Patents Issued in March 2, 2017
-
Publication number: 20170057277Abstract: The present invention relates to decorative ornaments made out of beverage coasters. The ornaments are formed by engaging a plurality of beverage coasters with a center disc. In order to be compatible, specialized beverage coasters are provided wherein the coasters include a score line to facilitate folding and a central rectangular cutout to facilitate engagement with the center disc.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventor: James Henry Baer
-
Publication number: 20170057278Abstract: A three dimensional visual element is provided which includes a decal or other device to simulate a crack or break within the wall on which the visual elements is mounted. The visual element also includes a functional feature, such as a light, shelf support, electronic device, or the like, so that the visual element also provides some utility. In one example, a three dimensional representation of a soccer ball is provided wherein the soccer ball is surrounded by a clear plastic decal having a cracking so as to represent cracks within the wall on which the device is mounted. Within the shell of the soccer ball in this exemplary embodiment, are lighting elements which allow the device to be used as a nightlight.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventor: Tom P. Wegrzyn
-
Publication number: 20170057279Abstract: A manufacturing method and structure of a carbon fiber rim is revealed. A metal strip is formed by heating a metal substrate to a moldable temperature and then extruded molding. The metal strip comprises two side walls, a connecting wall and an inner rim wall to form a space surrounded by the side walls, the connecting wall, and the inner rim wall. Next, two terminals of the strip are connected to form a circle as a rim frame's embryo. The two side walls, or the two side walls and the inner rim wall of the rim frame's embryo are milled to form plural through holes and become a rim frame. Afterwards, the surface of the rim frame is roughened and covered with a trimmed carbon fiber cloth having a predetermined shape. After heatsetting and surface treating, a carbon fiber rim having a light weight and a strong structure is obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventor: WEI-CHIN CHEN
-
Publication number: 20170057280Abstract: A method and a device are provided for manufacturing spokes from a wire material, in particular for at least partially muscle-powered two-wheeled vehicles. The spokes include a spoke shaft having at least two shaft sections. The shaft sections differ in at least one cross-section. For shaping the cross-sections, the wire material is reshaped at least in sections by means of a shaping tool. The relative position of the wire material relative to the shaping tool is varied in the axial direction during reshaping. For shaping the cross-sections in the two shaft sections the relative position of the wire material relative to the shaping tool is varied by way of different positioning movements.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Alberto LAFUENTE, Benedikt BARANDUN, Adrian SCHEIDEGGER
-
Publication number: 20170057281Abstract: A rim protector. The rim protector includes a planar cover having a first side, a second side, and a circular perimeter edge. A handle is disposed on the first side of the cover. A lip is disposed along the perimeter edge on the second side of the cover and extends outwardly therefrom. The lip is configured to rest on the edge of a wheel rim such that the cover shrouds the outward facing side of the wheel rim. The rim protector prevents cleaning solution or other chemicals from contacting the wheel rim when a tire is being cleaned, and further prevents dust accumulation on the wheel rim when a vehicle is in storage for extended periods.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventor: Gary L. Hutchens
-
Publication number: 20170057282Abstract: A vehicle wheel anti-theft system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of lock actuators. Each lock actuator is configured to move between a locked state and an unlocked state. Each lock actuator includes a body portion extending along an axis of wheel rotation and at least one locking member configured to engage a portion of the wheel in a direction perpendicular to the axis of wheel rotation when in the locked state.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Edgar Salazar FABIAN, Jesus Guadalupe CASTILLO, Ricardo HERNANDEZ, Francisco Javier QUINTERO PÈREZ
-
Publication number: 20170057283Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning a rim of a wheel assembly to a wheel hub. The apparatus can include a wheel handler device that is structured to securely engage the wheel assembly. The apparatus can include one or more light emitting devices that project one or more light spots on the face of the wheel hub. The position of one or more light spots relative to another light spot(s) and/or to a reference feature on the face of the hub can provide an indication of the location, orientation, and/or alignment of at least the rim relative to the wheel hub.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Harald J. Staab, Jeremy Newkirk, Gregory F. Rossano
-
Publication number: 20170057284Abstract: A selectively operable steering locking mechanism includes front and back pivot locks, each respective one selectively movable between: a locked configuration whereat a respective front, or back, caster of the cart is precluded from pivoting about its vertical axis; and an unlocked configuration whereat the respective front, or back, caster is free to pivot its vertical axis. An interconnection mechanism interconnects the front and back pivot locks for synchronized movement between: a front-locked steering configuration whereat the front and back pivot locks are in the locked and unlocked configurations respectively; and a back-locked steering configuration whereat the front and back pivot locks are in the unlocked and locked configurations respectively. A control mechanism connects to the interconnection mechanism for its selected movement between the front-locked and back-locked steering configurations. A cart provided with the selectively operable steering locking mechanism is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Kaiwen WANG, Octavian SIOLDEA, Adrian STEENSON
-
Publication number: 20170057285Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic rubber truck tire having a circumferential tread of cap/base construction comprised of an outer tread cap rubber layer and an underlying tread base rubber layer. An objective is to promote resistance to internal heat generation while substantially maintaining abrasion resistance for the tread for vehicular heavy duty service.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventor: Paul Harry Sandstrom
-
Publication number: 20170057286Abstract: An insert specifically adapted for use with an off-road tire, such as an off-road tire of a motocross motorcycle, or an off-road bicycle. The insert includes an inflatable tube and a foam element which generally conforms to the contours of the off-road tire to provide support to the tire when the tube is inflated. The ability to deflate the insert facilitates installation of the insert between the wheel rim and off-road tire. When inflated, the insert occupies the space between the wheel rim and tire to support a load during use of the wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: RONALD D. SHAW, DAVID MITCHELL BYRD
-
Publication number: 20170057287Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire may include a hub configured to be coupled to a machine, an outer circumferential barrier radially spaced from the hub and configured to be associated with a tread portion of the tire, and a plurality of support members extending between the hub and the outer circumferential barrier and being configured to support a load on the hub in tension. At least some of the plurality of support members may include at least one tension member coupled to one of the hub and the outer circumferential barrier, and an intermediate member coupled to the at least one tension member and one of the hub and the outer circumferential barrier. The at least one tension member may be configured not to transmit compressive load to the intermediate member.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: KEVIN L. MARTIN, DAVID J. COLANTONI
-
Publication number: 20170057288Abstract: Provided is a non-pneumatic tire having excellent durability performance. This non-pneumatic tire is provided with an annular tread portion which contacts the road surface, an annular inner peripheral portion which is positioned radially inward of the tread portion, and multiple linking units which join the tread portion and the inner peripheral portion. The tread portion includes a first portion which contacts the road surface, and a second portion which includes an inner peripheral surface facing the inner peripheral portion. The thermal conductivity of the second portion is greater than that of the first portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Makoto Sugiya, Wako Iwamura
-
Publication number: 20170057289Abstract: A wheel suitable for use on sandy surface that includes an inner rigid support and an outer resilient, airless, tire. The tire has two series of flexible spokes that move when the tire is in use under a load to form a ground engaged section of the tire to assume a substantially flat track portion. The flexible spokes revert to their normal configuration when rotated out of the ground engaged section. Each of the two series of spokes have an arc shape, with the two series of spokes leaning in opposite directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventor: Ross Gregory Pratt
-
Publication number: 20170057290Abstract: A method of forming a layer of tire ply is disclosed. A first strip of ply is provided having a plurality of evenly spaced reinforcement cords, having a spacing S, and having a lateral end, wherein the last cord is spaced apart from strip end a distance X, wherein X is not equal to S. A second strip of ply is provided having a plurality of evenly spaced reinforcement cords, having a spacing S, and having a lateral end, wherein the last cord is spaced apart from strip end a distance Y, wherein Y is not equal to S. The lateral ends of the first and second strip are joined together in a lap joint. The first and second lateral ends are overlapped so that the spacing X preferrably does not overlap, but may partially overlap with the spacing Y.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Hongbing CHEN, Nathan Andrew HUNT, Duane Thomas DELANEY, Chad Everett KENDALL, Gary Robert BURG
-
Publication number: 20170057291Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a carcass and a belt reinforcing structure, the belt reinforcing structure comprising: a zigzag belt reinforcing structure formed of a strip of reinforcement cords, the strip of reinforcement cords being inclined at 5 to 30 degrees relative to the centerplane of the tire extending in alternation to turnaround points at each lateral edge, wherein the strip of cords is formed from two different cords made of different materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Joanne Elizabeth SHAW, Frank Anothy KMIECIK, Leonard James REITER
-
Publication number: 20170057292Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a carcass and a belt reinforcing structure, the belt reinforcing structure comprising: a zigzag belt reinforcing structure formed of a strip of one or more reinforcement cords, the strip of one or more reinforcement cords being inclined at 5 to 30 degrees relative to the centerplane of the tire extending in alternation to turnaround points at each lateral edge, wherein the zigzag strip of cords is formed from two different reinforcement cords made of different materials, and a low angle belt of the tire has a higher EPI than the zigzag belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Joanne Elizabeth SHAW, Frank Anthony KMIECIK, Leonard James REITER
-
Publication number: 20170057293Abstract: Working reinforcement (2) of airplane tire (1) is radially inside tread (3) and radially outside carcass reinforcement (4), comprising carcass layer (41). Working reinforcement (2) comprises working biply (21) of greatest axial width (LT) and two axial ends (E). Hoop reinforcement (7) comprises hooping layer (71) radially inside working biply (21), and having axial width (LF) at least equal to 0.8 times LT. Distance D between axial end (E) of greatest axial width (LT) and its orthogonal projection (I) onto the radially outermost carcass layer (41) is at least equal to 7 mm and the distance D? between point (F) of working biply (21) of greatest axial width (LT), axially inside axial end (E) at a distance L equal to 25 mm, and its orthogonal projection (J) onto the radially outermost carcass layer (41) is at least equal to 4 mm and at most equal to the distance D.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Vincent ESTENNE, Emmanuel JOULIN
-
Publication number: 20170057294Abstract: An airless tire includes a tread ring, a hub formed on radial direction inner side of the ring to be fixed to an axle, and a spoke structure connecting the ring and hub. The ring includes a tread rubber layer, a first reinforcing cord layer, a second reinforcing cord layer and a shear rubber layer between the first and second cord layers, the first and second cord layers and shear layer are formed such that ratio Eb1/Ee between tire circumferential direction tensile modulus Eb1 of the first cord layer and shear modulus Ee of the shear layer is 100 or greater and that ratio Eb2/Ee between tire circumferential direction tensile modulus Eb2 of the second cord layer and shear modulus Ee is 100 or greater, and each cord layer has a topping rubber having loss tangent tan ?b of 0.03 to 0.10 and tensile modulus E*b of 4 to 20 MPa.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES LTD.Inventors: Wako IWAMURA, Makoto SUGIYA, Hirotoshi OTSUKI
-
Publication number: 20170057295Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to improve running performance in rocky areas. Provided is a pneumatic tire in which is formed a shoulder block in which first shoulder blocks and second shoulder blocks are alternately aligned. Each first shoulder block has a first edge that is on the outer side in a tire axial direction of a tread surface of the first shoulder block. Each second shoulder block has a second edge that is positioned on the outer side in the tire axial direction of a tread surface of the second shoulder block and more toward the inner side in the tire axial direction than the first edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Naoki KAGEYAMA, Mitsuru SUEYOSHI
-
Publication number: 20170057296Abstract: This pneumatic tire is provided with: a circumferential main groove (22) extending in a tire circumferential direction, a shoulder land portion (33) defined by the circumferential main groove (22), and a plurality of lug grooves (43) disposed in the shoulder land portion (33). Additionally, the shoulder land portion (33) is provided with a dimple (6) for mud discharge that is disposed between lug grooves (43, 43) adjacent in the tire circumferential direction and extends in a tire width direction without communicating to a lug groove (43). Additionally, a distance Dd between an end portion of the dimple (6) on a tire-width-direction inner side and a tire ground contact edge (T) is in a range of ?10 mm?Dd?10 mm.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventor: Ryohei Takemori
-
Publication number: 20170057297Abstract: This pneumatic tire (1) is provided with a plurality of circumferential main grooves (21, 22) extending in a tire circumferential direction, a plurality of land portions (31 to 33) defined by these circumferential main grooves (21, 22), and a plurality of lug grooves (41 to 43) disposed in these land portions (31 to 33). Additionally, at least one column of land portion (32) in a tread portion center region is provided with a plurality of blocks divided in the tire circumferential direction by the plurality of lug grooves (42) and a three-dimensional sipe (52) that extends over an entire circumference of the tire and divides the land portion (42) in a tire width direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.Inventor: Ryohei Takemori
-
Publication number: 20170057298Abstract: A heavy duty tire comprises a tread portion provided with annular land zones divided by circumferentially extending main grooves. At least one of the land zones is provided with first recesses disposed at one edge of the first land zone, second recesses disposed at the other edge of the first land zone, sipes extending from the first recesses to the second recesses, and shallow grooves extending from non-recessed portions of one edge of the first land zone to non-recessed portions of the other edge. The depth of the shallow grooves is less than the depth of the sipes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Qingmao LI
-
Publication number: 20170057299Abstract: Adapter coupled between a tire bead and a rim, and having an axially inner end mounted on the rim seat. The adapter comprises an inner reinforcer, an axially outer end that comprises an outer reinforcer, and a body that connects the outer and inner ends to form a single piece and comprises one main reinforcement that connects the outer and inner reinforcers. Substantially cylindrical adapter seat receives one of the tire beads, the seat being situated at the axially outer end of the body. An adapter bearing face is substantially contained in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the tire/rim rolling assembly, the bearing face being situated on the axially inner face of the axially outer end. The reinforcing element of the axially outer end is axially situated entirely on the outside of the bearing face. The body comprises, facing the adapter seat, an annular seat reinforcement.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventor: Bertrand DAVAL
-
Publication number: 20170057300Abstract: A tire includes: a pair of bead portions in which a bead core is each embedded and that have a bead heel diameter that is from 0.42% to 0.72% smaller than a rim diameter of a standard rim; a carcass that spans a region between the pair of bead portions and that has end portion sides anchored to the bead cores; bead filler that extends from each bead core toward a tire radial direction outer side so as to run along an outer face of the carcass; and side reinforcing rubber that is provided at tire side portions, that extends in the tire radial direction along an inner face of the carcass, that has an end portion at each bead core side overlapping the bead filler with the carcass interposed therebetween, and that has elongation at break of 130% or greater.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2014Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventor: Kenichi SAKURAI
-
Publication number: 20170057301Abstract: In an apex 34 of a tire 2, a reinforcing portion 48 is located inward of a main body 46 in an axial direction. When a position on an outer surface of the tire 2 at which position a height from a BBL is 14 mm is defined as a first point P1 and a position on the outer surface of the tire 2 at which position a height from the BBL is 20 mm is defined as a second point P2, the reinforcing portion 48 overlaps the first point P1 and the second point P2 in a radial direction. A loss tangent of the reinforcing portion 48 is equal to a loss tangent of the main body 46 or less than the loss tangent. A hardness of the reinforcing portion 48 is equal to a hardness of the main body 46 or greater than the hardness.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Keisuke HASHIMOTO, Eisuke HIROSUE
-
Publication number: 20170057302Abstract: This run flat tire includes a carcass toroidally extending between two bead portions and side reinforcing rubber, having a crescent cross-sectional shape in the tire width direction, on the tire width direction inside of the carcass. The relational expressions 0.09?TWH/TW?0.19, D/SH?0.05, and 0.89?TW/SW?0.94 are satisfied, where, in a reference state such that the run flat tire is mounted on an applicable rim and inflated to a prescribed internal pressure with no load, TW (mm) represents the half width in the tire width direction between the tread edges, TWH (mm) represents the radial drop height of the tread edge, SW (mm) represents half of the tire maximum width, SH (mm) represents the tire cross-sectional height, and D (mm) represents the drop height of the tire at a position 0.6SW (mm) outward, in the tire width direction, from the tire equatorial plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATIONInventor: Masahiro MAKINO
-
Publication number: 20170057303Abstract: An insert for a pneumatic tire including an annular member adapted to contact at least 10% of an interior surface of the pneumatic tire and provide an outward pressure thereagainst.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventor: Adam Krefting
-
Publication number: 20170057304Abstract: A tire equipped with a sensor patch includes a sensor module and a sensor patch. The sensor patch is formed integrally with the inner liner of the tire by being vulcanized into the inner circumferential surface, and an accommodation space is formed in a region so that the sensor module can be fixed therein. A sensor patch is integrated with the inner liner without damaging the inner liner, and thus the sensor patch can be strongly bound to the tire. Furthermore, since the sensor patch is formed to have a thickness smaller than the thickness of the inner liner, when the sensor patch is vulcanized into the inner liner, the pressure of the bladder being exerted locally non-uniformly on the inner liner can be prevented.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Soon-Hong So, Jeong Heon Kim
-
Publication number: 20170057305Abstract: A wireless sensor includes an antenna, a tuning circuit, a pressure sensing circuit, a processing module, and a transmitter. Collectively, the pressure sensing circuit, the antenna, and the tuning circuit have one or more radio frequency (RF) characteristics and the pressure sensing circuit causes the RF characteristic(s) to vary with varying sensed pressures. The processing module detects a variance of the RF characteristic(s) from a desired value. In response to the detecting of the variance, the processing module adjusts the tuning circuit to substantially re-establish the desired value of the RF characteristic(s). The processing module generates a message regarding the adjusting of the tuning circuit, wherein a level of the adjusting is representative of a variance of pressure sensed by the pressure sensing circuit. The transmitter transmits the message.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: RFMicron, Inc.Inventors: Shahriar Rokhsaz, Brian David Young
-
Publication number: 20170057306Abstract: Data representing a ground contact time of a tire is transmitted from a tire side device, and received by a vehicle side device to calculate the ground contact time of the tire, to thereby calculate a ground contact length of the tire at that time. In a situation where a tire air pressure may change such as a tire exchange, the ground contact length at that time is set as a reference ground contact length, and a determination reference value is set on the basis of the reference ground contact length. As a result, the relative determination reference value corresponding to the tire type can be set, and a variation of the reduction rate of the tire air pressure when it is determined that the tire air pressure is reduced can be reduced. As a result, the reduction in the tire air pressure can be detected with high precision regardless of the tire type.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Youichirou SUZUKI, Akira TAKAOKA, Takashi SAITOU, Nobuya WATABE, Masashi MORI, Takatoshi SEKIZAWA
-
Publication number: 20170057307Abstract: The invention provides a method of mounting a device to a tire so that the device is mounted on a flat surface. The invention includes a shaped rubber patch having a flat mounting surface and a doubly curved lower surface. The shaped rubber patch is mounted inside the tire in such a way that the curved lower surface mates to the tire sidewall so that the device can be mounted on a flat surface. Because the curved lower surface of the patch mates with the tire curvature, a better attachment interface is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventor: Robert Leon BENEDICT
-
Publication number: 20170057308Abstract: A tire grip enhancing assembly includes a covering for removably positioning on a tire. The covering comprises a flexible material and has a first lateral wall, a second lateral wall and a perimeter wall that is attached to and extends between the first and second lateral walls. Each of the first and second lateral walls has an annular opening extending therethrough. A plurality of raised members is attached to and extends away from the perimeter wall. A pair of bands is provided. Each the annular opening has a perimeter edge has one of the bands attached thereto. Each band is comprised of a resiliently stretchable material.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventor: Alireza Sedighpour
-
Publication number: 20170057309Abstract: The invention is directed to a valve stem system (1) for tubeless wheels. The valve stem system (1) includes a valve stem body (2) with a first end (3) and a second end (4), wherein the second end (4) is located in a tire/rim-volume when mounted at the wheel. A first valve element (5) is arranged at the second end (4) of the valve stem body (2). The first valve element (5) is a self-sealing one-way valve. The invention further concerns a probe (30) for a valve stem system, a method to test the amount of sealant in a wheel and a refilling assembly (80) for a wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2014Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: SPORTS COMPONENTS AGInventors: Pius KOBLER, Dominik EGGERT
-
Publication number: 20170057310Abstract: A trailer hitch spring pin lock mechanism is provided. The mechanism includes a hitch receiver secured to a trailer hitch main body. The trailer hitch main body may be secured to a chassis of a vehicle. The hitch receiver includes a side wall forming a hitch receiver slot within and a front opening leading into the hitch receiver slot. A side opening is formed through the side wall. The present invention further includes an outer plate having an outer plate opening formed there through. The present invention further includes a main pin. A protrusion 40 extends laterally from the main pin. The main pin runs through the outer plate opening and the side opening. A spring is secured around the main pin in between the protrusion and the outer plate, biasing the main pin within the hitch receiver slot.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Chris Wayne Smith, Kenneth Lee Griffin
-
Publication number: 20170057311Abstract: A lock for a gooseneck style trailer may present a tow-ball interface on a base plate with an associated rod interface. The rod may be inserted through one of a plurality of holes along a circumference of the base plate so as to also interface with structure on the trailer. The rod then may be locked into position with a locking mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventor: Joel P. Layton
-
Publication number: 20170057312Abstract: A cover set for a vehicle hitch ball configured to be secured to and protect the vehicle ball, the cover set having a cover having a hollow cuboid shape, and a pair of U-bolts having a first U-bolt having a first length and a second U-bolt having a second length longer than the first length, each of the first and second U-bolts being configured to conform to a standard vehicle hitch ball; the cover having a left face, a right face, a top face, a back face, a front face, and an open bottom; the back face having a center hole configured to substantially conform to more than one standard vehicle hitch ball, a first pair of upper back face holes proximate to the top face, a second pair of lower back face holes proximate to the open bottom, each lower back face hole of the second pair of lower back face holes being configured to allow passage of a first bolt for securing the U-bolt around a neck portion of the vehicle hitch ball, and a back face cutout along a bottom edge of the back face for conforming to a vehicType: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventor: Peter Baron
-
Publication number: 20170057313Abstract: A control arm for the rear wheel suspension of a car where the control arm includes a cup-shaped spring mount with branches projecting from the spring seat. The branches may be designed as closed channels or U-shaped channels. In the upper part of the control arm there are flanges projecting from each side thereof. The flanges include a reinforced area around the spring seat. The cup-shaped spring seat is reinforces with wedges on the inside thereof. The spring seat and branches form a stiff frame structure. Also described is a method for manufacturing the control arm by forging.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: Raufoss Technology ASInventor: Frode Paulsen
-
Publication number: 20170057314Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a link unit, comprising the steps of provision of a carrier, reshaping of the carrier in the region of a first connecting section in such a way that an upset section is formed, the wall thickness of the carrier being increased in the region of the upset section, and provision of a node element with a joint section, and connecting of the joint section to the first connecting section by means of a rotary friction welding method. Furthermore, the invention relates to a link unit, in which a carrier which is configured in the manner of a hollow body is connected to a node element by means of a rotary friction welding method.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: SAF-HOLLAND GmbHInventors: Olaf Drewes, Frederik Biewer
-
Publication number: 20170057315Abstract: An on-board mountable power unit, for ride-height adjustment of a “Softail” type of motorcycle, includes a pair of hydraulic actuators, each adapted to be mounted on the forward end of the rod of a piston and cylinder arrangement of a respective shock absorber of the rear suspension assembly of the motorcycle, after removal of the stub shaft extension of each rod. Each actuator is an hydraulic actuator ram having a housing, with longitudinally spaced forward and trailing ends between which is defined a chamber containing a piston movable between the ends. The piston has an elongate piston-rod that projects through an end plate at the trailing end of the housing, with a trailing end of he piston rod adapted for engagement with the forward end of the rod of the piston and cylinder arrangement of the respective shock absorber.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventor: Ken Allen Rutherford
-
Publication number: 20170057316Abstract: APC systems and methods using vehicle mass to assess boardings and alightings of passengers on transit vehicles (e.g., buses). Vehicle mass is determined based on signaled information indicative of a pressure in one or more air bag circuits of an air ride suspension system of the vehicle. In some embodiments, pressure information from three air bag circuits of the vehicle are monitored and reviewed to determine vehicle mass. The passenger count can be estimated based on determined vehicle mass by an Additional Mass Method or an Event-Based Method for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: Regents of the University of MinnesotaInventors: William Northrop, David Kittelson, Andrew Kotz
-
Publication number: 20170057317Abstract: An active damper system is provided for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. It includes a damper unit with a cylinder, a piston which is guided in the cylinder, and a piston rod which is connected to the piston. The piston divides the cylinder into a first chamber and a second chamber, and the damper unit is designed to be arranged between a body and a wheel of the vehicle. The damper system also has a pump for changing the pressure in the two chambers and for moving the piston, a first valve, a second valve, which is connected to the first valve in series, a third valve, and a fourth valve, which is connected to the third valve in series. The first and second valve are connected in parallel to the third and fourth valve. A fluid-conductive first line leads to the first chamber between the first valve and the second valve, and a fluid-conductive second line leads to the second chamber between the third valve and the fourth valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Roland SCHMIDT, Hubert SCHOLZ
-
Publication number: 20170057318Abstract: A lateral stabilization assembly includes a chassis and a stabilizer bar coupled to the chassis. The stabilizer bar includes a central bar portion extending along a bar axis. The lateral stabilization assembly also includes first and second bearings coupled to the chassis. The lateral stabilization assembly also includes a first and second flanges fixed to the central bar portion. The first flange and the second flange are configured to allow a transfer of lateral loads between the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the chassis through the first bearing, the stabilizer bar, and the second bearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Joseph K. Moore, Balbir S. Sangha, Norman Parker
-
Publication number: 20170057319Abstract: An air inlet assembly selectively directs intake air from an exterior region to an interior region. The assembly includes an inlet panel having a first inlet wall defining an aperture and a shutter member. The shutter member is movable relative to the inlet panel between a plurality of positions, including a closed position and an open position. The shutter member includes a vented section operative to provide airflow communication between the exterior and interior region such that the vented section is visible through the aperture when the shutter member is in the open position. The shutter member includes a non-vented section restricting airflow communication between the exterior and interior region such that the non-vented section is visible through the aperture when the shutter member is in the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: David T. Renke, Christopher S. Aude, Sorin Ratiu
-
Publication number: 20170057320Abstract: The present invention relates to an outdoor heat exchanger, and more particularly, to a down flow type outdoor heat exchanger having channels of at least three paths in a heat pump system for vehicles, in which a flux distribution means protruded in a height direction is further formed in a lower tank in which the channel is changed from an upward direction to a downward direction or from a downward direction to an upward direction to block some area of a lower portion thereof so as to prevent a refrigerant from being non-uniformly distributed while a flux is concentrated toward a rear side of the channel due to a fluid inertia in an area in which the flow path is changed, thereby delaying frosting upon heating.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Jun Young Song, Hong-Young Lim, Kwang Hun OH
-
Publication number: 20170057321Abstract: An apparatus and system for refilling or servicing a device, such as an automobile coolant system, with pressurized contents are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an actuator pin adapted to control flow and is capable of operating with either a puncture top bottle or internal valve bottle containing pressurized contents are disclosed. The apparatus includes means to prevent flow and secure the pressurized contents once the puncture top bottle or internal valve bottle containing pressurized contents is actuated.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: Pacific Link LLCInventors: Alexander Kuo, James Monti
-
Publication number: 20170057322Abstract: A method of controlling a cabin temperature of a hybrid or a start-stop equipped vehicle when idling is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) monitoring a state of the vehicle transmission; (b) sensing a temperature within the cabin of the vehicle; and (c) overriding an initial setting of a climate control system of the vehicle after the state of the vehicle transmission has been in park for a predetermined period of time and the sensed cabin temperature is within a predetermined temperature range. The initial setting of the climate control system may be adjusted to maintain the cabin temperature within the predetermined temperature range. A vehicle operator may be informed of the override via wireless communication or a visual indication.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Christopher Michael Kava, Mark Anthony Rockwell, Justin Reuel Badger
-
Publication number: 20170057323Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a transport refrigeration system are provided. In one instance, the method includes identifying an operational mode change request for a heat exchanger unit of the transport refrigeration system. The method also includes preparing the transport refrigeration system for the operational mode change of the heat exchanger unit, wherein preparing the transport refrigeration system for the operational mode change of the heat exchanger unit includes performing a load control action, the load control action preventing a power source of the transport refrigeration system from at least one of operating outside of a predefined revolutions per minute (RPM) bandwidth and exceeding a predefined power limit of the power source. Also, the method includes changing the operational mode of the heat exchanger unit; and removing the load control action.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Timothy J. NEU, Brett HEBERER, James E. CONDE, Wayne DONNELLAN
-
Publication number: 20170057324Abstract: A motor vehicle ventilation device has at least one linear air duct which runs substantially horizontally inside a dashboard of the motor vehicle, and at least one air vent on the dashboard which is in fluidic connection with the at least one air duct. The at least one air vent is mounted moveably on the dashboard in the direction of the air duct. Means are provided which, independently of the selected position of the air vent, firstly maintain the fluidic connection between the air duct and the air vent and secondly keep the air duct closed substantially air-tightly outside the air vent.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Ingo Krolewski, Sandra Krolewski
-
Publication number: 20170057325Abstract: An air vent includes a housing extending between an inlet opening and an outlet opening, such that the housing defines a substantially closed air path between the inlet opening and the outlet opening. A first vane is disposed within the air path and is configured to rotate about a first axis. A second vane is disposed within the air path and is configured to rotate about a second axis, which is substantially orthogonal to the first axis. A controller is configured to rotate the first vane about the first axis and to rotate the second vane about the second axis. The controller is disposed outside of the air path, such that both the first vane and the second vane are adjustable from outside of the air path.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Gerard A. Brinas
-
Publication number: 20170057326Abstract: The present invention relates to an air vent knob for a vehicle, and more particularly to enhance the operation feeling and the quality by reducing impact sound depending on the movement of a knob adjusting the wind direction of an air vent.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: Nifco Korea, Inc.Inventor: Tae Hyung Cho