Patents Examined by James M Dolak
  • Patent number: 11613172
    Abstract: A system is provided to prevent the burning of a vehicle or human injury caused by a fire spread from a battery to a vehicle in the event of a fire in the battery. The battery release system includes a controller that outputs a control signal to release a battery pack from a vehicle to separate the battery pack therefrom when the controller determines that a fire occurs in the battery pack. A mounting structure is rotatably mounted to a body frame and supports the battery pack. A locking device is mounted to the body frame and the locking device locks the mounting structure supporting the battery pack to the body frame, and releases the locked state of the mounting structure in response to the control signal of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Gi Sang Yun
  • Patent number: 11608100
    Abstract: A wheelbarrow braking assembly for slowing or stopping a wheelbarrow includes a brake rotor that is attachable to a wheel of a wheelbarrow. A caliper is mountable to the wheelbarrow such that the caliper is aligned with the brake rotor for slowing or stopping the wheelbarrow. A brake handle is provided that is mountable adjacent to an end of a respective rail of the wheelbarrow. In this way the brake handle is accessible to the user when the user is maneuvering the wheelbarrow. The brake handle is in mechanical communication with the caliper and the caliper is engaged when the brake handle is squeezed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventor: Michael De Luca
  • Patent number: 11603065
    Abstract: Tabs for coupling airbag cushions to hangers and/or vehicles, along with related assembly/manufacturing methods. In some embodiments, the tab may comprise a first section comprising a first plurality of openings and a slot configured to receive a portion of the hanger therethrough, the slot being positioned in between at least a first opening of the first plurality of openings and a second opening of the first plurality of openings. The tab may further comprise a second section comprising a second plurality of openings. In some embodiments the second section may comprise, at least in part, a narrower width than the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Doug Callewaert
  • Patent number: 11603142
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an energy-absorbing device can comprise: a polymer reinforcement structure, wherein the polymer reinforcement structure comprises a polymer matrix and chopped fibers; and a shell comprising 2 walls extending from a back and forming a shell channel, wherein the shell comprises continuous fibers and a resin matrix; wherein the polymer reinforcement structure is located in the shell channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventors: Craig Lawrence Milne, Gregory E. Tremblay, Dhanendra Kumar Nagwanshi, Somasekhar Bobba Venkat, Arunachala Parameshwara, Matthew D. Marks
  • Patent number: 11602951
    Abstract: The rotor of an electric motor unit has a web portion partially enclosing the remainder of the unit and terminating in a circumferentially extending rim. The brake drum defines an engagement surface for drum brake linings, and has an outboard end defining a flange securable to the wheel hub. The brake drum also includes an open inboard end, partly covered over by a dust guard, and a circumferential wall extending between the outboard and inboard ends and surrounding the engagement surface. By way of keys and slots or recesses, a reinforcing ring interlocks the circumferentially extending rim of the web portion and the circumferential brake drum wall. The reinforcing ring is secured to the circumferentially extending rim and to the wall of the brake drum at a location disposed axially between the rim of the web portion and the brake drum lining engagement surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Manouchehr Sabeti, Daniel E. Banks
  • Patent number: 11603124
    Abstract: A motion control assembly for a steering column assembly includes a rake bracket having a first leg and a second leg. Also included is a clamping mechanism intersecting the upper jacket and positioned on the first leg of the rake bracket, the on-center, single-sided clamping mechanism moveable between a clamped condition and an unclamped condition, the clamped condition securing a lower jacket against telescoping movement relative to an upper jacket. Further included is a mechanical fastener extending through the second leg of the rake bracket and at least partially through the lower jacket and operatively coupled to the lower jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Joen C. Bodtker
  • Patent number: 11597294
    Abstract: An automated connection and disconnection system for a battery assembly is disclosed. The system may be implemented by a first component of an electric vehicle and a second component of the battery assembly. The first component includes a linear actuator that is configured to push a set of electrical connectors associated with the electric vehicle outward and establish a connection with a corresponding set of electrical connectors associated with the battery assembly. The process of connecting or docking the battery assembly to the electric vehicle is thereby automated and the time needed to exchange batteries is reduced. The system further includes provisions for ensuring the two components remain aligned relative to one another during docking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Artisan Vehicle Systems, Inc
    Inventor: Kyle Hickey
  • Patent number: 11598259
    Abstract: A hybrid drive system has two sources of driving power: a non-combustion drive system to provide mechanical torque and rotation to a driveshaft, and an opposed-piston, internal combustion engine configured to provide energy for the non-combustion drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Achates Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Fabien G. Redon, Ashwin A. Salvi
  • Patent number: 11584212
    Abstract: A battery pack includes a first battery module, a first battery case accommodating the first battery module, a second battery module, and a second battery case placed on an upper side of the first battery case so as to overlap each other and accommodating the second battery module. The second battery module is fixed to a fastening portion formed on a bottom surface of the second battery case and bulging downward. A hole portion for accommodating the fastening portion is provided on an upper surface of the first battery case at a position overlapping the fastening portion when viewed from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Okada, Yoshiro Ichikawa, Tomofumi Yasuda
  • Patent number: 11588199
    Abstract: A vehicle battery assembly having a battery stack that includes a plurality of modules. The plurality of modules fastened by vertical and horizontal bolts. The battery stack includes cooling plates that is configured to be flexible and non-rigid placed between the modules. The cooling plates have improved isolation of structural stresses from the battery assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Karma Automotive LLC
    Inventors: Nadim F. Ramadan, Bailey Erin Fagan, Edward Djrbashian
  • Patent number: 11584459
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive unit in the form of a caravan mover (10) comprising a motor (12) (drive means) and a head (14) which are linked together by a gear mechanism (16). The head (14) provides a roller (15) which is rotatably mounted on a shaft. The roller (15) is arranged, in use, to be urged or pressed against the tread portion (surface) of a tyre. The drive unit is controlled by a control unit (ECU) which controls the movement of the driven roller (15) between the disengaged position and the engaged position and also controls the rotation (and direction) of the driven roller (15). The caravan mover (10) of the present invention includes an integral power supply such that the unit comprises a single integral system which is easily installed on the caravan and does not require the routing of cables from a remote power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Purple Line Limited
    Inventors: Jonathan Harrison, Ben Hawkins
  • Patent number: 11584419
    Abstract: A wheel pack assembly includes a pack portion wearable by a user and a wheeled portion removably coupled to the pack portion. The pack portion includes a support frame coupled to a rear surface thereof. The support frame includes articulating arms and stabilizing elements. The wheel portion includes a frame and a first wheel set coupled to the frame and disposed at a location spaced apart from a rear end of the wheeled portion. The frame includes a first portion and a second portion that are joined together at a bend and such that the second portion defines a transport bed of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventor: Jeffrey Kelling
  • Patent number: 11577771
    Abstract: Embodiments include strollers having removable seats. An example stroller may include rear wheels, front wheels, and a frame including a handle portion, a rear wheel support portion, a front wheel support portion and a folding mechanism connecting the front wheel support portion and the handle portion in both an unfolded configuration and in a folded configuration. The frame may include a stroller seat support portion positioned at a first vertical position adjacent the handle portion, and a front seat attachment configured for attachment to the front wheel support portion at a second vertical position substantially lower than the first vertical position. The front seat attachment may be configured to support the front stroller seat substantially over the front wheels so that a center of gravity of the stroller system is between the front wheels and the rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: BABY JOGGER, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Zehfuss
  • Patent number: 11571959
    Abstract: A power transmission device for a hybrid vehicle may include: an engine part; a transfer part configured to transfer power of the engine part; a motor part configured to provide power to the transfer part, and driven when power is applied thereto; and a plurality of torsion damper parts disposed between the engine part and the motor part, and connected in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Hyundai Transys Inc.
    Inventor: Tae Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 11569781
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for providing portable or fixed solar array support systems. Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus that holds two multi-cell rooftop-grade solar panels and folds up into a relatively small portable device that easily fits in a garage or shed. When open, the panels are displayed at near the nominal angle to the sun for the region. Adjustable angle supports are available in alternative embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Inventor: Gregory K. Miller
  • Patent number: 11569544
    Abstract: A battery pack includes a first battery case accommodating a plurality of cells, and a second battery case laminated above the first battery case and accommodating a plurality of cells. The first battery case has a first through-hole on an upper surface. The second battery case has a second through-hole on a bottom surface which communicates with the first through-hole. The battery pack includes a communication port composed of the first through-hole and the second through-hole, a gas discharge valve which is provided only in either the first battery case or the second battery case and opens when internal pressure of the battery pack is higher than a predetermined value, and a temperature sensor provided on a gas flow path connected to the gas discharge valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Okada, Tomofumi Yasuda, Hiroki Itaya
  • Patent number: 11559442
    Abstract: A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a floor surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure and support wheels coupled to the support structure. An auxiliary wheel is coupled to the support structure to influence motion of the patient transport apparatus over the floor surface to assist users. An actuator is operatively coupled to the auxiliary wheel and operable to move the auxiliary wheel relative to the support structure from a retracted position to a deployed position. A user interface sensor is operatively connected to the actuator and configured to generate signals responsive to the user touching the user interface. A controller is operatively coupled to the user interface sensor and the actuator to operate the actuator in response to detection of signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Anish Paul, Richard A. Derenne, Fanqi Meng, Krishna Sandeep Bhimavarapu, Jeffrey Alan Kennedy
  • Patent number: 11555576
    Abstract: A stationary platform for supporting a supply transport device is provided. The stationary platform includes a frame having at least two longitudinal sides, a first end and a second opposing end, and a top surface and a bottom surface, and a plurality of legs extending from the bottom surface of the frame to support the supply transport device on the frame. The supply transport device is slidably received on the top surface of the frame. A wheel base assembly having a cleaning device for contacting a bottom surface of the supply transport device, to remove dirt and debris from or to disinfect the supply transport device, is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Veltek Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Churchvara, Arthur L. Vellutato, Jr., Yefim Gudesblat, Vladislav Gudesblat
  • Patent number: 11554660
    Abstract: A modular electric wheel assembly includes integral/in-built acceleration and braking componentry and/or steering and suspension componentry allowing for the modular application thereof. Each modular wheel assembly may receive drive control data from various sensors (such as accelerator and brake pedal position sensors, steering column rotational offset sensors and the like), vehicle control systems or the like so as to be able to independently drive, brake, steer and/or provide active suspension for the vehicle. The wheel assemblies may communicate with each other across a wheel assembly vehicular network, wherein a master wheel assembly may receive drive control data and control the slave wheel assemblies accordingly. The modular wheel assemblies may further communicate with each other to receive various sensor data, including rotational speed sensor data so as to be able to detect loss of traction events and the like so as to substantially autonomously take remedial traction control action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Inventor: Brendan Hart
  • Patent number: 11554738
    Abstract: A vehicle knee bolster to which an impact absorption structure according to the present disclosure is applied includes a blow molding body attached to an instrument panel reinforcement of a vehicle via a bracket. When the vehicle has a collision, the blow molding body deforms plastically by being compressed between the bracket and a knee of an occupant. The blow molding body has an orifice (air discharge hole) through which air inside the blow molding body is discharged to outside when an internal pressure of the blow molding body increases due to the compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masahito Yabuoshi