Patents Examined by Brian Swenson
  • Vehicle with air cleaner
    Patent number: 9499044
    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 exposed above the placement surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hayato Osaki
  • Personal mobility device
    Patent number: 9498402
    Abstract: A personal mobility device includes a frame including first, second, third, and fourth frame members. The first and second frame members are connected, such as by a pivot joint. The third and fourth frame members are connected to collapse in the same plane as the first and second frame members. The first and third, and second and fourth, frame members are also connected via hinges. This allows the device to fold (“collapse”) and unfold (“expand”) substantially simultaneously in two substantially orthogonal planes. A tension wire assembly is provided that biases the frame into a collapsed configuration; a locking mechanism is provided that holds the frame in an expanded configuration. Alternatively, tendons can bias the frame into an expanded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventors: Colin Touhey, Henry Ebbott-Burg, Patricia Kavanagh
  • Transforming trailer system and method
    Patent number: 9493103
    Abstract: A single or double axle trailer including an axle assembly for moving the trailer axles forward or backwards along a track. As the axle assembly moves toward the front end of the trailer, the track leads into a drop cavity space which causes the trailer to drop closer to the ground. At the same time, a pair of carrier arms which hold up a dovetail platform hingedly connected to the rear of the trailer are pulled out from the dovetail, causing the platform to drop toward the ground. Once the carrier arms are pulled all of the way forward and the axles are in the drop cavity, vehicles may be driven up the dovetail platform like a ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventors: Alfred L. Engelken, Jeremiah L. Engelken
  • Temperature adjustment structure
    Patent number: 9487077
    Abstract: A temperature adjustment structures includes a first duct, a blower, and a second duct. The first duct includes an intake port. The blower is connected to the first duct and configured to take in air through the intake port. The blower is placed forward of an electric storage apparatus in the vehicle. The second duct is connected to the blower and the electric storage apparatus and configured to direct the air from the blower to the electric storage apparatus. The second duct extends downward in the vehicle from the blower toward the electric storage apparatus. The electric storage apparatus is housed in a recessed portion of a floor panel, and the recessed portion is located below a luggage compartment of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takenori Tsuchiya, Koichi Nagamine, Toyotaka Maeda, Yusuke Katayama, Kazuhiro Nakamura
  • Tricycle
    Patent number: 9469365
    Abstract: A folding tricycle (1) for transporting a person, wherein the tricycle (1) comprises a front wheel (2), two rear wheels (3) and a frame joining the wheels (2, 3) wherein the frame comprises two arms (7) that carry the rear wheels (3). The arms (7) are connected to the rest of the frame in such a manner that the arm (7) can adopt different positions relative to the rest of the frame. The width and length of the tricycle (1) are therefore adjustable. In all positions of the arms (7), the 10 planes wherein the rear wheels (3) are located are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tricycle (1), and the tricycle (1) can be driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: N.G.M. SPRL
    Inventor: Johan Neerman
  • Vehicle radiator V type layout
    Patent number: 9469187
    Abstract: Heat exchanger configurations for a vehicle. The heat exchangers can take the form of a condenser and a radiator. Instead of arranging the heat exchangers sequentially within a unitary air duct, this disclosure describes a multiple channel ducting system, where the heat exchangers are arranged in a v shape that allows a first portion of air entering the air to travel up towards a trunk of the vehicle and a second portion of the air to travel downward and out through a bottom exterior surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: THUNDER POWER HONG KONG LTD.
    Inventor: Ming-Hui Ho
  • Automotive vehicle and method of determining forward or backward movement of same
    Patent number: 9469200
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle may include an electric machine and a controller. The electric machine may be configured to provide and receive mechanical torque. The controller may be configured to determine forward or backward movement of the vehicle based on the provided or received mechanical torque and a mechanical power of the electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bader M. Badreddine, Ming Lang Kuang
  • Manually operated electrical control and installation scheme for electric hybrid vehicles
    Patent number: 9463786
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle system facilitates operator control over electric power generation and use. The system features a motor/generator that can be mounted to an output of a transmission of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventor: Albert W. Brown
  • Therapeutic mobility assistive device
    Patent number: 9456952
    Abstract: A therapeutic mobility assistive device provides safe, stable ambulatory activity while reducing lower extremity swelling and improving muscle strength, balance, muscle coordination, nerve function and circulation, walking ability, walking endurance and gait training, all at the user's pace. The device is simple to use and flexible in design to accommodate varying body sizes. Whether in closed or first and second open positions via telescoping portions, the device prevents risk of fall and instability issues during periods of rest and ambulatory activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Ian K Cook
  • Skateboard truck system and method
    Patent number: 9457260
    Abstract: A foot cover assembly comprising a foot cover and a base plate is disclosed. The foot cover releaseably attaches to the base plate. The base plate releaseably attaches to a board assembly. A portion of the foot cover is arranged over a deck of the board assembly. The foot cover selectively holds a foot of a rider of the board assembly between the foot cover and the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Derek Weber
  • Tricycle
    Patent number: 9452804
    Abstract: A tricycle (1), designed to move a user, that is more ergonomic and easier to operate to carry a person, comprising a front wheel (2), two rear wheels (3), a frame (4) joining the wheels (2, 3), substantially comprising a stationary rear section (4a) relative to the support plane of the three wheels (2, 3) and a front section (4b) being able to pivot laterally, relative to the substantially stationary section (4a), about a tilting axis (19) substantially in the longitudinal direction of the tricycle (1), a footrest (5) located on the pivoting section (4b) and an ischiatic support (6) located on the essentially stationary section (4a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: N.G.M. SPRL
    Inventor: Johan Neerman
  • Toe-piece for ski-touring bindings
    Patent number: 9440137
    Abstract: A toe-piece for ski-touring bindings includes a base plate coupled to two jaws. The base plate provided with holes for fixing by screws to the surface of a ski extending in the longitudinal direction from a front tip to a rear tail-end. The two jaws situated opposite each other and symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal axis. Each of the two jaws having a transverse arm and a vertical arm provided with a respective transverse conical pin, which arms are configured to rotate about an axis substantially parallel to the base plate and to the longitudinal direction between a closed and/or open position for retaining and/or inserting and releasing the toe of a ski-boot and an open and/or closed position for releasing and inserting and/or retaining the toe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: SKI TRAB S.r.l.
    Inventor: Daniele Trabucchi
  • Vehicle
    Patent number: 9440671
    Abstract: A utility vehicle with ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features is disclosed. A vehicle is also disclosed with improved cooling, suspension and drive systems. These features enhance the utility of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Adam J. Schlangen, Jason K. Raska
  • Non-pneumatic tire and system for molding non-pneumatic tire
    Patent number: 9440404
    Abstract: A system for molding a non-pneumatic tire may include a lower mold portion including a lower face plate configured to provide a lower relief corresponding to a first side of the tire. The system may further include an upper mold portion configured to be coupled to the lower mold portion. The upper mold portion may include an upper face plate configured to provide an upper relief corresponding to a second side of the tire. The system may also include a plurality of mold inserts configured to be positioned between the lower and upper face plates. The mold inserts may include a shell portion at least partially enclosing a void configured to provide a cavity in the tire, and the shell portion of the mold inserts is configured to remain embedded in the tire upon removal of the tire from the lower and upper mold portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Martin
  • Vehicle control system
    Patent number: 9434226
    Abstract: A capture and control device adapted for mounting to the front end of a law enforcement vehicle so as to restrain a suspect vehicle from fleeing and including at least one hook adapted to fit into undercarriage areas of the suspect vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Kevin A. Trigo
  • Vehicle wheel
    Patent number: 9431000
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel includes an additional air chamber member on an outer circumferential surface of a well functioning as a Helmholtz resonator in a tire air chamber. The additional air chamber includes a body including an additional air chamber and a communication through hole for communication between the additional air chamber with a tire air chamber, and a fastening part for fastening the body between the first vertical wall surface and the second vertical wall surface. An upper surface of the body inclines to have an upward slope from a side of the first vertical wall surface to a side of the second vertical wall surface. The upper surface of the body is formed to extend along and inside or outside in a wheel diametrical direction a line connecting from the top of the vertical wall to the top of the hump on the side of the second vertical wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youichi Kamiyama, Katsushi Ishii
  • Integrated powertrain and chassis design for maximized passenger cabin volume of a vehicle
    Patent number: 9421853
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle structure that extends along a longitudinal axis. An engine includes a crankshaft that defines a crank axis disposed substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis. A transmission includes an output shaft that defines a transmission output axis substantially parallel with the crank axis. The transmission output axis is disposed nearer the forward end of the vehicle structure than the crank axis. The crank axis is disposed vertically above the transmission output axis a distance of about 140 mm. The engine includes at least one cylinder bore that defines a bore axis disposed perpendicular to and may intersect the crank axis. The bore axis may be angled toward the forward end of the vehicle structure to define an angle between the bore axis and a vertical plane. The angle between the bore axis and the vertical plane may be about 18°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James L. Luttinen, Julian Broadbent, Alan W. Hayman, William A. Bear, James B. Borgerson, Daryl A. Wilton, Robert E. Zeweke, Thomas A. Barth
  • Structurally supported non-pneumatic wheel with reinforcements and method of manufacture
    Patent number: 9421820
    Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel with reinforcement bands that provide structural support for the wheel and a method of manufacture of such a wheel are described. The reinforcement band forms part of an annular reinforcement structure that includes foam spacers positioned between the annular reinforcement band. The foam can be a reticulated foam into which a matrix material such as a polyurethane is introduced. The matrix material can also be used to form one or more features of the non-pneumatic wheel such as spokes, a mounting band, and a hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignees: MICHELIN RECHERCHE et TECHNIQUE S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Brian D. Wilson, Michael Edward Dotson, Patrick A. Petri, Kirkland W. Vogt
  • Skateboard accessory
    Patent number: 9415296
    Abstract: A skateboard is configured to receive at least one faceplate. The skateboard has a motherboard which further has a top side, a bottom side, a front end, and a rear end. The motherboard is symmetrical about a central axis which runs from the front end to the rear end. A forward truck and a rearward truck are attached to the motherboard. A plurality of slots are arranged symmetrically about the central axis on the motherboard. The plurality of slots are adapted to receive the at least one faceplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Cornell Miller
  • Cart with collecting bin
    Patent number: 9414890
    Abstract: A cart includes a main body, wheels, first drawers, at least one collecting bin and at least one driving unit. The wheels are disposed on the bottom of the main body. The first drawers are contained in a front space of the main body and are configured to be pulled out of the main body via a front surface thereof. The collecting bin is contained in a rear space of the main body. The collecting bin has an opening and an accommodation space communicated with the opening. The opening is located in the rear space such that the accommodation space is not exposed to the outside of the main body. The driving unit is coupled to the collecting bin and configured to receive an external triggering to turn the collecting bin out of the main body via a rear surface thereof, to expose the opening and the accommodation space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: MELTEN corporation
    Inventors: Fang-Chi Wu, Chih-Hung Tseng