Patents Examined by Hau V Phan
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Patent number: 7931301Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to make supplying fuel to a fuel tank easier without making the fuel tank interfere with a drive shaft or a front wheel drive shaft and without lowering the minimum ground clearance of a traveling vehicle. A fuel tank is disposed between an engine and a seat and below a steering wheel, and a groove is provided longitudinally at the substantial lateral center of the fuel tank. A power steering valve is attached to the lower portion of the steering wheel, and grooves in which hydraulic pipings connected to the power steering valve are arranged are formed in the fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kunihiko Matsumoto
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Patent number: 7918296Abstract: A cooling system (500) for an electric drive system includes a cooling duct (502) extending between a first component and a second component. A motor (336) driven fan (510) creates an airflow within the duct. A first temperature sensor measures a first temperature of the first component and a second temperature sensor measures a second temperature of the second component. An electronic controller (540) receives the first temperature and calculates a first temperature difference between the first temperature and the first temperature limit (802) to generate a first command (836) for the motor (336). A second temperature difference between the second temperature and the second temperature limit (802) generates a second command (836) for the motor (336). The controller (540) then selects the greater of the first command (836) and the second command (836) to yield the maximum command (836), and controls the motor (336) based on the maximum command (836).Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Suresh B. Reddy
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Patent number: 7914018Abstract: A furniture cart for holding and transporting furniture and methods of use. An implementation of a furniture cart comprises an upper surface and a lower surface. A framework assembly is coupled with the upper surface of the furniture platform. The framework assembly comprises opposing vertical side frameworks and at least one upper spanning member coupled with and integral with the opposing vertical side frameworks. Each vertical side framework comprises a front vertical member, a rear vertical member, an upper horizontal member coupled between or integral with the front and rear vertical members, and an auxiliary vertical member between the front and rear vertical members comprising an upper end coupled with or integral with the upper horizontal member. A vertical stop is coupled with the rear vertical members of the framework assembly. At least four wheels are coupled with the lower surface of the furniture platform.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Inventor: Patrick Rezler
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Patent number: 7914042Abstract: A vehicle restraint restrains a vehicle at a loading dock by engaging a rail that is part of the vehicle's support frame, wherein the rail is normally used for adjusting the position of the vehicle's rear wheels. In a preferred embodiment, the restraint includes an adjustable-length arm attachable between the vehicle and the loading dock. The arm includes a retractable or removable pin that engages one of a series of holes in the rail or releasably engages some feature of the loading dock. In some examples, the restraint clamps onto the rail, particularly if the rail has no available open holes for a pin to be inserted. In some cases, the restraint also provides the vehicle with vertical support.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Jonathan Andersen, Ben Wieberdink, Timothy Cotton, Pamala Pietrangelo, Kurt Lessard, Norbert Hahn, Henk De Lang
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Patent number: 7914034Abstract: A tube shaped cargo container and method of manufacture. The cargo container is manufactured by a process that includes pultruding or extruding a seamless container with two sides, a roof, and a floor. Doors, landing gear, structural supports, another side, and a wheel assembly may be added after the pultrusion/extrusion process. The cargo container may include rounded side/floor and side/roof connections. The cargo container may include one or two rounded ends.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Vanguard National Trailer Corp.Inventor: Mark A Roush
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Patent number: 7909355Abstract: A multi-purpose trailer provides further utility by being easily configurable in a carrying orientation, a drive-on loading orientation, and a storage orientation. The storage orientation is capable of near vertical storage, thus taking up very limited amounts of floor space in a garage or storage area. The drive-on loading orientation provides a ramped portion which easily accommodates the loading of wheeled vehicles without the need for additional ramp components or members. Further, mechanisms are provided to easily adjust between the various orientations including hydraulically lifting from a loading orientation to a transport orientation. To provide additional utility, provisions are made on the trailer surface for the attachment of multiple modular accessories.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: United Hydraulics, LLC.Inventors: William C. Thedford, Mickey Bowles, Thomas E. Mason
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Patent number: 7905307Abstract: In a battery cooling air intake structure, in which a trunk side lining (35) of a vehicle body side part is disposed so as to be continuous with a side part of a seat back (32) of a seat for a passenger to sit on, and a battery is cooled using, as cooling air, air within a vehicle compartment taken in via an intake port (36) provided in a front face (35a) of the trunk side lining (35), since a seat belt (38) is disposed so that at least part thereof in a non-used state overlaps the intake port (36) when viewed in the vehicle body fore-and-aft direction and a predetermined gap (b) is formed between the intake port (36a) and at least part of the seat belt (38) when viewed in the vehicle width direction, it is possible to prevent interference with the intake of cooling air due to the intake port (36) being blocked by the seat belt (38), while disposing the seat belt (38) as far toward the outside in the vehicle width direction as possible so that it does not overlap the seat back (32).Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co, Ltd.Inventors: Shinya Kubota, Hiroshi Kosaka, Yoshinori Nakamura, Hirobumi Kikuchi
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Patent number: 7900950Abstract: A ski or a snowboard in the form of a board-type gliding device has by reference to the board body width, at least one slot in its middle portion extending in the depth direction from the board body top face towards the running surface facing and in its longitudinal direction essentially parallel with the board body longitudinal direction to cause a cross-sectional weakening and reduce the stiffness of the board body transversely to its longitudinal direction. At least one geometry-influencing device produces a cross-sectional board body shape or contour which is variable manually or as a function of load. The slot is then faced with a bridging element which is elastically stretchable or expandable, at least transversely to the longitudinal extension of the slot to prevent snow from being transferred or getting inside the slot from the running surface facing towards the top face of the gliding board body.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: ATOMIC Austria GmbHInventors: Bernhard Riepler, Rupert Huber, Helmut Holzer
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Patent number: 7900730Abstract: A canopy installation member for installing a canopy is firmly fixed on a rotation table frame. A rotary working machine having a working machine installed at the front of a rotation table frame (5), an engine (8) mounted on the rotation table frame (5), and a canopy detachably installed at the rear of the rotation table frame (5), wherein the engine (8) is placed and fixed on the rotation table frame (5) with a horizontally placed frame-like engine support member (31a, 31b) interposed between the engine and the frame, and a canopy installation member (32a, 32c) is raised at one side of the engine support member (31a, 31b).Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2006Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Yanmar Co., LtdInventor: Kazuya Hokimoto
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Patent number: 7900940Abstract: A pedestrian cycle, to which the invention provides substantial improvements. An illustrative embodiment of the pedestrian cycle is comprised of: a generally U-shaped, partible overhead cycle frame that provides an intrinsic suspension and spring-cushioned ride; front wheel and rear wheel assemblies with customary steerage and brakes; and an exemplary saddle assembly that completely averts pressure on the perinea of the rider while allowing unobstructed leg movement. The saddle assembly is suspended from the cycle frame by a plurality of flexible and adjustable straps which not only isolate the rider from vibration, but allow the rider to hold his or her body vertical while leaning the cycle into a turn as he or she walks or runs. Finally, the invention provides fun outdoor exercise, therapy, or training, with substantively enhanced ambulatory capacity and substantively reduced internal and external impact to the body in all human gaits and to all users able and, importantly, disabled.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Inventor: David J. Vidmar
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Patent number: 7900727Abstract: A cooling apparatus cools a battery and a DC/DC converter. In a duct, a battery cooling fan having a great rated capacity is installed. The duct branches into a battery-side intake duct and a DC/DC converter-side intake duct on the downstream side of the battery cooling fan. In the battery-side intake duct, the battery is installed to received cooling air. In the DC/DC converter side intake duct, the DC/DC converter is installed to receive cooling air. A DC/DC converter cooling fan having a small rated capacity is installed directly upstream of the DC/DC converter. An ECU controls the two cooling fans based on the temperature of the battery and the DC/DC converter.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2006Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Osamu Shinmura
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Patent number: 7896363Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an ice skate including a boot, a separately formed casing, a blade, and a fastener. The boot includes a boot chamber for receiving a skater's foot. The casing includes an upper portion, a sole plate, and a blade holder. The upper portion defines a casing chamber for receiving the boot. In one example, the casing is plastic. The sole plate includes abutting toe, arch and heel areas and has a cantilevered connection to the blade holder. In this cantilevered connection, the toe and arch areas of the sole plate are supported by the blade holder and the heel area is unsupported by the blade holder. The blade holder defines a slot for selectively receiving the blade. The fastener removably secures the blade to the blade holder. In one example, the blade further includes a toe pick for use in figure skating.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Inventor: Kristy Lovejoy
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Patent number: 7891680Abstract: A flexible riding board may include a front fork assembly for pivotal rotation about a front axis, the front fork assembly including a single front wheel mounted for rolling rotation about a front axle offset from the front axis; a rear fork assembly for pivotal rotation about a rear axis including a single rear wheel mounted for rolling rotation about a rear axle offset from the rear axis; and a flexible, one piece molded plastic platform having a neutral plane and supported by the front fork assembly with the front axis at a first acute angle to the neutral plane and supported by the rear fork assembly with the rear axis at a second acute angle to the neutral plane, the platform twistable by a rider to pivot the rear wheel about the rear axis so that the riding board is propelled in a forward direction, wherein the front fork assembly is pivotable about the front axis by the rider to steer the riding board.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Razor USA, Inc.Inventors: Robert Chen, Robert A. Hadley
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Patent number: 7891677Abstract: The described embodiments of the present invention provide a modular mobile workstation with storage capacity. The apparatus has a modular shell that can be used for a variety of purposes, including, but not limited to, a stool and low table combination, a table and coat-rack combination, and a high table combination. The modular shell encloses a removable inner shell that can be used to store goods while traveling with the unit. In one embodiment, two large wheels cap the respective ends of the shell and allow the apparatus to roll freely behind a user. A multi-use handle is also included with the apparatus. In one embodiment, the handle is collapsible and is secured to the apparatus by a securing scarf, which also serves to hold the interlocking pieces of the outer shell together. The unit is useful for travelers needing a mobile workspace, and prevents the need for additional luggage, as it also provides storage capacity.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2010Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Inventor: Jeff Jenkins
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Patent number: 7891678Abstract: A wagon assembly for carrying items and materials typically used in lawn and garden care. The wagon assembly has a wheeled unitary body construction that forms a storage compartment. A storage bin can be placed inside the compartment or beneath and external the storage compartment. A lid is positionable over the storage compartment having recesses formed within the lid for holding of various items including a cushion, the recesses each having a drain to avoid the collection of water. A handle is provided by use of a flexible and detachable pull strap. The strap is adjustable in length and allows pulling of the wagon at most as well as hands free operation when desired.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2008Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Suncast Technologies, LLCInventors: Torrence Anderson, Robert Kopp
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Patent number: 7886854Abstract: The present invention provides a wheelchair structure, which is available with a handle, seat and wheel body. The handle is provided with an integrated control seat, and the wheel body is provided with auxiliary drive unit and combined positioning member. The integrated control seat can be assembled securely onto the wheelchair handles of different diameters and curvatures, and the swinging angle can be adjusted flexibly. Thus, it is possible to guarantee outstanding adaptability of assembly, efficient and convenient operation with improved applicability.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2008Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Wu's Tech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chien-Liang Chiu
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Patent number: 7886853Abstract: A dual-motor handcart for lifting, steering, and transporting a heavy object, such as a snowmobile, by one person, having two motor-powered wheels or trackdrives for moving and steering attached to a width and height adjustable frame, the frame offering a handle, a pair of legs connected to the handle, lift pads for supporting the heavy object, a length adjustable lift strap for coupling the frame to the heavy object. The operatively independent motors each attached to one of the wheels providing force required for moving and steering. Thumb switches having on, off, forward, and reverse motions settings at desired speeds, control each motor providing for a single person to easily steer a cart fully loaded with a heavy object over smooth or rough terrain.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Inventor: Kristopher R Konopa
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Patent number: 7882910Abstract: A hybrid drive for a motor vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, which, together with at least one auxiliary unit, are connected via a belt/chain drive. The internal combustion engine and the electric motor have respective drive elements with unidirectional freewheeling devices for the belt/chain drive, thus automatically achieving a predefined belt/chain speed.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Marc Kluge, Edmund Sander, Norbert Melinat
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Patent number: 7878280Abstract: A hydrogen fueled vehicle includes a vehicle body, a hydrocarbon fuel tank, and a low pressure hydrogen gas storage vessel.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Bloom Energy CorporationInventors: K. R. Sridhar, James F. McElroy
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Patent number: 7878279Abstract: A hybrid golf car type vehicle powered by a gasoline engine or an electric motor in the forward direction and by the electric motor in the reverse direction with the gasoline engine charging the batteries when the batteries fall below a threshold charge either with a motor generator or an alternator.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Inventor: Reinier Hoogenraad