Patents Examined by Christopher Ellis
  • Patent number: 7481459
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a steering shaft (4) of a steering column (1) and (4) for a motor vehicle steering assembly (2), wherein the steering shaft (4) includes a cylinder body (11) and a piston rod body (12) inserted telescopically therein, and on one end is connectible with a steering wheel (6) and at the other is connectible via a steering coupling (5) with a steering gear (7). The assembly of the steering shaft (4) can be simplified thereby, that the steering shaft (4) includes at least one (1) pneumatic connection (13), which communicates with a cylinder space (14), which is provided in the cylinder body (11) and which cylinder space is axially bordered from the piston rod body (12), in such a manner, that pressure actuation of the cylinder space (14) drives the piston rod body (12) to extend from the cylinder body (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Karol Lednicky, Thorsten Meyer, Olaf Sättler, Björn Spangemacher
  • Patent number: 7481440
    Abstract: The device of this invention includes a frame assembly, a support bracket with an opening connected to the frame assembly, a first spring pivotably connected to the frame assembly, and a control mechanism. The control mechanism can be positioned into a first condition where an end of the spring is engaged to the opening in the support bracket and a second condition where the end of the spring is disengaged from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventors: Dennis R. Weber, Matthew Z. Neal
  • Patent number: 7478699
    Abstract: A vehicle passenger detecting device includes a judging circuit (6), which judges whether a passenger seated on a seat (1) is a child or not based on a load acting on each of areas of a seat portion (1a) of the seat for a vehicle, and the judging circuit (6), with a fastened sate of a seat belt (5a), judges whether or not a total load acting on the entire area of the seat portion is within a predetermined range, and when the total load is within the predetermined range, if a front outer load acting on a front outer area is a first threshold or more and the ratio of the front outer load to a front inner load acting on a front inner area is a second threshold or more, or the ratio of both outer loads acting on both of outer areas to both inner loads acting on both of inner areas is a third threshold or more, the judging circuit judges (6) that a seated passenger is a child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventors: Masatoshi Kobayashi, Takahiro Kawakami, Toshinori Yagi
  • Patent number: 7478825
    Abstract: A frame with telescopic closure particularly for pushchairs or the like, comprising two front posts and two rear posts that are connected in a downward region to respective wheels and are kinematically connected to each other, the frame being provided in an upward region with two handle posts that can move with respect to the front posts and the rear posts in order to pass from an extended active position to a retracted folding position, the frame further comprising two upper auxiliary posts, each of which is connected rigidly to a respective handle post and has at least one engagement portion for a corresponding lateral covering wing that is connected to a corresponding side of the back of a seat that is supported by the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: L'Inglesina Baby S.p.A.
    Inventors: Ivan Tomasi, Lino Groppo
  • Patent number: 7475750
    Abstract: A tractor realizes the remarkable reduction of time and efforts necessary for an assembling operation of a hood. Here, a hood is split into a fixed-side forming body which is fixed to the body frame and an open-and-close side forming body which can open/close an upper surface of the fixed-side forming body, and the fixed-side forming body is split into a left half forming member and a right half forming member. On the other hand, a connecting support body is formed on the front portion of the body frame in an upwardly raised state and, front-end abutting portions of left-and-right-side half forming members are connected and fixed to the connecting support body using a connecting body in a state that the front-end abutting portions are sandwiched between the connecting support body and the connecting body in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Tokuhara
  • Patent number: 7475754
    Abstract: A front cross member is installed between a pair of (right and left) front side members, and a plate-shaped sub-cross member, as a mounting member for a suspension or the like, is installed ahead of the front cross member. The front cross member and the sub-cross member are coupled by a backbone brace which is secured to the front cross member and the sub-cross member at positions in right and left portions of the front cross member and the sub-cross member by bolts or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshitsugu Misaki, Kazumi Yasaka, Toshiyuki Matsumi
  • Patent number: 7475748
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle has a rear structure in which a exhaust duct extends rearward from a rear portion of a belt transmission and is detachably supported by a vehicle body frame, the exhaust duct is composed of a plurality of constituent members coupled to one another along an exhaust direction of the exhaust air flowing in the exhaust duct, the constituent members having a distance from one another are formed from a high rigidity material maintaining its own shape thereof, and the constituent members are detachably coupled to one another through a coupling member formed of an elastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Suzuki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiichi Nakamura, Takuya Kusaka, Tetsuharu Nojiri
  • Patent number: 7475889
    Abstract: A combination of two folding lounge chairs and a cooler which, in a folded form, acts as a compact lightweight unit for ease of portability. The chairs are folded and connected to the back of the cooler and interlocked with each other to form a compact unit until ready for sitting. In the folded position, the chair frames act as handles for pulling the cooler, which rolls along on a set of wheels. In the expanded position the two chairs swing out on hinges from the back of the cooler, one unfolding to the right side and the other unfolding to the left side in a sitting position. The entire combination of chairs and cooler is constructed of strong but lightweight materials so that the entire assembly, when folded, forms a compact, portable unit that can be easily rolled on wheels by one person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventors: Harriet Arnett Marmah, Abu Marmah
  • Patent number: 7472921
    Abstract: The present invention is a collapsible self-propelled chair on wheels that is lightweight in construction and easily collapsed, carried, stored and transported by public or private means. The chair performs the function of a wheelchair while avoiding the appearance of a traditional wheelchair thus avoiding the invalid stigma often associated with wheelchairs. It can be configured as an assistive mobility device to fill the unmet needs of aging healthy adults who wish to retain their independence and social interactions or a medical device to assist those with medical needs. Additional features such as an armrest, a footrest, or a reclining back are easily added during manufacture and because of the chairs uncomplicated design and duplicity of parts, it is very economical to manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventors: Richard J. Harrison, William Frederick Mann, III
  • Patent number: 7472767
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheelchair suspension that includes a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly includes at least two linkages. The pivoting assembly is structured so that the drive assists the wheelchair in traversing obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventor: James H. Molnar
  • Patent number: 7472917
    Abstract: A wheel barrow consisting of left and right rear axles, left and right rear wheel assemblies and a hitch coupler for towing at high speeds on public roads having left and right structural rails. Both axles are assembled to the left and right structural rails supported at the front by a structural member bracket. Both structural rails serve as handles at the rear. Left and right coupler brackets are assembled to the structural rails to support a coupler which is mounted on both coupler brackets above the front axle, wheel assembly and structural members. Left and right front axle brackets are assembled to both structural rails to support the front axle and wheel assembly. A tub is assembled to both structural rails for loading and unloading. The wheel barrow couples to a vehicle hitch by raising the front off the ground and lowering on the vehicle ball and hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Kevin D. Loudon
  • Patent number: 7472915
    Abstract: A speed control device suitable for roller skates includes a wedge-shaped floating brake pad actuable into an operative mode in a frictional contact with a disc secured to a blade wheel by means of an actuating lever movable in a controlled manner through the agency of mating scroll formations. The brake pad being configured and sized to, once frictionally engaged with the disc, remain engaged therewith until rotation of the wheel substantially ceases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Quebec Inc./Syrkoss
    Inventor: Yves Syrkos
  • Patent number: 7469926
    Abstract: An inflator device for inflating an inflatable cushion of an inflatable cushion restraint system. The inflator device includes a supply of gas generant material disposed within a sealed chamber, and an initiator device in reaction initiation combination with the supply of gas generant material. A venting orifice connects the chamber to the surrounding ambient environment, and a rupturable seal seals the venting orifice. Upon reaction initiation of the gas generant material to produce inflation gas, the rupturable seal ruptures to vent the chamber to the ambient environment. A valve assembly can be disposed adjacent the venting orifice. A moveable valve piston, in combination with an actuator device, can block the venting orifice as needed to close the venting orifice and stop inflation gas venting. An optional tether release mechanism can be used in combination with the valve assembly to release a cushion tether upon closing of the venting orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Lewis, Gregory J. Lang, Mark L. Enders
  • Patent number: 7469913
    Abstract: The invention is directed to vehicle suspension systems and components thereof including attachment devices for mounting an axle alignment and/or load reacting mechanism to an axle. Disclosed herein are axle towers used for connecting a torque box to an axle. The axle tower of the present invention can include one or more features to absorb and disperse loads to the axle. The axle tower has a more contoured or curved edge on the side plate that experiences a compressive force than a similar edge on the side plate that experiences a tensile force. Furthermore, the axle tower has appendages that extend out from the side plates providing a large footprint on the axle housing. At least one of the appendages extending from the side plate experiencing a compressive force has a curved or radiused corner. Also, the axle towers include an inner plate having an off-centered slot where the troque box connects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Nathan Michael Leden, Richard Steven Holum, Richard Gregory Vogler, Michael Brannigan, Ashley Thomas Dudding
  • Patent number: 7469910
    Abstract: A spring carrier for mounting a spring strut to a vehicle body includes a vibration damper having a cylinder and a piston rod which is axially guided in the cylinder, first and second spring collars, and a spring located between the spring collars. An actuator includes a nut and a threaded spindle surrounding the piston rod, the actuator being driven to change the relative axial position of the spring collars. A guide tube extends coaxially between the piston rod and the threaded spindle, the guide tube being fixed to the vehicle body by a first resilient mount, the piston rod being fixed to the guide tube by a second resilient mount, whereby the piston rod can move relative to the first resilient mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Martin Münster, Ulrich Mair, Detlef Baasch
  • Patent number: 7469911
    Abstract: The invention provides a binding system for a snowboard comprising a boot (2) and a boot receiving plate (4), the boot receiving plate (4) having at least one engagement element (6), and the boot (2) having at least one boot gripping element (3) wherein the or each boot gripping element (3) and the or each engagement element are operable for flexible respective co-engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Martin Sanders
  • Patent number: 7469759
    Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is an arrangement of an electrical power generating system in an electrical vehicle. The electrical power generating system has a first module (2) for preprocessing and metering of the gases to be supplied to a fuel cell, a second module (4)with the fuel cell, and an electrical power distribution module (15). The first module (2) and the second module (4) are mounted in a container (9). The unit comprising the container with the two modules is installed in the electrical vehicle from underneath, in a cavity provided for this purpose. The electrical power distribution module (15) is then attached to the outside of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Herbert Botzelmann
  • Patent number: 7469925
    Abstract: A seating state of an occupant including a presence, absence, and posture of the occupant is accurately determined. The device includes a seat belt provided with marks whose image is to be taken, an imaging portion that takes an image of the marks provided on the seat belt, and a seating state determining portion that determines the seating state of the occupant based on the image of the marks taken by the imaging portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Mieko Matsuda
  • Patent number: 7467679
    Abstract: A radiator module for commercial motor vehicles, in particular for agricultural tractors, has a support plate fixed to the chassis and at least one coolant radiator fixed to the support plate. The radiator has a radiator block and two coolant tanks oriented at opposite ends of the block with one tank adjacent the support plate and one spaced away form the support plate. In order to increase the cooling performance of the radiator module despite keeping the installation space above the support plate constant it is proposed that the coolant tank near the plate is constructed from two mutually complementing tank parts. The first tank part is assigned to the radiator block and has an encircling flange for pressure sealed attachment of the coolant radiator on the support plate. A second tank part is assigned to the support plate. By dividing the coolant tank into two parts, one on the radiator block and one on the support plate the effective heat sink area of the coolant radiator can be substantially increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: AGCO GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Honzek, Gerhard Mariner, Guido Naegele, Gerd Rathke, Georg Schwarz, Juergen Tschullik
  • Patent number: 7467680
    Abstract: A hood 7 is provided for an engine compartment of a motor vehicle including an outer skin 16 and reinforcing ribs 12 connected with the outer skin and imparting rigidity thereto. The ribs 12 have a channel portion 16 mainly formed in an equilateral hexagonal pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David Edward Mason