Patents Examined by Richard W. Ridley
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Patent number: 11429132Abstract: Systems and device configurations are provided for reducing misstep, such as miscommunication between a vehicle and a driver that results in applying the incorrect pedal. Vehicle pedal configurations having a positioning element are described. Embodiments include pedal configurations having a pedal pad and at least one positioning element to adjust the pedal pad in response to pedal misstep. Pedal adjustment can include rotation of a pedal pad, rotation of portions of a pedal pad, and multibody pedal pad configurations. According to embodiment, a pedal pad includes vibrational elements to control vibration of the pedal. Embodiments are also directed to a pedal configuration including a flip plate. Systems are provided including a controller to control a pedal configuration and positioning elements. The controller may control the pedal based on a driving mode, such as an assistive driving state wherein operator is instructed to apply a pedal.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2021Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: Toyota Research Institute, Inc.Inventors: Hiroshi Yasuda, Manuel L. Kuehner
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Patent number: 11420615Abstract: A powertrain system includes a control device configured, where an engine speed at the time of detection of an acceleration request with a high acceleration request index value is lower than a specific engine speed, to: set the specific engine speed as an initial target engine speed for an acceleration associated with the acceleration request; and in a first acceleration time period before reaching the initial target engine speed, control an internal combustion engine in accordance with a first target engine power based on the initial target engine speed and supply, to an electric motor, a battery power corresponding to a difference obtained by subtracting the first target engine power from a required vehicle power. The specific engine speed is a value predetermined as a lower limit value of an engine speed range in which engine sound of the internal combustion engine is heard inside the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2020Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yoshihito Kanno
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Patent number: 11421721Abstract: A tie-rod assembly includes a tube member having a first set of threads at a first end of the tube member and a second set of threads at a second end of the tube member. The tie-rod assembly includes a first clevis coupling assembly having a first width dimension and a third set of threads compatible with first set of threads and first clevis coupling assembly has a second width dimension which includes a portion of the third set of threads with the second width dimension greater than the first width dimension. Further included is second clevis coupling assembly having a third width dimension and a fourth set of threads compatible with second set of threads and the second clevis coupling assembly has a fourth width dimension which includes a portion of the fourth set of threads with the fourth width dimension greater than the third width dimension.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2019Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Saif Sultan, Edward H. Chue, Sean R. Cysewski
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Patent number: 11422583Abstract: Embodiments of a heating appliance with control features such as knobs can provide tactile feedback to the user during knob operation. Tactile feedback through the knob, e.g., during rotation in one or more directions, can improve control precision. Beneficial control accuracy features, such as can be utilized during appliance operation and setting of parameters of the heating appliance. A user's desired setting, such as various cooking modes or an off position can therefore be input into the heating appliance with tactile control aspects. A user's desired setting can therefore be accurately set, including with the benefit of tactile control aspects.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2021Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Spectrum Brands, Inc.Inventors: Kroy Everett Nernberger, Peter Alan Steiner, Jacob Daniel Smith
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Patent number: 11413961Abstract: A foldable pedal apparatus of an autonomous traveling vehicle, is configured so that a pedal pad is popped-up by moving toward a driver to be exposed to enable an operation of the pedal pad by a driver in a manual driving mode situation in which the driver directly drives the vehicle, and the pedal pad moves forward and is in close contact with a vehicle body panel to disable the operation of the pedal pad by the driver in an autonomous traveling mode in which the driver does not directly drive the vehicle, facilitating a hidden state where exposure toward the driver is blocked.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Eun Sik Kim
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Patent number: 11415391Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a reticle, comprising: an adjustable reticle, a reticle adjustment device comprising an adjustment actuation element movably mounted, a combined click and lock device which comprises a first click device element equipped at least in sections with a click surface formed by a three-dimensional surface or surface structuring, and a second click device element mounted to be movable relative to said first click device element and engages with the click surface of the first click device element, wherein the combined click and lock device is designed to, in a first operating mode, generate acoustic and/or haptic feedback perceptible to an operator, in the case of movement of the adjustment actuation element in at least one adjustment-movement degree of freedom, and is designed to, in a second operating mode, lock movements of the adjustment actuation element in the at least one adjustment-movement degree of freedom.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2021Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Inventors: Gerd Lottes, Werner Mayr-Went
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Patent number: 11405707Abstract: An operating device includes: an operating member operable by a user; a rotation shaft having an end portion provided with the operating member; a first bearing supporting a first portion of the rotation shaft; and a second bearing supporting a second portion of the rotation shaft. The second portion is located nearer to the operating member than the first portion in an axial direction of the rotation shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2018Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: YAMAHA CORPORATIONInventor: Shinichi Fujita
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Patent number: 11396266Abstract: An autonomous mobile device (AMD) includes a telescoping mast with sensors on top that are connected to a cable running through the mast. An inner section of the mast includes a bobbin that secures cables. The bobbin has a shaft and features that guide cables to helically wind around the shaft. The bobbin reduces stress on the cable as the mast moves. The mast is lifted by a rack that includes a portion with teeth and a portion without. The portion with teeth is driven by a motor. The portion without teeth connects the rack to a spool. The toothless section reduces stress on the toothed portion of the rack as it spools or unspools. The AMD includes a hinge to tilt a display. To securely position the hinge on a shaft, the shaft is spun after assembly so that a push nut cuts a retention groove in the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2021Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Mark John Glusker, Christine Leonore Fuller, Mark Greggory Edstrom
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Patent number: 11391342Abstract: A variable inertia flywheel apparatus includes a cylindrical body member defining a longitudinal axis extending between spaced apart front and rear faces of the body member and an arc-shaped groove portion extending circumferentially relative to the longitudinal axis. The arc-shaped groove portion configured to selectively receive one or more tuning weights having a collective mass sufficient to vary an inertial property of the cylindrical body member between a first inertial property with the tuning weights selectively removed from the arc-shaped groove portion, and a second inertial property greater than the first inertial property with the tuning weights selectively received in the arc-shaped groove portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2021Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Swapnil More, Vishal Gupta, Ayoub Siddiqui
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Patent number: 11390351Abstract: A powered handlebar adjustment assembly adapted for use with a vehicle having first and second forks aligned in a parallel relation along a first longitudinal axis, first and second triple tree supports aligned in a second axis transverse to the first axis, and a set of handlebars mounted parallel to the first and second triple trees and transverse to the first and second forks. The assembly includes a first and second telescopic supports, each having a first section thereof mounted between and in parallel with the first axis of the first and second forks and between and transverse to the axis of the first and second triple tree supports. A second section is mounted between the first triple tree and the handlebars at a proximal end of the second section and concentric with the first section at a distal end of the second section for translation relative thereto between the first and second forks and parallel thereto.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2021Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Inventor: Paul Oravecz
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Patent number: 11390268Abstract: A control device for a vehicle having: an engine; a torque converter having a lock-up clutch; an engagement element disposed downstream of the torque converter; a drive shaft disposed downstream of the engagement element; and an electric motor disposed downstream of the engagement element, and connected to the drive shaft includes a control portion adapted to: in a case where an electric travel mode in which the lock-up clutch and the engagement element are disengaged is switched to an engine travel mode in which the lock-up clutch is disengaged and the engagement element is engaged, decrease driving torque of the electric motor after engagement of the engagement element; and gradually decrease the driving torque of the electric motor while gradually increasing driving torque of the engine after the driving torque of the electric motor is decreased.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2018Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignees: JATCO LTD, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Masaharu Mochizuki, Yoshimasa Nishihiro, Takashi Enomoto
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Patent number: 11390312Abstract: A steering wheel includes an annular rim portion, a boss section, one or more spokes interconnecting the rim portion and boss section, and a core member interconnecting these portions, the core member including a wheel portion disposed in the rim portion. The steering wheel further includes a cladding layer disposed around the wheel portion, a skin layer disposed on a front surface of the rim portion, and a sensor layer disposed between the cladding layer and the skin layer for detecting the driver's grip. The sensor layer includes a sheet-shaped substrate having stretch properties, a sensor composed of a conductive ink having stretch properties and applied to a front surface of the substrate, and an insulation sheet covering the sensor and having stretch properties. The sensor layer is generally formed into an annular band and mounted on an outer circumferential portion of the cladding layer by being stretched and expanded.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2021Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventors: Masashi Hotta, Koji Kawamura, Wataru Miura, Norio Umemura, Masaaki Okuhara
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Patent number: 11383682Abstract: An organ-type electronic brake pedal apparatus enables a pedal pad to be manipulated when a driver tries to manipulate the pedal pad by rotating his/her foot in the manner of manipulating an organ-type pedal or when the drivers tries to manipulate the pedal pad by stretching his/her foot forwards in the manner of manipulating a pendant-type pedal. The organ-type electronic brake pedal apparatus inhibits the pedal pad from being manipulated when the driver tries to manipulate a pedal arm part, which is positioned close to a hinge pin of the pedal pad.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2021Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION, Kyung Chang Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eun Sik Kim, Hyeon Uk Kim, Ji Soo Kim
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Patent number: 11384833Abstract: An automatic transmission comprising a control valve body adapted to control oil flow within the transmission, a torque converter having a torque converter clutch operable in one of an open and an applied condition, a first control circuit between the control valve body and the torque converter and a second control circuit between the control valve body and the torque converter, a first oil path that provides a fluid connection between the first control circuit and the torque converter, a second oil path that provides a fluid connection between the second control circuit and the torque converter, a third oil path that provides a fluid connection between the second control circuit and the torque converter clutch, and an orifice that provides a fluid connection between the second control circuit and the torque converter.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Edward W. Mellet, Leonid Basin, Clinton E. Carey
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Patent number: 11383394Abstract: An autonomous mobile device has a main body and an extensible mast to raise and lower a payload, such as a camera, relative to the main body. The mast may comprise a set of telescoping sections, with each section comprising two or more pieces that are joined during assembly. A motor moves a flexible rack between a first spool and the mast to raise or lower the mast. For example, during extension a motor-driven pinion engages teeth on the flexible rack, pulling the rack from the first spool and pushing up the mast. A cable stored on a second spool may be extended and retracted with the flexible rack. The cable transfers one or more of data or power between the main body and the payload. A sensor may be used to detect features on the flexible rack to provide data about how far the flexible rack has been extended.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2018Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Mark John Glusker, Christine Leonore Fuller, Ketan A. Rasal, Nicholas Jenkins Morozovsky, Mark Greggory Edstrom, Amruta Velapure, Gregory Turner Witmer
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Patent number: 11378996Abstract: Provided is an operating device including an operation part inserted in an insertion hole part of a glass part; a frame part installed in a position facing the operation part while having the glass part interposed between same and the operation part; a lock part rotatably installed on the frame part and restricting the movement of the operation part by rotating; and a transfer gear part engaged with a gear provided on the lock part and rotating the lock part by moving or rotating by an external force.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2020Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: KORTEK CORPORATIONInventor: Kyoung Chan Lee
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Patent number: 11370406Abstract: A control system for operating a work vehicle powertrain includes an engine configured to generate power for an output shaft. The control system includes a transmission positioned operatively between the engine and the output shaft and configured to selectively transfer the power along a power flow path between the engine and the output shaft. The transmission includes an input shaft; at least one intermediate shaft; at least one directional clutch; and intermediate clutches configured for selective engagement to transfer power between the at least one intermediate shaft and the output shaft. A controller is configured to receive a vehicle stop request to stop the work vehicle; implement, upon receiving the vehicle stop request, a clutch braking function; and generate, upon the implementation of the clutch braking function, clutch commands to engage at least two of the intermediate clutches selected such that the output shaft is slowed and stopped.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2020Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Jeffrey E. Runde, William J. Vande Haar, Benjamin E. Shores
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Patent number: 11364881Abstract: An organ type electronic brake pedal apparatus having a high-load spring module and a hysteresis module is capable of tuning a pedal effort, a stroke and a hysteresis operation force, desired differently for each vehicle model, by changing a component of the high-load spring module or hysteresis module. In particular, the organ type electronic brake pedal apparatus includes: a pedal housing to be fixedly installed on a floor below a driver seat of a vehicle; a pedal pad pivotably coupled to the pedal housing to be operated by a driver of the vehicle; a high-load spring module including a first end and a second end pivotably coupled to the pedal housing and the pedal pad, respectively; and a hysteresis module to connect the pedal housing and the pedal pad and generate hysteresis when the pedal pad is operated by the driver.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2021Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION, KYUNG CHANG INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Eun Sik Kim, Hyeon Uk Kim, Ji Soo Kim
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Patent number: 11364800Abstract: A throttle pedal assembly comprises a base, a pedal pivotably mounted on the base, and a gear box coupled to the pedal. The gear box has a throttle wheel with a plurality of throttle cable terminal attachment locations and the gear box has a plurality of throttle cable mounting locations. A throttle cable is selectively and releasably attached to one of said plurality of throttle cable terminal attachment locations, and the throttle cable is selectively and releasably attached to one of said plurality of throttle cable mounting locations.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: Marine Acquisition (US) IncorporatedInventors: Thomas F. Ward, Mark Douglas Petro-Roy, David Wolfe
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Patent number: 11365793Abstract: A hybrid module configured for arrangement in a torque path upstream from a transmission and downstream from an internal combustion engine includes an electric motor including a rotor and a stator for driving the rotor, a torque converter downstream of the electric motor, and a rotor input clutch including a piston and at least one clutch plate. The piston is configured for being pressed in a first axial direction into the at least one clutch plate via a pressure increase of fluid in an apply chamber. The hybrid module also includes a compensation chamber assembly. The compensation chamber assembly and the piston define a compensation chamber radially offset from the apply chamber. The compensation chamber assembly is configured for applying a force on the piston in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction via a pressure increase of fluid in the compensation chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2020Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventor: Kyle Nelson