Power Patents (Class 180/54.1)
  • Patent number: 11934236
    Abstract: Described herein is an air handling unit for use in an integrated data center that provides for efficient cooling, wherein the air handling unit includes one or more uninterruptable cooling fans each with a weighted rotor for providing uninterrupted cooling during a power outage until back-up generators come on-line, and a method of using the same. The uninterruptable cooling fan rotors are configured to store sufficient energy as rotational kinetic energy. Furthermore, the uninterruptable cooling fans may also be configured for generation of electricity to power a control system associated therewith during a power outage until back-up generators come on-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Switch, Ltd.
    Inventor: Rob Roy
  • Patent number: 11929686
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are power conversion devices comprising power modules, capacitor modules, and support frames. The power modules may be operable to convert direct current (DC) electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity. The capacitor modules may be electrically connected to the power modules. The support frames may house the power modules and conductor plates, and the capacitor modules may be at least partially wound around exterior sides of the support frames. Such arrangements may advantageously take up less installation space and/or have better form factors than power conversion devices with cylindrical capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: DANA BELGIUM N.V.
    Inventor: Joachim Druant
  • Patent number: 11894533
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a drive unit fitted to a rear axle of the electric vehicle to transmit drive power generated by a motor to rear wheels of the electric vehicle, an auxiliary electric device group including a plurality of auxiliary electric devices disposed in a cab area which is disposed under a cab of the electric vehicle and between side rails which constitute a ladder frame of the electric vehicle, a battery pack disposed between the drive unit and the auxiliary electric device group and between the side rails, a power distribution device disposed on an auxiliary electric device group side of the battery pack and between the side rails to distribute power from the battery pack to the auxiliary electric devices, and a drive power supply device disposed on a drive unit side of the battery pack to supply power from the battery pack to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Daimler Truck AG
    Inventors: Vikram Menon, Katsuhiko Matsumoto, Markus Uhl, Lars Schroeter
  • Patent number: 11884117
    Abstract: A damping control system for a vehicle having a suspension located between a plurality of ground engaging members and a vehicle frame are disclosed. The vehicle including at least one adjustable shock absorber having an adjustable damping characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathon P. Graus, David D. Helgeson, Alex R. Scheuerell
  • Patent number: 11888376
    Abstract: A rotary electric machine unit including a rotary electric machine, and an electric power conversion device having a plurality of power modules. The rotary electric machine includes a stator, a rotor, and a housing. The housing includes a housing flow path through which a refrigerant flows. The power modules of the electric power conversion device and the rotary electric machine are configured to be cooled by the refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryota Tanabe, Yuta Hashimoto, Tomohisa Sano, Tomoyuki Shinkai
  • Patent number: 11708118
    Abstract: An embodiment running bare chassis assembly includes a front frame on which a front suspension is mounted, a rear frame assembly on which a battery carrier is mounted, wherein the rear frame assembly comprises, a first rear frame on which a rear suspension is mounted, a second rear frame coupled to the first rear frame and on which a radiator is mounted, and a battery carrier frame on which the battery carrier is mounted and which is coupled to the first rear frame through a second engagement, and a center frame coupled to the front frame and the rear frame assembly through a first engagement, wherein a stress distribution due to the first engagement is greater than a stress distribution due to the second engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventor: Byung-Ha Min
  • Patent number: 11623514
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for controlling an engine driven transport apparatus. The control device comprises a fitness apparatus having a base part and at least one movable part movable with respect to the base part for enabling a user to perform a physical exercise. The control device further comprises a sensor device for sensing a degree of physical exercise. The control device is arranged for controlling engine power of an engine of the transport apparatus at least partly based on the sensed degree of physical exercise. The fitness apparatus comprises a flywheel rotatably connected to the base part. The fitness apparatus is arranged for setting the flywheel into motion by means of at least one of the one or multiple movable parts. The sensor device is arranged to sense the degree of performed physical exercise at least partly by sensing a degree of motion of the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Rassmal Investments LLC
    Inventor: Nasser Abdulmoeen Al Shawaf
  • Patent number: 11541934
    Abstract: A fender apron includes: a front member; an upper member provided on the front member; a radiator side member connected to the front member; an upper lamp support member connecting the radiator side member and the upper member; and a side upper reinforce member connecting a first connection portion disposed between the front member and the radiator side member and a second connection portion disposed between the upper member and the upper lamp support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jiae Yong
  • Patent number: 11518206
    Abstract: An example vehicle frame disclosed herein includes end frames having wheels coupled thereto, and a central frame coupled between the end frames, the central frame positioned at an offset relative to the end frames, the vehicle frame rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame between a first position and a second position, the central frame at a first distance from the ground when the vehicle frame is in the first position, the central frame at a second distance from the ground when the vehicle frame is in the second position, the first distance greater than the second distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Hussain Z. Tajmahal, Marielle Conrad, Benjamin Jordan Curtis, David Earl Ooms, Yejin Han
  • Patent number: 11506105
    Abstract: Method and system are provided for a retractile exhaust tail pipe for vehicles. The system comprises an exhaust tube mounted to an underbody of a vehicle, an exhaust tip slidably mounted to the exhaust tube, the exhaust tip having a plurality of extension shafts fixed on a second end, and an exhaust tip retract module positioned on the exhaust tube circumscribing an outer surface, the exhaust tip retract module having an actuator, a gear, and a plurality of bearings that mate with the plurality of extension shafts on the exhaust tip. In one example, the system reduces a probability of vehicle tail pipes contacting a ground surface in an off-road condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jorge Eduardo Fimbres, Felix Cruz, Christian Zamora, Emmanuel Caldera
  • Patent number: 11420629
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling engine brake disengagement in a vehicle include a controller receiving a signal indicative of a command to disengage an engine brake while the vehicle engine is in engine brake engaged condition. The engine can be subjected to a first negative torque under the engine brake engaged condition. The controller can cause the engine brake to be gradually disengaged over a time period using a predefined torque ramp rate, responsive to the signal. The gradual disengagement of the engine brake can be in the form of a phased out disengagement, and can reduce vehicle engine jerk associated with engine brake disengagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Payan Olivas, Sneha Padaki
  • Patent number: 11383570
    Abstract: A material handling vehicle is provided. The material handling vehicle includes a vehicle frame having a drive wheel and an offset wheel arranged under the vehicle frame. The material handling vehicle further includes a rear load wheel assembly pivotally coupled to the vehicle frame via an articulating axle assembly. The rear load wheel assembly includes a first load wheel and a second load wheel. The pivotal coupling between the rear load wheel and the vehicle frame provided by the articulating axle assembly is configured to maintain the drive wheel and the offset wheel in contact with a floor on which the drive wheel and the offset wheel travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventors: Alan W. Bartels, David King
  • Patent number: 11348736
    Abstract: A DC link capacitor for a vehicle driven by an electric motor, assembly with a DC link capacitor and a vehicle driven by an electric motor with such an assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Maximilian Schiedermeier
  • Patent number: 10962588
    Abstract: A device comprising a plurality of transistors; interconnect elements coupled to the plurality of transistors is described. The interconnect elements enable the transfer of signals between the plurality of transistors. The device further includes a cooling element associated with the device, wherein the cooling element is configured to maintain a temperature of a circuit having the plurality of transistors and interconnect elements below a predetermined temperature; wherein one or more parameters of the device is optimized to operate at a temperature below the predetermined temperature. A method of implementing a circuit is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: XILINX, INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Hart
  • Patent number: 10872722
    Abstract: A shield member and a power transmission unit each include a shielding wall formed annularly about an axis so as to surround a power transmission coil at a position extending along an intersecting direction. The shielding wall shields a magnetic force generated by the power transmission coil. The shielding wall is formed such that a distance between wall faces facing each other in the intersecting direction is wider at a longer distance from a first side toward a second side in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Antony Wambugu Ngahu, Takashi Shiroki, Takahiro Nakahara, Ryohei Nishizaki, Takayuki Ueda
  • Patent number: 10472864
    Abstract: A vehicle door lock apparatus includes housings respectively having a housing chamber and a latch chamber formed therein, a latch mechanism housed in the latch chamber and being configured to retain a door closed with respect to a vehicle frame, and an actuating mechanism housed in the housing chamber for actuating the latch mechanism. A first and a second switch are housed in one of the latch chamber and the housing chamber, and respectively detect states of the actuating mechanism and the latch mechanism. A plurality of terminals is arranged in a first row and a second row in the housing. The first switch is connected to terminals in the first row and the second switch is connected to terminals in the second row such that the plurality of terminals is sandwiched by the first switch and the second switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: ANSEI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaharu Takagi, Satoshi Yamaji
  • Patent number: 10427453
    Abstract: A wheel for vehicles, in particular with electric or hybrid propulsor, is provided that is apt to recover at least a part of the energy which is required in order to deform the tire of the wheel during its rotation and to transfer the energy, recovered in this manner, from the wheel to the vehicle on which the wheel is mounted, so that this energy, recovered, is used to generate the electrical energy intended to feed the devices installed on the vehicle, such as in particular the respective electric propulsor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: SER.CA. S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Apollonio, Marco Apollonio, Roberto Apollonio
  • Patent number: 10220696
    Abstract: A vehicle includes, an engine including a crankshaft, a crankcase which is configured to accommodate the crankshaft therein, and a centrifugal clutch which is arranged coaxially with the crankshaft, and a propeller shaft to which rotational power output from the engine and changed in speed is transmitted, the propeller shaft passing through the crankcase and intersecting the crankshaft in plan view, at least a part of the propeller shaft being located between the centrifugal clutch and a support wall portion of the crankcase configured to support the crankshaft and above a lower end of the centrifugal clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Junji Uezu
  • Patent number: 10214398
    Abstract: A device and method for moving cargo on inclined, horizontal or vertical surfaces utilizes frictional forces selectively applied through the use of induced mechanical vibrations on a loaded, platform in conjunction with the force of gravity acting on the platform. The platform is vibrated to pivot or shift the platform relative to a support structure, engaging a portion of the platform secured to the platform with the support structure. At the furthest extent of this motion, the platform is pulled against the support structure by gravity, disengaging the portion from the support structure. In turn the pivot point for the device is shifted to the point of engagement between the platform and the support structure, which enables the portion of the platform to move upwardly along the support structure. The alternation of this engagement of the platform with the support structure causes the platform to move along the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventors: Grigori Lishanski, Oleg Lishanski
  • Patent number: 10119458
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame supporting an engine, a transmission including an input shaft and an output shaft, a driving device linked to the output shaft so that power is transmitted therebetween, and a supercharger including a rotation shaft linked to the output shaft so that power is transmitted therebetween. The supercharger is fixed to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Manabu Kai, Akihiko Nakamura
  • Patent number: 10088028
    Abstract: A differential gearbox is for receiving rotational power from a power unit (a motor and a gear) of a 1000 cc motorcycle via a drive shaft, where both the power unit and the differential gearbox are disposed centrally with respect to a transverse dimension of a Formula 1000 category race car chassis. The differential gearbox comprising a stationary differential gearbox case, an input shaft and a pinion sprocket, a power receiving sprocket that is rotatable by the input shaft and the pinion sprocket, a gearbox differential transmission assembly that is mechanically powered by and rotatable with the power receiving sprocket about a common axis, and two output drive shafts rotatable by the differential transmission assembly in different rotation speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: GRIIIP AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING LTD.
    Inventors: Tamir Plachinsky, Gil Zakay
  • Patent number: 9889840
    Abstract: A method for improving fuel-efficiency during a temporary stop may include dividing, by an engine control apparatus, a neutral control condition into a neutral control entry and a neutral control release during a D-stage temporary stop, determining, a neutral control entry D-stage target RPM at a time of the neutral control entry, and a neutral control release D-stage target RPM at a time of the neutral control release, and RPM shifting the neutral control entry D-stage target RPM to a speed gradient conforming to a transmission clutch release time of a transmission control apparatus at a time of a neutral control after the neutral control entry and RPM shifting the neutral control release D-stage target RPM to a speed gradient conforming to a clutch coupling time of a transmission by the transmission control apparatus at a time of a neutral control after the neutral control release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Dong-Hoon Jeong, Hyun-Seung Suh, Myong-Chan Kim, Woo-Jin Chang, Moo-Suk Kim, Kyoo-Ho Lee, Hyun-Ku Lee, Sang-Bum Baek
  • Patent number: 9676243
    Abstract: An industrial vehicle includes a frame, a counterweight that is connected to a rear part of the frame and a drive device that drives rear wheels. The drive device includes a drive device body and a pair of damping members that is mounted to the counterweight on right and left sides of the drive device body and allows relative motion between the counterweight and the rear wheels. The counterweight has a left mounting portion and a right mounting portion that are formed by machining. The left mounting portion and the right mounting portion have a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole, respectively, through which the respective damping members are mounted to the left mounting portion and the right mounting portion. The first mounting hole and the second mounting hole are formed coaxially with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Fumihiro Fukatsu, Takaaki Takenaka
  • Patent number: 9617711
    Abstract: An excavator for earthmoving and construction includes a main frame, a rotatable cabin mounted on top of the main frame, a boom, a stick, a digging bucket, and a slidable plate assembly attached to the main frame that is capable of distributing the weight of the rotatable operator's cabin. The excavator optionally includes a removable dump bed mounted to the main frame for receiving material from the digging bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Donald J. Murtha
  • Patent number: 9506782
    Abstract: A method of controlling a system using a hybrid feedback signal includes providing an input signal with a predetermined waveform to the system and measuring an output of the system with a sensor. An output signal of the sensor is used in a first frequency band as a first portion of a feedback signal. A simulated signal is created in a second frequency band that has one or more of substantially reduced (i) resonances, (ii) phase delay and (iii) noise when compared to the output signal of the sensor in the second frequency band. The simulated signal is used in the second frequency band as a second portion of the feedback signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew D. White
  • Patent number: 9429198
    Abstract: A coupling device for a ride lawnmower engine and a rotary pump is a device that is utilized to connect and transmit power between two shafts such as the driveshaft of a ride lawnmower engine and the input sleeve of a rotary pump. The device features a tubular coupling shaft with an axial motor adapter used to connect the driveshaft and the input sleeve. A compression spring is mounted within an open end of the tubular coupling shaft and is able to vertically lower the tubular coupling shaft towards the driveshaft in order to allow the axial motor adapter to engage the driveshaft. Conversely, the compression spring is compressed when the tubular coupling shaft is vertically raised. A height adjusting clamp is utilized to regulate the vertical positioning of the driveshaft coupling device in order to allow manual engagement and disengagement of the ride lawnmower engine and the rotary pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: Alfonzo West
  • Patent number: 9376998
    Abstract: A device for controlling a vehicle is configured to determine whether or not a relay is fixedly closed before a vehicle travels and after a driver operates an ignition, and the driving of a starter motor and an SSG motor is inhibited when the relay is determined to be fixedly closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouichi Mori, Hironobu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9365401
    Abstract: A battery powered forklift including a fork mounted on a front of a body to which a front wheel and a rear wheel are attached, a counter weight provided on a rear of the body, and a driving electric motor that allows the body to travel, the forklift includes: a battery mounted on the body above the rear wheel; a cargo-handling electric motor configured to generate oil pressure on operating oil that operates the fork; a control device configured to control the cargo-handling electric motor and the driving electric motor; a storage space provided in the body, below a bottom of the battery, and above a bottom of the body for storing the cargo-handling electric motor and the control device; and a fan that exhausts air in the storage space to an outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Norikazu Nakazawa, Kouji Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 9296291
    Abstract: An electric vehicle having an in-wheel motor drive system including: a wheel bearing unit rotatably supporting a drive wheel; a motor unit; and a reducer unit interposed between the motor unit and the wheel bearing unit, a motor torque command value Tmr being calculated from: (i) an estimate ^Te of external force influence on the drive wheel, which is estimated from the motor torque command value Tmr and a rotational frequency ?1 of a driven wheel; and (ii) a correction value Tc which is calculated from a rotational frequency ?2 of the drive wheel, an accelerator signal Tr and the estimate ^Tc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takayoshi Ozaki
  • Patent number: 9222571
    Abstract: A system for thermally managing a transmission having a transmission heat exchanger, wherein the transmission is coupled to an engine having a block and a head. A closed cooling circuit is provided to flow coolant through the system. A block output valve is provided for receiving coolant exiting the block and having a first outlet in fluid communication with the transmission heat exchanger and a second output connected to a bypass. Thermosensors may also be provided to determine the temperature of the block and the transmission. A system having a controller to thermally manage a transmission is also provided. A method of thermally managing a transmission is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Casie M. Bockenstette, Kurt Alfred Wellenkotter
  • Patent number: 9150173
    Abstract: An embracing mechanism for vehicle wheels including: a forward-pushing base disposed in front of a wheel, a backward-pulling base disposed behind the wheel, and a downward-pressing base disposed above the wheel. The forward-pushing base is connected to the backward-pulling base via an upper transmission box and a lower transmission box. The lower transmission box is provided with a front resistant spring and a rear resistant spring. The downward-pressing base is hinged to the forward-pushing base and the backward-pulling base via hinge parts, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventor: Shenli Chen
  • Patent number: 9145287
    Abstract: A motor drive apparatus of an electric forklift includes first and second torque command value generation units that individually generate a torque command value indicating torque of a corresponding traveling motor in response to a gap between a speed command value and a speed detection value; and first and second slip detectors that individually generate a slip ratio estimation value showing a slip state of a corresponding drive wheel based on the speed detection value and the torque command value. The slip detectors individually have a first arithmetic unit which generates an inertial force estimation value proportional to a differential value of the speed detection value of the corresponding traveling motor and a second arithmetic unit which generates the slip ratio estimation value in response to a relationship between the corresponding inertial force estimation value and the torque command value of the corresponding traveling motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kennichi Makino, Takumi Itoh, Junichi Okada
  • Patent number: 9061081
    Abstract: An atmosphere-cleaning device equipped on vehicle and provides a DOR (Direct Ozone Reduction) system including an on-vehicle component on which a new ozone purifier is supported and a method for manufacturing same. A radiator has a core part including an ozone purifier with a particle of an activated carbon as its core and an ozone purification catalyst layer as its shell formed by powder plating process. Ozone can diffuse into the layer and the carbon in this order. Ozonolysis reaction with the sub-catalyst can be initiated in advance to ozonolysis reaction with the carbon thereby gas contact probability with the carbon can be relatively reduced and oxidation reaction of the carbon caused by active oxygen can be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA CHUO KENKYUSHO
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Sugimoto, Yoshihisa Shinoda, Kazuhiro Fukumoto, Kenichirou Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20150136499
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a coil receiving electric power contactlessly from a power transmission unit provided externally; and a bottom surface. The coil is formed to surround a winding axis of the coil. When the winding axis and the bottom surface are viewed from above the vehicle, the coil is disposed such that the winding axis located to fall within the bottom surface is shorter in length than the vehicle in a front-rear direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinji Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 9033087
    Abstract: A probe-holder carriage includes a frame which can slide over a highly magnetically permeable support surface and at least one permanent magnet able to interact magnetically with, and couple the robot to, the surface. The permanent magnet is positioned so that one pole grazes the surface and faces the surface at a minimum distance from it. The frame defines a central housing which can support at least one probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Tecnomac S.R.L.
    Inventor: Arturo Lama
  • Publication number: 20150129331
    Abstract: Provided is a head cover structure of an engine, which is capable of increasing supporting rigidity of a head cover. The engine includes a driving force transmission mechanism for transmitting a driving force of a crankshaft to a valve train, in which on one end side in a cylinder row direction of the head cover, a bulging portion for covering an upper side of the driving force transmission mechanism is provided, and an engine mounting portion is attached to the bulging portion. The bulging portion is provided with an inclined surface portion having an inclined surface inclined downwardly toward the other end side in the cylinder row direction, and the inclined surface is formed to rise upwardly from an intermediate position in the cylinder row direction so as to be continuous with a top surface of the bulging portion on the one end side in the cylinder row direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yukio Konishi, Hirotaka Ogino
  • Patent number: 9006920
    Abstract: An embodiment of an electrical system of a vehicle with electric propulsion achieved by at least one electrical machine; the electrical system has: a storage section provided with at least one battery including of a plurality of cells, each of which is coupled in series with the other cells and is provided with a bypass branch that is coupled in parallel to the cell and has a bypass switch; a section of traction that interacts with the electric machine and is equipped with a power electronic converter that exchanges electrical energy with the storage section; and a section of the auxiliaries, which powers auxiliary services of the vehicle, has a buffer battery and is electrically powered by the storage section; a first connector switch coupling the storage section to the section of traction; and a second connector switch coupling the storage section to the section of the auxiliaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fabrizio Favaretto, Giovanni Stefani
  • Patent number: 8973450
    Abstract: The present invention controls rolling motion of a vehicle by eliminating the detrimental influence of gyro moment on the motion of the vehicle and actively using gyro moment generated by a flywheel constituting an energy storing device. The invention relates to an attitude control device for a vehicle mounted with a flywheel as an energy storage device, the flywheel being pivotally supported about first and second axes mutually orthogonal with each other, the flywheel being mounted on a body of the vehicle such that the first axis extends in a front-rear direction of the body, the attitude control device comprising locking means for locking movement of the flywheel about the first axis, wherein a rolling motion of the vehicle is controlled by locking the movement of the flywheel about the first axis using said locking means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Suda, Manabu Kotani
  • Publication number: 20150060160
    Abstract: A vehicle trailer for a tractive unit, in particular in the form of a semitrailer or a drawbar trailer, has at least one electric drive system component which is integrated into the vehicle trailer and can be coupled to an electric drive system of the tractive unit. The at least one electric drive system component has an electric energy store that can be coupled to the electric drive system through an interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Stefan KERSCHL, Goetz VON ESEBECK
  • Patent number: 8958970
    Abstract: A vehicle control system and a vehicle control device can switch control of a supporting device for support a drive of a vehicle between an ordinary travel in which the vehicle travels in a state that a power source for causing the vehicle to travel is operated and an inertia travel in which the vehicle travels in a state that an operation of the power source is stopped. Accordingly, since the vehicle control system and the vehicle control device switch the control of the supporting device between the ordinary travel and the inertia travel, the vehicle control system and the vehicle control device achieve an effect that the vehicle can be caused to appropriately travel by inertia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Matsunaga, Nobukazu Ueki, Hiroshi Tsujii, Koji Ito
  • Patent number: 8950526
    Abstract: An AC drive method and system enables a more efficient and robust energy transfer in vehicles. The system includes an engine and a gearbox driven by the engine, wherein the gearbox has two or more gear ratios, an AC alternator is driven by the gearbox at a variable speed to generate an AC electric current that varies in both frequency and voltage as the speed of the alternator varies, one or more AC traction motors is then powered directly by the AC electric current from the AC alternator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Transport Energy Systems Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Keith J. Bullock
  • Publication number: 20150039187
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of controlling a drive speed of a drive unit powering a work machine. The method includes determining if a control switch is in an enabled position and detecting if a control mechanism is moved within a defined period of time to operate the machine to perform a function. The method also includes detecting if a control means has been positioned in the active state once the control mechanism is not moved within the defined period of time. The method further includes sending a signal to a drive unit controller to shut off the drive unit when the control means is triggered to the active state. The drive unit is turned off as electrical energy continues to be provided from an energy storage device to at least the vehicle control unit, drive unit controller, and sensor after the drive unit is turned off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Friebel
  • Publication number: 20140338992
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine assembly configured to power a vehicle. The engine assembly defines a first engine end and a second engine end opposite the first engine end. The first engine end is spaced apart from the second engine end along a first direction. The engine assembly defines a third engine end and a fourth engine end opposite the third engine end. The third engine end is spaced apart from the fourth engine end along a second direction. The second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The vehicle further includes a steering assembly disposed in close proximity to the engine assembly. The steering assembly includes a steering body disposed closer to the first engine end than to the second engine end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. Hayman, William A. Bear
  • Publication number: 20140329423
    Abstract: A collapsible, inexpensive and lightweight vehicle powered by an engine for movement over frozen bodies of water. In one embodiment, an internal combustion engine, a kayak and a drive system assembly comprising detachable studded wheels is detachably connected to a collapsible chassis. The vehicle provides transport across frozen bodies of water and the kayak provides buoyancy sufficient to support the vehicle and a passenger should the ice collapse underneath the vehicle. The vehicle thus provides fast, convenient and safe transport across frozen bodies of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Kirk J. Matson
  • Publication number: 20140318877
    Abstract: This is a wind powered compressed air vehicle having a chassis frame, compressed air piston driven motor, wheels and an insulated storage tank for compressed air and adapted to receive compressed air from an accumulator compressed air storage tank, which in turn is connected to a wind turbine driven air compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Beverly Custis Diggs Edwards, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140262565
    Abstract: A portable powered roller assembly configured to impart a motive force to a wheeled vehicle or structure consists of a roller mounted in a rolling support structure. The roller is rotationally driven by a battery-powered drive unit coupled through a torque multiplying transmission, and is configured for engagement with the circumferential surface of a vehicle wheel. Rotational movement of the roller in engagement with the circumferential surface of the vehicle wheel draws the powered roller assembly towards, and under, the curved circumferential surface of the vehicle wheel, imparting a force to the vehicle wheel which include both a lifting force perpendicular to the supporting surface on which the powered roller is resting, and a motive force parallel to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Craig A. Carroll
  • Publication number: 20140262577
    Abstract: A tow control remotely controls a connected towing vehicle by generating and transmitting a signal that controls the propulsion of the towing vehicle. The towing vehicle is controllable to generate propulsion for the tow control, a towed vehicle, and an operator. A flexible tow line joins the tow control to the towing vehicle. The operator, while holding the tow control and mounting the towed vehicle, can maintain independent movement relative to the towing vehicle because of the flexible nature of the tow line and the distance between the towing vehicle and tow control. The towing vehicle includes a receiver that remotely receives a signal from a transmitter on the tow control. The receiver relays the signal to a processor that regulates a steering portion, motor, and brake mechanism on the towing vehicle. A control portion on the tow control generates the signal for operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: William M. Ambrisco
  • Publication number: 20140262566
    Abstract: A lift mechanism a power wheelchair includes linear actuators on opposing sides of the chair that provide a space into which a tilt mechanism can nest when the lift mechanism is in its retracted position. The linear actuators perform both the function of operating the lift mechanism and structurally supporting at least a part of the lift mechanism. The lift mechanism and tilt mechanism are each self-contained modules that can be optionally installed into the power wheelchair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Pride Mobility Products Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Davis, John Carminati, David Laslo, James Patrick Mulhern
  • Publication number: 20140262570
    Abstract: A hydraulic excavator is provided, facilitating access to the lower side inside an engine compartment, allowing a maintenance job to be performed in a reasonable posture. The hydraulic excavator includes a revolving frame, an engine arranged on the revolving frame, and a counterweight arranged on the revolving frame, at the back side of the engine. A recess indented from the bottom face in the upward direction is formed at the counterweight. An opening is formed at the revolving frame for allowing a person to access from the lower side of the revolving frame to the space between the engine and the counterweight. The recess has a section overlapping with the opening, when viewed from the top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoyoshi Sho, Hirotaka Sueyoshi, Hayao Yoshino
  • Publication number: 20140230711
    Abstract: A chassis clings to a ship hull or other ferrous surface by a magnet that moves toward or away from the surface to adjust the magnet air gap and thus the attractive force. The magnet(s) can be the only clinging force or used with other sources such as a suction chamber or fluid jet drive. An internal magnet on a crank mechanism can pivot around a wheel rotation axis inside a wheel body having a non-ferrous traction surface or tire. The magnet gap is least at an angle perpendicular to the surface on which the wheel rests, and larger at an angle oblique to that, for varying the attractive force to two or more levels. The vehicle can be an autonomous hull maintenance device with sensors, controllers and actuators to sense, measure and clean away fouling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: SeaRobotics Corporation
    Inventors: Reginald Benjamin Lovelace, Donald T. Darling, Kenneth W. Holappa