Patents Examined by Robert A. Siconolfi
  • Gas cup for a damper assembly and a damper assembly
    Patent number: 11668364
    Abstract: A gas cup for a damper assembly comprises a body including an upper surface, a lower surface, an exterior surface and an interior surface. The body defines an aperture extending through the upper surface and the lower surface. A decoupler is located in the aperture and secured to the body. A bridging member is located between the decoupler and the body and coupled to the decoupler and the body. The decoupler and the bridging member is made from materials having different elasticity to allow the decoupler to move in the aperture in response to a volumetric change in the damper assembly and to provide variable tuning of the damper assembly. A damper assembly including the gas cup is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: BEIJINGWEST INDUSTRIES CO., LTD
    Inventors: Shigekata Yoshida, II, Eric Schumann, Timothy Schlangen, Michael Zimmerman
  • Brake adjusting device of cable reel
    Patent number: 11661983
    Abstract: A brake adjusting device is mountable to a frame and a rotary disc of a cable reel and includes a rotary knob mounted to an outside surface of the frame. A first pad is arranged between the frame and the rotary disc and is coupled to the rotary knob for synchronous rotation therewith and includes pushing parts in the form of slope. A second pad is arranged between the first pad and the rotary disc and is provided, on two opposite surfaces thereof, with first and second slope sections and friction plates. The rotary knob is operable to rotate the first pad for causing the pushing parts to press against first and second slope sections in order to move the second pad toward the rotary disc and causing the friction plates to get into tight engagement with the rotary disc to result in a braking effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Inventor: Kuei-Hsin Huang
  • Hydraulic pressure control unit, braking system, and bicycle
    Patent number: 11661135
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control unit where a degree of freedom in connection to a bicycle is improved is provided. A braking system including such a hydraulic pressure control unit is also provided. A bicycle including such a braking system is also provided. A hydraulic pressure control unit (110) of a braking system mounted on a bicycle and capable of executing an antilock braking control includes a base body (120), a coil casing (136) in which an inlet valve and an outlet valve are accommodated, and a fixing member (139). The fixing member (139) is joined to the coil casing (136) or the base body (120) in a state where a columnar space (155) with both ends opened is formed between a partial region of an outer surface of the coil casing (136) or the base body (120) and a partial region of an outer surface of the fixing member (139).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hiroaki Atsushi, Kazuki Chiba
  • Vibration damper, and motor vehicle with a vibration damper of this type
    Patent number: 11655874
    Abstract: A vibration damper for a motor vehicle includes an outer tube and an inner tube arranged coaxially within the outer tube. A guide unit closes the outer tube and the inner tube in each case at a first end. A bottom unit has a bottom valve. The bottom unit is arranged at a second end of the inner tube. The outer tube and the inner tube are deformed plastically, such that the guide unit is connected in a positively locking manner to the outer tube and the inner tube, and the inner tube being deformed plastically, such that the bottom unit is connected in a positively locking manner to the inner tube, and/or the outer tube and the inner tube is connected in an integrally joined manner to the guide unit, and the inner tube being connected in an integrally joined manner to the bottom unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP BILSTEIN GMBH, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventor: Thilo Reimann
  • Drum brake apparatus
    Patent number: 11655868
    Abstract: A drum brake apparatus includes: a housing; a main braking unit disposed on a first portion of the housing, and the main braking unit configured to be, during main braking, driven by a hydraulic pressure and pressing a shoe; a parking braking unit disposed on a second portion of the housing, the parking braking unit configured to be, during parking braking, driven by an electromotive force of an actuator and pressing the shoe; a first locking member configured to couple the housing to one surface of a back plate; and a second locking member configured to couple the actuator to the housing on another surface side of the back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chi Hoon Jo
  • Drive train assembly for a personal care device
    Patent number: 11649860
    Abstract: A drive train assembly (200) for a personal care device (10), comprising a torsion spring (210) suspended between a first end mount (220) and a second end mount (230), the torsion spring comprising a first end mounted to the first end mount and a second end mounted to the second end mount, wherein the first and second ends of the torsion spring each comprises a cross flexure spring hinge (250, 260).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Herman Mathias Joannes Rene Soemers, Johannes Balthasar Maria Soetens
  • Brake system for assistive mobility device
    Patent number: 11648170
    Abstract: Provided are mechanisms and processes for a brake system for an assistive mobility device. Systems include a frame configured to provide support for a user, a plurality of wheels coupled to the frame and configured to enable motion of the frame, a plurality of brakes coupled to the plurality of wheels and configured to provide resistance to a rotation of the plurality of wheels when engaged. Systems also include a first handle coupled to the frame and configured to be grasped by the user. The first handle includes a first rotatable grip and a first rotational torque generator coupled to the plurality of brakes. Systems also include a second handle coupled to the frame and configured to be grasped by the user. The second handle includes a second rotatable grip a second rotational torque generator coupled to the plurality of brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Wheelie LLC
    Inventors: Donna Abrahamson, Marie-Helene Gotcher, Elizabeth Fannon
  • Vehicle brake system and diagnostic method for determining a leak in one or more three-way valves
    Patent number: 11643062
    Abstract: A diagnostic method to identify a leak in a three-way valve for a vehicle brake system having a remote master cylinder which includes the steps of: (1) providing a pedal simulator having pressure medium; (2) de-energizing a secondary three-way valve; (3) retracting a dual acting plunger to the home position to drop the pressure in the boost circuit to zero while also monitoring the pressure at the output of a fluid separator via a secondary master cylinder pressure sensor; (4) determining a rate of pressure reduction at the output of a fluid separator via a secondary master cylinder pressure sensor; and (5) identifying a leak in at least one of a primary three-way valve and the secondary three way valve if the rate of pressure reduction is equal to or higher than a pre-determined rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: ZF Active Safety US Inc.
    Inventor: Blaise Ganzel
  • Spring brake actuators
    Patent number: 11639166
    Abstract: A spring brake actuator for applying a brake of a vehicle includes a housing containing a diaphragm that separates the housing into first and second chambers. A clutch actuator device is for selectively compressing a compression spring such that the spring brake actuator is operable in a plurality of states including a parking state, driving state, and a braking state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: TSE Brakes, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl Gaufin
  • Brake system and method for braking a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 11634111
    Abstract: A brake system for a motor vehicle, having a first hydraulic brake device configured to brake wheels on a first axle of the motor vehicle, a first control unit configured to control the braking operation of the wheels on the first axle; and a second hydraulic brake device configured to brake the wheels on a second axle of the motor vehicle, and a second control unit configured to control the braking operation of the wheels on the second axle. The first control unit is coupled with the second control unit via a communication channel. The first control unit and the second control unit are each configured to receive data that are relevant for the control of the braking operation, the first control unit furthermore being configured to transmit a data signal on the basis of the received data via the communication channel to the second control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Mahnkopf, Volker Mehl
  • Tuned liquid damper with a membrane liquid-gas interface
    Patent number: 11629518
    Abstract: A tuned liquid damper, including a first outer housing having two ends, the first end being open to the atmosphere and the second end being connected by a conduit to a gas-filled second outer housing. The conduit may be adapted to allow gas flow between the second end and the second outer housing. The tuned liquid damper may also include first and second membranes, each attached to the inside of the first outer housing, and a sealed compartment within the first outer housing defined by the first and second membranes. The sealed compartment may be at least partially filled with a liquid, which prevents gas flow through the first outer housing from the first end to the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: HUMMINGBIRD KINETICS LLC
    Inventors: Elisabeth Malsch, Marguerite Pinto, Pierre Ghisbain, Sebastian Mendes, Callum Norris, Phillip Thompson
  • Methods and apparatus for suspension adjustment
    Patent number: 11619278
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus of a system for vehicles comprising a vehicle suspension, a sensor operable to measure an operational characteristic of the vehicle suspension, and a processor in communication with the sensor that is operable to suggest an operational setting of the vehicle suspension in response to an input from the sensor corresponding to the operational characteristic. A method for adjusting a suspension of a vehicle may comprise receiving suspension data with a processor, calculating a suspension setting suggestion with the processor, communicating the suspension setting suggestion to a user interface device, and adjusting the suspension based on the suspension setting suggestion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Galasso, Joseph Franklin, Andrew Laird, Robert C. Fox
  • Vibration-damping device
    Patent number: 11619279
    Abstract: A vibration-damping device (10) of the present invention includes a first attachment member (11), a second attachment member (12), an elastic body (13), and a partition member (16). In the partition member, a restriction passage (24) through which the first liquid chamber (14) and the second liquid chamber (15) communicate with each other is formed. The restriction passage includes a first communicating portion (26) which opens to the first liquid chamber, a second communicating portion (27) which opens to the second liquid chamber, and a main body flow passage (25) through which the first communicating portion and the second communicating portion communicate with each other. At least one of the first communicating portion and the second communicating portion includes a plurality of fine holes (26a) which are disposed in a flow passage direction of the main body flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Porspira Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Ueki, Yuki Satake, Masakazu Nagasawa, Yasuyuki Nagashima, Hideki Sugawara, Shingo Oono
  • Damper assembly and a housing for the damper assembly
    Patent number: 11608872
    Abstract: A damper assembly comprises a main tube defining a fluid chamber. The main tube includes a first section, a second section, and an intermediate portion. A sleeve is disposed about the main tube. An external tube is disposed about the main tube and the sleeve. The external tube defines a compensation chamber between the sleeve and the external tube. A main piston divides the fluid chamber into a rebound chamber and a compression chamber. A piston rod couples to the main piston for moving the main piston between a compression stroke and a rebound stroke. The sleeve is in an abutment relationship with the second section of the main tube, radially spaced apart from the first section of the main tube, defining a compartment extending between the sleeve and the first section of the main tube. A housing for the damper assembly is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: BEIJINGWEST INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Saiman Lun, Philippe Dellac, Michal Ptak
  • Spring for use in conjunction with a vehicle
    Patent number: 11607922
    Abstract: A spring for use in conjunction with a vehicle, in particular a leaf spring (1), preferably a parabolic spring, has a single-part spring leaf (12) made of steel, in particular spring steel, having a central region (2) and two adjoining edge regions (4a, 4b), wherein the edge regions (4a, 4b) each have an end region (5a, 5b), the end regions (5a, 5b) can each be connected to a chassis in a stationary manner via a rolled eye (11), and the total length of the spring when installed on the vehicle is substantially unchangeable in all load states. In the unloaded state, the spring leaf (12) has two bending sections (13, 14), which each have a curvature with a curvature direction, wherein the curvature directions of the two bending sections (13, 14) are opposed, and the two bending sections (13, 14) merge into each other in the region of a turning point (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Hendrickson Commercial Vehicle Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Joerg Zamberger, Friedhelm Nattland, Severin Marteau-Lorant, Rainer Leonards
  • Hydraulic block for a hydraulic power vehicle braking system
    Patent number: 11608044
    Abstract: A cuboidal hydraulic block of a hydraulic power unit of a slip-controlled power vehicle braking system includes a power cylinder borehole, a receptacle for a pedal travel simulator in parallel to the power cylinder borehole, perpendicularly through two large sides of the hydraulic block, and perpendicularly to a master brake cylinder borehole. The master brake cylinder borehole extends, in parallel to an upper transverse side, from one longitudinal side of the hydraulic block to an opposite longitudinal side of the hydraulic block. In an intended installation and usage position, an electrical plug connection is situated beneath a lower transverse side of the hydraulic block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Weh, Michael Wilcox, Shogo Miyoshi
  • Vibration damping connector systems
    Patent number: 11608916
    Abstract: A vibration damping connector system to connect between a vacuum chamber and a vacuum pump such that the vacuum pump is supported by the vibration damping connector system includes a first cylindrical member and a second cylindrical member that provide a flow passage through which gas can flow from the vacuum chamber to the vacuum pump. At least one sealing member is disposed intermediate the first and second cylindrical members to provide a gas seal and a securing system securely connect the first and second cylindrical members. At least one resilient member disposed intermediate the securing system and a cylindrical member so that when the at least one sealing member is compressed by a pressure reduction caused in use by operation of the vacuum pump, the at least one resilient member can expand to enable the securing system to maintain a secure connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Edwards Limited
    Inventor: Paul David Smith
  • Damping force generating mechanism, manufacturing method for damping force generating mechanism, and pressure shock absorber
    Patent number: 11603900
    Abstract: A damping force generating mechanism includes: a flow passage formation part that forms a flow passage through which a liquid flows; a valve configured to control a flow of the liquid in the flow passage; a back pressure control valve configured to control a pressure in a back pressure chamber that provides a back pressure to the valve by inflow of the liquid; and an accommodation part that is in a tubular shape with one side opening end narrower than another side opening end, forms the back pressure chamber, and accommodates at least the valve and the back pressure control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.
    Inventors: Gota Nakano, Chikara Yanagisawa
  • Rotary damper
    Patent number: 11603899
    Abstract: Provided is a rotary damper having a first valve provided in a first oil passage, the rotary damper including an oil chamber filled with oil; a vane located in the oil chamber; a groove which is formed in the vane and functions as a valve box of the first valve; a valve body of the first valve which moves while being in contact with a bottom surface of the groove; and an elastic body which applies elasticity to the valve body, and causes the valve body to come into contact with a wall surface of the oil chamber when the oil does not flow, in which the bottom surface of the groove is a slope, and thereby the valve body which is in contact with the wall surface when receiving oil pressure from one direction moves away from the wall surface when receiving the oil pressure from an opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: SOMIC MANAGEMENT HOLDINGS INC.
    Inventors: Ryota Simura, Masaaki Takii
  • Brake actuator
    Patent number: 11603190
    Abstract: A brake actuator for an aircraft braking system, comprising a housing, a sleeve, an annular member mounted to the housing extending radially inwardly for engagement with the ratchet teeth of the sleeve, a piston slidable along an axis (X), a piston head disposed at a first end of the pin portion, a cap disposed at a second end of the pin portion for operative engagement with a brake element of the housing, and a second position in which the piston head is drivingly disengaged from the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Marcin Cis, Patryk Szczesny