Patents Issued in November 22, 2016
  • Patent number: 9499198
    Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes at least two wheels configured to be steered independently of each another. A steering setpoint generator is configured to steer the at least two wheels according to a steering program. An operating element is configured to rotate the vehicle during travel about a center of rotation which moves with a principal movement vector. The steering program is configured so that a direction of the principal movement vector of the center of rotation can be changed with the steering setpoint generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: HUBTEX MASCHINENBAU GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Achim Otterbein
  • Patent number: 9499199
    Abstract: A hybrid zero turn vehicle is disclosed, having an internal combustion engine supported on a frame and an operator platform located adjacent to the rear of the frame. An upright riser is disposed on the frame. The vehicle uses an electrical generating device driven by the engine and first electric drive motors or transmissions to drive the output wheels. An electrical bus or controllers may be mounted on a panel of the upright riser and offset vertically above the engine to assist in providing a compact design. A pair of drive levers is mounted on the upright riser for controlling the output of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Brian D. Laymon, K. Mike McCoy
  • Patent number: 9499200
    Abstract: A system for backing a vehicle and a trailer is provided herein. A sensing system is configured to detect objects located in an operating environment of the vehicle and trailer. A backup assist system is configured to communicate with the sensing system and automatically control a braking system of the vehicle to slow or stop the vehicle during a backing maneuver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bradley G. Hochrein, Nathaniel Abram Rolfes, Donald Jacob Mattern, Erick Michael Lavoie
  • Patent number: 9499201
    Abstract: A vehicular steering control device which comprises a rudder angle varying device which changes a relationship between an operational position of steering wheel operated for steering by a driver and a rudder angle of front wheels; and a rudder angle control device which performs an automatic steering control of the front wheels for a trajectory control of a vehicle by controlling the rudder angle varying device. The rudder angle control device performs a termination control which removes a deviation in the relationship between an operational position and a rudder angle of the front wheels, namely, an N deviation when the automatic steering control is terminated. A speed of removing the N deviation is lowered when a magnitude of a steering operation speed is small, compared to when a magnitude of a steering operation speed is large.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hisanori Mitsumoto, Takahiro Kodaira
  • Patent number: 9499202
    Abstract: A steering system for an autonomous vehicle includes a steering mechanism having a pinion gear and a rack, the steering mechanism being configured to translate rotation of the pinion gear into movement of the rack which is configured to affect the position of a steer tire of the autonomous vehicle, thereby affecting the lateral position of the autonomous vehicle; a steering wheel which provides a mechanical input to the pinion gear from an operator of the autonomous vehicle; a steering actuator which rotates to apply torque to the steering mechanism, thereby inducing movement of the rack which affects the position of the steer tire of the autonomous vehicle; and a variable coupling member operatively between the steering actuator and the steering mechanism which is configured to vary the torque that can be transmitted from the steering actuator to the steering mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Lewis, Michael H. Laur
  • Patent number: 9499203
    Abstract: A system for supporting the bed of a utility vehicle, the system adapted to be mounted on the underbody frame of the utility vehicle, the system comprising: a generally planar unitary support formed from a composite material, the support having a first surface and a second vertically offset surface; a plurality of connecting members extending from the first surface to the offset surface, the members providing strength to said support; a generally rectangular panel fabricated from a composite material, the panel adhesively attached to said offset surface, the panel adapted to serve as a loading surface for the bed of the utility vehicle; a bracket secured to the support for mounting the support to the frame of the utility vehicle; and a backing plate secured to the support, wherein the plate and the bracket sandwich the support to secure it to the frame of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: BRANDFX LLC
    Inventor: Alfred L. Finley
  • Patent number: 9499204
    Abstract: A suspension system for use with a grounds maintenance vehicle such as a ride-on lawn mower. In one embodiment, the suspension system provide at least a first suspension apparatus positioned between a chassis of the mower and an operator support platform. The first suspension apparatus may include one or more suspension units that may be quickly reconfigured to provide variable suspension characteristics. The system may also include a second suspension apparatus longitudinally spaced-apart from the first suspension apparatus. A pivot member may be provided to assist in reducing or eliminating all but certain degrees of freedom of the platform relative to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Jackie R. Gust, David J. Scherbring, Jeffrey W. Stern, André A. Sheats
  • Patent number: 9499205
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a fuel tank, a battery, a first exoskeleton, and a second exoskeleton. The fuel tank and the battery straddle a driveline and are each disposed below a seating area. The first exoskeleton has a first pair of rails secured to each other by a first cross member. The second exoskeleton has a second pair of rails secured to each other by a second cross member. The first and second exoskeletons surround the fuel tank and battery, respectively, and are configured to absorb energy during an impact to protect the fuel tank and battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Elia, Justin I. Thakolkaran, Corey John Jarocki, William Moore Sherwood, John Patrick Doyle, II
  • Patent number: 9499206
    Abstract: In a vehicle to which a vehicle rear structure is applied, a rear roof-side inner of a roof-side inner is joined to a front roof-side inner of the roof-side inner at locations of first joins, of an overlap flange. Configuration is thereby such that strength is high at the overlap flange of the roof-side inner. Moreover, the rear roof-side inner is joined to both the front roof-side inner and the upper support at the location of a second join of the overlap flange. This enables upthrust load from a rear suspension to be effectively transmitted to the overlap flange, and distributed to the front roof-side inner and the rear roof-side inner. This enables rigidity of the roof-side inner to be secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Chitoshi Sugano
  • Patent number: 9499207
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a front structure arrangement of a vehicle including a side member and an outer side member arranged in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle at a left-side portion or a right-side portion of a front portion of the vehicle, the outer side member being located laterally outward of and vertically above the side member. A spring tower is attached to the side member and to the outer side member, and the spring tower is adapted to support a suspension of the vehicle. The spring tower is attached to the side member by an attachment means, which is arranged such that the spring tower is adapted to detach progressively from the side member during bending of the side member when the front structure arrangement is subjected to a substantially longitudinal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hakan Persson, Tom Stoddart, Weijia Wu, Oscar Jesus Centeno Gil
  • Patent number: 9499208
    Abstract: A center pillar according to the present invention has a configuration in which a central portion of an inner panel on an interior side includes an inner front surface and an inner rear surface that respectively extend from ends of a front flange and a rear flange toward a vehicle interior side, an inner central surface that is located between the inner front surface and the inner rear surface, first beads that respectively project in a step shape from a front edge and a rear edge of the inner central surface toward the vehicle interior side, and second beads that further project in a step shape toward the vehicle interior side from the first beads and are respectively continuous with ends of the inner front surface and the inner rear surface on the vehicle interior side, the first beads and the second beads extending below a belt line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kousuke Ohhara
  • Patent number: 9499209
    Abstract: A solar-activated body panel for a vehicle includes outer and inner panels with an internal cavity defined therebetween. The internal cavity includes first and second portions that correspond to first and second heat gain portions, respectively, on the outer surface, wherein the first heat gain portion retains solar energy at a first heat gain rate and the second heat gain portion retains solar energy at a second heat gain rate, the first heat gain rate being greater than the second heat gain rate. A thermal material is disposed on the outer surface, wherein when solar energy is radiated onto the outer surface, the first heat gain portion absorbs heat at the first heat gain rate and, in turn emits heat to the thermal material to alter the thermal material and define a predetermined indicia on the outer surface and within the thermal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Randall R. Frank, Greg B. Zinn, Michael J Gardynik, Christopher Pope
  • Patent number: 9499211
    Abstract: An aeraulic crossmember for a motor vehicle includes a beam (12) in the form of a section forming a channel (13) along the length of the beam. The aforementioned channel is equipped with an opening (14) on one of the side faces thereof and contains a duct (15) which is made from rigid insulating material. The duct is also equipped with an opening which is defined by a mouth that is located opposite the opening in the channel and which is slightly smaller than the latter. The opening in the insulating duct is located inside the channel. The crossmember includes an interface device (16) in the form of a sleeve which extends through the opening (14) in the channel in order to connect the mouth of the opening in the duct in a leaktight manner to an air vent that is located on the exterior of the crossmember.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: FAURECIA INTERIEUR INDUSTRIE
    Inventor: Christophe Brunard
  • Patent number: 9499212
    Abstract: Due to an insertion piece being inserted in a receiving portion, displacement of an instrument panel R/F with respect to a vehicle body in two directions that are orthogonal to a direction of insertion of the insertion piece into the receiving portion is restricted. Further, due to the insertion piece being inserted in the receiving portion, rotation of the instrument panel R/F around the direction of insertion of the insertion piece into the receiving portion is restricted. Therefore, as the insertion piece is inserted into the receiving portion at the time of installing the instrument panel R/F at the vehicle body, the instrument panel R/F can be positioned simultaneously with moving while being guided along the direction of insertion of the insertion piece into the receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keigo Yoshida, Toshinao Wada
  • Patent number: 9499213
    Abstract: A mounting assembly that includes a strap adjustment assembly having a curved cylindrical portion, a strap end mounting assembly, and a strap assembly. The strap assembly includes first and second straps, each of the first and second straps having first and second ends, wherein the first ends of the first and second straps are secured to the strap adjustment assembly and wherein the second ends of the first and second straps are secured to the strap end mounting assembly, and wherein each of the first and second straps extends at least partially along the curved cylindrical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: PACCAR INC
    Inventor: Piotr Stegawski
  • Patent number: 9499214
    Abstract: A motor vehicle plastic body panel is disclosed having an opaque plastic panel and a plastic window pane formed as an integral part of the plastic body panel by co-molding it with the opaque plastic panel. A lightweight motor vehicle body panel made completely from plastic is therefore provided. The plastic body panel requires no window seals due to the integration of the plastic window pane as part of the plastic body panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alicia Agius, Tom Overington, Michael Brown
  • Patent number: 9499215
    Abstract: A folding vehicle structure includes a frame having a plurality of members. A first member intersects a second member at a first pivot point. A third member, spaced from the first and second members, intersects a fourth member, which is also spaced from the first and second members, at a second pivot point. The frame includes a first cross-member extending between the first and second intersection points. The frame is collapsible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris P. Theodore, Keith Albert Nagara, Tyler Gregory Rusnak, Elizabeth Kaye Steenwyk
  • Patent number: 9499216
    Abstract: A vehicle floor structure includes a cross member having a substantially constant cross section shape. A spacing member is disposed beneath the cross member for securing to a chassis frame. The spacing member is positioned relative to the cross member to define an enclosed cavity between the spacing member and the cross member. The floor structure also includes a first collar affixed within the enclosed cavity. A fastener extends through the spacing member and the cross member, and compresses the first collar when the floor structure is secured to the chassis frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Satish Ganti, John Edward Huber, Michael M. Azzouz, Srinath Vijayakumar
  • Patent number: 9499217
    Abstract: A variable spoiler apparatus for a vehicle may include a driving portion including a gear set configured to provide a predetermined speed reduction ratio, wherein a driving motor and a driving shaft for supplying rotational force of the driving motor may be connected to the gear set, and a linkage, wherein a base bracket to which the driving shaft of the driving portion may be connected may be provided on the linkage, wherein the linkage includes a plurality of links that may be connected to a spoiler bracket connected to the driving shaft, the base bracket and a spoiler, and wherein the plurality of links may be rotated together with the driving shaft when the driving motor of the driving portion operates thereby to draw out or stow the spoiler such that angle and height of the spoiler may be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventors: Phil Jung Jeong, Hyun Gyung Kim, Young Sub Oh, Dong Eun Cha, Bock Cheol Lee, Seung Mok Lee
  • Patent number: 9499218
    Abstract: An example implementation for determining mechanically-timed footsteps may involve a robot having a first foot in contact with a ground surface and a second foot not in contact with the ground surface. The robot may determine a position of its center of mass and center of mass velocity, and based on these, determine a capture point for the robot. The robot may also determine a threshold position for the capture point, where the threshold position is based on a target trajectory for the capture point after the second foot contacts the ground surface. The robot may determine that the capture point has reached this threshold position and based on this determination, cause the second foot to contact the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Stephens
  • Patent number: 9499219
    Abstract: Example methods and devices for touch-down detection for a robotic device are described herein. In an example embodiment, a computing system may receive a force signal due to a force experienced at a limb of a robotic device. The system may receive an output signal from a sensor of the end component of the limb. Responsive to the received signals, the system may determine whether the force signal satisfies a first threshold and determine whether the output signal satisfies a second threshold. Based on at least one of the force signal satisfying the first threshold or the output signal satisfying the second threshold, the system of the robotic device may provide a touch-down output indicating touch-down of the end component of the limb with a portion of an environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary Jackowski, Kevin Blankespoor, John Aaron Saunders, Francis M. Agresti
  • Patent number: 9499220
    Abstract: Drifting karts in accordance with embodiments of the invention are described that include a front wheel drive train and rear caster wheels that can be dynamically engaged to induce and control drift during a turn. One embodiment of the invention includes a chassis to which a steering column is mounted, where the steering column includes at least one front steerable wheel configured to be driven by an electric motor, a battery housing mounted to the chassis, where the battery housing contains a controller and at least one battery, wiring configured to provide power from the at least one battery to the electric motor, two caster wheels mounted to the chassis, where each caster wheel is configured to rotate around a rotational axis and swivel around a swivel axis, and a hand lever configured to dynamically engage the caster wheels to induce and control drift during a turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Ali Kermani
  • Patent number: 9499221
    Abstract: An integrated duct step garnish assembly for a vehicle includes a deck member defining a stepping area on an upper side thereof and an underside member secured to an underside of the deck member for defining an air duct between the underside member and the deck member. The air duct extends along a longitudinal length of the deck member and the underside member for delivering conditioned airflow to a rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dennis Delon Deck
  • Patent number: 9499222
    Abstract: A precision device for establishing a contour line of body filler on an automobile panel that allows a body repairman to create two (or more) control surfaces in which to work between. The body repairman no longer has to eyeball his/her contour work; for example, by walking to the front of the automobile to see how the contour of the panel being restored “matches” the non-damaged panels when viewed from the front of the automobile. The body repairman can now create a region to work between two body filler lines (a manageable region of repair) established with a flexible rod, a set of pressure adjustable supports and some body filler. Working between these two body filler lines using a flexible contouring tool he may sweep body filler between the upper and lower lines to identically approximate the long sweeping contour lines of the original vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Terry David Robideau
  • Patent number: 9499223
    Abstract: A bicycle containment system is disclosed. The system can include one or more vertical supports, one or more cantilevered crossbars pivotally connected to one or more vertical supports, one or more wheel locking mechanisms, and a control system. Each cantilevered crossbar can include two substantially parallel extending arms and a frame locking mechanism. The frame locking mechanism can be made up of one or more frame locking bars and one or more frame locking actuators. Each wheel locking mechanism can include a wheel locking bar and a wheel locking actuator. The locking mechanism control system can be configured to actuate the frame locking actuators and the wheel locking actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Thad V. Oviatt
  • Patent number: 9499224
    Abstract: A bicycle seatpost assembly comprises a first cylinder, a second cylinder, and a positioning structure. The second cylinder is configured to be telescopically received in the first cylinder. The positioning structure is configured to relatively position the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The positioning structure is configured to switch a state of the bicycle seatpost assembly among a first adjustable state and a second adjustable state. In the first adjustable state, a positional relationship between the first cylinder and the second cylinder is continuously adjustable within a first adjustable position range. In the second adjustable state, the positional relationship between the first cylinder and the second cylinder is continuously adjustable within a second adjustable position range different from the first adjustable position range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Toyoto Shirai
  • Patent number: 9499225
    Abstract: A protective hand guard for use on a vehicle with handlebars. The disclosed protective hand guard is attached at one end to the end of the handlebars and at another end to a clamping structure. The attachment to the clamping structure, which is on the inside end of the handlebars is by a cable which allows some movement when placed under pressure. The cable can be a steel cable, a pair of steel cables or other structures which are generally rigid but provide a small amount of flexion. The outer end of the hand guard can be attached to the outer tip of the handlebar in a rotating mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Takie Adonis Stanger
  • Patent number: 9499226
    Abstract: An exhaust pipe side covering has a rear portion supported by a muffler or an exhaust pipe of an exhaust device and also has a front portion supported by a motorcycle body through a bracket, thereby covering the exhaust pipe from outside. A projecting piece projecting inwardly of a motorcycle widthwise direction is formed in an inner side surface of a front portion of a main body of the exhaust pipe side covering and a screw insertion hole is formed in the vicinity of a projecting piece in the main body. The bracket is formed with a plug-in hole, with which the projecting piece is engaged by plugging in, and a threaded hole. A mounting screw member is engaged in the threaded hole through the screw insertion hole. The section of the projecting piece transverse to a projecting direction thereof is of an elongated shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Atsushi Senda
  • Patent number: 9499227
    Abstract: A step structure for being disposed on left and/or right sides of a saddle riding type vehicle includes a base portion connected to the vehicle and forming at least part of a first footrest, and a movable portion rotatably coupled to the base portion so that the movable portion is movable between first and second operative positions thereof by being rotated relative to the base portion. The movable portion forms a second footrest disposed at a position different from the first footrest when the movable portion is at the second operative position thereof and jointly forms a first footrest with the base portion when at the first operative position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichi Nozoe
  • Patent number: 9499228
    Abstract: A self-balancing vehicle frame includes two side frame units and a bearing unit interconnecting the side frame units such that each of the side frame units can tilt independently against the other of the side frame units. Each of side frames is mounted with a wheel, a driver, and a self-balancing electric system integrated with a pedal and handle. Through operation of hands and feet, each of the side frame units is operable to tilt the corresponding components forwardly and rearwardly. As such, a user can operate the vehicle using hands and/or feet to control travelling and turning of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Fu-Long Chang
  • Patent number: 9499229
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to improve the stability of bicycles fitted with at least one seat for transporting children, by re-centering and lowering the centre of gravity of the child via a specific frame structure, optionally in combination with a choice of reduced wheel diameters and/or an increase in the spacing of the pedals. The location for the feet (31) of the child is inside the supporting structure (9, 10?) of the bicycle linking the seat tube (4?) to the rear wheel axle (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Etienne Richelle
  • Patent number: 9499230
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a fixation adapter for a handlebar. An apparatus includes a fixation adapter mounted on a handlebar, the fixation adapter including a body having a pin on a bottom surface to secure the body to the handlebar and a latch on a top surface to fixedly lock to a control unit housing, and the control unit housing slidably mounted to the fixation adapter, the control unit housing including a mounting area for mating to the latch of fixation adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Russ, Michael Stoffers
  • Patent number: 9499231
    Abstract: Pedal and cleat assemblies are described. The pedal has first and second retainers biased to an engagement position for coupling the cleat. The cleat comprises first and second portions configured to be secured by the first and second retainers. The second portion has first and second urging surfaces. Either one or both of the first and second retainers is/are urged to permit the first and second portions to be secured by the first and second retainers. Either one or both of the first and second retainers is/are urged to permit the secured second portion to be released from the second retainer when a force or contact is applied by the second urging surface onto a lateral surface of the second retainer. At least one of the second urging surface and the lateral surface of the second retainer is made of a material having a measure of hardness that is greater than hardened steel. Preferably, the material is a carbide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Speedplay, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Bryne
  • Patent number: 9499232
    Abstract: A front derailleur is provided for mounting to a bicycle having a crank axis. The front derailleur is provided with a base member, a chain guide and a link mechanism. The base member is mounted on the bicycle for positioning in a predetermined adjustment direction. The chain guide guides the chain. The link mechanism movably couples the chain guide to the base member. The link mechanism includes a first link member pivotally arranged in relation to the base member about a first link axis and pivotally arranged in relation to the chain guide about a second link axis. The first link axis and the second link axis are arranged non-parallel and non-orthogonal to the predetermined adjustment direction when viewed from the axial direction of the crank axis in a state where the base member is mounted to the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Kenkichi Inoue, Tomomi Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 9499233
    Abstract: A control mechanism (800) for setting a transmission ratio between a traction means (812), in particular chain, and a wheel set that is rotatable about a wheel axle and includes two or more wheel blades (810, 820, 830), in particular sprocket blades, adjusts the wheel rim sectors relative to a fixed plane of the traction means in a direction transverse to the plane of alignment. At least one of the wheel blades is composed of a plurality of independently adjustable wheel rim sectors (802, 803). By means of a control component (807) mounted decoupled from a rotary movement of the wheel set, a plurality of co-rotating thrust elements (804, 805) are each displaced via rotation-free couplings between a first and a second position at least in the axial direction, wherein each of the wheel rim sectors is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a respectively associated thrust element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: VYRO COMPONENTS GMBH
    Inventor: Gregor Schuster
  • Patent number: 9499234
    Abstract: A bicycle component control apparatus is configured to control at least one bicycle component. The bicycle component control apparatus basically comprises a user operating device, an electric actuating unit and a hydraulic unit. The electric actuating unit is controlled in response to operation of the user operating device. The hydraulic unit is fluidly connected to the at least one bicycle component so as to fluidly control the at least one bicycle component in response to actuation of the electric actuating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Toshio Tetsuka
  • Patent number: 9499235
    Abstract: A kayak paddle holder includes a handle retention clip and at least one suction cup. The handle retention clip includes a lengthwise body and a pair of opposing lips. The lengthwise body includes an inner perimeter, which is sized to receive a handle of a kayak paddle. The pair of opposing lips extend inward from opposing edges of the lengthwise body. Each suction cup includes a suction cup portion and a mounting portion. The suction cup portion is retained by the mounting portion. The mounting portion is preferably attached to the handle retention clip with at least one fastener. The suction cup may be replaced with a twist lock suction cup. It is preferable to attach one suction cup to each end of the handle retention clip. In use, the at least one suction cup is secured to a flat surface on a kayak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Michael A. Blavat
  • Patent number: 9499236
    Abstract: A protective sleeve for a piece of equipment, such as a marine deck or dock structure, which is intended for contact with wire rope is disclosed. The protective sleeve comprises at least one sleeve section shaped to conform to a portion of a peripheral surface of the equipment. The at least one sleeve section may comprise a first end portion, a second end portion, and a means for connecting the at least one sleeve section in end-to-end relation by connecting at least the first end portion of a first sleeve section to the second end portion of the same sleeve section or an adjacent sleeve section. In certain embodiments, the protective sleeve may be composed of a durable polymer material having a Shore D hardness of greater than about 60 or a Shore A hardness of greater than about 85.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Pea Marine, LLC
    Inventor: Erik Arlet
  • Patent number: 9499237
    Abstract: A lashing rod assembly includes a lashing rod and a hook member. The lashing rod is displaceable between upper and lower positions. The hook member includes a weight segment, a power segment, a hook, and a flange. The weight segment is configured to extend into an inner space of a corner casting of a shipping container. The power segment extends into a through hole of the lashing rod. The hook is configured to be in abutting engagement with an inner surface of the corner casting when the lashing rod is displaced to the lower position. The flange has an interior fulcrum area configured to bear on a shoulder region of the through hole so as to permit the weight segment to be angularly movable during downward displacement of the lashing rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Jung-Kuang Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9499238
    Abstract: A portable ice crusher assembly to be mounted on the bow of an icebreaker. The main sections are a deck support assembly, a deck power assembly and a front support assembly with a hanging container with weights within, and sharp pointed spikes at its bottom. The ice crusher assembly breaks up the ice in front of the icebreaker by dropping the container onto it. Instead of breaking the ice with a ship's hull an ice crusher assembly can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Nathanial Henry Lewis
  • Patent number: 9499239
    Abstract: This invention relates to an integrated heavy lift and logistics vessel for receiving another vessel. Further the integrated heavy lift and logistics vessel is able to provide logistical support to the other vessel in remote locations. More particularly, this invention relates to an integrated heavy lift and logistics vessel that is designed to carry out heavy lifting and logistic supply functions in a stable manner. The integrated heavy lift and logistics vessel is also equipped with safe refuge quarters, helipad(s), various forms of storage, and areas for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology Centre Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: James Davis, Peter George Noble, TakOn Cheung, Aziz Amirali Merchant, Sreekala Kumar, Abul Bashar Md Masum Reza
  • Patent number: 9499240
    Abstract: The invention provides a sub-structure (2) comprising at least one leg (4) having first buoyancy means (4a) arranged in a lower part of the at least one leg to provide a first buoyancy, and a float element (3) having second buoyancy means to provide a second buoyancy, wherein the sub-structure and the float element are constructed to allow relative wave induced motion with respect to each other in a substantially vertical direction wherein the leg is movable from a pre-installation position to an installation position by a substantially downwards movement of the leg with respect to the float element, and wherein during at least a second part of the downwards movement of the leg towards the installation position and/or in the installation position the first buoyancy means are substantially located below a wave zone to substantially decrease heave action on the first buoyancy means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: COBUS BEHEER B.V.
    Inventor: Herm Berend Bussemaker
  • Patent number: 9499241
    Abstract: A floating offshore structure comprises a buoyancy structure arranged such that in use it remains below the sea level and a tower, wherein the buoyancy structure is attached to a tower by a connecting structure, the connecting structure comprising one or more openings arranged such that in use they remain below the sea level, and the one or more openings being dimensioned such that sea water can flow into and out of the connecting structure with variations of the sea level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: ALSTOM RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Jaume Betran Palomas, Roger Bergua
  • Patent number: 9499242
    Abstract: Wakeboat hull control systems and methods are provided to monitor the orientation of the wakeboat hull in the surrounding water, and to automatically control wakeboat ballast components to achieve or maintain desired hull orientations. Systems and methods are provided to measure, store, and recall hull orientation. Systems and methods are also provided to enable automated action to improve the safety, automation, performance, convenience, and marketing advantage of wakeboat ballast systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Wake Touch LLC
    Inventor: Richard L. Hartman
  • Patent number: 9499243
    Abstract: A vertical pneumatic fender includes a bob connected to a lower hemispherical portion, an internal space containing a predetermined amount of ballast water, a body portion constituted by reinforcing layers layered between an inner rubber layer and an outer rubber layer, cords of adjacently layered upper and lower reinforcing layers disposed intersecting each other at a predetermined cord angle with respect to a cylinder axial direction, and intermediate rubber layers interposed between the reinforcing layers, where the cord angle in a neutral state is set to at least 15° and no more than 45°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeki Sakakibara, Minami Izumi, Shu Yamada, Akihiro Iemoto
  • Patent number: 9499244
    Abstract: An inflation device 10 for an inflatable article comprises a housing 11 for supporting a container 15 of pressurized fluid and for supporting piercing means which is displaceable from a retracted position to penetrate the container and allow release of pressurized fluid, said container being contained within a protected casing 20 which is secured non-releasably to the housing thereby to prevent removal of the pressurized container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: United Moulders Limited
    Inventor: Michael E. Best
  • Patent number: 9499245
    Abstract: A propeller nut designed to replace a conventional hexagonal nut to secure a boat propeller to a motor. The propeller nut includes a leading portion and a trailing portion. The leading portion has a nut part having internal threads sized and configured to engage external threads of a drive shaft and to secure the boat propeller about the drive shaft and a diverging part extending outwardly from the nut part to a maximum outer circumference. The trailing portion extends from the maximum outer circumference to a trailing end of the propeller nut, wherein the trailing portion has an outer surface that converges from the maximum outer circumference to the trailing end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Guy Taylor
  • Patent number: 9499246
    Abstract: A paddle assembly includes a tubular shaft that is configured to be coupled to a blade of the paddle assembly. The shaft has a shaft length, a first flexural rigidity at a first location along the shaft length and a second flexural rigidity at a second location along the shaft length. The ratio of the first flexural rigidity to the second flexural rigidity can be at least approximately 1.20. The shaft is substantially linear along the shaft length. The shaft has a shaft midpoint. The first location and the second location are substantially equidistant from and on opposite sides of the shaft midpoint. The shaft can have a tubular configuration. The shaft has a plurality of layers of material at each of the first location and the second location. The orientation of the layers of material at the first location is different than the orientation of materials at the second location. A modulus of elasticity of the materials used to form the shaft varies along the shaft length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Scott D. Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 9499247
    Abstract: A marine outboard engine for a watercraft has a stern bracket for mounting the marine outboard engine to the watercraft, a swivel bracket pivotally connected to the stern bracket about a generally horizontal tilt/trim axis, and a drive unit pivotally connected to the swivel bracket about a steering axis. The steering axis is generally perpendicular to the tilt/trim axis. A hydraulic actuator is operatively connected to the stern bracket and the swivel bracket for pivoting the swivel bracket and the drive unit relative to the stern bracket about the tilt/trim axis. A pump is mounted to the swivel bracket. The pump is pivotable about the tilt/trim axis together with the swivel bracket. The pump is fluidly connected to the hydraulic actuator to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: BRP US INC.
    Inventors: Darrell Wiatrowski, Mark Whiteside, George Broughton, Mark Noble
  • Patent number: 9499248
    Abstract: There is provided a toe angle control system for outboard motors. A memory stores therein a toe angle data table in which a running state of a ship and a lifting force generated along with propulsion of a plurality of outboard motors which are mounted on a body of the ship are associated with each other for each toe angle of the outboard motors. A controller is configured to adjust a toe angle of the outboard motors based on the running state of the ship and the toe angle data table. The toe angle data table is adapted to be associated with a plurality of running states of the ship mounted with the outboard motors. The controller selects a toe angle of the outboard motors so as to minimize the lifting force depending on a speed of the ship and trim angles of the outboard motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Shomura, Akinori Yamazaki, Toshinori Kono