Patents Issued in August 1, 2017
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Patent number: 9718472Abstract: An automatic vehicle speed control apparatus includes a detection unit that detects position information of a subject vehicle and a preceding vehicle positioned ahead of the subject vehicle, an automatic vehicle speed control unit that calculates a target requested torque with respect to the current position of the subject vehicle by using the position information, an automatic vehicle speed modeling unit that generates a target requested torque profile during a preset section from the current position of the subject vehicle, and a control unit that controls driving of the subject vehicle by using the target requested torque and the target requested torque profile.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Tae Soo Kim, Baro Hyun
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Patent number: 9718473Abstract: The possibility of a lane change of a vehicle is determined by using a first inter-vehicle distance that serves as a target for the lane change of the vehicle on an adjacent lane adjacent to a lane on which the vehicle is traveling. When the lane change is determined not to be executable, the presence or absence of a possibility that the first inter-vehicle distance will extend to a length that allows for the lane change is determined by using a second inter-vehicle distance positioned in front of or behind the first inter-vehicle distance. When it is determined that there is the possibility, waiting is determined to be necessary, and when it is determined that there is no such possibility, the waiting is determined to be unnecessary.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasuhiro Suzuki
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Patent number: 9718474Abstract: A vehicle stability control system operates by detecting a wheel speed potentially indicative of the presence of a mini-spare wheel at a wheel location of a vehicle with a wheel speed sensor and determines that a mini-spare tire is present responsive to the wheel speed remaining within a predefined band for predefined time. A threshold value that triggers action by a vehicle stability control system is adjusted to provide the mini-spare wheel with a value different than a wheel speed threshold value indicative of wheel slipping for a standard wheel.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bo Ye, Michael Gerhard Schneider, Sai-Pavan Eswara, Matthew Conrad Tuhro, Vesa Luomaranta
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Patent number: 9718475Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a control system for a motor vehicle, the system being operable in an automatic mode selection condition in which the system is configured to select automatically an appropriate system operating mode whereby the system assumes operation in said system operating mode, the system being further configured to allow activation of an automatic progress control function in which a speed of the vehicle over terrain is controlled automatically by the system, wherein when the automatic progress control function is active the system is configured automatically to suspend changes in the selected system operating mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2013Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover LimitedInventors: Andrew Fairgrieve, Elliot Hemes, Dan Dennehy, James Kelly, Sam Anker
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Patent number: 9718476Abstract: A device is provided for teaching a driver of a vehicle in real-time to operate the vehicle in a fuel efficient manner based on feedback from a plurality on on-board sensors on the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Inventor: Jonathan David Lonski
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Patent number: 9718477Abstract: A vehicle haptic feedback system includes a haptic actuator, a detection device, and a controller. The haptic actuator is configured to provide haptic feedback to a vehicle driver. The detection device is disposed in an interior of the vehicle and is configured to capture movements of the vehicle driver and output data representing the movements. The controller is coupled to the detection device and is configured to receive a signal from the detection device indicative of the movements. The controller is also coupled to a haptic effect feedback system. Based on the signal, the controller is configured to send a signal to select a haptic effect from an effect table and is configured to send a signal to the haptic actuator to provide the selected haptic effect. The haptic actuator is coupled to a driver's seat, a steering wheel, a driver's seat belt, and/or an object wearable by the driver.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventor: Dat Truong
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Patent number: 9718478Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a fuel system for a consist. The fuel system may have a tank located on a tender car of the consist and configured to hold a supply of liquefied gaseous fuel. The fuel system may also have an accumulator located on a daughter locomotive of the consist and configured to hold a supply of pressurized gaseous fuel at a predetermined pressure. The fuel system may further have at least one conduit fluidly connecting the tank to the accumulator and the accumulator to a first engine on a lead locomotive of the consist. The accumulator is configured to supply pressurized gaseous fuel to the first engine when pressure of fluid within the at least one conduit drops below the predetermined pressure of the pressurized gaseous fuel in the accumulator.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.Inventor: Aaron Gamache Foege
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Patent number: 9718479Abstract: A device for lubricating a traction motor drive end bearing is disclosed. The drive end lubrication device may include an inner cover, an outer cover, and a paddle wheel. The inner cover may include a first mating surface and the outer cover may include a second mating surface. The inner cover first mating surface may fit together with the outer cover second mating surface to form a casing and the paddle wheel may nest inside the casing.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.Inventor: Saket Mishra
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Patent number: 9718480Abstract: A system for controlling a consist of rail vehicles or other vehicles includes a control unit electrically coupled to a first rail vehicle in the consist, the control unit having a processor and being configured to receive signals representing a presence and position of one or more tractive effort systems on-board the first vehicle and other rail vehicles in the consist, and a set of instructions stored in a non-transient medium accessible by the processor, the instructions configured to control the processor to create a optimization schedule that manages the use of the one or more tractive effort systems based on the presence and position of the tractive effort systems within the consist.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bret Dwayne Worden, Brian Douglas Lawry, Jeremy Thomas McGarry, Jennifer Lynn Coyne, Matthew John Malone
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Patent number: 9718481Abstract: A railcar includes: an underframe including an end beam at its railcar-longitudinal-direction end portion; side bodyshells; a roof bodyshell; side outside plates respectively arranged at both railcar-width-direction end portions of the railcar and constituting the side bodyshells; corner posts extending from the end beam toward the roof bodyshell; and intermediate coupling members each configured to couple the side outside plate and the corner post, the stiffness of the intermediate coupling member in a railcar longitudinal direction being lower than the stiffness of the intermediate coupling member in a vertical direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2012Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Atsushi Sano, Naoaki Kawakami, Yasufumi Minamimoto, Naohiro Yoshida
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Patent number: 9718483Abstract: A vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which includes an active chock and an anchor chock configured to co-act to secure a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. In various embodiments, each chock has a chock body including a substantially diamond shaped elongated tube which includes four integrally connected elongated walls. In various embodiments, for each chock, various components of that chock extend substantially along longitudinal axis that lie in the same or substantially the same vertical plane as the apex and trough of the substantially diamond shaped elongated tube of the chock body.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Standard Car Truck CompanyInventors: John D. Anderson, Walter J. Peach, Michael K. Burke
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Patent number: 9718484Abstract: A running gear unit for a rail vehicle, having a running gear frame body. The frame body includes two longitudinal beams and a transverse beam unit providing a structural connection between the longitudinal beams, such that a substantially H-shaped configuration is formed. Each longitudinal beam has a suspension interface section associated to a free end section of the longitudinal beam and forming a primary suspension interface for a primary suspension device. Each longitudinal beam has a pivot interface section associated to the primary suspension interface section and forming a pivot interface for a pivot arm. The primary suspension interface is configured to take a total resultant support force acting in the area of the free end section when the frame body is supported on the associated wheel unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2013Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbHInventor: Cedric Zanutti
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Patent number: 9718485Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for warning of exceeding speed limit in railway vehicles, wherein a train speed is estimated after a predetermined time, a remaining time is calculated until a train reaches a speed limit based on the estimated speed, and when the calculated time is smaller than a preset reference value, a warning signal is generated. Thus, an adequate warning can be given to cater to a train operation situation because a TTSLC indicator is used that notifies when an emergency braking will be activated by exceeding a set speed limit value after a certain time lapses, resultantly increasing the train operation frequency and the availability of trains.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jongchul Jung, Yong Gee Cho
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Patent number: 9718486Abstract: A system for analyzing health of assets in train is provided. The system includes a sensing unit configured to generate health data of sub-assets. The system also includes a controller in communication with the sensing unit to receive the health data. The controller is configured to display, in a graphical user interface (GUI), a list of assets configurable to allow selection of one asset therefrom. The controller is configured to receive an input command, in the GUI, to select a desired asset from the list of assets for requesting information about health of the desired asset. The controller is configured to display, in the GUI, a visual representation of the desired asset, along with the sub-assets, in response to the input command. The controller is configured to flag, in the GUI, the sub-assets in the visual representation of the desired asset based on the health data of the sub-assets.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.Inventors: Alexander Shubs, Jr., David M. Roenspies
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Patent number: 9718487Abstract: A method and an apparatus for a train control system are disclosed, and are based on virtualization of train control logic and the use of cloud computing resources. A train control system is configured into two main parts. The first part includes physical elements of the train control system, and the second part includes a virtual train control system that provides the computing resources for the required train control application platforms. The disclosed architecture can be used with various train control technologies, including communications based train control, cab-signaling and fixed block, wayside signal technology. Further, the disclosure describes methodologies to convert cab-signaling and manual operations into distance to go operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Inventor: Nabil N. Ghaly
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Patent number: 9718488Abstract: A carriage having a frame, where the frame is foldable between a use position and a storage position. The frame includes an attachment point for a plurality of frame components and a pivot lock for retaining the frame in the use position. The pivot lock is operated by rotating a portion of the frame of the carriage to unlock the pivot lock, permitting the carriage to be folded to the storage position.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Thule Canada Inc.Inventors: Paramjit Singh, Wesley Justin Fleming, Miao Kaihua
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Patent number: 9718489Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an adjustment assembly for allowing or preventing adjustment of a component is provided. The adjustment assembly includes a first bracket at least partially surrounding the component, a second bracket at least partially surrounding the first bracket, and a piezoelectric device biasing against one of the first bracket or the second bracket in a first position, the piezoelectric device configured to contract and release the bias against one of the first bracket and the second bracket in a second position.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Richard P. Nash, Ravi Ravindra
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Patent number: 9718490Abstract: A steering system includes: a first tooth member provided with a first tooth row that includes a plurality of first teeth each of which has a tooth trace extending in a lateral direction and which are aligned along a tilt direction, the first tooth row being elastically deformable in the lateral direction, and a second tooth member including a second tooth row that includes a plurality of second teeth each of which has a tooth trace extending in the lateral direction and which are aligned along the tilt direction, the second tooth member facing the first tooth member in the lateral direction. The first tooth member is supported by an upper bracket such that the first tooth row is disposed away from the upper bracket in the lateral direction. The second tooth member is movable in the tilt direction along with a column jacket.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Hidenobu Tanaka, Hiromitsu Tomiyama, Masayuki Nagaoka, Kenichi Aota
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Patent number: 9718491Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle may include: a pinion gear rotated in connection with a steering wheel; a rack housing for housing a rack bar which is rotated while engaged with the pinion gear; and a mounting member coupled to the rack housing, wherein the mounting member may be coupled to a subframe while the shape thereof is changed according to the position or shape of the subframe.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.Inventors: Tae Yoon Kim, Byeong Hoon Lee
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Patent number: 9718492Abstract: An end determination unit determines that a steering apparatus is in an end touching state when an angle deviation, which is a difference between an actual turning angle and a target turning angle, exceeds a threshold. This angle deviation exceeds the threshold before a large axial force is generated in a steering shaft. Accordingly, is it possible to determine that the steering apparatus is in the end touching state more quickly.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Terutaka Tamaizumi, Hirozumi Eki, Masayuki Kita, Isao Namikawa
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Patent number: 9718493Abstract: A shock-absorbing member comprises held sections located at a plurality of locations in a circumferential direction and comprising paired held sections and non-paired held sections, and is constructed to have a non-circular cylindrical shape in cross-section. Portions where outer-diameter side end sections of held sections that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are made continuous by way of outer-diameter side cover sections, and portions where inner-diameter side end sections of held sections that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are made continuous directly or by way of inner-diameter side cover sections, in an alternating sequence in the circumferential direction. Drive-side arm sections are placed between the non-paired held sections, driven-side arm sections are placed between the paired held sections, and the outer circumferential surfaces of the drive-side arm sections are covered by the outer-diameter side cover sections.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2013Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Seiichi Moriyama, Hiroshi Shibazaki, Toru Segawa, Takeshi Yamamoto, Kazuhiko Kojima
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Patent number: 9718494Abstract: A hollow structure for installation as cross member or longitudinal member in a motor vehicle includes a hollow member which is made of light metal and has at least one hollow chamber. The hollow member has a wall which is formed with a slot. A flange sized to extend through the slot has a leg configured to rest by a formfit against a side of an inner surface area of the hollow member and at least one area which is coupled to an outer surface area of the hollow member.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbHInventors: Edwin List Clausen, Kathy Hansen
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Patent number: 9718495Abstract: A structural element in the front region of a motor vehicle is arranged between an engine subframe and a bulkhead of the motor vehicle. The structural element has a deformation element which is fastened via a front fixing to the engine subframe and a rear fixing to the bulkhead. The front fixing is connected via an upper shell and a lower shell to the bulkhead in such a way that the two shells form a closed, funnel-shaped structure with one another.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Mark Muehlhausen, Thomas Ritschel, Franz-Peter Behrendt, Dirk Lukaszewicz, Sebastian Goldschmidt
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Patent number: 9718496Abstract: A rear side member mounted to extend from both sides of a latter half portion of a vehicle body toward a rear of the vehicle is provided. In particular, the rear side member includes fuel tank sections formed as a foremost portion that corresponds to a position of the fuel tank, and rear subframe sections that extend toward a rear of the fuel tank sections and that correspond to a position of a rear subframe. Tire well sections extend backward from the rear subframe sections and correspond to a position of a tire well. Further, the thicknesses of members of the fuel tank sections, the rear subframe sections, and the tire well sections are different.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CoporationInventors: Deok Hwa Hong, Hee Seouk Chung
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Patent number: 9718497Abstract: A vehicle includes a body framework including a side roof rail structure that extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction that includes a slide rail portion including an upper slide rail channel panel and a lower slide rail channel panel connected to the upper slide rail channel panel forming a slide rail channel for receiving a slide door assembly. The side roof rail structure includes a side roof reinforcement portion including a rail reinforcement panel that is connected to the upper slide rail channel panel providing a space there between. A cross support member extends in a vehicle lateral direction toward the side roof rail. A vehicle side reinforcement member is located in the space and is connected at an inboard end to the cross support member and at an outboard end to the rail reinforcement panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: David T. Nakayama, Corinne Uskali
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Patent number: 9718498Abstract: A vehicle body includes a roof panel and a first bodyside panel. The roof panel includes first and second side regions. The first bodyside panel includes top and bottom regions. The roof panel and first bodyside panel define a continuous exterior surface region. The continuous exterior surface region extends from the first side region of the roof panel to the bottom region of the first bodyside panel through the second side region of the roof panel and top region of the first bodyside panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mohammed Omar Faruque, S. M. Iskander Farooq, Dean M. Jaradi
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Patent number: 9718499Abstract: The top plate section of the metal stock is pressed and clamped against a punch by a pad, a portion that will be at the outside of the L shaped curve is pressed and camped against a die by a blank holder, a bender is moved, and a vertical wall portion at the inside of the L shaped curved of the metal stock sheet and the flange portion joined to the vertical wall at the inside of the L shaped curve are molded. The metal stock sheet is moved in the direction toward the blank holder while the metal stock sheet being pressed and clamped, and a vertical wall portion at the outside of the L shaped curve of the L shaped hat shaped cross-section and the flange portion joined to the vertical wall at the outside of the L shaped curve are molded.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2013Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATIONInventors: Yasuharu Tanaka, Toshimitsu Aso, Takashi Miyagi, Misao Ogawa, Kazuyuki Kawano, Kazunori Oooka, Shinobu Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9718500Abstract: A structure of a hybrid front pillar of a vehicle includes a front pillar lower portion which is disposed at a front side of a front door unit of a vehicle, and has a lower end coupled to a side connecting member; and a front pillar upper portion which is disposed at an upper side of the front pillar lower portion, and coupled to the front pillar lower portion, in which a recessed portion is formed at one side of the side connecting member such that the lower end of the front pillar lower portion is inserted into the recessed portion, and a mounting portion is formed at a lower end of the front pillar upper portion such that an upper end of the front pillar lower portion is inserted into the mounting portion, thereby significantly reducing a weight of the vehicle body, enhancing rigidity of the front pillar, and omitting reinforcing components.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Shang-Ill Lee
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Patent number: 9718501Abstract: A fender integrated aerodynamic mud, rock and splash guard for a vehicle, comprising: a) a front surface, b) a back surface, c) a fender skirt portion, d) bumper grill radiator portion, e) behind grill portion, and f) bumper tab, wherein the guard is adapted to be an extension of an inner fender skirt, wherein the guard is adapted to be an extension of an inner fender skirt, wherein the guard is affixed along a fender skirt edge, wherein the guard is configured to extend from the fender skirt edge along a portion of a front portion of a wheel well to overlap with a back portion of a front bumper, and wherein the front surface faces away from a volume of a wheel well and the back surface faces the volume of the wheel well.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Inventor: Harry Blake Manley
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Patent number: 9718502Abstract: An air fairing device is connected below the bottom a frameless trailer to improve aerodynamic efficiency and improve fuel economy. One embodiment of the air fairing device provides an air deflector positioned forward of a trolley which supports the frameless trailer at a rear end. A second embodiment of the air fairing device provides two deflectors mounted below the frameless trailer. The first deflector is attached and extends downward from an articulating arm, said arm connecting the trailer to a semi-tractor or truck. The second deflector connected to below the bottom of the frameless trailer and positioned rear of the first deflector and forward of the trolley. A third embodiment is similar to the second but further includes a third deflector positioned between two axles of the trolley.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: MAC TRAILER MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventors: Scott A. Kibler, Eric R. Sabo
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Patent number: 9718503Abstract: A rollover prevention architecture for a vehicle comprising a reactive force member mounted on the vehicle, the reactive force member controlled to generate a counter torque relative to the direction of sensed tipping or rollover to mitigate the tipping or rollover of the vehicle while the vehicle is moving.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Inventors: Gavin Ursich, Jonathan Mark Secaur
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Patent number: 9718504Abstract: In a method for driving stabilization of a motorized two-wheeled vehicle, in which two gyroscopes situated side-by-side are present having axes of rotation in parallel to each other, the gyroscopes each being tiltable about a tilting axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and the tilting axes of the two gyroscopes also being parallel to each other, the gyroscopes rotating about their axes of rotation in directions of rotation opposite to each other, and in the case of a detected unstable driving behavior of the two-wheeled vehicle, the two rotating gyroscopes are tilted about their respective tilting axis at a first angular velocity, the tilting directions being counter to each other; and the two gyroscopes are subsequently tilted back again at a second angular velocity about their respective tilting axis into their original orientation.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2013Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventor: Matthias Klews
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Patent number: 9718505Abstract: The present invention involves a spare tire carrier and handling device for mounting on a vehicle. The device is adapted for moving a spare tire between a stored position under a vehicle to an accessible position. The device may be mounted so as to be accessible from the rear, side, or front of a vehicle as desired.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Norco Industries, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Goss, Timothy D. Schultz, Borivoj Krobot
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Patent number: 9718506Abstract: A capturing wind power system is described that includes a plurality of pipes that extend along the vehicle length and curve towards the rear end of the vehicle. The pipes capture air to help propel the vehicle forward, improving fuel mileage. A cover may be used encase the pipes and allow a rear segment of the pipes to be removed when opening a door at the rear end of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Inventor: Jerry Alan Yeik
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Patent number: 9718507Abstract: An agricultural harvester has a chassis, a non-steerable driving front axle and a rear steering axle with a steering mechanism attached to the chassis. A steerable weight transfer axle has a rear steering axle to weight transfer axle linkage assembly linking the steerable weight transfer axle to the steering mechanism of the rear steering axle. The linkage assembly operates to steer the steerable weight transfer axle in coordination with the rear steering axle. The rear steering axle to weight transfer axle linkage assembly has a rear steer axle pivot arm pivotally connected to the rear steering axle and linked to the steering mechanism of the rear steering axle. The rear steering axle to weight transfer axle linkage assembly also has a reversing pivot linked to the rear steer axle pivot arm and to the steerable weight transfer axle.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Johnathan E. Ricketts, John J. Borsdorf
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Patent number: 9718508Abstract: A method for producing and installing a front end of a motor vehicle, including an arrangement including a structural front surface forming a structure that supports engine-cooling elements, to which structure a front protective molding and the projector headlamps are attached. In addition, the vehicle includes a hood hinged on hinge brackets secured to the vehicle structure, and side wings connected to the front pillar lining of the vehicle structure. The method includes adjusting the structural front surface in the transverse direction to a transverse position determined relative to the hood, placing a gauge device between the hood and the front structural face.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2013Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.Inventors: Claude Criaud, Matthieu Ouali
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Patent number: 9718509Abstract: A split-nose bicycle seat, comprising: a rigid plastic base provided with attachment points for mounting the seat to the bicycle frame, a total length of the seat of about 260-280 mm, a split nose section formed by two elongated protrusions of substantially constant width extending forward from a medial section to a front surface, said elongated protrusions angle inwardly, a cushioned pubis bone support surface with a substantially flat side profile, and a drooped nose, said split nose section transitioning aft to a medial section having a width of about 110 mm at the widest point of the seat, said medial section transitioning aft to a rear-end section.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2013Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Tampa Bay Recreation, LLCInventor: Steven G. Toll
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Patent number: 9718510Abstract: An apparatus is provided to reduce the aerodynamic drag of bicycle frame mounted water bottle and cage systems. Furthermore, the apparatus also improves the safety of bicycle water bottle and cage systems. In an exemplary embodiment, a cage and bottle are provided. The cage is formed with a plurality of hemispheres which can spread apart in order to receive bottles of various diameters. The bottle is longer and thinner than bottles in use today and is formed with dimples on the entirety of its surface. The cap provided with the bottle has minimal threading and is formed with breaks in the threading to allow for the top to be ejected when dropped.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Inventor: Saul D. Jacobson
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Patent number: 9718512Abstract: A foldable scooter is provided, including: a supporting base being capable of carrying goods; a front wheel assembly hinged to a front end of the supporting base via a front rotation assembly, comprising a front fork and a front wheel pivoted to the front fork; a rear wheel assembly provided hinged to a rear end of the supporting base via a rear rotation assembly, and comprising a rear fork and a rear wheel pivoted to the rear fork; a steering bar located at a top end of the front wheel assembly; and a handlebar is fixed at a top end of the steering bar. The front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly are capable of rotating and then flipping to be folded onto a top surface of the supporting base.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Inventors: Chengzhai Mei, Chenglong Mei
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Patent number: 9718513Abstract: A multi-link suspension includes a frame member, a first member pivotably coupled at a first end to the frame member, and a second member pivotably coupled at a first end to a second end of the first member. A dampener physically couples between the first member and the second member. The dampener limits the rotation of the second member about the second end of the first member to a defined arc. The first member includes a horizontal upper surface to which an electric traction motor providing a shaft output attaches. A power transmission system, such as a flexible belt, couples the shaft output provided by the electric traction motor to a drive hub rotatably attached to a second end of the second member.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Gogoro Inc.Inventors: Ching Juan, Jian-Cheng Lu
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Patent number: 9718514Abstract: An electrically assisted bicycle is provided with a so-called single-shaft motor drive unit that can satisfactorily keep torque detection capability. The outer periphery of a crankshaft 7a has a cylindrical human-power transmission member 28 having a torque sensor 31 for detecting a human driving force and a combined force member 29 that combines a human driving force and an auxiliary driving force from a motor 21. A one-way clutch is not provided on a driving force transmission path including the crankshaft 7a, the human-power transmission member 28, and the combined force member 28. The human-power transmission member 28 and the combined force member 29 are always rotated in response to a rotation of the crankshaft 7a.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2012Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Masafumi Kawakami, Munehiro Date
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Patent number: 9718515Abstract: A bicycle control device includes a housing member, a shift-operating mechanism, a hydraulic fluid pressure generator and a control lever member. The housing member has an attachment part for attachment to a handlebar, and a grip part extending longitudinally between first and second ends of the grip part. The shift-operating mechanism is coupled to a shifting device by a control cable. The hydraulic fluid pressure generator has a cylinder, a piston movably disposed within the cylinder to generate fluid pressure for controlling a braking device, and a rod part coupled to the piston. The control lever member has a cam member arranged to actuate the rod part, and a first operating lever coupled to the cam member. The first operating lever is pivotal around a first axis relative to the housing member and actuates the cam member by pivoting around the first axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2013Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Osamu Kariyama, Tatsuya Matsushita, Masahiro Nakakura
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Patent number: 9718516Abstract: A trimaran boat is provided. The trimaran boat may have a pair of sidehulls, a center hull positioned between the pair of sidehulls, and a deck extending substantially continuous from one sidehull across the center hull to the other sidehull. A trimaran boat hull is also provided. The trimaran boat hull may have a pair of sidehulls, a center hull positioned between the pair of sidehulls, a deck extending substantially continuous from one sidehull across the center hull to the other sidehull. The trimaran boat hull may also have a pair of center hull transitions and a pair of sidehull transitions. The trimaran boat may also be configured such that a transom of each sidehull is v-shaped.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Maine Center for Coastal FisheriesInventor: Douglas Andrew Read
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Patent number: 9718517Abstract: A playpen cover for a pontoon boat includes a cover panel sized to cover a pontoon boat deck, where the cover panel has loop channel. A ratchet loop is disposed in the loop channel and is attachable at ends of the ratchet loop to respective boat cleats. A ratchet system cooperable with the ratchet loop is disposed between the boat cleats. The ratchet loop attaches to the boat cleat and requires no fastener.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: TAYLOR MADE GROUP, LLCInventors: Donald A. Zirkelbach, Daniel James Serafini
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Patent number: 9718518Abstract: A method of connecting a member to a floating structure, the method includes disposing the floating structure in a body of water and attaching the member to the floating structure. The method also includes changing an orientation of the floating structure and aligning the member with a connection device disposed on a lower portion of the floating structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Exmar Offshore CompanyInventors: Otto DaSilva, M. Ed Nagel
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Patent number: 9718519Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device for fastening, to the stem area of a ship, a ship's boat or an additional component to be detachably carried along, which device comprises a plurality of arms which have a hook-shaped coupling and are rigidly or detachably connected to the ship's boat or additional component, and a plurality of receiving portions which comprise at least one coupling shaft and are mounted on the stem or on an additional part of the ship permanently installed on the stem in such a way that the arms are hooked into the coupling shaft by the hook-shaped coupling and by a rotation of the arm or the receiving portion about the coupling shaft are locked in place when a defined angle of rotation is reached.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: S4U GmbHInventor: Dieter Radler
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Patent number: 9718520Abstract: The invention relates to a loading arrangement for ships including a plurality of bales, in particular packaged garbage round bales that are stacked in a hull and that can be loaded and/or unloaded by a crane and/or a transfer device, preferably with gripper tongs for gripping two bales at once in each case. For the gentle unloading and secure gripping of the bales, according to the invention the bales are stacked in multiple transverse rows (5), in particular dual rows, between which in each case a bale stack (6) is arranged that is oriented in a right angled horizontally twisted manner.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2013Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Inventor: Thomas Schuster
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Patent number: 9718521Abstract: This new art offers an improvement to conventional surfboards as well as any previous motorized jet surfboards. This application includes an electric powered surfboard equipped with high volume jet drive units that power it forward and significantly improve a surfer's wave fielding and catching ability. Once a wave is caught the drive unit can be shut off by the surfer. Then instantly, two flush fitting glide doors close the jet tube intake openings allowing the surfboard's bottom to return to a planning surface with no protrusions, except for fins, and no water filled jet tubes left open to detract from the surfboard's critical gliding ability when surfing waves. Also, there's a crowned deck shape that allows thin rail sensitivity for turning performance and a motor battery arrangement that provides mass centralization of weight. All this, combined with several wireless control means define this new fine handling motorized surfboard.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2012Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Inventor: Steven John Derrah
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Patent number: 9718522Abstract: The invention provides a visibility aid for watercraft in the form a stream of water illuminated from within so that the stream of water is readily visible even in unfavorable conditions. A stream of water such as the telltale from the cooling system of an outboard motor is illuminated from within by light that exhibits total internal reflection. This makes the telltale easy to see, even at night, allowing a boat operator to know that the cooling system is functioning properly.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Inventors: Rhett R. Morris, Christopher Joseph Law
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Patent number: 9718523Abstract: A robotic submersible includes a housing having a body and a tail. In another aspect, a pump and a pump tank adjust the buoyancy of a submersible housing. In a further aspect, a first linear actuator controls the pump and/or a buoyancy, and/or a second linear actuator controls a position of a battery and/or adjusts a center of gravity. Another aspect includes a pump and at least one linear actuator that control gliding movements of the housing. In still a further aspect, a motor couples a tail with a body, such that the motor controls the movements of the tail to create a swimming movement. Moreover, an additional aspect provides a controller selectively operating the pump, first actuator, second actuator, and motor to control when swimming and gliding movements occur.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State UniversityInventors: Xiaobo Tan, Feitian Zhang, Jianxun Wang, John Thon