offset gear reduction.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2018Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.Inventors: Shaun Mepham, Christopher G. Baillie, Vikram Chopra
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Patent number: 11130235Abstract: A method for operating a robot includes receiving a drive command to drive the robot across a work surface. The drive command includes a work mode command or a travel mode command. In response to receiving the work mode command, the method includes operating the robot in a work mode. In the work mode, the robot dynamically balances on a right drive wheel and a left drive wheel on the work surface, while keeping a non-drive wheel off of the work surface. In response to receiving the travel mode command, the method includes operating the robot in a travel mode. In the travel mode, the robot statically balances on the right drive wheel, the left drive wheel, and the non-drive wheel in contact with the work surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2019Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: Boston Dynamics, Inc.Inventors: Adrianna Rodriguez, Alexander Douglas Perkins
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Patent number: 11033800Abstract: A board apparatus that a user can ride and use to traverse inclines is disclosed. The board apparatus comprises an elongated board with a pivot wheel protruding through the board. A user of the board apparatus can stand on the board with feet in front and behind the pivot wheel, balancing a substantial portion of their weight on the pivot wheel. By adjusting their weight on the pivot wheel, the user is able to control the board's direction of travel. The board apparatus may further comprise a brake apparatus integrated to the pivot wheel that allows the user to maintain control over their speed as the board apparatus gains momentum going down an incline. The board apparatus may further comprise low friction elements at their front and/or rear ends to assist in maintaining momentum if the front or rear end comes into contact with the ground or an obstacle.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2018Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: HILL GLIDER INC.Inventor: William Paul Sullivan
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Patent number: 10945899Abstract: Disclosed is a device for converting a manual wheelchair into an electronic wheelchair is provided. The device includes a joystick, a communication unit, a motor, a retractable friction roller, an engagement unit and a power source. The joystick is operably connected to a communication unit. The communication unit is operably connected to a motor. The motor includes an axle connected to a rotor. The retractable friction roller is mounted on the axle. The roller is placed in contact with a wheel of a manual wheelchair. The engagement unit is attached to the manual wheelchair to detachably attach the friction roller and the wheel. The power source is operably connected to the motor and the joystick.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2019Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: RODA FUUTRA, LLCInventors: Evan Peskin, Vivek Nagar, Audrey Wilson, Jonathan Slavin
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Patent number: 10912685Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base having a length and including a plurality of caster wheels enabling movement of the patient support apparatus across a floor surface. An auxiliary wheel support structure is secured to the base and rotatably supports at least one non-castered auxiliary wheel. A drive mechanism including a motor may be configured to drive the auxiliary wheel. A braking system including at least one brake member may be configured to apply a braking force to decelerate the auxiliary wheel and is movable between a first position wherein the at least one brake member is disengaged from the auxiliary wheel and a deployed position wherein the at least one brake member is frictionally engaged with the auxiliary wheel to restrict rotation of the auxiliary wheel. The braking system may be configured to synchronize the braking forces applied to first and second auxiliary wheels.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2016Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Stryker CorporationInventors: William Dwight Childs, Anish Paul
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Patent number: 10858057Abstract: The hoverboard buddy system utilizes a number of components that can be attached together with a hoverboard in a number of different configurations in order to expand the riding options of the user. In one embodiment, components include: a hoverboard, a saddle possibly with additional wheels and a stability bar, a plurality of straight handles, a plurality of curved handles, a plurality of accessory wheels, a split seat that independently actuates either foot pedal on a hoverboard, a fixed bench seat, pusher extension, and other components.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2017Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Inventor: David Newhouse
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Patent number: 10517780Abstract: Disclosed is a device for converting a manual wheelchair into an electronic wheelchair is provided. The device includes a joystick, a communication unit, a motor, a retractable friction roller, an engagement unit and a power source. The joystick is operably connected to a communication unit. The communication unit is operably connected to a motor. The motor includes an axle connected to a rotor. The retractable friction roller is mounted on the axle. The roller is placed in contact with a wheel of a manual wheelchair. The engagement unit is attached to the manual wheelchair to detachably attach the friction roller and the wheel. The power source is operably connected to the motor and the joystick.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2019Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: RODA FUTURA, LLCInventors: Evan Peskin, Vivek Nagar, Audrey Wilson, Jonathan Slavin
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Patent number: 10286778Abstract: Outdoor equipment, such as a lawn mower, includes a frame, a riding area, front wheels, and a wheel assembly. One wheel assembly includes an outer plate, a rotating bracket pivotally connected to the outer plate, a primary wheel supported by the rotating bracket, and a secondary wheel supported by the rotating bracket. The rotating bracket is rotatable about a pivot axis, the primary wheel is axially offset from the pivot axis, and the secondary wheel is axially offset from the primary wheel and from the pivot axis. In use, the rotating bracket consistently provides two points of contact (one by the primary wheel and another through the secondary wheel) by rotating automatically about the pivot axis due to gravity and forces transferred through the wheels. This enhanced distribution of forces may provide a more comfortable, cushioned riding experience.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2017Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventor: Christopher M. Krajewski
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Patent number: 10265228Abstract: The presently disclosure describes a motion assistance system for a wheelchair, for example, a powered drive wheel system that can continually drive a wheelchair in a circular or elliptical path. The motion assistance system comprises a mounting mechanism attachable to one or more structural elements of the wheelchair, and a drive linkage pivotable with respect to the mounting mechanism. A drive wheel can be mounted to an end of the drive linkage such that the drive wheel contacts the ground when installed on the wheelchair. The drive wheel comprises a plurality of lateral rollers positioned radially about the circumference of the power drive wheel. The lateral rollers can rotate about an axis tangential to the circumference of the drive wheel in order to facilitate driving the wheelchair in a radial direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2017Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: Max Mobility, LLCInventor: Mark Richter
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Patent number: 10112652Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle crumple zone is described. The crumple zone includes a triangular, single-sided swing arm coupling a wheel to a frame of the vehicle at an end-most portion of the vehicle. The swing arm includes a u-shaped frame yoke coupling the swing arm to the frame and an angled wheel yoke coupling the wheel to the swing arm. The wheel yoke extends from the frame yoke at an angle ranging from 40 to 70 degrees, such that the frame yoke, the wheel yoke, and a centerline axis extending perpendicularly from the frame yoke form a right triangle.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2016Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Hall Labs LLCInventors: David R. Hall, Stephen R. Hall, Christopher Johnson, Jedediah Knight
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Patent number: 10059392Abstract: An example implementation involves controlling robots with non-constant body pitch and height. The implementation involves obtaining a model of the robot that represents the robot as a first point mass rigidly coupled with a second point mass along a longitudinal axis. The implementation also involves determining a state of a first pair of legs, and determining a height of the first point mass based on the model and the state of the first pair of legs. The implementation further involves determining a first amount of vertical force for at least one leg of the first pair of legs to apply along a vertical axis against a surface while the at least one leg is in contact with the surface. Additionally, the implementation involves causing the at least one leg of the first pair of legs to begin applying the amount of vertical force against the surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2016Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: Boston Dynamics, Inc.Inventors: Gina Christine Fay, Alex Yu Khripin, Eric Whitman
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Patent number: 10034803Abstract: The presently disclosure describes a motion assistance system for a wheelchair, for example, a powered drive wheel system that can continually drive a wheelchair in a circular or elliptical path. The motion assistance system comprises a mounting mechanism attachable to one or more structural elements of the wheelchair, and a drive linkage pivotable with respect to the mounting mechanism. A drive wheel can be mounted to an end of the drive linkage such that the drive wheel contacts the ground when installed on the wheelchair. The drive wheel comprises a plurality of lateral rollers positioned radially about the circumference of the power drive wheel. The lateral rollers can rotate about an axis tangential to the circumference of the drive wheel in order to facilitate driving the wheelchair in a radial direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2016Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: Max Mobility, LLCInventor: Mark Richter
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Patent number: 9849924Abstract: A vehicle includes a body, an aerodynamic element, a movement mechanism, a plurality of sensors, and a controller. The body is located along a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis. The aerodynamic element intersects ambient airflow, which generates an aerodynamic force. The movement mechanism moves the aerodynamic element, relative to the body, along the longitudinal and lateral axes. The sensors collectively generate input signals corresponding to an operating condition of the vehicle. The controller determines a current position of the movement mechanism, corresponding to a current location of the aerodynamic element on the axes and determines a desired position of the movement mechanism, corresponding to a desired location of the aerodynamic element on the axes. The controller transmits a movement signal to the movement mechanism to change position from the current position to the desired position, such that the aerodynamic element moves from the current location to the desired location.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Constandi J. Shami
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Patent number: 9802510Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheelchair, comprising a wheelchair body, a control system, two front wheels and two rear wheels mounted to the front part and rear part of the wheelchair body respectively. The wheelchair further comprises a left and right transmission gear and a front and rear transmission gear mounted to the front part and rear part of the wheelchair body and connected to the two front wheels, the two rear wheels and the control system respectively. The left and right transmission gear is used to drive the two front wheels to rotate left and right and the front and rear transmission gear is used to drive the two rear wheels to move forward and backward and assist left and right rotation. The present invention enables the wheelchair to turn left or right while moving forward or backward on two parallel lines, allowing convenience of use.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Inventor: Kam Wah Hui
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Patent number: 9701339Abstract: A vehicle with a tilting frame comprises a main frame with at least one ground contacting element such as a wheel, skid, caterpillar chain or a float attached thereto. The vehicle can be steered by means of an axle pivot steering arrangement. The tilting frame, tiltable relative to the main frame, has a tilt axis with a steering tube having a steering axis running obliquely or perpendicularly to the tilt axis. Also provided are at least one track rod and a track rod actuation element characterized by the track rod actuation element being movable relative to the tilting frame. During cornering, by tilting the tilting frame about the tilt axis and, independently thereof, by rotation of the steering tube about the steering axis, the track rod causes the ground contact element to undergo a steering movement without a substantial changing in the camber of the steerable contact element.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2014Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Inventor: Werner Krammel
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Patent number: 9688326Abstract: A drive unit for driving a robot along an inclined surface is disclosed. An endless tread engages a pair of wheels to define a planar bottom surface of the endless tread. A vacuum motor pulls air through holes in the endless tread when the holes are aligned with a vacuum opening.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignees: Research Foundation of The City University of New York, InnovBot, LLCInventors: Jizhong Xiao, Kenshin Ushiroda
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Patent number: 9650104Abstract: A bicycle trailer brake includes an actuator forming a lever to actuate a brake. The actuator includes a mounting structure to couple the actuator to a bicycle or bicycle trailer and an input interface to receive an input force from a user. Upon attachment of the mounting structure to a bicycle or bicycle trailer, the input interface is positioned in a position behind and above a bicycle seat of a bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2015Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Inventor: Mavis A Irwin
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Patent number: 9615982Abstract: The presently disclosure describes a motion assistance system for a wheelchair, for example, a powered drive wheel system that can continually drive a wheelchair in a circular or elliptical path. The motion assistance system comprises a mounting mechanism attachable to one or more structural elements of the wheelchair, and a drive linkage pivotable with respect to the mounting mechanism. A drive wheel can be mounted to an end of the drive linkage such that the drive wheel contacts the ground when installed on the wheelchair. The drive wheel comprises a plurality of lateral rollers positioned radially about the circumference of the power drive wheel. The lateral rollers can rotate about an axis tangential to the circumference of the drive wheel in order to facilitate driving the wheelchair in a radial direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Max Mobility, LLC.Inventor: Mark Richter
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Patent number: 9487094Abstract: In an electric vehicle having a primary battery powered source of energy with a primary electric motor driven and connected to one or more ground engagement wheels of the electric vehicle, has a device called a pulley used for collecting energy form the inner rim edge of the rear wheel of the electric vehicle. This pulley mechanism device collects this energy then transfers that energy to alternators one and two on its mounted framework in the trunk compartment by way of v type belts. The two alternators with its sitting pilot voltages, then transfer it by required electrically conductive cables sending energy to the battery bank source thus completing the on board charging system cycle.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2011Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Inventor: Newberry Francis
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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: 9440733Abstract: An aircraft brake assembly comprising a support leg, a main wheel rotatably mounted on the support leg, a brake comprising a first sub-assembly fixed to the main wheel and a second sub-assembly moveably mounted on the support leg and a ground reaction wheel coupled to the second sub-assembly, wherein on application of the brake, the first sub-assembly engages with the second sub-assembly to exert a braking force on the second sub-assembly; and wherein the ground reaction wheel is arranged to transfer the braking force from the second sub-assembly to the ground.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Messier-Dowty LimitedInventors: Chris Green, Yann Simonneaux
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Patent number: 9398990Abstract: A motion-based push activation power assist system for manual wheelchairs. The system uses motion-based measurements to determine when the user applies a push to the wheelchair handrims and brakes with the handrims. The push recognition activates a drive system that provides an assistive driving force-pulse to the wheelchair to reduce the demand on the user during propulsion. The brake recognition deactivates the power assist. The provided power assist is proportional to the sensed push and can be modulated to different proportional settings.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2012Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Inventor: W Mark Richter
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Patent number: 9241602Abstract: A driving wheel assembly and a robot cleaner having the same includes a main body and a driving wheel assembly including a driving wheel, a housing, a driving motor, a rotary member with rotation around a rotation shaft of the driving motor, where the rotary member includes a first unit and a second unit disposed at a position opposite to the driving wheel with respect to the rotation shaft of the driving motor, and a compression coil spring disposed between the housing and the second unit to apply pressure to the second unit, where a distance between a contact point where the compression coil spring and the second unit contact and the rotation shaft of the driving motor is shorter than a distance between a rotation shaft of the driving wheel and a rotation shaft of the driving motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Byoung In Lee, Hwi Chan Jang, Hyun Soo Jung, Dong Won Kim
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Patent number: 9162696Abstract: An electric assist cart includes: a body frame where a burden can be loaded; a drive wheel provided in the body frame; a control handle by which an operator can input a driving force to the body frame; a torque sensor that detects a driving torque applied to the body frame by pushing and handling the control handle; an electric motor that applies an assisting force to the drive wheel depending on the driving torque detected by the torque sensor; and a controller that computes the assisting force applied to the drive wheel and supplies an electric current to the electric motor depending on the assisting force, wherein the controller has a plurality of modes having different characteristics for a change of a magnitude of the electric current depending on the driving torque, and the electric current can be supplied to the electric motor by switching the mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2012Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: KAYABA INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Shinichi Sekine, Osamu Miyatani
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Patent number: 8997903Abstract: The present invention provides a device or apparatus for assisting in the operation of a wheelbarrow having a tray, handles and at least one front wheel. The present device may generally include a motor, a power/fuel source, a drive wheel and a drive mechanism for rotationally coupling the drive motor to the drive wheel, the drive wheel able to contact the front wheel of the wheelbarrow in a direct wheel-on-wheel engagement when the present device is attached to the underside of the wheelbarrow tray. The present device may be slidingly attached to the wheelbarrow, such as by one or more slides, to permit its movement forward and backward for the drive wheel to engage or disengage the front wheel. The present invention further includes the present device attached to a wheelbarrow or tray, and methods for assembling and operating the device and attaching it to a wheelbarrow or tray.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Inventor: Gary Vandelinde
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Patent number: 8978795Abstract: An additional roller has a rigid frame, with a drivable wheel which is mounted in the frame and has an axle. The wheel together with the frame can be raised or lowered by pivoting relative to a chassis, on which the additional roller is to be mounted. A compression spring is coupled rotatably at one end to the chassis, in order, in the lowered position, to load the wheel in respect of ground contact. A transverse connection connects two frame parts in the direction of an axle of the wheel. The compression spring is coupled at the other end to the transverse connection. The compression spring together with the frame pivots about the chassis-mounted pivot point during raising and lowering of the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: TENTE GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Wolfgang Block, Guenther Hofrichter
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Publication number: 20150045992Abstract: A robotic control system for a vehicle having a chassis and a drive system carrying the chassis. The robotic control system including a controller configured to control the drive system. The controller being further configured to at least one of auto-load the vehicle onto a trailer, preclude tipping of the vehicle, stabilize yaw of the vehicle, simulate Ackerman steering, balance the vehicle on two wheels, retrieve an other vehicle, transfer a payload from the vehicle to the other vehicle, coupling of at least one other vehicle to the vehicle, retrieval or movement of a container using either relative sensing or absolute position referencing, profile cutting of plants, and 3D print cement.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicants: Autonomous Solutions, Inc., CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Robert D. Ashby, Brad A. Baillio, Matthew D. Berkemeier, John Droter, Jeffrey L. Ferrin, Mark D. Hayes, Joshua Henrie, Michael G. Hornberger, Daniel J. Morwood, John A. M. Petersen, Thomas M. Petroff, Eric A. Poulson, Colton J. Schenk, Devin M. Stewart, J. Brian Stewart, Melvin W. Torrie, Mitchel R. Torrie, Bret T. Turpin, Geoffrey L. Viola
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Publication number: 20140262564Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wheel apparatus that includes a rim module coupleable to an axle and a solid tire module that extends from the rim module. The solid tire module includes a plurality of tread teeth that form a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge forms at least a portion of a tire profile. Each tread tooth of the plurality of tread teeth has a spatial specification that includes a circumferential width, a radial height, an edge shape, and a circumferential gap width. The spatial specifications of the plurality of tread teeth are non-uniform. In one embodiment, the solid tire module has a non-circular rotational trace. In another embodiment, at least a circumferential region of the peripheral edge comprises a sequence of tread teeth having sequentially increasing radial height.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Gregory W. Luker
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Patent number: 8720616Abstract: A wheeled object or vehicle, such as a hospital bed (10) comprises a main chassis or frame (12) supported by a plurality of supporting wheels or rollers (11), which define the vertices of a polygonal supporting surface (21). The bed, which is usually moved by a walking person, is provided with at least one motor driven driving device (15), including at least one driving wheel or roller (18), positioned within said polygonal supporting surface. The driving device is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis (14) in relation to the chassis or frame so as to change the angular position of the driving wheel (18) in relation to the chassis or frame. Biasing means, such as a compression spring or a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder (22, 34) is provided for biasing the driving device (15) in a direction away from the main chassis or frame (12) and towards the supporting surface (21).Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Borringia Industrie AGInventors: Henrik Nøhr Kofoed, Mogens Ilsted Bech, Kristina Nielsen, Jesper Moe Jensen, Amir Shahar, Lars Thøgersen, Christian Ruegaard Hansen
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Patent number: 8684113Abstract: A device for adapting a manual wheelchair to drive with a powered wheel is disclosed. The device attached to the wheelchair provides means for raising the wheelchair front caster wheels and simultaneously having the powered wheel contact the driving surface. The disclosed device may be rotated so that the powered wheel lifts from the surface as the front caster wheels are lowered to contact the driving surface enabling manual operation of the wheelchair. The disclosed device includes a mechanism for steering the powered wheel, controls for varying the forward or backward speeds and braking. The device may be detached from the chair and is adaptable to fit a large variety of wheelchairs with capability for ergonomically adjusting the steering column for the comfort of the user. Optional human interface devices may be incorporated so the chair occupant may control speed and steering by operating a joystick, head array or other such devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: Gregory Edward Laconis
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Patent number: 8662217Abstract: A hospital bed with a chassis and with four rollers arranged on the chassis has at least one further auxiliary roller that can be brought into contact with the floor or that can alternatively be driven. The auxiliary roller is mounted on a rigid frame and, together with the frame, can be raised or lowered relative to the chassis by pivoting. A drive motor is secured on the frame and drives the auxiliary roller. A separate pivot drive is provided for raising and lowering the auxiliary roller. The separate pivot drive is secured entirely on the frame and pivots with the frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2007Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: TENTE GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Wolfgang Block, Gunther Hofrichter
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Publication number: 20130299252Abstract: The invention relates to an additional roller having a rigid frame (3), with a drivable wheel (2) which is mounted in the frame (3) and has an axle (12), wherein the wheel (2) together with the frame (3) can be raised or lowered by pivoting relative to a chassis, on which the additional roller is to be mounted, and a compression spring (13) which is coupled rotatably at one end to the chassis is provided, in order, in the lowered position, to load the wheel (2) in respect of ground contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2012Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: TENTE GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Wolfgang Block, Guenther Hofrichter
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Patent number: 8430189Abstract: A power add-on device for powering a manual wheelchair includes a motorized component including dual electric motors and a power source electrically coupled to the electric motors, wherein each of the motors is configured to turn a respective one of a set of drive wheels. The power add-on device includes a latching mechanism adapted to attach the power add-on device to the camber tube of the manual wheelchair; and a controller, reachable by a person sitting in the manual wheelchair, that controls the latching mechanism, the motors, and a swing arm that allows the rear wheels of the manual wheelchair to be lifted off the ground. The front wheels of the manual wheelchair are allowed to be lifted several inches off the ground to avoid obstacles, or can be lifted by the user leaning back. Advantageously, the power add-on device can be detached from the manual wheelchair and loaded into the trunk of a car when travelling or may be checked in as baggage when flying.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2010Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Inventor: Patrick Tallino
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Patent number: 8333257Abstract: Systems and methods for moving objects facilitate quick and inexpensive relocation of the target objects. Operator safety is enhanced by eliminating the need to apply manual force to urge a target object into motion, and by inclusion of features such as automatic braking responsive to motor cut-off. Through use of the present system, a user may move a target object, for example a trailer intended for use behind a vehicle, into and/or out of a storage location in a simplified and more efficient manner.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2010Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Inventor: James A. Bonnardel
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Patent number: 8267206Abstract: A patient support including a traction device for powered movement of the patient support.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: John David Vogel, Thomas W. Hanson, Craig Crandall, Joseph A. Kummer, Michael M. Frondorf, David P. Lubbers, Ronald P. Kappeler, Bradley T. Wilson, Darrell L. Metz, Doug K. Smith, Jeffrey A. Ruschke, John Vodzak, Terry J. Stratman, Eric W. Oberhaus
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Patent number: 8248005Abstract: A braking circuit is adapted to supply generatively produced energy of the motor as load resistance to a bipolar transistor. The braking circuit has a voltage regulator, which controls a voltage, applied to the base terminal of the bipolar transistor to achieve an associated controlled voltage based on a reference voltage. A first power supply connector of the electrical motor, in the generator mode of operation of the electrical motor, is coupled to a collector terminal of the bipolar transistor and to the voltage input of a voltage regulator. A second power supply connector of the electrical motor is coupled to an emitter terminal of the bipolar transistor and is coupled to a reference input of the voltage regulator via a resistive branch including at least one electrical resistor.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KGInventor: Martin Römer
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Patent number: 8196685Abstract: An outboard electric drive attachable to a vehicle having a hitch attachable to a passenger vehicle; a momentum switch capable of detecting acceleration and deceleration; a swing arm; an electric motor; a wheel secured to the swing arm and coupled to the electric motor; an electric storage battery; and a motor controller electrically cabled to the electric motor, storage battery, and momentum switch such that the outboard electric drive applies force in the direction of vehicle travel when the momentum switch senses acceleration and applies force in the direction opposite the direction of vehicle travel when the momentum switch senses deceleration and recharges the battery. The drive can be operated in manual mode using a switch to enable the application constant force. A swing arm raising and lowering system can be provided to raise the apparatus when not in use or when the vehicle is operating in reverse.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Inventor: David Gugger
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Publication number: 20120138374Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for moving a disabled vehicle. More specifically, the invention includes a main frame assembly that is constructed and arranged for placement and adjacent to the outside portion of a vehicle wheel to allow one operator movement of the vehicle. An electric motor and battery(s) operate through a gear train to rotate an adapter plate in both forward and reverse directions. The adapter plate is constructed and arranged to cooperate with the lug nuts or wheel studs to provide rotation to the wheel upon operation of the electric motor. A hand or remotely operable controller is provided for the operation of the electric motor which allows for operation of the device while walking alongside or sitting at the driver's position within the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventors: Eric J. Pezzuti, James J. Pezzuti
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Patent number: 8100213Abstract: A parking device for motor vehicles to facilitate and expedite the parallel parking operation especially when the space available between two parked vehicles is not abundant. The device is typically operated after the car has entered the parking spot diagonally so that one of the front wheels is touching the sidewalk curb. The device is normally mounted on the bottom surface of a motor vehicle, preferably in the rear part of a motor vehicle. The device consists essentially of a powered wheel that is lowered to the ground and it is further pushed down to raise the rear part of a motor vehicle until the rear wheels are no longer in contact with the ground. The lowered wheel, perpendicular to the other wheels of the motor vehicle, is then powered to turn in either directions to cause the rear part of the motor vehicle to move toward the sidewalk until the motor vehicle is parallel to the sidewalk curb and mostly aligned with the other parked vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2007Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Inventor: Danilo Offer
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Publication number: 20120012408Abstract: A patient support including a traction device for powered movement of the patient support.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Inventors: John David Vogel, Thomas W. Hanson, Craig Crandall, Joseph A. Kummer, Michael M. Frondorf, David P. Lubbers, Ronald P. Kappeler, Bradley T. Wilson, Darrell L. Metz, Doug K. Smith, Jeffrey A. Ruschke, John Vodzak, Terry J. Stratman, Eric W. Oberhaus
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Patent number: 8083169Abstract: A flexible fluid storage system for holding large volumes of fluid and a process and apparatus for the handling and transportation of the flexible storage system is provided. The flexible storage system includes a main storage bag with an attachment apron with fingers, a ground sheet, a lay flat tube for fluid circulation, a pressure release port, and fill/drain ports. The flexible storage system is configured for attachment to a trailer and reel system such that the flexible storage system can be mechanically rolled onto or off of a reel on a semi-truck trailer bed for easy transportation, deployment, and storage of the flexible storage system.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Rock Solid Rentals LtdInventors: Randy Martin, Ryan Martin, Denis Martin, Vern Howrish, Bruce Lyon, Eric Schmelzl, Gord McIntosh, Nathan Zacharias, John Garden
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Patent number: 8051931Abstract: A patient support including a traction device for powered movement of the patient support.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2010Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: John David Vogel, Thomas W. Hanson, Craig Crandall, Joseph A. Kummer, Michael M. Frondorf, David P. Lubbers, Ronald P. Kappeler, Bradley T. Wilson, Darrell L. Metz, Doug K. Smith, Jeffrey A. Ruschke, John Vodzak, Terry J. Stratman, Eric W. Oberhaus
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Patent number: 8033552Abstract: A universal attachment device for attaching lawn care equipment including but not limited to leaf catchers, plug-core aerators, utility carts, and fertilizer spreaders to the sulky of a commercial walk-behind mower, the attachment device features a mounting shaft; a vertical pivot mount disposed on the first end of the mounting shaft for engaging a mounting plate disposed on the sulky; and a vertically oriented mounting channel disposed on the second end of the mounting shaft, the mounting channel functions to a base attachment shaft disposed on the piece of lawn care equipment or the lawn care equipment directly.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2010Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Inventors: Sherman L. Jacobs, Sandra M. Jacobs
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Publication number: 20110209932Abstract: [Task] Provided is a vehicle that can make tight turns without significantly changing an attitude of a rider, and is highly convenient in narrow places. [Solution] A omni-directional one-wheeled vehicle comprises a vehicle body (7) and a secondary wheel (35) configured to contact a ground surface at a point displaced from a contact point of a driven road wheel (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2008Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Toru Takenaka, Makoto Hirano, Hideharu Izumi, Kazuya Kuwabara, Taiji Koyama, Shinichiro Kobashi
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Publication number: 20110186364Abstract: An outboard electric drive attachable to a vehicle having a hitch attachable to a passenger vehicle; a momentum switch capable of detecting acceleration and deceleration; a swing arm; an electric motor; a wheel secured to the swing arm and coupled to the electric motor; an electric storage battery; and a motor controller electrically cabled to the electric motor, storage battery, and momentum switch such that the outboard electric drive applies force in the direction of vehicle travel when the momentum switch senses acceleration and applies force in the direction opposite the direction of vehicle travel when the momentum switch senses deceleration and recharges the battery. The drive can be operated in manual mode using a switch to enable the application constant force. A swing arm raising and lowering system can be provided to raise the apparatus when not in use or when the vehicle is operating in reverse.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2009Publication date: August 4, 2011Inventor: David Gugger
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Patent number: 7963560Abstract: The invention discloses an anti-skid mechanism operating device (1) for vehicles comprising an operating unit (2) and an operating arm (3) pivotally supported thereby and intended to carry a rotary anti-skid device (4) and to operate the latter between an active and a passive position. The operating device (2) comprises a worm gear (6) and a driven worm (5) adapted to engage said worm gear (6) for operation of the operating arm (3). The driven worm (5) is resiliently displaceable along an axis (A) of said worm (5).Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: VBG AB (Publ)Inventor: Lars Holmgren