Patents Issued in April 5, 2016
-
Patent number: 9302685Abstract: A two-axle sub-truck is disclosed. The two-axle sub-truck may include a first axle and a second axle. The two-axle sub-truck may also include a first traction motor located between the first and second axles and a second traction motor located outside the first and second axles.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2015Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Electro Motive Diesel, Inc.Inventor: David J. Goding
-
Patent number: 9302686Abstract: A track brake for a rail vehicle has a plurality of elongated brake shoes affixed at intervals one behind the other to a continuous brake beam. The brake shoes have inserts incorporated in recesses inside their braking surfaces. The inserts are made of a friction-generating material that is resistant to temperatures under the braking load.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2012Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Klaus Meisenzahl, Holger Quast
-
Patent number: 9302687Abstract: A satellite positioning location based control and monitoring system for light rail transit systems which enables transit personnel to track vehicle positions, progress and non-vital signals as light rail vehicles travel through their routes while eliminating the capital and maintenance costs associated with embedded light rail transit monitoring systems.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: STC, Inc.Inventor: Brad Cross
-
Patent number: 9302688Abstract: A drum truck for handling a drum has a base. A wheel assembly is removably attached to the base. A post is removably attached to the base. The post has a handle. A breakover member is removably and operatively coupled to the base. The breakover member is configured to allow application of a foot pressure to break over the drum truck from a standing vertical position to an angled position. At least one pair of toes is removably attached to the base and configured to support the drum. A drum restraint is removably attached to the post and configured to releasably secure the drum to the post.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Wesco Industrial Products, Inc.Inventors: Stefan Reddi, Mike Connors, Jeff Jarrell, Ronald Melvin
-
Patent number: 9302689Abstract: A hand truck for carrying and lifting a load comprising spaced vertical columns each having a channel. Rollers are captured in each of said channels that are capable of vertical movement along its respective channel. A first toe plate is affixed to said columns and adapted to extend horizontally during use. A second toe plate is attached to the rollers and adapted to move vertically along said columns between upper and lower positions. The first and second toe plates are in nesting relationship when the second toe plate is in its lower position.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2012Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Magline, Inc.Inventors: Stewart A. Burton, David Simonelli, Michael O'Hare, David Beckstrom, Albert V. Yannella
-
Patent number: 9302690Abstract: A hand cart supplemental shelf device adds shelving to a hand cart. The device includes a base shelf and a beam coupled to the base shelf. A hook is coupled to and extends from the beam for engaging a cross brace of a hand cart when the beam abuts a pair of spaced uprights of the hand cart. Each of a pair of connectors is coupled to and extends from the beam such that each connector is configured for coupling the base shelf to an associated one of the uprights of the hand cart wherein the base shelf is secured to the hand cart.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Inventor: Monte Busser
-
Patent number: 9302691Abstract: A folding mechanism of vehicle includes a pivot unit having a stationary gear, a chassis unit having a frame pivotally connected with the pivot unit, a swivelable unit pivotally connected with the chassis unit and fixedly connected with a driven gear, and a rack engaged with the stationary gear of the pivot unit and the driven gear of the swivelable unit. When the chassis unit is pivotally folded relative to the pivot unit, the rack is moved to drive the driven gear to rotate, such that the swivelable unit swings relative to the chassis unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: MERITS HEALTH PRODUCTS CO., LTD.Inventor: Ming-Chuan Cheng
-
Patent number: 9302692Abstract: A shopping cart features a frame forming a chassis portion and a handle portion. A number of casters are attached to the chassis portion while a basket attached to the handle portion. A pair of basket supports are positioned on opposite sides of the basket. The pair of basket supports include a pair of base portions connected to the chassis portion, a pair of forward tilting lower portions attached to the base portions, and a pair of rearward tilting upper portions attached to the pair of forward tilting lower portions.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Unarco Industries LLCInventors: Woody Smith, Wesley McMurtrey
-
Patent number: 9302693Abstract: A coiled tubing servicing system comprising a servicing cart comprising two or more support frames, a length of coiled tubing supported by the servicing cart, a servicing fixture disposed about a portion of the length of coiled tubing adjacent the servicing cart, wherein the servicing fixture is movable along a longitudinal axis of the length of coiled tubing and radially about the longitudinal axis of the length of coiled tubing; and a servicing tool coupled to the servicing fixture.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2013Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Glenn Dixson, Brian Vandellyn Park, Maximo Gustavo Michaelis, Mikko Jaaskelainen
-
Patent number: 9302694Abstract: A convertible baby stroller assembly converts into a playpen as needed. The assembly includes a support having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. A top edge of the support defines an access opening into an interior space of the support wherein the interior space is configured for receiving a child. A plurality of panels is coupled to the support. The panels are positionable in a deployed position wherein each of the panels extends upwardly above the top edge around the access opening defining an upper enclosure of the assembly. A frame has an upper section and a lower section. The upper section defines a handle. The support is coupled to the frame at a juncture between the upper and lower sections. A plurality of wheels is coupled to the lower section of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Inventor: Marina Velichko
-
Patent number: 9302695Abstract: A tray is mounted on a mount of a stroller and includes a tray structure, a first mounting latch and a mounting arm formed from the tray structure. The first mounting latch is disposed on the mounting arm and has a first button movably disposed on the mounting arm, a clamping base connected to the first button and disposed in the mounting arm, and an elastic member disposed on the clamping base for providing a first elastic force to bias the clamping base toward a latched position to clamp the mount cooperatively with the mounting arm when the mounting arm is mounted on the mount and the first button is engaged with an engaging groove of the mount. When the first button is pressed for moving the clamping base to an unlatched position, the clamping base is separate from the mount to make the mounting arm detachable from the mount.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2015Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company LimitedInventors: Curtis M. Hartenstine, Andrew J. Taylor, Anthony V. Ruggiero
-
Patent number: 9302696Abstract: An energy absorbing device for a steering column assembly includes a first end configured to couple to a first component of the steering column assembly and a second end configured to couple to a second component of the steering column. An intermediate portion extends between the first end and the second end. The intermediate portion includes a curved portion having a radius and a leg portion extending between the curved portion and the second end. The leg portion includes a plurality of localized surface features to tune a collapse characteristic of the energy absorbing device and to facilitate maintaining the radius constant when a force moves the first end relative to the second end and deforms the energy absorbing device.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh
-
Patent number: 9302697Abstract: A steering apparatus configured to inhibit a driver from feeling uncomfortable when an end bush impact occurs is provided. The steering apparatus includes a rack shaft that makes a linear motion in a rack housing in response to rotation of a steering shaft, and a ball joint fitted to an end portion of the rack shaft. The steering apparatus further includes an elastic body disposed between the rack housing and the ball joint, an end plate, and a projection of the rack housing. When the elastic body is compressively deformed due to collision of the ball joint with the elastic body, the end plate comes into contact with the projection to restrict compressive deformation of the elastic body by an amount exceeding a length. The length is set larger than a length of a compression deformation length with respect to an axial force due to a reverse input.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventor: Tatsuya Ohashi
-
Patent number: 9302698Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a rack shaft moving in a vehicle width direction for steering steered wheels, a rack end in a moving side, which is provided in the rack shaft and integrally moving with the rack shaft, a housing body in a fixed side, which does not move in the vehicle width direction and controls the movement of the rack shaft by collision from the rack end to the housing body and a shock absorbing member provided between the rack end and the housing body to absorb a shock from the rack end to the housing body, in which the shock absorbing member includes a low-spring rate portion and a high-spring rate portion having a higher spring rate than that of the low-spring rate portion in the vehicle width direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATIONInventor: Satoshi Enomoto
-
Patent number: 9302699Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes: a detector that detects a value corresponding to a steering torque of a steering wheel; a correcting unit that corrects a detection value detected by the detector by taking into account a hysteresis between an actual steering torque and the detection value detected by the detector; and a target current calculating unit that calculates a target current which is supplied to an electric motor on the basis of a corrected detection value corrected by the correcting unit. The correcting unit makes a correction by using a correction value corresponding to the detection value detected by the detector so as to make the hysteresis small in a case where the steering torque is small and large in a case where the steering torque is large.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATIONInventor: Tadayoshi Iwase
-
Patent number: 9302700Abstract: Torque sensor has: magnetic member; first yoke member having (a) first nail portions arranged concentrically to face the magnetic member in radial direction and (b) first ring portion; second yoke member having (c) second nail portions arranged concentrically so that the first and second nail portions are circumferentially alternately arranged and the second nail portions face the magnetic member in radial direction and (d) second ring portion; first magnetic flux concentration ring provided between the first and second ring portions; second magnetic flux concentration ring provided between the second ring portion and the first magnetic flux concentration ring; and magnetic sensor. The first and second magnetic flux concentration rings and the first and second ring portions are arranged in layers in radial direction. A part or all of axial direction area of the first and second magnetic flux concentration rings is surrounded and shielded by the second ring portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2013Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS STEERING, LTD.Inventors: Osamu Yoshida, Tatsuyoshi Maruyama, Kiyotaka Shirakubo
-
Patent number: 9302701Abstract: A vehicle steering system transmission comprising a driver connected to a driver shaft, the driver shaft connected to an output shaft by a flexible link, a first sensor sensing the driver shaft, a control unit receiving a signal from the first sensor, and the control unit transmitting a signal to the driver to control an output shaft movement.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Gates CorporationInventors: Dean Schneider, Alexander Serkh, Ian Fitzner, Clermont Kirouac
-
Patent number: 9302702Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a steering system for an electric vehicle. The steering system may include a hydraulic pump configured to direct hydraulic fluid to a steering gearbox of the electric vehicle, and an electric motor having a shaft that is coupled to the hydraulic pump. The electric motor may be configured to drive fluid flow through the pump. The steering system may also include a sensor configured to measure a value indicative of a torque applied by the electric motor, and a control unit configured to control operation of the electric motor based on an input from the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2015Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Proterra Inc.Inventors: Seneca A. Schepmann, Sam Shartzer, Michael Finnern
-
Patent number: 9302703Abstract: A hydraulic steering assist assembly is provided for a vehicle with a mechanical steering assembly operable by a user to steer the vehicle. The hydraulic steering assist assembly includes a hydraulic actuator adapted to be coupled to the mechanical steering assembly and has a first side and a second side. A bi-directional hydraulic pump is placed in fluid communication with the first side and the second side of the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic steering assist assembly further includes a valve in fluid communication with the first side and the second side of the hydraulic actuator, and a control system for controlling the bi-directional hydraulic pump and the valve. The bi-directional hydraulic pump provides a pressurized fluid to the hydraulic actuator, which applies a force on the mechanical steering assembly to assist steering the vehicle. The valve can act as a steering damper.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2013Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: HB Performance Systems, Inc.Inventors: Tim Osterberg, Kurt W. Person
-
Patent number: 9302704Abstract: A basic assist torque is set on the basis of the vehicle speed and the steering torque, and when the vehicle changes from a straight driving state to a curve driving state, a correction amount for the basic assist torque is calculated, which is to offset steering torque characteristic values which has been predetermined depending on a steering angle, in a direction opposite to the steering direction by correcting an absolute value of the basic assist torque to reduce its action on the steering direction depending at least upon the curvature radius of the driving road in front of the vehicle, and the basic assist torque is corrected with the basic assist torque correction amount and the controlled/corrected torque (assist torque) is output to a motor drive unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2013Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Shiro Ezoe
-
Patent number: 9302705Abstract: A steering force controller has a first detection unit that detects a steering angular velocity of a vehicle, a second detection unit that detects a steering angle of the vehicle, a third detection unit that detects a vehicle speed of the vehicle, a main control matrix in which a first output value is set based on the steering angular velocity and the vehicle speed, a subsidiary control matrix in which a second output value is set based on the steering angle and the vehicle speed, a control quantity operation unit that obtains a control quantity for steering assistance by multiplying the first output value by the second output value and a steering assist force control unit that generates a steering assist force in a steering system based on the control quantity obtained by the control quantity operation unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2013Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Togashi, Tomohiko Usui, Satoshi Miura, Kazuhisa Tadakuma
-
Patent number: 9302706Abstract: An articulated connection can be used to transfer a steering movement to a vehicle wheel. The articulated connection can include an axle journal and a steering arm. The axle journal can be configured to be coupled to the wheel. The steering arm can be configured to receive and transfer the steering movement to the axle journal. The steering arm can be bendable so as to elastically deflect with respect to the axle journal. The steering arm can be curved along a portion of its length and/or the articulated connection can include a limiting device. The limiting device can be configured to limit an amount of deflection of the steering arm in at least one direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Pim van der Jagt, Marc Simon, Edmund Halfmann, Thomas Gerhards
-
Patent number: 9302707Abstract: The invention relates to a crossmember, in particular the rear crossmember of a motor vehicle, for a multi-link suspension of the wheel, characterized in that the crossmember has a respective receiving arrangement for the drive of each of the wheels.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: KSM Castings Group GmbHInventors: Thomas Buschjohann, Andreas Kiesel
-
Patent number: 9302708Abstract: Embodiments include a support member for an extendable trailer with one or more flange members and one or more web members. In an embodiment, the web members include tabs and the flange members define slots. Other embodiments are also included herein.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Bull Moose Heavy Haul, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Wilcox Ingels, Matthew Martin Schattgen, Shannon Brooke Richardson, Joshua Stephan Doyle
-
Patent number: 9302709Abstract: A panel construction including one or more pultruded box beams disposed between first and second outer sheets at selected locations. A core or filler material may also be disposed between the first and second outer sheets at selected locations. For example, the core material may be disposed between the first and second outer sheets and fill in the space between the box beams. In another example, the core material may include channels or recesses and the box beams may be positioned in the channels or recesses in the core material.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2015Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: NEW ENGLAND WHEELS, INC.Inventors: Anjani Kumar, Miteshkumar Hasmukhlal Patel, Paul LaRose
-
Patent number: 9302710Abstract: A vehicle body assembly includes a front pillar including a unitary, one-piece tubular structural member having a first end portion and an opposite second end portion. The structural member defines a vehicle exterior-side wall section and a passenger compartment-side wall section. A first structural node is fastened to the passenger compartment-side wall section at the first end portion of the structural member. A second structural node is fastened to the passenger compartment-side wall section at the second end portion of the structural member. The structural member is formed of a first metal and each of the first and second structural nodes are formed of a second metal different than the first metal. An electrically nonconductive adhesive is interposed between the structural member first end portion and the first structural node and is interposed between the structural member second end portion and the second structural node.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2015Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Edward Bach, Kurtis Ray Horner, Adam J. Rompage, Masahiro Ishikawa, Anthony Ordonio, Jr., Aron K. Madsen
-
Patent number: 9302711Abstract: A vehicle body rear structure is provided with a rear panel stiffener including a stiffener L-shaped sectional portion, a rear girder including an inner L-shaped sectional portion, and a corner panel configured from an upper stiffener extension and a rear panel side extension. The stiffener L-shaped sectional portion has a first ridge line, and the inner L-shaped sectional portion has a second ridge line. The upper stiffener extension is provided with an upper L-shaped sectional portion that is continuous with the respective L-shaped sectional portions, and has a third ridge line that is contiguous with the respective ridge lines. The rear panel side extension is provided with a bulkhead that partitions a corner closed sectional portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2013Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Daisuke Ebihara
-
Patent number: 9302712Abstract: In a radiator support connection member, a low rigidity section is provided in a fender bracket side such that rigidity in the fender bracket side is set lower than rigidity of a radiator support. Because the fender bracket side of the radiator support connection member is likely to be plastically deformed, it is possible to secure energy absorbing performance. In addition, it is possible to make a rigidity of a coupling section of the radiator support connection member an appropriate rigidity by coupling a side section of the radiator support connection member in the radiator support side with high rigidity to a side section of the radiator support at a plurality of coupling spots.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2013Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Norimasa Yano
-
Patent number: 9302713Abstract: A multiple axis hinge arrangement for a truck hood includes a first hinge arrangement and a second hinge arrangement laterally spaced and mounted at first and second sides, respectively, of a front end of a truck. The first and second hinge arrangements include horizontal hinge elements that support a truck hood for pivotal movement on a horizontal axis relative to a truck frame and include vertical hinge elements that provide vertical pivot axes. A coupling member is provided at each of the first and second hinge arrangements allowing the selected hinge arrangement to be uncoupled from the front end of the truck so the hood is free to pivot on the vertical axis of the coupled arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2011Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: VOLVO GROUP NORTH AMERICA, LLCInventors: James Daniel Bird, David John Critchley, Nicholas H. Phillips
-
Patent number: 9302714Abstract: A hybrid component supporting component for a motor vehicle includes a base component made of a metallic material, at least some parts of which are provided with a plastic material. The hybrid component includes a detection device having at least one conductor element by means of which a deformation of the hybrid component can be detected.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Daimler AGInventor: Oliver Kropla
-
Patent number: 9302715Abstract: A vehicle including a side support extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction, a cross member extending transverse to the side support, and a reinforcement gusset coupled to the side support and the cross member, where the cross member and the reinforcement gusset define an interrupted interface in which one of the cross member or the reinforcement gusset includes a recessed portion and the opposite of the cross member or the reinforcement gusset includes an extended portion, and the recessed portion and the extended portion have complementary shapes and are detached from one another.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: John P. Kim, Jonathan R. Young, Yuuichi Tsunoda
-
Patent number: 9302716Abstract: A compensator assembly for a vehicle frame includes a base member having a clip engaging a first frame component spaced from a second frame component. An extension member is threadably coupled with the base member. A fastener extends coaxially through the base and the extension members to engage the first and second frame components. Rotation of the fastener unthreads the extension member until it contacts the second frame component.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jaspinder S. Sahi, John T. Reed
-
Patent number: 9302717Abstract: A truck bed extension is configured to connect to a right striker post and a left striker post on a truck having a tail gate. The truck bed extension has a tail gate attachment plate, mechanically coupled to the tail gate. A back plate is rotationally connected to the tail gate attachment plate with a first back plate hinge assembly, a second back plate hinge assembly, a third back plate hinge assembly and a fourth back plate hinge assembly. Right and left plates are rotationally connected to the back plate with two plate hinge assemblies. A right plate bracket is attached to the right plate and configured to receive the right striker post. A left plate bracket is attached to the left plate and configured to receive the left striker post.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2015Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Inventor: Terry James Rude
-
Patent number: 9302718Abstract: A pickup truck having an access door in a side panel of the truck bed is provided. The access door pivots between a closed positioned and an open position. The access door defines an opening in the side wall, the opening being created by the access door being moved from the closed position to the open position. The pickup truck has a cap member, the cap member releasably coupling to the side walls of the pickup bed and having a gap in one side portion thereof, the gap being positioned above the opening, such that the gap and the opening communicate with one another. The pickup truck has an extension body that releasably couples to the access door and pivots with the access door. The extension body is configured to functionally engage the gap in the cap member under the condition that the access door is in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2015Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Inventor: Clay Bates
-
Patent number: 9302719Abstract: An integrated stepgate and handle assembly includes a tailgate, a displaceable ladder carried on the tailgate, a displaceable handle carried on the tailgate and a latch. The latch connects the ladder and the handle whereby the handle is partially deployed with the ladder. This partial deployment of the handle prompts the operator to fully deploy and use the handle.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Venkatesh Krishnan, Ravikumar Ranganathan, Brandon Buckhalt, Thomas M. Herline
-
Patent number: 9302720Abstract: A floor panel includes: an article storage portion formed to protrude downwardly at a position spaced apart from each of two frame members on vehicle widthwise opposite sides thereof; and a pair of right and left lateral coupling portions each provided between a respective one of the frame members and the article storage portion. A storage bottom of the article storage portion has an upwardly or downwardly convex curved surface, and a storage wall of the article storage portion is configured such that each of right and left upper ends thereof is located below a corresponding one of two joint sections between respective ones of the lateral coupling portions of the floor panel and respective ones of the frame members. At least one of the pair of lateral coupling portions is formed by a downwardly inclined planar or curved surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2012Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Miho Kowaki
-
Patent number: 9302721Abstract: An assembly that is configured to receive a cab assembly is described. The assembly includes an undercarriage that is configured to hold hydraulic oil. One or more utility arms are coupled to the undercarriage frame for lifting and lowering attachments coupled to the one or more utility arms. A hydraulic pump is coupled to the undercarriage frame and is configured to operate the one or more utility arms.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Inventor: David Johnstone
-
Patent number: 9302722Abstract: A seal assembly can be incorporated into a track pin joint assembly including a pin defining a longitudinal axis, a first member and a second member both coaxial with the pin about the longitudinal axis. The first member is pivotable about the longitudinal axis with respect to the second member and includes a load ring engagement surface defining, at least in part, an axially-extending seal cavity disposed in proximal relationship to the second member. A seal assembly including a seal ring and a load ring is disposed in the seal cavity and sealingly engages the first member and the second member. The load ring includes a main body and a neck having a neck perimeter with a first sealing blade disposed along the neck perimeter and comprising an outwardly-extending projection. The first sealing blade is adapted to sealingly engage one of the seal ring and the first member.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Guanghui Liang, Mark Diekevers, Mark Kiesel, Darren Antoine, Temitope Akinlua, Travis King
-
Patent number: 9302723Abstract: An interchangeable power train system for use with either a 3-wheel electric powered vehicle or a 4 wheel electric powered vehicle includes a power assembly and a drive assembly mounted to a support assembly and disposed in an operative communication with one another. A chassis assembly for a 3-wheel electric vehicle body and/or a 4 wheel electric vehicle body is provided, wherein the support assembly includes one or more mounts and the chassis assembly has one or more corresponding interconnects each dimensioned and disposed to temporarily yet securely interconnect to a corresponding one of the mounts on the support assembly. An interface assembly operatively connects the power assembly and the drive assembly to either a 3-wheel electric vehicle or a 4 wheel electric vehicle to permit operation by a user seated therein.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2015Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Resort Vehicles, Inc.Inventors: Erika Pollitzer, Steve Bamdas
-
Patent number: 9302724Abstract: A headlamp assembly for a saddle-type vehicle ensures a generous light-emitting area of an upper lamp, and can make a gap formed between upper and lower lamps hard to see. The headlamp assembly includes upper and lower lamps, each including a light source and a reflector, with the lower lamp arranged below the upper lamp. The headlamp assembly also includes extension members, which extend in a substantially horizontal direction and approach front ends of the reflectors from a front side thereof, where flange portions are attached to and extend downwardly from the lower edges of the reflectors.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Hayashi, Nobuyuki Takenaka, Daisuke Kuriki
-
Patent number: 9302725Abstract: A locking rack solves the problem of not being able to securely carry and store items on a bicycle. The system allows for a luggage rack, rack-top bag, and panniers to all be locked together through the use of mounting clips, security rails, and security hooks, a traditional security cable, and a single lock integrated into the rack. The bags, panniers, and luggage racks according to the invention may be attached to the front and/or rear of a bicycle and may be used with any other bags, panniers, or luggage racks; however, the security advantages of the present invention may only be realized fully by using the complete system of the present invention described including bags, panniers, and luggage racks.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.Inventors: Tony M. Ton, Robin Samson
-
Patent number: 9302726Abstract: A helmet bracket and motorcycle floorboard mount kit including a pair of L-shaped first mounting brackets. Each of the pair of first mounting brackets has a pair of first threaded apertures and a pair of second threaded apertures. One of a pair of first mounting bolts threadably engages each of the pair of first apertures, and one of a pair of second mounting bolts threadably engages each of the pair of second apertures. A right mounting bracket and a left mounting bracket of the pair of mounting brackets removably attaches to a top side of a right side and a left side, respectively, of a motorcycle passenger floorboard. A second cylindrical mounting bracket having a continuous notch and a threaded opening is removably attachable to a motorcycle. The second mounting bracket is configured to releasably hang a helmet.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2015Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Inventor: Charles Schafer
-
Patent number: 9302727Abstract: An inverted pendulum control type moving body is provided with: a first driving portion that moves a host moving body at least in a forward/backward direction; a supporting portion that supports the inverted pendulum control type moving body so that it stands independently in a state of being in contact with the ground; an operation portion that switches between the ground contact state and a ground separation state of the supporting portion; and a control portion that, when the operation portion switches the state of the supporting portion from the ground contact state to the ground separation state, controls operation of the first driving portion so that a forward/backward direction tilt angle of the inverted pendulum control type moving body approximates a target tilt angle in the ground contact state.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazumasa Ozaki, Hiroshi Iwakami, Shinji Kawatani, Hideo Murakami, Shinya Shirokura, Atsushi Matsunaga, Tomokazu Sakamoto, Makoto Hasegawa, Shinichiro Kobashi
-
Patent number: 9302728Abstract: A scooter structure includes a vertical frame and a pedal body. The bottom of the vertical frame connects to (a) front wheel(s). The rear end of the pedal body connects to (a) rear wheel(s), the front end of the pedal body connects to an auxiliary supporter. The auxiliary supporter includes a pivoting portion pivoted at the bottom of the vertical frame and an extension element located higher than that of the pivoting portion. The extension element connects to auxiliary wheels by an assembling component. The pedal body uses the pivoting portion as the rotation shaft, and is selectively rotated between an expansion position (the pedal body is away from the vertical frame and the rear wheel is on the ground) and a folded position (the pedal body is close to the vertical frame and the auxiliary wheels are on the ground) with respect to the vertical frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2015Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: VAST MIND DESIGN CREATIVE LTD.Inventor: Kuan-Li Yang
-
Patent number: 9302729Abstract: A fork tube extension for motorcycles includes a cylindrical body having a reduced outer diameter at a first end forming a shoulder. A pair of the extensions is fitted between upper triple tree and lower triple tree portions of the motorcycle fork assembly. The fork tubes are fit up into the tube extensions in bored center cavities. Set screws provided in the cylindrical body are used to removably affix the fork tubes within the extensions. The depth of the center cavities determines the length of extension added to the fork tubes.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Inventor: Charles L. Brown
-
Patent number: 9302730Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle 1 includes a steering section 6 which steers a front wheel 4. The steering section includes a steering shaft link 13 which turns about a first steering axis 10 together with a second steering axis 11, a front-wheel support section 14 which turns the front wheel 4 about the second steering axis 11, and a first motor 15 which causes the steering shaft link 13 to turn. A caster angle ? based on the first steering axis 10 is positive or 0. A trail t1 based on the second steering axis 11 is positive. When the two-wheeled vehicle 1 is in a basic posture state on a ground surface 12, the intersection point P3 of the second steering axis 11 and the ground surface 12 lies in front of the intersection point P2 of the first steering axis 10 and the ground surface 12.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Toru Takenaka, Hiroshi Gomi, Hiroyuki Makino, Kazushi Akimoto, Naoyuki Saito
-
Patent number: 9302731Abstract: A vehicle height adjustment device includes a jack chamber for supporting a spring receiver supporting a suspension spring's one-side end portion and a fluid-pressure driving unit for supplying/discharging an operating fluid into/out of the jack chamber and elevating up/down the spring receiver. The fluid-pressure driving unit includes a pump for selectively supplying the operating fluid to a first or second channel and a tank connected to the first or second channel not receiving an operating fluid's supply from the pump. The vehicle height adjustment device further includes a jack channel allowing the first channel and the jack chamber to communicate with each other, a valve body closing the jack channel, capable of opening/closing, a spring for urging the valve body in a direction for shutting off the jack channel, and a pilot line for having a second channel's pressure act on the valve body so the jack channel is opened.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: KYB CorporationInventor: Takahisa Mochizuki
-
Patent number: 9302732Abstract: A rear suspension bicycle in which a lower linkage member between the front triangle and the rear wheel swingarm includes a flexible portion of material rather than a discrete pivot point.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2015Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Level One Engineering LLCInventor: Luther Mac Beale
-
Patent number: 9302733Abstract: An improved bicycle crankshaft assembly, including a crank axle with an axial axis, a first axle end, and a second axle end axially opposed to the first axle end; a first crank arm connected to the crank axle at a first crank arm interface adjacent the first axle end; a second crank arm connected to the crank axle at a second crank arm interface axially spaced from the first crank arm interface; a first bearing surrounding said crank axle adjacent said first axle end for rotation of said crank axle about said axial axis; a second bearing surrounding the crank axle and axially spaced from the first bearing. The crank axle includes reinforcement fibers for structural reinforcement of the crank axle and the crank axle is an integral crank axle that extends through the first bearing and the second bearing.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Inventor: Raphael Schlanger
-
Patent number: 9302734Abstract: A drive device for an electric bicycle with a drive housing in which a hollow shaft is mounted which is connected to a chain wheel of a chain drive of the electric bicycle, a pedal crankshaft arranged coaxial to the hollow shaft and is couplable thereto, which crankshaft is connected to pedal cranks on each of its two ends and an electric motor the output of which can be coupled to the hollow shaft via a traction mechanism drive which drive means comprises a belt drive with a flexible traction mechanism in the form of a toothed belt, a flat belt, or a V-belt, or said drive means comprises a chain drive with a flexible traction mechanism in the form of a single or double roller chain.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommandtigesellschaft, CoburgInventors: Udo Getta, Ullrich Noack, Karl-Heinz Fleischmann