Patents Examined by J. Allen Shriver, II
  • Patent number: 9067500
    Abstract: Wheels may be equipped with a stator and rotor to induce current to generate electricity as the wheels rotate or to slow down the wheels in response to the application of a brake of the vehicle. Air may be sucked through the wheels through mesh screens to create air flow that passes through ductwork to reach a turbine generator, which generates electricity in response to blade rotation from air flow. A roof mounted solar energy conversion system may generate electricity. A vehicle power supply boosts its energy from all the electricity generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Inventor: Krassimire Mihaylov Penev
  • Patent number: 9067611
    Abstract: A seat bench transport device for transporting a bench of seats for a vehicle, comprising a chassis, a retaining rail pair that is arranged on the chassis and including two retaining rails extending parallel to one another for accommodating seat bench feet. The lengthwise sides of these rails that face one another are open at least in sections and the lengthwise sides thereof that face away from one another each have at least one locking section. A displacement mechanism moves the retaining rails transversely relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Grosse-Plankermann, Thomas Bardenhagen, Uwe Pietz
  • Patent number: 9067570
    Abstract: The cleaning apparatus is essentially an adjustable bar having an adapter on one end and a cleaner head on the opposing end. The adjustable bar includes a main cylinder head pivotably attached at a first pivot to the adapter, the main cylinder head having an opening configured to receive a main cylinder rod slideable within the main cylinder head's opening and can be locked in place using a lock to form a suitable length. The free end of the main cylinder rod is pivotably connected to a bracket at a second pivot. The cleaner head is in turn connected to the bracket at a third pivot. The cleaner head includes a cleaner housing configured to slidingly cooperate with a complementary cleaner housing such that the width of the cleaner head is adjustable to accommodate wheelchair tires of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey Kueppers
  • Patent number: 9067612
    Abstract: A carrier for holding a wheel unit, which is easy and simple to handle (operate), and is capable of exactly switching a condition in which a rotation of a rear wheel is restricted, and a condition in which the rotation of the rear wheel is allowed is proposed. The carrier includes: a body; a sliding member capable of being slid in one direction and held on one of a first holding position and a second holding position; an urging member urging the sliding member along the one direction. The position on which the sliding member is held after the sliding member has been returned by an urging force of the urging member, is alternately changed between the first holding position and the second holding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: COMBI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Koichi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9062692
    Abstract: The axial lengths of coupling portions of a flywheel, a rotor shaft, and a pump shaft are reduced to reduce the axial length of an entire power unit. A crankshaft 4 and a flywheel 8 are directly coupled to each other and the flywheel 8 and a rotor shaft 5 are directly coupled to each other. A coupling 20 is directly coupled to an end face of the rotor shaft 5 on the opposite side to the flywheel 8. A pump shaft 6 is connected to the coupling 20. Coupling surfaces of the flywheel 8 and the rotor shaft 5 and coupling surfaces the rotor shaft 5 and the coupling 20 are arranged within a width range of a coil 19.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazushige Koiwai, Mitsunori Hirozawa, Yoichiro Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9061777
    Abstract: A trolley for moving heavy objects such as wire coils from a machine to a container at a packaging table is provided. The trolley includes spring-loaded spaced arms movably mounted for vertical height adjustment so that the arms are just below the coil when it is on the machine and rotational movement to separate the spaced arms with the spaced arms retaining the heavy object during movement of the trolley apparatus, and locking arms engaging the spaced arms during movement of the trolley apparatus to prevent separation thereof. The spring-loaded arms permit the heavy object to be manually pushed downward therebetween, thereby forcing the arms apart enabling the object to fall from the trolley into a container on a packaging table. The table includes a platform for supporting the container, a motor for raising/lowering the platform, and a mechanism for retaining the container and aiding its alignment with the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: REELEX PACKAGING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Frank W. Kotzur, Mark Swanson, David C. Gamble, Eric R. Nelson
  • Patent number: 9056619
    Abstract: A system is configured to provide functionality of a stroller, a bag and a backpack to transport a child and equipment. The system has a frame with front legs, back legs and support handles connected to a central hub on the right and left sides. The push handles are each connected to an adjustable strap and a cushioned strap which can be used to carry the system as a backpack. A backrest is attached to the push handles and a seat is connected to the backrest in order to rotate the legs and handles together to be a backpack or apart to be a stroller. An upper compartment can be attached to the backrest which is used as a bag in either configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Inventor: Bao Quoc Tran
  • Patent number: 9056547
    Abstract: A work machine includes: a frame; an engine; an exhaust gas control device; a compartment cover; a compartment cover supporting member; an engine hood; an exhaust gas control device supporting member that suspends the exhaust gas control device downward through the opening and supports the exhaust gas control device in a suspended state; and an opening cover, wherein: the exhaust gas control device supporting member includes a mounting portion that is attached to the exhaust gas control device and a fastening portion that is supported by, and fastened to, the reinforcing member, and when the fastening portion is unfastened, the exhaust gas control device supporting member is removable above the opening together with the exhaust gas control device attached to the mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouji Kimijima, Yuuji Akutsu
  • Patent number: 9056038
    Abstract: A modified OEM vehicle including a modified rear axle with an axle beam moved rearward, a modified exhaust system with the secondary catalytic converter relocated forward of a firewall, and a modified floor. The modified OEM vehicle also includes a body lift kit, a modified rear seat moved rearward in the vehicle, and a lowered air box aligned with an OEM air intake system. The modified rear axle may also include a receptacle enabling a power kneel chain to pass through the axle. Methods for modifying an OEM vehicle include the steps of removing the OEM rear axle, attaching a modified rear axle, repositioning the secondary catalytic converter, and modifying the floor of an interior compartment of the OEM vehicle. Method steps include fabricating a modified rear axle, installing a body lift kit, and lowering the airbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: VANTAGE MOBILITY INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Schmidt, Phil Gerlings, David Nulph
  • Patent number: 9056036
    Abstract: A motorized vehicle assembly having a frame, a seat supported by the frame, and one or more wheels in communication with the frame, where the frame may have a central plane extending therethrough. The motorized vehicle assembly may include a first wheel and a second wheel in communication with the frame and configured to rotate about a wheel axis, where the first wheel and the second wheel may be positioned asymmetrically with respect to the central plane of the frame. A weight may be supported by the frame and the weight may be positioned at least partially offset toward a second side of the central plane of the frame. The seat may include a cut-in portion supported by a first side of the central plane of the frame. The motorized vehicle assembly may be a powered wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Nyitray
  • Patent number: 9056746
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at an adaptable vehicle that includes a pair of primary rollers for rolling along a surface on which the vehicle is travelling. At least one of the rollers is rotatably powered. The adaptable vehicle also includes two sets of linking arms, one of which is coupled to one of the rollers and the other of which is coupled to the other of the rollers such that moving the sets of linking arms can shift the axes of rotation of the rollers without impeding rotation of the rollers. The sets of linking arms are connected to and rotatable about an actuatable hub. Actuation of the hub causes at least one set of the linking arms to rotate about the hub and shifts the axis of rotation of at least one of the rollers to allow the vehicle to adapt to its surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: University of Regina
    Inventors: Mehran Mehrandezh, Amir Hossein Bazargan
  • Patent number: 9057552
    Abstract: A cooler includes a main body which includes a base, an upper rim, and one or more cooler walls extending therebetween. The cooler in some embodiments further includes a removable wheel assembly which includes two coaxial wheels, and an axle. The two coaxial wheels are removably securable to the axle. The cooler still further comprises a wheel fastening system configured to secure the removable wheel assembly to the base of the main body which includes a mount, a clip hingedly connected to the mount, and a locking clasp configured to lock the clip into a closed position to secure the wheel assembly. The cooler yet further comprises a lid including two wheel storage recesses, each being sized and dimensioned to receive and retain one of the coaxial wheel of the wheel assembly, and an axle storage recess sized and dimensioned to receive and retain the axle of the wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: M&C INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Alexander Vanderberg, Daniel Lee Bizzell
  • Patent number: 9050987
    Abstract: A buggy for transporting children has a frame and wheels that are rotably mounted relative to the frame to support the frame above a ground surface. A primary seat is operatively supported by the frame for supporting a first child. A secondary seat is operatively supported by the frame for supporting a second child. The buggy is convertible between an in use configuration for transporting children and a folded storage configuration, whether or not the secondary seat is attached. The secondary seat may be detachable. The secondary seat may be positioned at least partly behind and at least partly below the primary seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: PHIL AND TEDS MOST EXCELLENT BUGGY COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Campbell Gower, Philip Brace
  • Patent number: 9052168
    Abstract: A battery pack protection system is provided for use with an electric vehicle in which the battery pack is mounted under the car. The system utilizes a plurality of deformable cooling conduits located between the lower surface of the batteries within the battery pack and the lower battery pack enclosure panel. The cooling conduits are configured to deform and absorb impact energy when an object, such as road debris, strikes the lower surface of the lower battery pack enclosure panel. Further protection may be achieved by positioning a ballistic shield, alone or with a layer of compressible material, under the bottom surface of the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Atieva, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Dore Rawlinson
  • Patent number: 9054402
    Abstract: A battery pack protection system is provided for use with an electric vehicle in which the battery pack is mounted under the car. The system utilizes a plurality of deformable cooling conduits located between the lower surface of each of the batteries and the lower battery pack enclosure panel, with a thermal insulator interposed between the conduits and the lower enclosure panel. A layer of thermally conductive material may be included which is interposed between the cooling conduits and the thermal insulator and in contact with a lower surface of each of the cooling conduits. The cooling conduits are configured to deform and absorb impact energy when an object, such as road debris, strikes the lower surface of the lower battery pack enclosure panel. Further protection may be achieved by positioning a ballistic shield, alone or with a layer of compressible material, under the bottom surface of the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Atieva, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Dore Rawlinson
  • Patent number: 9045879
    Abstract: A construction machine includes an engine, a hydraulic pump driven by drive force of the engine, a generator motor, and a dipstick tube. The generator motor is disposed between the engine and the hydraulic pump. The generator motor has a rotary shaft connected to an input shaft of the hydraulic pump and to an output shaft of the engine and an oil pan disposed in a lower part of a holding space formed inside a housing. The dipstick tube has a connector provided at a location that communicates with the oil pan of the generator motor, and a dipstick opening disposed above the generator motor, for checking a level of oil in the oil pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Kouichi Watanabe, Takao Nagano
  • Patent number: 9044104
    Abstract: An apparatus for seating a child comprising a seat and a foldable frame for supporting the seat. The frame comprises on left and rights sides: a first and a second frame member connected by a hinge assembly and relatively pivotal through substantially 180 degrees between an unfolded condition and a folded condition, and a third frame member connected to the hinge assembly and pivotal relative to the first and second frame members by less than 180 degrees between an unfolded condition and a folded condition. The first and second frame members are aligned and on opposite sides of the hinge assembly when unfolded and parallel and on the same side of the hinge assembly when folded. The third frame member is parallel with the first and second frame members when folded to provide a compact folded apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: MAMAS & PAPAS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
    Inventor: Peter Smith
  • Patent number: 9044664
    Abstract: At least one embodiment of the inventive technology relates to a method of manufacturing a snowboard having a lower surface that does not at any point along at least one specified portion thereof contact a horizontal surface underlying the snowboard when the snowboard is unweighted. Such portion(s) may be defined, at least in part, by one or more cambers. A rocker is used to impart additional board performance benefits to a rider. Other embodiments may relate more specifically to the positioning of cambers relative to mount regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Never Summer Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Canaday, Tracey Canaday
  • Patent number: 9048517
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery cooling duct. The duct includes a suction portion disposed between a rear seat and a floor panel of a vehicle, an inlet of the suction portion fluidly communicating with an interior of the vehicle to suction interior air. An extension portion is formed by extending an outlet side of the suction portion to a rear of the vehicle, e.g. a trunk, between the rear seat and the floor panel, and defines a passageway configured to allow the interior air to pass therethrough. A discharge portion extends from an outlet of the extension portion to the rear of the vehicle, and discharges the interior air passed through the extension portion, through an outlet of the discharge portion to the battery of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hae Kyu Lim, Yoon Cheol Jeon, Yong Jin Lee, Jeong Hun Seo
  • Patent number: 9045154
    Abstract: A load transporting device comprising: a central axle portion having at least one wheel, a first construction equipment engagement portion operably connected to the central axle portion, the first construction engagement portion accommodating a curvilinear portion of a construction equipment having a curvature, wherein the first construction engagement portion matches the curvature of the curvilinear portion of the construction equipment, and a second construction equipment engagement portion operably connected to the central axle portion, the second construction engagement portion accommodating an operation component of the construction equipment is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventor: Kirk J. Avery