Patents Examined by Keith J Frisby
  • Wheel suspension system
    Patent number: 10414224
    Abstract: A wheel suspension assembly (1) for a vehicle, having a spring damper (2), a first transverse link (4), which has a first transverse link strut (4a) and a second transverse link strut (4b), a second transverse link (5), a first tie rod (6), a second tie rod (7), a reversing lever (8), a hub carrier (9), a steering gear (10) and a pendulum support (11). Each transverse link (4, 5) has an end (12), on the hub carrier side, and two ends (13, 13a, 13b), on the chassis side. The steering gear (10) is arranged in a plane with the first transverse link (4) and in a section between an end (13a) of the first transverse link strut (41) of the first transverse link (4), on the chassis side, and an end (13b) of the second transverse link strut (4b) of the first transverse link (4), on the chassis side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Alexander Neu, Knut Heidsieck, Peter Kontermann, Holger Lohmüller, Witalij Knaub, Joachim Cichy, Klaus Solik
  • Recreational vehicle braking system
    Patent number: 10414386
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle braking system having a tether system, a controller system, and a brake. The controller system activates a slowdown timer upon removal of the tether system from the vehicle and then activates a stop timer upon expiration of the slowdown timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventors: Michael E. Natoli, Robert G. Stanford
  • Adjusting device for a safety belt with an extendable belt guiding element
    Patent number: 10399537
    Abstract: An adjusting device for a safety belt in a vehicle comprises at least one extendable belt guiding element which is provided for guiding a portion of the safety belt and at least one supporting element which is connected to the belt guiding element and which is able to be at least partially extended together with the belt guiding element. The belt guiding element is able to be extended from a resting position in a direction of extension in order to facilitate the grasping of the safety belt by a vehicle occupant when fastening the safety belt. The supporting element is flexible but in the extended state of the belt guiding element is sufficiently rigid at least in one portion transversely to the direction of extension such that the belt guiding element is held in an extended position via the now rigid portion of the supporting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Mario Stegerer, Michael Hoeppel, Markus Bauernfeind
  • Airbag assembly including internal and external tethers
    Patent number: 10391968
    Abstract: An airbag assembly includes a base, an airbag supported by the base and defining an inflation chamber, an external tether, and an internal tether. The airbag includes a panel and an extension extending transverse to the panel. The panel includes an internal surface facing the inflation chamber and an external surface facing away from the inflation chamber. The external tether extends from the extension to the external surface of the panel. The internal tether extends from the base to the internal surface of the panel. During a vehicle impact, the momentum of the occupant may move the occupant towards the extension. The extension may absorb energy from the occupant and reduce or prevent the head of the occupant from sliding across the panel and/or rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dean M. Jaradi, Mohammed Omar Faruque, S. M. Iskander Farooq, James Chih Cheng, Robert William McCoy
  • Construction machine, in particular rubber-tired roller or road finisher
    Patent number: 10391983
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a construction machine, said construction machine comprising a brake assembly for braking the machine, as well as an operator platform. The operator platform comprises at least one operator seat with a total of at least two operating positions for a machine operator at opposite ends of the operator platform, and an actuation device for foot actuation of the brake assembly. According to essential aspects of the present invention, the actuation device for the brake assembly comprises a brake beam which extends transversely to the working direction of the construction machine and which can be operated by foot from said two operating positions, and the actuation device further comprises an actuator for the brake beam, which is arranged below the brake beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: BOMAG GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Klein, Thomas Haubrich
  • Roof airbag apparatus
    Patent number: 10391967
    Abstract: A roof airbag apparatus may include: a gas injector configured to inject gas; a tether guide disposed along the longitudinal direction of a roof; a chamber part connected to the tether guide, and deployed by gas received from the gas injector; and a chamber moving part installed in the chamber part, and moving the chamber part while being pressed by the gas transferred to the chamber part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seok Min Lee, Hae Kwon Park, Kyu Sang Lee, Byung Ho Min
  • Molded air bag chute with door reinforced by hollow channel
    Patent number: 10377336
    Abstract: An air bag chute assembly for an automotive instrument panel is injection molded to form an integral deployment chute, door, and attachment flange, The flange attaches to the instrument panel around an aperture in the instrument panel. The tubular chute extends interiorly from the flange to a lower end configured to receive an inflating air bag from an air bag module and defines a deployment path along a longitudinal axis. A door flap is disposed in an upper end of the chute rotatable from the flange to emerge through the aperture. The flap has an interior side impacted by the inflating air bag carrying a plurality of raised strengthening ribs. The flap has at least one closed-section hollow channel protruding from the interior side to a channel height extending beyond the strengthening ribs formed by gas-assist injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Li Lu, Hui Wang, Yi Yang Tay, Liying Qi, Nicholas A. Mazzocchi, Kenneth J. Kwasnik
  • Device at least for moving a mass, and vehicle having such a device
    Patent number: 10377338
    Abstract: A device at least for moving a mass includes a hollow cylindrical airbag fluidically coupled to a gas generator. The airbag is arranged fixedly with one end on an object and a traction element is fixed in the region of an opposite end. The mass to be moved is arranged on the traction element. When the airbag unfolds traction is exerted on the traction element in such a way that the mass is able to be moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: DAIMLER AG
    Inventor: Till Heinrich
  • Suspension member for vehicle
    Patent number: 10377418
    Abstract: An overall knuckle is formed by a second carbon-fiber composite material, and a first carbon-fiber composite material is embedded in particular portions, whose rigidities are insufficient only with the second carbon-fiber composite material. The one particular portion is provided to a neck part, and the first carbon-fiber composite material is embedded in this particular portion such that continuous fibers thereof are orientated in a direction orthogonal to a central axis of a torsional load so as to enhance a torsional rigidity. The other particular portions are provided to the body part, and the first carbon-fiber composite material is embedded in these particular portions such that the continuous fibers thereof are orientated in a vertical direction so as to enhance a bending rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hitoshi Sakuma
  • Position dependent damper for a vehicle suspension system
    Patent number: 10369860
    Abstract: A damper assembly for a vehicle suspension system includes a primary damper and a secondary damper. The secondary damper includes a housing having a wall that at least partially surrounds at least a portion of the primary damper, the volume between the wall and the primary damper defining a chamber, and the wall defines an aperture. The secondary damper also includes a piston positioned within the chamber, a conduit defining a flow path that includes the aperture, and a valve disposed along the flow path. The secondary damper is configured to provide a damping force that varies based on the position of the piston within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Erik S. Ellifson, Patrick S. Dillman, Jason J. Zuleger, Aaron J. Rositch, Robert K. Sollenskog
  • Vibration damper for a vehicle
    Patent number: 10363788
    Abstract: A vibration damper is provided for a vehicle, preferably for a motor vehicle, having a wheel carrier made of metal for rotatably receiving a wheel, a damper tube arrangement at least partly made of a fiber-reinforced plastic for forming a damper fluid volume, a piston which is guided in the damper tube arrangement and includes a piston rod. The damper tube arrangement is rigidly connected to the wheel carrier and the piston rod can be connected to a body of the vehicle. A wheel carrier fluid volume is formed in the wheel carrier and which is connected to the damper fluid volume. The fluid in the wheel carrier fluid volume is in direct contact with the metal of the wheel carrier in order to transfer heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Reiser, Thomas Eifflaender, Michael Keigler, Johann Dudkowiak, Wolfgang Gruber, Matthias Stangl, Hubert Scholz, Thomas Kaespaizer, Martin Schwab
  • Rollover protection device
    Patent number: 10363894
    Abstract: A rollover protection device (1) for a passenger car has a supporting device (3) that extends vertically when installed properly. A crossmember (5) is secured on the supporting device (3) and extends in a lateral direction (4) when installed properly. The crossmember (5) is of beam-shaped design and comprises a die-cast, low-pressure die-cast or forged unit (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hans-Juergen Schmitt
  • Personal mobility shopping cart
    Patent number: 10351201
    Abstract: The personal mobility shopping cart is a vehicle intended for use in a retail environment by a person with a disability. The cart is electrically motorized and powered from self-contained batteries. The cart provides a wheel or castor at each corner of the frame to provide high stability and use a central steerable wheel to guide the cart. A large, grocery cart sized basket and flat grill space under the basket allow the driver to collect items intended to be purchased. The cart provides a brake to prevent motion and a USB charging port for recharging a cell phone. An optional oxygen bottle holder on the rear of the cart allows the driver to have access to oxygen while shopping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Chester Wright
  • Steering wheel
    Patent number: 10351171
    Abstract: A steering wheel includes: a cylindrical slider which is disposed on an outer side of a support member so as to slide in a front-to-rear direction and which is biased to the rear; a cap member which covers at least respective rear end portions of the support member and the slider from the rear; a movable-side contact portion which is provided inside the cap member; an annular damper holder which is mounted inside the cap member; an annular elastic member which is interposed between the slider and the damper holder; a transmitting portion which is provided in an inner circumferential portion of the damper holder; and a movement catch portion which is provided on an outer circumferential portion of the slider so as to be positioned immediately before the transmitting portion and to which a forward movement of the damper holder is transmitted through the transmitting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Ishii, Osamu Hirose, Kenji Sasaki, Toshihiko Yanagisawa
  • Reinforcement part for a belt shaft, belt shaft, and end-fitting tensioner
    Patent number: 10343646
    Abstract: A reinforcing member (36) for a belt shaft (10) comprises an elongate central portion (46) and two hooking portions (48) provided at the ends of the central portion (46) adapted to be hung into a hooking slit of a belt shaft body (28) of a belt shaft (10), wherein the central portion (46) includes a retaining portion (50) adapted to be encompassed by the webbing (26) and a supporting portion (58) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) substantially over the entire central portion (46) and being offset relative to a plane (M) which is defined by the retaining portion (50), and wherein retaining lands (60) defining a passage window (62) for the webbing (26) extend between the supporting portion (58) and the retaining portion (50). The invention further provides a belt shaft (10) comprising a belt shaft body (28) as well as an end fitting tensioner (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: TRW AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Betz, Dominik Seitzer, Michal Kacprzak
  • Extendable bumpers for vehicles
    Patent number: 10336290
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body portion, an opening defined by the body portion, and an extendable bumper that is positioned in the opening and is moveable with respect to the body portions between an extended position and a retracted position. The extendable bumper includes an inflatable structure that causes movement of the extendable bumper between the retracted position and the extended position in response to inflation and deflation of the inflatable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Juan A. Lazaro, Erik Mikael Fermer, Alice C. Watts, Tommaso P. Rivellini, Christian Schermaier, John Raff, Derek C. Scott, David E. Kingman, Bryce A. Woollard, Samuel G. Fowle, Mark B. Rober, Ibuki Kamei, Donald R. Monroe, Jesse T. Buehler, Paul D. Yeomans
  • Airbag tether release
    Patent number: 10336284
    Abstract: An airbag system includes an airbag. The airbag system includes a base defining a track extending from a first end to a second end. The airbag system includes a carrier releasably fixed to the base and removable from the base at the second end. The airbag system includes a tether extending from the carrier and secured to the airbag. The airbag system includes a spring disposed at the first end. The spring is disposed between the carrier and the base. Upon application of a force to the carrier, e.g., via the tether when the airbag is inflated, the carrier is released from the base and compresses the spring. Upon removal of the force, the spring urges the carrier toward the second end where the carrier is ejected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alan George Dry, Johnathan Andrew Line, Brian Robert Spahn, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Kevin Wayne Preuss
  • Suspension member for vehicle
    Patent number: 10336367
    Abstract: An overall knuckle is formed by a second carbon-fiber composite material, and a first carbon-fiber composite material is embedded in particular portions, whose rigidities are insufficient only with the second carbon-fiber composite material. The one particular portion is provided to a neck part, and the first carbon-fiber composite material is embedded in this particular portion such that continuous fibers thereof are orientated in a direction orthogonal to a central axis of a torsional load so as to enhance a torsional rigidity. The other particular portions are provided to the body part, and the first carbon-fiber composite material is embedded in these particular portions such that the continuous fibers thereof are orientated in a vertical direction so as to enhance a bending rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hitoshi Sakuma
  • Work vehicle
    Patent number: 10328798
    Abstract: Work vehicle includes an operation lever pivoting forward and backward stepwise through a plurality of operation positions; and a detent type retention mechanism holding the operation lever in each of the operation positions. The retention mechanism includes a coupling member coupled to the operation lever; and a retention member holding the operation lever via the coupling member. The operation lever and the retention mechanism are provided separately from each other, aligned in a direction intersecting with a pivot support shaft of the operation lever. The operation lever and the coupling member are reciprocally connected via a linking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daisuke Yasunobe
  • Multi-purpose utility vehicle for construction and snow-removing work
    Patent number: 10328794
    Abstract: A multi-purpose utility vehicle for construction and snow-removing work includes: a cargo box seated on a loading frame in the rear part of the vehicle; a continuously variable transmission combination mounted in a mounting space partitioned by a midship frame in the middle of a vehicle body; an engine assembly mounted in an engine room partitioned by a loading frame and base frames of the vehicle body at the back of the midship frame; a front wheel propeller shaft and a rear wheel propeller shaft which respectively transfer driving power outputted from the continuously variable transmission combination to a front axle combination of a front end of the vehicle body and a rear axle combination of a rear end of the vehicle body; and a PTO electromotive system extending from the front of the continuously variable transmission combination to the front of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: DAEDONG INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jin Ho Hwang