Patents Examined by Ruth Ilan
  • Patent number: 10850794
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system for balancing a bicycle. The system can comprise a frame, a tension system, and a steering system. The frame can be capable of mounting to a bicycle. The tension system can be capable of connecting with handlebars of the bicycle. The steering system can be mounted to the frame, further the steering system can be in communication with the tension system such that manually maneuvering the steering system can adjust tension within the tension system to steer the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventor: Chad Wilson
  • Patent number: 10850581
    Abstract: A fifth-wheel hitch assembly is provided having a rotatable and slidable trailer hitch and a base with an arcuate guide along which the trailer hitch may slide rearward relative to the tow vehicle. A guide ramp directs the trailer hitch into one end of the arcuate guide depending on the relative motion of the tow vehicle to which the base is mounted. A capture mechanism is also provided on the trailer hitch which transfers rotational movement from the trailer to the base of the trailer hitch which, upon a minimum amount of travel, activates the guide ramp to guide the trailer hitch into the arcuate guide moving the trailer hitch head rearward relative to the initial position over the rear axle of the tow vehicle. The hitch assembly also provides for return travel of the trailer hitch head upon opposing rotational movement exerted on the trailer hitch head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Dethmers Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Jason J. Kraai
  • Patent number: 10850612
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a differential gear that transmits rotation of a propeller shaft to an axle. A differential lock switches the differential gear between a locked state and an unlocked state. A clutch is provided in a power transmission path between a prime mover and wheels of the vehicle. A controller controls an engaging force of the clutch during a moving start of the vehicle in accordance with which of the locked state and the unlocked state is selected by the differential gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kenji Fukushima
  • Patent number: 10850583
    Abstract: A utility cart includes a suspension having an integral perch bracket having a plurality of legs structured to straddle an axle of the utility cart, and can include an opening into which a spring pin (e.g. a pin of a leaf spring) can be inserted. The perch bracket can alternatively include a brake cable attachment feature located on an end of the bracket. In one form the end can extend from one leg and be folded toward an opposing leg. The perch bracket can be cut from sheet stock of material, and stamped into final or near final form. In one embodiment a threaded nut can be attached to the legs of the perch bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventors: Bryan D. Wilson, Adam Frederick Yule, Michael S. MacConney, William Leiter, Craig Pugh, Joseph Mark Butler
  • Patent number: 10850803
    Abstract: An electric bicycle having a control unit, a drive unit, a battery unit, a display unit and a remote control unit for display unit, remote control unit being situated in the region of a handlebar grip remote from display unit. According to the present disclosure, electronic control unit is situated in seat tube of bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: BIKETEC AG
    Inventors: Ivica Durdevic, Lukas Beat Studer, Philipp Walter Suter, Simon Lanz, Robin Woodtli, Timo Woelk, Omar Afzal
  • Patent number: 10850798
    Abstract: A bicycle includes a front wheel; a rear wheel; a frame including a main frame portion and an articulating frame portion, the articulating frame portion including an upper frame link pivotally supported at a first axis by the main frame portion; and a lower shock link pivotally coupled to the main frame portion at a second axis; and a shock absorber having a first end pivotally supported by the main frame portion, and a second end pivotally supported by one or both of an upper shock link and the lower shock link, wherein, when the bicycle is positioned on a horizontal surface with the articulating frame portion in a relaxed configuration, the second axis is positioned forward of the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Loy Chamberlain, Brian Daniel Robinson, Jeffrey Keith Bowers
  • Patent number: 10850796
    Abstract: A bicycle comprises a front wheel; a rear wheel; a frame comprising a main frame portion and an articulating frame portion, the articulating frame portion comprising: a lower arm pivotally supported at a first axis by the main frame portion; an upper frame link pivotally supported at a second axis by the main frame portion; an upper arm pivotally coupled to the upper frame link at a third axis; an upper shock link pivotally coupled to the upper frame link and the upper arm at the third axis; and a lower shock link pivotally coupled to the main frame portion and the lower arm at the first axis; and a shock absorber having a first end pivotally supported at a fourth axis by the main frame portion, and a second end pivotally supported at a fifth axis by the upper shock link and the lower shock link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason L. Chamberlain, Brian D. Robinson, Etienne Warnery, Jeffrey K. Bowers
  • Patent number: 10843570
    Abstract: A motor vehicle control system (210C, 220) for controlling an electric propulsion motor (230) to drive a wheel (290) of the vehicle (200), the control system (210C, 220) being configured to operate in one of a first mode and a second mode in dependence at least in part on an amount of slip experienced by at least one driven wheel (290), in the first mode the control system (210C, 220) being configured to cause the at least one electric propulsion motor (230) to generate a predetermined amount of drive torque, in the second mode the control system (210C, 220) being configured to cause the at least one electric propulsion motor (230) to rotate at a predetermined speed, wherein the control system (210C, 220) is configured to operate in the first mode if the amount of slip experienced by the at least one driven wheel (290) is below a predetermined slip amount and to operate in the second mode if the amount of slip experienced by the at least one driven wheel (290) exceeds the predetermined slip amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: JAGUAR LAND ROVER LIMITED
    Inventors: Jeremy Greenwood, Phil Barber
  • Patent number: 10843767
    Abstract: A dual pedal driven scooter includes a frame with a front end and a rear end; a front wheel and a rear wheel connected to the frame at the front end and the rear end, respectively; a driving mechanism configured to drive the rear wheel to in turn drive the scooter; and a pedal configured to drive the scooter; wherein the driving mechanism has a driving linkage that links the pedal and the rear wheel, and the pedal is fixedly connected with the driving linkage so as to drive the rear wheel by pulling the driving linkage. The invention is more comfortable and safe to use, and not only is suitable for both playing and fitness but also suitable for a short-distance walk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: City University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Junrong Tan, Bang Chen
  • Patent number: 10843592
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for collision impact force reduction for a vehicle. The method comprises determining a smallest relative distance (D) between a head of a driver of the vehicle and a steering wheel assembly comprising an airbag of the vehicle, obtaining information of an imminent collision, the collision being at least partly frontal, comparing (300) the smallest relative distance (D) to a pre-defined threshold, and, when said smallest relative distance (D) is equal to or less than said pre-defined threshold, initiating a forward displacement of a driver seat of the vehicle and a retraction of the steering wheel assembly comprising an airbag, preferably a retraction along the steering column of the steering wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Lucas Rolka, Martin Ostergren
  • Patent number: 10843758
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame; two front ground-engaging members connected to the frame; a rear ground-engaging member connected to the frame; an engine supported by the frame; a powertrain operatively connecting the engine to the rear ground-engaging member; a seat connected to the frame; an exhaust system connected to the engine and supported by the frame; a swing arm operatively connecting the rear ground-engaging member to the frame; and a rear suspension operatively connected between the swing arm and the frame. The seat is positioned at least partially above the swing arm. The exhaust system is positioned at least partially below the swing arm. Each of the rear suspension and the powertrain is at least partially concealed by the swing arm from at least two of a top, a left side or a right side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Sebastien Hebert, Emile Maltais-Larouche, Charles Lachance
  • Patent number: 10845164
    Abstract: A torsion bar restraint system for tracked combat vehicles that aids in the improvement of occupant survival rates when associated with asymmetric threats. The blast mitigating restraint system can reduce the dynamic deflection of torsion bars based on the severity of the blast impulse as needed. Systems comprise one or more components that secure the torsion bar to the hull for protecting against dynamic deflection and lateral displacement. The two disclosed components, an end restraint device and an M-Ring restraining device, can be used in conjunction or independently from each other based on the type of threat likely to be encountered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P.
    Inventors: Brian Kariya, Roy John Buchmann, Parmjit Paul Singh, Mei Lam, Scott Greenlee, Jeff Faul, Wing Ng, Michael McCullough, Stu Nakashima, Yaping Zhu
  • Patent number: 10843768
    Abstract: A ride-along vehicle may include a guard that attaches to a bottom portion of a molded plastic body and covers a spring and chain assembly. The guard may also provide an attachment point for the spring through a hole in the guard. The guard may have a narrow portion that covers and helps retain the chain on a sprocket as well as a wider portion that covers the spring. An improved pumper arm and steering mechanism may include a pivot joint that is provided by rods, pins, or bolts attached to opposite sides of the pumper arm. The universal joint between the steering arm and the pumper arm can be aligned with the center of the pivot point to prevent rocking of the steering arm as the pumper arm is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Micheal D. Jones
  • Patent number: 10842692
    Abstract: A wheelchair includes a lower assembly including a lower frame having wheels rotatably mounted thereto, an upper assembly including an upper frame supporting a seat, a backrest and at least one movable armrest, and a lift mechanism configured to move the upper assembly relative to the lower assembly between a lowered position and a raised position, wherein a user can move sideways out of the seat in the raised position with the movable armrest lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Daniel Bryant
  • Patent number: 10836242
    Abstract: A zero emissions electrically powered haul truck is disclosed. The haul truck has a 40 metric ton hauling capacity and a form factor that allows the truck to travel through underground mines. The truck also includes a primary battery assembly that is externally mounted along the front and sides of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Artisan Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Huff, Kyle Hickey
  • Patent number: 10836343
    Abstract: An airbag device 100 includes: an inflator 112 that is provided in a vehicle and capable of supplying gas; and an outer bag 114 that inflates, by using the gas, in a prescribed shape in front of an occupant 134 sitting in a seat 102 of the vehicle. The outer bag 114 includes an outside base fabric 122 forming an outer surface thereof, an opening part 126 provided in a prescribed area of the outside base fabric 122, and an inside base fabric 124 forming an inner peripheral surface thereof recessed in a concave shape from the opening part 126 and inflating so as to protrude partially from the opening part 126 to a side of the seat. In the airbag device 100, the inside base fabric 124 has lower tension than the outside base fabric 122 and restrains the occupant 134.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Yutaka Nakajima, Ryota Ishigaki
  • Patent number: 10834870
    Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle includes a frame to which at least a first and second drive wheels are attachable. The vehicle further includes a brake assembly operably coupled to the first and second drive wheels to enable brakes to be selectively applied to the first and second drive wheels. The riding lawn care vehicle also includes a steering assembly with first and second steering levers. First and second steering levers are operably coupled to first and second drive wheels respectively to facilitate turning of the riding lawn care vehicle based on drive speed control of the first and second drive wheels responsive to positioning of first and second steering levers. First and second steering levers are also operably coupled to the brake assembly to activate the brake assembly in response to one of the first or second steering levers being rotated about a vertical axis of the respective lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventor: Mark Wagner
  • Patent number: 10834871
    Abstract: A walk power mower having a cutting deck supported upon the ground by a front and rear wheel(s). The mower includes a traction drive system incorporating a bidirectional transmission adapted to propel the mower alternatively in both forward and reverse directions. In some embodiments, the mower may include a single bidirectional transmission (e.g., powering only rear wheel(s) or only front wheel(s) of the mower), while in other embodiments, two bidirectional transmissions may be provided to power both the front and the rear wheel(s). In other embodiments, the mower may include a bidirectional transmission powering the rear wheel(s), while the front wheel(s) may be attached to the deck via a caster assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: THE TORO COMPANY
    Inventors: Chadwick A. Shaffer, Todd A. Porter, Steven J. Svoboda
  • Patent number: 10836446
    Abstract: A wall surface suction travel device includes a first travel unit, a second travel unit, a joint mechanism, and an elastic mechanism. The travel units are aligned along a travel direction and are each configured to travel on a wall surface while being suctioned on the wall surface. The joint mechanism couples the travel units together such that the travel units can pivot relative to each other on a pivot axis extending in a direction that is perpendicular to both a wall surface facing direction and the travel direction. The elastic mechanism includes a first end fixed to the first travel unit, a second end fixed to the second travel unit, and an elastic member configured to be elastically deformed when one of the travel units pivots relative to the other travel unit and a distance between the first end and the second end is shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Sekiguchi, Yoshinari Matsuyama, Tomomi Nishikata, Masaki Shikanai, Takeshi Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 10836424
    Abstract: Vehicle suspension systems are described herein. An example wheel steering apparatus includes a steering actuator to couple to a rear axle, a tie rod, and a transfer link to couple the steering actuator and the tie rod. The steering actuator is positioned on a first side of a first longitudinal axis of the rear axle and the tie rod positioned on a second side of the first longitudinal axis of the rear axle opposite the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Joe L Buchwitz, James Adam Drozdowski, Geoffrey Lawrence Gordon, John Wesley Stanley