Patents Examined by Frank Vanaman
  • Dual-purpose safety baby carrier
    Patent number: 8998242
    Abstract: A dual-purpose safety baby carrier includes a seat having armrests and a bottom to which a cover defining a receiving chamber is mounted. Upper and lower positioning sections are mounted to a back of the seat. A control bar is movable along the upright tubes between a position where a push key of a safety switch engages the upper positioning section to allow a wheel frame carrying wheels to be retracted into the receiving chamber for serving as a safety seat and a position where the push key engages the lower positioning section to allow the wheel frame to be expanded to form a stroller. The safety switch also includes a push button biased by a spring for locking the push key in position of engaging the upper or lower positioning section. A securing structure includes coupling members mounted to the seat for coupling a seat belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Beto Engineering and Marketing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lopin Wang
  • Divided dual inlet housing for an air-based hybrid battery thermal conditioning system
    Patent number: 8978803
    Abstract: A divided dual inlet housing for an air-based hybrid battery thermal conditioning system which is configured such that HVAC air entering at the HVAC air inlet is prevented from partly backflowing out the cabin air inlet via a dividing wall disposed therein so that all the HVAC air exits the divided dual inlet housing at the air outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Foos, Ronald A. Swartz, Brooksie J. Pollack, Teresa A Walczyk
  • Inline skates training device
    Patent number: 8979096
    Abstract: A training device for inline roller skates includes a training wheel bracket, a training wheel mounted upon the bracket, and means for adjustably mounting the device upon the inline skate. The training wheel is adapted to engage upon the travel surface to compensate for any unbalance of the trainee and to enable the trainee to travel in a desired direction. The training wheel is adapted to provide a braking action to the roller wheels if the trainee loses balance or the trainee's ankle collapses. The training device serves the dual purpose of providing a means of balancing the skater as well as slowing and braking the forward movement of the skater to control and limit the speed of the skater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventors: Amir J. Tillis, Troy W. Livingston, Greg Dempsey
  • Tail wheel transporter
    Patent number: 8967637
    Abstract: A tail wheel transporter with an off-center single-beam chassis in a tricycle carriage coupled to a towing arm. The single beam chassis pivotably supports a lifting foot member of a four bar mechanism that is side mounted on the single-beam chassis. The lifting foot supports two studs, one fixed and one adjustable, for engaging a tail wheel. The lifting arm is coupled to the four bar mechanism and is manually operated to lift the tail wheel off the ground. In the lifted position, the lifting arm is latched to the towing arm so that constant manual force to maintain lift is not required. The tail wheel is received on the studs between the front and rear axles and exerts force below the height of the rear axle, so no manual force is required to maintain balance during operation. A low-profile bifurcated front wheel allows use under low-hanging vehicle parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel S. Perry
  • Battery system for vehicle
    Patent number: 8950537
    Abstract: A battery system for a vehicle. The battery system includes: a battery module; a junction box which connects the battery module to other electronic components; and a case which includes the battery module and the junction box. The junction box is integrally mounted on a side surface of the battery module which is fixed to the case, and at least the junction box is non-contact with an inner surface of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yutaka Yokoyama
  • System for connecting batteries for an electric vehicle and associated set of batteries
    Patent number: 8939245
    Abstract: A system for connecting a set of batteries configured to supply at least one electric motor for powering a motor vehicle and configured to be accommodated inside a compartment provided on the vehicle. Each battery includes a logic processing unit, a communication module, and a mechanism for connecting to the motor. The vehicle includes a logic processing unit connected to a stationary auxiliary battery, a communication module capable of communicating with the communication module of each battery, and a mechanism for locking and blocking the batteries in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventor: Xavier Jaffrezic
  • Automotive floor structure
    Patent number: 8939246
    Abstract: To achieve efficient and proper transmission of an impact load from a floor frame on one side of a vehicle body to a floor frame on the other side to thereby protect a battery unit from damage, an automotive floor structure includes a first cross member upper and a first cross member lower. the first cross member upper extends in a lateral direction of the vehicle body and has ends attached to left and right side sills, respectively. The first cross member lower extends in the lateral direction below a front floor panel at a position under the first cross member upper, and has ends secured to the left and right floor frames, respectively. The first cross member upper and the first cross member lower vertically sandwich the battery unit therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Yamaguchi, Shotaro Ayuzawa, Shinya Kobayashi, Koichi Yamamoto
  • Fastening device
    Patent number: 8936124
    Abstract: A fixing device for releasable fixing an electrical energy accumulator to a carrying structure of a motor vehicle includes a retaining protrusion and a locking catch which are provided on the energy accumulator and on the carrying structure (or vice versa). To fix the energy accumulator to the carrying structure, a relative movement of the retaining protrusion to the locking catch is provided along a movement track in the direction of an end position, in which the locking catch can be swiveled between a release position and a locked position such that in the release position the locking catch is outside the movement track of the retaining protrusion and in the locked position the locking catch protrudes into the movement track of the retaining protrusion and there engages behind the retaining protrusion when the retaining protrusion is in the end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Thomas Auer, Martin Rodler
  • Foldable valet cart
    Patent number: 8925957
    Abstract: A foldable valet cart is described. In one example, the valet cart includes a base frame, plurality of wheels coupled to the base frame, a lower vertical support frame pivotally connected to the base frame to fold against the base frame, an upper vertical support frame pivotally connected to the lower vertical support frame opposite the base frame to fold against the lower vertical support frame, and a hanger rod pivotally connected to the upper vertical support frame opposite the lower vertical support frame to fold against the upper vertical support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventors: Willis Grundvig, Gertrude Davis
  • Binding system for recreational board
    Patent number: 8910968
    Abstract: Binding systems for recreational boards are provided. A binding system is mounted atop a rider-support surface of the board. Portions of the binding system are pivotal with the rider's foot and with respect to the board. This pivotal motion may allow the rider to have greater control over the application of weight to the heel and/or toe edges of the board. In particular embodiments, the binding system comprises: a base rigidly mounted atop rider-support surface of the board; and a foot-retainer pivotally mounted to the base via pivot couplings for pivotal motion of the foot-retainer relative to the base and the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: JF Pelchat Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Pelchat
  • Battery cooling structure for vehicle
    Patent number: 8893839
    Abstract: A battery cooling structure for a vehicle includes: a vehicle body floor part; and a battery module that is located under the vehicle body floor part, and that is arranged such that a clearance is formed between the battery module and the vehicle body floor part and an airflow that is introduced from the front side of a vehicle body into the clearance is discharged from the rear end of the clearance. At least one of the vehicle body floor part and the battery module has a wall portion that is formed so as to gradually decrease the area of a cross-section of the clearance, the cross-section being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, along the direction toward the rear of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Saeki
  • Stroller with frame position sensor
    Patent number: 8894091
    Abstract: A stroller includes: a first stroller component; a second stroller component comprising a child receiving portion; a drive mechanism operatively engaged with at least one of the first and second stroller components to move the at least one of the first and second stroller components from a first position to a second position; and an object sensor operably coupled to the child receiving portion. The object sensor provides a signal that prevents movement of the first and second stroller components from the first position to the second position if the object sensor detects the presence of an object in the child receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Thorley Industries LLC
    Inventors: Henry F. Thorne, Robert D. Daley, Mary J. Koes
  • Wearable device
    Patent number: 8882114
    Abstract: A wearable device configured to selectively provide roller transportation includes a shoe configured to at least partially accept a foot of a user of the wearable device, the shoe comprising a foot interface surface configured for selective contact with a bottom of the foot, a wheel assembly configured to selectively roll relative to a ground surface in response to rotation of at least a portion of the wheel assembly about an axle that is substantially coincident with an axis of rotation, and a frame connected between the shoe and the wheel assembly, the frame being configured to selectively transfer forces between the shoe and the wheel assembly and the frame comprising a clearance plane vertically offset from the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Roger R. Adams
  • Arrangement structure of canister in motorcycle
    Patent number: 8857556
    Abstract: In an arrangement structure of a canister disposed near a cylinder of an internal combustion engine of a motorcycle, the motorcycle including a left and right pair of frames, extending rearwardly from a head pipe, for suspending the internal combustion engine laterally, to enable protection of the canister without involving an increase in the number of parts of a protective member. The canister is disposed between the frames and the internal combustion engine so as to overlap at least partly with the pair of frames in a side view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin Nishimura
  • Dual-chair beach wagon
    Patent number: 8851503
    Abstract: The dual-chair beach wagon includes attachable beach chairs with removable wheels that convert the beach chairs into a rolling wagon for transport of beach paraphernalia. The beach chairs have arm latches and frame brackets that allow them to be removably connected together at opposing front ends to form the wagon. When disconnected each chair serves as a standard beach chair. The removably attachable wheels attach to adjustable rear legs of the beach chairs. In preparation for beach wagon mode, the front legs can be folded up and secured with a recessed leg lock to facilitate attachment of the two chairs using the arm latches and frame brackets to form the beach wagon. A pull rod is attachable to one end of the dual chair configuration. Wheels on the pull rod attachment end of the dual chair configuration have independently pivotal axles to facilitate steering of the wagon transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Robert L. Tyson, III
  • Moving body
    Patent number: 8851219
    Abstract: A moving body, such as a vehicle, having one or more fuel cells mounted thereon. The fuel cells, which power the moving body, generate electricity and release water as a by-product. Accordingly, the moving body includes a water discharge module that releases water produced by the fuel cells to the atmosphere using a water outlet. The water outlet may be located in a front section of the moving body. The moving body may further include a water tank that temporarily stores water before releasing the water to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naohiro Yoshida, Toshiyuki Kondo, Masahiko Hibino, Osamu Yumita, Yoshihiro Funayama
  • Electric vehicle
    Patent number: 8839898
    Abstract: In an electric three-wheeled vehicle, a centrifugal clutch transmits rotary driving power to a counter shaft when the revolution speed of a motor exceeds a prescribed value. The clutch is coaxially located at one end of a motor output shaft. A counter shaft is located inside the outside diameter of the motor in a side view of the vehicle. The motor output shaft, counter shaft, and axles are arranged from a vehicle forward side in the order of mention. The axis center of the counter shaft is located below a line connecting the axis center of the motor output shaft and the axis center of the axle in a side view of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahide Mimura, Shin Nabeya, Keiichiro Niizuma, Hitoshi Suzuki
  • Sled with a calf-securing strap
    Patent number: 8840120
    Abstract: A sled includes a hull and a strap extending transversely across the hull. The strap extends across the hull at a first longitudinal position selected such that it extends across the calves of a kneeling rider. This enables the rider to kneel erect when riding the sled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventors: David Sellers, Parker Sellers
  • Travel drive device for dump truck
    Patent number: 8833497
    Abstract: A wheel mounting cylinder (18) is rotatably provided on an outer peripheral side of an axle housing (12) through wheel support bearings (20, 21). A wet brake (45) is provided between the axle housing (12) and the wheel mounting cylinder (18) for applying a braking force to rotation of the wheel mounting cylinder (18). A seal mechanism (55) is provided between the wet brake (45) and the wheel support bearing (20) for keeping a cooling liquid (50) of the wet brake (45) in a sealed state to lubricant oil (100) in the wheel mounting cylinder (18). A foreign-object trapping portion (58, 62) is provided between the wheel support bearing (20) and the seal mechanism (55) for trapping foreign objects flowing from the seal mechanism (55) toward the wheel support bearing (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Shibukawa, Naoyuki Inoue, Kyoko Tanaka, Shinichiro Hagihara, Takeshi Shinohara
  • Side-by-side ATV
    Patent number: 8827028
    Abstract: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to trail compliant side-by-side all terrain vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Larry Sunsdahl, Aaron David Deckard, Marcus Johannes Tullemans, Jason Carl Plugge, Alan A. Meyer, Geoffrey G. White, Brian Michael Safranski