Patents Examined by Marc A. Scharich
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Patent number: 8371413Abstract: A control device for a power transmitting device for four-wheel drive hybrid-vehicle is provided capable of preventing the occurrence of negative torque resulting from power generation control of a second electric motor MG2. Drive-force control executes a control such that rear-wheel output torque Tpr of rear wheels falls in a positive torque when first and second electric motors MG1 and MG2execute power generation controls, thereby preventing torques of front and rear wheels from orienting in different directions. Accordingly, the front and rear wheels have torques oriented in the same direction, thereby favorably preventing discomfort feeling during a vehicle running.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kenichiro Hayashi
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Patent number: 8366136Abstract: A horizontally and vertically adjustable Class IV certifiable trailer hitch assembly that has a 16 inch range of 12 vertical adjustments in the most common vertical increments. The main body of the trail hitch assembly, the trailer hitch minus the hitch ball components, has a two part connectable construction of a support member and a ball mount member, each of which can be rotated 180 degrees before connection. In any of these four configurations an optional coupling plate may be utilized.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Inventor: Daniel James Svihla
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Patent number: 8360196Abstract: A worm wheel including an annular worm wheel main body formed from a resin material; teeth on an outer periphery of the worm wheel main body in a circumferential direction of the worm wheel main body a; a first region on respective tooth flanks of the teeth and offset from a mid-position of a whole depth of the respective teeth in a radially outward direction of the worm wheel main body; a first region; and a second region.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuro Suzuki, Satoshi Taniuchi, Kohtaro Shiino
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Patent number: 8356829Abstract: A bicycle suspension-setting adjustor assembly is provided with a suspension tube attachment structure, a first actuator, a second actuator and a suspension-setting adjustment unit. The first actuator is rotatably mounted to the suspension tube attachment structure. The second actuator is rotatably mounted to the suspension tube attachment structure to rotate independent of rotation of the first actuator. The suspension-setting adjustment unit is operatively coupled to the first and second actuators. The suspension-setting adjustment unit adjusts a first suspension setting in response to rotation of the first actuator by using rotational movement of the suspension-setting adjustment unit. The suspension-setting adjustment unit adjusts a second suspension setting in response to rotation of the second actuator by using axial movement of the suspension-setting adjustment unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Toyoto Shirai
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Patent number: 8348002Abstract: A drive and steering unit for driving and steering a load support comprises a steering assembly, a slewing ring engaged with the steering assembly and being rotatable about an axis in response to actuation of the steering assembly, a drive assembly mounted to the slewing ring, and a drive power system coupled to the drive assembly and movable with the slewing ring.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Boomerang Systems, Inc.Inventors: Stanley Checketts, Mike Winger, Ryan Burleson, Merin Swasey
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Patent number: 8346443Abstract: A method and system for managing the turning of a vehicle comprises establishing a boundary of a work area. A location-determining receiver determines an observed position and velocity of the vehicle in the work area. An estimator estimates a first duration from an observed time when the vehicle will intercept the boundary based on determined position and velocity of the vehicle. An alert generator generates an alert during a second duration from the observed time. The second duration is less than or approximately equal to the first duration. An operator interface allows an operator to enter a command to control a path of the vehicle prior to or at the boundary.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2012Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Aaron Matthew Senneff, Brandon G. Leiran, Kevin A. Reigeluth
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Patent number: 8342556Abstract: A truck for towing a trailer includes a vehicle frame spine, a pair of suspension assemblies extending from either side of the vehicle frame spine and each supports a drive assembly at an end distal to the vehicle frame spine. Extensible struts are positioned between the vehicle frame spine and the drive assemblies allowing selection of vehicle drive height from a driving surface. A fifth wheel assembly is supported from the vehicle frame spine located above the drive assemblies. The fifth wheel assembly includes a fifth wheel and a fifth wheel lift which varies spacing of the fifth wheel from the vehicle frame spine. Control system selects strut extension based on a selected vehicle drive height and operates the lift assembly to counteract changes in vehicle drive height and maintain a constant fifth wheel drive height relative to the driving surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Navistar Canada, Inc.Inventor: Leo P. Oriet
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Patent number: 8342555Abstract: One embodiment of a tricycle (20) having a spine frame (22), supported by a rear wheel (34) and a pair of steerable front wheels (36), and supporting a recumbent seat (42) pivotably attached at its rear. A pedal boom (44) extends forwardly of the spine (26) and supports a pedal crank assembly (46). The front wheels each support a lateral arm (28) with the front wheel pivotably attached at the distal end and an angular projection (80) attached at the proximal end. A pivot (78) connects each angular projection to the spine, allowing the lateral arms and attached front wheels to fold to a stowed position alongside the spine. Another pivot (84) connects the boom to the spine, allowing the boom fold back to a stowed position against the spine. In the travel position, a clamp arrests the angular projections, and can arrest the boom and seat. The tricycle is collapsible to several levels of compactness. Other embodiments are described and shown.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Inventors: Alan Roy Ball, Eric John Ball
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Patent number: 8336897Abstract: A standard-sized bicycle includes a main frame, a rear drive wheel and a rowing mechanism. The rowing mechanism is coupled to the steering column about a fulcrum. The fulcrum allows the rowing mechanism to oscillate forward in response to a pushing force and backward in response to a pulling force. The rowing mechanism includes a power lever and a pair of drive levers. The power lever has a handle on one end. The power lever also has a second end. The pair of drive levers extend from the second end of the power lever and provide foot rests for additional force. Each of the pair of drive levers is in mechanical communication with the rear drive wheel such that a forward oscillation of the rowing mechanism will drive the rear drive wheel in a same direction of rotation to propel the bicycle forward.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Inventor: Juliana Leslie
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Patent number: 8336898Abstract: A modular wheelchair assembly is adapted to be reconfigured between a fixed angle of tilt, a dynamically adjustable tilt-in-space configuration with the tilt axis being near the user's knees and a dynamically adjustable tilt-in-space configuration with the tilt axis being near the user's center of gravity. The reconfiguration is achieved by modifying a limited number of selectively removable components of the support assembly or the pivot assembly of the wheelchair.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2012Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: PDG Product Design Group Inc.Inventors: Nancy Balcom, Louis Belanger, Torr Brown, Janusz Krawczynski, Phil Mundy, David Harding, David Cheng Cheng
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Patent number: 8333259Abstract: A magnetic sensor disposed in an axial direction of a shaft of a motor detects the rotation angle of the rotor by detecting magnetism of the magnet that is disposed on one end of the shaft. A first and second conducting wires extend in parallel with an axis of the shaft, and are equidistantly positioned relative to the axis, on a virtual circle that has a center point on the axis of the shaft. The electric current flowing in the first conducting wire and the electric current flowing in the second conducting wire have the same magnitude and the same flow direction with each other at any time. When the first conducting wire and the second conducting wire are on opposite sides relative to the center point of the virtual circle, the magnetic fields around the conducting wires cancel with each other, thereby enabling accurate detection of the rotation angle.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2011Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Kunihiko Matsuda
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Patent number: 8333397Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a two-wheeled vehicle including a frame having opposed sides, opposed front and rear ends, and a front wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the front end of the frame positioned in front of an opposed rear wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the rear end of the frame and that is substantially in-line with respect to the front wheel. A member is carried by the frame of the vehicle between the front and rear wheels and has end portions disposed adjacent to the respective sides of the frame. A wheeled stabilizer assembly is carried by each of the end portions of the member to wheelingly interact with the ground over which the vehicle is driven along the sides of the frame proximate to the front and rear wheels of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2012Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Steelhead Innovations, LLCInventor: William G. Trout
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Patent number: 8328216Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical element, and more particularly, to a crank connected to a bicycle pedal or a handle for rotating a rotary body and to a bicycle using the same. The present invention uses a cylindrical cam, an end cam, or a swash plate cam, and the shafts of these cams and a shaft of a pedal or a handle for applying force are equipped with a miter gear (a bevel gear the number of teeth of which is 1:1 and the shaft angle of which is 90 degrees), such that the crank retracts/extends one time per one rotation of the pedal or the handle.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Inventor: Keun Hyoung Lee
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Patent number: 8327972Abstract: A vehicle steering system transmission comprising a housing, an input shaft journalled to the housing, an electric motor connected to the housing and coupled to the input shaft, an output shaft journalled to the housing, the input shaft and the output shaft coupled by a first pair of sprockets having a first belt trained therebetween and having a first ratio, the first belt and first pair of sprockets comprising a helical tooth configuration, the input shaft and the output shaft coupled by a second pair of sprockets having a second belt trained therebetween and having a second ratio, and the input shaft and the output shaft coupled by a third pair of sprockets having a third belt trained therebetween and having a third ratio.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2012Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: The Gates CorporationInventors: Dean Schneider, Alexander Serkh
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Patent number: 8328224Abstract: The receiver hitch assembly includes a receiver permanently attached to the towing vehicle and a drawbar removably attached to the receiver. The receiver and the receiver attachment end of the drawbar are oriented vertically, the receiver and its mounting structure being configured for concealment by the rear bumper or other structure of the towing vehicle when the drawbar is removed. The drawbar is configured to clear the rear bumper and/or other structure of the towing vehicle when installed to the receiver. The drawbar is also configured to position the hitch ball at approximately the same level as the center of the receiver when the drawbar is installed. The drawbar may include a longitudinally telescoping center section to allow the hitch ball to be spaced from the structure of the towing vehicle for clearance, load distribution, or other reasons.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2011Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Inventor: Masoud Motlaq Alsaid
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Patent number: 8312958Abstract: Power steering systems and methods to improve efficiency and performance of vehicle power steering systems. In one embodiment, there is provided an engine driven positive displacement hydraulic pump, a rotary valve coupled to a steering shaft for receiving hydraulic fluid under pressure in a rotary valve inlet and providing a differential pressure to a steering rack piston for a steering boost responsive to a torque exerted on the steering shaft, valving coupled between an output of the hydraulic pump, the rotary valve inlet and the hydraulic pump input for controllably coupling the output of the hydraulic pump to the rotary valve inlet or an input of the hydraulic pump, and a controller coupled to valving to maintain a flow rate of hydraulic fluid coupled to the rotary valve responsive to a pressure sensor output. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2009Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Sturman Industries, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Rogers, Miguel Angelo Raimao, Jeffrey T. Gardner
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Patent number: 8312959Abstract: A vehicle steering system transmission comprising a housing, an input shaft journalled to the housing, an electric motor connected to the housing and coupled to the input shaft, an output shaft journalled to the housing, the input shaft and the output shaft coupled by a first pair of sprockets having a first belt trained therebetween and having a first ratio, the first belt and first pair of sprockets comprising a helical tooth configuration, the input shaft and the output shaft coupled by a second pair of sprockets having a second belt trained therebetween and having a second ratio, and the input shaft and the output shaft coupled by a third pair of sprockets having a third belt trained therebetween and having a third ratio.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2012Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: The Gates CorporationInventors: Dean Schneider, Alexander Serkh, Thomas M. Lovin
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Patent number: 8297383Abstract: An endless track suspension is comprised of a suspension support beam having an idler wheel assembly connected to a respective one of opposed ends thereof. At least one of the idler wheel assemblies has an endless track binding mechanism. Support wheels are secured to the suspension support beam and project from a lower face thereof. A drive sprocket is secured elevated above the suspension support beam by a support arm. The drive sprocket is secured to a vehicle drive axle by a coupling ring. The drive sprocket, the support wheels and idler wheels constitute an endless track support assembly for supporting an endless track in drivable engagement thereabout. A flexible connection of the drive sprocket support arm and the support wheels absorbs shocks and vibrations transmitted to the vehicle drive axle by the displacement of the endless track over a rough ground surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Inventor: Jean Després
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Patent number: 8297401Abstract: A vehicle steering system transmission comprising a housing, an input shaft journalled to the housing, an electric motor connected to the housing and coupled to the input shaft, an output shaft journalled to the housing, the input shaft and the output shaft coupled by a first pair of sprockets having a first belt trained therebetween and having a first ratio, the first belt and first pair of sprockets comprising a helical tooth configuration, the input shaft and the output shaft coupled by a second pair of sprockets having a second belt trained therebetween and having a second ratio, and the input shaft and the output shaft coupled by a third pair of sprockets having a third belt trained therebetween and having a third ratio.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2011Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: The Gates CorporationInventors: Dean Schneider, Alexander Serkh
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Patent number: 8297396Abstract: To provide a vehicle body frame structure of a saddle-riding type vehicle that can increase the capacity of an air cleaner and enhance the bending stiffness of the vehicle body frame. The vehicle body frame structure includes a pair of left and right main frames that extend rearwardly from a head pipe, an engine disposed downwardly of the left and right main frames, a fuel tank disposed upwardly of the engine and between the left and right main frames, a pair of left and right engine hangers that extend downwardly from front portions of the left and right main frames and support the engine, and a cross member that connects the left and right engine hangers in a vehicle width direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeo Yokoyama, Yoshiyuki Kurayoshi, Masashi Hagimoto, Makoto Oono, Makoto Nagayama