Patents Issued in March 14, 2017
-
Patent number: 9592831Abstract: The present invention relates to a launch control unit for selectively engaging a revised shift control strategy. The revised shift control strategy is operable to control an internal combustion engine and/or an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle. The launch control unit can be configured to receive a brake signal from a foot brake and a torque demand from a throttle pedal. In use, the launch control unit is operable to engage said revised shift control strategy upon receipt of a torque demand greater than or equal to an upper torque threshold within a predefined time period of receipt of a brake signal less than or equal to a lower brake threshold.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2013Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover LimitedInventors: David Blakeway, Neil Dixon
-
Patent number: 9592832Abstract: A method for controlling regenerative braking in a hybrid electric powertrain includes using an e-pump to supply fluid to a transmission provided an indication that a torque converter clutch disengagement will occur under current powertrain operating conditions is present, and discontinuing use of the e-pump and using a mechanical pump to supply fluid to the transmission provided the indication that a torque converter clutch disengagement will occur under current powertrain operating conditions is absent.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIE,S LLCInventors: Felix Nedorezov, Hong Jiang, Zhengyu Dai, Mark S. Yamazaki, Daniel S. Colvin
-
Method and apparatus for capturing road curve properties and calculating maximum safe advisory speed
Patent number: 9592833Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of Highway signage and more specifically to a device for automatically capturing road curve properties and a process for automating calculating the maximum safe Advisory Speed of Roads. This invention is a new device that automates the accurate measurement of road curve/Railway radius and super elevation. This information is assembled to automatically report the recommended curve speed, or Curve Advisor Speed (CAS) for a particular curve. The device is assembled into a single, compact, low power and transportable case which can be driven at normal road speeds in a car.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: RIEKER INC.Inventors: Edward P. Denigan, Joseph P. Caruso, Charles E. Gosnell, Abhay A. Tambe -
Patent number: 9592834Abstract: A vehicle environment recognizing apparatus comprises an image capturing device, a road shape calculating section and a straight road determining section. The image capturing device is configured to capture an image of a road on which a vehicle is traveling. The road shape calculating section is configured to calculate approximation lines that approximate a shape of the road in at two least regions that are located at different distances in front of the vehicle based on image data captured by the image capturing device. The straight road determining section is configured to determine whether the road on which the vehicle is traveling is straight based on a degree to which the approximation lines of the regions calculated by the road shape calculating section match one another.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2011Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Fuminori Takeda, Taku Takahama
-
Patent number: 9592835Abstract: A device for detecting the sleepiness of a driver driving a vehicle is designed to determine if the resetting of threshold values for detection of sleepiness is performed based upon its necessity when an interruption of the driving occurs. The inventive device computes successively an eyelid opening/closing characteristic amount from time intervals between transitions between an opened state and a closed state of an eyelid detected successively; sets threshold values using the eyelid opening/closing characteristic amounts obtained in a predetermined period; and judges the driver feels sleepiness when the eyelid opening/closing characteristic amount deviates from a range defined with the threshold values. In restarting the driving after its interruption, it is judged if the resetting of the threshold values is to be performed based on the driver's condition till then, and the resetting is performed, using eyelid opening/closing characteristic amounts obtained after the restarting of the driving.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2016Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yoshiyuki Hatakeyama
-
Patent number: 9592836Abstract: A travelling vehicle system that allows a travelling vehicle to smoothly pass through a switching region where a state of a track is switched. The system includes a switching device which switches a state of a track in the switching region, and a host controller which manages a travelling vehicle. The switching device includes a detector which detects the state of the track in the switching region, and a report device which is arranged along the track from the switching region toward the upstream side of the track and reports switching information showing the state of the track. The host controller includes a permission issuing part which issues to the travelling vehicle controller a passage permission, and the travelling vehicle controller includes a travelling control part which determines whether or not to stop before the switching region based on the passage permission and the switching information.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2015Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.Inventor: Toshimitsu Higashi
-
Patent number: 9592837Abstract: An outlet gate assembly includes a body and an elongated discharge opening. An elongated discharge conduit is generally adjacent the discharge opening and is configured to pass material through either of the first discharge end and the second discharge end. A valve assembly controls the flow of material from the discharge opening into the discharge conduit and includes a direct motion component and a lost motion component and a lost motion coupling between the direct motion component and the lost motion component. Each of the direct motion component and the lost motion component is rotatable to move between an open position and a closed position and the valve assembly is operable from either the first end or the second end of the body.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: SALCO PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: James M. McLaughlin, David A. Oestermeyer, Alex V. Degutis, Joshua J. Chesser, Clayton J. Strand, Matthew C. Huang, William R. Borowski
-
Patent number: 9592838Abstract: A tandem rider device and method of use for maintaining three planes of stability, elimination of interference and steering is presented. In particular, the present invention relates to devices and mechanisms, which when connected to the three planes of stability, vertical, horizontal and axial, between two duplicate personal transportation devices or between the transportation device and another device including structural stability elements provide for the following three enhancements. Provide tracking wheels, levers, springs and pedals for interference elimination devices allowing removal of tracking wheel interferences when two devices are connected together. Providing steering mechanism used for steering two duplicate personal transportation devices or steering the transportation device and another device when the tandem rider device is placed on a suitable surface other than parallel tracks.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2016Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Inventors: Chiprle Mae Mecklenburg, Daniel Carl Mecklenburg, Sr.
-
Patent number: 9592839Abstract: A railcar includes: a pair of side sills extending in a railcar longitudinal direction; end beams respectively located at railcar-longitudinal-direction end portions of the side sills to extend in a railcar width direction; bolster beams located at a railcar-longitudinal-direction inner side of the end beams to extend in the railcar width direction and respectively placed on bogies; center sills each located between the end beam and the bolster beam to extend in a railcar longitudinal direction; a plurality of cross beams located at a railcar-longitudinal-direction inner side of the bolster beams to extend in the railcar width direction; and a corrugated plate fixed to upper surfaces of the cross beams to be displaceable relative to the bolster beams in the railcar longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2013Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toshiyuki Hirashima, Shirou Honma, Hitoshi Nagahara
-
Patent number: 9592840Abstract: A railcar axle box suspension includes a coupling mechanism configured to couple an axle box to a bogie frame, and the coupling mechanism includes: an axle beam including a tubular portion; a core rod inserted through the tubular portion, protruding portions being provided at both sides of the core rod; a pair of receiving seats provided at the bogie frame and including fitting grooves, the protruding portions being fitted in the fitting grooves; a pair of lid members supporting the respective protruding portions; fastening mechanisms fixing the lid members to the receiving seats; and locking members. Each of the receiving seats includes a first screw hole. Each of the lid members includes a first insertion hole and a second screw hole.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yasufumi Okumura, Takehiro Nishimura, Shintaro Ando, Shunichi Nakao
-
Patent number: 9592841Abstract: A method to determine fuel consumption, energy consumption, or both fuel consumption and energy consumption, during one test train run, or a plurality of test train runs, that is associated with modifying an operating parameter is provided. The method includes determining a reference fuel/energy consumption, and a cumulative ITE for one, or a plurality of reference train runs (CITERR) over a portion of track, and correcting the reference fuel/energy consumption using the CITERR of the one, or a plurality of reference train runs, to produce a corrected reference fuel/energy consumption value. The operating parameter is modified, and a modified fuel/energy consumption and cumulative ITE for the one, or a plurality of test train runs (CITETR), over the portion of track is determined, and a corrected test fuel/energy consumption value is obtained by correcting the modified fuel/energy consumption using the CITETR of the one, or a plurality of test train runs.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2015Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignees: L.B. FOSTER RAIL TECHNOLOGIES, CORP., UNION PACIFIC RAILROADInventors: Kevin David Oldknow, Wayne A. Kennedy, John M. Peters, Srini Nedunoori, Divya Kadam
-
Patent number: 9592842Abstract: A locomotive control system and method of use operable to provide operational control of a locomotive ensuing the detection that the locomotive will enter a railroad switch having the point blades incorrectly positioned. The locomotive control system further includes a point alignment detection sensor being operably coupled to a railroad switch and the point blades thereof. A plurality of track transceivers are mounted adjacent to the railroad switch and extend outward from the railroad switch along the railroad track. At least one engine transceiver is provided and is operably coupled to a locomotive. A controller is included and functions to provide logic and control of the locomotive control system. The method provides monitoring of the point blades of a railroad switch and detection of the movement of an approaching locomotive having entered the detection zone and is operable to prevent movement through the railroad switch if damage will occur thereto.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Inventor: John Mercer
-
Patent number: 9592843Abstract: A detection and indication system for use in a railway switch machine which utilizes one or more roller members which physically interact with a point detector bar coupled to one or more switch points to provide an indication of a point failure upon movement of the point detector bar a predetermined distance from an initial position. The system includes a mounting structure structured to be coupled to a housing of the switch machine and a first sensing device coupled to the mounting structure. The first sensing device is positioned and structured to detect movement of the point detector bar a second predetermined distance from the initial position, wherein the second predetermined distance is less than the first predetermined distance.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: ANSALDO STS USA, INC.Inventors: Peter J. Mariuzza, Jr., Kevin McQuistian, Sean Dowhy
-
Patent number: 9592844Abstract: A locomotive driver's cab allows a locomotive driver a comparatively long time for observing a route by providing the locomotive driver's cab with a front vision display for displaying rail-vehicle-relevant information in the field of vision of the locomotive driver.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Roland Porsch, Wilhelm Schaeper
-
Patent number: 9592845Abstract: A staging cart for moving multiple packaged mattresses generally includes a base frame having a length and a width dimension; a handle frame extending upwardly from a rear end of the cart; a pair of rear wheels and a pair of forward wheels mounted to a bottom surface of the base frame at the rear and forward ends of the base frame, respectively; a platform portion coupled to the base frame spanning a length of the base frame and having a planar surface, wherein the platform portion has a width dimension less than the width dimension of the base frame and is medially located within the base frame; and at least one roller coupled to the base frame spanning the length dimension and adjacent to at least one side of the platform portion, wherein the at least one roller has an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis of the platform portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2016Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: DREAMWELL, LTD.Inventor: Jaime Palma
-
Patent number: 9592846Abstract: A collapsible stroller includes a stroller frame, at least one hinge mechanism, a wheel, and a swivel mechanism. The stroller frame is moveable between a deployed position and a collapsed position. The hinge mechanism allows for movement of the stroller frame between the collapsed position and the deployed position. The swivel mechanism connects the wheel to the stroller frame. The swivel mechanism includes a vertical axle, a cam follower, and a cam. The vertical axle connects with the wheel and is rotatable with respect to the stroller frame about a vertical axis. The cam follower is fixed to the vertical axle. The cam includes a sloped cam surface at least partially surrounding the vertical axle. The sloped cam surface contacts the cam follower to move the cam follower along the sloped cam surface, which results in rotation of the vertical axle about the vertical axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2015Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Helen of Troy LimitedInventors: Thomas C. Hanson, Tiffany C. Chen, Troy H. Phipps
-
Patent number: 9592847Abstract: A steering column arrangement has a sliding sleeve and a universal joint yoke, which has a receiving section in which the sliding sleeve is included at least in sections and coaxially. The covering outer surface of the sliding sleeve and the covering inner surface of the receiving section have molded components for the positive connection. A torsion damper element is arranged between the sliding sleeve and the receiving section of the universal joint yoke. This is an annular arrangement, including an inner carrier ring, an outer carrier ring and an elastomer ring arranged between them. The inner carrier ring and outer carrier ring are elastic in a radial direction and rigid in an axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Detlef Hansen, Torsten Harms, Horst Hartmann, Frank Rohwer, Marco Schwieger
-
Patent number: 9592848Abstract: An electric power steering controller adjustably generates a target steer torque dynamically by weighting (i) a load based target steer torque that is determined based on an estimated load and (ii) a steer angle based target steer torque with a weighting ratio. The weighting ratio varies depending on a condition of a road surface on which a subject vehicle is traveling, a steering state of the driver and the like, which enables an adjustment of the target steer torque to suitably accommodate the condition of the road surface and to provide a road surface conscious steering feel while achieving robustness over an influence of a friction of the mechanical components in a steering system.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Yosuke Hirate, Motoaki Kataoka
-
Patent number: 9592849Abstract: An electric power steering system for a vehicle works to determine an assist command based on steering torque to produce assist torque through an electric motor for assisting in turning a steering wheel of the vehicle, also determines a tracking command for producing automatic steering torque which brings a value of a given physical quantity associated with steering of the vehicle into agreement a target value, and calculates a vibration correction command for use in producing vibration correction torque which suppresses vibration of the steering torque which arises from output of the torque from the electric motor based on a transfer characteristic of transmission of the output of torque from the electric motor as a part of the steering torque through the steering mechanism. A motor driver works to actuate the electric motor based on the sum of the assist command, the tracking command, and the vibration correction command.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2015Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Hisaya Akatsuka, Motoaki Kataoka, Toshiki Matsumoto, Hisashi Iida
-
Patent number: 9592850Abstract: A steering control apparatus includes an assist deviation calculator calculating an assist deviation, a follow deviation calculator calculating a follow deviation, a unit converter converting a measurement unit, a weighting factor setter setting a weighting factor, a deviation mixer calculating a controlled deviation by mixing the deviations, and an instruction value generator generating an assist instruction value that drives a motor to output (i) an automatic steering torque and (ii) an assist torque. The assist instruction value is generated based on the calculated controlled deviation, and by decreasing the controlled deviation in a feedback manner, so that the drive of the motor leads to a decrease of the calculated controlled deviation, thereby switching the assist and follow control without a wrong steering feeling, and without deterioration of each of assist/follow functions.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2016Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Motoaki Kataoka, Hisaya Akatsuka
-
Patent number: 9592851Abstract: A trailer backup assist system, according to one embodiment, provides a sensor that senses a hitch angle between a trailer and a vehicle. The trailer backup assist system also provides a selection device for selecting a longitudinal direction of the trailer or the vehicle in a static orientation. Further, the trailer backup assist system provides a controller that generates a steering command to the vehicle when reversing based on the hitch angle to guide the trailer in the selected longitudinal direction. The controller determines a kinematic relationship of the trailer and the vehicle based on a length of the trailer and a wheelbase of the vehicle, whereby the steering command is generated based on the kinematic relationship.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Douglas Scott Rhode
-
Patent number: 9592852Abstract: A parking assist system includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to detect an obstacle. The electronic control unit is configured to determine a target position of a moving path of a vehicle. The electronic control unit is configured to determine the target position at a position at which the vehicle is spaced at least a predetermined distance from the obstacle higher than a first threshold and the vehicle overlaps with the obstacle lower than the first threshold.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2015Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignees: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yusuke Kiyokawa, Masaya Kato, Tomohisa Yamashita, Tomoyuki Matsuba, Takashi Kuwayama, Motonari Obayashi, Hironobu Ishijima, Keisuke Oyama
-
Patent number: 9592853Abstract: Provided is a load-carrying or non-load carrying structural component for a vehicle having improved impact resistance, such as a gas tank protection shield, an underbody shield, a structural panel, an interior floor, a floor pan, a roof, an exterior surface, a storage area, a glove box, a console box, a trunk, a trunk floor, a truck bed, and combinations thereof. The component has a support structure with ridges, each spaced apart from one another at predetermined intervals, to form a corrugated surface capable of load-carrying. The ridges are longitudinally extending, raised ridges and define top and side walls. A plurality of strategically thickened areas is on at least one of the top wall and side walls.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Teijin LimitedInventors: Venkat Aitharaju, Yutaka Yagi, Yuhei Konagai
-
Patent number: 9592854Abstract: There is provided a vehicle front portion structure including (1) a suspension member having (i) a front cross member and a rear cross member, and (ii) a side rail that couples vehicle width direction outside end portions of the front cross member and the rear cross member, (2) a lower arm whose vehicle width direction outside end portion is coupled to a front wheel and whose vehicle width direction inside end portion is coupled at least to a front side coupling portion and a rear side coupling portion of the suspension member, and (3) a weak portion that is formed in the front cross member on the vehicle width direction inside of a coupling point at which the lower arm and the front side coupling portion are coupled to each other and that is to be broken by a load input from the vehicle body front side.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2016Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Naoyuki Ishii
-
Patent number: 9592855Abstract: Provided is a vehicle-body lower structure with a side collision sensor which vehicle-body lower structure can attain early sensing by improving a body structure. A first load transmission member of which a longitudinal section has a generally Z-shape is disposed in a closed section of a rocker. A first joining portion of first load transmission member is joined in a state where first joining portion is sandwiched between an upper flange of a rocker outer panel and an upper flange of a rocker inner panel, and a second joining portion is joined to an intermediate part, in a height direction, of a vertical wall portion of rocker outer panel. A body portion connects first joining portion and second joining portion diagonally, and transmits a load input into rocker outer panel at time of a side collision, to an upper-wall-portion side of rocker inner panel by a shortest distance.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tetsumasa Kindaichi, Kento Shigeishi
-
Patent number: 9592856Abstract: There are provided a pair of roof rails, a roof panel, a front header, a pair of front pillars, and a pair of center pillars, and a pair of front inclination roof reinforcements provided at a lower face of the roof panel. Each of the front inclination roof reinforcements is configured to extend obliquely from its front portion which is joined to the front header to its rear portion which is positioned on an outward side, in a vehicle width direction, relative to the front portion and joined to a portion located in the vicinity of a joint portion of the center pillar and the roof rail. Thereby, the torsional rigidity of a vehicle body can be properly improved, so that the maneuverability/stability of a vehicle can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2016Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Takeshi Nakamura, Keizo Kawasaki, Kenichi Sato
-
Patent number: 9592857Abstract: A closing plug for an opening in a body structure of an automobile, wherein the closing plug closes the opening against a passage of fluid and/or gas up to a limit pressure which acts on the closing plug, and allows a passage of fluid and/or gas above the limit pressure, characterized in that the closing plug comprises a base body consisting of a first plastic material, which has a holding section with holding means for holding the closing plug in the opening and a plate-shaped head section provided on one end of the holding section with at least one opening and that the closing plug comprises a sealing body of a second plastic material molded onto the base body in a plastic injection molding process.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventor: Frank Eckstein
-
Patent number: 9592858Abstract: A reinforced structure is disclosed which includes a structural component as well as a reinforcing part that is arranged in a cavity of the structural component. The reinforcing part can include a support part and a connection, the support part being arranged in the cavity such that a distance between the support part and the structural component at a position of the structural component with a higher probability of deforming under a force load from outside on the structural component is shorter than at a position of the structural component with a lower probability of deforming under a force load from the outside.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2015Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: SIKA TECHNOLOGY AGInventor: Thomas Kraushaar
-
Patent number: 9592859Abstract: A multipurpose trailer including a trailer structure, a wheel assembly and a hitch assembly is disclosed, wherein the lower level includes a first cargo space such as for containing and transporting livestock. An upper level is located above the lower level, and includes a second cargo space adapted and constructed to provide, for instance, living space for humans. A roof assembly is connected to the upper level, whereby the roof assembly is convertible between a first, closed position in which the roof assembly is folded over the second cargo space of the upper level, and a second, open position in which the roof assembly is open to the ambient environment.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2015Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Inventors: Keith D. Dewitt, Patricia P. Dewitt
-
Patent number: 9592860Abstract: A replacement tailgate for the purpose of elongating the pickup truck may be installed on a truck bed wherein the replacement tailgate can be unfolded in order to elongate a length of the truck bed. The replacement tailgate may have front and rear shells that are used to support objects placed in the truck bed as well as act as the new tailgate when the truck bed length is elongated. Various panels may be unfolded in order to trap objects within the truck bed when the replacement tailgate is unfolded in order to elongate the truck bed length.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2016Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
-
Patent number: 9592861Abstract: An axle mounted spare tire assembly is disclosed for use in replacing a damaged vehicle tire or tire support structure to permit a vehicle to then travel to a vehicle repair shop. The apparatus is comprised of a saddle which surrounds and bolts onto a vehicle's axle. A support tire is mounted below the saddle on a self-locking axle and will rotate as the vehicle is driven. The saddle is provided with a plurality of bolts to facilitate attachment to round, U-shaped, and square vehicle axles. The saddle is also equipped with a detachable handle to allow for ease of attachment and transfer of the assembly to and from the damage site.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Inventor: Gary Fontenot
-
Patent number: 9592862Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 30, 2015Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Green Industry Innovators, L.L.C.Inventors: Todd Pugh, Steffon Hoppel
-
Patent number: 9592863Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch may include at least one support frame capable of engaging with a towing vehicle. The fifth wheel hitch may further include a cross-member attached to the support frame and an isolation system operatively coupled with the cross-member. The isolation system may include a beam engaged with the cross-member about a first axis, where rotation of the beam about the first axis is dampened via a cross-member isolator. The isolation system may also include a skid plate engaged with the beam about a second axis, where rotation of the skid plate about the second axis is dampened via a wing isolator.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2011Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Richard W. McCoy, Eric J. Stanifer
-
Patent number: 9592864Abstract: An upper transition assembly is disclosed. The upper transition assembly may have an upper spacer plate extending from a first spacer end to a second spacer end. The upper spacer plate may have a base portion having a first width. The upper spacer plate may also have a projection extending from the base portion. The projection may have a second width smaller than the first width. The upper transition assembly may also have a lower spacer plate extending from adjacent the first spacer end to a first distal end disposed between the first spacer end and the second spacer end. The lower spacer plate may have a third width about equal to the second width.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining America, LLCInventor: Adalbert Zimmer
-
Patent number: 9592865Abstract: A track assembly is disclosed for use with a mobile machine. The track assembly may have a plurality of crawler shoes. Each of the plurality of crawler shoes may include a ground engaging surface and first and second pairs of links laterally spaced apart on a side opposite the ground engaging surface. The track assembly may also have a first pin connecting the first pair of links of each of the plurality of crawler shoes to form a first continuous chain, and a second pin connecting the second pair of links of each of the plurality of crawler shoes to form a second continuous chain. The track assembly may further have a drive wheel having dual sprockets configured to simultaneously engage the first and second continuous chains.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Thomas Ellmann
-
Patent number: 9592866Abstract: A track assembly may have a chain assembly including a plurality of track links, a traction assembly including track shoes secured to the plurality of track links, a drive sprocket, an idler assembly including an idler and a mount, and a roller assembly including a plurality of rollers and a roller frame. A wear monitoring system may have a wear sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a current position of a first component of the track assembly, and a controller in communication with the at least one wear sensor, the controller being configured to determine an amount of wear experienced by the track assembly based on the signal. The first component may be configured such that wear of at least a second component causes the first component to move to the current position from a previous position.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael Hasselbusch, Kevin L. Steiner, Eric James Johannsen
-
Patent number: 9592867Abstract: A motor vehicle body structure is provided. The motor vehicle body structure includes an outer side wall, a lateral floor reinforcement for absorbing forces in the event of an impact event, an inner side wall with a lateral sill region and a wheel housing region, which at least partially forms a wheel housing of the vehicle. A body reinforcement element is connected to the wheel housing region of the inner side wall and to the lateral floor reinforcement in a positively joined, non-positively joined and/or materially joined manner.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2013Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Roland Lessmeister
-
Patent number: 9592868Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a modular bicycle rack that includes at least a first hoop structure, a second hoop structure, a first connector plate, and a second connector plate. The first hoop structure is attached to the second hoop structure by each of the first and second connector plates. A bicycle rack that is capable of providing parking and locking surfaces for at least four bicycles may be provided using only two connected hoop structures. However, additional parking and locking surfaces may be provided simply by the further connection of additional hoop structures. Embodiments of the present disclosure are also directed to a set of components that is configured to be easily shipped, such as by a parcel carrier, and assembled to provide a bicycle rack.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: EVERLAST CLIMBING INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Joel Cooper Greenblatt, Andrew Patrick Kennedy Lageson
-
Patent number: 9592869Abstract: A rear seat for a saddle type vehicle that is readily adjustable without changing the position of a main seat to improve the riding comfort of the rear seat. A saddle type vehicle includes a head pipe, a main frame provided behind the head pipe and a seat rail extending to the rear of the main frame. A main seat is provided with a rear seat provided behind the main seat and formed as a separate member from the main seat. The rear seat is attached to a rear seat holding portion provided at a rear portion of the seat rail through a base plate for holding the rear seat thereon. The rear seat can be moved forwardly and rearwardly by making it possible for the base plate to be fixed at a plurality of positions in the forward and rearward direction with respect to the rear seat holding portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Tatsuya Sasaki, Takaaki Kasai, Yoshihito Tokuda, Keita Mikura, Soya Uchida, Takayuki Haramoto, Takatoshi Tatsumi
-
Patent number: 9592870Abstract: An intelligent system for a bicycle is provided with a control assembly including a seat bag control device, a sensor device, a digital camera, a lighting device, a warning device, and a power supply for supplying DC power to above components; and a display assembly including an LCD screen, a processing module, a communications module, and a power module for electrically interconnecting the LCD screen, the processing module, and the communications module. The seat bag control device includes a microprocessor, a memory, and a wireless communications module. The sensor device includes an optical sensor, a thermometer, an acceleration sensor, a barometer, a gyroscope, an electronic compass, a radar, and a GPS. The digital camera includes a rear camera. The lighting device includes an auxiliary light, a rear light, a directional light, and a decoration light. The warning device includes a loudspeaker and a vibration module.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: MEIZHOU XIUYING ENTERPRISE COMPANY LIMITEDInventor: Tau-Jeng Hsu
-
Patent number: 9592871Abstract: A protective case for a handheld electronic device is provided. The protective case can include a removable mounting system comprised of an interlocking member and a plurality of mounting bases. The protective case may further include a non-slip member to prevent the device from slipping on a surface and a magnet for attaching the device to a magnetic surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2016Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: ROKFORM LLCInventors: Jeff Whitten, Bernhard Leitner, Craig Erion
-
Patent number: 9592872Abstract: A motorcycle is provided which can enhance a cooling effect of a radiator while suppressing traveling resistance generated by a front fender. In a motorcycle which includes a front fender which is arranged between the left and right fork assemblies which constitute a front fork, and covers the front wheel from above, radiators are provided as a pair of left and right radiators, respective inner edges of the left and right radiators and the front fender overlap with each other as viewed from a front side, and a pair of left and right openings which extends in a vertical direction is formed in a rear portion of the front fender.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Atsushi Takasaki, Takashi Sasaki
-
Patent number: 9592873Abstract: A fuel tank is disposed between a head pipe and a rider's seat of a motorcycle. A combustion engine is disposed below the fuel tank, and a canister is disposed between the head pipe and the fuel tank. A check valve is disposed on a communication pipe unit which connects the canister and an air intake passage. Both ends of the first communication pipe are supported by the combustion engine through a throttle body and the check valve, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2015Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toshiyuki Tsubone, Norimasa Yamamoto, Hiroshi Kato, Naoto Yoshida, Tomo Yamamoto
-
Patent number: 9592874Abstract: An intelligent system for a bicycle is provided with a control assembly including a saddle control device, a sensor device, a digital camera, a lighting device, a warning device, and a power supply for supplying DC power to above components; and a display assembly including an LCD screen, a processing module, a communications module, and a power module for electrically interconnecting the LCD screen, the processing module, and the communications module. The saddle control device includes a microprocessor, a memory, and a wireless communications module. The sensor device includes an optical sensor, a thermometer, an acceleration sensor, a barometer, a gyroscope, an electronic compass, a radar, and a GPS. The digital camera includes front and rear cameras. The lighting device includes an auxiliary light, a rear light, a directional light, and a decoration light. The warning device includes a loudspeaker and a vibration module.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: MEIZHOU XIUYING ENTERPRISE COMPANY LIMITEDInventor: Tau-Jeng Hsu
-
Patent number: 9592875Abstract: An inverted vehicle according to the present invention includes: wheel; a base that holds the wheel; a step cover on which a rider rides, the step cover being connected to an upper portion of the base; an elastic element that is connected to the upper portion of the base and elastically supports the step cover; a detection portion that is provided between the base and the step cover and detects a pressing force applied from the step cover when the rider is riding on the inverted vehicle and the elastic element is elastically deformed to thereby depress the step cover; and a control portion that drives the wheel based on the detection of the pressing force by the detection portion. The step cover is connected to the base with a hinge.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takahiro Takeda, Kouta Oishi, Kazutomo Misao
-
Patent number: 9592876Abstract: A scooter having at least two front wheels, a rear wheel, a deck, a steering assembly that includes a handlebar and a steering tube, an electric motor configured to provide power, and a transmission configured to transfer the power provided by the electric motor. The transmission can be configured to transfer the power provided by the electric motor only to the rear wheel. In some configurations, the scooter includes a battery, a power switch, and a controller coupled to the power switch, the battery, and the electric motor. In response to receiving a signal from the power switch, the controller ramps up the voltage provided to the electric motor over an interval of time.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Bravo SportsInventors: Jack B. Lovley, II, Joseph C. Klingl, Mark Groenhuyzen, Kenneth Edlauer
-
Patent number: 9592877Abstract: There is provided a saddle-ridden type fuel cell vehicle. The fuel cell vehicle includes: a body frame; a steerable wheel; a driving wheel; a motor; a fuel cell; a fuel tank; and a tank valve. The body frame includes: a head pipe; a down frame portion; a pair of upper main frame portions; a pair of lower main frame portions; and up frame portions. A tank placement portion is formed in a region encircled by the upper main frame portions and the lower main frame portions in the middle portion of the body frame in the front and rear direction. The fuel tank is placed on the tank placement portion so that an axis thereof extends in the front and rear direction. A guard frame is installed between the up frame portions to traverse the rear of the tank valve in a right and left direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2016Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Shinichiro Takada, Toru Eguchi, Kazuyuki Hirota
-
Patent number: 9592878Abstract: A scooter-type vehicle including a front wheel, a steering mechanism, a vehicle frame, a saddle, a vehicle cover and a main switch unit. The vehicle frame includes a head pipe, a front frame and a rear frame. The front frame extends rearwards and downwards from a rear portion of the head pipe, and, in a front view, overlaps the front wheel when the steering mechanism is in a non-rotating state. The vehicle cover includes a flat-shaped pedal or footboard, which is further forwards than the saddle above the rear frame, and a front cover extending upwards from a front end of the flat-shaped pedal or footboard. In a side view, at least a part of the main switch unit is further forwards than an imaginary line connecting a rear end of an upper edge of the head pipe and a rear end of a lower edge of the front frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2015Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Chiming Huang
-
Patent number: 9592879Abstract: A shift positioning mechanism includes a take-up member movably arranged with respect to a fixed member in first and second directions. A stopping pawl has a stopping tooth and is rotatably mounted on a first rotational axis so as to move between a non-stop position and a stop position. A positioning pawl has a positioning tooth and is rotatably mounted on the first rotational axis so as to move between a non-holding position and a holding position. A releasing member is movably arranged between a non-releasing position and a releasing position so as to rotate the stopping pawl and the positioning pawl. The releasing member rotates the stopping pawl and the positioning pawl such that the stopping tooth moves from the non-stop position to the stop position prior to the positioning tooth moving from the holding position to the non-holding position.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Kazutaka Fukao, Yoshimitsu Miki
-
Patent number: 9592880Abstract: A bicycle operating apparatus is provided with a base member, a ratchet, a pawl member and an operating member. The ratchet is rotatably disposed around a ratchet axis, and biased in a first direction about the ratchet axis. The operating member moves the pawl member from a first position to a second position. The pawl member has a pawl portion and first and second support portions. The pawl portion engages with the ratchet teeth while the pawl member is in the second position to regulate rotation of the ratchet in the first direction. The first support portion pivotally supports the pawl member around a first axis as the pawl member moves from the first position to the second position. The second support portion pivotally supports the pawl member around a second axis while the pawl member is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2015Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami