Patents Examined by Hilary L Gutman
  • Patent number: 11964606
    Abstract: A slide-out unit drive assembly for a vehicle body having an opening formed in an exterior wall and a reciprocal slide-out unit (e.g., room or compartment) disposed in the opening and slidable between a retracted position and an extended position. Sliding movement of the slide-out unit is controlled by the drive assembly at least partially arranged within a jamb assembly. The drive assembly may include one or more drive cables extending connected to the slide-out and actuatable to pull the slide-out unit in a first or second direction. The drive assembly may include drive chain that actuates one or more of the drive cables, or the drive assembly may include a drive nut that actuates one or more of the drive cables. Sliding movement of the slide-out unit may be either motor driven or manually powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: NORCO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Bernard F. Garceau
  • Patent number: 11964604
    Abstract: When a tilt in a right-and-left direction occurs in a cargo bed (9) being raised due to imbalance of excavated materials, the tilt is detected as a roll angle (?R), and it is determined whether the absolute value (|?R|) of the roll angle is not less than an imbalance determination value (?2) (S4). When the absolute value is not less than the imbalance determination value (?2) (Yes in S4) and the roll angle (?R) is positive (the cargo bed (9) is rising to the right) (Yes in S8), an oil supply amount (VL) to a hoist cylinder (11) on the left side is increased, and an oil supply amount (VR) to a hoist cylinder (12) on the right side is decreased (S9). When the roll angle (?R) is negative (the cargo bed (9) is rising to the left) (No in S8), the oil supply amount (VL) on the left side is decreased, and the oil supply amount (VR) on the right side is increased (S10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoya Ishii, Kazunori Ishihara, Takeshi Iwaki
  • Patent number: 11964733
    Abstract: A device for overboard storage from a pleasure craft of an item, includes: a holder which has a first surface and a second surface and which is defined between a first side, a second side and a pair of side edges and which is moveable from an inoperative position to an operative position. An attachment element is engaged to the holder at or towards first edge and which is adapted to attach the holder to an edge (gunwale) of the pleasure craft. A harness is engaged to the holder, and is adapted to circumscribe the item, when the holder is in the operative position and the item engages the holder on the first surface, to retain the item on or within the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Inventor: Gareth Neale Griggs
  • Patent number: 11958400
    Abstract: A strap system comprising a first strap extending between a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to a first attachment mechanism. The strap system further comprises a second strap extending between a third end and a fourth end. The fourth end is connected to a second attachment mechanism. The strap system comprises a load transmission device connected to the second end of the first strap and to the third end of the second strap. The load transmission device is arranged to transmit a signal in response to a tension force in the first and second straps falling below a threshold force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Tolley Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cory L. Tolley, Darcy N. Tolley, Daphne M. Johnson, Paul E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11958680
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed toward a heated tailgate for use in cold climates. The heated tailgate may be used with a self-contained heated portable vacuum slurry box. The slurry box generally includes a vacuum tank, a structure attached to the tank, a vertical tailgate, and a hook for pulling the slurry box onto a vehicle. The heated tailgate provides that the slurry cuttings within the slurry box which are adjacent to the tailgate do not freeze and provides for a way in which the tailgate may seal to the vacuum box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventor: Ryan A Peterkin
  • Patent number: 11945361
    Abstract: A ground vehicle for transporting loads comprises a load stabilizer to provide additional stability of the load during transport. The load stabilizer includes a securing arm coupled to a support frame that is coupled to a pad. The securing arm is also configured to movably mate with the ground vehicle. When a load is placed onto the ground vehicle, the load stabilizer is positioned so that the pad contacts the load to provide stability. The load stabilizer is positioned by actuating a motor, such as a stepper motor. The motor stops when it reaches a torque threshold placed on the motor through contact of the load stabilizer with the load. This mechanism allows for a lightweight load stabilizer that minimally affects the center of mass of the ground vehicle, while at the same time, provides a consistent load-stabilizing force that reduces the likelihood of damage to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: The Hershey Company
    Inventors: Steven A. Weis, Michael J. Cassettari, Nathaniel Kissel
  • Patent number: 11945359
    Abstract: The ratchet tie-down tensioner includes a ratchet engagement head actuated by a tensioning bar, a tie-down engagement head connected to a tie-down winding shaft, a ratchet engaged with outer inclined teeth of the tie-down engagement head and a ratchet drive mechanism located between the two engagement heads. The drive mechanism includes a self-centering crown floatingly supported in the body and a gear attached to the ratchet engagement head and mounted in the self-centering crown. The gear has a toothing on the outer periphery thereof which is provided to engage with the inner toothing of the self-centering crown, at least one of said toothings comprising curved spring blades. Said tie-down tensioner makes it possible for tensioning cycles to be performed by moving the bar back and forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: LOHR INDUSTRIE
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Andre, Bertrand Dessauny
  • Patent number: 11945515
    Abstract: A utility vehicle including an operator cab, an operator support positioned within the operator cab and movable relative to the operator cab, a mirror positioned outwardly relative to the operator cab, and a control system including a controller in communication with the operator support and the mirror. The controller is configured to select a first setting from a first plurality of settings and a second setting from a second plurality of settings. Each setting of the first plurality of settings corresponding to one of a plurality of operations performed by the vehicle and each setting of the second plurality of settings corresponding to one of a plurality of operators. The controller is configured to adjust at least a position of the support relative to the cab and a position of the mirror relative to the operator cab based on the first setting and the second setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Brian M. Huenink, Gregory O. Mcconoughey
  • Patent number: 11945357
    Abstract: A heated slurry transport system for receiving, transporting and unloading a cuttings slurry in a non-frozen manner in cold weather environments. The heated slurry transport system generally includes a portable tank having an interior surface, at least one wall, and a rear door. A layer of insulation surrounds at least a portion of the portable tank to help retain heat within the portable tank. A heating unit is attached to the portable tank and adapted to heat a fluid that is transferred through at least one heat loop attached to the portable tank to heat the interior of the portable tank and the contents of the portable tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Inventors: Ryan A Peterkin, William J Galloway
  • Patent number: 11938067
    Abstract: A patient containment system for securing a patient to a patient transport apparatus, comprising a first lower strap and a second lower strap. Each of the first lower strap and the second lower strap have a thigh region, a waist region, and a connection region arranged between the thigh region and the waist region. A first connector is coupled to the connection region of the first lower strap. A second connector is coupled to the connection region of the second lower strap, and is configured to releasably attach to the first connector to at least partially limit movement of the first lower strap relative to the second lower strap. The connection region defines a connection width, and the thigh region defines a thigh width larger than the connection width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel V. Brosnan, Melvin Gottschalk, Jr., Zachary Baker, Scott I. Biba, Erik P. Eagleman, Cory P. Herbst, Nathan W. Matheny, Trey Thomas Pfeiffer, Kelly Sandmeyer, Jeffrey R. Staszak, John Wallace, James K. Galer, James Robert Tumavich, Jr., Kevin M. Patmore, Scott Zufall
  • Patent number: 11931301
    Abstract: A litter lift system includes a winch and a lifting strap. The winch includes a rotatable spool. The lifting strap has one end coupled to the rotatable spool and is movable due to rotation of the rotatable spool. The lifting strap has a first lifting segment and a second lifting segment positioned away from the end of the lifting strap coupled to the rotatable spool. The first lifting segment and the second lifting segment are each forked to interface with a frame of a litter at first lifting segment and second lifting segment distal ends, wherein a coupling is attached to the first lifting segment. Rotation of the rotatable spool in a first direction raises the first lifting segment and the second lifting segment. Rotation of the rotatable spool in a second direction different from the first direction lowers the first lifting segment and the second lifting segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory D. Malcolm, Matthew B. Vetting, Rodney M. Miller
  • Patent number: 11932161
    Abstract: A novel securing device includes a frame having an anchor, a tether coupled to the anchor, and an attachment device coupled to the frame. The attachment device is configured to facilitate selective attachment to a planar surface. In a particular embodiment, the attachment device is a magnetic attachment device. Optionally, the magnetic attachment device is encased between the frame and a cover that prevents scratching of the planar surface to which the device is secured. In another particular embodiment, the attachment device is a suction cup. The magnetic attachment device and the suction cup may be interchangeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventor: Lewis William James, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11925589
    Abstract: A litter lift system includes a winch system and a lifting strap. The winch system includes a rotatable spool. The lifting strap has a first end, a second end, and an intermediate segment extending away from the lifting strap between the first end and the second end. The first end is coupled to the rotatable spool such that rotation of the spool in a first direction winds the lifting strap about the spool and rotation of the spool in a second direction unwinds the lifting strap from the spool. The second end defines a first lifting segment and the intermediate segment defines a second lifting segment. The first lifting segment and the second lifting segment are each forked to define two separate lifting loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Malcolm, Matthew Vetting, Rodney Miller
  • Patent number: 11926367
    Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a cargo vehicle is provided. A bulkhead is located on the cargo vehicle. The bulkhead includes an opening. A bulkhead door is located at the bulkhead. The bulkhead door is movable between open and closed positions with respect to the opening. A bulkhead door bearing slide assembly is located at a portion of the bulkhead door and is movable with the bulkhead door between the open and closed positions of the bulkhead door. At least one pin is attached to the bulkhead door bearing slide assembly and is disposed through at least one opening of at least a portion of the bulkhead door. The at least one pin is movable within the at least one opening of the at least the portion of the bulkhead door to movably couple to the bulkhead door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: The Shyft Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Lee Sagarsee
  • Patent number: 11926276
    Abstract: A curved structure for a work vehicle includes a first curved support extending a length, a second curved support extending a length, the second curved support spaced apart a width from the first curved support, and a curved windshield positioned between and connected to the first and second curved supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Arun Subramanian, Roberto Morales, Jose Legorreta
  • Patent number: 11919432
    Abstract: The invention concerns a trailer unit for use with a towing vehicle for transporting tracked constructional machines, such as excavators, said trailer unit including: a pair of wheeled carriages, respectively a left and a right wheeled carriages, adapted to be detachably connected to a pair of track frames, respectively a left and a right track frames, of a tracked constructional machine through first connecting means; a drawbar having a first end adapted to be detachably connected to a rear frame of the towing vehicle and a second end adapted to be detachably connected to a bottom frame of the tracked constructional machine through second connecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventor: Frederic Broizat
  • Patent number: 11904950
    Abstract: Modular skid units are provided that are versatile and easily configurable for particular applications. In some examples, a modular design allows for many different combinations of modular components, such as seats, canine boxes, storage boxes, patient transport units, etc. In some examples, the modular and quick release nature of the system enables users to selectively remove and attach the modular components as needed for a given task, including the ability to quickly and easily change the modular components in the field to meet the specific needs of a mission or task. In some examples, the modular components include quick release locking mechanisms that include a set of locking elements for quickly and easily switching components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Kimtek Corporation
    Inventor: Kimball W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11904669
    Abstract: A hemming structure may include a door, in which the door has an internal panel and an external panel made of different materials, the hemming structure being configured such that each of the internal panel and the external panel is provided with a contact area with end portions of the internal panel and the external panel contacting with each other at the contact area, wherein the contact area includes a first contact area with a sealer applied onto a contact surface between the internal panel and the external panel, and a second contact area extending from the first contact area and being bent to be brought into contact with the internal panel at the first contact area, and the second contact area is provided with a bonding portion at which the internal panel and the external panel are mechanically bonded to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Ki Hyun Choi
  • Patent number: 11897530
    Abstract: A self-contained mechanical device is provided that is mountable to a lawn tractor or other similar powered unit, via a standard mounting system, such as a hitch-type mount, for movement of bulk material or heavy objects around a work site or storage facility. The device includes a casterable frame to which a manually or tiltable hopper is mounted. The device also includes a hinge system between the hopper and frame. A knuckle is provided as a connection point to facilitate storage in translation of the device from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Dawson Manufactures LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Carlson, Craig Carlson
  • Patent number: 11898687
    Abstract: An apparatus that has a conduit and an impact absorber assembly. The impact absorber assembly includes a core and a frame, where the core has an aperture configured to receive the conduit and the frame includes a cavity sized and shaped to receive the core. The frame also has a first side wall and a second side wall that are spaced apart to define, at least in part, a cavity. The first and second side walls also include an intermediate portion that includes a waveform shape. The waveform shape includes at least a pair of ridges and a trough between the ridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ernesto Garduño Ramírez