Patents Examined by Christopher Ellis
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Patent number: 9394050Abstract: A micro aerial vehicle capable of controlled transitory or sustained gliding flight. The vehicle includes a fuselage. A pair of articulated wings are forward of a center of gravity of the vehicle, the wings being articulated and having trailing edge flaps, and having actuators for controlling the dihedral angles of the wings and the flaps for effective yaw control across the flight envelope. The dihedral angles can be varied symmetrically on both wings to control the aircraft speed independently of the angle of attack and flight-path angle, while an asymmetric dihedral setting can be used to control yaw and the actuators control the dihedral settings of each wing independently. The aircraft lacks a vertical tail or other vertical stabilizer.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2013Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of IllinoisInventors: Aditya Avinash Paranjape, Soon-Jo Chung
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Patent number: 9193438Abstract: A coupling mechanism between a control member (1?) that generates manual flight commands and a trim actuator (4) forming part of a mechanical transmission train for transmitting flight commands in an aircraft. The coupling mechanism comprises axial engagement means between a lever arm (3) mechanically connected to the control member (1?) and a pivot shaft (10) forming part of the trim actuator (4). The axial engagement means comprise co-operating interlocking members (13, 14) arranged on coupling members (18, 19) constrained to move in rotation respectively with the lever arm (3) and with the pivot shaft (10). Each of the coupling members (18, 19) includes axial passages (26) enabling the other coupling member (18, 19) to pass axially therethrough. An interruption of said axial engagement causes the coupling members (18, 19) to move axially one through the other under the effect of axial thrust (P) exerted by elastically deformable means (15) used for obtaining said axial engagement.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2014Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Airbus HelicoptersInventors: Brice Lebernicheux, Andre Le-Gall
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Patent number: 8029007Abstract: The present invention is a passenger assembly for a stroller and is adaptable to almost any stroller and is capable of practice in numerous embodiments. The preferred embodiment features a chassis mounted platform with adjustable mounting arms. A mounting mechanism is located at the terminus of each arm and is attachable and removable from the stroller frame with the passenger assembly. A number of potential mounting mechanisms are disclosed. An extension handle is provided to allow users greater control of the stroller from a distance further than normal, as the assembly occupies the position proximate the stroller, where the user ordinarily stands. Modules are capable of addition to the assembly, such as a seat or basket, or a stow strap for securement of the assembly when not in use.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2004Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Inventors: Andrew D. Jones, Robin Peng, Ralph Sonderegger, Bart Peterson, Kevin Kinkade
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Patent number: 7611162Abstract: A front pillar trim structure for a curtain airbag in a vehicle is disclosed. In preferred configurations, the front pillar trim structure comprises a handle mounted on a front pillar trim so that a passenger can conveniently use the handle when entering or exiting a vehicle, and wherein the front pillar trim is adapted to be moved effectively by the expansion force of the curtain airbag without being destroyed when a vehicular collision occurs.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2005Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Yong Chae Kim
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Patent number: 7607692Abstract: An automobile ballast device includes a bladder member configured to hold various amounts of matter and having an inlet for selectively allowing the matter to enter the bladder member. The automobile ballast device further includes a plurality of lower panels configured to collectively form a unitary platform below the bladder member, each lower panel having an interlocking member complementary to an interlocking member of another respective lower panel. Similarly, the automobile ballast device includes a plurality of upper panels configured to collectively form a unitary platform atop the bladder member, each upper panel having an interlocking member complementary to an interlocking member of another respective upper panel. The ballast device also includes a plurality of spacers, each spacer being coupled to respective lower upper panels for maintaining a selected distance therebetween. Each spacer includes indicia indicative of a volume or weight of ballast matter.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2007Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Inventors: Edie A. Adams, Caren M. Wiersema
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Patent number: 7581615Abstract: An improved saddle-ride type vehicle in which heat radiation of a body is improved while the exterior appearance of the body is enhanced, and an exhaust pipe and a muffler are free from interference from the outside while a hose, a cable and the like are designed to be easily retained in place in a simple structure. A saddle-ride type vehicle provides a side cover disposed on the side of a body frame, a foot board disposed below the side cover and an exhaust pipe extending in the forward and rearward direction of a vehicle body disposed inside the body frame. The exhaust pipe is disposed as viewed laterally so as to be exposed to the exterior through an opening surrounded by an upper slat frame, the side cover and the side plate of a foot board, and the guard member is disposed at the opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2005Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Karube, Rei Shioya, Masahiro Inoue, Yuji Maki
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Patent number: 7559389Abstract: In a fuel cell equipped vehicle (10), a fuel cell (30) is accommodated in a first recess portion (22) which forms part of a floor panel (20) of a vehicle passenger room (R1) and which is provided below front seats (60), with an upper portion of the fuel cell (30) protruding above a reference plane (20a) of the floor panel (20). That is, the fuel cell (30) is disposed inside the vehicle passenger room (R1) and is protected from dust or slop. Accordingly, maintenance of the fuel cell (30) is easier to carry out in comparison with a case where it is exposed to dust or slop.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2003Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masayoshi Yamashita
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Patent number: 7547021Abstract: An automatic transmission bicycle including a bicycle frame, a chain ring, a pair of pedals, a wheel, and a plurality of gears coupled to the bicycle frame. The plurality of gears has a plurality of gear combinations defined by at least two gears cooperatively engaged. The automatic transmission bicycle includes an electric motor coupled to the bicycle frame. The automatic transmission bicycle includes a voltage generator configured to generate a current that has a corresponding voltage dependent upon rotational speed of the wheel. The automatic transmission bicycle includes a gear shifter in electrical communication with the voltage generator and configured to receive the current generated by the voltage generator. The gear shifter shifts between two respective gear combinations from the plurality of gear combinations in response to receiving the current that has a corresponding voltage within a predetermined voltage range.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Nirve Sports, Ltd.Inventor: Dan Bon
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Patent number: 7520354Abstract: A vehicle including a prime mover, a generator mechanically coupled to the prime mover, a first multi-input drive unit having at least first and second rotational inputs and at least one rotational output wherein the first rotational input is coupled to the prime mover, a first electric motor mechanically coupled to the second rotational input and electrically coupled to the generator and a first pair of vehicle drive wheels coupled to the rotational output.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2002Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Oshkosh Truck CorporationInventors: Jon J. Morrow, Christopher K. Yakes
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Patent number: 7503572Abstract: A retractable vehicle step for use in allowing a user to access a vehicle is provided. The retractable vehicle step includes a mounting bracket that can be configured for attachment with a trailer hitch receiver of the vehicle. A pair of arms are provided and are pivotally attached to the mounting bracket. The pair of arms are movable between an extended position and a retracted position. A step is carried by the pair of arms. The step is configured for being stepped on by the user to access the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2006Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Inventors: Brenda K. Park, Richard C. Rodgers
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Patent number: 7500680Abstract: A wheeled transport device, such as luggage, a trash can, a garden cart or other hand cart configured to be manually wheeled in an inclined position by a pedestrian user, includes a collapsible handle at one end and wheels at the other end. The wheels are independently connected to the device by respective suspensions that exhibit a compliance, in response to forces applied to their respective wheels by the surface in a direction opposing wheel motion, selected to sufficiently alter suspension geometry to temporarily change an attitude, such as toe, camber or caster, of their respective wheels to counter a tendency of the device to overturn in response to the applied forces.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Umagination Labs, L.P.Inventors: Douglas C. Dayton, Florian Altmann
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Patent number: 7494136Abstract: The invention relates to a basket, in particular, intended for storing and transporting goods in shops and other selling premises. The basket is formed of a body, including a bottom wall and four lateral walls, castors, and a grasping mechanism. The casters enable the basket to move by rolling over the ground. According to the invention, the grasping mechanism is a telescopic arm deploying from one of the walls of the body of the basket, the one wall being called the proximal wall.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Joalpe Industria de Expositores, S.A.Inventors: Manuel Alves, Pedro Dinis
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Patent number: 7494135Abstract: A shopping vehicle includes a wheeled chassis supporting a main cart and a utility portion. The main cart includes a front portion and a rear portion with the utility portion extending rearward from the rear portion of the main cart. The utility portion includes a generally horizontal platform and a generally vertical support structure. The support structure extends generally upward and generally perpendicular relative to the generally horizontal platform. The platform and the support structure of the utility portion, in combination with the rear portion of the main cart define a first cargo zone behind the main cart.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2006Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Ash, Mitchell W. Knoll, William D. Splain, Larry S. Hubbard
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Patent number: 7490685Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is provided that can be made to travel by means of motor generators (MG1, MG2) while an engine (E) is stopped, the engine (E), which can reduce pumping loss by running with a cylinder in a cut-off state, being connected to a front wheel (Wf) via the first motor/generator (MG1), an oil pump (13), a first clutch (14), a belt type continuously variable transmission (M), and a second clutch (20), and the second motor/generator (MG2) being connected to a rear wheel (Wr). When the vehicle is made to travel by driving or braking the rear wheel (Wr) with the second motor/generator (MG2), by driving the oil pump (13) with the first motor/generator (MG1) in a state in which the engine (E), which has stopped running, is put into a cylinder cut-off state and the second clutch (20) is disengaged, a hydraulic pressure for shifting the belt type continuously variable transmission (M) is generated.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2003Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Aoki, Tetsu Sugiyama, Nobuhiro Kira
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Patent number: 7490683Abstract: A mid-wheel drive power wheelchair for use by handicapped and disabled persons is provided having a frame, a seat supported by the frame, a pair of drive wheels supported on the frame under the seat, drive means for causing rotation of the drive wheels, power means for supplying power to the drive means, a rearward idler wheel, a forward anti-tip device and a resilient suspension supporting the forward anti-tip device, the suspension being attached to the drive means rearward of the front portion of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2004Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventor: Walter E. Schaffner
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Patent number: 7487989Abstract: A wheelchair which facilitates the storage of retractable leg rests within its side frames. These leg rest are independently able to be in the “stored” or “use” positions and continue to allow the wheelchair frame to be folded. The leg rest members are telescopically mounted to each other and allow for leg length adjustment on this telescopic slide. This leg rest assembly has angle adjustability to suit multiple angles of the occupant's knees for comfort.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2005Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Inventor: Gary Edward Crosby, II
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Patent number: 7487996Abstract: The present invention provides a small, high-output gas generator for an air bag. A filter 30 is disposed between a first gas generator 11 and a second gas generator 21. Gas discharged from the first gas generator 11 and gas discharged from the second gas generator 21 pass through the same filter 30, and are then discharged from a second gas discharge port 36 to inflate the air bag.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Nobuyuki Katsuda, Mikio Yabuta
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Patent number: 7487977Abstract: A children's wagon includes a body supported by wheels and having an interior. Panels are pivotally attached to the wagon body and are positioned within the interior of the wagon. At least one such panel has a second panel pivotally attached to it. The panels may be moved between generally upright and horizontal positions so that the wagon features multiple interior configurations.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2006Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.Inventor: Mark Johnson
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Patent number: 7484742Abstract: Disclosed herein is a caster skate apparatus to be propelled in a direction changeable manner by use of rider's both feet. The apparatus comprises front and rear boards (20, 30) to support both feet thereon, first and second rollers (22, 23) mounted to the underside of the front board at front and rear locations by a predetermined distance, third and fourth rollers (32, 33) mounted to the underside of the rear board at front and rear locations by a predetermined distance, a flexible connector (52) having a predetermined length and connected at opposite ends thereof to the front and rear boards to allow the front and rear boards to independently move within a predetermined range. A rotating center of each of the first and third rollers is spaced apart from an axis, having a predetermined inclination angle with respect to undersides of the respective boards, by a predetermined distance.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2005Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Tasem Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ynok Choi
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Patent number: 7481442Abstract: Mudguard support for self-propelled operating machinery mounted on wheels, comprising a first element (2) intended to be fixed on the hub (11) of a steered wheel of the machinery, and a second element (3) which is articulated to the preceding along a substantially vertical axis (4), and is set to support the mudguard of said wheel, where between said first (2) and second (3) elements a repositioning system is interposed adapted to constantly force the mentioned elements towards a neutral configuration wherein the mudguard is found in the normal covering position of the wheel, and where a counter means is foreseen adapted to hold said second element at the time of particularly sharp turns in the direction wherein the position plane of the wheel diverges from the axis of the machinery in the movement direction, a further counter means being foreseen adapted to hold said second element at the time of particularly sharp turns in the direction wherein the position plane of the wheel converges towards the axis of tType: GrantFiled: May 26, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Lodi Luigi e Figli S.r.l.Inventors: Enzo Lodi, Elios Lodi, Luigi Lodi