Patents Examined by Jeff Restifo
  • Patent number: 7198122
    Abstract: A device for transporting strollers includes a base member having a plurality of compartments, a plurality of wheels for supporting the base member wherein two such wheels are mounted adjacent the rear portion and another wheel is pivotally mounted to the base member. A plurality of elongated straps are secured to the top surface and to a stroller positioned thereon respectively. The device further includes a mechanism for rotating at least two of the plurality of wheels and a hand-operable remote control unit for selectively transmitting RF signals to the rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism includes a plurality of motors, at least one power source disposed within select ones of the plurality of compartments, a receiver for receiving the RF signals generated from the remote control, and a microprocessor electrically coupled to the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen E. Smith
  • Patent number: 7191860
    Abstract: A latching device and operating mechanism are provided suitable for controlling the opening or closing of a tilting cover such as the hood of a car or truck. The latching device operates to prevent accidental closure of the cover when the cover is open. The operating mechanism is coupled to the latching device for releasing the latching device when the hood is to be shut. The operating mechanism is located on the vehicle near a location from which an operator typically opens or closes the hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Paccar Inc
    Inventors: Eric N. Tucker, Joseph F. Marrs
  • Patent number: 7192038
    Abstract: A structure of a foot propelled scooter is described. Because foot propelled scooter is put into motion by using foot oscillation, thus creating an effect of exercise and frolic to the rider. The foot propelled scooter has a steering handle which is operatively coupled to a set of front wheels, the steering handle is rotatable in a steering column, a retractable bar is pivotally attached to the steering column, an adjustable rear bar is adjustably and pivotally attached to the retractable bar, a foot frame having a set of wheels disposed underneath is pivotally mounted on each end part of the adjustable rear bar. A foot brake controllable by a foot is mounted on retractable bar. The rider swings both feet alternately in a forward and a backward direction to make a pushing contact to put the scooter into forward motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Sheue-Ing Tsai
  • Patent number: 7191859
    Abstract: A driving apparatus comprises an electric generator driven by an engine and a motor for driving driving-wheels by using electric power from the electric generator, wherein an engine-side input axle is linked to a crankshaft and an motor-side input axle is linked to a motor rotor and these input axles are linked to an output axle for transmitting power to the driving-wheels. In an engine-power transfer channel constituted by the engine-side input axle 18 and the output axle, there is provided a transmission for changing a revolution speed of the engine-power transfer channel to a plurality shift ranges. When a vehicle is engine-driven, the revolution speed of the engine-power transfer channel is changed, thereby allowing a drive force of the vehicle to be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takenori Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 7191858
    Abstract: A thermal management system has a high temperature heat transfer circuit and a low temperature heat transfer circuit for modulating the temperature of heat-generating components having different operating temperatures. The heat transfer circuits are in flow communication and are interdependent so that a single circulating pump can be used to pump a liquid heat transfer medium through both circuits. One of the heat transfer circuits comprises a continuous loop and the other heat transfer circuit comprises an open loop having a first end and a second end at which it is in flow communication with the first heat transfer circuit. Each heat transfer circuit is provided with a heat exchanger to modulate temperature of the heat transfer medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Dana Canada Corporation
    Inventors: Doug Vanderwees, James S. Cotton
  • Patent number: 7191854
    Abstract: A modular drive unit for a gurney including a control/handle module, a cord reel/charger module, a drive module, and a chassis assembly, plus all needed electrical wiring harnesses and pneumatic tubing to connect them. The modules mount to any existing gurney and to each other without making permanent modifications to the gurney. The gurney is controlled by a handle assembly containing all necessary controls and indicators to allow the operator to select forward or reverse direction, increase or reduce speed of travel, observe the state of battery charge, and energize or deenergize power from the various modules. In addition, the handle may be swung down through 180 degrees to facilitate loading and unloading the gurney.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas E. Lenkman
  • Patent number: 7188844
    Abstract: Seating apparatus features a body including a seat and a lid which is pivotable with respect to the body between a retracted position and an extended position in which the lid defines a cover for the seat. In the retracted position, the lid cooperates with the body to enclose the seat against use. The lid is attached to the body at a pivot point which is positioned adjacent to the seat. When the lid is pivoted into the extended position, the apparatus includes a telescopic member positioned between the lid and the body to enable the lid to be supported open. The body includes a plurality of steps and can be fitted with one or more wheels to allow movement of the apparatus and to permit tilting of the apparatus into a position whereat the seat is located uppermost and the steps enable climbing into the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Jason Mark Hinds
  • Patent number: 7182164
    Abstract: Cooling equipment for an excavator, in which a longitudinal axis of a first portion of a delivery duct is substantially parallel to the axis of the excavator, while a longitudinal axis of a second portion of the delivery duct is substantially transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Alessio Merlo
  • Patent number: 7174980
    Abstract: A method of controlling the operating response of a hybrid drive of a vehicle is described, the hybrid drive having an internal combustion engine and at least one electric motor as the drive motors, and the drive shafts of the drive motors being mechanically linkable to a drive train of the vehicle. A drag torque characteristic curve for the hybrid drive is established by targeted activation of the at least one electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Hoetzer, Juergen Loeffler
  • Patent number: 7175186
    Abstract: A skate with an adjustable sole plate has a sole plate and a boot mounted on the sole plate. The sole plate has a front body and a rear body. The front body has a locking element mounted on the front body, and the rear body of the sole plate has at least one key formed on the rear body. The key comprises multiple transverse locking holes/slots defined in the key to correspond to different lengths. A person can adjust the length of the sole plate by inserting the locking element of the front body into different transverse locking holes, transverse slots or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Henkel Lin
  • Patent number: 7174977
    Abstract: A fuel cell system incorporated in a vehicle has a main electric motor, a drive power transmitting mechanism for engaging and disengaging a fuel gas pump, a coolant fluid pump, a supercharger, and a compressor, which serve as auxiliary equipment, and transmitting a drive power to the auxiliary equipment, and an auxiliary electric motor coaxially connectable to the main electric motor for transmitting a drive power to the auxiliary equipment depending on the manner in which the vehicle is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoyuki Enjoji, Masaharu Suzuki, Hideaki Kikuchi, Yoshinori Wariishi, Masaru Oda
  • Patent number: 7168713
    Abstract: A mobile storage unit is disclosed. The mobile storage unit comprises at least two structural frames, a seat portion coupled to the at least two structural frames, a handle assembly coupled to the seat portion, a bottom panel coupled to the at least two structural frames whereby a storage area is created below the seat portion, above the bottom portion and between the at least two structural frames and at least two wheels coupled to the bottom panel. Through the use of the present invention, the potential for back problems that are associated with the use of the traditional backpack is eliminated. Additionally, the mobile storage unit provides an easily accessible storage area for the user/student in the case where no locker is provided. Furthermore, the mobile storage unit incorporates a seat portion which allows a user to utilize the mobile storage unit as a seat in situations where one is needed yet not available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Zuca, Inc.
    Inventors: Laura Elizabeth Udall, Nicholas V. Udall
  • Patent number: 7168712
    Abstract: A multi-function hand truck is convertible to allow lifting of a load at a spaced distance from the truck and/or is convertible for use as a wheelbarrow. A pair of lifting arms co-operate with the frame of the hand truck to extend outwardly therefrom and allow the frame of the hand truck to provide a mechanical advantage for lifting. The wheels of the truck are moveable rearwardly for conversion to a wheelbarrow mode. An open top container is positioned within the frame of the hand truck for receiving material. The multi-function hand truck is efficiently stored in a vertical orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Giuliano Celli
  • Patent number: 7165779
    Abstract: The present invention features a combination utility/camper tow trailer capable of being converted between a first utility functioning configuration or position, a second utility functioning configuration or position, and a sleep functioning configuration or position via first and second configurable panel members. In the first utility functioning position, the combination utility/camper tow trailer is capable of supporting and carrying a load atop the panel members, while simultaneously providing storage in the trailer bed below. In the second utility functioning configuration, the trailer is configured to increase the volume of the interior storage portion of the trailer bed by positioning first and second configurable panel members in an upward extending manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventors: John T. Badger, Robert J. T. Badger, William A. Badger
  • Patent number: 7163210
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a vehicle with a training device for use on a skateboard. The training device includes an assembly disposed about one of a plurality of axles of the skateboard. The assembly has a transfer gear horizontally moveably to a first position to engage a flywheel wheel to provide resistance to the skateboard and to charge the flywheel when a wheel corresponding to one of the plurality of axles spins, such that when the flywheel is charged the flywheel provides inertia to the wheel. The training device may also be designed to be entirely incorporated with a single wheel for use with in-line skate or scooters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Rehkemper, Jeffrey Rehkemper
  • Patent number: 7163212
    Abstract: A portable transportation assembly 10 having a pair of wheels 40, 42 which may be selectively raised and lowered and which is adapted to transport a bathroom assembly 200 in an easy and efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Ronald L. Rupp
  • Patent number: 7163077
    Abstract: A frame structure of a vehicle includes a flywheel housing, an intermediate housing and a transmission case that are connected to each other along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle to constitute a vehicle frame with an inner space for accommodating a running-power transmission path for transmitting power from an engine to drive wheels via a HST unit. The flywheel housing has a first end connected to the engine and a second open end opposite to the first end along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The intermediate housing has a hollow shape with a first end and a second end located along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The first end has an abutting surface against which the second end of the flywheel housing abuts, a support surface located radially inwardly of the abutting surface so as to support the HST unit, and an opening surrounded by the support surface. The opening serves as a first-end opening of the intermediate housing along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Hasegawa, Kazuhiko Ohtsuki
  • Patent number: 7159893
    Abstract: The present invention features a combination utility/camper trailer capable of being converted between a first utility functioning configuration or position, a second utility functioning configuration or position, and a sleep functioning configuration or position via means for repositioning, which allows first and second configurable panel members to be relocated or repositioned between these positions. In the first utility functioning position, the combination utility/camper trailer is capable of supporting and carrying a load atop the panel members, while simultaneously providing storage in the trailer bed below. In the second utility functioning configuration, the trailer is configured to increase the volume of the interior storage portion of the trailer bed by positioning first and second configurable panel members in an upward extending manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Jumping Jack, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Badger, Robert J. T. Badger, John T. Badger
  • Patent number: 7159876
    Abstract: A vehicular snow ski steering keel bar is disclosed having a recessed surface portion extending at least partially along the length in the side surfaces of the bar. A lower side surface portion below the recessed surface portion includes lateral extensions extending beyond the recessed surface potion to collect and/or compact snow and/or material coming in contact with the steering keel bar. An upper side surface portion has lateral extensions that further direct snow into the recessed surface portion during turning and cornering of the bar. The cross-sectional shape of the bar includes a basic hourglass shape with curved and/or flat surfaces. Various cross-sectional shapes can be used along the length of the bar to fine-tune the turning characteristics of the steering keel bar. Different configurations or shapes can be utilized for the sides of the bar to vary the turning characteristics between left and right turns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Kevin Winfred Metheny
  • Patent number: 7152706
    Abstract: A four cycle engine having at least one cylinder unit is disclosed. The engine includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) connected to the engine on one side of the engine. An air box is also provided that is located on the same side of the engine as the CVT. The engine further includes an intake manifold operatively connected to the air box for connecting the air box to each cylinder unit and a throttle assembly operatively connected to air box and the intake manifold. The intake manifold may have a generally Y-shaped manifold having a connector leg connected to the throttle assembly and a pair of branches. One branch is operatively connected to one of the cylinder units and another branch is connected to another of the cylinder units. The connector leg is generally parallel to the axis of the crankshaft. The intake manifold may further include a baffle assembly, which directs gas flow within the intake manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Anton Pichler, Rudolf Kusel, Sylvain Matte, Andreas Winter, Andreas Haydl