Patents Issued in February 8, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180037247
    Abstract: A steering wheel for a vehicle is provided. The steering wheel includes a steering wheel rim with an operating member formed as a ring segment of the steering wheel rim and has an exterior shell with at least a first shell part and a second shell part. The exterior shell is configured to at least partially rotate from an initial position around a framework structure. At least one first switch is switchable to at least partially rotate the exterior shell from the initial position around the framework structure. The exterior shell is in the initial position, at least one of the first shell part and the second shell part are actuated toward or away from the framework structure to switch at least one second switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Firat Tapti, Volker Prescher, Daniel Gruler, Lutz Bauer, Lucian Vulcu, Florin Adrian Similie
  • Publication number: 20180037248
    Abstract: An arrangement of a steering wheel in a motor vehicle suitable for autonomous driving is provided, wherein the steering wheel can be pivoted or tilted from a usage position into a rest position, in which the driver of the vehicle can still specify a steering request by rotating the steering wheel. The pivoting or tilting of the steering wheel from the usage position into the rest position switches on an autonomous vehicle operating mode, in which the vehicle moves along the roadway without assistance from the driver, whereas pivoting or tilting of the steering wheel from the rest position into the usage position switches off the autonomous vehicle operating mode. For this purpose, the steering wheel rim can be pivotably or tiltably attached to a spoke of the steering wheel, which spoke is stationary or connected to the steering wheel rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Felix SCHWARZ, Philipp KERSCHBAUM, Julian EICHHORN
  • Publication number: 20180037249
    Abstract: A locking device for an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle may include an actuating shaft that is mounted such that it can be rotated about a rotational axis, that is connected to an operative element of a clamping device, and that is coupled to a rotor of a rotational damper. The rotor may be mounted rotatably in a housing and may be capable of being driven rotationally about a rotor axis by the actuating shaft. A rotational movement of the rotor may be damped in at least one rotational direction. The rotor may have at least one blade that projects radially with regard to the rotor axis and that has a contact face that makes frictional contact with a contact track on an inner face of the housing. Such a locking device has an improved rotational damper, is less complicated to manufacture, and has high acceptance in automotive engineering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicants: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Martin PRAWDA, Daniel SHEARER
  • Publication number: 20180037250
    Abstract: A steering column may include an adjustment unit with a steering spindle that is mounted rotatably about its longitudinal axis in a casing tube, a supporting unit that supports the adjustment unit, and a clamping device that controls movement between the adjustment unit and the supporting unit in a longitudinal direction. The clamping device may comprise an actuating element that interacts with a clamping mechanism for clamping the supporting unit to the adjustment unit. The clamping device may further comprise a locking part. In the securing position a form-fitting element of the locking part engages non-displaceably in the longitudinal direction with a form-fitting element of an engagement part connected to the adjustment unit. In the release position the form-fitting element of the locking part may be spaced apart from the form-fitting element of the engagement part to release the adjustment unit. The actuating element may be connected to a lifting mechanism separate from the clamping mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicants: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Daniel KREUTZ, Sebastian FORTE, Hieronymus SCHNITZER
  • Publication number: 20180037251
    Abstract: Hydraulic bi-directional flow switches are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a piston disposed in a fluid channel between a first fluid connection and a second fluid connection, where the first and second fluid connections define a fluid pathway for hydraulic steering fluid. The example apparatus also includes a detector to detect a movement of the piston away from a default position of the piston, where the piston is to displace from the default position when the hydraulic steering fluid flows along the fluid pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Frederick William Nelson
  • Publication number: 20180037252
    Abstract: In an electric power steering device, if a semiconductor switching element is used between a battery and a bridge circuit for opening and closing a current path, this arises a problem of generation of heat by an ON resistance; for this reason, a current flowing through the semiconductor switching element is limited if a difference between the gate voltage and the source voltage of the semiconductor switching element is smaller than or equal to a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Munenori YAMAMOTO, Hiroshi NISHIMURA
  • Publication number: 20180037253
    Abstract: A rotary electrical machine control apparatus is provided which controls drive of a rotary electrical machine having a plurality of winding sets. The apparatus includes inverters that are provided so as to respectively correspond to the winding sets, a temperature detection element that detects a base element that is used as a base for estimation of inverter temperatures, which are temperatures of the inverters, and a control section that has a temperature estimation section that estimates the inverter temperatures based on the base temperature and a temperature change amount generated due to current application to the inverters. On-resistance of the switching elements of the first inverter is smaller than on-resistance of the switching elements of the second inverter. The temperature detection element is disposed in an area, a distance between the area and the first inverter being shorter than a distance between the area and the second inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Ryo KANO, Takashi SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20180037254
    Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes a clutch provided on a power transmission path extending from a steering wheel to steered wheels, a reactive-force motor connected to a first portion of the power transmission path, which is closer to the steering wheel than the clutch is, a steering motor including a first motor coil and a second motor coil, and connected to a second portion of the power transmission path, which is closer to the steered wheels than the clutch is, a driving circuit configured to supply electric power to the reactive-force motor, a first driving circuit configured to supply electric power to the first motor coil, and a second driving circuit configured to supply electric power to the second motor coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keisuke IZUTANI, Masahiko SAKAMAKI, Hiroaki KAJI, Tomonari YAMAKAWA, Atsuo SAKAI, Tomoyasu KADA
  • Publication number: 20180037255
    Abstract: An articulated work vehicle with linked front and rear frames includes a joystick lever, a force imparting component, a speed sensor, and a controller. The joystick lever is configured to change a steering angle of the front frame with respect to the rear frame by operation by an operator. The force imparting component is configured to impart an assist force or a counterforce to operation of the joystick lever by the operator. The speed sensor is configured to sense speed of the work vehicle. The controller is configured to control the force imparting component so as to impart the assist force or the counterforce according to the speed sensed by the speed sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Yuita TAKENAKA, Masanobu NAKABAYASHI, Masanori IKARI
  • Publication number: 20180037256
    Abstract: The actuator control device includes an assist control circuit for calculating a first assist component and an automatic steering control circuit for calculating a second assist component. The automatic steering control circuit is allowed to calculate the second assist component while a steering torque is less than a first threshold value. The automatic steering control circuit calculates the second assist component by performing PID control that uses an integral term obtained on the basis of an angle deviation. When the steering torque is less than the first threshold value but not less than a second threshold value, the automatic steering control circuit limits the integral term in such a manner that it is harder for the integral term to increase while the steering torque is not less than the second threshold value than while the steering torque is less than the second threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shingo MAEDA, Takahiro TOKO, Gempei NAKASONE, Shinya AONO
  • Publication number: 20180037257
    Abstract: A steering control device (20) for a working vehicle includes an electric motor device (34) that generates an assistance torque to a steering column (33), and an inverter (43). The steering control device (20) includes a load torque sensor (39) that is attached between the electric motor device (34) and a load portion of a steering mechanism unit (21) to detect a load torque applied on a steering system, a steering load torque calculating section (41) that calculates a steering load torque based upon an output value of the load torque sensor (39), and an assistance torque calculating section (42) that adds the steering load torque outputted from the steering load torque calculating section (41) and a target steering torque input from an exterior to calculate an assistance torque to command the electric motor device (34) and command the inverter (43).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori ICHINOSE, Shinjiro SAITO
  • Publication number: 20180037258
    Abstract: A wheel mount, particularly for the front axle of a motor vehicle, has a basic body that has at least individual ones of the following accommodations or recesses: for accommodation of a kingpin for a wheel bearing, for connection of a brake caliper, for mounting of an upper wishbone fork, for mounting of an upper semi-trailing arm, for mounting of a tie rod, for mounting of a lower spring link, for mounting of a further lower wishbone, for positioning of a sensor, particularly an rpm sensor, for attachment of a sensor, particularly an rpm sensor, wherein the wheel mount is produced as a die-cast component made in one piece with these accommodations or recesses and connecting them with one another, preferably from light metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: KSM Castings Group GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas BUSCHJOHANN, Stefan GEISLER, Klaus GREVEN, Aribert SIMMACK, Heiko KAUERT, Jan ROEMHILD
  • Publication number: 20180037259
    Abstract: A lane keeping system for a vehicle includes a first roll angle sensor configured to provide a first signal indicative of dynamic vehicle body roll. A second roll angle sensor is configured to provide a second signal indicative of an angle between vehicle sprung and unsprung masses. A lane keeping system (LKS) controller is in communication with the first and second roll angle sensors. The LKS controller is configured to discern a vehicle roll angle in response to the first and second signals based upon effects of a lateral wind force on the vehicle. The LKS controller is configured to produce a correction in response to the determined lateral wind force effects to maintain the vehicle along a desired path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Kevin J. Hawes, Michael I. Chia, Ehsan Samiei, Walter K. Kosiak
  • Publication number: 20180037260
    Abstract: Abnormality determination for a driver is appropriately made in accordance with a peripheral state when lane keeping assist control is being carried out. When a no-driving operation state has continued for a period equal to or more than a set period, a driving support ECU determines whether or not a change inhibition condition set in advance in relation to a peripheral state of an own vehicle is satisfied. When the change inhibition condition is not satisfied, the driving support ECU sets a control mode of LKA to a “weaker mode” to decrease a control amount of the LKA. As a result, the own vehicle swerves in a lane, and a driver who has not fallen into an abnormal state can be prompted to carry out a steering wheel operation. Thus, it is possible to discriminate a driver who has fallen into the abnormal state and a driver who has not fallen into the abnormal state from one another. When the change inhibition condition is satisfied, the driving support ECU sets the control mode of the LKA to a “normal mode”.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirotada OTAKE, Masaki TAKANO
  • Publication number: 20180037261
    Abstract: The present invention relates to display means for systems for guiding a trailer while backing, and in particular to graphical display means to provide information to an operator who is steering, and controlling the accelerator and breaks by suggesting the amount of steering to apply to the towing vehicle to cause the trailer to be directed to where the operator wants the trailer to go.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Daniel Robert Shepard
  • Publication number: 20180037262
    Abstract: This vehicle control device is provided with: an environment recognition unit for recognizing the surrounding environment of a vehicle; a parking route generation unit for generating a travel route to a parking position which is determined on the basis of the recognized surrounding environment; a signal input unit to which a parking command signal is input; and a travel control unit for causing the vehicle to travel along the travel route to the parking position on the basis of the input parking command signal. The vehicle control device drives the vehicle to travel to the parking position for automatic parking while behaving differently depending on whether the parking command signal input to the signal input unit is a first parking command signal or a second parking command signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Masato IMAI
  • Publication number: 20180037263
    Abstract: A suspension member, comprises a front cross member that has a rectangular closed cross-sectional shape, as seen in a cross-section orthogonal to an extension direction of the front cross member, and that is provided with an engine mount bracket at a top wall of the front cross member, wherein the front cross member comprises: a first inclined wall that, as seen in the cross-section, connects an inner surface of the top wall and an inner surface of a front wall of the front cross member, and forms a closed cross-sectional shape at an upper front corner portion of the front cross member; and a second inclined wall that, as seen in the cross-section, connects an inner surface of a bottom wall and an inner surface of a rear wall of the front cross member, and forms a closed cross-sectional shape at a lower rear corner portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hideaki KANASUGI
  • Publication number: 20180037264
    Abstract: A structural reinforcement for a vehicle comprising: a) a carrier having a base wall from which a plurality of projections extend, the plurality of projections including at least one first projection and at least one second projection and the at least one first projection having a height greater than a height of the at least one second projection; b) an activatable material which is heat activatable and affixed to the carrier, configured to secure the carrier in a cavity of the vehicle; wherein in event of an impact, the at least one first projection and second projection are configured to deform toward the base wall and/or in a direction of an impact load in response to the impact load; and the at least one first projection is configured to receive the impact load and deform before the at least one second projection receives the impact load and deforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Liwen LI, Henry E. Richardson
  • Publication number: 20180037265
    Abstract: There is provided a three-wheeled vehicle that can maintain the ground contact surfaces of wheels and the road surface in contact with each other at all times, and that can suppress direct transmission of most of an impact from the road surface to a platform. First to third wheels are attached to a body frame that is rigid. The platform and the body frame are connected to each other by a connecting structure. First to third three degree of freedom non-restricted connecting mechanisms and first to third three degree of freedom restricted connecting mechanisms that form the connecting structure are deformed to allow the platform to make a bouncing motion, a rolling motion, a pitching motion, and a combined motion thereof within a restricted range when an impact is applied to the body frame from the road surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Shigeki MIYAMORI
  • Publication number: 20180037266
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle frame structure including (1) a first frame member that has a closed cross-sectional shape as seen in a cross-sectional view orthogonal to an extension direction and (2) a second frame member that extends along the first frame member, overlaps a wall surface of the first frame member, and has a hole portion that exposes the wall surface, with an edge portion of the bole portion being joined to the wall surface by a linear welded portion, wherein both end portions of the welded portion are disposed in close proximity to a neutral axis of the first frame member and the second frame member in a case in which the first frame member and the second frame member have undergone bending deformation in an in-plane direction of the wall surface in which the welded portion is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuki SHIMIZU
  • Publication number: 20180037267
    Abstract: A vehicle roof structure for concealing one or more sensors therein includes a roof panel, a windshield extending up to the roof panel, and a spoiler. The spoiler extends across at least a portion of a width of the roof panel and includes a leading portion that is substantially parallel to a windshield-roof interface, an apex, wherein a height of the spoiler increases from a height of the roof panel to a height of the apex as the spoiler extends from the leading portion to the apex in a vehicle longitudinal direction, and a trailing portion extending from the apex to the roof panel. A sensor volume is formed between the spoiler and the roof panel. One or more sensors are at least partially positioned within the sensor volume, wherein the one or more sensors output a signal indicative of a characteristic of an environment of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paxton S. Williams, Jaime N. Moore, Crystal J. Mink
  • Publication number: 20180037268
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a roof assembly including a roof outer panel having an outer facing surface and a sensor housing recess that extends below the outer facing surface. The sensor housing recess extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction between a front windshield and a rear windshield. A roof sensor housing assembly is mounted to the roof outer panel and extends along a length of the sensor housing recess. The roof sensor housing assembly includes a sensor housing structure that is mounted to the roof outer panel forming a sensor housing volume therebetween. The sensor housing structure extends at least partially above the outer facing surface of the outer roof panel. The sensor housing structure includes a transmission region that has increased transmittance therethrough compared to surrounding regions of the sensor housing structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaime N. Moore, Crystal J. Mink
  • Publication number: 20180037269
    Abstract: A cross-member for a motor vehicle includes a main strut oriented substantially horizontally in an installation direction, and a tunnel support oriented substantially vertically in the installation direction. The main strut has complete mounting points formed on both sides of the tunnel support for mounting the steering console on both the left side and the right side of the tunnel support in the installation direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Martin CURK, johann DOMWEBER
  • Publication number: 20180037270
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle rear end structure capable of reducing weight of a vehicle body, and achieving satisfactory rear end collision performance. A vehicle rear end structure includes: a left/right pair of frames; a floor panel having a floor tunnel in a convex shape protruding upward when viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a high floor portion higher than the floor tunnel; a rear cross member connected to the left/right pair of frames, and having a V-shape with an apex at the vehicle front side in plan view; and a tunnel connection portion connecting the floor tunnel and the apex of the rear cross member. A top surface of the floor tunnel, a bottom surface of the tunnel connection portion, and a bottom surface of the rear cross member are arranged in an approximately straight line, when seen from the lateral side of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Satoru KAWABE
  • Publication number: 20180037271
    Abstract: A cowl cover arrangement for a motor vehicle has a cowl cover which adjoins a lower end of a front pane and extends in the direction of a width of the motor vehicle. The cowl cover arrangement further has a first wall for collecting water flowing from the front pane over the cowl cover. The cowl cover arrangement further has a second wall for collecting water flowing over or through the first wall. At least one water outlet discharges the water collected by the second wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Florian KAHL, Andreas HUBER
  • Publication number: 20180037272
    Abstract: A structural reinforcement comprising a base reinforcing structure including a plurality of ribs and having a first surface and a second surface, an expandable adhesive material located onto a first portion of the first surface, and a sealant material located around an edge of the second surface, the second surface being substantially free of any of the plurality of ribs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Henry E. Richardson, Alexander G. Mangiapane
  • Publication number: 20180037273
    Abstract: Composite sheet material (1) comprising a glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic substrate (3) having first and second sides, a reinforced film (23) on the first side of the glass fiber reinforced substrate (3), and a layer of paint (24) applied to an exposed surface of the reinforced film (23). The glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic substrate (3) has three layers (7, 9, 11) of wound glass fiber filaments (21) consolidated and fused in a thermoplastic resin matrix (22). The composite sheet material (1) is useful in obtaining hail-proof roof paneling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Patrick Peter Mario Aarts, Marcel Henricus Mechtilda Verheijden
  • Publication number: 20180037274
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a cargo moving apparatus for moving cargo within a bed of a pickup truck. The cargo moving apparatus includes a male and female guide rails and a bed slide. The female guide rails can be attachable to the pickup truck and extend a length of the truck. The male guide rails can be attached to the bed slide. The female guide rails and male guide rails include a track formed along the rails top and bottom surface, respectively. For example, the tracked formed may be of a tubular shape wherein the female track is an outer tube that almost encompasses the inner tube of the male track. The female and male tracks of the female and male guide rails can mate or interface and when the bed slide is moved from forward to rearward position the interface of the male and female tracks allow the slide to be easily moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Edward Mathis
  • Publication number: 20180037275
    Abstract: An aerodynamically optimized drag-reduction apparatus and method for optimal minimization of the drag-induced resistive forces upon a terrestrial vehicle, where the drag-induced resistive moments on wheel surfaces pivoting about the stationary point of ground contact are reduced, and the vehicle propulsive forces needed to countervail the resistive forces on the wheel are reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: GARTH L. MAGEE
  • Publication number: 20180037276
    Abstract: One of the major causes of drag in vehicles is due to the low pressure and/or turbulent vortex region behind the vehicle. In some vehicles multiple smaller vortices may form around the vehicle, and elimination of these through shaping of bodywork of vehicles is common practice to increase efficiency of the vehicle. A vehicle is provided configured such that, when moving at a speed above a predetermined threshold speed, at least one turbulent and/or low pressure region (190) is formed adjacent to the vehicle, the vehicle comprising: at least one propelling nozzle (200) located adjacent to the at least one region; and a system for providing gas to the at least one nozzle (200) for expulsion into the at least one region (190).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: OGAB LIMITED
    Inventor: Osama ELOGAB
  • Publication number: 20180037277
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rear spoiler (1) of a motor vehicle. This spoiler (1) comprises A first part (10) which is intended to be fastened in a position assembled on the rear of the vehicle, and which forms the upper face of the spoiler (1), A second part (20) which forms at least one part of the lower face of the spoiler (1) and which is adapted to cover an upper edge (985) of a rear window (98) of the vehicle when this second part (20) is in the assembled position, the second part (20) being removable so as to allow a rear window (98) to be assembled on or disassembled from this vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventor: Issam KHAYAT
  • Publication number: 20180037278
    Abstract: It is known to retro-fit continuous track units to wheeled vehicles. This apparatus permits this to happen such that the continuous track units are securely attached and so that the vehicle can withstand shock loads and be operated over rough terrain without them becoming dislodged. This is effected by a first portion (240) attachable to the vehicle's chassis (75), the first portion arranged to substantially surround the drive hub (25), a second portion (250) including a support arm (280) for supporting the continuous track unit, the second portion releasably attachable to the first portion, and a drive sprocket (260) releasably attachable to the drive hub for transferring torque from the drive hub to the continuous track unit so as to rotate the track in use with the wheel re moved and the apparatus attached to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Moorend Ltd
    Inventor: Andrew Cox
  • Publication number: 20180037279
    Abstract: A device for cleaning the tracks of a track-driven vehicle comprising a mounting plate, at least one positioning arm connected to and extending from the mounting plate, and at least one brush assembly attached to and extending from a positioning arm, where the mounting plate, positioning arm, and brush assembly are configured so that when the mounting plate is mounted to a vehicle the brush is positioned to clean the track of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Adam Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20180037280
    Abstract: A track shoe for a track of a large hydraulic excavator comprises a plate-shaped base having a substantially rectangular base surface and being defined in a circumferential direction by a left side surface, a right side surface, a front surface and a rear surface. The front surface and the rear surface include a front stopper and a rear stopper, respectively. The front stopper and the rear stopper limit a negative rotation of adjacent track shoes in the track to a predetermined angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
    Inventor: Udo Nott
  • Publication number: 20180037281
    Abstract: An idler wheel recoil assembly mounts an idler wheel to a roller frame of an undercarriage of a track-type machine. The idler wheel recoil assembly includes a recoil shaft and spring mounted on the roller frame for reciprocal movement of the recoil shaft, and a swing arm pivotally connected to a guard mounted on the roller frame by a guard mounting assembly and having the idler wheel rotatably mounted thereon. A yoke is pivotally connected between the recoil shaft and the swing arm. A guard mounting assembly connects the guard to the roller frame of the undercarriage and has a plurality of mounting positions for securing the guard to the roller frame, with an idler rise height of the idler wheel relative to the roller frame being different when the guard is secured to the roller frame in each of the plurality of mounting positions of the guard mounting assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Jerome Maier, John Bradley Edelin, Dewakar Venkata Jonnakuti, Sanjog Suresh Mankar
  • Publication number: 20180037282
    Abstract: A joint design to connect tubes for a space frame, where a space frame may be a vehicle chassis, is provided. The joint may connect carbon fiber tubes and may be designed with different shapes and configurations. The joint may include acceptor ports that may mate with a tube and simultaneously contact an inner surface and outer surface of the tube for a strong connection. The joint may also include centering features which may create a space between a surface of the tube and a surface of the joint through which adhesive may flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Kevin Robert Czinger, William Bradley Balzer, Praveen Varma Penmetsa, Zachary Meyer Omohundro, Matthew M. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20180037283
    Abstract: In an inverted pendulum vehicle, the fore and aft dimension of the vehicle in a forwardly tilted, parked position is minimized. A pivot center line of a base end of a tail wheel arm is located inside a circle centered around a center of a tail wheel and having a radius equal to a distance between the center of the tail wheel and the rotational center line of the drive disks, and with respect to a hypothetical tail wheel arm, a first line is a line extending along the hypothetical tail wheel arm when the vehicle is in the upright position, and a second line is a line extending along the hypothetical tail wheel arm when the vehicle is in the forwardly tilted, park position, the pivot center line being located on or above a bisector of an angle formed by the first line and the second line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Seiji KATO, Jun INADA
  • Publication number: 20180037284
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a cushioning material structure, for a vehicle seat, that makes it possible to reduce the weight of the vehicle seat while maintaining stable riding performance. A cushioning material supported by the top surface of a bottom plate provided on a vehicle body is provided with voids. This allows weight reduction without reducing the thickness of the cushioning material as in conventional cushioning-material structures, thereby making it possible to reduce the weight of the vehicle seat while maintaining stable riding performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohisa CHIBA, Katsuhiro KIYA, Yoshinori UEYAMA
  • Publication number: 20180037285
    Abstract: A bicycle seat for accommodating bicycle accessories includes a seat having a bottom face. Two rails are fixed below and spaced from the bottom face of the seat. A support is connected to the seat and is located between the two rails. A receiving space is defined between the support and the seat and can accommodate at least one bicycle accessory. The space between the two rails can be effectively used, and the receiving space can accommodate bicycle accessories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Louis Chuang
  • Publication number: 20180037286
    Abstract: A combination includes a water bottle holder adapter and a water bottle holder. The water bottle holder adapter includes first and second engaging portions. The first engaging portion can engage with a bicycle seat. The water bottle holder includes first, second, and third extensions. The first extension is detachably connected to the second engaging portion of the water bottle holder adapter. The third extension extends transversely to the first extension and includes an abutment face on which a water bottle can rest. The first, second extension, and third extensions together define a receiving space receiving the water bottle and having an opening opposite to the abutment face. Each of the first and second extensions includes an end adjacent to the opening. A first spacing between the end of the first extension and the abutment face is smaller than a second spacing between the end of the second extension and the abutment face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Louis Chuang
  • Publication number: 20180037287
    Abstract: A gas can is configured to be secured to a rack of a motorcycle. The gas can have a generally flat profile so that the rack may still be used to transport luggage or other items even when the gas can is secured to it. The gas can may include a pair of opposing brackets that each have a J hook that can be secured underneath a bar of the rack. At least one of the brackets can include a sliding portion that can be slid to move the corresponding J hook thereby unlatching the J hook from the bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Brent Allenbach
  • Publication number: 20180037288
    Abstract: A scooter is provided. The scooter comprises a frame assembly including a main frame for a user, an extendable frame movably connected to the main frame and configured to be extendable away from the main frame at an interface at which the main frame and the extendable frame meet, and a wheel assembly connected to the frame assembly. The extendable frame forms a cargo space at an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Eui Shik Bang, James Yu-Hsin Kuo, Chelsia Ka Po Lau, Daniel Tang, Jack Li
  • Publication number: 20180037289
    Abstract: An electric-powered vehicle includes a drive wheel and a coasting wheel. The drive wheel and the coasting wheel are spaced apart from each other in a vehicle traveling direction. A frame is arranged between the drive wheel and the coasting wheel and rotationally supports the drive wheel and the coasting wheel. The frame has an object mounting portion. A stay is coupled to the frame and extends upward from the frame. A seat and a handlebar are supported by the stay. The vehicle has a plurality of modes including a ride mode, in which a user uses the vehicle while being seated on the seat and holding the handlebar, and a cart mode, in which the user uses the vehicle while standing on the ground and holding the handlebar. The vehicle is selectively switched to a shape corresponding to each of the modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHISIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshihiro SHINDE, Yuya NISHI, Peter MARCO
  • Publication number: 20180037290
    Abstract: A human-machine interactive motion apparatus includes a first frame and a second frame rotatable relative to each other; a rotating mechanism disposed between the first frame and the second frame to rotatably connect the first frame to the second frame; a rotation stop member fixed on at least one of the first frame and the second frame; and a function extension member rotatably connected to the rotation stop member; wherein the function extension member is connected to the rotation stop member having a limitation of a rotation angle of the function extension member relative to the at least one of the first frame and the second frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Jiawei Ying
  • Publication number: 20180037291
    Abstract: A swing arm structure for a saddle riding electric vehicle includes a swing arm pivotably supported by a vehicle body frame at a pivot section and extending rearward from the pivot section to rotatably support a rear wheel, an electric motor that drives the rear wheel, and a speed reduction mechanism that reduces an output of the electric motor and transmit the output to the rear wheel, and a housing installed separately from the swing arm and attached to the swing arm, wherein the speed reduction mechanism and the housing are configured as a speed reduction mechanism unit in which the speed reduction mechanism is attached to the housing and integrated with the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Kenzo SHIMIZU, Masahiro YAMAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20180037292
    Abstract: A steering apparatus with forward extended fork legs includes left and right fork legs that extend from a wheel axle all the way up to a handlebar. Top fork portions support a handlebar in a more forward location. A mid-fork portion of each fork leg is positioned in front of the steering column to provide more clearance room for the rider's knees. e top ends of the fork legs are positioned a forward distance in front of the vertical axis defined by the steering column. Each fork leg may be tilted forward with respect to the steering column and may also include a forward bend to direct portions of each fork leg towards the front.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Shinji MARUI
  • Publication number: 20180037293
    Abstract: A two-wheel, self-balancing transportation device having a foot platform zone associated with each wheel. Various sensor or control arrangements are disclosed. In one embodiment, torsion sensing is used to determine a rider's fore-aft weight distribution on one foot platform zone relative to the other. The torsion-based sensing is preferably combined with fore-aft platform position sensing to achieve a driving and turning of the device. In another embodiment, pressure sensors are used to determine a rider's fore-aft weight distribution on one foot platform zone relative to the other. In yet another embodiment, a relative position sensor is used to determine the relative position of movable platforms sections. Other features and embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Shane Chen, Ywanne Chen
  • Publication number: 20180037294
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is provided that allows the rider to ride a bicycle comfortably. A bicycle electric assist unit is provided that includes the bicycle control device. The bicycle control device includes an electronic controller that controls an operational state of a bicycle component based on at least an operational state of the bicycle electric assist unit. The bicycle component includes at least one of an electric suspension and an electric adjustable seatpost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Tadaharu KUROTOBI, Shingo SAKURAI
  • Publication number: 20180037295
    Abstract: A bicycle may include a front triangle and a rear suspension system that couples the front triangle to a rear wheel and is dampened by at least one shock absorber. The rear suspension system includes a six-bar linkage having two ternary links separated from each other by one or more binary links, such that the two ternary links do not share a common joint. One of the ternary links may comprise a chain stay. In some examples, the other ternary link may comprise the front triangle. In some examples, the other ternary link may comprise a rocker arm coupling a seat stay link to the shock absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Level One Engineering LLC
    Inventor: Luther Mac BEALE
  • Publication number: 20180037296
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rotation transmission mechanism including: an internal rotation member inserted by a crankshaft of a bicycle; and an external rotation member configured on the internal rotation member. The internal rotation member includes: an internal rotation member body. The external rotation member includes: a circular ring part configured at an outer side of the outer circumferential convex parts; and inner circumferential convex parts protruding to an inner circumferential side of the circular ring part and configured alternately with the outer circumferential convex parts. Elastic deformation parts are configured between the outer circumferential convex parts and the inner circumferential convex parts on a rotation direction side of the advancing outer circumferential convex parts. The outer circumferential convex parts are formed in such a manner that a surface on the rotation direction side is greater than a surface on an opposite side of the rotation direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicants: GODO KAISHA IP BRIDGE
    Inventor: Yoichiro Hamamoto