Patents Issued in May 15, 2018
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Patent number: 9969201Abstract: A book having a page construction for improved page manipulation. The book includes a plurality of pages bound together at an edge margin, wherein each page includes a bound edge and a plurality of free edges. At least one of the free edges of at least one of the pages includes an edge relief. The pages may comprise cardboard or other stiff material having a thickness. The free edges include opposed top and bottom edges and a side edge. The edge relief may extend along the entire side edge or only a portion thereof. The edge relief may be in the form of, for example, a chamfer, a bevel, a radius, a notch, a step, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Inventor: Kinch Robert Reindl
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Patent number: 9969202Abstract: A combined greeting card and gift card holder which also includes audio capability and motor movement of at least one mobile object attached to or integral with the greeting card. The greeting card may additionally contain certain embellishments such as faux fur to make the greeting card more appealing and entertaining.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: American Greetings CorporationInventor: Jennifer DaDante
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Patent number: 9969203Abstract: In a process for producing a multilayer body, an HRI layer made of a material having a high refractive index is applied to at least part of the surface area of a substrate. At least one partial region of the HRI layer is then physically removed from the substrate again by treatment with an alkaline solution. Additionally specified is a multilayer body that can be obtained by such a process.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2014Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignees: LEOHNARD KURZ STIFTUNG & CO. KG, OVD KINEGRAM AGInventors: René Staub, Ludwig Brehm, Juri Attner, Michael Hoffmann, Peter Seeholzer
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Patent number: 9969204Abstract: A clipboard device having an elastic retainer member which is alternately deployable to hold papers or other items in place on the front or rear surface of the clipboard and related methods of manufacture and use.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2014Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: HOM EssenceInventor: Loren L. Miller
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Patent number: 9969205Abstract: A pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism includes a buffer space connected to a brush via a paint flow space (a paint tank and a paint feeder) through which paint flows. The pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism buffers pressure fluctuations in the paint tank by the flow of paint and air between the paint flow space and the buffer space. The pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism includes a first buffer space forming member for forming a first buffer space in the buffer space, and a second buffer space forming member for forming a second buffer space in the buffer space. The paint between the first buffer space and the paint flow space flows more easily than the paint between the second buffer space and the paint flow space.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignees: CHEMICOS CREATIONS LTD., V SPARK CO., LTD.Inventor: Masayuki Kawasaki
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Patent number: 9969206Abstract: A marker storage accessory includes a main body having marker-engaging structure and writing surface engaging structure. The main body may also include cap-engaging structure or, alternatively, blocking structure. The marker-engaging structure includes a plurality of circumferentially positioned teeth adapted to be conformingly inserted into the complementarily shaped channels defined by the ribs located on the non-writing end of a writing instrument such as a dry-erase marker. The cap-engaging structure can include ribs creating a geometry adapted to conformingly receive the protruding end of a cap for the writing instrument. The blocking structure can be a protrusion adapted to prevent attachment of the marker storage accessory on the nub-end of the writing instrument while permitting attachment of a marker cap. When the marker storage accessory is attached to the writing surface, the marker self-positions to a generally nub-down orientation.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Kablooe Design, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Edward Kramer, Blake Thomas Eisenschenk, Luke William Bromback
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Patent number: 9969207Abstract: A reciprocating pencil sharpener has a shavings receptacle, a stationary member, a cutter and a ratchet mechanism. The cutter includes a blade secured to a blade holder. The ratchet mechanism is mounted between the stationary member and the cutter and allows the cutter to rotate relative to the stationary member in one direction only. When a user desires to sharpen a pencil, the user can keep the pencil in the hand and rotate the pencil in reciprocating rotation, thus obtaining the sharpened point of the pencil. Consequently, it is convenient for the user to apply a rotational force and a high efficiency of sharpening operation is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: SDI CORPORATIONInventor: Szu-Yu Chen
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Patent number: 9969208Abstract: The utility holder was designed to allow stored markers an extended life of working effectiveness. The design has one or more cylindrical recesses with a tapered bottom in which a dry-erase marker cap may be held in place in order that a dry-erase marker may be placed inside the cylindrical recess upside down, snapping into the dry-erase marker cap. The upside down placement of the markers in the magnetic whiteboard utility holder allows the markers maximum life. There are one or more magnets on the back surface of the utility holder which allows for it to adhere to a magnetic whiteboard. The utility holder also has a cuboid recess, which allows for a dry-erase eraser to be stored.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Inventors: David R. Hall, William H. Reynolds, Christopher Reynolds, Joe Fox
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Patent number: 9969209Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wheel device including bonding a hub portion with lug holes and center bore hole, a spokes portion, and a barrel portion to generally form a mandrel or an inner frame of the wheel device. The inner frame is a scaled down size of the wheel device, in which a composite skin is wrapped around the inner frame to form an uncured wheel device. The uncured wheel device is encased inside a mold apparatus to cure. A cured wheel device of this method provides a wheel device with barrel, spokes, hub, lug holes and center bore hole molded into said wheel device without the use of a machine to carve out the spokes, hub, log holes or center bore hole.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Inventor: Joshua Quiroz
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Patent number: 9969210Abstract: A locking device for a vehicle wheel is disclosed. In some embodiments, the locking device includes a plate having an outer surface and an inner surface and at least one opening extending through the plate, at least one enclosure extending from the inner surface of the plate, at least one retention tab extending from the inner surface of the plate, the retention tab having a lateral locating portion and a radial locating portion having a slot, and at least one lock cylinder extending through the at least one opening, a lock tab connected to the at least one lock cylinder and movable from an unlocked position to a locked position.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Chad P. Fisher
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Patent number: 9969211Abstract: A mounting arrangement for adding an auxiliary wheel spaced from an existing wheel of a motor vehicle including two or more generally cylindrical spacers connected together abutting end to end, an inner spacer attached to a brake assembly member with a preexisting wheel rim compressed between an inside face of the inner spacer and the brake assembly member, and an outer spacer connected to the inner spacer by bolts, and holding stud bolts extending out and received through holes in the auxiliary wheel rim, with lug nuts fixing the rim of the auxiliary wheel against the outside end of the outer spacer. An intermediate spacer between the inner and outer spacers may alternatively be provided detachably connecting the inner and outer spacers together, attached to an outside end of the inner spacer and to the inside end of the outer spacer by bolts.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Inventor: Andrew Niemczyk
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Patent number: 9969212Abstract: The present invention discloses a resistance force control structure of driven pulley device, which is pivot mounted on a wheel of a driven pulley device, and primarily uses damping oil or a magnetic force to achieve a resistance effect. The magnetic force portion can also be added to a gear structure to present another configuration of a resistance force control structure to achieve change in magnetic force to increase the stabilizing effect of a wheeled frame. Moreover, an adjustable mechanism enables the user to control changes in the height of the damping oil level or magnetic force strength to control the rotational speed of a wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignees: LONG YUE CAST-PRESS CO., LTD.Inventor: Tung-Yi Lin
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Patent number: 9969213Abstract: The present disclosure may relate to centerless wheel assembly that includes a centerless rim including a first center point laying in a first plane generally defined by the centerless rim. The centerless wheel assembly may also include a centerless ring gear coupled to the centerless rim such that rotation of the centerless ring gear causes a corresponding rotation of the centerless rim. The centerless ring gear may include a second center point laying in a second plane generally defined by the centerless ring gear, and the first plane may be generally parallel to the second plane. Additionally, the centerless ring gear may be shaped to interface with a drive gear that drives the centerless ring gear.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: ORBIS WHEELS, INC.Inventors: Marcus G. Hays, Scott Streeter, Benjamin Lorimore, Gary Leo
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Patent number: 9969214Abstract: Improved wheel removal tools may include a frame, one or more removal members movably coupled to the frame and one or more connection members coupled to a respective removal member. In operation, the frame may be attached to the wheel, such as at one or more wheel studs or bolts, and the connection members may be attached to the wheel, such as by engaging apertures in the wheel. The base may be configured to leverage the wheel studs—rather than the axle hub—during the wheel removal process. Once engaged with the wheel, the removal members may be moved away from the wheel by an operator so that the connection members pull the wheel to dislodge the seized wheel from the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Pro-Tate Systems, Inc.Inventor: James Gesto
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Patent number: 9969215Abstract: A frame (10) for a creeper includes spaced side rails (11) having a generally flat top surface (12) and a generally flat bottom surface (13). Opposed arcuate surfaces (14) extend between the ends of the top (12) and bottom (13) surfaces to form a generally oval profile for the side rails (11). A plurality of caster assemblies (15, 16, 17) each include a generally flat mounting plate (36) which is positioned adjacent to, and attached to, the flat bottom surface (13) of the side rails (11). A plurality of crossrails (23, 24, 25, 26) extend between the side rails (11) and are adapted to receive a pad.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Whiteside Mfg. Co.Inventors: Kirt E. Whiteside, Chad E. Mays
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Patent number: 9969216Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electronic caster system for use with a furniture component. The system may have a caster with a body portion, a wheel supported for rolling movement relative to the body portion, and a neck portion. The neck portion may be adapted to be operably coupled to the furniture component to enable swiveling movement of the body portion. A processor may be provided which is supported on the caster. A sensing component may also be included which is carried on the caster for sensing a condition affecting the caster, and generating an output signal in accordance with the sensed condition to the processor.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: TOME, INC.Inventors: Jacob R. Sigal, Massimo Baldini, Philip J. Danne, Kent Suzuki, Eric Christopher Barch
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Patent number: 9969217Abstract: A laminate comprising at least one layer of a first thermoplastic resin composition alternately stacked with at least two layers of a second thermoplastic resin composition so that the outermost layers are the layers of the second thermoplastic resin composition, wherein the first thermoplastic resin composition comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and modified ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, and the second thermoplastic resin composition has a different composition from the first thermoplastic resin composition, and wherein, in any adjacent pair of the layer of the first thermoplastic resin composition and the layer of the second thermoplastic resin composition, the layer of the first thermoplastic resin composition and the layer of the second thermoplastic resin composition have a specific tensile modulus ratio and a specific thickness ratio.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shusaku Tomoi, Yuichi Hara
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Patent number: 9969218Abstract: A wheel assembly comprising a rigid wheel including a radially outer rim wall presenting a polygonal shape with a plurality of outermost vertices connecting a plurality of planar faces, and a flexible tire mounted on the outer rim wall. The tire is supported by the vertices of the rim wall and is separated from the rim faces by a space, portions of the tire located between the vertices being configured to flex inwardly when subject to ground engaging pressure.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Lindsay CorporationInventors: Thomas J. Korus, Jochen Pfrenger
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Patent number: 9969219Abstract: An airless tire includes a cylindrical tread ring, a hub and a spoke structure connecting the tread ring and hub. The spoke structure has a tread-side annular component, a hub-side annular component, and spoke plates radially extending from the hub-side to tread-side components, each spoke plate has thickness having first tapered-thickness region, second tapered-thickness region and minimum-thickness region such that the first region radially extending outward has the thickness gradually reducing from first position at which the hub-side component is bonded, the second region radially extending inward has the thickness gradually reducing from second position at which the tread-side component is bonded, and the minimum-thickness region has the minimum thickness between the first and second regions, and the first and second regions are formed such that each of tire radial lengths of the first and second regions is at least 0.05 times a tire radial length of a spoke plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES LTD.Inventors: Wako Iwamura, Makoto Sugiya
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Patent number: 9969220Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire includes: a ring member (14) including an inner cylinder (12) externally covering an attachment body (11) to be attached to an axle and an outer cylinder (13) surrounding the inner cylinder (12) from a tire radial outer side; a plurality of connecting members (15) arranged along a tire circumferential direction between the inner cylinder (12) and the outer cylinder (13) and connecting the two cylinders to each other; and a tread member (16) made of vulcanized rubber and located on a tire radial outer side of the outer cylinder (13), wherein at least one part of the outer cylinder (13) and the plurality of connecting members (15) are integrally formed of a synthetic resin material, and an adhesion layer (25) containing an epoxy-based adhesive agent is located between the tread member (16) and the outer cylinder (13) having an amino group in a surface thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATIONInventor: Shinichi Toyosawa
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Patent number: 9969221Abstract: The present invention provides a pneumatic tire capable of preventing discoloration while exhibiting good TGC resistance even after the tire having a reduced sub-tread thickness at the base of the tread main groove is stored. The present invention relates to a pneumatic tire including a tread portion, the tread portion including a jointless band and at least two tire components selected from the group consisting of a cap tread, a base tread, and an undertread, the rubber composition for cap treads having an amount of phenylenediamine antioxidant of a specific value or less, the cap tread, the base tread, the undertread, and the upper layer of the jointless band having amounts of phenylenediamine antioxidant satisfying a specific relational expression, the rubber composition for undertreads containing a specific amount of sulfur, the pneumatic tire having a sub-tread thickness at the base of the tread main groove of 0.5 to 2.0 mm.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventor: Tatsuya Miyazaki
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Patent number: 9969222Abstract: The invention relates to an asymmetric tread for a tire comprising a plurality of basic patterns, for each of which there is defined a sipes density corresponding to ? i ? li P * Wm where i is the number of sipes in the pattern, li is the length of the ith sipe on the tread surface, P is the pitch of the basic pattern and Wm is the width of the basic pattern, a sipes orientation level corresponding to ? i ? ? li * ? ? ? i ? P * Wm , where ?i is the positive or negative angle formed on the tread surface by the ith sipe with the transverse direction and |?i|?45 degrees and a steering pull criterion for the basic pattern corresponding to ? ? i ? li * ? ? ? i ? i ? ? li * ? ? ? i ? ? . The sipes density is greater than or equal to 60 ?m/mm2, the sipes orientation level is greater than or equal to 1.5 degrees/mm and the steering pull criterion for the pattern is less than or equal to 0.2.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2011Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.Inventors: Sébastien Fugier, Nicolas Jamot, Bertrand Fraenkel
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Patent number: 9969223Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a tread portion including a first tread pattern and a second tread pattern. The first tread pattern and the second pattern are formed as substantially symmetrical design to the tire equator and arranged such that pattern phases thereof are shifted one another in a circumferential direction of the tire. Each of the first tread pattern and the second tread pattern is provided with lateral inclined grooves each extending axially inwardly with an inclination from a tread edge to an axially inner end located near the tire equator, an inner connecting groove connecting between a pair of circumferentially adjacent lateral inclined grooves, and an outer connecting groove connecting between a pair of circumferentially adjacent lateral inclined grooves. A central connecting grooves is arranged to connect between a pair of axially adjacent lateral inclined grooves.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventor: Kazuki Higashiura
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Patent number: 9969224Abstract: A vehicle tire has outer shoulders and two tread halves. The tire includes a tread having six block rows and a plurality of circumferential grooves. Mutually adjacent ones of the block rows are separated from each other by a corresponding one of the plurality of circumferential grooves. Each of the block rows has individual blocks separated from each other by mutually parallel essentially straight transverse grooves running at an angle to the axial direction of the tire. The circumferential grooves include first circumferential grooves having a maximum profile depth and second circumferential grooves having a second profile depth less than the maximum profile depth. The transverse grooves have a depth approximately corresponding to a maximum profile depth at first outlet locations. The transverse grooves have a depth corresponding to the second profile depth at second outlet locations.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Continental Reifen Deutschland GmbHInventors: Anastassia Pokutta-Paskaleva, Amelia Olga Goncalves Ankiewicz, Jens Hoffmann, Alexander Wuest, Klaus Wiese, Ulrich Vermehr, Yeo Chun Yi, Moh Wahi Mohd Wahinuddin, Franz-Josef Dopheide
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Patent number: 9969225Abstract: A system for changing pressure in one or more tires of a self-propelled agricultural machine according to a load differential determined using load sensors on opposing locations of the machine. A load differential may be caused by a disproportionate distribution of forces and/or weight on the machine. Load sensors proximal to the tires may allow determining corresponding loads on the tires and, in turn, the load differential. As a result, tires experiencing greater loads may be inflated, whereas tires experiencing lesser loads may be deflated. In addition, a Human Machine Interface (HMI) may be provided in the operator cab to allow an operator to have further control over tire inflation on the fly while operating the machine.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventor: Bradley Hansen
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Patent number: 9969226Abstract: A bicycle and board apparatus comprising a buoyant board, a front wheel, a rear wheel and a steering member, and being mountable and usable in a first configuration as a bicycle in which the buoyant board is the bicycle's frame and in a second configuration as a surfboard by changing the orientation of the front wheel, the rear wheel or the steering member with respect to the buoyant board.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Inventor: Leonard Pezza
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Patent number: 9969227Abstract: Method and apparatus for a floatable and collapsible cart having a storage compartment formed by a framed assembly with waterproof material mounted thereon. Floatation material is disposed in the bottom of the storage compartment and front and rear ground contacting wheels are provided below and in line with the opposite sides of the storage compartment which may be converted between a folded position and an unfolded position. Objects may be loaded into the storage compartment and pulled by a user on the surface of the water between a boat and the seashore and then rolled along the seashore. A pull cord is provided for pulling the wagon.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Inventor: Jessica McNeave
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Patent number: 9969228Abstract: A vehicle suspension system is described that includes a frame, a control arm assembly, a bell crank, and a shock. The control arm assembly includes upper and lower control arms. The bell crank is disposed above the upper control arm and is pivotally coupled to the upper control arm and the frame. The shock is coupled to the bell crank and the frame, and is disposed between the bell crank and a vehicle passenger compartment. In some embodiments, the bell crank is coupled to the upper control arm by a pushrod. Additionally, in some embodiments, the frame is a unitized frame and/or includes an engine cowling, and the bell crank is coupled to the engine cowling.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Inventors: David R. Hall, Stephen R. Hall, Christopher Johnson, Jason Simpson
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Patent number: 9969229Abstract: A suspension system allows travel of a sprung mass relative to an unsprung mass. A primary stage has a primary leaf attached between the sprung mass and the unsprung mass. An auxiliary stage has an auxiliary leaf operatively attached to either the primary stage or unsprung mass. A variable engagement bracket includes a mount point, attached to the sprung mass and defining an axis, and an offset arm extending from the mount point and rotatable about the axis. The offset arm contacts the auxiliary stage at a first point at a first travel of the suspension system and at a second point at a second travel. The first point provides or defines a maximum contact span and the second provides a minimum contact span, smaller than the maximum contact span, for the auxiliary stage.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Peter J. Soles
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Patent number: 9969230Abstract: A top mount assembly including a housing for being connected to the frame of the vehicle. A rod connection assembly is disposed in the housing for being attached to a piston rod of the damper assembly. A chamber is defined between the rod connection assembly and the housing for receiving a fluid. A resilient member is disposed between the rod connection assembly and the housing. A partition assembly is positioned between the resilient member and the housing and axially divides the chamber into an upper chamber region and a lower chamber region. The partition assembly defines at least one passage that extends between the upper chamber region and the lower chamber region. At least one electromagnetic coil is disposed adjacent to the passage for selectively modifying the characteristics of the fluid passing through the passage to modify the damping characteristics of the top mount assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: BeijingWest Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Bobby Isaac, David John Barta, Timothy Michael Schlangen
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Patent number: 9969231Abstract: A damper assembly includes a housing. A method of forming a damper assembly includes extruding the housing formed of aluminum. The housing defines a first chamber and a first passage spaced from each other, with a first inlet fluidly connecting the first chamber and the first passage. A piston is disposed in the first chamber and is movable in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. A first restrictor valve is disposed in the first passage. The first restrictor valve is configured to restrict a flow of liquid into the first passage from the first chamber and the first inlet as the piston moves in one of the first and second directions which causes the liquid in the first chamber to increase a pressure applied to a first side of the piston to dampen movement of the piston.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Robert P. Marble, Robert G. Izak
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Patent number: 9969232Abstract: A suspension strut mount (1), with a mount arranged between a guide ring (2) and a cap (3). The guide ring (2) and the cap (3) are connected to each other by a snap-on connection (5) that has at least one torsion snap-fit hook (6, 21) that is arranged via a holder (7) that can be torsionally bent on one of the guide ring (2) or the cap (3) and engages, in the assembled state, in an undercut (8) on the other of the guide ring (2) or the cap (3).Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Andreas Wollner, Rainer Lutz, Ralf Stautner
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Patent number: 9969233Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator comprising a cylinder (1) in which a rod (2) is mounted to slide, the actuator having a screw (8) extending inside the rod to co-operate with a nut (7) secured to the rod, the screw being driven in rotation by a motor (10), the actuator being characterized in that a hydraulic chamber (CH) filled with hydraulic fluid is arranged inside the actuator by means of a floating piston (20) sliding in sealed manner against the rod inside of the actuator, the hydraulic chamber being in fluid flow communication with an accumulator (21) via a solenoid valve (22) that is controllable between a closed state in which the chamber is isolated from the accumulator, and a fluid-passing state in which the hydraulic chamber and the accumulator are in communication, calibrated resistance being exerted against the passage of fluid from the chamber towards the accumulator.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: MESSIER-BUGATTI-DOWTYInventor: Ludovic Leglize
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Patent number: 9969234Abstract: A height adjusting mechanism for a trailer includes first and second cross-beams, an interconnecting bar pivotally connected to the first and second cross-beams, an actuator that is connected to one of the first cross-beam or the second cross-beam to cause rotation of the first cross-beam and the second cross-beam between a first rotational position and a second rotational position. A locking mechanism is operable move between an unlocked position and a locked position to prevent pivoting of the first and second cross-beams with respect to the interconnecting bar. First and second pairs of wheels are connected to the first and second cross-beams by first and second pairs of torsion axles such that rotation of the first and second cross-beams causes rotation of the first and second pairs of torsion axles.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Raizer Enterprises, LLCInventors: Kelly Osborne, Thomas L. Sundberg
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Patent number: 9969235Abstract: In a four-wheel vehicle with vertically independently movable wheels (2?, 2?, 3?, 3?), diagonally opposite wheels (2?, 2? or 3?, 3?) are connected to one another by respective cables (9, 90) guided over deflection rollers (11 to 15). The traction cable mounting makes it possible to adapt the height of the wheels in the event of equal loading of the individual wheels independently of the terrain.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Inventor: Berthold Spitzbart
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Patent number: 9969236Abstract: A shock absorber for a vehicle having a damper and a first and second springs mounted coaxially around the damper and a preload adjuster for partially compressing at least one of the springs independently of the compression stroke. In one embodiment the preload adjuster is remotely controllable. In another embodiment the shock absorber includes an additional mechanism for preloading at least one of the springs.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventor: Christopher Paul Cox
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Patent number: 9969237Abstract: A method for producing a stabilizer and a heating device allows the entirety of a hollow member to be uniformly heated to a temperature necessary for heat treatment, even in a case in which a cross section varying hollow member is used as the starting material. In a preliminary heating process, energizing heating is performed between electrodes, which are arranged at cross section varying parts at both ends of large cross sectional area part, which can be heated. In an entire heating process, by performing energizing heating between electrodes, which are arranged at both ends of the cross section varying hollow member, the latter can be heated. In the preliminary heating process, it is desirable to perform energization heating at a part having a cross sectional area ratio of 90% or more with respect to the part having a large cross sectional area in the cross section varying part.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.Inventors: Shigeru Kuroda, Shuji Ohmura
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Patent number: 9969238Abstract: A hollow stabilizer (1) according to the invention is formed in a hollow shape and includes a bent portion (1c1, 1c2, m1-m5). With a thickness of an inner side of the bent portion (1c1, 1c2, m1-m5) being larger than a thickness of an outer side of the bent portion (1c1, 1c2, m1-m5), a hardness of the outer side of the bent portion (1c1, 1c2, m1-m5) is higher than a hardness of the inner side of the bent portion (1c1, 1c2, m1-m5) through quenching by cooling down after heating by electrical heating.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTDInventor: Shigeru Kuroda
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Patent number: 9969239Abstract: A resilient pivot assembly including: a first housing member and a second housing member held together side-by side; and configured to present a central aperture sized to accept a shaft or shaft sleeve wherein the first housing member has a first groove/channel and the second housing member has a second groove/channel; a shaft with a third groove/channel that extends at least partly around the circumference of the shaft or the outer surface of a sleeve; where the first, second and third grooves/channels cooperate to form a generally annular shaped channel that houses at least one tubular shaped resilient member and supports the shaft so that it may readily partly or fully rotate about its axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Inventor: Craig Drust
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Patent number: 9969240Abstract: A lower arm 13 of a double wishbone type suspension device includes a substantially linear lateral arm 19 of which one end is connected to a vehicle body and the other end is connected to a knuckle 11 and a compression arm 20 of which one end is connected to the vehicle body and the other end is connected to a middle portion of the lateral arm 19 in the vehicle width direction, the lateral arm 19 is connected to a lower end of a stabilizer link 31 at the inside of a hole portion 19a opened to an upper surface of the lateral arm, and the other end of the compression arm 20 is connected to the lateral arm 19 at bifurcated portions 20a and 20b interposing the hole portion 19a from the inside and the outside in the vehicle width direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroyuki Suzuki, Tuyoshi Funano
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Patent number: 9969241Abstract: A heat exchanger air control system is provided that utilizes a central heat exchanger and a pair of side-mounted heat exchangers, where the side-mounted heat exchangers are positioned forward of the central heat exchanger. The air outlets of the side-mounted heat exchangers are coupled to both the air inlet and the air outlet of the central heat exchanger using several air ducts through which air flow is controlled, thus allowing air flow throughout the system to be optimized based on the needs of the thermal systems coupled to the heat exchangers. A single fan proximate to the outlet of the central heat exchanger can be used to draw air through any combination of the three heat exchangers.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: ATIEVA, INC.Inventor: Graham Lloyd Feltham
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Patent number: 9969242Abstract: A charge valve assembly for an air conditioning system includes a valve housing having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface defining a cavity. A valve core assembly is received in the cavity of the valve housing through the second end of the valve housing. The valve core assembly has a first end, a second end, a flow channel extending from the first end of the valve core assembly to the second end of the valve core assembly, an inner sealing surface, and a pin slideably received in the flow channel between an open position and a closed position. The pin has a primary seal selectively engaging the inner sealing surface of the valve core assembly and closing the flow channel at the second end of the valve core assembly when in the closed position. The pin biases towards the first end of the valve housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: HANON SYSTEMSInventors: Eric Kesler, Steve White
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Patent number: 9969243Abstract: A dual type air conditioning control system of a vehicle has a front-seat air conditioner for air-conditioning of a front-seat space and a rear-seat air conditioner for air-conditioning of a rear-seat space of the vehicle. The system includes a front-seat controller configured to control an operation and an output of the front-seat air conditioner, and to calculate a control target value for controlling an output of the rear-seat conditioner. The rear-seat controller is configured to receive the calculated control target value transmitted from the front-seat controller and to control the output of the rear-seat air conditioner based on the transmitted control target value.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Halla Visteon Climate Control Corp.Inventors: Jae Sik Choi, Byoung Hyun Ji, Su Yeon Kang, Young Bae Jeon, Jun Ho Choi
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Patent number: 9969244Abstract: A vehicle air circulating system comprises a controller, an interior condition sensor attached to the controller, an instrument panel, and a deployable register assembly attached to the controller and pivotably attached to the instrument panel. The register assembly includes a first register and a second register and is movable between a closed position in which the first register is recessed within the instrument panel and is thus obstructed and an open position in which the first register is deployed. The second register remains unobstructed whether the register assembly is in its closed or open position. The deployable registers provide directional control for pull down conditions. Once the desired conditions are achieved, the deployable registers lower into the instrument panel and the other registers provide a larger opening to direct the air overhead at lower velocities keeping the vehicle cabin cool while not blowing in the direction of the occupants.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2012Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: James R. Hurd, Paul Bryan Hoke, Fred Koberstein
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Patent number: 9969245Abstract: A sliding support arrangement for supporting a slidable element in a closure of a roof assembly for a vehicle with respect to mutually orthogonal X, Y and Z directions, comprising at least a guide rail extending substantially in the X-direction. The slidable element carries a slide shoe engaging the guide rail and supporting the slidable element at least in the Z-direction. The slide shoe includes a first part fixed to the slidable element and a relatively movable second part. The second part is supported by the first part mainly through a spring urging the slide shoe parts in engagement with walls of the guide rail. The spring exerts a force which is directed at a non-perpendicular angle to at least one wall of the guide rail.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.Inventor: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
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Patent number: 9969246Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having an opening in the fixed roof includes an operating mechanism for a closure element and comprises a driving slide, slidably guided in the guide rail, a front support attached to the closure element, a support lever having a front end and a rear end and which is slidably connected to a panel track of the closure element by a rear sliding member. The support lever is in engagement with said rear guide track by a middle sliding member. The driving slide is configured to drive the support lever at least along part of path of movement of the closure element. The support lever is constructed such that, in an open position of the closure element, the rear sliding member at the rear end of the support lever extends above the fixed roof behind the roof opening.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Rainer Gerhard Jungling
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Patent number: 9969247Abstract: The golf cart canopy is adapted for use with a golf cart. The golf cart canopy is a non-fixed canopy that provides weather protection for passengers or items that are stored in the rear section of the golf cart. The golf cart canopy is retractable when weather protection is not desired. The golf cart canopy comprises a canopy, a first support, and a second support.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Inventor: John Houze, Jr.
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Patent number: 9969248Abstract: A cover system includes a flexible cover, a pair of bail arms connected to one end of said flexible cover, and a corresponding pivot mechanism for pivotably supporting each bail arm. Each pivot mechanism is mounted on a corresponding gliding assembly, and each gliding assembly includes a pair of oppositely disposed rails fixedly mounted to the frame of the vehicle, a gliding body slidably supported on the pair of rails, and a cylinder supporting the gliding body and slidably supported on a rod assembly. The rod assembly includes a pair of collinearly disposed rods, coupled together by a piston element, the piston element defining opposite fluid paths for a pressurizing fluid conveyed under pressure to the cylinder. A fluid circuit is configured to selectively supply pressurized fluid to each cylinder through the pair of rods to move the cylinder, and therefore the gliding body and bails arms supported thereon, in one of two opposite directions along the length of the vehicle frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.Inventor: Timothy K. Searfoss
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Patent number: 9969249Abstract: A latch can be movably mounted to each of the side rails for movement between an unlocked position and a locked position. A release actuator can be movably mounted to the rear header to extend adjacent both latches for movement between a non-release position and a release position. When the rear header is seated in the rear header seat and the release actuator is in the non-release position, each latch engages the rear header in the locked position to lock the rear header and side rails together. When the rear header is seated in the rear header seat and the release actuator is moved toward the release position, the release actuator engages both latches and moves the latches to the unlocked position to unlock the rear header from both of the side rails.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Truxedo, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Spencer, William R. Cohoon
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Patent number: 9969250Abstract: When an insertion groove, into which various parts are inserted, is formed on a sealing member, the present disclosure may maintain a width of an opening of the insertion groove greater than or equal to a predetermined width, facilitating the insertion. A sealing member 30 includes an insertion groove S into which a trim strip 45 is inserted. The insertion groove S has a side face S1 provided with a protruding portion 41c. The protruding portion 41c protrudes toward another side face S2 and abuts on the other side face S2 to set an opening width of the insertion groove S to a predetermined opening width or wider.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Nishikawa Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuyuki Takeda, Atushi Fukuta