Patents Issued in July 25, 2017
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Patent number: 9714033Abstract: A vehicle collision avoidance system that utilizes signal emitters and receivers positioned around the periphery of vehicles to detect nearby vehicles. Upon detection of a nearby vehicle, the system may execute any of a variety of predefined responses based on the distance from the local vehicle to the detected nearby vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: AI IncorporatedInventor: Ali Ebrahimi Afrouzi
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Patent number: 9714034Abstract: In a case where existence of a branch point in front of a vehicle is not recognized based on position information of the vehicle and map information, when a lane width variation is greater than or equal to a first threshold value larger than a second threshold value, a determination that the branch point exists is made by a determination unit of a vehicle control device. On the other hand, in a case where existence of the branch point is recognized based on the position information of the vehicle and the map information, when the lane width variation is greater than or equal to the second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, a determination that the branch point exists is made by the determination unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hirotada Otake, Tsuyoshi Shimizu, Hirohito Ide, Akihisa Yokoyama
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Patent number: 9714035Abstract: A deceleration control system includes: a travel distance acquisition unit configured to acquire a travel distance measured by a sensor of a vehicle; a measured distance recording unit configured to record a measured distance in a recording medium for each travel road segment through which the vehicle travels, the measured distance being the travel distance from a predetermined measurement start position; a reference position setting unit configured to set a reference position based on the measured distance and a deceleration position in which the vehicle decelerates, the reference position being a position located on the near side of the deceleration position by a predetermined reference distance; and a deceleration control unit configured to perform deceleration control based on the travel distance from the reference position.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Akira Matsuda, Haruki Oguri
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Patent number: 9714036Abstract: An autonomous driving device includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a value corresponding to a steering operation during an autonomous driving, and a control unit configured to perform the autonomous driving and to control switching of a driving state between the autonomous driving and a manual driving. In a case where a first value corresponding to the steering operation is equal to or greater than a first threshold value and a second value corresponding to the steering operation before the driving state is switched from the autonomous driving in progress to the manual driving is equal to or greater than a second threshold value, the control unit decelerates the vehicle and switches the driving state from the autonomous driving in progress to the manual driving.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masaaki Yamaoka, Kohshi Katoh, Eishi Takeuchi, Tomoyuki Kuriyama, Hikaru Sato
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Patent number: 9714037Abstract: A system includes a motion sensor system configured for deployment in a cab of a vehicle and to generate substantially in real-time a digital mapping of driver movement during operation of the vehicle. A computer is configured for deployment in the cab and coupled to the motion sensor system. A driver behavior detector is coupled to the computer and configured to detect a driver distraction event using the driver movement mapping. A communication device at the vehicle is configured to communicate an alert message to one or both of a user interface device in the cab and a remote system in response to the detected driver distraction event.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITEDInventors: Jason DeRuyck, Brian R. McLaughlin
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Patent number: 9714038Abstract: The invention provides a method and device for warning against vehicle water wading. The method comprises: measuring a water depth at a predetermined distance in front of a vehicle, based on respective measuring results of a vehicle bottom laser rangefinder, an ultrasonic rangefinder, a vehicle roof laser rangefinder, and a gyro sensor; determining whether the water depth exceeds a safe depth of the vehicle; issuing a vehicle warning message if the water depth exceeds the safe depth. The invention also provides a corresponding device of the method.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jun He
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Patent number: 9714039Abstract: A knuckle thrower for a railway coupler assembly, the thrower having a knuckle actuating leg, a leg lock seat, an upper pivot structure, a lower trunnion, and stress relief feature for relieving stresses imparted on the thrower, which, according to some embodiments may include a recess provided in the perimeter wall thereof, and one or more supporting ribs.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Pennsy CorporationInventors: Perry Levitt, Aaron Stern, Manuel Tavares, Zachary Ryan Brook, Wayne H. Murphy
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Patent number: 9714040Abstract: Disclosed is unit brake, which is equipped with a cylinder apparatus in which a clutch mechanism that switches between transmitting or cutting off a biasing force of a spring brake part is disposed, is capable of preventing a braking force due to the spring brake part from unintentionally decreasing due to a meshing section of the clutch mechanism disengaging, and is of a size that can replace an existing unit brake, and maintains the performance of bearings in the clutch mechanism even with long-term use.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2012Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Nabtesco CorporationInventor: Yoshio Asano
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Patent number: 9714041Abstract: A control system for a train having at least one locomotive or control car and, optionally, at least one railroad car, operating in a track network, wherein an on-board computer determines or receives movement data and location data and generates stopping data representing an amount of force for stopping the train at a distance from a target and/or predictor data representing an estimated or predicted location or position of the train in the track network based on the movement data and the location data. A train control method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies CorporationInventor: James A. Oswald
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Patent number: 9714042Abstract: Train position is sensed using a position sensing unit having plurality of position sensors arrayed in the direction of train travel. The sensors respond to the presence and absence of a detection element on each train car, the detection element being longer than the spacing between adjacent position sensors. A confirmed count of a train car passing the position sensing unit requires detection of a series of related position sensor activations and deactivations. Alternately, the position sensing unit senses data tags on the train cars, reading unique identifiers therefrom. A list of identifiers corresponding to the car order is stored and compared to the identifiers read in order to determine train position.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: RAIL-VEYOR SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Merton F. Dibble, Joseph Capers
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Patent number: 9714043Abstract: A solution for evaluating a vehicle, such as a railroad vehicle, is provided. Vibration data relating to the railroad vehicle can be acquired by vibration sensing devices located adjacent to a rail. Enhanced signal data can be generated from the vibration data acquired by the vibration sensing devices. The enhanced signal data can be evaluated for any anomalous features, such as vibration peaks. When multiple anomalous features are present, these features can be further evaluated to determine whether they indicate a presence of a defect on the railroad vehicle that is producing a periodic signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: International Electronic Machines CorporationInventors: Zahid F. Mian, Ronald W. Gamache, Peter Hayes
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Patent number: 9714044Abstract: A skateboard carrier bag with a skateboard compartment conveniently holds a skateboard freeing the user's hands for other tasks. The skateboard compartment will typically conform to the shape of a skateboard inserted therein, reducing overall size and bulk, and allowing the skateboard carrier bag to be easily transported. In this manner, a user may take his or her skateboard virtually anywhere.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Inventor: Chanse Taylor
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Patent number: 9714045Abstract: A foldable cart for holding a plurality of baskets. Each basket has collapsible sidewalls and an upper-frame secured to and surrounding an upper rim of the collapsible sidewalls. The cart has shelf-supports, each shelf-support supporting at least one basket. First and second arms are each pivotally coupled to a side of each of the plurality of shelf-supports, the sides being opposite one another. Basket-retainers for removably receiving a basket are provided, each basket-retainer pivotally coupled to the first arm at a first side thereof and to the second arm at a second side thereof, the first and second sides being opposite one another. Each basket-retainer is pivotally coupled above each shelf-support to secure the upper-frame of one basket above the shelf-support. Also provided is cart handle coupled to an upper-end of both the first and second arms, and a leg pivotally coupled to each of the first and second arms.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Inventor: Arti Dhand
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Patent number: 9714046Abstract: A device, in particular a vehicle, intended to be moved by muscle force, including an electric machine, which influences the movement of the device in addition to the muscle force and which produces an additional force, at least one sensor for measuring the muscle force acting on the device, and apparatuses for controlling the production of the additional force by the electric machine on the basis of the measurement signal of the sensor. The apparatuses for controlling the production of the driving and/or braking force include a load device for converting electrical energy produced by the electric machine operating as a generator into another form of energy, in particular heat.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Inventor: Rolf Strothmann
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Patent number: 9714047Abstract: The disclosure provides pallet trucks having a selective turning radius. The pallet trucks include load wheel systems having at least two load wheel assemblies below each fork. A forward load wheel assembly is located near the forward end of the fork and a central load wheel assembly is located near the center of a central portion of the fork. A first turning radius is defined by the distance between the forward load wheel assembly and a directionally adjustable rear wheel when the forward load wheel assembly supports the fork. The central load wheel assembly may be selectively deployed to lift and support the fork to yield a second, shorter turning radius defined by the distance between the central load wheel assembly and the directionally adjustable rear wheel.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: BIG LIFT, LLCInventors: Liu Shunli, Weng Lijian, Xu Minghui
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Patent number: 9714048Abstract: A fastening mechanism fastens a first side plate to a second side plate by a fastening member. A boss with a rhombic cross-section of the fastening member is inserted into a telescopic-adjust long groove of the second side plate. An outer periphery of the boss includes a first corner part and a third corner part each forming an obtuse angle and facing each other. The first corner part is disposed on an upper side in an axial direction, on a lower side in a tilt direction, while the third corner part is disposed on a lower side in the axial direction, on an upper side in the tilt direction. A width across the first corner part and the third corner part is shorter than a groove width W of the telescopic-adjust long groove.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignees: JTEKT CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Susumu Imagaki, Atsushi Tano, Kentaro Kikuiri, Shunsuke Nunomura, Yuuji Ishii, Hiroshi Kawakami
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Patent number: 9714049Abstract: When an engine is to be restarted, a power-steering mechanism is reactivated once a battery voltage has reached at least a predetermined voltage at which the power-steering mechanism normally operates after the resistance of a power supply circuit is switched by the circuit switching device, after startup of the engine has been initiated.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuuichi Hosaka, Yuuichi Fukuyama, Shota Miyoshi, Michiharu Gunji, Hiromoto Shimizu
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Patent number: 9714050Abstract: A collision avoidance assistance device configured to perform driver steering assistance to avoid a collision between a vehicle and an obstacle, the device includes a steering control unit configured to perform the steering assistance in a case where it is determined that there is a possibility of the collision between the vehicle and the obstacle. During a period from commencement of the steering assistance to elapsing of a first time determined by response characteristics of a lateral acceleration of the vehicle, the steering control unit is configured to rotate a steering wheel of the vehicle in a collision avoidance direction by a control amount determined based on a steering holding force of the driver.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kohei Morotomi, Yoshihisa Yamada, Eiji Kasai, Tomonori Akiyama
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Patent number: 9714051Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes an input including a rotatable rotary element and a controller. The controller executes a trailer backup assist mode including interpreting a first instantaneous position of the rotary element as a trailer control commanding position and generating a vehicle steering command based thereon. The controller also executes a parking assist mode including implementing a parking assist action corresponding to a second instantaneous position of the rotary element.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Erick Michael Lavoie
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Patent number: 9714052Abstract: A pair of rear side frames respectively comprise front bending-promotion portions, middle bending-promotion portions and rear bending-promotion portions which cause the rear side frames to bend inward, in a vehicle width direction, in a trough-folding shape in a rear collision of a vehicle, and a longitudinal distance L2 between the front bending-promotion portions and the middle bending-promotion portions is set to be longer than a longitudinal direction L1 between the middle bending-promotion portions and the rear bending-promotion portions. Thereby, there is provided a rear vehicle-body structure of an automotive vehicle which can properly absorb a collision load at a vehicle-body rear portion, even if a rear side frame is made from material which may not cause smooth bucking of the rear side frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Hidenori Matsuoka, Ken Yamada, Akiyoshi Masuda, Kouji Matsushita
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Patent number: 9714053Abstract: A front end portion of a connecting member is fixed to a front apron, and a rear end portion of the connecting member is located vertically higher than the front end portion, and is fixed to a rear portion of a cowl. Therefore, when a rear portion of the front apron is elastically deformed rearward, the front end portion of the connecting member is moved rearward. As a result, upward force is applied obliquely upward, to the front end portion of the connecting member, via the connecting member, and a so-called cancelling moment is applied to the rear portion of the cowl. Thus, rotation of the cowl is curbed, and movement of a suspension tower plate in the vertical direction is curbed.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Takahiro Fukuoka
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Patent number: 9714054Abstract: An exemplary approach for protecting floorings in containers may utilize a first ledger attached to an upper portion of a first support beam associated with a foundational base assembly. A portion of the first ledger may protrude outward in a first horizontal direction from the upper portion of the first support beam. A second ledger may be attached to an upper portion of a second support beam next to the first support beam. A portion of the second ledger may protrude outward in a second horizontal direction from the upper portion of the second support beam. The second horizontal direction may face the first horizontal direction. A support panel may be placed on top of the portion of the first ledger and the portion of the second ledger. The support panel may have a length proximate to a distance between the first support beam and the second support beam.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Triton Container International LimitedInventors: Henry Eugene Heacox, H. Keith Hunt, Ricky Alleson Cribbs
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Patent number: 9714055Abstract: A hole plug includes a plug main body including a head portion, a leg portion, and a flange portion; and a meltable member annularly covering a periphery of an opening portion, disposed between the flange portion and a panel, and melting when heated to seal between the opening portion and the flange portion. The meltable member includes an annular convex portion at a periphery thereof, which annularly projects in a thickness direction of the meltable member, and abuts against a tip portion of the flange portion when the meltable member thermally shrinks in such a way as to reduce a diameter toward a center of the opening portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: NIFCO INC.Inventors: Natsuki Shimada, Atsushi Doi
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Patent number: 9714056Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle includes moving a lift generating device to generate lift when a vehicle speed is greater than a pre-defined speed, a steering angle of the vehicle is equal to or less than a minimum angle value, a lateral acceleration of the vehicle is equal to or less than a minimum lateral acceleration value, and a corner brake fluid pressure at any of the wheels is equal to or less than a minimum brake fluid pressure. A downforce generating device is moved to generate downforce when the vehicle speed is greater than the pre-defined speed, the steering angle is equal to or greater than a maximum angle value, the lateral acceleration is equal to or greater than a maximum lateral acceleration value, and the corner brake fluid pressure at any of the wheels is equal to or greater than a maximum brake fluid pressure.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: J. William Handzel, Jr.
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Patent number: 9714057Abstract: A pneumatically actuated air control device is provided. The device includes a control surface that affects the air flow along the device, and an at least one pneumatic motor configured to alter or change the configuration or orientation of the control surface or sections thereof. The device is configured such that when selective air pressure is supplied to the at least one motor, the control surface or sections thereof changes its configuration or its orientation with respect to the air flow, thereby affecting the air flow with respect to the device.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: PACCAR IncInventors: Jeffrey P. Smith, Bruce Bezner
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Patent number: 9714058Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body arranged along a longitudinal axis and having a first vehicle body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion relative to a road surface. The vehicle additionally includes a spoiler assembly mounted to the vehicle body. The spoiler assembly includes a spoiler body arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The spoiler assembly also includes a mechanism configured to vary a position of the spoiler body relative to the first vehicle body end. Such varying of the position of the spoiler body relative to the first vehicle body end is intended to control a movement of the ambient airflow relative to the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jason D. Fahland, Joshua R. Auden, David Dominguez
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Patent number: 9714059Abstract: A splitter system for a vehicle includes a splitter body having a first splitter body. The vehicle includes a vehicle body arranged along a longitudinal body axis and having a first vehicle body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow. The splitter body is moveably mounted at the first vehicle body end and generates an aerodynamic downforce on the first vehicle body end when the vehicle is in motion. The splitter system also includes a mechanism configured to selectively translate the splitter body along the longitudinal body axis away from the first vehicle body end into the incident airflow and toward the first vehicle body end out of the incident airflow. The translation of the splitter body by the mechanism in turn adjusts the aerodynamic downforce generated by the splitter body on the first vehicle body end.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jason D. Fahland, Joshua R. Auden, David Dominguez
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Patent number: 9714060Abstract: A modular trailer apparatus, which in some embodiments may include a bed coupled to a frame having a length and width. A first transportation conveyance for contacting a ground surface and a second transportation conveyance for contacting a ground surface may be coupled to opposing sides of the frame. The apparatus may further include a towing arm comprising a bed element movably coupled to a tow element. The bed element may be coupled to the frame and the tow element may be coupled to a trailer coupler configured to be secured to ball hitches or any other tow hitch. In further embodiments, the tow element may be movably coupled to the bed element between an extended position and a retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Inventor: Mike Dale Aiello
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Patent number: 9714061Abstract: A cup holder includes a housing and a retractable strap configured to secure a cup to the housing in a deployed configuration and to at least partially retract into the housing in a stowed configuration. The cup holder may include a tensioner assembly disposed within the housing configured to retract the strap into the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Inventor: Maria Alejandra Delgado deLeon
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Patent number: 9714062Abstract: A saddle-ride-type vehicle for allowing a passenger's hand holding a grip to minimally slip. The saddle-ride-type vehicle is provided with grips mounted on a seat frame and formed for a passenger who rides behind an operator to grip. The seat frame is covered by a rear cowl. The rear cowl includes front sidewardly projecting portions arranged at positions which overlap with the grips as viewed in a side view of a vehicle and arranged close to the grip as viewed in a plan view.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Koji Mizuta, Nobuhiko Nakano, Mizuki Yamauchi
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Patent number: 9714063Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle includes a front cowl capable of improving appearance quality while suppressing enlargement of the front cowl. Recessed parts recessed rearwardly of a vehicle are formed in front cowls in positions outwardly of front members in a vehicle width direction. The introduction port is formed in the recessed part. The recessed parts are recessed rearwardly of the vehicle beyond tangents brought into contact with the front members and the front cowls. Since guide walls are arranged within a range viewed from introduction ports in a front view, such a possibility that wiring or the like in a front cowl is viewed through the introduction ports in the front view is precluded Immediately behind the introduction ports, air is guided in a desired direction by the guide walls. For this reason, a limited amount of air can be effectively utilized.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Satoshi Seo, Gen Tanabe, Akihiro Komatsu, Takefumi Okubo, Masao Akieda
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Patent number: 9714064Abstract: A windshield of a saddle-riding vehicle is adjustably vertically movable on a windshield support structure, which also suppress windshield rattling. An operating lever is connected to one of two windshield support members. A coupling member extends in a vehicle width direction, and includes end portions connected to left and right fixed rail brackets, which have guide slots formed therein and are pivotally movable about a first rotation axis. The coupling member is also connected to the windshield support members so as to be pivotally movable about a second rotation axis disposed forward of the first rotation axis. The windshield support members and the coupling member constitute parts of a link mechanism. A guide projecting portion is provided on at least one of the windshield support members, and this guide projecting portion is slidably fitted into the guide slot.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shota Suzuki, Ippei Kawamura, Haruka Tsuda
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Patent number: 9714065Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 24, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Inventor: Edward Mondello
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Patent number: 9714066Abstract: Combination adjustable air suspension shocks with separate dampers, systems, devices, apparatus, and methods, for motorcycles. Air suspension systems, devices, apparatus, and methods for allowing motorcycle drivers to increase and decrease compressed air supplies in air suspension devices. Deflating interior air springs/airbags (bladders) inside the devices allows for springs and pistons on shock absorbers in the devices to expand outward separating lower front and rear frame portions which effectively lowers the motorcycle to the ground surface and for the driver to have a firmer ride. Inflating the air springs/airbags (bladders) allows for the springs and the pistons on the shock absorbers in the devices to retract into the devices so that the devices have a more shock absorbing effect giving the rider a smoother ride, which also raises the motorcycles above the ground surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Arnott T&P Holding, LLCInventors: Adam M. Arnott, Matt Edward Kirar
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Patent number: 9714067Abstract: A bicycle chain device that includes a mounting bracket configured to be affixed to a bicycle. The bicycle has a solitary bicycle front sprocket. A cage is movably mounted to the mounting bracket so that the cage is positioned adjacent to the front sprocket. The cage has a chain-receiving slot, through which a bicycle chain passes. The cage is configured to move in accordance with a shifting operation of a bicycle rear derailleur to maintain alignment with a chain to prevent the chain from falling off the sprocket.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Nobukatsu Hara
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Patent number: 9714068Abstract: Method and apparatus for a canopy for watercraft wherein the canopy is constructed by using a pair of flexible, rod-like members wherein one end of each of the flexible rods is inserted through mating apertures in an upright member mounted onto the watercraft so that the rods are bowed outwardly and frictionally held in the stanchion. A canopy is attached between the rods so that the canopy generally appears to be in an elongated V-shaped structure which stretches across a portion of the watercraft between the flexible rods.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Inventor: Lawrence A. Greer
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Patent number: 9714069Abstract: A base member attached to a supporting surface has an open top cavity in the general shape of a shoe and a base assembly housing, which is attached to the lower end of a rigid pedestal which supports an apparatus at its upper end, is foot shaped in part to nestle in the base member shoe area. A manually operable securing device releasably secures the housing snugly in the base member so that the pedestal is readily attached and removed as necessary.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Inventors: Richard J. Garelick, Todd William Moore
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Patent number: 9714070Abstract: A recreational water flotation device includes a central body defining an upper surface and a bottom surface and having a front end and a rear end. A left lateral element extends from a left end of the central body and defines a left canted surface canted toward the central body and further defines a left end of the flotation device. A right lateral element extends from a right end of the central body and defines a left canted surface canted toward the central body and further defining a right end of the flotation device. The device is buoyant in water. A propeller can be mounted to the bottom surface of the central body.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: WATERBLADE, LLCInventor: Gameli E. Cruz Ricardez
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Patent number: 9714071Abstract: A drive pod of a watercraft such as a boat may be designed to break off the hull of the boat in the event of an underwater collision involving the drive pod. A shaft assembly that transmits power from the engine in the hull to blades or a jet in the drive pod is designed to break at a precise point so that seals in the hull and seals in the drive pod are protected from damage. The shaft assembly may include an axial blind hole with an undercut at a bottom of the blind hole. A pin may be inserted to reinforce the shaft above the undercut.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Patrick J. McDonald, John Schlintz, Bryan Danner
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Patent number: 9714072Abstract: Dampers for mounting on a dock to control landing a boat. The dampers may be used individually or in damper systems made up of a plurality of dampers. Each damper has a flexible body with one or more sidewalls defining an inner chambers, and orifices are provided in one of the sidewalls to allow the chamber to be filled with water when the damper is in an at-rest state. When the boat approaches the dock and contacts the damper or the outer set of dampers in a damper assembly/system, the collision or impact force applied by the boat against the outer surfaces of the damper(s) causes the damper body to be compressed, which causes the sidewalls of the chamber to collapse so as to expel water out of the inner chamber via the orifices so as to reduce the speed of the boat at a desired rate of deceleration.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Brooke M. Swift, Eric J. Moy, Dennis M. Lind, J. Douglas Smith, Casey L. McKibben
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Patent number: 9714073Abstract: An underwater propulsion belt that propels a user underwater and includes a plurality of gates, each gate has a channel. A pump is found in each gate and is controlled independently form the other gates. A power supply powers the pumps to pump water in either direction through the channel. The underwater propulsion belt further includes circuitry configured to receive diver information from the user and from one or more sensors. The underwater propulsion belt controls, based on the information, the movement of the user. The user's position is calculated based on whether the user is in an upright or prone position, and maintains, based on the calculation, the user's balance.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Inventor: Ali Salman Alshafai
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Patent number: 9714074Abstract: An adjustable circumference seal includes an envelope having an outer layer and an inner layer, with the inner layer defining a sealing surface. A circumferential closure is provided for constricting the inner layer of the envelope and thereby adjusting a circumference of the inner layer of the envelope. The closure includes a band having a first end and a second end, with a first cord guide at the first end and a second cord guide at the second end. A cord is threaded from the outer layer through a cord channel in the envelope, through the first cord guide of the band, through the second cord guide of the band and back through the cord channel. By pulling the cord, the circumference of the inner layer of the envelope is reduced until the sealing surface is brought into a sealing engagement. A cord lock for maintains the cord in a selected position.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Whites Manufacturing Ltd.Inventors: Leo Luomala, Ross Davis Harrington, Richard Kerr Myerscough
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Patent number: 9714075Abstract: A jet boat includes a hull, a jet propulsion nozzle mounted to a rear of the hull, and an articulating keel attached at the rear of the hull. The articulating keel is connected to the jet propulsion nozzle via a connecting portion such that when the jet propulsion nozzle is turned, at least a portion of the articulating keel is turned with the jet propulsion nozzle. The jet propulsion nozzle turns about a first pivot axis extending vertically or substantially vertically, and the articulating keel turns about a second pivot axis extending vertically or substantially vertically. The first pivot axis of the jet propulsion nozzle is coaxial with the second pivot axis of the articulating keel.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignees: YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, U.S.A., YAMAHA JET BOAT MANUFACTURING U.S.A., INC.Inventors: Scott Watkins, Ed Miller
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Patent number: 9714076Abstract: A rowing shoe retaining system includes a plate mountable to a sole of a shoe and a receiver mountable to a footboard of a rowing boat. The receiver removably retains the plate, thereby removably retaining the shoe.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: G Clip CorporationInventor: Gerald Lewis Strickland, Jr.
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Patent number: 9714077Abstract: The present invention is directed an adjustable foot rest system for a kayak comprising a bulkhead member adapted for cinchable non-slip support of the feet and on the fly user positioning. A mounting sleeve in the bow wall and/or runners are provided with the bulkhead resting inside the sleeve and/or runners by friction alone. Flexible straps equipped with strap adjusters are connected to the bulkhead, through guide anchors and secured to anchors affixed to the inside hull of the kayak near the seat. A bungee cord is threaded through an anchor disposed near the end of the bow and connected on each side to the bulkhead cross member, whereby the bulkhead position as selected by the user remains in place until the user selects a new position.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Inventors: Christopher James Soileau, Trevor Valmont Soileau
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Patent number: 9714078Abstract: An aircraft window has an inner window assembly retained on an outer window assembly by a plurality of interlocking clips and receptacles positioned around the perimeter of the window. The interlocking clips and receptacles produce a retention force that compresses a seal against an outer structural the window to seal an internal cavity between the inner and outer window assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: James E. Ebner, Eric Allen Bryan, Jeffrey Lee Kelsey
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Patent number: 9714079Abstract: A high-lift device includes a flap body which is provided at a rear portion of a main wing which generates a lift for the air vehicle such that the flap body is deployed with respect to the main wing and stowed in the main wing and extends along a wingspan direction of the main wing; and a gap increasing section provided at an end portion of the flap body in an extending direction of the flap body, to increase a gap between the rear portion of the main wing and a front portion of the flap body in a state in which the flap body is deployed.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignees: THE SOCIETY OF JAPANESE AEROSPACE COMPANIES, KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kazuhide Isotani, Kenji Hayama
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Patent number: 9714080Abstract: An aircraft including a wing, the end of the wing having a wing tip device, wherein the wing tip device includes a moveable region that is rotatable, about an axis of rotation extending out of the plane of the wing tip device, between: (i) a high-altitude cruise configuration in which the moveable region extends downwardly below the wing; and (ii) a ground-operating configuration in which the moveable region extends rearwardly behind the wing such that the ground clearance of the wing tip device is increased.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Airbus Operations LimitedInventors: Philip John Templeton Bradshaw, Ian Roy Whitehouse, Norman Wood, Stuart Alexander, John David Randall
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Patent number: 9714081Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes determining via a processor in an avionics system that a personal electronic device is in communication with the avionics system, and establishing a limitation on the functionality of the personal electronic device with respect to the avionics system via the processor.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Ivan N. Hall, III, Kaushik Raghu, Eric N. Anderson, Sara A. Jump, Rachel D. Sparks, Jesse B. Pate, Keith A. Stover, Daniel E. Mazuk
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Patent number: 9714082Abstract: Apparatus and methods for robust lift generation through flow separation suppression are disclosed. One example apparatus includes a cowling extending from a surface of a fluid dynamic body to provide an exhaust stream directed over the fluid dynamic body. The example apparatus also includes a fluid ejection slot proximate or on the fluid dynamic body, where the fluid ejection slot is to direct a compressed fluid along a surface of the fluid dynamic body. The example apparatus also includes rotatable vanes having blunt leading edges, where the vanes are proximate the fluid ejection slot to direct the compressed fluid to affect attachment of the exhaust stream to the fluid dynamic body to enhance lift.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Arvin Shmilovich, Yoram Yadlin