Patents Examined by J. Allen Shriver, II
  • Patent number: 9038759
    Abstract: [Problem] To provide a hybrid work vehicle which is simple in configuration, good in ease of mounting on a vehicle and capable of efficiently transmitting motive power. [Solution] The hybrid work vehicle includes: an engine (1); a hydraulic pump (4) which is driven by the engine; a work device (5) which is disposed at the front of the vehicle and performs work using the hydraulic pump as a drive source; a motor/generator (6) which generates electric power by use of the torque of the engine; and a travel drive device which causes the vehicle to travel by rotating and driving wheels by use of the electric power generated by the motor/generator. The hybrid work vehicle is steered while the vehicle bends by way of a center joint (15). The travel drive device includes: a plurality of electric motors (21 and 22); and a propeller shaft (8) which is linked with the plurality of electric motors and transmits motive power from the plurality of electric motors to the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoru Kaneko, Takashi Ikimi, Hidekazu Moriki, Noritaka Ito, Hiroaki Yanagimoto, Toru Kikuchi, Toshio Kotaka
  • Patent number: 9039484
    Abstract: A toy truck is described which has a steering wheel positioned behind the truck at a distance and height permitting a child to turn the wheels of the truck while standing up. The front wheels thereof are contained within a swivel assembly that enables each of the front wheels to swivel or turn to the left or right in response to force being applied on said steering wheel by an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Samuel O. Mayson
  • Patent number: 9039028
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a nursing wheelchair, comprising a seat member which deploys on a frame body to form a seat. The nursing wheelchair readily allows transfer of a person receiving care, and is lightweight and easy to operate. A nursing wheelchair (1) comprises seat members (7a, 7b) which deploy on seat support frames (14a, 14b) constituting part of a frame body (2) in order to form a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: IDEA SYSTEM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mutsumi Kobayashi, Hiroshi Kobayashi, Hiroshi Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 9033080
    Abstract: A debris passage for a cooling box of a work vehicle. Airflow is provided into the cooling box from the exterior environment. A plurality of heat exchangers transfer heat into the airflow. The debris passage is defined between opposing heat exchangers to permit debris to pass from the airflow to the exterior of the cooling box. In one embodiment, the debris passage is underneath an air mover and is substantially vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: ACO Corporation
    Inventors: Rex Schertz, Stanley R. Clark, Mark D. Walton
  • Patent number: 9033088
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for ergonomically supporting a worker while performing a work operation includes an automatic guided vehicle capable of moving a seat carrying the worker between a first non-work position relative to a work piece and a second work position at which the worker performs the work operation. The automatic guided vehicle includes controls to enable the worker to ergonomically position the angle of a seatback relative to a seat bottom and the height of the seat relative to the automatic guided vehicle for ergonomic support of the worker while performing the work operation. Under program control, the automatic guided vehicle is movable from one work position to another work position and/or back to the non-work position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Joseph Salek, Cristian Ignat, William Brad Cheeseman, Kevin W. Sharp, Brian Linka, Rod James Albon, John Andrew Szentimrey, Jonathan Philip Kenneth Eng
  • Patent number: 9033087
    Abstract: A probe-holder carriage includes a frame which can slide over a highly magnetically permeable support surface and at least one permanent magnet able to interact magnetically with, and couple the robot to, the surface. The permanent magnet is positioned so that one pole grazes the surface and faces the surface at a minimum distance from it. The frame defines a central housing which can support at least one probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Tecnomac S.R.L.
    Inventor: Arturo Lama
  • Patent number: 9033350
    Abstract: Air traveling is a daily procedure, people need to move quickly within and around airports with their luggage. The invention, hereafter called “SkateTrolley ”, is a luggage designed to be used as a standard trolley or the traveler can ride luggage rather than carrying it. SkateTrolley has a platform with steerable rear wheels that can be pulled out to be ridden in a skateboard manner and a pull out driving stick that drives the front wheel in a scooter way while the content of the luggage remains in place. The design is developed to minimize weight, the suitcase shell acts as a frame and maximize maneuverability thought the double steering effect. SkateTrolley can be built in different sizes, one will fit the carryon luggage airline requirements. Note: FIG. 5 represents the invention the most.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Federico Porri
  • Patent number: 9033077
    Abstract: A hybrid drive system for a utility vehicle (1) which operates with an internal combustion engine (12) and an electrical generator (80), motor (86) and storage means (84). Auxiliary hydraulic functions (93,94) may be powered by the electric motor (86). An output of the engine (12) is mechanically coupled to a multi-ratio transmission (10) which has a hydrostatic driveline (24) and an output which is mechanically coupled to propulsion means. With the engine switched off, the electric motor powers a hydraulic pump (91) which generates pressurized fluid to operate auxiliary functions. In addition, the pressurized fluid may be exploited in a secondary propulsion mode to drive a hydraulic motor (92) in the hydrostatic transmission to propel the vehicle in a low emission, low noise output mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Valtra Oy Ab
    Inventors: Kimmo Kurkinen, Petri Hannukainen
  • Patent number: 9027939
    Abstract: A ski conversion device for a stroller or a bicycle trailer including: wheel braces for attachment to first and second skis and for receiving the first and second wheels; connecting elements for fixing the wheels to wheel braces; orientation braces for attachment to skis; orientation elements for connecting the stroller or the bicycle trailer to the orientation braces and for fixing an orientation of the stroller or the bicycle trailer with respect to the skis; a rigger element for connecting to a ski and including a runner element; and yokes for connection to the skis, the yokes attachable to a source of energy for propelling the ski conversion device. In a first position, the runner element is locatable between the first and second skis. In a second position, the runner element is locatable beyond the first ski in a direction from the second ski toward the first ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Charles M. Love
  • Patent number: 9027690
    Abstract: Personal transport means for walking at faster speeds than normal walking, made up of a pair of wheeled shoes or wheeled undersoles (1-1) that can be adapted by quick attachment (1-2) to the soles of the normal shoes of a walker, laterally articulated (1-3) to follow the natural movements of the heels relative to the tips of the feet (1-10) during normal walking, and allowing walking at higher speeds, without any skating movements, without having to gain momentum, and without modifying the rhythm, amplitude or longitudinal stability of natural walking, by means of a servomotor (1-4) which allows the speed of the driving wheels to exceed the skidding force (1-5a, 1-5b) resulting from the force transmitted by the supporting leg (1-6), and comprising an accelerator (1-8) and a brake (1-9) controlled by the foot of the walker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Paul Chavand
  • Patent number: 9027679
    Abstract: A series-parallel coupling control method and system for a hybrid driver are suitable for a hybrid power vehicle. The hybrid driver is used to produce a driving force to drive a load. The hybrid driver includes a first power generation unit, a second power generation unit, and a main controller. The main controller selectively controls the system to drive the load in a series power coupling mode or a parallel power coupling mode. The main controller switches between the series coupling mode and the parallel coupling mode by using rotation speed compensation or torque/power compensation. Therefore, the driven load will not suffer from sudden thrust or jerk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Yi-Hsuan Hung, Chien-Hsun Wu, Bing-Ren Chen, E-In Wu
  • Patent number: 9027681
    Abstract: Embodiments of hybrid sensor-enabled and autonomous electric wheels can include a plurality of systems and devices integrated into a single compact hub unit that can be retrofitted into numerous types of two-wheeled bicycles. In one embodiment, an electrically motorized bicycle wheel can include a wheel rim, a wheel hub having an electric motor, a battery pack and a control unit configured to control a drive torque of the electric motor, and a plurality of wheel spokes connecting the wheel rim to the wheel hub. The electric motor, the battery pack and the control unit can be positioned within the wheel hub of the electrically motorized bicycle wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Assaf Biderman, Carlo Ratti, Christine Louise Outram
  • Patent number: 9022414
    Abstract: A portable, collapsible vending cart which can be used to vend disparate items in a variety of environments. The cart is adaptable to accommodate vendors of a wide variety of products, and provides an apparatus which is in compliance with most state regulations for vending carts. The cart is adapted to fit within the “security space” of a storefront, the space between a pull down security gate and the display window/entry point of the storefront. A locking mechanism extending from the vending cart is designed for secure locking engagement within the security space using infrastructure associated with the standard security gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Christian R. Bell
  • Patent number: 9022395
    Abstract: A cooler comprises a main body which includes a base, an upper rim, and one or more cooler walls extending therebetween. The cooler further comprises 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: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: M & C Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Alexander Vanderberg
  • Patent number: 9022152
    Abstract: In an automobile body structure, since a floor panel disposed beneath left and right side sills and a battery support frame includes a center tunnel protruding upwardly and extending in the vehicle body fore-and-aft direction, and a main body portion of the battery support frame and the floor panel are connected via a linking bracket, it is possible to reinforce the battery support frame with the floor panel and prevent the battery support frame from warping into an arc shape and being bent by the collision load of a side collision and, moreover, since even if the battery support frame is formed into a straight line shape, interference with the center tunnel can be avoided, it is possible to reliably make the battery support frame buckle when the collision load of a side collision is inputted thereinto, thus enhancing the ability to absorb the energy of a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shogo Imamura, Takafumi Hiragi, Keita Yoshinaga
  • Patent number: 9022411
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a single piece base portion (10) for a locking mechanism (30) for a ski binding (1), in particular a cross country or touring ski binding. The base portion (10) comprising: a planar resting portion (11); one or more, preferably two, support sections (12) extending out of the plane of the planar resting portion (11). In particular, each of the support sections (12) comprises an axle pin hole (13) for receiving an axle (21) of a part associated with the locking mechanism (30). Further, the lowest section (14) of the axle pin hole (13) is aligned with the upper surface (15) of the planar resting portion (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Rottefella AS
    Inventors: Even Wollo, Aksel Pettersen, Thomas Holm, Oyvar Svendsen
  • Patent number: 9022413
    Abstract: A foldable walker apparatus includes a pair of spaced-apart inner frame members of two parts each hinged together, with a pair of link members diagonally extending therebetween. Each link has a bend extending upwardly and outwardly. The walker has support members that are arc-shaped with a seat extending between their apexes. A collapsible basket is provided with two end members each having a rigid peripheral portion connecting the frame members and a basket member of flexible fabric extending therebetween. A self-adjusting brake rod is provided with a gripping member spring-biased to remain free of the brake rod until the gripping member is operatively actuated to engage and thereby actuate the brake rod. A brake housing fully extends around a brake pad mechanism, including a means for connecting and adjusting the corresponding brake pad, to at least the outer periphery of one of the wheels for fully protecting the brake pad mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Evolution Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Julian Liu
  • Patent number: 9016414
    Abstract: An air cleaner device for a vehicle includes an air cleaner case body, a lid, a resin air cleaner element, and an element guard assembly. The air cleaner case body includes a peripheral wall defining an opening portion. The element guard assembly is provided inside the peripheral wall of the air cleaner case body. The element guard assembly includes a periphery, a side surface, and a seal wall. The periphery of the element guard assembly contacts a part of the peripheral wall of the air cleaner case body. The side surface is defined as a lid side of the element guard assembly. The seal wall is provided at the side surface to provide a seal between the resin air cleaner element and the air cleaner case body while positioning the resin air cleaner element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Shimomura, Tatsuya Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9016413
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to efficiently heat a vehicle cabin of a fuel cell vehicle by utilizing heat of air discharged from a fuel cell stack. In a fuel cell vehicle in which an exhaust duct configured to discharge air from a fuel cell stack is arranged below a floor, the exhaust duct includes: a lower surface wall facing at least a lower surface of the floor with a predetermined gap therebetween; and a pair of side walls extending from right and left side portions of the lower surface wall toward the lower surface of the floor, and the floor is configured to be heated by the air flowing in the exhaust duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Kengo Ikeya
  • Patent number: 9016702
    Abstract: A scooter foldable seat structure comprising an elongated plate body is disclosed, wherein a footplate and a seat plate pivotally connect to two ends of the plate body respectively; an elongated front supporting element pivotally connected to a bottom side of the plate body; a first movable connecting element foldably connected to the bottom side of the plate body and the front supporting element respectively; an elongated rear supporting element pivotally connected to a bottom side of the seat plate; and a second movable connecting element foldably connected to the bottom side of the seat plate and the rear supporting element respectively. Thereby, the front supporting element, the first movable connecting element, the seat plate, the rear supporting element and the second movable connecting element can be folded away and accommodated under the plate body at the same time and unfolded to provide the stable seat plate to sit on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Laing Ban International Inc.
    Inventor: Wen-Hung Huang