Patents Examined by Christopher B Wehrly
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Patent number: 12221190Abstract: Provided is a hub type driving device applicable to an electric bicycle of a throttle mode, a PAS mode, and a throttle and PAS combination mode, and an electric bicycle using same. The hub type driving device comprises: a housing having an accommodation space therein; a support shaft for penetrating to pass through the housing and of which both ends are fixed to a fork of the electric bicycle; first and second bearings for rotatably supporting the housing around the support shaft; an electric motor for generating a rotational force rotated around the support shaft; a derailleur for decelerating the rotational force of the electric motor; and a clutch for selectively transmitting an output of the derailleur to the housing. The derailleur is formed of a planetary gear device of a sun gear input, a carrier fixation, and a ring gear output mode.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2020Date of Patent: February 11, 2025Assignee: AMOTECH CO., LTD.Inventor: Jeong Hoon Lee
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Patent number: 12195113Abstract: The Reconfigurable Wheel-Track (RWT) device is a novel mechanism that allows a wheel to transform into a track, and vice versa. The wheel mode allows a vehicle to travel quickly over smooth and semi-rough terrain, then, on-the-fly, transform rapidly into a powered track mode for crossing extreme terrain. The reconfigurable wheeltrack device comprises several main components: an outer tire/tread, a drive mechanism for driving the tread when in track mode and a reconfiguration mechanism that facilitates the transformation from wheel mode to track mode and vice versa. The reconfigurable wheel-track includes sensing, actuation, and controls to facilitate efficient and effective transitions, and securely maintain each wheel and track shape.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2020Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: Carnegie Mellon UniversityInventors: Richard Pantaleo, Dimitrios Apostolopoulos, Edward Mutschler, Matthew Glisson
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Patent number: 12193359Abstract: A self-driving work vehicle includes: a front wheel unit; a rear wheel unit including a left rear wheel and a right rear wheel; a variable traveling power supply apparatus that supplies rotational drive power to the left rear wheel and the right rear wheel independently; a left operation implement movable along a first path to adjust a rate of the rotational drive power to be supplied to the left rear wheel from the variable traveling power supply apparatus; a right operation implement movable along a second path to adjust a rate of the rotational drive power to be supplied to the right rear wheel from the variable traveling power supply apparatus; a parking brake provided for the variable traveling power supply apparatus; and a controller configured or programmed to cause a parking brake operating module to operate the parking brake.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2021Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Yasuhiro Manji, Tomohiko Hisakuni
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Patent number: 12194842Abstract: An axle in particular of a universal carrier frame, which includes an arm of the axle, a power drive unit, swivel drive units, swivel distribution systems, travel distribution systems. At one end of the arm of the axle, a front portal suspension of a front wheel is rotatably arranged. At the other end of the arm of the axle, a rear portal suspension of the rear wheel is rotatably arranged. The front portal suspension of the front wheel and the rear portal suspension of the rear wheel comprise an angular chain transmission comprising a drive shaft having a longitudinal axis, a driven shaft having a longitudinal axis, a link chain for connecting the drive shaft and the driven shaft, and a pulley angular system of the link chain to define the angle (a) between the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft and the longitudinal axis of the driven shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2020Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: DVOŘÁK—SVAHOVÉ SEKAČKY S.R.O.Inventor: Pavel Vondráček
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Patent number: 12195126Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for a rear triangle configuration for a micromobility transit vehicle. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a micromobility transit vehicle is provided. The micromobility transit vehicle may include a seat tube, a wishbone seat stay including a fork and post connecting the fork to the seat tube, a collar connected to the post and rotatable about an axis defined by the post, and a lock cable connected to the collar to rotate about the post. The fork may be connected to a pair of chain stays, such as via a pair of rear dropouts, to extend around a portion of a rear wheel. The rear dropouts may include a vertical dropout structure and positively lock to an electric motor, such as via complementary structures. A channel may be disposed in a rear dropout to receive a motor cable running to the electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2020Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: Lyft, Inc.Inventors: Calvin Jye Chang, Eahab Nagi El Naga, Erica Catherine Keenan, Chen-Yu Lin, Andrew Michael Reimer, Joseph Daniel Taylor
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Patent number: 12195136Abstract: A power transmission unit for electric bicycles includes an input structure, an output structure, a torque detection unit, a detection target, and a detection unit. The input structure includes an input shaft. The input shaft is caused to rotate by external force transmitted thereto. The input structure rotates along with the input shaft. The output structure outputs rotational power by rotating along with the input structure. The torque detection unit is provided on an outer periphery of the input structure. The detection target rotates either along with, or while interlocking with, the input structure. The detection unit detects a rotational state of the detection target. At least part of the torque detection unit and at least part of the detection target overlap with each other when viewed perpendicularly to a rotational axis of the input structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2019Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masafumi Kawakami, Takanori Nakano
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Patent number: 12195137Abstract: A power transmission unit is used for generating auxiliary driving force for an electric bicycle, and includes a motor, an input structure, a speed reducer, a case, a bearing, and a bearing support portion. The motor includes a motor shaft. The input structure includes an input shaft and configured to rotate along with the input shaft, the input shaft being caused to rotate by external force transmitted thereto. Thea speed reducer mechanism is configured to transmit a rotational power of the motor shaft while reducing a rotational speed. The case houses the motor, the input structure, and the speed reducer mechanism. The case includes a first divided part and a second divided part. The bearing is located inside the case. The bearing supporting portion, to which the bearing is attached, supports the speed reducer mechanism. The bearing supporting portion is attached to the first divided part.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2022Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masafumi Kawakami, Takanori Nakano
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Patent number: 12195134Abstract: A bicycle having an increased mounting area is shown and described. In one embodiment, a bicycle includes a top tube. In another embodiment, a bicycle includes a drop tube frame. Other examples include a bicycle including a frame having a top tube hinged at one end and releasably connected to another end for easier mount and dismount of the bike. Methods for easier bicycle mount and dismount are also included.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2024Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Inventor: Earle S. Bower
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Patent number: 12195117Abstract: A system and method for an articulated hybrid wheel made of an array of identical individual segments forming adjustable limbs which can function independently and in unison to provide the spokes of the wheel for smooth travel over flat terrain with the added advantage of transitioning its shape for greater traction, approach angle, and reach when negotiating vertical change in terrains in an inherently efficient, stable, and robust format.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2021Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Inventor: Marco Mire
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Patent number: 12195135Abstract: Disclosed is a crank variable-speed gear device (100) wherein the gear ratio can be increased to 1.6:1 to 1.8:1 through a gear assembly and a latch assembly, and the gear ratio can also be changed to 1:1, if necessary, thereby providing an excellent transmission efficiency, facilitating the manipulation thereof, and making it possible to provide a compact and lightweight bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2019Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignees: SPEEDTECH CO., LTD.Inventors: Jang Young Han, Dal Won Seo
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Patent number: 12194837Abstract: A pressure vessel mounting system for mounting a pressure vessel to a vehicle chassis is disclosed. In various embodiments, the system includes a first end frame; a second end frame spaced a distance from the first end frame, the distance being sufficient to receive a pressure vessel between the first end frame and the second end frame; a first side frame extending between the first end frame and the second end frame, the first side frame configured for coupling to a first chassis rail of the vehicle chassis via at least one of the first end frame and the second end frame; and a second side frame extending between the first end frame and the second end frame. Via use of the pressure vessel mounting system, impact damage to pressure vessels may be reduced and/or eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2021Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: Nikola CorporationInventors: Livio Richard Gambone, Alexander Waldemar Grab, David Leigh Grottenthaler, Paul Benjamin Reidhead, Jesse Michael Schneider
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Patent number: 12194797Abstract: A connection system for use on a fifth-wheel coupling includes first and second connection units each including a carrier unit and a plug-in unit each having a coupling axis and mounted on the respective carrier unit so as to be able to pivot about a respective pivot axis, a, the first and second plug-in units respectively including a coupling region of an electrical line element and/or a fluid-conveying line, the second connection unit mounted on a semi-trailer to be pivotable about a pivot axis such that the second connection unit can be moved into a coupling position, wherein the second pivot axis extends parallel to the first pivot axis when the second connection unit is in the coupling position, and wherein the first coupling axis is essentially collinear with the second coupling axis if the first and second plug-in units are in the coupling position.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2019Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND GmbHInventor: Mario Sebastian Köster
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Patent number: 12194776Abstract: A vehicle equipped with a plurality of omni-directional wheels includes a grounding part that supports the vehicle by grounding to a ground surface, a moving mechanism to protrude the grounding part from the bottom of the vehicle toward the ground surface, and a controller for controlling the moving mechanism so as to ground said grounding part to the ground surface. The controller is configured to control the moving mechanism so as to ground the grounding part to the ground surface when the vehicle is detected to have stopped.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2021Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Daisuke Ishii, Daisuke Sato, Hiroki Izu, Hiroki Morita, Kei Sato, Masaki Nanahara, Kazumi Serizawa, Hironobu Tanaka, Shunsuke Mogi, Takashi Hayashi, Akihiro Kusumoto
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Patent number: 12193362Abstract: A garden tool has a controllable travel drive system, wherein the travel drive system is designed to propel the garden tool, and a speed control device, wherein the speed control device has a user-operable operating element and a displacement sensor device. At least one sensor part of the displacement sensor device is supported so as to be movable in translation. The operating element is designed by its operation to displace at least the sensor part in translation. A sensor signal of the displacement sensor device is dependent on a translational position of at least the sensor part. The speed control device is designed for controlling the travel drive system for the variable setting of a travel speed of the garden tool in accordance with the sensor signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2021Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KGInventors: Markus Gassner, Laura Pantel
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Patent number: 12195112Abstract: The Reconfigurable Wheel-Track (RWT) is a novel mechanism that allows a wheel to transform into a track, and vice-versa. The wheel permits a vehicle to travel quickly over smooth and semi-rough terrain, then, on-the-fly, transform rapidly into a powered track for crossing extreme terrain. The reconfigurable wheel-track consists of several main components: an outer tire/tread, drive mechanisms for the wheel and track, support mechanisms for the outer tread when in either wheel mode or track mode, and a reconfiguration mechanism that facilitates the transformation from a wheel to a track and vice-versa. The reconfigurable wheel-track includes sensing, actuation, and controls to facilitate efficient and effective transition from wheel to track and vice-versa, and securely maintain each shape.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2020Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: Carnegie Mellon UniversityInventors: Richard Pantaleo, Dimitrios Apostolopoulos, Edward Mutschler, Matthew Glisson
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Patent number: 12194838Abstract: A light duty vehicle includes a vehicle frame, including a pair of vehicle longitudinal beams connected to each other by a plurality of cross-members and a cabin frame, having a pair of cabin longitudinal beams rigidly connected to front ends of the vehicle longitudinal beams. A supporting structure for auxiliary units, such as gaseous fuel tanks or electric batteries, which is carried by the vehicle frame, and includes an auxiliary frame extending between the vehicle longitudinal beams and having connection plates arranged in vertical planes parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle frame and which are in contact with mutually facing inner lateral walls of the vehicle longitudinal beams and are rigidly connected to these longitudinal beams. The auxiliary frame fulfills a structural function equivalent to the structural function of one or more cross-members at an area of the vehicle frame where the cross-members are omitted.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2019Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: C.R.F. Società Consortile per AzioniInventors: Mario Bochicchio De Maria, Dino De Stefano, Fabrizio Urbinati, Roberto Puppini
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Patent number: 12195111Abstract: A robotized tractor unit comprises a frame and a housing, an axle mounted on the frame, at least two main wheels mounted on either side of the axle, at least one electric engine arranged to drive the wheels to rotate through transmission, a braking system, a fifth wheel, a mechanism for damping and adjusting the position of the fifth wheel, a control system, wherein the mechanism for damping and adjusting the position of the fifth wheel comprises a first and a second support elements and a first and a second independently controlled pneumatic units. The design of the present invention provides for the reliable damping of the fifth wheel, the simplifying of its coupling to a semi-trailer, allowing for towing the semi-trailer at any design height, as well as ruling out a forward or rearward semi-trailer displacement force during lifting the fifth wheel, when the tractor unit is braked.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2021Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: ANT Maschinen GmbHInventor: Sergei Voronezhski
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Patent number: 12195127Abstract: A seat rail structure installed on a vehicle body of a motorcycle. In such a seat rail structure, each of two lateral members and a first coupling member configured to allow a seat to be placed thereon has a laminated structure made of a fiber reinforced resin, each lateral member includes a vertical wall and an upper flange, the first coupling member includes two upper surface contact portions in contact with the upper flanges of the two lateral members, respectively, and two side surface contact portion extending downward from outer edges of the two upper surface contact portions, respectively, each upper surface contact portion is fastened to the upper flange being in contact with the upper surface contact portion, and each side surface contact portion is fastened to the vertical wall being in contact with the side surface contact portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2021Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Daisuke Hatano, Kyohei Ikoma, Kenta Suzuki
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Patent number: 12102574Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide a wheelchair bumper wing. The wheelchair bumper wing may be installed on a manual or electric wheelchair. In embodiments, two wheelchair bumper wings are used, with one wheelchair bumper wing installed on each side of the wheelchair. The wheelchair bumper wings serve to protect the wheels and other components of the wheelchair. In particular, when navigating narrow areas such as doorways, it is possible for a wheelchair wheel to collide with an obstruction, such as a pole or wall, which can potentially cause damage to the wheelchair and/or cause injury to the person sitting in the chair. Some wheelchairs can be quite expensive. The wheelchair bumper wings of disclosed embodiments can help to protect wheels, axles, motors, and other components of a wheelchair in the event of side contact with a structure such as a pole, wall, door jam, or other object. Disclosed embodiments can be used with conventional manual wheelchairs and/or motorized wheelchairs.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2021Date of Patent: October 1, 2024Inventor: Kathleen J. Knott
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Patent number: 12077226Abstract: A bifurcatable mobile rock crusher and method of transporting the same comprising providing a first segment which is separately towable on the highway and providing a second segment which is separately towable on the highway, where each segment is configured to be combined into one unit and towed as a unit on the highway.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2018Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: Terex USA, LLCInventors: Edwin Sauser, Alan P. Eisner