Patents Issued in October 4, 2016
  • Patent number: 9457822
    Abstract: A customizable portable generator system and methods for assembling the same. In one example, the generator system generally includes a universal frame including a plurality of mounting interfaces configured for detachably attaching one of a plurality of different engines and a plurality of wheel assemblies and/or support legs. Optionally, at least one handlebar assembly may be detachably mounted on the frame in at least one of two possible positions. In one example, the handlebar may be pivotably mounted to the frame. The frame components may be assembled into a kit from which a user may select various options to custom configure the generator unit. Other appurtenances and accessories may be provided which interface with the generator unit and frame. A modular generator frame and compressed gas-fueled generators are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventors: Manuel Rumao, Travis J. Andren, Christopher M. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9457823
    Abstract: A bucket transport structure for the transport of buckets includes a platform defining holes therein to receive buckets, and includes a frame having a wheel and handles. The platform is removably connected on one end adjacent the handle, and is also removably connected to the frame adjacent the wheel. The platform is preferably supported at an angle when the wheelbarrow frame is at rest so that the platform is in a generally horizontal orientation when the bucket transport structure is being utilized for transporting buckets. A series of platforms may be interchangeably attachable to the frame, wherein each platform includes a different number of holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: William A. Higbe
  • Patent number: 9457824
    Abstract: A mobile cart includes a cart frame, a base, wheels rotatably attached to the frame and a cabinet separating the base surface into first and second receiving areas. A first container, containing a first material, and a second container, containing a second material, are positionable in the first and second receiving areas. A first sliding rack and a second sliding rack for securing vessels above the base surface are moveable between stowed positions at least partially within the cabinet and extended positions in the first and second receiving areas, respectively. The cart can alternatively receive one of the first container or first vessel in the first receiving area and one of the second container or second vessel in the second receiving area. A combination mixer and dispenser is releasably secured to the frame and releasably fluidly coupled to the first and second containers and first and second vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Black Cat, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard I. Moore, Augustus Everhardt
  • Patent number: 9457825
    Abstract: A portable valet system and method of use that incorporates a basket for storing items for movement as well as a collapsible hanger assembly that can be used for hanging items while in use. The portable valet system and method of use is collapsible and on wheels for portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Annette Devers
  • Patent number: 9457826
    Abstract: An overhead catalyst loading device eliminates the need for lower flanges of the overhead catalyst structural support frame or dedicated overhead trolley beams to prevent ash build up collecting on a SCR reactor box and provides an advantageous lifting mechanism suitable for integration into a SCR device. The overall width of the SCR device is reduced since the structural support frame in the SCR device fits in the gaps between catalyst blocks. No extra space is required on either side of the catalyst blocks for the structural support frame. The overhead catalyst loading device also minimizes the chance of injury during catalyst block installation by using a hydraulic actuated lifting mechanism for loading and unloading catalyst blocks into and out of a SCR device. Methods of lifting and loading and unloading a catalyst block are also presented therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Norman D Nelson, Adam N DePizzo
  • Patent number: 9457827
    Abstract: A shopping cart in one embodiment comprises a uniframe, a mat basket, and a slim-fit cart frame and basket combination, as well as in multiple embodiments, providing individual structural differences and advantages over pre-existing forms of shopping carts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Unarco Industries LLC
    Inventors: Bobby D. Peters, Wesley McMurtrey, Gregory A. Cox
  • Patent number: 9457828
    Abstract: The utility cart of the present application comprises a frame, at least two wheels and a storage panel. In one embodiment, the storage panel is removable and capable of being replaced with an alternate storage panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Edward G. Guirlinger
  • Patent number: 9457829
    Abstract: The Convertible Ice Fishing Sled Shelter provides the user with a stable and easy to pull utility ice fishing sled that converts into an easy set up single person shelter. The A frame design ensures a stable structure even in windy conditions. The shelter protects the occupant from wind, snow, and rain on three sides and partially overhead. The single motion opening and closing design is unique to this invention. Furthermore, the sled shelter can be relocated in the open or closed position increasing the mobility of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Nicholas Joseph Triscari
  • Patent number: 9457830
    Abstract: A bobsleigh for recreational use has a monolithic body having a nose section, two sides, and an underside. Each side towards the rear of the bobsleigh has a push handle. The nose section, the sides; and the underside defining an interior seating pit comprised of a long seat which forms an integral part of the underside. The underside has a plurality of grooves for directional control. The underside defines a hollow volume. Inside the pit, the grooves and space in between the grooves define a floor area. The seat has a top portion defining a seating surface, two sides, a front portion; and a rear portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventors: Nicolas Raymond, Mercier Raymond
  • Patent number: 9457831
    Abstract: Quick-release skis couple to the front wheels of an ATV or other wheeled vehicle, to permit the ATV to travel over snow. The rear ATV wheels may be left unaltered, or more commonly, tracks may be substituted for the rear wheels. The ski coupling includes a drive-on runner and coupling having in one embodiment width-adjustable side walls, an over-center clamp, and a lock for securing the over-center clamp. In a second embodiment, a pivotal tire cage allows the ATV tire to be driven onto the ski, but simply by forward travel of the tire the cage pivots to constrain the tire thereon. A strap then binds the tire and cage to ensure the tire stays in place on the ski. In a third embodiment, an ATV track is converted to a runner by the application and tensioning of a ski. Additional embodiments are illustrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventors: Gregory A. Rivard, Justin G. Rivard
  • Patent number: 9457832
    Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle, comprises a shroud comprising an axially movable upper portion and an axially fixed lower portion, which move telescopically to provide adjustment for reach of the steering column assembly, a steering shaft supported by the shroud, a pivot which connects a part of the lower portion to a fixed part of the vehicle, a clamp mechanism which releasably fixes the upper and lower portions and the shroud in position relative to a further fixed part of the vehicle. A sprung support assembly is secured to a fixed part of the vehicle and includes an axle that passes underneath the upper portion of the shroud and a cylindrical roller that surrounds a part of the axle and has an outer surface that engages the underside of the shroud and an inner surface that bears on the axle, the sprung support at least partially supports the weight of the shroud when the clamp mechanism is released, and the cylindrical roller rotating around the axle as the shroud is adjusted for reach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: TRW Limited
    Inventors: Niclas Davies, Mark Anthony Wilkes
  • Patent number: 9457833
    Abstract: A steering lock for inhibiting rotation of a rotary steering member having a rib. A lockbolt is movable along a first axis between steering member-locking and -unlocking positions. A shuttle moves between a non-blocking position, in which the shuttle does not obstruct movement of the lockbolt from the steering member-locking position, and a blocking position, in which the shuttle obstructs movement of the lockbolt out of the steering member-locking position. An actuator is coupled to the shuttle and operable to drive the lockbolt to the steering member-locking position by moving the shuttle from the non-blocking position to the blocking position. The lockbolt is unbiased along the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven J. Dimig, Jon W. Behrens, Michael D. Fink
  • Patent number: 9457834
    Abstract: A first bearing rotatably supports an opposite end part of a shaft, which is opposite from a worm. An O-ring is installed between the first bearing and an inner wall of a bearing box. A radial direction of the rotatable shaft, along which the worm and a worm wheel are placed one after another, is defined as an X-direction, and another radial direction of the rotatable shaft, which is perpendicular to the X-direction, is defined as a Y-direction. A distance, which is measured along the Y-direction between two opposed parts of an inner wall of the bearing box that are opposed to each other along the Y-direction, is larger than a distance, which is measured along the X-direction between two opposed parts of the inner wall of the bearing box, which are opposed to each other along the X-direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroki Tomizawa
  • Patent number: 9457835
    Abstract: A drive unit includes a rotating electric machine, a frame member, and a controller. The rotating electric machine has a stator that has a winding wound on the stator, a rotor disposed relative to the stator, and a shaft rotating together with the rotor. The frame member is disposed on one axial end of the rotating electric machine. The controller includes a substrate attached on one surface of the frame member facing away from the rotating electric machine, a heat generation element disposed on a heat generation element mounting surface of the substrate, the heat generation element mounting surface facing the frame member, and an electronic component disposed on an electronic component mounting surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masashi Yamasaki, Takeshi Sawada
  • Patent number: 9457836
    Abstract: A power steering apparatus has a first characteristic which is a characteristic of a command signal with respect to steering torque and a second characteristic which is a characteristic different from the first characteristic. When switching is to be made to a characteristic selected from between the first and second characteristics, an interpolation characteristic intermediate between the first and second characteristics is calculated so that the characteristic used before switching of the characteristics gradually approaches the characteristic to be used after the switching, and a characteristic switching time for switching between the first and second characteristics is variably controlled in accordance with the steering torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS STEERING, LTD.
    Inventors: Masaki Kodato, Kazuya Yamano
  • Patent number: 9457837
    Abstract: A steering device (1) includes: a steering member (4) that is provided in a vehicle (2) and configured to be rotationally operated; an actuator (8) that generates a torque assisting a steering operation on the steering member (4); a detection device (9) that detects a torque applied to a steering shaft portion (5) that rotates together with the steering member (4); and a steering control device (11) that performs vibration suppression control to suppress vibrations transmitted to the steering member (4) by adjusting a torque generated by the actuator (8), on a basis of a detected torque that is a torque detected by the detection device (9). The steering control device (11) controls the actuator (8) such that a torque of a frequency band in a first predetermined range, which corresponds to the detected torque is not suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshio Kudo, Yoshiaki Suzuki, Motoaki Kataoka, Daiji Watanabe, Hisaya Akatsuka
  • Patent number: 9457838
    Abstract: An electric power steering system is provided which can take an abnormality countermeasure without being affected by a torque abnormality signal and without giving an uncomfortable feeling to a driver when torque abnormality occurs. Abnormality of a steering assist command value is detected by employing a dual detection configuration of a main ECU clip (34) and a sub ECU interlock (62). When abnormality of a steering torque Ti detected by a torque sensor (3) is detected, input values to the main ECU clip (34) and the sub ECU interlock (62) are switched from the steering torque Ti detected by the torque sensor (3) to an alternative torque value. Here, the alternative torque value employs a previous torque value calculated based upon the normal steering torque Ti detected by the torque sensor (3) when the abnormality of the steering torque Ti detected by the torque sensor (3) is not detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikihiko Tsunoda, Mitsunori Okubo, Naoki Sawada
  • Patent number: 9457839
    Abstract: A steering system includes a motor control apparatus that controls driving of a motor based on an assist command value. The motor control apparatus includes an angle command value calculating unit that calculates an angle command value based on an input value including a steering torque, and calculates an assist component through execution of angle feedback control allowing a turning angle of a vehicle to follow the angle command value. The motor control apparatus calculates the assist command value based on the assist component. The motor control apparatus also calculates a correction value based on a deviation between a yaw rate of the vehicle and a yaw rate command value. An input value for the angle command value calculating unit is corrected based on the correction value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Terutaka Tamaizumi
  • Patent number: 9457840
    Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes an axial force sensor that detects a vibration of a vehicle wheel; and a control device including an FFT analysis unit that resolves the vibration of the vehicle wheel into a power spectrum. The control device executes compensation assist control that suppresses one of a deflection of the vehicle and a vibration of a steering component that are caused by a puncture or a burst of the vehicle wheel, based on the vibration calculated based on a radius of the vehicle wheel when the vehicle wheel is normal and a vehicle speed and an abnormal-wheel frequency calculated based on a radius of the vehicle wheel when the vehicle wheel is punctured or burst and the vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tatsuma Kouchi
  • Patent number: 9457841
    Abstract: A vehicle and drive system control method for a vehicle including first and second traction elements coupled to the vehicle, a variable displacement pump, a bi-directional variable displacement first motor coupled to the first traction element, and a bi-directional second motor coupled to the second traction element. The pump, and first and second motors are coupled fluidly in series with one another. A control unit can determine a desired speed for the traction elements, and determine pump, first and/or second motor displacements based on the desired speed. First and second speed sensors can sense output speeds of the motors, and the pump, first and/or second motor displacements can be determined based on the motor output speeds. Articulation and steering sensor signals can also be used to determine pump, first and/or second motor displacements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Brent A Smith, Mark E Hull, Nathan J Horstman, Jeffrey A Bauer, Trent A Luoma, Neil V Harber
  • Patent number: 9457842
    Abstract: A parking mode selection apparatus selects one parking mode among from plural parking modes including at least a perpendicular parking or a parallel parking. The parking mode selection apparatus includes a steer angle detector that detects a steer angle of a steering wheel, an operation detector that detects, based on the steer angle detected by the steer angle detector, a predetermined operation in which the steering wheel is returned to a neutral position after rotated to a right or a left, and a parking mode selector. The parking mode selector selects, when the predetermined operation is detected by the operation detector, a parking mode that coincides with a steered direction to the right or the left of the steer angle detected by the steer angle detector and is associated with said steer angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Teruhisa Takano, Masahiko Kikuchi, Hajime Kasai, Yoshiro Takamatsu, Kouki Minegishi, Makoto Shibano
  • Patent number: 9457843
    Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle body, in particular for electric motor vehicles, having a left-hand and a right-hand front region and at least one first longitudinal member extending in one of the front regions in the longitudinal direction, wherein in the front region at least one second longitudinal member is provided, which is arranged outside the horizontal plane of the first longitudinal member and the direction of extension of which extends angularly to the direction of extension of the first longitudinal member at least in horizontal projection. The invention also concerns the use of such a vehicle body for producing a motor vehicle without a combustion engine, in particular an electric motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG
    Inventors: Markus Zörnack, Lothar Patberg
  • Patent number: 9457844
    Abstract: There is provided a pillar structure comprising: an outer panel that extends in a vehicle up and down direction and that is equipped with a pair of outer flange portions that extend in a vehicle front and rear direction, and outer longitudinal wall portions that extend outward in a vehicle width direction from the pair of outer flange portions; an inner panel that is disposed on a vehicle width direction inside of the outer panel and extends in the vehicle up and down direction along the outer panel and that is equipped with a pair of inner flange portions joined to the pair of outer flange portions, and inner longitudinal wall portions that extend outward in the vehicle width direction from the inner flange portions; and longitudinal wall joint portions formed by joining the outer longitudinal wall portions and the inner longitudinal wall portions to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Eiji Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9457845
    Abstract: An elastically averaged alignment system has a first component having a first alignment member and an elastically deformable alignment element, and a second component having a second alignment member and an alignment aperture. The elastically deformable alignment element is configured and disposed to interferingly, deformably and matingly engage the alignment aperture. The elastically deformable alignment element includes a lobular hollow tube having four lobes, with a slotted retention feature on each of two opposing lobes that extend from an outer surface of the hollow tube radially inward toward a central axis of the hollow tube. Portions of the elastically deformable alignment element when inserted into the alignment aperture elastically deform to an elastically averaged final configuration that aligns the first alignment member with the second alignment member in at least two planar orthogonal directions. Each of the slotted retention features engages with an edge of the alignment aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Morris, Jennifer P. Lawall
  • Patent number: 9457846
    Abstract: A vehicle with a driver's cab including a driver unit with a vertically suspended floor structure and a vehicle steering control, a vehicle speed control and a driver's seat. The cab is provided with a deformation zone behind the driver unit for absorbing force in case of a frontal collision. A horizontal beam belonging to the cab frame structure is positioned in front of the driver unit. An arrangement for positively locking the beam to the driver unit is provided in case a frontal collision causes the beam to contact the driver unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventor: Göran Levin
  • Patent number: 9457847
    Abstract: A rear-mounted aerodynamic structure for securing to a cargo body includes a three- or four-sided structure having a deployed position for assisting in improving aerodynamic efficiency of the cargo body. The cargo body can be the body of a trailer of a tractor-trailer vehicle or trailer towed behind a vehicle such as a truck. It can comprise a trailer body or other cargo body well-known in the art. A spoiler “flow keeper” mounted to a top surface of the rear of the cargo body, as additional aerodynamic structures or as a standalone spoiler for cargo bodies. The three- or four-sided rear-mounted aerodynamic structure can comprise any of a variety of illustrative embodiments shown and described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: STEMCO LP
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Court S. Hinricher, Robert R. Cholnoky, Austin A. Duncanson
  • Patent number: 9457848
    Abstract: A utility vehicle with wheel assemblies that are adjustable to accommodate different weight attachments that are selectively engaged with the vehicle. The vehicle has a frame with a pair of rear wheels and a pair of front wheel assemblies spaced a first distance longitudinally from the rear wheels and a second distance laterally from each other. One or both of the front wheel assemblies are selectively adjustable so as to vary one or both of the first distance and the second distance. This adjustment is made to change the balance between the weight of an overhung load due to different weight attachments and the weight of the rest of the vehicle with the operator. The adjustment of one or both of the right and left front wheel assemblies simultaneously adjusts the first and second distances while maintaining the operational height of the vehicle's frame relative to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Green Industry Innovators, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Todd Pugh, Steffon Hoppel
  • Patent number: 9457849
    Abstract: A utility vehicle and method are provided wherein the vehicle has wheel assemblies that are adjustable to accommodate different attachments that may be selectively mounted on the vehicle and may have different weights. The wheel assemblies may be adjusted to alter the distance between the front wheel assemblies and/or between rear wheels and front wheel assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Green Industry Innovators, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Todd Pugh, Steffon Hoppel
  • Patent number: 9457850
    Abstract: A farm implement includes an undercarriage including at least a front crossbeam and a rear crossbeam and first and second dual track propulsion systems. Each dual track propulsion system includes a first track assembly and a second track assembly. Each track assembly includes at least a track frame, at least two wheels and a track belt looped around the wheels. Each track assembly also includes a track support beam coupled to the track frames of the first and second track assemblies. The track support beam is pivotably coupled to the front and rear crossbeams such that said track support beam can pivot about a first axis of rotation parallel to a longitudinal axis of the track support beam, thereby allowing the first track assembly to move generally upwardly and downwardly in the opposite direction of the second track assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Van Mill
  • Patent number: 9457851
    Abstract: A crawler track for a crawler tracked vehicle is configured for running via a drive wheel and via bogie wheels. The crawler track has an outer ground contact side and an inner wheel contact side. The inner wheel contact side is formed with a flat surface from which a plurality of guide horns project to guide the crawler track during the movement of the crawler tracked vehicle. At least parts of the flat surface serve as the running surface for the bogie wheels. Cavities are formed in the flat surface for the engagement of drive pegs of the drive wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: DST Defence Service Tracks GmbH
    Inventor: Marc Delisle
  • Patent number: 9457852
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a track chain is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a pin that has a lubricant channel therein. The pin is accommodated in an inner bushing that also has a channel extending therethrough for accommodating the pin. The pin extends beyond either end of the inner bushing. The pin and inner bushing are partially disposed in an outer bushing that also has a channel for accommodating the pin in inner bushing. The ends of the inner bushing and pin extend beyond the ends of the outer bushing. First and second inserts are disposed at either end of the inner bushing. The first and second inserts are disposed between the outer bushing and a pair of opposing collars which are disposed on the ends of the pin beyond the inserts and beyond the ends of the inner bushing. The inserts and collars each include seals. The seals of the collars are supported by one or more thrust rings as opposed to the inserts or partially by the inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Johannsen, Roger Recker, Jason Sebright, Mark S. Diekevers
  • Patent number: 9457853
    Abstract: The track tension of a tracked vehicle is actively controlled by a track tensioner system that is positioned behind or within an idler wheel of a tracked vehicle. The system employs no exposed hydraulic line and is operable to default to a passive tensioning mode in the event of a system failure. The hydraulic circuit of the track tensioner system is powered by the rotation of the idler wheel inside which the system resides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: MillenWorks
    Inventors: Eric N. Anderfaas, Matthew M. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 9457854
    Abstract: A mobile farm implement includes a track assembly with a plurality of arms that are pivotally coupled to support idler wheels and bogie wheels such that the track assembly is able to better conform to the terrain when the implement is towed behind a tractor or otherwise moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: UNVERFERTH MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Christopher M. Self, John Walvatne
  • Patent number: 9457855
    Abstract: A panel hanger apparatus for roller hemming is disclosed. The panel hanger apparatus clamps parts and loads the parts onto a hemming die, and comprises a hanger frame, a plurality of vacuum cups mounted to the hanger frame and adapted to hold the outer panel of the parts by using vacuum pressure, and a plurality of locators mounted to an edge of the hanger frame for clamping the inner panel of the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Ki Soon Kim, Yun Heui Lee
  • Patent number: 9457856
    Abstract: A multi-vehicle type co-production line flexible framing is disclosed, comprising a robot welding system, a high speed transport system, a floor panel intelligent flexible positioning system, and a side panel flexible positioning and switching system. The floor panel intelligent flexible positioning system is correspondingly connected to a transfer rail of the high speed transport system. The side panel flexible positioning and switching system comprises a side panel fixture consolidation system, a fixture storage system, and a fixture switching and rail system. The side panel fixture consolidation system corresponds to the side of the floor panel intelligent flexible positioning system. The fixture storage system is arranged on two sides of the side panel fixture consolidation system in the transfer direction of the high speed transport system. The fixture switching and rail system is connected between the side panel fixture consolidation system and the fixture storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: GUANGZHOU MINO AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Weibing Yao, Peter Chihcheng Sun, Meng Yang, Wei He, Yi He, Kai Zhou, Hai Huang
  • Patent number: 9457857
    Abstract: A trim part for an interior of a vehicle, the trim part having a substantially rigid carrier including a front side and a rear side and a covering arranged on the front side of the substrate. The substrate and the covering are connected to each other by a yarn seam. Also provided is a method for producing such a trim part and a sewing machine for making such a trim part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventor: Juan Medina Galarza
  • Patent number: 9457858
    Abstract: A mounted child bicycle seat assembly for providing a selectively attachable auxiliary seat for a conventional bicycle that is in front of the base bicycle seat. The mounted child bicycle seat assembly includes an attachable seat having a seat portion for receiving the rear of a passenger and an attachment pole that attaches to a clamp assembly, defined by a upper clamp section, a lower clamp section and two clamp screws, connected to a bracket assembly that is defined by two mirror image elongated bracket members, each having a foot peg extending therefrom. The mounted child bicycle seat assembly attaches to the top tube of the frame of a conventional bicycle, in front of its base bicycle seat, thereby enabling a smaller passenger, such as a child to ride in front of the rider on the base bicycle seat on the attachable seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventors: Lewis R Adams, Larry D Gamble
  • Patent number: 9457859
    Abstract: A bicycle top cap is basically provided with a main body. The main body is configured to be disposed on an upper portion of a steering column of a bicycle frame. The main body further includes a first wire guide that opens in an exterior side surface of the main body. The first wire guide is configured to guide at least one wire to outside of the bicycle frame when the bicycle top cap is disposed on the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SHIMANO EUROPE B.V.
    Inventors: Leon Van Strien, Hendrikus Sebastiaan Schaapveld
  • Patent number: 9457860
    Abstract: An electric motorcycles having crash bars is provided, the motorcycle comprising an electric motorcycle frame supported by a front wheel and a rear wheel, the frame further providing support for a seat to support a rider, a front portion of the frame configured to engage forks that engage the front wheel, the front portion extending from a rocker portion of the frame upward to engage the forks, and opposing crash bars coupled to the frame of the electric motorcycle, the crash bars being coupled to opposing portions of the rocker portion of the frame. A process for modifying an electric motorcycle to include crash bars is provided, the process comprising providing an exposed electric motorcycle frame, the frame being exposed about a rocker portion and the extension between the rocker portion and the forks, coupling a support member across the extension, and coupling a lower portion of the crash bars to the rocker portion and to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Global Enforcement Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Drake Beaudry, Steve Beaudry
  • Patent number: 9457861
    Abstract: An inverted pendulum type vehicle includes a control device for controlling a plurality of electric motors, and a portable device, such as a portable telephone, for displaying a center-of-gravity display point indicating the position of a center of gravity and outputting a command for moving the vehicle. The control device controls a first actuator device and a second actuator device so as to move the vehicle according to the command output from the portable device and the tilting of an occupant boarding member. Such inverted pendulum type vehicle makes it possible to learn how to steer the inverted pendulum type vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Araki, Shinya Shirokura, Toru Takenaka
  • Patent number: 9457862
    Abstract: A support system (1) for a cycle (2) having a support surface (9) capable of carrying persons and/or a load, wherein the height adjustment of the support surface (9) is simple and rapid. The support system (1) comprises a base element (5a, 5b) and a support element (6a, 6b), presenting the support surface (9), and the support element (6a, 6b) is rotatably connected to the base element (5a, 5b), such that the support element (6a, 6b) can rotate relative to an axis of rotation (10). The support surface (9) is located a certain distance from said axis of rotation (10) and extends substantially parallel to this axis of rotation (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: N.G.M. SPRL
    Inventor: Johan Neerman
  • Patent number: 9457863
    Abstract: There is provided a motorcycle frame structure including a head frame which extends rearward from a head pipe, and tank rails which are welded to the head frame and extends rearward. The head frame includes first bracket portions extending downward. The tank rails include second bracket portions extending downward. An engine is suspended by the first bracket portions and the second bracket portions. Each of the first bracket portions includes a front wall portion extending in a width direction of a motorcycle, and a pair of side wall portions extending rearward from both ends of the front wall portion so as to form a first space opened to a rear side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hisayuki Sugita
  • Patent number: 9457864
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a product comprising a bicycle with an integrated folding system comprising: a first latch system in a stem of the bicycle; a second latch system in a headset of the bicycle; a third latch system in a frame of the bicycle; and wherein the first latch system, the second latch system, and the third latch system work simultaneously to fold the bicycle to a compact size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jess R. Bailie, Lawrence G. Cole, Brett Crockett
  • Patent number: 9457865
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a bicycle with motor assisted folding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Gábor Gerencsér
  • Patent number: 9457866
    Abstract: An operation device of a straddle type vehicle includes a controller used to select multiple function menus of equipment incorporated in the straddle type vehicle. The controller has a rotary selection controller constituting a part of a grip portion, and provided adjacent to a switch box. A rotation detection portion is provided in the switch box, and detects rotation of the selection controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takuya Osanai, Yutaka Kikuchi, Shiro Fukano, Masahiro Miki
  • Patent number: 9457867
    Abstract: Various bicycle brake assemblies are described. In some embodiments, a bicycle brake assembly for applying a braking force to a wheel comprises a brake arm comprising a frame pivot joint and a brake pad pivot joint, the frame pivot joint configured to pivotally connect the brake arm to a bicycle frame to enable pivoting of the brake arm about a first axis of rotation; and a brake pad pivotally coupled to the brake arm at the brake pad pivot joint to enable pivoting of the brake pad about a second axis of rotation, the brake pad comprising a braking surface for engaging a wheel rim to apply a frictional force to the wheel rim, the frictional force having a frictional direction, wherein the first axis of rotation is not parallel to the frictional direction of the frictional force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher P. D'Aluisio, David Tyson Buckenberger
  • Patent number: 9457868
    Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic quick-release apparatus comprises a main body and a hydraulic chamber. The main body includes a first hole and a second hole. The hydraulic chamber has a changeable volume and is provided between the first hole and the second hole. The hydraulic chamber is configured to be in a first chamber state where a volume of the hydraulic chamber is a first volume. The hydraulic chamber is configured to be in a second chamber state where the volume of the hydraulic chamber is a second volume different from the first volume. The hydraulic chamber is disconnected from the first hole in the second chamber state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Osamu Kariyama, Tatsuya Matsushita, Masahiro Nakakura
  • Patent number: 9457869
    Abstract: In an electric scooter, a swing arm is swingably supported on a vehicle body frame having a lower frame extending to the rear from a rear end of a down frame extending downwardly to the rear from a head pipe, and a pair of left and right rear frames provided to be connected to a rear end part of the lower frame and inclined upwardly to the rear at least beneath a riding seat, a power unit employing an electric motor is provided on the swing arm, a rear wheel is axially supported on a rear part of the swing arm, and a battery box housing a battery is disposed between the pair of left and right rear frames beneath the riding seat, wherein a single support shaft swingably supporting the front end part of the swing arm on the vehicle body frame is disposed beneath the battery box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Kashiwai, Hideki Inaizumi, Takato Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9457870
    Abstract: A bicycle sprocket comprises a first sprocket member, a projection, and a bump portion. The first sprocket member is rotatable about a rotational center axis and configured to engage with a bicycle chain. The projection is provided to the first sprocket member and is configured to guide the bicycle chain to engage with the first sprocket member in a first chain-phase state where the bicycle chain is shifted from a second sprocket member to the first sprocket member. The bump portion is provided to the first sprocket member and is configured to guide the bicycle chain away from the first sprocket member in an axial direction parallel to the rotational center axis in a second chain-phase state that is different from the first chain phase state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Akinobu Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 9457871
    Abstract: A front derailleur is provided with a base member, a linkage assembly, a chain guide, an input link, a connecting link and an outer casing receiving part. The linkage assembly includes a first link coupled to the base member at a first pivot axis, a second link coupled to the base member at a second pivot axis, and an extension link coupled to the first link and the base member. The chain guide is coupled to the first and second links. The input link, is supported relative to the base member about a third pivot axis, and connects to an operation cable. The connecting link is connected to the input link about a fourth pivot axis and to the extension link about a fifth pivot axis. The outer casing receiving part is disposed on the base member and receives an outer casing through which the operation cable passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuya Kuwayama, Atsuhiro Emura