Patents Examined by Gerald Klebe
  • Patent number: 6705418
    Abstract: Arrangement for a compact battery and cooling system. The arrangement includes a plurality of elongate battery cells, each battery cell having a longitudinal axis and a hexagonal cross-sectional shape in a plane oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The cells are parallelly oriented, each to the others, within a battery housing. Preferably, the cells are arranged in a honeycomb configuration with opposed faces of adjacent battery cells proximately located one to the other in face-to-face relationship. At least one substantially hexagonally shaped cooling channel is provided at an interior location within the plurality of battery cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventor: Björn Wessman
  • Patent number: 6702304
    Abstract: A detachable skate having two sets of engagement members containing two female members and two male members which are correspondingly fitted to a sole at the bottom of the shoe and a mounting plate at the top of the skating device. The female members and the male members can be connected with each other by means of the engagement of a projecting pin into the bottom end of the vertical part of the L-shaped guide slot. Moreover, one male member is provided with a lever for turning this male member. Accordingly, the shoes are detachable from the skating devices so that it's convenient to assemble, stable and safe to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Wei-Yen Chu
  • Patent number: 6679343
    Abstract: A control device for an electric scooter has a base, a potential regulator, a control lever, a torsion spring and a circuit board. The potential regulator is attached to the base. A rod is rotatably attached to the potential regulator to adjust a voltage sent out from the potential regulator. The control lever is securely attached to the rod. The torsion spring is mounted on the rod to provide a recoil force to the control lever. The circuit board is electrically connected to the potential regulator and the electric motor of the electric scooter. Accordingly, the voltage sent from the potential regulator can be adjusted by pushing the control lever. The circuit board can send current to the electric motor of the scooter based on the voltage sent from the potential regulator. Consequently, the electric motor can be caused to move forward or backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Samuel Lin
  • Patent number: 6659486
    Abstract: A compact exercise scooter supported by a pair of wheels is propelled by the cyclic operation of a pair of stabilized pedals by a standing user with hands on a handlebar. The elongate pedals are connected to a crank and guide for predetermined pedal angles configured to maintain heel contact during the cyclic operation. The feet are positioned on pedal extensions with the heels of the feet rearward of the crank pivots to develop superior crank torque imposed upon the wheels for faster speed and better startup acceleration. A means of adjustment is provided to change the predetermined pedal angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 6648086
    Abstract: A system and method for providing parallel power in a hybrid-electric vehicle. The system includes a compact motor coupled to the input shaft of the vehicle's transmission. Advantageously, the compact motor and the engine use the same drivetrain. Both the compact motor and the engine are able to apply power to the portion of the drivetrain from the transmission to the wheels. Since the motor is compact and does not require a separate drivetrain, the parallel power system can be installed in an otherwise conventional vehicle without packaging difficulties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: ISE Research Corporation
    Inventor: Juergen Schulte
  • Patent number: 6644427
    Abstract: A system and method for providing parallel power in a hybrid-electric vehicle. The system includes a compact motor coupled to the input shaft of the vehicle's transmission. Advantageously, the compact motor and the engine use the same drivetrain. Both the compact motor and the engine are able to apply power to the portion of the drivetrain from the transmission to the wheels. Since the motor is compact and does not require a separate drivetrain, the parallel power system can be installed in an otherwise conventional vehicle without packaging difficulties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: ISE Research Corporation
    Inventor: Juergen Schulte
  • Patent number: 6591925
    Abstract: In an electric or hybrid electric vehicle, a voltage monitor (102) is directly coupled to a traction motor (38) and/or generator motor (30) to detect a permanent magnet induced voltage within the motor at a predetermined speed and no load condition (300). A controller (100) compares the detected permanent magnet induced voltage with an expected reference voltage that represents an expected permanent magnet induced voltage at full magnetization and the predetermined speed (302). The controller produces an indication of magnetization based on the reference voltage, the detected permanent magnet induced voltage, and the predetermined speed. If the indication of magnetism reaches a predetermined threshold, the motor is made inoperable and/or a current to the motor is limited to prevent damage to components (306, 308, 310, 312, 314). Preferably, a user of the vehicle is made aware of these actions by an audible and/or visual indicator (308, 314).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Abbas Raftari, Patrick J. Curran, Vijay K Garg
  • Patent number: 6585065
    Abstract: A vehicle including a platform, a braking and steering system fitted onto the platform including a handle movable along two substantially perpendicular axes to control steering by moving the handle with respect to a first of said axes and to control braking by moving the handle with respect to a second of said axes, and two guiding wheels mounted on independent pivoting axles connected by a steering rod, the steering rod being connected to an intermediary connecting rod connected to the control handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Pierre Frejaville
  • Patent number: 6585284
    Abstract: A height-adjustable and collapsible seat for a child stroller. In the preferred embodiment, of the height-adjustable, collapsible seat is the second, or rear, seat of a tandem stroller, and is such that the child can sit in the seat either forward-facing or rearward-facing. Using the height-adjustable, collapsible rear seat, the pusher is able to adjust the seat height according to his/her preferences and needs (for instance, he/she can place the child at eye-level), or can even remove the seat entirely to provide for additional storage space or room for a second child to ride on the standing platform at the rear of the stroller, if such a platform is provided. In the preferred embodiment, the rear seat is also fitted out with the necessary attachments for an infant carrier, so that the stroller can accommodate any combination of child and infant, facing forward or rearward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventors: Lisa A. Sweeney, Steven T. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 6568710
    Abstract: A skate blade angle controlling device fastened to a lower face of a fixing plate having a rectangular, integral projection part. A fastening bolt is screw-fastened through the fixing plate to a fastening nut onto a connection flat provided on an upper face of the skate blade. A pivotally moving part has an open upper face closed by a lower part of the projection part and has one side pivotally mounted on the projection part on a hinge axle. A concave flute of a concave shape is formed in a lower part of the projection part positioned away from the hinge axle. A controlling plate having a fastening hole is inserted into the concave flute. A controlling screw is fastened in the fastening hole from the top to control the pivoting angle of the pivotally moving part by an upward and downward movement of the controlling plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Mu-jung Kim
  • Patent number: 6568495
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle system employs a generally rigid body panel which is movable in an automatic manner from a generally horizontal and closed position to an upwardly angled open position. In another aspect of the present invention, an entire vehicle body panel is initially movable from a closed position to a vertically raised intermediate position, and then subsequently pivoted to an open and somewhat vertically angled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventors: George A. Corder, James E. Tousignant
  • Patent number: 6557867
    Abstract: A portable multi-activity outdoor recreation apparatus for providing a person not only with an apparatus for sleeping upon but also a means for carrying downed game, an injured or sick person, and equipment. The portable multi-activity outdoor recreation apparatus comprises a frame, a supporting assembly coupled to the frame for supporting a person and game, a wheel assembly coupled to the frame, an umbrella support member removably coupled to the frame, and leg members for supporting the frame on a ground surface. The apparatus is further configurable into a seatable position and includes a seat member for supporting a user and a table member for different activities, which includes a means for a hunter to gain a steadier and longer aim when game is approaching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce L. Angstadt
  • Patent number: 6547263
    Abstract: A convertible cart and container may be assembled by folding a blank of paperboard and attaching a wheeled carriage thereto. The blank includes a floor panel connected to front and back panels along fold lines, the back panel having side panels connected thereto along fold lines. The blank includes a plurality of lines of weakness which facilitate separation of the assembled cart into an upper handle portion which may be discarded and a container portion. The assembled cart conveniently includes an opening in a front panel and a pair of doors which are hinged to the front panel along fold lines to permit access to the chamber within the cart while obscuring the contents from view. The cart includes a top flap portion which may be separated from the upper handle portion and folded over a substantially rectangular box-type container for enclosing items received in the container and permitting shipping of the reduced size container without the need for emptying the contents for conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Pitsco, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd McGeorge, Bill Holden
  • Patent number: 6527285
    Abstract: A stroller for helping an individual to ambulate includes: (a) an upper ring assembly, including an upper ring member and a hinged upper gate segment having an open position and a closed position; (b) a lower ring assembly, including a lower ring member, the upper ring member being substantially parallel to and above the lower ring member, the upper ring member having a diameter between about ¼ and ½ the diameter of the lower ring member; (c) a seat assembly connected to the upper ring member; (d) at least three spaced-apart legs connecting the lower ring member to the upper ring member; and (e) at least three spaced-apart wheels connected to the base of the lower ring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Vito John Calandro, II
  • Patent number: 6523840
    Abstract: A combined shopping cart stroller having cargo carrying and passenger carrying capabilities is provided. The shopping cart stroller comprises a frame supported on wheels for rolling movement, a seat mounted to the frame and being shiftable between an unfolded position in which the seat is positioned to support the passenger and a folded position in which the folded seat defines a portion of a forward cargo area, a rearward cargo area defined by a rearward portion of the frame, and a lower cargo area defined by a lower portion of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Ohio Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Dana J. Koppes, Eric J. Fickas, Vincent A. Gioia, Rodger Hays, Joni Hill, Paul P. Kolada, Thomas P. Martini, Jon M. Provencher, Kevin J. Vititoe
  • Patent number: 6481730
    Abstract: A walker frame includes two first support rods, two second support rods, two seat rods fastened between the first support rods and the second support rods, and a seat mounted on the two seat rods. The seat rods are provided with two locating seats. The first support rods and the second support rods are provided with a plurality of locating holes which are arranged at an interval along the longitudinal direction of the first support rods and the second support rods. The seat is adjusted in height by the locating seats which are located by the locating holes of the support rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Genemax Medical Products Industry Corp.
    Inventor: Chung-Che Sung
  • Patent number: 6474668
    Abstract: A pull out step which can be extended directly to the rear of a pickup truck makes it possible to step from the ground to the tread of the step and then to the tailgate of the truck. A bracket attached to a trailer hitch on the truck slidably supports a beam which supports the tread and allows the beam to be locked in either the extended or retracted positions. For use with trucks having an unusually high chassis, the beam may include a gooseneck to lower the elevation of the tread to approximately one half the elevation of the tailgate. The bracket may also be attached directly to the body of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Gregory F. Debo
  • Patent number: 6454301
    Abstract: An inflatable gas bag (10) for an occupant restraint system of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle. In order to avoid the formation of creases in the inflated state, which occurs with conventional gas bags and in order to be able to employ more lightweight textile materials for the manufacture of a gas bag, the gas bag (10) consists of a multilayered textile composite material which comprises at least one layer of a textile material and one layer of a polymer material whose melting range is lower than the melting range of the textile material. The textile composite material is formed into a specified three-dimensional shape which is to develop during inflation of the gas bag (10), and the individual layers of the textile composite material are joined together in this three-dimensional shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph Rychter, Wilhelm Karl Lehmann
  • Patent number: 6435293
    Abstract: A cart sealed for cooling having a battery powered electrical drive including an electrically powered mechanical air conditioner, a generator for powering the air conditioner, an outside power outlet powered by the generator, and a battery charger powered by the generator. The generator is wired to the charger to recharge the batteries for the cart when power requirements of the other units allow. There is an insulated case for the generator and a muffler-baffle system for quieting the exhaust from the generator through a series of baffles. A separate fuel supply for the generator is provided so the generator does not drain the motive drive fuel. A misting unit may be used to control the moisture level in the interior of the cart. A control panel in the interior of the compartment is used for controlling the generator, the air conditioner or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Williams
  • Patent number: 6431580
    Abstract: Improvement to a prior art collapsible wheeled caddy are disclosed to enable the caddy to be used for specialized purposes. A hinged lid is attached to the edge of the front panel to close the caddy top while lying proximate the front panel when open. The front panel can be recessed to receive the lid and preferably, arcs in the lid are dimensioned to accommodate the handles. The recess can accommodate one or more storage members, including a storage panel that has been dimensioned to be affixed within the recess. Hangers are configured to interact with the sides of the caddy to accommodate hanging items such as file folders. A back panel can be used containing retaining members to removably affix items to the panel. A stacking caddy is disclosed that has a handle recess and retaining member dimensioned to receive the wheeled handles. Caddy receiving channels are placed in the bottom of the stacking caddy to receive the edges of the wheeled caddy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Darren J. Kady