Patents Examined by Maurice L Williams
  • Patent number: 11952036
    Abstract: A steering system for steering a heavy haul trailer dolly comprising a turntable mounted on the dolly for connecting to another trailer unit. The dolly comprising a main frame, a wheel group mounted to the main frame, and a pivot frame mounted to the main frame between the turntable and the wheel group. A counter-steering linkage connects the pivot frame and the turntable. Hydraulic cylinders connect the pivot frame and the wheel group. To automatically steer the dolly, the hydraulic cylinders are locked in length. Rotation of the turntable in one direction causes the pivot frame and the wheel group to rotate in the opposite direction. To steer the dolly directly, the hydraulic cylinders are operated to extend and retract, pushing and pulling against the pivot frame and turntable to rotate the wheel group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: ASPEN CUSTOM TRAILERS INC.
    Inventors: Patrick Scheller, Phil Johnston
  • Patent number: 11865883
    Abstract: A system and method is provided to lock or unlock a gladhand coupler on a towed asset to prevent connection of a tractor air line to the gladhand is provided. The system prevents the tractor from properly operating the towed asset brakes and therefore prevents the unauthorized movement of the towed asset. The system has a locking mechanism that blocks the surface on the gladhand used for coupling with another gladhand coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Phillips Connect Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gil Winograd, Jim Epler, Adam Bean, Thomas Peterson, Zhimin Guo
  • Patent number: 11845312
    Abstract: A safety device for use with a chain extending between a trailer and a tow vehicle. The device has a central sleeve that houses the chain. Two side sleeves extend parallel to the central sleeve and house an elastic cord. The elastic cord provides tension to the sleeve, allowing the chain to group or bunch up without tension. The allows a user to avoid having to manipulate the length of the chain in order to avoid chain drag from the chains being too long or chain bind from the chains being too short when the vehicle attempts to turn while towing the trailer. Typically trailers have a pair of safety chains extending from the trailer to the vehicle, thus two of the devices are preferably utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Inventor: Robin N. Ward
  • Patent number: 11840140
    Abstract: A combination vehicle includes a tractor and a trailer towed by the tractor. The trailer includes a first tank that is configured to store a high-pressure gas as a fuel used by the tractor to travel. The tractor includes a second tank that is configured to store a high-pressure gas as a fuel used by the tractor to travel. The combination vehicle is configured to travel using the fuel supplied from the first tank and the second tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, HINO MOTORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Kondo, Yukihide Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 11834111
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically coupling at least one of an air line or an electrical line of a tractor to a trailer that is configured to be pulled by the tractor. A moveable arm is mounted to the tractor and is configured to exhibit at least one degree of freedom (DOF) of motion relative to the tractor. The moveable arm carries at least one of an air line connector or an electrical connector. A trailer coupling head is mounted to the trailer and carries at least one of an air line connector or an electrical connector that are configured to be connected to the at least one of an air line connector or an electrical connector of the tractor. The trailer coupling head can be moved in at least a vertical DOF relative to the ground by the automatic coupling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: ISEE, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick M. Moore, Gregory J. Paraskos
  • Patent number: 11827305
    Abstract: A cable routing system of a bicycle, including a stem having a receiving space and an engaging hole communicating with the receiving space, a frame, a fork, an expander, and at least one cable. A head tube of the frame has a top portion having an upper mounting hole and a bottom portion having a lower mounting hole. The fork sequentially passes through the lower mounting hole, the upper mounting hole, and the engaging hole to be connected to the stem. The expander is disposed in a steering tube of the fork and has at least one cable passage communicating with the receiving space and the engaging hole. The cable extends into the steering tube from outside by passing through the receiving space and the cable passage. An end of the cable is connected to a bicycle controller, and another end thereof is connected to a bicycle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: TIEN HSIN INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mark Vandermolen, Hung-Mao Gu
  • Patent number: 11794705
    Abstract: A sensor device for a towing vehicle coupling or as a component of a towing vehicle coupling, with which a trailer vehicle, in particular a semi-trailer, can be coupled to a towing vehicle wherein the towing vehicle coupling has a coupling element for detachably coupling a coupling counter element, which are/can be secured to the towing vehicle and the trailer vehicle, and in the coupled state forming a joint, where they can rotate relative to one another about at least one joint rotational axis, wherein the sensor device has a follower, which is mounted on a bearing body where it can rotate relative to the coupling element about a follower rotational axis, which can rotate about the follower rotational axis by rotationally following the coupling counter element in a rotation about the at least one joint rotational axis, and which is for detecting a rotation of the coupling counter element relative to the coupling element about the at least one joint rotational axis, and wherein the sensor device has at least
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: WESTFALIA-AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Bernhard Sielhorst, Stefan Röring
  • Patent number: 11787245
    Abstract: An article of manufacture for providing a theft-proof trailer hitch tongue is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Inventor: Michael Munro
  • Patent number: 11780484
    Abstract: In some implementations, a utility cart includes (a) a cargo hold having a cargo bed; (b) an assembly having a wheel arm having a first catch, a handle arm having a second catch, and a wheel; the wheel arm and handle arm coupled together at an angle and adjacent a pivot point; the wheel rotatably coupled to a distal end of the wheel arm; (c) a locking mechanism and a spring member, the locking mechanism having a first locking pin and a second locking pin; and (d) a plurality of bearing wheels disposed below a bottom surface of the cargo bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Compass Carts LLC
    Inventors: Todd Hanson, Steve Shae, Matt Mundahl
  • Patent number: 11772436
    Abstract: A hitch assembly that is adapted for allowing the loading and unloading of cargo at the forward end of a trailer. The assembly may comprise a pivot axis, defined by a pivotable connection device, and a first plane, defined by a hitch frame, operably attached to a second plane, defined by a trailer frame of the trailer, by the pivotable connection device. The assembly can be selectively pivoted and secured between at least a first position, a second position, and a third position relative to the trailer frame, wherein the first plane and the second plane may be angularly offset from one another when the assembly is in a position other than the first position. Further, the front end of the trailer frame moves downwardly relative to the coupling means when the hitch assembly is in the second position and upwardly when the hitch assembly is in the third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Inventor: Alan G. VanNahmen
  • Patent number: 11772702
    Abstract: A steering knuckle gearbox assembly (138) comprises a body having a housing portion (140) having a cavity defined in the housing portion (140); a mating portion (142) connected to the housing portion (140) and being pivotably mountable an axle frame (106a) of a vehicle; and a mounting portion (144) for having a steering link (90) of the vehicle pivotably mounted to the mounting portion (144). An input shaft (176) is rotationally supported by the housing portion (140) and extends into the cavity at its one end and is operatively connectable to a drive axle (94) of the vehicle at its other end. An output shaft (187) is rotationally supported by the housing portion (140) and extends into the cavity at its one end and is operatively connected to the input shaft (176) at its other end. The output shaft (187) is offset in height from the input shaft (176). A steerable track system for a vehicle is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: SOUCY INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Pepin, Steve Frechette, Keven Boutin, Charles St-Arnaud, Frederik Martel, Nicolas Dubuc, Andre Leger, Pascal Lafreniere
  • Patent number: 11771615
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method, a device of steering assist control for a walker, and a memory. The method includes acquiring a first moving speed of the left wheel and a second moving speed of the right wheel; determining whether the left wheel and/or the right wheel is in a steering state; calculating a steering angle estimate or a speed difference between the first moving speed and the second moving speed when in the steering state; acquiring steering assist compensations; and performing an assist compensation on the left wheel and/or the right wheel. The method can make the user more effortless when pushing the walker to turn, making it more convenient for users with less strength to use the walker, and reducing impact of the steering on the travel speed. Sudden stop caused by the increase of steering resistance can be avoided, and safety can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG YIHENGYUE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Jian Diao, Mao Gong
  • Patent number: 11753101
    Abstract: A motorcycle, or saddle type vehicle, is disclosed that may have at least one seat and at least two wheels, at least one hub electric motor. A large dry storage compartment may be positioned between the rider and steering mount. A rechargeable battery and battery management system may be located below the storage compartment in a battery housing, where the battery housing may be a structural component of the chassis. A rear electronics housing may be attached to and located behind the battery housing, and may contain major electrical components such as electric motor controller and contactors. Two structural members, or frame side rails, may form sides of the storage compartment and extend between the electronics housing and steering mount. The electronics housing may also connect to the battery housing such that the battery housing reinforces and strengthens the chassis, or structural frame. A secondary storage compartment may be located under the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: FUELL Inc.
    Inventor: Erik Buell
  • Patent number: 11745810
    Abstract: A ground-engaging track system includes a track roller having a roller shell with an outer tread surface, and a roller shaft supporting the roller shell for rotation and cantilevering the track roller to a track roller frame. The track roller is positionable in the track system to contact only one of a first track rail or a second rail in a ground-engaging track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Gennaro Suanno
  • Patent number: 11745821
    Abstract: A straddled vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, a steering shaft supported by the vehicle body frame, a handlebar that includes a left grip and a right grip and is connected to the steering shaft, a steering wheel, and a steering assist device that applies assist force in a same direction as that of a steering torque that has been input to the handlebar by a rider to the steering shaft. The steering assist device causes the assist force to decrease as speed of the vehicle increases in a first vehicle speed zone and causes the assist force to increase as the speed of the vehicle increases in a second vehicle speed zone that is higher than the first vehicle speed zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi Toyota, Nobuo Hara, Yukihide Fukuhara, Tatsuya Nagata
  • Patent number: 11745552
    Abstract: A machine includes a frame and an oscillating hitch. A first cylinder couples to a first side of the oscillating hitch and a first side of the frame. A second cylinder couples to a second side of the oscillating hitch and a second side of the frame. A first isolating mechanism couples to the first cylinder and rotates in response to a first rotation of the first cylinder relative to the frame or the oscillating hitch. A first angle sensor senses a first angular displacement of the first isolating mechanism about a first rotational axis. A second isolating mechanism couples to the second cylinder and rotates in response to a second rotation of the second cylinder relative to the frame or the oscillating hitch. A second angle sensor senses a second angular displacement of the second isolating mechanism about a second rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John James Krone, Daniel Peter Sergison, Edward William Mate, Jeremy T. Peterson, Bradly Glen Duffer, Matthew Stephen Marquette
  • Patent number: 11731471
    Abstract: A fifth wheel system includes a fifth wheel configured to couple to a kingpin of a towed trailer such that vibrations are generated when the fifth wheel couples to the kingpin. A sensor in operative association with the fifth wheel and configured to sense the vibrations and generates vibration data. A controller receives the vibration data and processes the vibration data to detect a presence or an absence of a predetermined vibration component that occurs when the fifth wheel properly couples to the kingpin. An indicator indicates proper coupling of the fifth wheel to the kingpin when the predetermined vibration component is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Fontaine Fifth Wheel Company
    Inventors: Carl Gaufin, Ryan Fechner
  • Patent number: 11731712
    Abstract: An emergency trailer release device for separating a trailer from a towing truck during an emergency situation includes an actuating module and a controller, which are mountable to a fifth wheel and within a cab of the towing truck, respectively. The actuating module is operationally engaged to and can selectively open a set of locks so that a king pin engaging the trailer to the fifth wheel is released. The controller is operationally engaged to the actuating module and can be engaged an electrical circuit of the towing truck. The controller can be selectively actuated by a driver of the towing truck in an emergency situation to signal the actuating module to open the set of locks to disengage the trailer from the towing truck, for example, when the driver believes the towing truck, the trailer, or both, are in danger of rolling over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Inventor: Michael Magilton
  • Patent number: 11724738
    Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes an input configured to receive a signal representing a target steering angle, an output configured to provide a torque output command to a steering motor based on the target steering angle, and a torque limiter module configured to receive the torque output command and apply a torque limit thereto, prior to the torque output command being provided to the steering motor. The torque limit is configurable dynamically based on at least one vehicle parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: JAGUAR LAND ROVER LIMITED
    Inventors: Oliver Tyrrell, Brian Smith
  • Patent number: 11724554
    Abstract: A weight distribution system used with a hitch on a vehicle and a trailer, the weight distribution system comprising a moment bar with a forward end attached to the hitch so as to pivot about a generally vertical axis, the moment bar extending rearwardly along a center longitudinal plane of the trailer toward a rearward portion, the moment bar configured to exert a forward moment on the vehicle in response to an upward force on the rearward portion; a bracket attached to a trailer frame element, wherein the bracket is above the first rearward portion and further from the center longitudinal plane of the trailer than the rearward portion; and a tension member combined with a tension mechanism so as to increase and decrease a tensile force between the bracket and the rearward portion, to thereby increase and decrease the upward force on the rearward portion whereby sway of the trailer is reduced by biasing the system back to the centerline when the vehicle and trailer are out of alignment is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Hall Labs LLC
    Inventor: David R. Hall