Patents Examined by Michael Stabley
  • Trochoid drive system
    Patent number: 8757316
    Abstract: A trochoid propulsion system includes wheels provided at three points of the outer edge of an outer wheel part that turns around a driving shaft; and a steering link part that co-rotates with the action part and is movable horizontally on a turning plane. The steering link part includes a liner slider including a guide member attached to a vertical steering shaft that rotates each wheel so that the length direction is in a radial direction of the steering shaft and a moving member that slides on the guide member. In a state where a center of rotation of the steering link part coincides with the driving shaft of the outer wheel part, a rotating shaft provided corresponding to the steering shaft is attached rotatably to the corresponding moving member at a position separated from the steering shaft by a predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Osaka University
    Inventors: Taro Maeda, Hideyuki Ando
  • Valve and movement damping apparatus
    Patent number: 8757652
    Abstract: A valve is particularly suited for a movement damping apparatus. The valve has a field-generating device, such as a magnet unit, and a fluid that is subjected to the field, such as a magnetorheological fluid, is pressed through a flow path forming a bottleneck. At the bottleneck the fluid is subject to the field and it changes its flow characteristics in response to the field. The flow path is divided into at least two flow tracks by a partition that forms one or more additional friction surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: INVENTUS Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Battlogg, Jürgen Pösel Poesel, Gernot Elsensohn
  • Motorcycle steering with four-bar linkage
    Patent number: 8746721
    Abstract: A steering mechanism may include a four-bar linkage having a ground link, a coupler link, and a pair of follower links. The ground link may be connected to a vehicle having a wheel defining a wheel centerline. The coupler link may be connected to the wheel and may be located aft of the ground link. The pair of follower links may pivotally connect the ground link to the coupler link. The follower links may extend aftwardly from the ground link at converging angles and may define a steering axis located aft of the wheel centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Thiers
  • Sparking device for a personal mobility vehicle
    Patent number: 8746723
    Abstract: A spark generating device that is supported by a tricycle is movable to a position in which the spark generating device contacts the riding surface. The spark generating device includes a handle actuation portion and a spark portion that creates sparks on the riding surface as a result of frictional contact with the riding surface. The spark generating device can also include a handle actuation portion which is accessible to the user and allows the user to move the spark generating device to the second position without having to manipulate the wheels or pedals of the tricycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Razor USA, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Chen, Seth Calvin, William Griggs
  • Mobile barrier
    Patent number: 8740241
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a safety trailer has semi-tractor hitches at both ends and a safety wall that is fixed to one side of the trailer. That side, however, can be changed to the right or left side of the road, depending on the end to which the truck attaches. A caboose can be attached at the end of the trailer opposite the tractor to provide additional lighting and impact protection. Optionally, the trailer can be equipped with overhead protection, lighting, ventilation, onboard hydraulics, compressors, generators and other equipment, as well as related fuel, water, storage and restroom facilities and other amenities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Concaten, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin K. Groeneweg
  • Quick-release ATV skis
    Patent number: 8739913
    Abstract: Quick-release skis couple to the front wheels of an ATV or other wheeled vehicle, to permit the ATV to travel over snow. The rear ATV wheels may be left unaltered, or more commonly, tracks may be substituted for the rear wheels. The ski coupling includes a drive-on runner and coupling having in one embodiment width-adjustable side walls, an over-center clamp, and a lock for securing the over-center clamp. In a second embodiment, a pivotal tire cage allows the ATV tire to be driven onto the ski, but simply by forward travel of the tire pivots to constrain the tire thereon. A strap then binds the tire and cage to ensure the tire stays in place on the ski. In a third embodiment, an ATV track is converted to a runner by the application and tensioning of a ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Gregory A. Rivard
  • Infant scooter
    Patent number: 8740236
    Abstract: A vehicle for infants includes a footboard, a front and rear chassis support fixed to it, wherein each chassis support supports at least one wheel, a steering bar which is connected to the front chassis support, and gripping at the upper portion of the steering bar. The vehicle furthermore includes a seat which is preferably fixed to the steering bar. The invention furthermore relates to a vehicle for infants with two front wheels and at least one, preferably two, rear wheels, wherein the vehicle includes a seat which is preferably fixed to a steering bar of the vehicle, and wherein the vehicle includes gripping at the steering bar which, however, does not function as handle bar, and wherein at least the front chassis support of the vehicle includes a steering mechanism which permits to steer the vehicle by ways of shifting of weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Micro Mobility Systems AG
    Inventor: Jan Willem Anton Ouboter
  • Jockey wheel mounting
    Patent number: 8733779
    Abstract: A mounting (10) for a jockey wheel assembly has a first member (14), a second member (18) and a locking pin (32). A release handle (42) is connected at a first location to the locking pin (32) for drawing the locking pin (32) along a generally linear path and has a contact portion (52) remote from the first location. The contact portion (52) is for engagement with a bearing surface allowing the handle (42) to be rotated relative to the locking pin (32) about the first location whilst the contact portion (52) slides relative to the bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Richard Arakelian
  • Physical therapy assembly
    Patent number: 8733775
    Abstract: A Physical therapy assembly includes a wheelchair that may transport a user. A pad is movably coupled to the wheelchair so the pad may support the user's leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Brand
  • Trailer hitch system and method
    Patent number: 8733781
    Abstract: A trailer hitch is disclosed. Said trailer hitch comprises a first bracket assembly, a second bracket assembly, a coupler assembly, and a jack assembly. Said jack assembly is capable of mechanically adjusting first bracket assembly relative to second bracket assembly. Said coupler assembly is capable of releasably attaching to a hitch on a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Jerry Sims
  • Sliding hitch assembly
    Patent number: 8727369
    Abstract: Sliding hitch assemblies including a rail assembly, a support assembly disposed upon and configured to translate between at least two positions along the rail assembly, a hitch head assembly mounted on the support assembly, and a translation lock mechanism including a locking assembly coupled to the support assembly and configured to selectively lock the support assembly in one or more of the at least two positions on the rail assembly, and an actuating assembly configured to actuate the locking assembly, where the actuating assembly is operably coupled to the locking body by an anti-binding assembly. The support assembly may be disposed upon the rail assembly via a glide block that includes a composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: The Coast Distribution System, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Peterson, Christopher Moore, David Hoover, Dennis A. Castagnoia
  • Hinge assembly for connecting two vehicle parts to a vehicle with articulated frame steering
    Patent number: 8727059
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge assembly for connecting two vehicle parts to a vehicle that is capable of crab steering, has articulated frame steering and comprises articulating vehicle axles. Four structural elements are connected to each other by four hinge connections, the hinge centers being arranged in a common plane in a basic state, such that they form a frame which is substantially rigid with respect to thrust forces in that plane. Two of the structural elements forming opposite sides of the frame can in each case be rotated about a rotational axis located in said plane with respect to the other three structural elements. Furthermore, the hinge connections are designed in such a manner that, starting from the basic state, the two rotational axes can be articulated relative to each other in that one of the rotational axis can be pivoted out of the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ammann Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Christoph Anliker, Lino Giovanoli
  • Robotic two-wheeled vehicle
    Patent number: 8720614
    Abstract: A robotic two-wheeled vehicle comprising a connection body interposed between the two wheels are described. A drum can be coaxially located in a central region of the connection body and can support a hollow arm projecting radially from the drum. A tether can be inserted in the arm and connected to a second drum. Instruments and sensors can be accommodated in a case housed inside each wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Issa A. D. Nesnas, Jaret B. Matthews, Jeffrey E. Edlund, Joel Burdick, Pablo Abad-Manterola
  • All wheel drive speed synchronization and connection
    Patent number: 8720633
    Abstract: A vehicle driveline includes a power source, a transmission connected to the power source and including an output driveably connected to primary road wheels, a driveshaft, a synchronizer that opens and closes a drive connection between the output and the driveshaft, and a clutch that alternately opens and closes a drive connection between the driveshaft and secondary road wheels. A control executes synchronization and connection strategies using one of singular, overlapping and sequential activation of the driveline components that produce all-wheel-drive on-demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Peter J. Grutter, Andreas E. Perakes, Nicholas E. McCubbin, Ashok E. Rodrigues, Robert S. Lippert
  • Hitch receiver apparatus for vehicle
    Patent number: 8720932
    Abstract: A hitch receiver apparatus for a vehicle is provided in which a hitch receiver is disposed without being directly connected with a rear back beam, such that the hitch receiver is kept in the rear back beam when not being used, and the hitch receiver protrudes down under the rear back beam when using the function of a trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Nam Cheol Kim, Seung Mok Lee, Dong Eun Cha, Hoo Taek Cho, Kyoon Soo Lim
  • Collapsible trailer
    Patent number: 8696012
    Abstract: A collapsible vehicle trailer consisting of a frame/cargo surface and a draw mounted to the frame/cargo surface by a hinge connection in such a manner that the draw may be folded down and pushed in underneath the frame/cargo surface, and that to the frame and/or cargo surface a hinged wheel suspension is arranged consisting of wheels, hub and spring so that the wheel with suspension may be rotated to become flush with the cargo surface, and that between wheel suspensions one or more shafts being articulated at the centre and at each side towards the wheels are disposed. One or more bars are arranged between the hinged draw and the center part/section of the shaft, whereby the bar(s), when the draw is folded backwards in underneath the cargo surface, pushes the centre part/section of shaft backwards, whereby the wheels and wheel suspensions are rotated in underneath and flush with the frame/cargo surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Eirik Oyasaeter
  • Triangle track vehicle wheel
    Patent number: 8695735
    Abstract: A triangular continuous track device is disclosed for direct replacement of a conventional tire and wheel combination found commonly on cars, trucks and other vehicles. A hub on the device is provided for direct bolt onto vehicles with a standard wheel bolt pattern. A track tensioning feature allows the track to be installed or repaired without removing the device from the vehicle. Grooves on the wheels are provided that engage with ribs on the inside of the track to efficiently transfer power from a power wheel in direct communication with the vehicle's axle to the two bottom idle wheels. The two idle wheels are centered under the power wheel and are held in ground contact by the weight of the vehicle. Other features as shown and disclosed are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Angelo Afanador
  • Janitorial container with segmented, drainable utility compartments
    Patent number: 8696028
    Abstract: A portable container for carrying one or more janitorial liquids as well as janitorial supplies and equipment is disclosed. The janitorial container includes one or more closable bottom drain openings for fast and convenient draining of the janitorial liquids. The container also includes one or more attachment members for receiving, supporting, and/or securing the janitorial supplies and equipment. The container may be mounted on a wheeled cart as a part of a multi-tasking cleaning system. Methods for using the container, either independently or as mounted on the cart, to improve the efficiency and safety of janitorial operations are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Frankie Nelson
  • Tow assembly for a trailer
    Patent number: 8695992
    Abstract: A convertible trailer assembly is provided that can be pushed or pulled. The trailer assembly can be converted between pushed or pulled operation or provided as a retrofit assembly for a stroller that allows its conversion between pushed or pulled operation. The Assembly includes a linkage assembly to provide a smoother towing experience for the user. The linkage uniquely takes up the constant jarring motion that is incompatible as between the user and the trailer and dissipates it in a toggle that consists of a lever extending upwardly from a tow point on the trailer. When accelerating or going uphill the toggle pulls forward, at equilibrium the toggle motion absorbs the incremental differences in acceleration/deceleration and at the rear limit of its range of motion, the toggle pushes a brake actuator to slow the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventors: Gary D. Piaget, Herbert Walter Bentz
  • Side-mountable tensioning device for a load-compensating trailer hitch
    Patent number: RE44948
    Abstract: A tensioning device for connecting a trailer to a spring bar of a load-compensating apparatus includes a body unit for securement to a frame member of a trailer; a reel unit having an off-center hub portion with a slot and rotatively secured to the body unit about a pivot axis; a rotation-limiting element which limits rotation of the reel unit to approximately 180° about the pivot axis; a linked chain having a proximal end thereof releasably secured to the slot of the off-center hub portion and a distal end thereof connected to the spring bar of the load-compensating apparatus; a latching element including a biased latch pin; and a lug and removable handle for rotating the reel portion to, and the latching element releasably locks the reel portion in, a chain-tensioned configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Automatic Equipment Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Steven Goodman, David Merchant, James Huston, Leslie Roeber