Patents Examined by A. M. Boehler
  • Caster apparatus and transferring apparatus including the same
    Patent number: 10730346
    Abstract: A caster apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, there is provided a caster apparatus including a caster wheel and a first driving wheel disposed on a first side of the caster wheel. The first driving wheel is configured to be driven by a first motor. A second driving wheel is disposed on a second side opposite to the first side of the caster wheel. The second driving wheel is configured to be driven by a second motor different from the first motor. A first actuator is configured to move the first driving wheel in a vertical direction to a ground according to a curvature of the ground. A second actuator is configured to move the second driving wheel in a vertical direction to the ground according to a curvature of the ground, wherein the first and second driving wheels are configured to steer the caster wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nam Su Yuk, Jung Jun Park, Eun Kyung Hong, Beom Soo Hwang
  • Boat loading guide
    Patent number: 10730425
    Abstract: A boat loading guide system for use on a boat trailer and particularly for pontoon boats and the like. The boat loading guide is highly visible during loading, comprising two guide posts visible throughout the loading process. When not in use, or when towing the trailer, the guide posts are stowed such that the trailer and guide posts do not exceed a pre-determined width, and thus the trailer will be able to be operated legally on public roadways. The guide posts can be of sufficient length so that even when the rear portion of the trailer is well submerged, the guide posts will extend above the surface of the water and be visible to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: Alex Yanyk
  • Steering apparatus
    Patent number: 10717461
    Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a steered shaft; a rack housing; a ball screw nut; a bearing disposed between an inner peripheral surface of the rack housing and an outer peripheral surface of the ball screw nut, the bearing supporting the ball screw nut such that the ball screw nut is rotatable with respect to the rack housing; and a tubular rack boot covering an axial end portion of the rack housing. The rack housing includes a partition wall protruding radially inward from a cylindrical inner peripheral surface of the rack housing and separating a ball screw chamber housing the ball screw nut and an inner chamber of the rack boot. The partition wall has a through-hole through which the steered shaft extends, and a drain passage provided vertically below the through-hole and providing communication between the ball screw chamber and the inner chamber of the rack boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignees: JTEKT CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masayoshi Asakura, Tatsuhiro Yamamoto, Masafumi Takahashi, Yoshiaki Asahara
  • Snow bike track assembly
    Patent number: 10710678
    Abstract: A snow bike track assembly includes a frame assembly, at least one strut, an endless track, a plurality of top and bottom rollers, a skid rail assembly, a drive assembly, and a swing arm assembly. The frame assembly is configured to connect to a frame of a motorcycle in place of a rear wheel of the motorcycle. The at least one strut is connected to the frame assembly and configured to connect to the motorcycle frame in place of a rear shock of the motorcycle. The plurality of top rollers are mounted to the frame assembly and arranged to support the endless track. The plurality of lower rollers are mounted to the skid rail assembly and arranged to support the endless track. The drive assembly is configured to drive the endless track. The swing arm assembly is coupled between the frame assembly and the skid rail assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Inventor: Jaron L. Ball
  • Steerable vehicle
    Patent number: 10710629
    Abstract: A steerable, self-propelled vehicle includes a rotatable steering column that is connected to control the steering angle of one or more ground-engaging members of the vehicle. The vehicle includes between the steering column and the ground-engaging member a first steering servomechanism having at least a first steering assistance characteristic; a second steering servomechanism having a second steering assistance characteristic also being connected to act on the steering column. A controller is provided for causing the first and second steering assistance characteristics to influence the steering of the vehicle in dependence on one or more one or more control commands generated in the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Riccardo Morselli, Francesco Canuto, Patrizio Turco, Enrico Raffone
  • Motorcycle frame
    Patent number: 10710666
    Abstract: A motorcycle frame includes a head pipe, a pair of front main frames, and a pair of rear main frames. The pair of front main frames separates in a vehicle width direction from the head pipe, extends toward a power engine that is located on a rear side of the head pipe, and includes power-engine fixing parts that are fixed to the power engine at positions that overlap with the power engine as viewed in the vehicle width direction. The pair of rear main frames extends rearward from the power-engine fixing parts of the pair of front main frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Minoru Makihara, Hideaki Kawai
  • Tugger cage cart locking device
    Patent number: 10703151
    Abstract: A system and method for securing the connection between carts that are configured to connect to each other to form a train of carts, as well as for securing the connection between a cart and a tugger that tows the carts. The system and method involves providing a spring biased blocking plate that is positioned above the boss of the drawbar when the drawbar is engaged with a hitch plate. The blocking plate limits vertical movement of the drawbar thereby preventing inadvertent disconnection of the drawbar from the hitch plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: TARGET BRANDS, INC.
    Inventor: Justin Newman
  • Bicycle frame with battery mount
    Patent number: 10696355
    Abstract: A bicycle comprises front and rear wheels, a frame supported on the front and rear wheels and including a frame mount, and a battery including a battery mount engaged with the frame mount. One of the battery mount and the frame mount includes a depression and the other of the battery mount and the frame mount includes a boss positioned in the depression. Preferably, depression comprises a slot, and the slot can include a resilient material to securely hold the boss. The boss can comprise an eccentric boss. Preferably, the battery mount is positioned adjacent one end of the battery, and an opposite end of the battery includes an opening. In this embodiment, the bicycle further comprises a mounting pin positioned through the opening and through a portion of the frame to secure the opposite end of the battery to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jan Talavasek, Vincent Patureau, Marco Sonderegger, Marc Pallure, Brandon Dale Sloan, Joseph Edward Buckley, Daniel Lentz, Jamie Stafford
  • Lightweight hitch structure
    Patent number: 10696112
    Abstract: A towing hitch receiver structure for a vehicle is disclosed. The towing hitch receiver structure includes a torsion tube; and a receiver structure mounted to the torsion tube at a center position between both ends. The receiver structure supports a receiver tube positioned below the torsion tube. The receiver structure includes a pair of side receiver plates, each plate having an opening that encircles the outer cross-section of the torsion tube and is secured to the torsion tube by a weld. The side plates are parallel to each other and to the receiver tube in the lengthwise direction. Because the receiver plates make up each side of the receiver structure, the torsion tube is allowed to bend freely. Provided the arrangement of side receiver plates, the hitch structure can be made using thinner, lighter weight parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Herb Meingast, Daniel Mount, Kyle A. Banner, David C. Smith, Peter D. Susi
  • Resilient, untethered soft robot
    Patent number: 10689044
    Abstract: A pneumatically powered, fully untethered mobile soft robot is described. Composites consisting of silicone elastomer, polyaramid fabric, and hollow glass microspheres were used to fabricate a sufficiently large soft robot to carry the miniature air compressors, battery, valves, and controller needed for autonomous operation. Fabrication techniques were developed to mold a 0.65 meter long soft body with modified Pneumatic network actuators capable of operating at the elevated pressures (up to 138 kPa) required to actuate the legs of the robot and hold payloads of up to 8 kg. The soft robot is safe to handle, and its silicone body is innately resilient to a variety of adverse environmental conditions including snow, puddles of water, direct (albeit limited) exposure to flames, and the crushing force of being run over by an automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Michael T. Tolley, Robert F. Shepherd, Bobak Mosadegh, Robert J. Wood, George M. Whitesides
  • Body frame structure of motorcycle
    Patent number: 10683053
    Abstract: A motorcycle body frame structure improves rigidity and further suppresses changes in vehicle body behavior. The body frame structure includes: a head pipe, right and left main frames connected to the head pipe, a down tube connected to the head pipe, right and left reinforcing frames installed between the down tube and corresponding right and left reinforcing frames. Each of the right and left reinforcing frames include a first and second joint portions joined to the down tube. The first joint portions are joined with corresponding right and left main frames. Each of the second joint portions include a first joint flange portion welded with corresponding right and left side surfaces of the down tube, a second joint flange portion welded with an upper surface of the down tube, and a third joint flange portion connected with the first and second joint flange portions and separated from the down tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Kuninari Kurabayashi
  • Fifth wheel hitch and associated systems and methods
    Patent number: 10668961
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to an improved fifth-wheel hitch which features a pivotally-mounted head assembly. The hitch assembly has a rocker assembly which allows for the pivotal movement of the head during mounting. The rocker can be secured in a fixed position during transport. A multi-point jaw assembly is also provided. A rail kit adaptor and gooseneck adaptor are also provided. The assembly is light and engineered for quick and efficient installation and use in the bed of a truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: NSD Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas Erickson
  • Electromechanical power steering system, method for determining an absolute angle of rotation, and method for calibrating a measuring device for measuring an absolute angle of rotation
    Patent number: 10647353
    Abstract: A device and a method may be used to determine a highly accurate absolute angle of rotation Xt of the rotational position of a rotatably supported steering shaft. Rotation of a rotor of an electric motor with a gearing with a gearing transmission factor K for power assistance may be coupled into rotation of the steering shaft. A rotational position of rotation of the rotor can be measured by means of a rotor position sensor and by using a number of revolutions of the rotor that have occurred. This value is used directly to determine the highly accurate absolute angle of rotation Xt of the steering shaft. Calibration methods involve determining initial values from which the counting of revolutions or the calculations occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Gernot Ernstson, Tivadar Toth, Konstantin Schwarzkopf, Peter Knoll, Sedat Sen
  • Power steering gear assembly having an end of travel valve assembly
    Patent number: 10647347
    Abstract: A self-setting valve assembly for a power steering gear assembly includes a plug, a first plunger, a second plunger, and a biasing member. The plug extends between a first end and a second end. The plug defines a cavity that is disposed between the first end and the second end, a first bore that extends from the first end to the cavity, and a second bore that extends from the second end to the cavity. The first plunger has a first head that is disposed within the cavity and a first stem that extends from the first head through the first bore. The second plunger has a second head that is disposed within the cavity and a second stem that extends from the first head through the second bore. The biasing member is disposed within the bore and extending between the first head and the second head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Albert C. Wong, Thomas C. Rytlewski, Jason A. Dutsky
  • Steering gear for a vehicle, vehicle, method for controlling a steering gear and method for steering a vehicle
    Patent number: 10647350
    Abstract: A steering gear for a vehicle includes a linear drive having at least one displacement element, which is displaceable substantially along a vehicle longitudinal axis of the vehicle and which is fastenable to a steering drag link of the vehicle, in which the linear drive is configured to convert a rotational movement of a steering column of the vehicle into a movement of the displacement element substantially along the vehicle longitudinal axis. Also described is a related vehicle having the steering gear, a method for actuating the steering gear, and a method for steering the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHRZEUGE GMBH
    Inventors: Falk Hecker, Michael Herges, Christian Staahl, Rainer Lang
  • Hydraulic steering arrangement
    Patent number: 10640144
    Abstract: A hydraulic steering arrangement is shown having a steering unit and two working ports each of which being connected to the steering unit by a working line (3), wherein an anti jerk valve (9) is arranged in each working line (3), the anti jerk valve (9) having a valve element (12) being loaded in opening direction by the pressure in the working line (3) and in closing direction by restoring means (17). A vehicle equipped with such a steering arrangement should have a good comfort. To this end the valve element (12) is loaded in closing direction by the pressure in the working line (3) via delay means (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Danfoss Power Solutions ApS
    Inventors: Ole Soerensen, Abdul Karim Rahimzai
  • Travel control system of construction machine
    Patent number: 10640951
    Abstract: To reduce load on the operator and to establish traveling stability in the steering operation of a construction machine that has a pair of right and left traveling devices, and an engine as a driving power to the right and left traveling devices, a controller is provided which is responsive to a switch for traveling to drive or stop both a right and a left traveling devices. A switch for steering causes the controller to change the direction of travel of the construction machine, and the controller also acts to reduce the engine speed in accordance with the operation amount of the switch for steering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: Isao Murota, Shota Hoshaku, Naoto Funabiki
  • Biologically-inspired joints and systems and methods of use thereof
    Patent number: 10632626
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a biologically-inspired robotic device comprising: a first member; a second member pivotably connected to the first member; one or more actuators; and a coupler/decoupler mechanism (CDC) selectively coupling or decoupling of the one or more actuators to the second member, such that, when the one or more actuators are coupled to the second member, the one or more actuators act to pivot the second member relative to the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Marko B. Popovic, Matthew Paul Bowers, Thane Robert Hunt, Lynn Robert Koesterman, Michael Pickett, Richard Matthew Rafferty, Saivimal Sridar, Seiichiro Ueda, Varun Visnudas Verlencar, Amaid Zia, Ananth Jonnavittula
  • Straddled electric vehicle and electric power unit
    Patent number: 10632840
    Abstract: A straddled electric vehicle includes an electric motor including an output shaft oriented in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a vehicle width direction, a drive bevel gear that rotates around a rotation axis oriented in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the vehicle width direction, a driven bevel gear that rotates around a rotation axis oriented in the vehicle width direction, and a drive pulley that rotates around a rotation axis which is oriented in the vehicle width direction. The drive bevel gear and the driven bevel gear convert rotation generated by the electric motor around a rotation axis oriented in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the vehicle width direction into rotation around a rotation axis oriented in the vehicle width direction, which is transmitted to the drive pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshiro Orimo
  • Swing arm
    Patent number: 10625812
    Abstract: A swing arm secures rigidity, and is lighter than a conventional swing arm, includes a hollow body with a pivot hole in which a pivot shaft is disposed, a suspension fixing portion in the body connected to one end portion of a suspension unit, and a pair of arms extending from the body and supporting respective ends of a wheel axle. Each of the pair of arms includes an outer member having an open cross-section and an inner member having an open cross-section. The outer member and the inner member of each of the arms are joined at respective open end portions. The body includes first opening portions joined with a corresponding one edge portion of the outer member of the arms, second opening portions joined with a corresponding outer surface of the inner member of the arms, and reinforcing support-struts that partition the first and second opening portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takahiro Omosako