Patents Issued in December 29, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160375906
    Abstract: A method for controlling a driving mode of a vehicle using a device for controlling a driving mode is provided. The method includes collecting position information and forward road information of the vehicle and predicting whether the vehicle enters an acceleration section requiring acceleration by using the collected position information and forward road information of the vehicle. A driving mode of the vehicle is then changed when the vehicle is predicted to enter the acceleration section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Byeong Wook Jeon
  • Publication number: 20160375907
    Abstract: A method for ascertaining a setpoint trajectory of a motor vehicle, an initial setpoint trajectory being planned and transmitted to an evaluation unit, a curve of a power characteristic variable, which is implementable as a function of the initial setpoint trajectory, being received from the evaluation unit, and a corrected setpoint trajectory being determined therefrom as a function of the ascertained implementable curve of the power characteristic variable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Andreas Erban
  • Publication number: 20160375908
    Abstract: One or more devices in a data analysis computing system may be configured to receive and analyze movement data and driving data, and determine driving trips and associated drivers based on the received data. Movement data may be collected by one or more mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablet computers, and on-board vehicle systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Edward A. Biemer
  • Publication number: 20160375909
    Abstract: A method for estimating the interval within which the total weight of an automobile vehicle is situated includes defining at least two intervals of weights, including determining a first situation in which the total weight of the vehicle belongs to the first interval and a second situation in which the total weight of the vehicle belongs to the second interval, calculating probabilities of being in the first or second situation knowing a value of the weight, calculating a risk of choosing the wrong interval as a function of the calculated probabilities and of a cost associated with an erroneous decision, and determining the interval within which the total weight of the vehicle is situated as a function of the risk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventor: Guillermo PITA-GIL
  • Publication number: 20160375910
    Abstract: Steering wheel sensor systems are described in which a sensor array is attached to or integrated with a steering wheel and provides information about the forces exerted on the steering wheel for interacting with or controlling other vehicle systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Keith A. McMillen, Conner Lacy, Brent Allen, Kyle Lobedan, Gregory Wille
  • Publication number: 20160375911
    Abstract: A method and arrangement are disclosed for allowing secondary tasks during semi-automated driving of a road vehicle having an infotainment system including one or more display units, and a semi-automated driver assist system having one or more sensors for acquiring data of a road ahead. A confidence of the ability of the semi-automated driver assist system to control the road vehicle autonomously is determined from at least acquired data of the road ahead. A viewing direction of a driver of the road vehicle is determined using a driver monitoring camera. Autonomous control is allowed if the viewing direction of the driver is determined to be towards the road ahead or towards a display unit of the infotainment system and the confidence is determined to be above a confidence threshold, otherwise any ongoing autonomous control is cancelled and the driver urged to assume control of the road vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Erik COELINGH, Jonas EKMARK
  • Publication number: 20160375912
    Abstract: An arrangement for facilitating handover to and from an automated autonomous driving aid system of a vehicle comprises a lane marking detecting unit, a steering control driving aid system for performing steering in response to detected lane markings, a positioning system for determining a current position and a current heading direction, an alert signal arrangement for selectively providing an alert signal, and a communication arrangement for communicating with a database comprising data indicative of an incapability of performing automated steering at a portion of a road ahead. The communication arrangement is configured to receive the data from the database and configured to provide an alert signal in case the data indicates an incapability of performing an automated steering at an upcoming road portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Claus Allan CHRISTENSEN, Christian HEDEGAARD, Erik ISRAELSSON, Thomas BOVE
  • Publication number: 20160375913
    Abstract: A collision energy absorbing device configured to realize stable and highly-efficient energy absorption by adequate destruction of reinforced fibers at the time of collision. A collision energy absorbing device of a railcar includes: an absorber made of fiber-reinforced resin and provided so as to extend in a rail direction; a base member supporting a rear end portion of the absorber in the rail direction; a front plate member not fixed to a front end portion of the absorber and provided so as to face the front end portion of the absorber from a front side; and a holding device configured to position the front plate member such that the front plate member aces the front end portion of the absorber from the front side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hitoshi NAGAHARA, Toshiyuki HIRASHIMA, Shirou HONMA
  • Publication number: 20160375914
    Abstract: A railway bogie includes one or more operative components for the operation of the railway bogie and an impact guard protecting the one or more operative components from flying debris. The impact guard is made of a high density polyethylene (HDPE). The railway bogie can be used in Jacobs bogies of multiple units operating under wintery conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Ulrich Meyer, Holger Kaufmann, Michael Kulp
  • Publication number: 20160375915
    Abstract: A railway truck assembly includes a self-lubricating pad disposed therein. The self-lubricating bearing pad includes a first layer. The first layer includes a plurality of self-lubricating fibers inter-woven with a plurality of support fibers. The self-lubricating bearing pad includes a plurality of fiber layers. Each of the plurality of fiber layers includes a plurality of support fibers. The self-lubricating bearing pad includes one or more matrix layers communicating with one or more of the plurality of fiber layers. One or more of the matrix layers are infused into one or more of the plurality of fiber layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jarrod McGuire, Matthew Porter
  • Publication number: 20160375916
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel axle for a vehicle, the wheel axle comprising a shaft extending along a main axis, a first protection device and at least one second protection device, each device comprising a body at least partially surrounding the shaft in a plane perpendicular to the main axis, the body having a first end portion and a second end portion, the end portions being opposite one another along their main axis. The first end portion of the first device at least partially surrounds the second end portion of the second device in a plane perpendicular to the main axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Patrick ZANGHELLI
  • Publication number: 20160375917
    Abstract: An active fixed block track circuit comprises at least a fixed block section, comprising at least two rails corresponding to each other, each having an isolation connector at two ends thereof and connected to a power supply unit and a traffic signal; a short driving unit, connected to each of the two rails within the fixed block section; and a detection unit, connected to the short driving unit. In this manner, not only the previous rail traffic signal circuit function where no more than one train may be allowed into the same fixed block section is maintained, but also another train approaching from the rear may be prevented from entering the fixed block section when the detection unit at the fixed block section detects an exceptional case happening at a neighboring fixed block section so that the traffic signal unit is switched into a stop traffic signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Hsun-Jung Cho, Hsu Ju, Kun-Yu Liu, Ming-Hung Chien
  • Publication number: 20160375918
    Abstract: A terminal operating system includes one or more processors configured to obtain one or more parameters of non-propulsion-generating cargo vehicles and to determine which of the non-propulsion-generating cargo vehicles are to be included in a vehicle system assembled in a terminal or yard based on the one or more parameters. The one or more parameters include one or more of an earliest time of availability at which cargo equipment will be available in the terminal or yard, a safety operational characteristic, an efficiency operational characteristic of the one or more non-propulsion-generating cargo vehicles, and/or a priority parameter of the one or more non-propulsion-generating cargo vehicles. The one or more processors are configured to automatically direct equipment within the terminal or yard to assemble the vehicle system based on the one or more parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: MITCHELL SCOTT WILLS, MAHIR ERDEM TELATAR, JIAN LI, TREVOR FLETCHER, DAVID PELTZ
  • Publication number: 20160375919
    Abstract: A litter box lifting system includes a litter box. A cart is provided that has a base and a platform and the litter box is positioned on the platform. The platform is positionable in a raised position with respect to the base such that the litter box is elevated. Thus, the litter box is accessible to a user without having the user bend over. The platform is positionable in a lowered position with respect to the base such that the litter box is lowered. Thus, the litter box is accessible to an animal. A lifting unit is coupled to the cart and the lifting unit selectively urges the platform between the raised position and the lowered position. A plurality of wheels is provided. Each of the wheels is rotatably coupled to the base such that each of the wheels may roll along a support surface. A handle is attached to the base such the handle may be manipulated thereby facilitating the cart to be rolled along the support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Patricia Wright
  • Publication number: 20160375920
    Abstract: A powered pallet truck with a selectable effective reduced turning radius, and an intermediate roller assembly for mounting on the powered pallet truck, are provided. The intermediate roller assembly can include a base, a linear actuator pivotably connected at a base end to the base, a linkage pivotably connected to the base, and at least one roller having an axis pivotably connected to an actuating end of the linear actuator and to the linkage, the at least one roller thus being movable between a retracted and an engagement position. The assembly can be mounted to the underside of a pallet truck fork having a load wheel. A turning radius effectively defined by a drive wheel of the pallet truck and the intermediate roller, or a turning radius effectively defined by the drive wheel and the load wheel, can be selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Keen, Michael Novak, Thomas Ryder
  • Publication number: 20160375921
    Abstract: A storage device for removable attachment to a shopping cart includes a collapsible container having an interior storage space accessible through an upper opening; and an attachment assembly secured to the collapsible container and including at least one attachment for removably securing the collapsible container to the shopping cart. The at least one attachment can be one or more pairs of hooks of different sizes interchangeably and removably attached to the collapsible container. The attachment assembly includes an attachment bracket secured to the collapsible container that forms one or more pairs of spaced-apart predetermined attachment locations for the one or more pairs of hooks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Rebecca Strawser, Bradley L. Strawser
  • Publication number: 20160375922
    Abstract: Various of the disclosed embodiments concern a safety apparatus that is positioned adjacent to and attached to a carriage device, thereby substantially improving the safety of individuals seated in the carriage device. The safety apparatus can include a structural frame, one or more front contacts, one or more rear contacts, a support bar, one or more handles, and at least one connector. The at least one connector allows the safety apparatus to be detachably connected or fixedly attached to the carriage device. The safety apparatus may also be adjustable or collapsible, which permits its footprint to be reduced when not in use. In some embodiments, the safety apparatus includes a support bar and/or basket that allows a user to hang or place items, such as a purse or diaper bag, without causing the safety apparatus or the carriage device to become unbalanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Kenneth BOUIE
  • Publication number: 20160375923
    Abstract: A single vehicle steering arrangement is provided. The steering arrangement includes a steering wheel and at least one human machine interface configured to allow a human to steer the vehicle, the human machine interface being a component separate from the steering wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: John F. Schulz, Richard K. Riefe
  • Publication number: 20160375924
    Abstract: A steering wheel for a vehicle includes a steering wheel hub. Also included is a first portion of the steering wheel hub having an electronic display. Further included is a second portion of the steering wheel hub having a keyboard, the keyboard being in operable communication with the electronic display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Joen C. Bodtker, Todd M. King, Frank P. Lubischer, Richard P. Nash, Melvin L. Tinnin, Christopher F. Watz
  • Publication number: 20160375925
    Abstract: A steering assembly includes a steering wheel, a steering gear, and a sensor assembly. The steering wheels connected to a steering column. The steering gear selectively coupled to the steering wheel. The sensor assembly is disposed proximate the steering column. The steering wheel is decoupled from the steering gear and sensor assembly detects a condition of the driver and a position of the driver in response to a request to activate an autonomous driving assisted steering system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe
  • Publication number: 20160375926
    Abstract: A steering arrangement provided with an autonomous vehicle includes a steering wheel. The steering wheel is selectively coupled to a steering shaft. The steering wheel is selectively switched between a rotatable condition and a non-rotatable condition by an advanced driver assist system. The steering wheel has a steering wheel body defining a receptacle and a convenience assembly that is movable between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe
  • Publication number: 20160375927
    Abstract: A steering column system includes a steering column shaft, a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft, a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position, and, an air bag operatively arranged with the steering input device, the air bag deployable to one of a first size and a second size, the second size greater than the first size. When the steering column shaft is in the driving position, the air bag is deployable to the first size, and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, the air bag is deployable to the second size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: John F. Schulz, Joen C. Bodtker, Richard K. Riefe
  • Publication number: 20160375928
    Abstract: A stationary steering wheel assembly includes a steering wheel connected to an axially extending column. The assembly also includes a steering wheel locking component engageable with the steering wheel and moveable between a first position and a second position, the first position locking the steering wheel to prevent rotation and the second position unlocking the steering wheel to allow rotation of the steering wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Brian J. Magnus
  • Publication number: 20160375929
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes an outer jacket, an inner jacket, a pin, and a bracket. The inner jacket is configured to telescopically slide with respect to the outer jacket along a telescopic axis. The pin is engaged to and projects radially outward from one of the inner and outer jackets. The bracket is pivotally engaged to the other of the inner and outer jackets, and includes first and second surfaces that extend substantially axially and are generally opposed to one-another for selective contact with the pin to limit a pivoting range as a function of telescopic position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: James E. Rouleau, Shawn A. Haring, Michael Srda, Todd M. King
  • Publication number: 20160375930
    Abstract: A vehicular steering system includes a driving wheel, a wheel drive actuator that rotationally drives the driving wheel, a steering operation mechanism that steers the driving wheel, a steering operation actuator that applies a steering operation force that is used to steer the driving wheel to the steering operation mechanism, and a hydraulic circuit that transmits the rotational driving force of the wheel drive actuator to the steering operation mechanism via hydraulic oil as a steering operation force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masanori ARIMA, Yasuhiko HASUDA, Keita NIMURA
  • Publication number: 20160375931
    Abstract: A rotation control system for a steering wheel is provided. The rotation control system includes a steering wheel and a steering shaft operatively coupled to the steering wheel. The rotation control system also includes at least one component operatively coupled to the steering shaft configured to switch the steering wheel between a rotational condition and a non-rotational condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe
  • Publication number: 20160375932
    Abstract: A method for detecting a vehicle collision includes a rear sensor provided at a rear of the vehicle figuring out a position of an obstacle, a controller of the vehicle accumulating the position of the obstacle recognized by the rear sensor to generate obstacle map data, and the controller signaling an alarm in the vehicle in the case in which a distance between the obstacle map data and the vehicle is a predetermined distance or less or in the case in which movement of the vehicle is decided through a current position of the vehicle, steering of the driver, a wheel speed, and a gear input and there is a collision risk between the vehicle and the obstacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Ji Hyun YOON
  • Publication number: 20160375933
    Abstract: A parking assist system parks a vehicle at a target parking position by automatically steering an EPS. The parking assist system includes a acquiring unit configured to acquire the position of the vehicle, a position determining unit configured to determine the target parking position, a generating unit configured to generate a path from the position of the vehicle to the target parking position, a detecting unit configured to detect the temperature of the EPS, and a assist unit configured to automatically steer the vehicle so as to move along the path generated by the generating unit. The generating unit generates a path in which a degree of stationary steering by which the vehicle is steered in a state where the vehicle stops is small when the temperature of the EPS is high, compared with when the temperature of the EPS is low.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yu HIEI, Ryuji OKAMURA, Koichiro YAMAUCHI
  • Publication number: 20160375934
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a wheel suspension 5 for a torsion beam axle 1, whereby a wheel mount 8 rotates about a virtual steering axle 18 as a result of a cornering force. According to the invention, it is further provided that a wheel mount bracket 6 with a yielding element 11 is coupled to the end 4 of a longitudinally extending swing arm 3 of the torsion beam axle 1, so that an additional steering in positive toe occurs as a result of a lateral force effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: BENTELER Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Erik SCHULTZ
  • Publication number: 20160375935
    Abstract: A strengthening member for a motor vehicle, the strengthening member has a cross section that comprises sixteen corners and includes sides and corners creating eight internal angles and eight external angles. Each internal angle ranges between about 90° and about 145° and each external angle ranges between about 95° and about 175°. One or more tunable parameters of a cross section can vary along a longitudinal axis of the strengthening member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Tau TYAN, Yu-Kan HU, Leonard Anthony SHANER, Dana SUN
  • Publication number: 20160375936
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body structure and a frame rail assembly. The frame rail assembly extends forward from the bulkhead along a longitudinal centerline. The frame rail assembly includes a frame rail defining a rail axis and a reinforcing member. The frame rail defines a longitudinally extending seam and the frame rail extends forward from the bulkhead along the longitudinal centerline. The frame rail further defines an end portion. The reinforcing member is secured to the frame rail at the end portion to increase a stiffness of the frame rail at the end portion. The reinforcing member is configured to limit a stress at the seam, transverse to the rail axis, resulting from a load applied to the end portion of the frame rail and laterally offset from the longitudinal centerline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Krishnarao V. Yalamanchili, Mohammed N. Shaik, Terry A. Swartzell, Jayavardhan Tallapragada, Warren J. Parsons
  • Publication number: 20160375937
    Abstract: A bracket for a vehicle is provided including a four-way fastener locator portion and a slip plane portion. The fastener locator portion includes a cross-member configured to allow passage therethrough of a portion of a fastener received in the fastener-receiving portion on application of a force meeting or exceeding a predetermined impact load. Assemblies including the provided bracket are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Paul Bryan Hoke, Li Lu
  • Publication number: 20160375938
    Abstract: The suspension member includes: a rear cross member that extends along the vehicle width direction, and that includes a left and right pair of sub side rails that integrally extend from respective vehicle width direction end portions of the rear cross member toward the vehicle body front side; and a left and right pair of side rails that extend along the extension direction of the sub side rails, that each include a bent portion protruding toward the vehicle body lower side at an extension direction intermediate portion of the side rail, wherein the upper side of an end portion further toward a vehicle body rear side than the bent portion is covered by, and joined to, the respective sub side rail, and the lower side of the end portion further toward the vehicle body rear side than the bent portion is in an exposed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhide MATSUO, Soshiro MURATA
  • Publication number: 20160375939
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an underbody and a cradle assembly. The assembly includes a cradle body and a flange extending to a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes a platform having at least one side and defining an aperture spaced from the side. A fastener is disposed through the aperture and in engagement with the underbody when the cradle body is in a first position. The platform defines a void and has a portion of material disposed adjacent to the void to present a release pathway. The cradle body is configured to move from the first position to a second position which separates the flange of the cradle body from the underbody by moving the fastener out of the aperture, through the void and the portion of material along the release pathway, and out the side of the platform when the cradle body moves to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicants: F.TECH R&D NORTH AMERICA, INC., GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Len V. Peschansky, Xiao Yu, Balbir S. Sangha, Zohir Molhem, Bikramjit Sarkaria, Joseph K. Moore
  • Publication number: 20160375940
    Abstract: A vehicle configuration member comprising a base material formed using a resin material; and a woven fabric that is formed by interweaving a plurality of warp threads and a plurality of weft threads, that is covered by the base material so as to reinforce the base material, and that includes a join portion and a pair of branch portions branching out from the join portion. The number of the weft threads bound by a pair of warp threads at an end portion of the join portion on a branch portion side is smaller than the number of the weft threads bound by a pair of warp threads at a location of the join portion on a side away from the branch portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiromasa TOMIOKA, Ryohei TSUJI
  • Publication number: 20160375941
    Abstract: A roof (102) for work vehicle comprises a molded roof portion (200) formed by rotational molding, the molded roof portion (200) having a first surface (202) that is generally planar and faces upward, and a second surface (300) molded integral with the first surface (202), wherein the second surface (300) faces downward and has a plurality of integrally molded troughs (308, 310) that extend upward into the second surface (300).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Thompson, Benjamin J. Jordan, Trent Kulig
  • Publication number: 20160375942
    Abstract: A trailer mover has a ball connection mechanism having a ball head mounted on a ball post and a ball collar. The ball collar has a raised position and a lowered position. The ball collar is mounted to the ball post so that the ball collar moves relative to the ball post when the ball collar is traveling between the raised position and the lowered position. The housing comprises a carriage body having a ball post retainer mounting surface on an upper portion of the carriage body. A ball post retainer is mounted to the ball post retainer mounting surface. The ball post retainer is configured to receive the ball post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Ted Chen
  • Publication number: 20160375943
    Abstract: A utility vehicle with adjustable wheel assemblies to accommodate different weight attachments selectively engageable with the vehicle. Adjustment assemblies are provided to engage each of the front wheel assemblies. Each adjustment assembly includes a guide plate, a first arm of a first length and a second arm of a second length. The operator will select the appropriate one of the first and second arms to secure to the guide plate and to one of the front wheel assemblies. The guide plates include holes therein for locking the selected one of the arms in a particular orientation. This is accomplished by inserting a pin through an aperture in the selected first or second arm and one of the holes in the guide plate. A first end of the selected first or second arm is secured to the guide plate and a second end thereof is engaged with the associated wheel assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Todd Pugh, Steffon Hoppel
  • Publication number: 20160375944
    Abstract: The general layout for a front wheel drive, three-wheeled vehicle designed for road use with two steerable driven wheels in the front of the vehicle, and the engine located behind the front of the passenger seating. The vehicle layout is designed for optimal stability and traction by the location of the passenger seating, engine or engines, steering and driven wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Gregory W. Kunsch, Alexander Andre Kunsch
  • Publication number: 20160375945
    Abstract: A cart assembly includes a cart that has an upright section and a tongue section. The upright section may have an object removably secured thereto and the tongue section may be coupled to a vehicle thereby facilitating the cart to be towed. A basket is removably attached to the cart. The basket is positioned on the upright section such that the basket may contain an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Larry Byron Kentner
  • Publication number: 20160375946
    Abstract: A backpack for motorcyclists provides a rigid outer shell with an electrical system wherein an onboard battery powers rear signal lights, each comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), which are linked with the motorcycle's electrical system to function as brake lights and turn signals. The electrical system also charges a cellular telephone or other portable device via a Universal Service Bus (USB) port, and may be recharged by one or more solar panels mounted to the exterior of the backpack. A cellular telephone, music player, or similar device may also be connected via the USB port to play digital music files via speakers provided by the backpack, and a headphone socket is also provided. An onboard mapping device or homing beacon, enabled by the Global Positioning System (GPS), may be optionally provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Melvin White, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160375947
    Abstract: A luggage rack system for a motorized two-wheeler includes a support and a top case. The top case is mounted to the support such that it can be swiveled from a travel position about a swivel axis lying transversely to the longitudinal direction of the two-wheeler into a second position in order to make it easier for the rider or passenger to mount or dismount the two-wheeler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Raimund BRANDL
  • Publication number: 20160375948
    Abstract: A control device (60) of a mobile body (1) calculates a center-of-gravity displacement degree index value representing an estimate of the degree of displacement of the center of gravity of the operator in the lateral direction of a vehicle body (2) from a predetermined reference position with respect to the vehicle body (2), and determines a control input for an actuator (15), which can cause a moment in the roll direction to act on the vehicle body (2), so as to increase the degree of displacement of the center of gravity of the operator indicated by the center-of-gravity displacement degree index value in a state of presence of such displacement. The control device (60) controls the actuator (15) in accordance with the control input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Toru Takenaka, Kazushi Akimoto, Yuichi Uebayashi, Shinya Shirokura, Tomohiro Kawakami, Makoto Araki
  • Publication number: 20160375949
    Abstract: A modifiable bicycle includes a frame having a frame mount to which various components with mounting plates can be attached. The bicycle can be modified in a variety of ways by adding and removing components so as to function as a pedaled bike, a balance bike, or a scooter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Edward Mondello
  • Publication number: 20160375950
    Abstract: A skewer for fixing a wheel to a cycle-type vehicle, comprising a rod extending along a longitudinal axis, a first end that includes structural elements that cooperate with the vehicle frame, and a second end that includes structural elements configured to cooperate with a device exerting a tightening torque, in which the rod includes a groove extending along the longitudinal axis over a first length, an element having a variable diameter and a second length, the second length being less than the first length, is received in the groove so as to be translationally movable along the longitudinal axis, and an elastic biaser longitudinally constrains the variable diameter element towards the second end. The variable diameter element is a split tubular ring whose diameter in the free state is greater than the maximum outer diameter of the rod; it is longitudinally constrained by a spiral spring, and a distribution ring is interposed between the spring and the variable diameter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: MAVIC S.A.S
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre MERCAT
  • Publication number: 20160375951
    Abstract: A compression damper of a shock absorber includes: a single adjustable fluid circuit configured for controlling a damping rate associated with multiple compression speeds of the shock absorber, wherein the single adjustable fluid circuit includes a fluid passageway through a base valve; and a positionally adjustable floating shim stack positioned at one end of the fluid passageway, the positionally adjustable floating shim stack configured for selectively blocking a flow of fluid through the fluid passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Damon GILBERT, Christopher Paul COX
  • Publication number: 20160375952
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake is used to a handle of a two wheel vehicle and contains a body including two first tabs, the handle including an axial hole and a through bore to receive an adjustable nut having a screw aperture to be screwed with first threads of a connecting post of a hydraulic piston, the body including a retaining sleeve and two second tabs, a hydraulic cylinder including an oil chamber and fitted to a holder, a positioning nut having an orifice screwed with second threads of the hydraulic cylinder, the holder including a receiving room to receive an oil cup, a pore, and a cover, an outer diameter of the pore of the holder being equal to that of the hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic piston including the connecting post, and the connecting post including the first threads to screw the connecting post with the orifice of the positioning nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Chang Hui LIN
  • Publication number: 20160375953
    Abstract: A bicycle pedal with cadence sensor is disclosed and comprises a pedal shaft, a frame, and a cadence sensor. The pedal shaft is fastened at a crank of a bicycle. The frame is pivotably installed at the pedal shaft. The cadence sensor is arranged at the frame and the cadence sensor includes a G-sensor and a power supply coupled to the G-sensor. The cadence sensor is arranged at the frame. The cadence sensor is cooperating with the frame and the cadence information may be gained through the G-sensor. The cadence information may be transmitted to a bicycle computer or a smart mobile device. A cadence data may be resulted by program operation. The cadence data may be provided to analyze and apply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Chung-I Chen
  • Publication number: 20160375954
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bicycle comprising a motor mounted to a motor mount of the bicycle frame. The motor mount includes a down tube mount coupled to a down tube, a chainstay mount coupled to a chainstay, and a side brace secured to the down tube mount and wrapping around one side of the motor to the chainstay mount. Preferably, when viewed from the side, the side brace extends directly from the down tube mount to the chainstay mount. Preferably, the motor mount further comprises a lower support secured to the down tube mount and wrapped around a bottom of the motor to the chainstay mount. The motor mount can further include an upper support connecting the seat tube mount to the down tube mount. This upper support can include an upper flange secured to the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Jan Talavasek, Vincent Patureau, Marco Sonderegger, Marc Pallure, Brandon Dale Sloan, Joseph Edward Buckley, Daniel Lentz, Jamie Stafford
  • Publication number: 20160375955
    Abstract: An electrically assisted bicycle includes a crank shaft, pedals, an electric motor, a pedal effort sensor that detects a pedal effort exerted on the pedals, a propelling detection sensor that detects that the electrically assisted bicycle is starting to be propelled, and a controller that executes a first control in which a command value provided to the electric motor is obtained based on the output of the pedal effort sensor and a second control in which a command value provided to the electric motor is obtained based on the output of the pedal effort sensor and the output of the propelling detection sensor. The controller is configured or programmed to select the first control or the second control as a calculation method of a command value provided to the electric motor during a period of time from a state in which the electrically assisted bicycle is stopped until a detection of the rotation of the crank shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Masanori NEGORO, Kazuya MATSUBARA