Patents Examined by Maurice L Williams
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Patent number: 11358677Abstract: A bicycle component includes a drive unit and a battery. The drive unit includes a housing mounted on a bicycle frame, a crankshaft provided to a first portion of the housing, and a propulsion assist motor provided to a second portion of the housing. The battery is electrical connected to the propulsion assist motor to supply electrical power to the propulsion assist motor. The propulsion assist motor includes a rotational axis extending in a direction intersecting a direction in which the crankshaft extends. At least part of the second portion and at least part of the battery are accommodated in the frame in a state in which the second portion and the battery are arranged next to each other in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the propulsion assist motor and the battery is coupled to the second portion in an attachable and detachable manner.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2018Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Shinichiro Noda, Yoshinori Iino, Takuya Edamura, Kento Mitsuyasu, Takaaki Fujiwara
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Patent number: 11358659Abstract: A safety apparatus for a fifth wheel coupling having locking jaws arranged to detachably couple to a trailer having spring applied air brakes, the fifth wheel coupling comprising a locking component that is moveable between a first position whereat the locking jaws are in a coupled state and a second position whereat the locking jaws are in a decoupled state, the safety apparatus comprising a pneumatic valve arrangement pneumatically coupled to both a constant air pressure supply and an air park brake supply that supplies pressurised air to the spring applied air brakes, and a mechanical actuator mechanically coupled to the locking component and configured to mechanically actuate the pneumatic valve arrangement when the locking component moves from the first position to the second position, thereby causing the pneumatic valve arrangement to block flow in an air park brake supply line for preventing the spring applied air brakes from releasing.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2018Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: JPH3 Pty LtdInventor: James Gordon Pearson
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Patent number: 11345432Abstract: A multi-bar suspension assembly for a cycle having improved stability includes a first arm having a first arm fixed pivot and a first arm shock pivot. The first arm includes a hollow internal portion having first end and a second end that are both wider than a narrow intermediate portion. A shock link has a shock link fixed pivot and a shock link floating pivot. A shock absorber has a first shock mount and a second shock mount. A wheel carrier has a wheel carrier first pivot and a wheel carrier second pivot spaced apart from one another, and a wheel mount that is adapted to be connected to a wheel. A control link has a control link floating pivot and a control link fixed pivot, the control link floating pivot being pivotably connected to the wheel carrier second pivot, and the control link fixed pivot being pivotably connected to the first arm control pivot.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2018Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.Inventor: David Weagle
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Patent number: 11345197Abstract: A dirt protection cover arrangement with a semi-trailer (2) and a towing vehicle (3), for closing a hollow-bored king pin (21) on the semi-trailer (2) for an automatic fifth-wheel coupling, the king pin (21) being arranged on the underside (20) of the semi-trailer (2) as a counter-bearing for a fifth wheel (31) of the towing vehicle (3), a dirt protection cover device (1) being arranged such that it is adjacent to the underside (20) of the semi-trailer (2) and can rotate about the king pin (21), said dirt protection cover device including a dirt protection cover (11) for covering the borehole (22) in the king pin (21), and the dirt protection cover (11) being configured on the dirt protection cover device (1) such that, during the coupling process, it can be displaced from a base position covering the borehole (22) in the king pin (21) into a coupled position exposing the borehole. Also, a dirt protection cover device (1) for a dirt protection cover arrangement, and a coupling method involving same.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2018Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: Hamburger Patent Schmiede GmbHInventor: Heinz-Ruediger Metternich
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Patent number: 11332185Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a motor included in a vehicle may comprise a main regulator configured to supply a source voltage, a plurality of sub-regulators connected to the main regulator, each of the sub-regulators configured to convert the source voltage to a respective sub-voltage, a passive component connected to the main regulator, and a plurality of sensors comprising first sensors and a second sensor, each of the first sensors connected to a corresponding sub-regulator of the sub-regulators, the second sensor connected to the main regulator through the passive component.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2018Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventor: SunHee Jeong
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Patent number: 11312441Abstract: A tank assembly is supported against movement on a frame of a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle by support elements that engage respective bearing elements on lateral sides of the frame. An associated securing element is secured to each lateral side of the frame element in the region adjacent to the respective bearing elements. The securing elements surround the associated support element at a spacing, being arranged to limit movement of the securing elements and the tank away from the frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2020Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Daniel Erhard
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Patent number: 11299229Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: FUELL Inc.Inventor: Erik Buell
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Patent number: 11298994Abstract: The present application generally relates to a method and apparatus for trailer load assist in a motor vehicle. In particular, the system is operative to determine a trailer connection, determine an initial tongue weight and compare the initial tongue weight with a current tongue weight. A audible and/or visual cue is generated when the current tongue weight exceeds the initial tongue weight in a ratio indicative of an optimally loaded trailer.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2018Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Kyle D. Pierce
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Patent number: 11292512Abstract: A method of operating an electric power assisted steering system of the kind in which an electric motor applies an assistance torque to a part of the steering system as a function of an assistance torque signal, the assistance torque reducing the force required by the driver to turn a steering wheel, comprises during normal operation generating an assistance torque signal that is dependent on the torque applied by the driver, and during a fault operation in which the torque applied by the driver is not reliably known to the system generating an assistance torque signal that is derived from a first term that has a value that varies as a function of the angular position of the steering relative to a changeable datum, the angular position of the changeable datum being updated in the event that the direction of rotation of the steering changes.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2015Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: TRW LIMITEDInventors: Philip March, Nikhil Koppattil Prahlad, Xiao-Dong Sun
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Patent number: 11260928Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to bicycles. In particular, the present disclosure provides systems and devices for converting a standard bicycle into a cargo bicycle using various detachable components. The ability to convert a standard bicycle into a cargo bicycle and back again confers many advantages, including eliminating the need for a separate bicycle for transporting cargo and encouraging the use of bicycles as a mode of transportation.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2017Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Inventor: Scott Taylor
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Patent number: 11254341Abstract: A tactical transport cart manually navigable over both topographic and hydrographic terrains has a frame, a payload support on the frame, a hard point of attachment or connection on the frame or the payload support, a pair of wheels or other terrain-engaging transport propulsion members attached to the frame, a handle structure attached to the frame, at least one motor connected in driving relation to the transport propulsion members, a battery for providing motive power to the motor, and a control device connected between the battery and the motor for controlling supply of motive power to the motor. The frame, transport propulsion members and handle structure are cooperatively dimensioned and configured for movement of the cart over ground surfaces of topographic terrains and for partially and fully submerged movement over water-covered surfaces of hydrographic terrains.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2020Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: Hendrick Motorsports Performance Group, LLCInventors: Marshall Carlson, Jordan Lind Walker, Richard Alvin Parker, Rhegan Lee Flanagan
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Patent number: 11247737Abstract: Unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) includes a rotary joint having an axis of rotation. A rotary joint actuator is responsive to at least one control signal and is configured to cause a rotatable portion of the rotary joint to rotate relative to the vehicle chassis about the rotary joint axis of rotation. A stabilizer flipper having an elongated length is attached to the rotatable portion. Consequently, rotation of the rotatable portion about the rotary joint axis of rotation results in a change of orientation of the stabilizer flipper relative to the chassis. This change in orientation can range between a lateral direction and an longitudinal direction with respect to the vehicle chassis.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2018Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: EAGLE TECHNOLOGY, LLCInventors: Matthew D. Summer, Paul M. Bosscher, Michael E. Bowman, Sean J. Irvin
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Patent number: 11247717Abstract: A power steering assembly includes a housing having a first hole on a first axis. The power steering assembly includes a cartridge in the first hole and having a second hole and a third hole that are both centered on a second axis that is parallel with and spaced from the first axis. The power steering assembly includes a pulley supported by the second hole and the third hole. The power steering assembly includes a motor releasably fixed to the cartridge and operatively coupled to the pulley.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2019Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Soungjin Wou
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Patent number: 11241953Abstract: A fuel system is provided that includes a fuel system frame and in some cases access steps. The frame can be mounted to a vehicle frame rail. Bracket assemblies can be coupled to the fuel system frame at a plurality of positions. The fuel tank can be mounted at neck portions thereof and can be supported on the frame rail between the neck portions, e.g., spaced a distance from the neck portions in a longitudinal direction of the fuel system. The access steps can be non-rectangular to provide a wide stepping portion even if the fuel system includes large tanks. The steps can be directly supported by an outside surface of the tank.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2021Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: Agility Fuel Systems LLCInventors: Momchil Yordanov, Chris Forsberg, Andrew Taylor Gordon, Adam Robertson
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Patent number: 11229969Abstract: A brazing connection includes a first component comprising a first material and including a first connection portion, a second component comprising a second material and including a second connection portion, a heating element that is electrically conductive and electrically resistant positioned between the first connection portion of the first component and the second connection portion of the second component, where the heating element is configured to transmit heat when conducting an electrical current, and a brazing material configured to melt when receiving heat from the heating element, thereby connecting the first component to the second component.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2018Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: SAF-Holland, Inc.Inventors: Randy Schutt, Brian E. Ainsworth
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Patent number: 11225238Abstract: A vehicle includes a power source configured to provide drive torque, a front axle, a rear axle, and a transfer case configured to distribute drive torque from the power source between the front axle and the rear axle. The vehicle additionally includes a clutch arranged between the front axle and the transfer case. The clutch has a disengaged state and an engaged state drivingly coupling the transfer case and the front axle. The vehicle also includes a regenerative braking system configured to, in response to a braking request, provide regenerative braking torque to the rear axle. The vehicle further includes a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to a braking request and the clutch being in the disengaged state, control the clutch to shift into the engaged state to couple the regenerative braking system to the front axle and provide regenerative braking torque to the front axle.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2015Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Scott J. Lauffer, Ashok E. Rodrigues, Dale Scott Crombez, Andreas E. Perakes, Filip Tomik, Kevin Kootsillas, Michael Paul Lindlbauer
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Patent number: 11203388Abstract: A bicycle electric suspension comprises a first tube, a second tube, a positioning structure, an electric positioning actuator, and a telescopic controller. The first tube has a center axis. The second tube is telescopically received in the first tube. The positioning structure is configured to relatively position the first tube and the second tube in a telescopic direction extending along the center axis of the first tube. The electric positioning actuator is configured to actuate the positioning structure. The telescopic controller has a pairing signal transmission mode in which the telescopic controller transmits a pairing signal to a bicycle electric device.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2020Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Atsushi Komatsu, Takafumi Nishino, Yuta Kurokawa
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Patent number: 11186341Abstract: This invention relates to polygonal frame structures made from anisotropic materials, and methods for their construction. The polygonal frame structures include at least one frame member that is constructed as a torsion box. The torsion box is constructed with layers of anisotropic materials, resulting in a lightweight, torsionally stiff polygonal frame. Natural and/or man-made anisotropic materials may be used. Wood may be used as a natural anisotropic material. The invention is applicable to bicycles and other vehicles, as well as other products, where frame structures having light weight and torsional stiffness are advantageous.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2018Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: TimberWolf Cycles Inc.Inventor: David J. Timan
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Patent number: 11173982Abstract: An active air spring regulates and controls compression and rebound travel, speed, and shock position by modulating internal pressures in an air bag and/or air cylinder in real time by varying the internal volume of discrete air reservoirs in fluid connection with one another as controlled by valves, venting, and self-pressurization.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Inventor: Joshua J. Angell
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Patent number: 11167817Abstract: A bicycle drive unit includes a housing, a crankshaft and a propulsion assist motor. The housing is configured to be coupled to a frame of a bicycle. The housing includes first and second portions. The crankshaft is provided to the first portion of the housing. The propulsion assist motor is provided to the second portion of the housing. The propulsion assist has a rotational axis extending in a direction intersecting with a direction in which the crankshaft extends. A maximum dimension of the first portion in the direction in which the crankshaft extends is less than or equal to 100 mm. A maximum output torque of the propulsion assist motor is greater than or equal to 10 Nm and less than or equal to 80 Nm.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2018Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Shinichiro Noda, Yoshinori Iino, Takuya Edamura, Kento Mitsuyasu, Takaaki Fujiwara