Patents Examined by Brian L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6709003
    Abstract: A system for tool free disengagement of an engagement member from a base while the base is mounted to a substrate, so that the engagement member may be repositioned, tool free, in a new mounting location. The engagement member and the base include complementary locking members, and the engagement member may be constructed so that manipulation of the engagement member releases the complementary locking members allowing relocation of the engagement member in a new mounting location. The system may be incorporated in a binding for securing a foot or a boot and in footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: James Laughlin, Ryan Coulter, Benjamin Beck, Thomas Powers, Glen V. Walter
  • Patent number: 6708789
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle control and operating system, a hybrid vehicle operated by the system, and a power supply arrangement for the hybrid vehicle where the drive of the hybrid vehicle is performed only by an electric motor driven by a generator under average power conditions and, under maximum power conditions, is driven by the generator and also by a battery bank that provides complementary energy to the electric motor. The bank of batteries accumulates energy exceeded by the generator and/or electric motor when the vehicle is under deceleration conditions or even stopped. The generator is driven by an internal combustion engine that supplies mechanical energy to the generator so that it can supply electric power to the electric motor and to the battery bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Eletra Industrial Ltda.
    Inventor: Antonio Vincente Albuquerque De Souza E Silva
  • Patent number: 6705417
    Abstract: A straddle type four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle includes: an engine mounted on a body frame and disposed between front wheels and rear wheels, having a crankcase; a variable-speed V-belt drive disposed on a side of the crankcase and covered with a V-belt drive cover, the V-belt drive cover having an upper wall provided with a cooling air discharge port opening upward; and a cooling air exhaust duct disposed within a right-and-left width of the body frame. The cooling air exhaust duct communicates with the cooling air discharge port and has an air outlet located in front of a seat so that a cooling air is discharged through the air outlet into a space under the seat. Cooling air is discharged through the air outlet of the cooling air exhaust duct into a space under the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Haruo Kitai, Hiroyuki Fujimoto, Masao Mikasa
  • Patent number: 6705625
    Abstract: A caster arrangement for cabinets used on access or raised floors of a computer room or the like. The caster arrangement allows for a small, heavy cabinet to be situated on the panels of the access floor without applying concentrated or ultimate loads on the panels that may exceed the design characteristics of the panel and access floor. The caster arrangement allows for at most three casters to apply load to a given panel while the cabinet is being moved or has an arbitrary orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Liebert Corporation
    Inventors: David Holt, Gary A. Reichle
  • Patent number: 6705418
    Abstract: Arrangement for a compact battery and cooling system. The arrangement includes a plurality of elongate battery cells, each battery cell having a longitudinal axis and a hexagonal cross-sectional shape in a plane oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The cells are parallelly oriented, each to the others, within a battery housing. Preferably, the cells are arranged in a honeycomb configuration with opposed faces of adjacent battery cells proximately located one to the other in face-to-face relationship. At least one substantially hexagonally shaped cooling channel is provided at an interior location within the plurality of battery cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventor: Björn Wessman
  • Patent number: 6705416
    Abstract: A hybrid drive for a motor vehicle which possesses, in a gear train (1), a first electrical machine (4) located between an internal combustion motor (2) and a multi-gear vehicle transmission (3). The hybrid drive further possesses a second electrical machine (6) permanently connected with an input shaft (5) of the transmission. First and second clutches (7, 8), respectively, are placed between the first and second electrical machines (4, 6) and the internal combustion motor (2) and the first and second electrical machines (4, 6) can be respectively driven as either a motor or a generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen KG
    Inventors: Hans Glonner, Bernhard Sich, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Hans-Jörg Domian, Ralf Dreibholz, Markus Kaindl, Jörg Michael
  • Patent number: 6705622
    Abstract: A mechanic's creeper (10) includes a pad (12) supported between a plurality of side rails (14) by a plurality of crossbars (15). The side rails (14) are of tear-shaped cross section such that no sharp edges are provided adjacent to the pad (12) held between the side rails (14). The pad (12), side rails (14), and crossbars (15) are held off the ground by a plurality of caster assemblies (20). The caster assemblies (20) are connected only to the bottom surface (16) of the side rails (14) such that no protrusion is created on the top surface (17) of the side rails (14). Specifically, each of the caster assemblies (20) is connected to an associated side rail (14) by a rivet nut (54) that communicates only with the bottom surface (16) of side rail (14). The caster assemblies (20) further include rolling elements (24, 26) and bearing races (32, 34) that allow the caster assemblies (20) to rotate about the axis of a kingpin (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Whiteside Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Kirt E. Whiteside
  • Patent number: 6705623
    Abstract: The modular plastic shopping cart comprises a wheeled base comprising two opposite vertical side sections each having at least one horizontally projecting member providing a support surface; two side uprights removably connectable to the wheeled base, predetermined cooperating shapes of the wheeled base and the side uprights preventing, when assembled, relative pivoting and sliding movement between the side uprights and the wheeled base; a basket removably connectable to the side uprights, predetermined cooperating shapes of the side uprights and the basket preventing, when assembled, relative pivoting and sliding movement between the basket and the side uprights; first securing device for securing the side uprights to the wheeled base; and second securing device for securing the basket to the side uprights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Les Industries Rondi Inc.
    Inventors: Serge Nadeau, Jean-Christophe Doyon
  • Patent number: 6705633
    Abstract: A snowboard binding system that incorporates the riding performance of a strap binding with the convenience of a step-in binding. The binding system includes a binding interface that is configured to be coupled to a step-in binding base, while also being configured to secure a snowboard boot in a manner that provides a rider with the riding performance of a strap binding. The binding interface may include one or more straps for securing a boot to a snowboard. The binding system may be configured so that the binding base engages regions of the binding interface to which the straps are attached to provide the feel of a strap binding. The binding base may include at least three engagement members to engage with corresponding mating features on the interface. The binding base may include a pair of engagement members at both the rear or heel end and the front or toe end thereof to engage with corresponding mating features on the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas V. Poscich
  • Patent number: 6705644
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for securing a backhoe loader stabilizer arm in a stowage position. The latch mechanism has a first portion attached to the machine frame and a second portion attached to the stabilizer arm. The first portion is a receptacle having two parallel members of a resilient material. The second portion is a probe having a head and a shank. The latch mechanism automatically engages and disengages as the arm approaches or departs the stowage position by the force applied in moving the stabilizer arm. The latch secures the stabilizer arm in the stowage position from external forces insufficient to disengage the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Douglas Scott States, Peter John Mayer, Wylie Elton Pfaff, Thomas Andrew Knopp
  • Patent number: 6702328
    Abstract: A binding and boot engagement system for use with a snowboard having a step-in binding system is disclosed. The system has a flexible tether connectable at one end to the snowboard and at the other end to the user. When a user is in an elevated lift and has one boot removed from a binding, the user may apply an upward force to the tether, thereby causing the board to elevate. By positioning the free boot over the binding and applying the upward force, the boot is caused to engage with the binding. Features of the invention include having first and second portions of the tether wherein the first portion is generally non-stretchable and the second portion is resiliently connected to the user. In this configuration, a slight tension is usually present in the system, thereby decreasing the chances for unintentional engagement of the system with undesirable objects such as lift equipment or mountain hazards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph A. Malleis, Laurence L. Malleis
  • Patent number: 6702052
    Abstract: A control apparatus of a hybrid vehicle is provided, capable of charging the battery device when the state of charge of the battery device tends to decrease and the initial state of charge of the battery device is reduced by a predetermined amount. The present device comprises a lower limit threshold value setting device S060, an upper limit threshold value setting device for setting the lower limit and upper limit threshold values, respectively, of the discharge amount of the battery device, a mode setting device S054 for increasing the state of charge when the state of charge is reduced to the lower limit threshold value, a mode setting release device S062 for releasing the mode setting changed by the mode setting device, and a discharge depth detecting device S063 for detecting the discharge amount of the present state of charge by comparison with the initial state of charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Teruo Wakashiro, Shigetaka Kuroda, Shinichi Kitajima, Kazutomo Sawamura, Atsushi Izumiura, Yasuo Nakamoto, Hideyuki Oki, Kan Nakaune
  • Patent number: 6702305
    Abstract: An inclinable creeper including a carriaged framework supporting a bed, the bed including an inclinable portion and a mechanism for raising the inclinable portion upon actuation of a lever, for securing the inclinable portion when the lever is not actuated, and for allowing the inclinable portion to be forcibly lowered when the lever is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: United Auto Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Miles
  • Patent number: 6702304
    Abstract: A detachable skate having two sets of engagement members containing two female members and two male members which are correspondingly fitted to a sole at the bottom of the shoe and a mounting plate at the top of the skating device. The female members and the male members can be connected with each other by means of the engagement of a projecting pin into the bottom end of the vertical part of the L-shaped guide slot. Moreover, one male member is provided with a lever for turning this male member. Accordingly, the shoes are detachable from the skating devices so that it's convenient to assemble, stable and safe to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Wei-Yen Chu
  • Patent number: 6702306
    Abstract: A pushchair of the type which includes a chassis which is born upon one or more primary wheels on a primary wheel bearing axis, the chassis further having one or more forward and/or rear secondary wheel(s) or stabilizer(s) that in normal use of the pushchair during horizontal travel is/are not ground engaging but which limit tilting of the pushchair about the primary axis, the pushchair being characterized in that it further includes a selectively operable stabilizer which may be deployed to bring a prop into ground engagement to substantially prevent tilting of the pushchair about the primary wheel axis when the pushchair is stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew Ockwell
  • Patent number: 6702316
    Abstract: A stroller, which incorporates with a car seat fastening arrangement, includes a stroller frame for substantially supporting a car seat thereon. The car seat fastening arrangement includes a holding belt extended from the stroller frame and a connecting unit securely locked up the two ends of the holding belt to form a holding loop, having a predetermined length, for encirclingly holding the car seat on the stroller frame through the fastening slot. Therefore, the car seat is securely supported on the stroller frame and firmly fastened by the two ends of the holding belt connecting with each other through the fastening slot of the car seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Ben M. Hsia
  • Patent number: 6702053
    Abstract: By a lean burn operation, a highly efficient operation region is enlarged, the proportion of engine operation in a low torque condition is increased, and the proportion of motor operation using a battery is decreased. It is possible to provide a hybrid car of an engine-electric motor configuration which can effect a highly efficient operation without increasing the capacity of motor and that of battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiharu Nogi, Takuya Shiraishi, Minoru Oosuga, Noboru Tokuyasu, Yoko Nakayama
  • Patent number: 6702319
    Abstract: An airbag module has at least two housing parts securely connected to each other by a mechanical catch connection. At least one catch hook is arranged on the first housing part and at least one tab with a corresponding catch opening is arranged in the second housing part. During the latching together of the two housing parts, the catch hook engages the corresponding catch opening. At least one ramp is arranged on the first housing part, opposite the catch hook, which ramp rises in the insertion direction of the second housing. The ramp rises in the direction in which the second housing part is moved toward the first housing part during assembly. During the assembly of the first housing part with the second housing part, the tab of the second housing part comes into contact with the ramp during the latching and is deflected by the ramp in the direction of the catch hook. The deflection of the tab results in the catch opening being deflected or pushed in the direction of the catch hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Sczeburek, Burghard Stich
  • Patent number: 6702049
    Abstract: The electrical wheelchair with spliced front wheel drive and rear wheel drive of the invention comprises a wheel frame and a chair. The wheel frame has a hollow column with a locating ring on its top and a plurality of locating chute on the ring rim. A semi-circular protrusion is placed on the surface of the locating ring. The wheel frame provides a power rod for controlling the moving direction of the wheelchair. There are two foldable footplates erected, one in the front side and the rear side and the footplate is folded when not in use. Beneath the chair, there is rotary shaft inserted in the hollow column. Along the side of the rotary shaft, there install two locating seats, a control stick passing through the holes of the locating seats. The control stick is operated to engage or disengage the locating ping from the locating chute. On the correspondent opposite position of the locating ring, there installs a micro switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Merits Health Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: Larry M. Cheng
  • Patent number: 6698771
    Abstract: A wheeled caddy for washing a vehicle for providing tools and supplies readily reachable for a user to wash one's vehicle. The wheeled caddy for washing a vehicle includes a base assembly including a base member being mounted upon a wheel assembly for movement upon a ground; and also includes a support member being mounted upon the base member and having an open top; and further includes a handle assembly including a handle holder member being securely attached to the support member, and also including a handle member being pivotally attached to the support member; and further includes a bucket being removably supported upon the support member; and also includes cleaning accessory holders being securely attached to the support member for holding items used to wash a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Keith Bergeron