Patents Examined by Brian Swenson
  • Patent number: 9694665
    Abstract: A liquid leakage countermeasure of a cooling medium channel is facilitated, and a need of high power of a pump for circulating a cooling medium is relaxed. An electric vehicle includes: a vehicle body including a dashboard which separates a front space covered with a hood and a boarding space provided with a seat on which a driver is seated; an electric component which is provided behind the dashboard and generates heat by electric energy for generating rotational power for vehicle traveling; and a heat exchanger provided behind the dashboard and configured to cool down a cooling medium circulating between the heat exchanger and the electric component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshimoto Matsuda
  • Patent number: 9693600
    Abstract: A goalie skate assembly has i) a plastic blade mounting member adapted to releasably receive a metal skate blade therein, and ii) a monocoque carbon fiber and resin composite skate boot body for receiving a foot of the user therein. The unitary structure of the skate boot body includes i) a sole portion, ii) a heel portion extending upwardly from the sole portion for receiving a heel of the user therein, iii) a pair of side portions extending upwardly from opposing sides of the sole portion, and iv) a lower portion extending downwardly from a bottom side of the sole portion so as to surround at least a portion of the blade mounting member. A toe cap mounted on the skate boot body includes a molded plastic outer shell and a liner formed of a fiber and resin composite material bonded to an inner surface of the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: VH FOOTWEAR INC.
    Inventor: Scott Van Horne
  • Patent number: 9694872
    Abstract: A vehicle has a frame, a straddle seat supported by the frame, a left front wheel and a right front wheel and at least one rear wheel operatively connected to the frame. An engine is supported by the frame and operatively connected to at least one of the wheels. A front cowling assembly is supported by the frame. A storage bin is disposed at least in part inside the front cowling assembly. At least one radiator fluidly communicates with the engine for cooling the engine. At least a portion of at least one of the at least one radiator is longitudinally and vertically aligned with at least a portion of the storage bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: David Laroche, Andre Gilbert
  • Patent number: 9687725
    Abstract: Described herein include various embodiments of a binding assembly that assist with coupling a user's foot to a sport board. A foothold or binding upper that captures a user's foot can be coupled to a part of the binding assembly thereby enabling the binding assembly to secure the user's foot to the sport board. The binding assembly can include a chassis that has at least two connector receptacle that each allow an attachment feature (e.g., mounting screw) to extend therethrough and secure the binding assembly to the sport board. Each of the connector receptacles can be angled such that a longitudinal of the connector receptacle is positioned at an angle relative to a top surface of the sport board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: MOTION WATER SPORTS, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan Dawley, Wade Motawi, Tony Finn
  • Patent number: 9688340
    Abstract: An accessory for a self-balancing board is provided. The self-balancing board comprises a foot-deck having two lateral foot-deck ends. Each lateral foot-deck end is coupled to a motor that drives a wheel in response to an orientation of the lateral foot-deck end relative to a horizontal plane. The accessory includes a chassis, at least one travel surface-contacting element coupled proximal to a first longitudinal end of the chassis to facilitate travel of the chassis over a travel surface, and a seat coupled to the chassis and configured to support a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: HOVERPOWERED, LLC
    Inventor: Tyler Kroymann
  • Patent number: 9687397
    Abstract: An electric wheelchair with quick-release drive wheels includes: a chassis, and two guide wheels and two said drive wheels. The drive wheels are rotated by a drive mechanism and connected to the drive mechanism by a quick-release mechanism. To detach the drive wheel, the user can press the cover to make the rolling balls move out of the receiving groove and back to the arc-shaped engaging portion, which allows the hollow shaft to disengage from the drive shaft. Then, keeping pressing the cover can detach the drive wheel from the drive mechanism. To assemble the drive wheel, the user can press the hollow shaft into the axial hole to make the rolling balls engage in the receiving groove, so that the drive wheel is assembled to the drive mechanism. The assembly and disassembly of the drive wheel require no wrenches or other tools, and therefore are very convenient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Chung-Chuan Lin
  • Patent number: 9683531
    Abstract: An ROV includes a body frame, a plurality of seats, a cargo bed, and an air cleaner. The plurality of seats are supported by the body frame, and aligned in a width direction of the ROV. The cargo bed is disposed rearward relative to the seats, and supported by the body frame. The cargo bed includes a placement surface on which cargo is to be placed. The air cleaner is disposed rearward relative to the seats, and at least partially disposed above the placement surface. The air cleaner includes an air cleaner case, a filter element detachably disposed inside the air cleaner case, a lid detachably attached to the air cleaner case to cover a first opening. The filter element has a substantially tubular shape. The lid is disposed along an extension line of an axis of the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hayato Osaki
  • Patent number: 9683348
    Abstract: It is a technical problem to provide an engine device that includes an exhaust gas purification device, which can be efficiently arranged in an engine installation space. The engine is arranged on the lower side of an operating seat, and a flywheel housing is arranged in such a manner as to be positioned on the front portion side of a traveling machine body, and the exhaust gas purification device is arranged on the upper side of the rear of the engine. Also, the engine is coupled with an air cleaner that draws in fresh air on the left side thereof. Furthermore, a hood includes a hood cover configured to be openable/closable in the rear thereof and covers the upper portion of the exhaust gas purification device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: YANMAR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masataka Mitsuda
  • Patent number: 9682308
    Abstract: A snowboard binding that eliminates the ratchet-type connection used in conventional snowboard bindings. Instead, the snowboard binding incorporates a connection mechanism that is somewhat similar to a ski-boot style connector, and that uses only two straps on each binding compared to the traditional four straps. In addition, the connection mechanism can be pre-adjusted by the user to the desired connection pressure. Once the desired pre-adjustment is reached, the user can simply step into the binding and connect the connection mechanism without needing to adjust the connection pressure or tightness during mounting the user's foot or boot to the board as with conventional snowboard bindings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Inventor: Kelly Reinarz
  • Patent number: 9676406
    Abstract: The shopping cart handle cover is a reusable protective cover that is adapted for use with shopping cart. When extended, the shopping cart handle cover is used to cover the handle. When not in use, the shopping cart handle cover is folded in to a compact form and is stored in a bag that is attached to the shopping cart handle cover. The shopping cart handle cover comprises a handle cover, a pocketed member, a storage bag, and a one or more hook and loop fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Inventors: Mistie Kocurek, Sharon Robinson
  • Patent number: 9670647
    Abstract: A hydraulic excavator includes a hydraulic fluid tank cover that covers the side face of the body frame. A latching member is provided to the upper part on the rear face side of the hydraulic fluid tank cover in a state of being attached to the body frame. An insertion plate is provided to the lower part on the rear face side of the hydraulic fluid tank cover in a state of being attached to the body frame, and is disposed substantially along the vertical direction. A latched member is provided to the body frame and is latched by the latching member. A receiver is provided to the body frame, and the insertion plate is inserted therein. A fixing component is located more to the inside of the body than the upper end part of the exterior cover in top view in an attached state, and fixes the latching member to the latched member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventor: Kenji Sanada
  • Patent number: 9670821
    Abstract: An exhaust assembly that includes an exhaust pipe extending rearward from a vehicle; and a bezel in close proximity with, or coupled to, a vehicle fascia, the bezel comprising rearmost surfaces and inner surfaces. The exhaust assembly further includes a sleeve substantially aligned with the pipe, tangentially aligned with the inner surfaces. The sleeve extends rearward, flush with, sub-flush with, or past an exhaust plane tangent to the rearmost surfaces of the bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Erich James Nowka, Yahong Zhang
  • Patent number: 9671010
    Abstract: A hybrid drive assembly for a motor vehicle, with a main transmission (4) and an electric machine (10) arranged in a hybrid module (6). The electric machine has a rotor (14) that rotates within a rotational space (38). The hybrid module (6) and the main transmission (4) share a common oil system, whose oil temperature is measured. A device (62, 64) is provided which, if a limit value of the oil temperature is exceeded, controls the oil level (58) in the oil sump in the rotation space (38) of the electric machine (10) in such a manner that the rotor (14) becomes immersed in the oil, within the oil sump (58), and can take up oil and throw the oil off again off onto components of the electric machine (10) located within the rotational space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Rayk Gersten
  • Patent number: 9671056
    Abstract: Insulation (10) for vehicle components, for example, exhaust systems such as particle filters and SCR systems. The insulation has a plate-like component (12). The insulation can be fasted in an especially cost-effective manner by welding. The insulation (10) has at least one separate support (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Eberspächer Exhaust Technology GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Markus Neu
  • Patent number: 9669709
    Abstract: A drive-train which comprises a drive engine that can be fitted in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, between the driving wheels, with a drive output shaft connected to a drive input shaft of a transfer case. The drive output shaft of the transfer case is connected to a drive input shaft of a gearshift transmission, whose drive output can be brought into connection with vehicle wheels. The transfer case is preferably in the form of a spur gear assembly. The drive engine and the gearshift transmission are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and are connected to the transfer case on the same side of the transfer case. The outer spur gears, of the spur gear assembly, have a larger diameter than the inner spur gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Norman Regenscheit
  • Patent number: 9669868
    Abstract: An operation unintended by a helper due to an incorrect operation or the like by an operator is prevented. An electric mobility includes a manual operation unit, a wireless operation unit, and a control unit that controls a driving wheel on the basis of either a first command signal output by the manual operation unit or a second command signal output by the wireless operation unit. The control unit sets a first control mode enabling an operation of the electric driving wheel by the manual operation unit and a second control mode disabling an operation of the electric driving wheel by the manual operation unit on the basis of a wireless signal transmitted from a wireless terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: WHILL Inc.
    Inventors: Muneaki Fukuoka, Yoshihiro Hirata, Shuichi Tsutsumi
  • Patent number: 9669702
    Abstract: A fuel saving system includes a vehicle. A housing is coupled to the vehicle and the housing captures air when the vehicle is driven. A baffling unit is coupled to the housing and the baffling unit selectively inhibits the air from entering the housing. A turbo is rotatably positioned within the housing and the turbo is rotated by the air passing through the housing. Thus, the turbo produces rotational torque. A drive is coupled between the vehicle and the turbo. The drive transfers the rotational torque to the vehicle thereby increasing a fuel efficiency of the vehicle when the vehicle is driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: Jaime Lozano
  • Patent number: 9669765
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a work machine, in particular in the form of a dump truck or of a truck, having an upper deck which can be walked on arranged at the front above a bumper and having an operator's cabin arranged laterally on the upper deck with at least one step-like access system arranged in front of the operators cabin. In accordance with the invention, an intermediate stand lowered with respect to the upper deck is arranged in front of the operator's cabin and steps lead in each case laterally to the upper deck from this while steps lead at least to the bumper from the intermediate stand to the front in the direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Liebherr-Mining Equipment Colmar SAS
    Inventors: Kilian Vernickel, Frank Hundertpfund, Burkhard Richthammer
  • Patent number: 9669767
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle step apparatus comprising a first extending and retracting device comprising a first mounting bracket, a first step bracket, and a first arm assembly coupled between the first mounting bracket and the first step bracket and configured to drive the first step bracket to move between an extending position and a retracting position; a second extending and retracting device comprising a second mounting bracket, a second step bracket, and a second arm assembly configured to drive the second step bracket to move; a step mounted on the first step bracket and the second step bracket; a single motor mounted on the first mounting bracket and having a motor shaft coupled with the first arm assembly; and a transmission shaft defining a first end coupled with the motor shaft, and a second end coupled with the second arm assembly via a braking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: T-MAX (HANGZHOU) INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD
    Inventors: Xinfa Du, Yongyong Zhan, Qi Zhang
  • Patent number: 9669891
    Abstract: A bicycle (1,51,61,81,91) for children that can “grow” with the child. The bicycle comprises a frame (3,53,63,83,93) having a seat-tube (5). The frame has a front wheel (11), a rear wheel (13), a pair of handlebars (19), and a saddle (15) having a seat-post (17) for insertion into the seat-tube. The bicycle comprises a detachably mounted drivetrain (27) for releasable engagement of the frame to allow conversion of the bicycle to a balance bicycle or a pedal bicycle. Furthermore, the bicycle frame itself is height-adjustable to allow adjustment of the seat tube's (5) height above ground and reach-adjustable to allow adjustment of the distance between the saddle (15) and the handlebars (19). By providing such a bicycle, the bicycle will be convertible from a balance bicycle to a pedal bicycle and will also have a frame that is adjustable in height and reach. This bicycle will be suitable for a wide range of child heights and cycling abilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: Simon Peter Evans