Electrical Patents (Class 180/6.5)
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Patent number: 9351891Abstract: A raising wheelchair comprises a wheeled frame and a raising system mounted to the frame and supporting a seat and a backrest. The raising system is configured to be movable between a lowered position and a raised position. The raising system includes at least one double-armed lever including a first lever member and a second lever member, a coupling member fixedly mounted to the frame, wherein the first lever member and the second lever member are pivotally coupled to the coupling member, and a coupling mechanism translationally coupled or pivotally coupled to a second end of the first lever member, pivotally coupled to a second end of the second lever member, and coupled to the backrest. The raising system maintains an orientation of the backrest relative to the ground that is substantially constant throughout substantially an entire range of movement between the lowered position and the raised position.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2014Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Dane Technologies, INC.Inventors: Balz Maurer, Fabian Wolter
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Patent number: 9320661Abstract: A wheelchair of the mid-wheel drive type has a chassis frame (10), a pair of front link arms (30) and a pair of rear link arms. The link arms are pivotally connected to the chassis frame. Front caster wheels (32) and drive wheels (53) are fixed to the front link arms. Rear caster wheels (42) are fixed to the rear link arms. Each front link arm (30) is operatively connected to an adjacent rear link arm (40) by a respective coupling (70), which is arranged to transmit pivotal movement of one of the front (30) and rear (40) link arm to an opposite pivotal movement of the other of the front (30) and rear (40) link arm.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: PERMOBIL ABInventor: Mehdi Mirzaie
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Patent number: 9278036Abstract: An electric wheelchair comprising a movable seat part (1), a body part (2) served as a support for the seat part, a seat adjustment mechanism (3) arranged under the seat part, a bottom part (4), and a crawler moving mechanism (5). The crawler moving mechanism (5) comprises two sets of crawlers arranged respectively at both sides underneath the bottom part, and each of which comprises a front crawler and a rear crawler. The bottom part (4) is comprised of a front portion and a rear portion, which are movably connected with a coupling arrangement and capable of deflection with respect to each other. The crawler moving mechanism (5) further comprises movable stretching crawlers arranged respectively at outside of the front crawler, and fixed stair-climbing crawlers arranged respectively at outside of the rear crawler, wherein a free end of the fixed stair-climbing crawler forms a specific angle relative to the rear crawler.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2012Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Inventor: Siu Lun Lee
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Patent number: 9227654Abstract: A ground robot having a main body, two opposing drive systems, a flipper disposed distal to the main body, and a front wheel and a rear wheel, both disposed substantially parallel to the vertical plane and between the inner track and the flipper. The main body has a sagittal plane and two opposing lateral sides. Each drive system having an inner track disposed proximal to the main body. The inner track extends along a corresponding lateral side of the two opposing lateral sides and substantially parallel to a vertical plane of the main body, and is supported by a plurality of inner pulleys. The flipper extending along the corresponding lateral side and substantially parallel to the vertical plane. The flipper has a flipper body, an outer track, and a plurality of outer pulleys supporting the outer track. The diameter of the front wheel and the rear wheel of each of the opposing drive systems ranges between 1.2 to 1.3 times of a diameter of the inner track.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Robo-Team Ltd.Inventors: Yosi Wolf, Elad Levy, Mor Rotbart
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Patent number: 9228322Abstract: A drive and control system is provided for a towing vehicle pulling a towed implement, such as a tractor pulling a scraper. The drive system includes a diesel engine which drives a generator for generating electric power. A tractor axle drive motor is connected to driven wheels of the tractor through a transmission. An assist drive motor is drivingly connected to driven wheels of the scraper. A power distribution unit controls distribution of electric power from the generator to the tractor and implement assist drive motors. A control unit controls the power distribution unit as a function of an operator set power split, and other sensed parameters. A one-way clutch prevents over-speed of the assist drive motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2013Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Gary S. Keys, II, John W. Regenauer, Matthew J. Harris, Brian A. Rodrigue, Clayton P. Neumann, Zachary Kail, Joe L. Schutte
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Patent number: 9061725Abstract: A trike includes a bottom and a back being moveable to a deployed position for supporting a driver and a stowed position for use as a seat assembly in a vehicle. A motor connects the back and the bottom for reclining the back relative to the bottom. Two wheels support the bottom. A drive system is coupled to at least one wheel. The motor is selectively connected to the drive system for propelling the trike. As such, the motor serves the dual purpose of reclining the back relative to the bottom and propelling the trike.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2014Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Adrian Nania
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Patent number: 9056629Abstract: A personal vehicle control device includes an operation portion for inputting an original command value related to a turning angle, an axis angle sensor for detecting physical quantities related to a roll angle and a turning angle, wheel sensors, and a control portion. The control portion executes at least one of a first calculation law in which an actual command value related to a rotation angular velocity for driving wheels is obtained on the basis of a roll angle and the original command value, and a second calculation law in which the actual command value is obtained on the basis of an integrated value of a difference and/or an integrated value which is an integral of a ratio between the command value related to the turning angle and the physical quantity related to the turning angle with respect to time and on the basis of the original command value.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Mitsuhiro Kamo, Yu Banno, Osamu Matsumoto
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Patent number: 9045152Abstract: An electric assist cart includes: a body frame; a drive wheel; a control handle by which a user can input a driving force to the body frame; a torque sensor that detects a driving torque input to the body frame from the control handle; a controller that computes an assisting force based on the driving torque; and an electric motor that applies the assisting force to the drive wheel. The controller includes an electric current determination part that determines whether or not an electric current having a magnitude equal to or larger than a first setting value continuously flows for a first setting time, and an electric current control part that reduces a maximum value of the electric current that can be supplied to the electric motor to be smaller than the first setting value based on the determination of the electric current determination part.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2012Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: KAYABA INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Shinichi Sekine, Osamu Miyatani
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Patent number: 9045190Abstract: A vehicle with two independently rotatable wheels arranged opposite from each other and bridged by a linking structure, having a driving motor for each wheel, and having electronic fore-and-aft self-balancing capabilities. The two wheels are capable of tilting side-to-side in unison to execute turns. The vehicle can carry a rider, who may stand on foot supports either between or outside of the wheels and operate the vehicle by leaning forward, backward, or sideways to direct travel in the direction of leaning. Further means are provided for producing advantages in stability and portability.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Inventor: Shane Chen
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Publication number: 20150129327Abstract: An omni-wheel of a highly compact and light-weight is provided. The omni-wheel includes a disk-shaped hub member (110), a plurality of support arms (114) extending axially from the peripheral part of the hub member and arranged along a circle concentric to a rotational center line of the hub member at a regular interval, and a free roller (140) rotatably supported by a free end of each support arm around a rotational center line extending tangentially to a circle concentric to the rotational center line of the hub member and passing through a center of the free roller. The present invention also provides a wheel device incorporated with such a wheel and an inverted pendulum type vehicle using such a wheel device as a tail wheel unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2014Publication date: May 14, 2015Inventors: Tsutomu YOSHINO, Wataru YADA
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Patent number: 9016410Abstract: The technology disclosed relates to a controller and a control method for a motorized vehicle, and in particular to the control of a motorized vehicle having at least a left wheel and a right wheel, the left wheel being driven by a left motor and the right wheel being driven by a right motor. In accordance with such motorized vehicles, linear motion of the vehicle is typically effected by driving the left motor and the right motor in the same direction, while spinning of the vehicle is typically effected by driving the left motor and the right motor in opposite directions. A typical example of such a motorized vehicle is an electric wheelchair.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2010Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Penny & Giles Controls LimitedInventors: Matthew John Trowell, Jason David Lewis
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Patent number: 8989941Abstract: A maneuvering drive (24, 30) for a trailer (10) has a central unit (30), at least two drive units (24) by which wheels (16) of the trailer (10) can be driven and which are controlled by the central unit (30), each drive unit (24) including a checking module (40) by which drive specifications of the central unit (30) can be checked as to whether they can be fulfilled, and a feedback channel being provided by which the drive units (24) can feed back to the central unit (30) if the drive specifications cannot be fulfilled.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2013Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Truma Geraetetechnik GmbH & Co., KGInventors: Steve Aemisegger, Daniel Gumpp, Jochen Mueller, Tobias Schmid, Klaus Muessler, Ana Maria Fernandez, Joerg Mueller, Oliver Schaurer, Mario Moehring, Mathias Venschott, Stefan Thiel, Kamil Zawadski
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Patent number: 8983723Abstract: Braking/driving force control that includes: detecting a driver's operating state for causing the vehicle to run; detecting a vehicle body motional state while the vehicle is running; computing a target longitudinal driving force for causing the vehicle to run and motional state amounts for controlling a vehicle body behavior on the basis of the detected operating state and motional state; and computing driving or braking forces allocated to the wheels so as to achieve the computed target longitudinal driving force and target motional state amounts and that the braking/driving force generating mechanism causes the wheels to generate independently.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Etsuo Katsuyama
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Patent number: 8967303Abstract: A displaceable system is provided including at least one set of at least two wheels arranged in pairs for movement in a plane, the set being disposed on at least one wheel axle parallel to the plane. A single electric drive motor, a differential having variable torque distribution, and an electric servomotor are provided on the wheel axle for both wheels of a set. The electrical servomotor acts on the differential such that the torque generated by the single electric drive motor is distributed within the wheel axle individually to the wheels.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Tomas Smetana, Raphael Fischer, Bernd Gombert
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Publication number: 20150014070Abstract: A wheelchair of the mid-wheel drive type comprises a chassis frame (10), a pair of front link arms (30) and a pair of rear link arms. The link arms are pivotally connected to the chassis frame. Front caster wheels (32) and drive wheels (53) are fixed to the front link arms. Rear caster wheels (42) are fixed to the rear link arms. Each front link arm (30) is operatively connected to an adjacent rear link arm (40) by means of a respective coupling means (70), which is arranged to transmit pivotal movement of one of the front (30) and rear (40) link arm to an opposite pivotal movement of the other of the front (30) and rear (40) link arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventor: Mehdi Mirzaie
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Patent number: 8910731Abstract: In a material handling and stair climbing vehicle, when the vehicle is shifted from a state where the wheels with two axles are grounded on a travelling surface to a standing state achieved by the wheels with one axle, a main body portion is turned around support shafts with respect to supporting portions in the two-axle wheel grounded state. Then, an inertial force around the support shafts is generated by reducing the speed of turning of the main body portion with respect to the supporting portions. Then, the vehicle is shifted to the standing state achieved by the wheels with one axle by turning the supporting portions around the axles of the wheels with one axle, which are grounded on the travelling surface, by the inertial force.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventors: Takeshi Ueda, Genki Murata
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Publication number: 20140353052Abstract: To suppress the height of a vehicle body frame of an inverted pendulum type vehicle in consideration of mounting and dismounting the vehicle. Left and right drive units are disposed so as to be juxtaposed in the left-right direction at same-height positions higher than a main wheel. The left and right drive units and a battery pack are disposed so as to be juxtaposed in front and behind a vehicle body frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yusuke MUTO, Wataru YADA
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Publication number: 20140345956Abstract: A manually propelled vehicle includes a vehicle body, a grip for a user to grip when walking, a wheel for moving the vehicle body along with the walking user, a wheel driver that electromotively drives the wheel, a grip sensor that monitors distribution of pressure applied to the grip, and a controller that sets parameters of the wheel driver according to output of the grip sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: FUNAI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Atsushi Kojina
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Patent number: 8892311Abstract: A front wheel drive motorized vehicle controller comprises: a control signal interface receiving control signals from a user control device indicating at least a demanded forward speed; an acceleration measurement interface, receiving acceleration measurements from at least one vehicle-mounted acceleration sensor, providing a first and second acceleration measurements with respect to first and second axes, the motorized vehicle being configured to be driven in a plane defined by the first and second axes; an acceleration magnitude calculation unit calculating an acceleration magnitude in dependence on the first and second acceleration measurements; a speed modification unit calculating a forward speed reduction factor in dependence on the acceleration magnitude and applying the forward speed reduction factor to the demanded forward speed to produce an applied forward speed; and a motor control unit controlling the speed of the left and right drive wheels in dependence on the applied forward speed.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Penny & Giles Controls LimitedInventor: Jason David Lewis
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Patent number: 8813879Abstract: The invention relates to an electric steering and drive system for a vehicle having a wheel-based steering system, having drive elements for traction tracks or for wheels and having two drive shafts, the first end of which is connected to the drive element of the respective one vehicle side and the second end of which is connected to a differential gear mechanism arrangement, and at least one traction motor is connected to at least one of the two drive shafts, and having an electric steering drive which is drive-connected to the differential gear mechanism arrangement, it being possible for the traction motors and steering drives to be supplied with electric current from at least two energy sources which are independent of one another.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2003Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: RENK AktiengesellschaftInventor: Alexander Walter
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Patent number: 8800253Abstract: A control system is provided for an implement such as a mower having a rotary blade driven by a gear box which is driven by a PTO shaft of a vehicle which is coupled to the mower. The vehicle has a drivetrain which drives the PTO shaft. The control system includes an acceleration sensor for sensing vibrations of the blade and generating a blade vibration signal. A PTO speed sensor generates a PTO shaft speed signal. A control unit is connected to the sensors and to the drivetrain. The control unit generates, as a function of the speed signal, an expected acceleration value representing a blade loss condition and an expected acceleration value range. The control unit compares the vibration signal to the range, and the control unit stops the drivetrain from rotating the blade if the vibration signal is within the range.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2012Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Timothy S. Hunt, Andrew K. Rekow
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Patent number: 8789628Abstract: A multi-terrain motorized wheelchair apparatus is disclosed that comprises a seating assembly for supporting a user in a seated position, a track assembly with the seating assembly being pivotable with respect to the track assembly. The track assembly includes a pair of track units positioned on opposite sides of the seating assembly. The apparatus comprises a seating orientation adjustment assembly configured to adjust an orientation of the seating assembly with respect to the track assembly. The apparatus includes at least one drive assembly mounted on the seating assembly and which has at least one drive shaft structure connected to the track units to drive the track units. The seating assembly is supported on the track units of the track assembly by the drive shaft structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2009Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Inventor: Timmy R. Swenson
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Patent number: 8783390Abstract: A vehicle drive apparatus independently controls drive forces for a front-right drive wheel, a front-left drive wheel, a rear-right drive wheel, and a rear-left drive wheel using a front-right electric motor, a front-left electric motor, a rear-right electric motor, and a rear-left electric motor, respectively. The drive forces for the drive wheels of a vehicle incorporating the vehicle drive apparatus are determined based on the target moments in the yaw and roll directions of the vehicle, the total drive for the drive wheels, and the drive reaction forces at the drive wheels. Thus, the performance desired by the driver can be achieved, and the drivability therefore improves accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2007Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshinori Maeda, Akihiro Hosokawa, Yousuke Suzuki, Michitaka Tsuchida, Kazuya Okumura, Tadahiro Oshiumi, Kensuke Yoshizue, Koji Sugiyama
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Patent number: 8783392Abstract: A tracked mobility device includes: a) a frame supporting a seat; b) a pair of track drives connected to the frame, with each track drive including a powered center drive wheel, a front roller, a rear roller, and a flexible track, with the center drive wheel having a diameter that is at least 50% greater than the diameter of either the front roller or the rear roller, and c) a rear wheel assembly connected to the frame, with the rear wheel assembly having three wheels sharing a common axle, with the diameter of the center rear wheel being at least 10% larger than the diameter of the two outer rear wheels; d) a source of power to power said center drive wheels; and e) a controller effective for controlling the speed and direction of rotation of each of the track drives.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2013Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Freedom One Mobility LLCInventor: Travis Underwood
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Patent number: 8718859Abstract: A traveling vehicle (12) is self-propelled and docked in a quadrilateral docking area (20) having an entrance (55) on one side thereof, and includes: a docking point obtainment unit which obtains first to fourth points indicating positions of four corners of the docking area and represented in relative coordinates with respect to a position of the traveling vehicle (12); a reference distance detection unit (35) which obtains a reference distance indicating a distance between the traveling vehicle (12) and the docking area (20); and a movement control unit (33) which controls movement of the traveling vehicle (12) moving to the docking area (20), based on the first and second points when the reference distance Ls is not shorter than a first correction distance N1, and based on at least the third and fourth points when the reference distance Ls is shorter than the first correction distance N1.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Yohei Kume, Hideo Kawakami, Shohei Tsukada, Tohru Nakamura
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Patent number: 8706332Abstract: The present invention has an object of providing an electric vehicle which makes an assisting movement based on an operation by an operator without making a movement when an operator is not operating the electric vehicle or a movement which widely differs from a movement intended by the operator in direction or distance, and a method of controlling the electric vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Yohei Kume, Hideo Kawakami, Tohru Nakamura
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Publication number: 20140093345Abstract: A travel control section 60b is configured to control the revolution velocities of transversely opposite travel motors 51 and 52 such that when turning amount command signals are inputted from a turning amount operation dial 48, transversely opposite crawler travel devices 12a and 12b are caused to realize a turn according to the turning amount command signals by decelerating the traveling velocities of the transversely opposite crawler travel devices 12a and 12b from a target straight traveling velocity set by a travel operation lever 47 by equal values of velocity which are predetermined according to the turning amount command signals inputted from the turning amount operation dial 48 and further decelerating the traveling velocity of the crawler travel device 12a or 12b which is positioned inwardly relative to the other in the turning direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Aichi CorporationInventors: Shunichi NAKAZAWA, Hiroaki MIZUGUCHI, Hiroshi FURUSHO, Akira MORIYAMA, Hiroshi MIYAMOTO
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Patent number: 8684115Abstract: A vehicle and a modular drive apparatus for the vehicle are disclosed. The apparatus includes a wheel assembly rotatable about a central axis in first and second directions. The wheel assembly is also pivotable about a pivot axis transverse to the central axis in third and fourth directions. The apparatus includes an electric motor coupled to the wheel assembly for rotating the wheel assembly in the first and second directions. The apparatus includes a braking device coupled to the wheel assembly for braking the wheel assembly. The apparatus includes a steering mechanism coupled to the wheel assembly for pivoting the wheel assembly in the third and fourth directions. The apparatus includes a housing receiving the wheel assembly, the electric motor, the braking device, and the steering mechanism to define a self-contained unit for attaching to and detaching from the vehicle to provide interchangeability of the self-contained unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Wade W. Bryant
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Patent number: 8684123Abstract: A personal vehicle having two wheels that are arranged substantially side-by-side and connected by a linkage mechanism to one another. The linkage mechanism supports the wheels in a substantially parallel relationship as the two wheels tilt from side to side. A foot placement platform is associated with each wheel, as is a motor to drive the wheels. Gyroscopic sensors are used to in driving the wheels to maintain an upright position. Various embodiments are disclosed including folding platforms, a parallelogram linkage structure, handles and/or seats that may extend above the wheels, lower leg contact surface, and other features.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: Shane Chen
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Patent number: 8678114Abstract: A power wheelchair with guard for playing sports for eliminating G-Force effects and improving safety. The power wheelchair with guard for playing sports includes a frame assembly; a mobility system including drive wheels and casters upon which the frame assembly is mounted and also including a motor and a power control module for actuating the drive wheels; a seat assembly being secured to the frame assembly and including a seat support member and a seat; and a guard assembly being attached to the frame assembly and extending forwardly thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Inventor: Brian K. Akre
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Patent number: 8672069Abstract: A hybrid vehicle comprises an engine, a first traction element, a second traction element, a first electric drive system, and a second electric drive system. The engine is coupled operatively to the first traction element via the first electric drive system and to the second traction element via the second electric drive system.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Mark J. Cherney, Eric Vilar
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Patent number: 8672065Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis and a plurality of wheel assemblies articulated with the chassis, each of the plurality of wheel assemblies comprising a rotatable wheel spaced away from the chassis. A vehicle includes a chassis and an articulated suspension system mounted to the chassis. A method includes comprising articulating at least one of a plurality of wheel assemblies with a chassis, each of the wheel assemblies including a rotatable wheel spaced apart from the chassis. A vehicle includes a chassis and articulatable means for rolling the chassis along a path.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Michael S. Beck, Jon T. Stinchcomb, Wendell H. Chun, Donald W. Nimblett, James E. Tomlin, Kevin L. Conrad
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Patent number: 8659260Abstract: A motor drive apparatus has a plurality of motor drive parts and a control unit. The control unit performs first and second failure detection processing for the motor drive parts before starting to drive the motor. If the first motor drive part is determined to have failure by the first failure detection processing, a first power supply relay for the first motor drive part is turned off and the second failure detection processing for the first motor drive part is inhibited. If the second motor drive part is determined to have no failure by the first failure detection processing and then by the second failure detection processing, the motor is started to operate.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Yasuhiko Mukai, Nobuhiko Uryu
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Patent number: 8657041Abstract: A control system for a lawnmower vehicle having a plurality of electric motors may include at least one controller for controlling operation of the drive wheel electric motor in response to an operation amount of at least one operator. The controller may control operation of a driver for driving a mower-related electric motor to cause the mower-related electric motor to activate or stop.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Norihiro Ishii, Kengo Sasahara, Kazunari Koga, Jun Matsuura, Tomoyuki Ebihara, Katsumoto Mizukawa
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Publication number: 20140020962Abstract: A motorized vehicle includes a pair of opposed wheels and a seat which is mounted so that it can rotate about a vertical axis. The rotational position of the seat is sensed by at least one sensor, such as a potentiometer or rotary encoder, which produces an output signal. This signal is input into a control system which rotates the wheels to steer the vehicle based on the rotational position of the seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Inventor: Bradley Scott Quick
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Publication number: 20140009561Abstract: A telepresence robot uses a series of connectible modules and preferably includes a head module adapted to receive and cooperate with a third party telecommunication device that includes a display screen. The module design provides cost advantages with respect to shipping and storage while also allowing flexibility in robot configuration and specialized applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2011Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: CROSSWING INC.Inventors: Stephen Sutherland, Sam Coulombe, Dale Wick
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Patent number: 8607901Abstract: A lawnmower drive system for facilitating steering of a zero turn radius lawn mower and enhancing user comfort while mowing a lawn includes a lawnmower has a seat for supporting a person on the lawnmower. The lawnmower has a left drive wheel and a right drive wheel. A left armrest is coupled to the lawnmower. The left armrest is positioned proximate the seat. A right armrest is coupled to the lawnmower. The right armrest is positioned proximate the seat. A left joystick is coupled to the left armrest. The left joystick is operationally coupled to the left drive wheel. A right joystick coupled to the right armrest, the right joystick is operationally coupled to the right drive wheel.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Inventor: Arthur A. Depauw
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Patent number: 8607917Abstract: Provided an electrically-operated hydraulic actuator unit that includes an electrically-operated motor controlled by a control apparatus and actuating a volume adjusting mechanism through driving-side and driven-side arms, and a clutch mechanism in which the driven-side arm presses a contact member against a clutch case so that the driven-side arm is locked when a force from the volume adjusting mechanism is applied to the driven-side arm. The control apparatus can set duties of first to fourth drive signals to be output to the electrically-operated motor in a neutral-side start period, a neutral-side ordinary actuation period, a higher-volume-side start period and a higher-volume-side ordinary actuation period. The duties of the first and fourth drive signals are larger than that of the second drive signal, the duty of the third drive signal is larger than that of the fourth drive signal, and an integrated ON-time of the third drive signal is larger than that of the first drive signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Minoru Kamada, Nobuhiko Ichinose
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Patent number: 8607902Abstract: A width variable structure using mecanum wheels is provided, which includes a plurality of mecanum wheels, a plurality of links connecting the mecanum wheels, and motors mounted on the mecanum wheels to transfer driving forces to the links, respectively. Since the width of the structure in the horizontal and vertical directions can be adjusted using the driving forces of the mecanum wheels, components such as actuators are omitted in the overall assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Cheol Han Kim, Hee Tae Yang, Seong Ki Ha, Hee Chan Kim, Dae Yub You, Wan Lee, Sang Hyun Han
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Patent number: 8602136Abstract: A mobile frame, for instance for moving less able-bodied persons, comprising a castor with a wheel drive and pivot drive and operating means for operating the wheel drive and the pivot drive for moving the frame, wherein the operating means comprise a handle connected to the bearing structure, a force detection assembly provided on the handles and/or on the bearing frame, and which is configured for producing signals which contain information about both the size of force and the direction of force exerted on the handle, a control which is configured for energizing the pivot drive for controlling the rotational position of drive wheel support about the pivot depending on the direction of force, and wherein the control is configured for energizing the wheel drive depending on the size of force exerted on the handle.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2009Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignees: Indes Holding B.V., Joyincare Group B.V.Inventors: Willem Altena, Jozef Huizinga
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Patent number: 8590664Abstract: A drive mechanism includes a rotatable steering unit, a wheel supported by the steering unit, a drive member rotating about an axis extending along a center axis of the steering unit, an output shaft located at an offset position from the center axis of the steering unit and transmitting rotational force of the drive member to the wheel. The drive member includes a first drive unit driven in a forward rotation direction and a second drive unit driven in a reverse rotation direction and located coaxially with the first drive unit. The output shaft includes a first output unit to which driving force is transmitted from the first drive unit, and a second output unit to which driving force is transmitted from a conversion unit for converting rotation of the second drive unit, is restricted by both the output units, and transmits rotational force obtained from the output units to the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: National University Corporation Toyohashi University of TechnologyInventors: Kazuhiko Terashima, Takashi Ono, Yuuki Ueno
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Publication number: 20130306383Abstract: A wheelchair according to one embodiment includes a frame, a pair of drive wheels operatively coupled to the frame, a drive operatively coupled to each drive wheel, and a pair of anti-tip assemblies. Each anti-tip assembly includes a first member, a second member pivotally coupled to the first member at a joint that defines a pivot axis, an anti-tip wheel rotatably coupled to the second member, and a locking mechanism. The second member is capable of pivoting about the pivot axis between an extended position and a collapsed position. The locking mechanism is configured to selectively lock the second member in the extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2011Publication date: November 21, 2013Inventors: James P. Mulhern, Christopher Grymko
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Patent number: 8584782Abstract: A vehicle with two independently rotatable wheels arranged opposite from each other and bridged by a linking structure, having a driving motor for each wheel, and having electronic fore-and-aft self-balancing capabilities. The two wheels are capable of tilting side-to-side in unison to execute turns. The vehicle is operated by the rider leaning forward, backward, or sideways to direct travel in the direction of leaning. Further means are provided for producing advantages in stability and portability.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Inventor: Shane Chen
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Patent number: 8579055Abstract: An electric zero-turn working vehicle comprises a vehicle body frame, right and left drive wheels, right and left first electric motors for driving the respective right and left drive wheels, a transaxle including at least one of the right and left first electric motors, a working implement, and a second electric motor for driving the working implement. The right and left first electric motors have a space therebetween. The transaxle is supported by the vehicle body frame and is disposed below the vehicle body frame. At least a part of the second electric motor is disposed in the space between the right and left first electric motors.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kengo Sasahara, Kazunari Koga, Masaya Itou
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Patent number: 8561732Abstract: A wheel driven utility vehicle includes a frame and two small volume high speed alternating current electric motors arranged side by side for driving the vehicle. Alternatively high speed direct current, hydraulic or pneumatic direct current motors may be used with suitable controls. Each motor has an output shaft which drives an offset planetary gear reducer. Each offset planetary gear reducer is affixed to the electric motor and includes an output carrier interconnected with an output shaft. Each output shaft includes first and second chain drive sprockets which drive chains interconnected with shafts driving the front and rear wheels respectively. Each offset planetary gear reducer enables use of space saving high speed relatively low-torque alternating current electric motors with attendant large speed reductions. Gear reduction enables the production of sufficient torque at the wheels of the vehicle. Applications in addition to utility vehicles are also specifically contemplated.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Fairfield Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin Warren Schoon
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Patent number: 8544570Abstract: A riding lawnmower includes left and right wheels, at least one caster wheel, a lawnmower blade or reel, and a control section. The left and right wheels are independently driven by electric rotary machines to travel. The lawnmower blade or reel is driven for mowing. The control section, in response to turn instruction input by a turn operator, controls the left and right wheels according to preset standard setting conditions, or according to deceleration setting conditions which differ from the standard setting conditions, under which at least one of a vehicle movement speed and vehicle turning speed is decelerated more than under standard setting conditions. The riding lawnmower includes a section designating either standard setting conditions or deceleration setting conditions. In a riding lawnmower, left and right wheels are caused to turn around a turn center position corresponding to a turn instruction according to designated setting conditions.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2008Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Norihiro Ishii, Kengo Sasahara, Kazunari Koga, Jun Matsuura, Tomoyuki Ebihara, Katsumoto Mizukawa
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Publication number: 20130228385Abstract: A personal vehicle having two wheels that are arranged substantially side-by-side and connected by a linkage mechanism to one another. The linkage mechanism supports the wheels in a substantially parallel relationship as the two wheels tilt from side to side. A foot placement platform is associated with each wheel, as is a motor to drive the wheels. Gyroscopic sensors are used to in driving the wheels to maintain an upright position. Various embodiments are disclosed including folding platforms, a parallelogram linkage structure, handles and/or seats that may extend above the wheels, lower leg contact surface, and other features.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2013Publication date: September 5, 2013Inventor: Shane Chen
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Publication number: 20130226382Abstract: A tracked vehicle having a plurality of self contained tracked drive units, each unit including an electric motor to propel a track belt, and a plurality of road wheels and tensioning wheels. Each tracked drive unit is connected to the vehicle by affixing devices and by electrical, data, and fluid lines, and is separable from the vehicle by detachment of the affixing devices and disconnection of the electrical, data, and fluid lines. The tracked vehicle can locomote upon the tracked drive units remaining after the separation a tracked drive unit. A tracked vehicle with remote tracked drive jettisoning capability, wherein a tracked drive unit is affixed to the hull of the tracked vehicle by explosive bolts; the electrical, fluid, and data lines are severable by severing charges; and the tracked drive is jettisonable by remote commands to detonate the explosive bolts and sever the electrical, data, and fluid lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Inventors: Vitaly Grossman, Boris Mezir, Mike Nem
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Publication number: 20130220712Abstract: A wheelchair includes a frame, a chair, a pair of drive wheels, a pair of rear wheels, and a pair of front wheels. Each front wheel is part of a front arm assembly that is rigidly coupled to a drive via a mounting plate. The mounting plate is connected to the wheelchair frame by a pivot. The drives are transversely mounted. The batteries are disposed rearward of the drives. The wheelchair seat can be moved forward to provide access to the batteries without fully removing the wheelchair from the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Inventors: John Puskar-Pasewicz, Kip D. Alder
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Patent number: 8485286Abstract: A drive configuration for a skid steered vehicle comprises a pair of electric motors for propulsion of the vehicle, one each coupled to drive a respective track on a respective side of the vehicle, and one or more electric steer motors coupled through a differential gear mechanism to impose a speed difference between the tracks. An associated control system controls the current to each motor so that substantial contributions to the differential torque to turn the vehicle are made both by the steer motors and by the propulsion motors, in variable proportions preferably as a function of the vehicle speed.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Qinetiq LimitedInventor: Robert William Thompson