Patents Examined by L Lum
  • Motorcycle induction system
    Patent number: 6910546
    Abstract: An induction system for a motorcycle includes first and second intake air chambers. Each intake air chamber includes its own filter. One of the air chambers can be disposed on a side of the engine and the other air chamber can be disposed above the top of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuo Tsutsumi, Yoshihito Oyama, Kazuhisa Itou, Nobuhisa Ide
  • Link type suspension for vehicle such as motorcycle
    Patent number: 6908092
    Abstract: A front suspension for supporting a front wheel of a vehicle having a frame, the front suspension including a front fork which has a pair of tines, and which is supported by the frame, a pair of supporting arms, a bottom bridge, a cushion arm, a pair of push rods, first and second cushion units which are arranged in the right-and-left direction, and which are arranged between and connected to an upper portion of the front fork and the cushion arm, a single spring for supporting a load exerted on the front wheel; and a single damper for damping a vibration due to the single spring. The single spring is housed in the first cushion unit, and the single damper is housed in the second cushion unit. The structure of each of the cushion units can be simplified, and the diameter of each of the cushion units can be made smaller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Showa Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Kofuji, Hirokatsu Kameda
  • Battery powered motor vehicle and method of use
    Patent number: 6907949
    Abstract: A battery powered motor vehicle for transporting a rider in a standing position can be steered by either selective distribution of the riders weight, or alternative by turning a steering console. By attaching a cargo rack, the battery powered motor vehicle can be converted to a hand truck for transporting cargo. In the hand truck mode, the battery powered motor vehicle can either be powered wherein the vehicle moves in reverse, or manually pushed wherein the vehicle is in a neutral state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: John Baron Wang
  • Snowmobile planetary drive system
    Patent number: 6907951
    Abstract: Disclosed is a snowmobile including reduction drive including a planetary gear system having a shaft with a sun gear, a plurality of planetary gears spaced around the sun gear and engaging a ring gear. A second shaft is driven by said planetary gears or ring gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Arctic Cat, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond A. Schoenfelder
  • Cover, including hinged door, for trailer hitch receivers of multiple sizes and methods
    Patent number: 6908096
    Abstract: A receiver cover includes a stationary member that is configured to be secured to an end of a receiver for a trailer hitch. The receiver cover also includes a door which is hingedly connected to the stationary member. The door may be biased toward the stationary member, such as by one or more of a living hinge, a coiled spring, a magnetic field, or the like. Thus, when the receiver is not in use, the door automatically closes and is secured in a closed position over a receptacle in a receiver with which the receiver cover is used. When access to the receptacle of the receiver is desired, such as for coupling a trailer hitch therewith, the door may be opened against the bias so as to expose the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Uara Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Myron C. Lewis, Wes Bagley
  • Tow-bars
    Patent number: 6908097
    Abstract: A protective device for use with a tow-bar having a towing hitch coupling. The protective device includes a substantially T-shaped member. The leg of the T is adapted to be coupled to the towing hitch coupling and the head of the T extends rearwardly of the towing vehicle past any rearwardly projecting components of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: Peter J. Roberts
  • Terrain conforming track assembly
    Patent number: 6904986
    Abstract: An endless track assembly that mounts to a wheeled vehicle. The assembly provides 1) a track suspension having fixed or adjustable, independently biased sets of idler wheels to vary the track contour without affecting track tension, 2) an eccentric bearing housing at a drive sprocket controls track tension, 3) a contoured peripheral edge at the drive sprocket prevents ice and mud buildup, 4) rubber-coated, plastic idler wheels facilitate track movement, 5) a multi-vehicle compatible adapter mounting plate accommodates a variety of vehicles, 6) a rotation limited torsion coupler and/or rotation limiting coupler arms prevent track contact with the vehicle, 7) a locking steering arm coupler prevents loss of steering control, and 8) shaped track lugs and channels clear and direct debris away from the track suspension and drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Glen Brazier
  • Trailer to vehicle connecting system
    Patent number: 6905132
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for hooking a trailer to a towing vehicle. The system has a winch attached to the trailer and a cable that wraps around the ball hitch and is attached to a plate on the trailer. By spacing the cable wide at the plate on the trailer and narrow at the ball of the hitch, the trailer is automatically adjusted to position the tongue of the trailer to center it on the ball hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: William H Pierce
  • Horizontal transmission and oil system for telehandlers
    Patent number: 6904994
    Abstract: A power train arrangement having a prime mover and a transmission coupled to the prime mover for driving a cooling system with the prime mover through the transmission. The transmission is positioned intermediate to the prime mover and the cooling system in a manner to optimize the mechanical and functional operation of the work machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Alan R. Coutant, Steven A. Daniel, Alan J. Griffiths, Liam W. Keane
  • Construction equipment machine
    Patent number: 6905139
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a construction machine in which a superstructure is rotatably mounted on an undercarriage, and is made up of an undercarriage (101) having a hollow frame (104), a superstructure (102) mounted on the undercarriage (101) and a fuel tank (1) formed as one with the hollow frame (104) in a state where a portion of an internal space of the hollow frame (104) is defined as a compartment by partitions (2), with an internal surface of the fuel tank (1) being covered with a resin film (3) in a liquid-tight condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Akahane, Makoto Sakai
  • Stretcher having a motorized wheel
    Patent number: 6902019
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a plurality of casters coupled to the frame and engaging the floor, a wheel supported relative to the frame for movement between a raised position spaced above the floor and a lowered position engaging the floor, a drive assembly that is operable to drive the wheel and propel the patient support apparatus along the floor when the wheel is in the lowered position, and a foot pedal coupled to the frame and movable between a brake position in which the plurality of casters are braked and a steer position in which the plurality of casters are unbraked. The wheel is in the raised position when the foot pedal is in the brake position, and movement of the foot pedal from the brake position to the steer position results in movement of the wheel from the raised position to the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, Matt Webster, John Vogel
  • Engine mounting system for a motorcycle
    Patent number: 6902023
    Abstract: A motorcycle including an engine assembly that is resiliently supported by a frame assembly. First and second resilient mount assemblies resiliently couple rearward and forward ends of the engine to the frame. A group of tie links, each extending generally transversely to the frame, are arranged to reduce transverse movement of the engine with respect to the frame, while allowing movement of the engine in fore-aft and up-down directions with respect to the frame to isolate engine vibrations. Each of the first and second mount assemblies includes a pair of substantially identical resilient mounts. The resilient mounts are configured to have a limited range of motion, thereby limiting the overall movement of the engine with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Brendelson, Michael J. Doperalski, Dominic Keogh
  • Driver interface system for steer-by-wire system
    Patent number: 6899196
    Abstract: A steer-by-wire system for an automotive vehicle comprises a driver interface system that includes a steering wheel mounted on a steering column. A reaction torque generator is coupled to the steering column for applying a resistive torque in response to a steering command to create a steering feel. An electromechanical brake, such as a magnetorehological brake, is also coupled to the steering column. During operation, a controller receives an input signal indicative of road wheel response to a steering command and determines when the road wheels have reached a limit, such as by engaging mechanical stops mounted on the vehicle or prevented from movement by curb or other external obstacle. In response, the controller actuates the electromechanical device to prevent rotation of the steering wheel and thereby alert the driver that the road wheels have reached a limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Muqtada Husain, John G. Oynoian, Joseph A. Platz, Brian E. Daugherty, Robert T. Palmer, John R. Balint, III
  • Drive mechanism for use in a man-driven vehicle
    Patent number: 6899192
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for use in a man-driven vehicle having a front fork to which a wheel is rotatably connected includes a rack, a power drive and a quick-release lock. The rack is affixed to the front fork of the man-driven vehicle. The power drive has a transmission shaft pressable on a periphery of the wheel of the front fork, and a motor coupled to the transmission shaft for driving the transmission shaft to rotate. The quick-release lock is coupled between said power drive and said rack for locking said power drive and said rack together, thereby enabling the user to select the man power driving mode or motor driving mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Ravor USA LLC
    Inventors: Wei-Pin Chen, Erich A. T. Chang
  • Anti-dive front suspension
    Patent number: 6896276
    Abstract: The forks of a bicycle are carried by a head tube shaft and are angled forward and comprise two outer support tubes, one on either side of the wheel. An inner suspension tube is telescopically housed in the outer tube and connects to the wheel axle. A suspension spring within the outer tube urges down. A torque reaction arm is journalled on the axle and carries a brake calliper within which passes a brake disc. At the rear end of the arm, a rear link is pivotally connected and leads up to an upper pivot point on the outer tube. Application of braking torque causes the rear link to act upwards on the outer tube, providing anti-dive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Ultimate Sports Engineering Limited
    Inventor: Roger Lionel David Sparrow
  • Wheelchair drive mechanism
    Patent number: 6893035
    Abstract: A wheelchair which shifts between forward and reverse by virtue of a roller mechanism which grabs in one direction and slips an opposite direction, thereby preventing binding. The shift mechanism is initiated by rotation of a shift paddle which is located on a extremity of a lever arm remote from the roller mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventors: Brian M. Watwood, Duane DeJong, Errol C. Armstrong
  • Self supportive motorcycle fender
    Patent number: 6889990
    Abstract: A rear fender of a motorcycle is supported at one end by anchoring the fender in two rail supports of a rear subframe. Bolts supporting rear spring/damper units secure the one end of the fender. The fender includes two horizontally extending end flanges and two vertically extending side flanges. Vertically extending bolts pass through the horizontally extending flanges and are held by slugs located in rail supports of the rear subframe of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Milwaukee Iron, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy Simpson
  • Aerodynamic bicycle frame
    Patent number: 6889992
    Abstract: There is provided a bicycle frame comprising a first tube; a second tube extending transversely from an upper region of the first tube; a third tube extending transversely and downwardly from a lower region of the first tube, and towards the same direction as the second tube; and a two-part tube joining the respective ends of the second and third tubes, the two-part tube having a straight upper part and a curved lower part, the straight upper part being substantially vertical and the curved lower part being curved longitudinally towards the first tube such as to conform to the curvature of a bicycle wheel. The upper part of the two-part tube is adapted to receive a post member therein, and a first and a second set of tubes extend at the respective ends the two-part tube and are each attached to drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Cervelo Cycles, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard Vroomen, Philip White
  • Elongated inflator device, assembly and method of use
    Patent number: 6890001
    Abstract: An inflator such as for supplying inflation fluid to an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint is provided. Such an inflator includes an elongated hollow tubular member containing an elongated supply of pyrotechnic gas generant material reactable to produce a supply of gas. The tubular member has a length to diameter ratio greater than 20 and includes a plurality of longitudinally-spaced apart gas exit orifices wherethrough at least a portion of the supply of gas provided by reaction of the pyrotechnic gas generant material can be expelled from the tubular member. Also provided are associated or related inflation assemblies and methods for inflatable device inflation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley W. Smith
  • Frame assembly for scooter-type vehicle
    Patent number: 6889788
    Abstract: A frame assembly for a scooter-type vehicle having at least one front wheel, at least one rear wheel and a vehicle body. The frame assembly includes a head tube, which supports a front wheel suspension assembly of the vehicle. An upper frame extends from the head tube to a rearward end of the vehicle body. A swingarm is pivotally supported by the upper frame and supports a rear wheel of the vehicle. The frame assembly may include a lower frame removeably coupled to the upper frame and defining a space therebetween. The lower frame preferably supports at least one component of the scooter-type vehicle in the space, such as a fuel tank, for example. In one arrangement, the upper frame includes a forward portion and a rearward portion. The rearward portion includes at least one elongated, channel-shaped frame member having a forward section and a rearward section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeo Hakamata, Shunichi Itajiki