Patents Issued in June 10, 2014
  • Patent number: 8746685
    Abstract: Disclosed is a printing apparatus that can prevent the occurrence of a transport error and prevent useless printing even when the sheet size of the actually fed sheet is different from the sheet size specified in the printing setting. The printing apparatus forms an image on one side of a recording medium first and then forms an image on another side of the recording medium. A determination section determines the medium length of the recording medium, and a control section causes the recording medium to be ejected to a sheet ejection port after the image is formed on the one side of the recording medium, when the determined medium length is outside of a preset threshold range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yasufumi Fukuzawa, Kiyotaka Yamamoto, Kouji Umeno
  • Patent number: 8746686
    Abstract: When a first elapse time ?t3 from time point t1 of stop of a transport motor reaches a first specified time S1, a registration roller electromagnetic clutch is engaged. At time point t2 at which the first elapse time ?t3 reaches 50 ms, normal rotation of the transport motor is started. At time point t3 at which a second elapse time ?t4 from the time point t2 reaches a second specified time S2 (a given length of time), a reverse roller electromagnetic clutch is switched from an engaged state to a disengaged state, rendering reverse rollers and sheet discharge rollers freely rotatable. At subsequent time point t4, a coil of a solenoid is de-energized, to separate the reverse rollers from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masato Tamehira, Yasumasa Morimoto, Kenji Kuroda
  • Patent number: 8746687
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a rockable member which is configured to rotate about an axis defined at a first end portion among: a first position at which a second end portion at a downstream side in the forward feed direction with respect to the first end portion is supported by the guide member having the first orientation; a second position at which the second end portion is located at a higher position that the second end portion when located at the first position; and a third position at which the second end portion is located at a lower position that the second end portion when located at the first position; and a signal generating unit configured to output a signal corresponding to the position of the rockable member. A photo sensor is provided to generate a signal in accordance with an orientation of the rockable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Samoto, Yuji Koga, Takashi Omura
  • Patent number: 8746688
    Abstract: An apparatus for accumulating sheet material in a sheet handling system including a first conveyance, a second conveyance, an auxiliary conveyance and a processor to control the conveyances based upon a selected operating mode. The first conveyance receives singulated sheets and conveys the sheets to an accumulator station to produce completed collations. The second conveyance is operative to dispense completed collations from the accumulator station and, receives the completed collations from the first conveyance, in one operating mode, and from the auxiliary conveyance in another operating mode when the first conveyance is inoperative. The processor is responsive to a next collation signal, to control the conveyances based upon a selected one of the operating modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony E. Yap, Mark Macleod, Richard Stengl, Andrew J. Nikolatos, Gerald Leitz, Iskander Tokmouline
  • Patent number: 8746689
    Abstract: A stacker support with automatic unload function for flexible media includes a first set of ribs and a second of ribs. The stacker support is moved between a first UP position and a second unloading position. In the first UP position and loading positions, the first set of ribs and the second set of ribs are aligned so that their surfaces from a single uniform continuous surface for supporting stack of substrate sheets. In the second unloading position, the top surface of the second set of ribs is caused to move below the top surface of the first set of ribs whereby the top surface of the first set of ribs forms a ribbed surface that supports stacked sheets. The gaps formed thereby permit unloading by a cart having offset ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas K. Herrmann, Derek A. Bryl
  • Patent number: 8746690
    Abstract: A duplexing unit for reversing an orientation of a sheet in an imaging apparatus, the duplexing unit includes an outer member including an inner surface; and an inner member that is housed within the outer member, the inner member including: a stationary structural element having an outer surface with a radius of curvature; and a freely rotatable element having a radius that is larger than the radius of curvature of the stationary structural element, wherein a duplexing path is provided between the inner surface of the outer member and a contact surface of the freely rotatable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Venkatesh Mysore Nagaraja Rao, Ang Beng Keong
  • Patent number: 8746691
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section to form an image on a sheet, a reversing section to reverse the sheet between front and rear surfaces, and an apparatus main body that houses the image forming section and the reversing section. The reversing section includes a lower-side horizontal conveying path arranged horizontally and adapted to convey the sheet, an upper-side horizontal conveying path arranged vertically above the lower-side horizontal conveying path and extending parallel to the lower-side horizontal conveying path, and a connection conveying path which connects the lower-side horizontal conveying path and the upper-side horizontal conveying path and is detachably coupled to the upper-side horizontal conveying path. The reversing section is horizontally supported by the apparatus main body so as to be movable along a direction in which the sheet is sent from the lower-side horizontal conveying path or upper-side horizontal conveying path to the connection conveying path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Konica Minolta, Inc.
    Inventors: Hajime Nakamura, Makoto Ui
  • Patent number: 8746692
    Abstract: Systems for moving a moveable drive module in a cross-process direction are disclosed. A system includes a moveable drive module including a drive roll and a translation drive motor capable of moving the moveable drive module in a cross-process direction. The system may optionally include a plurality of idler rolls, each configured to be associated with the drive roll when the moveable drive module is in an associated position. Optionally, the moveable drive module may further include an idler roll associated with the drive roll. Alternately, the system may further include a moveable idler module including an idler roll and a translation drive motor capable of moving the moveable idler module in a cross-process direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Paul N. Richards, Lloyd A. Williams, Joannes N. M. deJong, Matthew Dondiego
  • Patent number: 8746693
    Abstract: A reference member which regulates a position of one side end of a sheet along the sheet conveying direction is provided at one side of a sheet conveying path in the width direction so as to follow the sheet conveying direction and to be rotatable about its downstream end portion in the sheet conveying direction. Then, one side end of the sheet is skew-conveyed toward the reference member by a plurality of pair of skew-conveying rollers which is arranged in the sheet conveying path along the sheet conveying direction. Then, when forming an image on both faces of the sheet, a control portion rotates the reference member so that the sheet is displaced to the center side in the sheet conveying path compared to the case of forming an image on one face of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideaki Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 8746694
    Abstract: A sensing method and system to protect printer print heads from substrate media contact comprising a trip wire sensor to detect and signal a printer control system that substrate media carried by transport media is positioned to strike or contact the print head. The trip wire sensor is located upstream of the print heads, a controlled distance above the transport media in the direction normal to the plane of the media, and comprises a trip wire operatively connected to at least one transducer. Substrate media exceeding the height requirements associated with the print heads contact the trip wire sensor causing the generation of an electrical signal which is received by the printer control system which then takes corrective action to prevent damage to the print heads, for example, by raising the print heads further away from the transport media and allowing the non-conforming substrate media to pass through and be purged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Steven R. Moore, Peter Knausdorf, Michael D. Borton, Joannes N. M. deJong
  • Patent number: 8746695
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a paper money processing apparatus. In the paper money processing apparatus for sorting and counting paper money, the apparatus is divided into three parts in order for sections of a transfer path to open the whole transfer path. When jammed paper money is removed, portions separated from a fixed main body are linked with each other through links to remove the jammed paper money through only one operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Kisan Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Hwan Jang
  • Patent number: 8746696
    Abstract: A second support member supports a first support member so that the first support member is movable between a predetermined first position and a second position at an upstream side of the first position in a conveying direction of a recording medium. The first support member is moved to the first position during conveyance of the recording medium by a first conveying section. The first support member is moved to the second position during non-conveyance of the recording medium by the first conveying section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kohei Terada
  • Patent number: 8746697
    Abstract: A sheet transport mechanism includes a pair of transport rollers and a roller pressing mechanism. The roller pressing mechanism includes one pair of first levers, one pair of second levers, and an elastic member. The one pair of first levers are supported to swing around a first swing shaft. A rotary shaft of a second roller of the pair of transport rollers is rotatably supported by a bearing aperture formed at substantially a center of the first lever. In addition, the one pair of second levers are supported to swing around the second swing shaft. Both ends of the elastic member are connected to tip ends of the second levers. The end of each second lever rotates around the second swing shaft, and presses the first lever toward the first roller of the pair of transport rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuhisa Kondo
  • Patent number: 8746698
    Abstract: A casino chip organizer/pusher has a chip receiving portion and a handle secured to a lower end of the chip receiving portion. The chip-receiving portion is formed by a U-shaped fixed member affixed to the handle and an optional detachable U-shaped member that can be slidably engaged with the fixed member. When stacks of chips are positioned inside the chip receiving portion they can be transferred along the gaming table without tumbling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Morris Wendling
  • Patent number: 8746699
    Abstract: A novelty game that utilizes a plurality of alphanumeric-shaped playing pieces. Each playing piece has a body shaped as a letter or number. The body has a flat face surface, a parallel rear surface, and side edges that interconnect the face surface to the rear surface. The width of the side edges is large enough to enable each playing piece to stand upright on-edge and unsupported. A plurality of mechanical connectors are present on the playing pieces. The connectors enable each playing piece to physically interconnect with at least two others of the playing pieces to form an assemblage of letters or numbers word. When a conjoined assemblage is formed, only one or some of the playing pieces touch the ground. Most are supported in the air as the playing pieces build atop one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Forrest-Pruzan Creative LLC
    Inventors: Alan Pruzan, Andrew Forrest, Jay Wheatley
  • Patent number: 8746700
    Abstract: Coin wars game systems is a coin toss game similar to a table game but played on a larger scale such as on a floor or outdoors. A board having a target or series of targets on its top side is placed on a flat surface and at least two participants toss coins at a target on the board, the target having a value graduated image, attempting to score the most points. Each participant has a card printed with instructions and commands. The participant also assumes the identity of the entity listed on the card with the given authority level, and the distance from the target that participant stands to toss the coins. The loosing participants must perform a predetermined number of repetitions of a given exercise after each round.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Gregory Capone, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8746701
    Abstract: A piston assembly includes an annular body defining a groove, with a ring disposed within the groove. The piston assembly includes a centering device disposed within the groove between an inner face of the ring and a root of the groove. The centering device centers the ring concentrically within the groove when the ring is in an uncompressed condition, prior to installation into a bore of an engine block, to prevent the inner face of the ring from moving radially outward beyond an outer edge of the groove when the ring is in the uncompressed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Terry A. Tomas
  • Patent number: 8746702
    Abstract: A retainer for holding a tool bit on an impact hammer including a shielding ring at the retainer distal end. The retainer includes an axially slidable sleeve whereby tool bits may be selectively exchanged on the retainer and whereby tool bits are secured in the retainer for use thereof. The sleeve is axially slidable toward the retainer distal end for placing the retainer in the locked or in-use position, and is axially slidable away from the distal end against the force of a spring for placing the retainer in the tool bit release position. The shielding ring extends radially beyond the axially slidable sleeve for preventing inadvertent axial movement of the sleeve to the release position by debris and/or objects which come in contact with the retainer distal end, and thereby aiding in the prevention of inadvertent release of the tool bit during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Ajax Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Benedict
  • Patent number: 8746703
    Abstract: A screwdriver head mounting structure includes a mounting base, a screwdriver head, a latching member and an elastic member. The mounting base defines a mounting hole and an eccentric latching hole communicating with and positioned eccentric to the mounting hole. The screwdriver head is detachably assembled to the mounting base. The screwdriver head has a latching end inserted into the mounting hole of the mounting base. The latching member is releasably and adjustably assembled to the mounting base together with the elastic member. The latching member passes through the eccentric latching hole and latches with the latching end of the screwdriver head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiao-Bing Xu, Qing-Song Wen, Hai-Feng Ma
  • Patent number: 8746704
    Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a wedge-lock coupling configured to connect a jaw to an actuator arm of a chuck. The wedge-lock coupling includes a wedge portion having a path of travel between a release position and a lock position, and a locking direction along the path of travel gradually wedges the wedge portion between the actuator arm and the jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Forkardt Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Dejonghe, Douglas L. Roush, Thomas M. Grobbel
  • Patent number: 8746705
    Abstract: An active roll control system that actively controls roll by changing roll strength of a stabilizer bar by varying a connection position of a stabilizer link, which connects both ends of the stabilizer bar on a subframe with a suspension arm, on the suspension arm. The suspension arm includes a rail unit that has a top opening and includes slide rails arranged in a vehicle width direction within the rail unit, and guides a connector connected with the lower end of the stabilizer link along the slide rails. In addition, an actuator unit of the suspension arm has a driving shaft connected with the connector and provides a forward and rearward driving force to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sung-Jun Kim
  • Patent number: 8746706
    Abstract: A method for operating a ride height control device, which includes at least one air spring, of a vehicle body of a vehicle, by providing a setpoint ride height predefined for a journey, and by setting, at the beginning, during or immediately before the end of the journey, the ride height of the vehicle body at least once to a ride height which deviates from the setpoint ride height predefined for the journey.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Naber, Joseph Bounds
  • Patent number: 8746707
    Abstract: Skate, either an in-line roller skate or an ice skate, comprising a frame carrying on or more sliding elements, and a skate boot provided with a sole, said boot being fastened to said frame through a fastening portion, wherein said fastening portion is located between said sole and said frame in a substantially central region in the longitudinal direction of said frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Tecnica Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Claudio Zampieri
  • Patent number: 8746708
    Abstract: A creeper for car repair which belongs to the technical field of basic hand tools, includes a creeper body and an object scraper mechanism which is pivotally connected with one end of the creeper body. The technical solution provided by the present invention is equipped to an object scraper mechanism which is pivotally connected with one end of the creeper body for unfolding from the creeper body and being perpendicular to the service creeper body when the operator is standing upright and heavy objects are carried, as well as laying against the back of the service creeper body when the scraper mechanism is not being used and is folded, thus facilitating the object transportation and reducing the work intensity for the operators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Changshu Tongrun Auto Accessory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jingfang Wang
  • Patent number: 8746709
    Abstract: A magnifying glass that is mounted on the shopping cart can be moved from a protected neutral position into the reading position only when no key is in the coin deposit lock, and the key can be inserted into the lock only after the magnifying glass has been placed into the protected neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: Franz Wieth, Horst Sonnendorfer
  • Patent number: 8746710
    Abstract: A patient support has caster devices supporting a frame for movement in relation to a supporting surface. A lift supports an auxiliary wheel in relation to the frame. A shaft may be rotatable to drive the lift to move the auxiliary wheel between a deployed position and a retracted position. The shaft may rotate to control deployment and retraction of the auxiliary wheel. A sensor may control deployment and retraction of the auxiliary wheel. An element may provide a dampening effect when the auxiliary wheel encounters a raised surface and urge the auxiliary wheel into contact with the supporting surface when the auxiliary wheel encounters a lowered surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Linet Spol s.r.o.
    Inventor: Ladislav Schejbal
  • Patent number: 8746711
    Abstract: A disc golf transport apparatus has a frame with an upper and a lower end, a disc container affixed to the frame between the upper and the lower end, at least one wheel rotatably mounted adjacent the lower and of the frame, and at least one leg pivotally mounted adjacent the upper end of the frame so as to be movable between an extended position and a retracted position. A rack is affixed adjacent the lower end of the frame so as to extend forwardly of the wheel. A box is affixed adjacent the upper end of the frame so as to extend generally horizontally outwardly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Barry Michael Jarma
  • Patent number: 8746712
    Abstract: In one aspect, a device for moving objects is provided that includes a carriage having a first planer bearing member coupled to a second planer bearing member therewith forming a recess, each of the bearing members having a plurality of holes therein opposite an intersection of the bearing members; at least one wheel coupled to the carriage member, the wheel having an axis parallel with the intersection of the bearing members; and a first and a second strap having ends removably attachable to each other, each of the straps passing through one of the bearing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Victor D. Dobyns
  • Patent number: 8746713
    Abstract: A wheel suspension for motor vehicles includes at least one wheel guide element which is articulated both on an auxiliary frame that can be connected to the body of the motor vehicle and on a wheel carrier, a suspension and damping system as well as a steering system for the wheel. To achieve a universally applicable wheel suspension using identical parts, the auxiliary frame for each wheel suspension is designed as an independent modular frame, on which the a wheel guide element(s) is/are articulated, on which the suspension and damping system is supported, and on which at least one actuator is arranged directly or indirectly for actuating the suspension and damping system and/or the steering system and thus for setting predetermined wheel-specific wheel guidance and/or steering parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Meitinger, Armin Ohletz, Walter Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8746714
    Abstract: The present invention includes a cam, an arm plate, and a slide plate, wherein the cam defines at least one opening, the arm plate defines at least one channel, and the slide plate defines at least one hole. The control arm length may be adjusted by rotation of the cam and fixedly securing the cam to the arm plate to the slide plate with a bolt and at least one bolt securing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Niwot Corporation
    Inventor: James Roger Frens
  • Patent number: 8746715
    Abstract: A folding skateboard may include a first board piece, a second board piece and a third board piece. The first board piece and third board piece may be secured to the second board piece with first and second sets of hinges. The board pieces may include an outer rail disposed on the outer edges of the board pieces that can slide along the outer edges of the board pieces in an unfolded configuration. The outer rails may lock in place to allow the folding skateboard to remain in a rigid unfolded configuration or allow the board to be folded into a three-layered configuration for storage. The trucks of the folding skateboard may be easily secured to and removed from the first and third board pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: John Woncik
  • Patent number: 8746716
    Abstract: Skateboards methods of riding and steering a foldable skateboard with two large front wheels pivotally attached to the skateboard and a single large rear centered wheel with depressible brake. The skateboard allows for the rider with one foot on the skateboard to propel the skateboard by pushing off the ground with another foot. A stabilizer with angled bolt/pin/rod that inserts into an oblong eyelet opening with pliable bushing on the front axle can allow the rider to tilt the board with their weight to turn to the left or to the right. A folding mechanism having brackets with parallel plates and an end hingedly attached to outer ends of a front frame rear frame members. Opposite end of the brackets can have holes that align with holes in the front frame member where a removable pin locks the front and rear frame members in an unfolded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: James Wurst
  • Patent number: 8746717
    Abstract: A saddle riding type vehicle includes a right wheel and a left wheel, a right lower arm and a left lower arm swingably provided on a vehicle arranged to support the right wheel and the left wheel to be movable up and down, and a right stopper member and a left stopper member arranged to contact the right lower arm and the left lower arm to stop the vehicle body from leaning in excess of a predetermined amount, which do not stop leaning of the vehicle body when the lean amount of the vehicle body is less than the predetermined amount. The vehicle body is arranged to lean freely when the lean amount of the vehicle body is in a range not exceeding the predetermined amount. Therefore, the rider can preferably travel comfortably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiichirou Tsujii, Kazuhiro Nishida, Atsushi Imai
  • Patent number: 8746718
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to effectively ensure the rigidity of supporting a front suspension with a simple configuration, without increasing the weight of a vehicle body. In a suspension mounting structure for a vehicle in which a front suspension is supported by sub frames 3, the sub frames 3 have a pair of right and left side sub frames 9 that extend in a front-rear direction of a vehicle in lower parts of front side frames 2; and a rear sub cross member 11 that couples rear end parts of the right and left side frames 9 to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Otani, Masanobu Fukushima, Hiroaki Takeshita
  • Patent number: 8746719
    Abstract: A vehicle may include a CVT unit or a power source which requires ambient air. An air inlet for an air intake system coupled to the CVT unit or the power source which requires ambient air may be provided in a side of a cargo carrying portion of the vehicle. The vehicle may include a rear radius arm suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Safranski, Robbi L. Peterson, Richard L. Sunsdahl, Aaron D. Deckard, Louis J. Brady
  • Patent number: 8746720
    Abstract: A leisure fitness bike has a front frame hinged to a rear frame, a handlebar and a front wheel. A pedal body is installed at upper and lower ends of the front frame. The rear frame includes a saddle, a rear wheel and a rear wheel transmission device. A driving device is between the front and rear frames and coupled to a rear wheel transmission device. After a rider sits on the saddle and puts both hands and legs onto the handlebar and the pedal body, the front frame is moved forward and backward by stretching and contracting forces, and the driving device drives the rear wheel transmission device to roll the rear wheel and move the bike body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Hsin Lung Accessories Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xue-Sen Liao, Jeeng-Neng Fan
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8746722
    Abstract: A method of using a folding vehicle having a chassis that functions as a protective, carry-on casing is provided. The vehicle has a chassis with a center member, a rotatably-lockable front strut, a rotatably-lockable rear strut, and two pivot points for converting the vehicle from an operational state to a collapsed state; and, a drive member with a crankshaft. The crankshaft and the rotatably-lockable front strut pivot share a central axis of rotation; and, the releasably-lockable front strut and the releasably-lockable rear strut are configured to fold into a complementary relationship in the interior of the channel in the collapsed state. The channel functions as a protective, carry-on case for the folding vehicle in the collapsed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: MDM Productivity, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon P. Moldestad
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8746724
    Abstract: A trailer and hitch mounting system that includes a hitch insert assembly that is attached to a hitch attachment of a trailer and additionally has a hitch mount. A mounting plate assembly has a mounting plate that is secured to the bed of a truck and has a frustoconically shaped hitch guide with an angled surface that receives and is engaged by the hitch mount in order to guide the hitch mount toward an opening within the hitch guide to place the hitch mount at a predetermined location for securing the trailer to a truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Wayne Arends
  • Patent number: 8746725
    Abstract: An adapter for connecting a agricultural implement swivel hitch to a drawing hitch on a towing vehicle that enables relative pitch and roll movement between the implement and vehicle at a single, pinned joint. Elongated openings in a first portion of the hitch adapter receive a transversely aligned connection pin. The openings are sized to allow limited pin angular movement about a vehicular roll axis. A second portion of the hitch adapter is also connected to the connection pin and configured to allow limited relative angular movement about a transverse pitch axis. The connection between the first and second portions at the connector pin allows relative angular movement therebetween about generally co-planar pitch and roll axes. The connector pin is formed from a softer material than the surrounding first and second portions thereby providing an inexpensive and easily replaceable weak link in the hitch adapter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Melanie W. Harkcom, Roger Huggard
  • Patent number: 8746726
    Abstract: A trailer coupler may be provided with an opening and socket for a hitch ball, and a clamping bar in an internal channel for locking the coupler and hitch together. The internal channel may extend horizontally and be positioned above the opening and below the socket. The channel may include a laterally-facing aperture adjacent the second end, out of which one end of the clamping bar may extend. That end of the clamping bar may include a bracket with an open channel to fit over a flange on the coupler body. The coupler may be assembled by inserting a first end of the clamping bar through the laterally-facing aperture, and moving the first end of the clamping bar into the coupler body channel while fitting the bracket over the flange at the open channel of the clamping bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Pacific Rim International, LLC
    Inventor: Yibin Ye
  • Patent number: 8746727
    Abstract: A utility hitch provides a shaft defining a longitudinal axis. A socket is affixed to the shaft and at least partially receives a ball. A slide lock coupled with the shaft is translatable parallel with the shaft longitudinal axis. A tongue protrudes from the slide lock. The tongue secures the ball into the socket by engaging the ball at a bottom surface, and alternatively releases the tongue from the ball bottom surface to enable the ball to release from the socket. Retracting pins protrude from the shaft to retain the slide lock and tongue in a first position immediately adjacent to the ball, and are operative to retract inside the shaft and slide lock when the slide lock is translated to a second position distal to the ball, to permit the slide lock to translate or reciprocate relative to the shaft. Wings may be provided to facilitate actuation of the retracting pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Roger A. Burton
  • Patent number: 8746728
    Abstract: An alpine touring heel unit is provided which comprises a base for mounting the heel unit and an upper portion with a heel connector. The upper portion is slidably engageable with the base for movement by a user into a downhill position and a touring position spaced rearwardly from the downhill position for disconnection of the heel connector. Complete movement in at least one direction between the downhill and touring positions may be actuated by a single motion by the user. Also provided is a heel unit movable between downhill and touring positions which comprises a heel support pivotally coupled to the heel unit. Also provided is a heel unit comprising a post and a body with a heel connector, the body being coaxially mounted on the post and rotatable between opposing lateral release positions and further containing a biasing device mounted outside of the body. Also provided are kits comprising a heel unit of this invention and a toe unit which functions independently from the heel unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: G3 Genuine Guide Gear Inc.
    Inventors: Cameron Allan Shute, Ernest Dawson McCrank, Robert Erik Moore, Paul Matthew Palfreyman, James William Rogers
  • Patent number: 8746729
    Abstract: A toe piece for a gliding apparatus, such as a touring ski, including two tightening elements relatively movable between a boot-tightened position, in which they engage respective lateral housings of the boot, and an open position to release the boot, the tightening elements forming a pivot axis for the boot and a stop movable between an active position in which the stop comes into contact with the front end of the boot so as to longitudinally position the lateral housings of the boot, and a retracted position in which the stop does not interfere with normal pivoting of the boot during an ascent phase, the stop being in an active position when the two tightening elements are in the open position and the movable stop is directly connected to the tightening elements, so that a relative displacement of the tightening elements causes the stop to switch between its active and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventor: François Convert
  • Patent number: 8746730
    Abstract: A foldable frame includes first and second upper bars, first and second lower bars, and first and second pin joint pieces. The first and second pin joint pieces are respectively provided with first and second pin joint holes. The first and second lower bars are respectively fixed with the first and second pin joint pieces. The first pin joint piece is pin-jointed with the second pin joint piece through the first pin joint hole, and end surfaces of the first and second pin joint pieces respectively abut against end portions of the second and first lower bars. Two ends of the first upper bar are respectively pin-jointed with an upper end of a front wheel support and at the second pin joint hole of the second pin joint piece. Two ends of the second upper bar are respectively pin-jointed with a rear wheel support and at the second pin joint hole of the first pin joint piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Dongguan Prestige Sporting Products Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Chun Wu, Zhao Zhang
  • Patent number: 8746731
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seat attachment for a stroller, single stroller and double strollers. Such a seat attachment may be used to reversibly convert a single stroller into a double stroller. More specifically, versions of the seat attachment relate to a seat attachment for a stroller capable of supporting a seat such as, but not limited to, a stroller seat, a baby seat, bassinet, a pram, a car seat, or a baby carrier, for example. The seat may be supported in front of a permanent seat of the stroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Baby Jogger, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Zehfuss
  • Patent number: 8746732
    Abstract: An airbag assembly can include an inflator that may exert forces on an airbag housing during deployment of an airbag from the housing. The airbag assembly can include a load distributing plate to distribute or delocalize the forces. In some arrangements, the load distributing plate can be attached to the inflator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Kutchey, David W. Schneider, John F. Witt, Jr., Jamie R. Fritz
  • Patent number: 8746733
    Abstract: The pillar garnish has a main body, an extension part that is formed integrally with the main body, including a guide surface at an upper end of the extension part, the guide surface controlling a direction in which the air bag apparatus is unfolded so that the air bag apparatus is unfolded into the interior of the vehicle when the air bag apparatus is inflated, and a box portion that is formed integrally with the main body and the extension part, the box portion being positioned between the main body and the pillar. The box portion has a back wall portion and a pair of side wall portions that are adjacent to the back wall portion and the main body. The side wall portion has a thick portion and a thin portion, the thin portion being disposed closer to the main body than to the back wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Hayashi Telempu Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken-ichi Hayashi, Hiroyuki Omiya
  • Patent number: 8746734
    Abstract: An inflatable curtain airbag, or airbag assembly, can include a plurality of inflatable cushion segments that are able to selectively fluidly communicate with an inflation gas delivery channel. The inflatable curtain airbag, or airbag assembly, can further include a valving panel that has a separate valving portion associated with each inflatable cushion segment. Each valving portion can allow fluid communication between the inflatable cushion segment and the inflation gas delivery channel when in an open configuration and can prevent fluid communication between the inflatable cushion segment and the inflation gas delivery channel when in a closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, Francois Peremarty