Patents Issued in August 14, 2018
  • Patent number: 10046796
    Abstract: A travelling apparatus including a controller that adds, when receiving a turning instruction, a first correction amount calculated based on rider's centroid information to a first rotation amount of a first driving wheel calculated based on the turning instruction to rotationally drive the first driving wheel and adds a second correction amount calculated based on rider's centroid information to a second rotation amount of a second driving wheel calculated based on the turning instruction to rotationally drive the second driving wheel is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Susumu Oikawa
  • Patent number: 10046797
    Abstract: Systems for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors, including vehicles that have low to zero turning radius capability. Systems include steering and speed coordination systems that control the direction and speed of rotation of vehicle drive units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventors: Axel Schaedler, Tim Dilgard
  • Patent number: 10046798
    Abstract: Some implementations can include a zero turn radius utility vehicle that is operated in a standing position by an operator using foot controls provided on the utility vehicle. Accordingly, the operator's hands are free to operate handheld equipment (e.g., a line trimmer, edger, blower, etc.) while the operator controls the utility vehicle via the foot controls. Further, the utility vehicle may have a single third wheel (and no mower deck or other deck or protrusion) extending from the front of the vehicle frame so as to minimize any protrusions to the front of the vehicle, which can permit the operator to work on the ground in front of the utility vehicle using handheld equipment without interference from a mower deck, while remaining in a standing position on the utility vehicle and being able to simultaneously control the utility vehicle (via foot controls) and perform work with handheld equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: David Allan Reeves
  • Patent number: 10046799
    Abstract: A drive assembly (140) for a walk-behind, powered device operably couples an engine (110) of the powered device to a mobility assembly (120) to provide mobility of the powered device responsive at least in part to operation of the engine (110). The drive assembly (140) includes a transmission shaft and a mechanical power reversing assembly (150). The transmission shaft selectively receives first drive power or second drive power coupled from the engine (110) to drive a first drivable component (122) and a second drivable component (124) of the mobility assembly (120). The first and second drivable components (122, 124) are disposed substantially at opposing sides of the powered device. The mechanical power reversing assembly (150) is selectively engagable to convert the first drive power generated for the first drivable component (122) into the second drive power provided to the second drivable component (124) and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventors: Kenneth Mandeville, Andy Modzik, Matt Lambert, Robert Fancher, David Baker
  • Patent number: 10046800
    Abstract: A backup assist system for a vehicle and trailer combination includes a steering system, a camera generating an image of the trailer, and a controller. The controller receives the image and identifying a wheel therein, determines a value in a kinematic model of the vehicle and trailer combination using at least one of an aspect ratio or location of the wheel in the image, and uses the value in the kinematic model to control the steering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Zheng Hu, Erick Michael Lavoie
  • Patent number: 10046801
    Abstract: In a steering assist control apparatus including a steering assist control unit that controls the steering of an own vehicle by a manipulated variable allowing the own vehicle to run along a lane recognized by a lane recognition unit, and a control stop unit that decrease the manipulated variable with time when an abnormality detection unit detects a recognition abnormality in the lane recognition unit, the control stop unit decreases the manipulated variable at a manipulated variable decrease rate corresponding to a manner of the recognition abnormality. Thereby, at the time of the occurrence of the abnormality, it is possible to more adequately decrease the manipulated variable for the steering assist control, corresponding to the manner of the abnormality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Keitaro Niki
  • Patent number: 10046802
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a steering assist torque determination unit and a steering assist torque control unit. The steering assist torque determination unit determines a steering assist torque including a first component that is determined on the basis of a deviation between an actual steering angle and a target steering angle for achieving a target path determined irrespective of driver's steering. The steering assist torque control unit controls a steering assist mechanism such that the steering assist torque is applied. The ratio of the magnitude of the first component of the steering assist torque to the deviation between the target steering angle and the actual steering angle is determined on the basis of the magnitude of the deviation between the steering assist torque and the driver's steering torque in a past predetermined period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shintaro Inoue, Hideo Inoue, Pongsathorn Raksincharoensak
  • Patent number: 10046803
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle control system (1) for controlling a vehicle (3) to facilitate parking a trailer (5) coupled to the vehicle (3). The vehicle control system includes a processor (33) configured to identify a target parking destination (PTAR) for the trailer (5). The current position of the trailer (5) is determined by the processor (33). A target route (R) is then modelled to guide the trailer (5) from its current position to the target parking destination (PTAR). The processor (33) is configured to output a vehicle control signal to control the vehicle (3) to guide the trailer (5) along the target route (R). The invention also relates to a method of controlling a vehicle (3) to facilitate reversing a trailer (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Harpreet Singh, Andrew Bradley
  • Patent number: 10046804
    Abstract: In a method and a device for safely parking a vehicle, an actual distance of the vehicle from a road edge fixture is monitored relative to a specified minimum distance value during a manual or automatic parking maneuver, and upon completion of the parking maneuver, at least two wheels of the vehicle are automatically controlled to turn toward the road edge fixture in the direction of travel dependent on the actual distance relative to the specified minimum distance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventor: Guenter Anton Fendt
  • Patent number: 10046805
    Abstract: A vehicle body side frame is a member that absorbs applied impact load by bending under the impact load. The vehicle body side frame includes plural ultrahigh strength portions provided at intervals along a longitudinal direction, and plural high strength portions interposed between the plural ultrahigh strength portions. A tensile strength of the ultrahigh strength portions exceeds 1400 MPa, and a tensile strength of the high strength portions is from 500 MPa to 1000 MPa. The high strength portions are formed with a sheet thickness greater than that of the ultrahigh strength portions. A front stress concentrating portion, a central stress concentrating portion, and a rear stress concentrating portion are respectively formed to a front high strength portion, a central high strength portion, and a rear high strength portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tomohide Sekiguchi
  • Patent number: 10046806
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure for an automobile includes a damper base connected to an outer wall of a rear side frame in a vehicle width direction on a rear side of a cross member and including a first bead projecting inward in the vehicle width direction and extending in an up-down direction and a damper support portion projecting outward in the vehicle width direction disposed on both sides of the first bead in a front-rear direction, a rear wheel house having a second bead extending in the up-down direction to overlap with an inner surface of of the first bead in the vehicle width direction, and a gusset having a third bead extending in the up-down direction to overlap with the inner surface of the first bead in the vehicle width direction and connected to an upper wall of the rear side frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shohei Kabayama
  • Patent number: 10046807
    Abstract: A hood panel is provided. The hood panel includes a plurality of first layers formed of a reinforced fiber and a resin and a plurality of second layers including a complex portion formed of a reinforced fiber and a resin and a resin portion formed of a resin. The first layer and the second layers form a multilayer structure. A reinforced area is formed by the first layers and the complex portions of the second layers and a shock absorption area is formed by the first layers and the resin portions of the second layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Kyu Nam Jeon, Jeong Min Cho
  • Patent number: 10046808
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for attaching an end of a cross-member of a driver's compartment of a motor vehicle to the assembled shell, which includes an attachment element provided with a first surface, for receiving the cross-member of a driver's compartment, and with a second surface opposite the first surface. Said device comprises first and second reinforcements extending from the second surface and each including: a base connected to the attachment element and to be attached to a portion of the vehicle, two side walls extending from the base and connected to the attachment element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Christian Delord, Jerome Caillard, Thierry Hlubina
  • Patent number: 10046809
    Abstract: A plate-shaped body component for a motor vehicle has a planar core zone, a planar edge zone and a first intermediate zone, which is set off from the core zone and from the edge zone by at least one step each. The core zone and the edge zone are deflected against the first intermediate zone in opposite directions of a surface normal of the first intermediate zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Oliver Eichelhard, Axel Wendorf, Sabrina Patschicke, Sebastian Buckert
  • Patent number: 10046810
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a truck bed. The truck bed includes a side member, cross-member, and an extruded member. The side member has an upward extending pillar that defines a central cavity. The cross-member forms a cradle and extends laterally toward the pillar. The extruded member is secured to the cross-member within the cradle, extends laterally outward from the cross-member into the central cavity, and is secured to the pillar within the central cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jack Marchlewski, Joshua Robert Hemphill, Robert Reiners, Dragan B. Stojkovic
  • Patent number: 10046811
    Abstract: A box body for a commercial vehicle, which has a surface element having a panel, includes a core layer, a dimensionally stable structural layer and an intermediate layer, one side thereof being adjacent to the core layer and an opposite side being adjacent to the structural layer. An integrally joined connection is produced between the structural layer and the side of the intermediate layer and between the core layer and the side of the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer has a thickness smaller than the thickness of the structural layer and consists of a material having a density that is higher than the density of the core layer. The side of the intermediate layer adjacent to the core layer has an affinity to the foamed plastic of the core layer and the side of the intermediate layer adjacent to the structural layer has an affinity to the structural layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Schmitz Cargobull AG
    Inventors: Michael Schlumm, Reinhard Beelmann, Peter Schmitz
  • Patent number: 10046812
    Abstract: An industrial truck is proposed comprising: a lifting frame; an operator compartment which can be moved upwards and downwards; a lateral push frame, arranged on the operator compartment, in the front thereof, and which can be moved upwards and downwards together with the operator compartment and carries a load-receiving device, which can be moved back and forth; and a vibration-damping means, which can be moved upwards and downwards, for damping vibrations. The vibration-damping means being arranged between the operator compartment and the load-receiving device, is designed to make vibration compensation movements of the load-receiving device relative to the operator compartment possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: JUNGHEINRICH AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Jürgen Schmalzl, Carsten Schöttke
  • Patent number: 10046813
    Abstract: A part assembly includes: a first part and a second part. The first part defines thereupon an aperture and a first tongue extending from a first edge of the aperture. The first tongue and an opposing second edge of the aperture together define there-between a clearance. The second part defines a foot to be at least partially received through the clearance and to contact the first tongue at an assembled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jian Shi, Koby Wang, Joe Wang
  • Patent number: 10046814
    Abstract: In a truck vehicle, a controller controls a mechanism to apportion the sum total of weight borne by a tandem axle between a drive axle and a tag axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Grzegorz Siuchta, James Jerome Korson
  • Patent number: 10046815
    Abstract: An undercarriage monitoring device has a roller assembly including a fixed roller component and a bushing. An opening is formed within the fixed roller component. A first sensor is disposed within the opening of the fixed roller component over the bushing. The first sensor is configured to sense a first physical characteristic of the bushing. The fixed roller component is a shaft or a housing. The first sensor is a temperature sensor or a Hall effect sensor. A magnet is disposed on the roller assembly. A second sensor is disposed within the opening of the fixed roller component over the bushing. The second sensor is configured to sense a second physical characteristic of the bushing. A data transmitting device is coupled to the first sensor. Data is collected from the sensor. The data collected from the sensor is transmitted to a receiving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Wearpro Incorporated
    Inventors: Bradley E. Hawkins, Christopher N. Dewitt
  • Patent number: 10046816
    Abstract: A flexible thrust washer member comprises a body including an annular skirt portion that defines an outer diameter and a central aperture having an inner diameter, wherein the body has a conical configuration that defines a conical axis and a radial direction and the outer diameter of the annular skirt portion is spaced away from the central aperture along the conical axis and along the radial direction, defining an axial dimension and a radial dimension and the body defines at least two slits that separate the annular skirt portion into a plurality of fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Eric James Johannsen
  • Patent number: 10046817
    Abstract: An idler wheel for use with a track chain of a vehicle that includes a plurality of track pins and bushings comprises a main body that includes a generally cylindrical configuration defining an axis of rotation, a circumferential direction and a radial direction, the main body including a central portion disposed along the axis of rotation defining an axial extremity of the radial portion, and at least a first outside portion disposed along the axis of rotation that includes alternating regions adjacent each other circumferentially having a different hardness relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Eric James Johannsen
  • Patent number: 10046818
    Abstract: An endless rubber track belt includes an endless, elongate carcass having an outer surface, an inner surface, and at least one reinforcing layer. The inner surface defines a plurality of wheel path areas. A plurality of tread lugs are disposed on the outer surface. A plurality of guide lugs are disposed on the inner surface, where each guide lug includes oppositely disposed drive faces, an upper face between said drive faces, and oppositely disposed end faces. At least one reinforcement strip is disposed inward from the inner surface and outward from the at least one reinforcement layer. The at least one reinforcement strip is positioned adjacent the plurality of wheel path areas. The at least one reinforcement strip may include a bias ply formed of two layers of cords arranged in opposite +/? bias angles. The +/? bias angles may range from about +/?20° to about +/?80°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: ContiTech Transportbandsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Ronald Wellman, Mohamad Bachir
  • Patent number: 10046819
    Abstract: A two wheeled throwable robot comprises an elongate chassis with two ends, a motor at each end, drive wheels connected to the motors, and a tail extending from the elongate chassis. The chassis split length wise and comprised of a pair of elongate portions, a rear portion and a forward portion. Adjoining respective surfaces with interfacing portions are sealed with a gasket or sealing material therebetween and provide a robust juncture. The rear portion having a deep recess and sub recess for containing and securing the pair of motors with brackets, and batteries with brackets. The forward part having a shallow recess with a pcb secured therein having control circuitry. The shallow component has a high degree of structural strength with a central region projecting forwardly and further having flattened forward facing end portions on each lateral side of the central region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: ReconRobotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew M. Sellner, Alex J. Kossett, Jade Moreau, Andrew Drenner, Steve Gigl
  • Patent number: 10046820
    Abstract: A robotic platform for traversing and manipulating a modular 3D lattice structure is described. The robot is designed specifically for its tasks within a structured environment, and is simplified in terms of its numbers of degrees of freedom (DOF). This allows for simpler controls and a reduction of mass and cost. Designing the robot relative to the environment in which it operates results in a specific type of robot called a “relative robot”. Depending on the task and environment, there can be a number of relative robots. This invention describes a bipedal robot which can locomote across a periodic lattice structure made of building block parts. The robot is able to handle, manipulate, and transport these blocks when there is more than one robot. Based on a general inchworm design, the robot has added functionality while retaining minimal complexity, and can perform numerous maneuvers for increased speed, reach, and placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute for Technology
    Inventors: Benjamin Jenett, Kenneth Cheung, Neil Gershenfeld
  • Patent number: 10046821
    Abstract: A saddle type vehicle wherein the supporting rigidity of a rear fender frame is enhanced while securing a degree of freedom of a shape of a vehicle body frame main body. A shock absorber bracket wherein an upper end portion of a rear shock absorber for supporting a rear wheel thereon is coupled and attached to a vehicle body frame main body. A rear fender frame includes a plurality of supported portions in a front region thereof. At least part of the plurality of supported portions is co-fastened to the shock absorber bracket together with the upper end portion of the rear shock absorber, and the remaining supported portions are fixed to the vehicle body frame main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takuma Koishikawa, Yoshiki Higashijima, Toru Sakai
  • Patent number: 10046822
    Abstract: A cover fastening structure for a motorcycle, including a cover member around a headlight that can be made smaller in size and, at the same time, with highly accurate fastening. The cover fastening structure for the motorcycle includes: a headlight for lighting the front side of the motorcycle; middle cowls as exterior parts for covering lateral sides of the motorcycle; a headlight under cover disposed under the headlight such as to be continuous with the middle cowls; and a center upper cowl disposed rearwardly of the headlight under cover such as to cover the lower side of the headlight. The headlight under cover includes a rearward extending wall fitted to the center upper cowl, and the rearward extending wall is provided with a cutout. The center upper cowl is provided with a solid cylindrical fitting-receiving section. The cutout of the headlight under cover and the fitting-receiving section of the center upper cowl are fastened together by being fitted to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Kurogi, Shin Yokoyama, Kenji Morita
  • Patent number: 10046823
    Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle comprises a front wheel and a rear wheel, an engine disposed between the front wheel and the rear wheel, an air cleaner box disposed above the engine, and a vehicle body behavior sensor provided on a periphery of the air cleaner box and located above a bottom wall surface of the air cleaner box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Seiji Azuma, Atsuya Yoshida, Koji Nishida
  • Patent number: 10046824
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an electric vehicle. As compared with the solution in prior art which is that assembling the finished product of wheel hub motor with the casing, the inventor of present invention creatively dismantles the structure of the original finished product of wheel hub motor with discarding at least one hub cover. Such solution simplifies the structures and reduces the weights of the wheel hub motor and the electric vehicle, moreover, it can reduce the gap between the casing and the wheel hub motor and thus decrease the overall thickness of the electric vehicle, especially decrease the thickness of the electric unicycle for easy to carry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Junkai Zhang
  • Patent number: 10046825
    Abstract: An adjustable handlebar stem assembly includes a vertical tube with a head which has a toothed face. A stem includes two plates which are pivotably connected to the head and includes a clamping portion to clamp a handlebar thereto. A pawl member is pivotably located between the two plates and includes press end and an engaging portion on two ends thereof. The engaging portion has teeth removably engaged with the toothed face. A restriction rod extends through one of the two plates and is connected to a restriction member. A quick-release is pivotably engaged with a curved and recessed face of the pawl member. The quick-release includes a recess with which the restriction member is engaged. The quick-release cannot be pivoted when the restriction member is not moved and disengaged from the recess of the quick-release, so that the stem is not pivoted relative to the vertical tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: KALLOY INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chao-Hu Chen
  • Patent number: 10046826
    Abstract: A bicycle stem includes a handlebar and a dual control lever which includes a brake device and a first electronic sending unit. The first electronic sending unit is detachably fixed to the brake device. The brake device and the first electronic sending unit together form an assembly space for a handlebar installed therein. The handlebar is assembled with the brake device and the first electronic sending unit in the assembly space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: TEKTRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Patent number: 10046827
    Abstract: A reaction force adjustment support device includes: a pressure data storage unit storing pressure data of respective spring chambers; a graphic user interface unit displaying a display screen; a reaction force calculator calculating reaction force data by using the pressure data of the respective spring chambers stored in the pressure data storage unit; a graph generating unit generating a graph of reaction force characteristics by using the reaction force data calculated by the reaction force calculator; and a controller displaying a screen for adjusting a reaction force where the screen has an operation portion for adjusting spring pressures provided for the respective spring chambers and a drawing area of the graph on the display screen, and controlling the reaction force calculator and the graph generating unit by user's operation with respect to the operation portion with the pressure data changed for the respective spring chambers to vary the graph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomoya Toda
  • Patent number: 10046828
    Abstract: A V-type brake is provided for being assembled on a bicycle, the bicycle including two fork arms and a wheel set which is assembled between the two fork arms, the V-type brake including: two brake swing arms, respectively for being pivotably assembled on the two fork arms toward the wheel set, each said brake swing arm having a connecting portion; two brake pad assemblies, respectively assembled on the two brake swing arms, each said brake pad assembly having an assembling slot, the assembling slot positionably and slidably arranged within the connecting portion. A brake system is further provided, including the V-type brake mentioned above, further including a cable assembly, the cable assembly connected to the two brake swing arms, the cable assembly being operable to drive the two brake swing arms and the two brake pad assemblies to swing toward the wheel set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Yuan-Hung Wen
  • Patent number: 10046829
    Abstract: A hydraulic operating device is provided. The disc brake caliper may include a brake lever pivotable on a pivot axis, a hydraulic cylinder having a cylinder axis and a reservoir arranged so as to at least partly overlap the hydraulic cylinder as seen from a first direction perpendicular to the pivot axis, the reservoir having a reservoir axis which has a different orientation than the cylinder axis as viewed from the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Mototsugu Nakai, Shinya Hirotomi, Daisuke Noborio
  • Patent number: 10046830
    Abstract: A snowmobile includes a transmission unit that transmits a driving force generated by an engine to the ground surface, in which ground touching portions of the transmission unit that are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction receive reaction forces mutually different in magnitude from the ground surface; a suspension that supports the transmission unit so as to swing in the up-down direction; and a vehicle body vibration control damper extending between a first portion and a second portion that are spaced apart from each other of the vehicle body frame and a member fixed to the vehicle body frame, the vehicle body vibration control damper generating a damping force against variations that change the distance between the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Seiji Sawai
  • Patent number: 10046831
    Abstract: Security barrier comprising: a substantially planar support element (2) having top and bottom edges, wherein respective top and bottom first attachment sites are formed at the top and bottom edges; and a bulbous barrier element (9), which is separate from the support element, having top and a bottom edges and respective top and bottom second attachment sites formed at the top and bottom edges, with a curved protruding section extending between the top and bottom edges, the protruding section extending away from the plane containing the top and bottom edges, wherein the support element and the barrier element are releasably connected to each other by way of the first and second top and bottom attachment sites, so that the support element and barrier element define an internal space therebetween which receives a horizontal rail, and wherein the security barrier may rest on the rail, a vertical plane being defined between the rail and the surface, so that the rail lies at or near the top edge of the support elem
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Bruce McGarian
  • Patent number: 10046832
    Abstract: A power cleat system having a cleat assembly, a cleat base assembly, a backer plate assembly, a cylinder assembly, and a guide support assembly. The cleat assembly has a top end, a base, and guide shafts. The cleat base assembly has a drain groove, a base, threaded sections protruding from the base, and linear bearings. The backer plate assembly has a backer plate, backer plate holes, and a backer plate housing hole. The cylinder assembly has a cylinder, exterior and interior threading, a fitting, a spring, a piston, a piston rod, a piston cylinder cap, and a piston screw. The guide support assembly has mounting flanges, a base with a hole, and a base screw. The power cleat system further has a bezel gasket assembly, and an electrical assembly that has a light source to illuminate the cleat assembly and/or the cleat base assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Keith Donald Brookins
  • Patent number: 10046833
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tether for connecting a moving device submerged in liquid to a support structure, e.g. a submersible power plant comprising a stream-driven vehicle provided with at least one turbine for generation of electrical energy. The tether extends in a main direction, and at least a tether portion of the tether comprises a tensile force bearing portion extending in the main direction of the tether, wherein the tether portion is arranged to strive to self-align in relation to a relative flow direction of the liquid during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: MINESTO AB
    Inventors: Arne Quappen, Olof Marzelius
  • Patent number: 10046834
    Abstract: An arrangement for connecting a turret within a vessel opening such that the vessel is capable of rotation about a longitudinal axis of the turret. The arrangement including an inner ring assembly coupled to the turret and an outer ring assembly coupled to the vessel in concentric alignment with the inner ring assembly. A support row assembly connected between the inner and outer ring assemblies allows rotation of the outer ring assembly with respect to the inner ring assembly and axially transfers the weight of the turret to the vessel. A radial row assembly is coaxially disposed about the longitudinal axis between the inner and outer ring assemblies. A centralizer is disposed between the inner and outer ring assemblies. During normal operation the radial row assembly transfers any radial load from the vessel to the turret and the centralizer has a radial clearance with the outer ring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, William Louis Fontenot
  • Patent number: 10046835
    Abstract: A powered water vessel includes a unitary section of the bow that is pivotably rotatable about a horizontal axis thereby permitting a closed-bow configuration and an opened-bow configuration. The closed-bow configuration is generally amenable to regular boat operations, while the opened-bow configuration is generally amenable to loading and unloading passengers, vehicles and/or cargo. A folding ramp assembly is extendable through the open-bowed configuration for loading and unloading, with track extensions providing additional extension distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Peter Derek Ryan
  • Patent number: 10046836
    Abstract: A retractable fin system having a retractable fin and fin box is disclosed. An example retractable fin system includes a housing insertable into an opening in a watercraft board. The example retractable fin system also includes a retractable fin. The example retractable fin system also includes a bias to maintain the retractable fin in a default outward position from the housing. The bias retracts the retractable fin into the housing on contact with an outside force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Twitch, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Hall
  • Patent number: 10046837
    Abstract: In one example, a watercraft includes a buoyant body in the form of a single piece structure sized and configured to support the weight of one or more users. The watercraft also includes a retractable fin connected to a pin that resides in a fixed location relative to the body, the pin including a side surface that is in contact with the body. The retractable fin is rotatable about the pin between an extended position and a retracted position, and the retractable fin includes an engagement portion that is engageable with a first portion of the body and with a second portion of the body. The retractable fin assumes the extended position when the engagement portion is releasably retained by the first portion of the body, and the retractable fin assumes the retracted position when the engagement portion is releasably retained by the second portion of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: LIFETIME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Danny Green, Edward G. Van Nimwegen, Tim Niemier, Joel Bennett, John Bennett, Robert Astle, Brent Steed, Eric Olsen, Mike Todd
  • Patent number: 10046838
    Abstract: A paddle board has two tracks integrally associated therewith for the further attachment of a slide within each track thereon. Thus, to effect motion of the slide associated with the track the Supski Paddle System has two actuation drives that are rotationally associated with the aforementioned slides one to each slide respectively. Upon user actuation of the drive using a pole associated with the drive the slide is directed to move longitudinally upon a track or to insert a paddle into and out of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Guy Chaifetz
  • Patent number: 10046839
    Abstract: A surfboard leash apparatus is disclosed. The surf leash apparatus includes a cuff for attaching to a limb of a surfer, the cuff having an inner surface, the inner surface of the cuff having a pattern of compressible grips disposed thereon. The surf leash further includes an attachment mechanism for attaching to a surfboard, and a leash cord connected between the cuff and the attachment mechanism. The leash cord includes an elastic fiber rope core having a predetermined amount of stretch, and an extruded thermoplastic urethane cord surrounding the elastic fiber rope core. The extruded thermoplastic urethane cord has an elasticity corresponding to the predetermined amount of stretch of the elastic fiber rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: TECNIQ Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Falken
  • Patent number: 10046840
    Abstract: Described is an underwater oxygen bar. The underwater oxygen bar provides a new recreational experience that unites the unique aquatic experience of being in an underwater environment with the benefits and appeal of an oxygen bar. More specifically, an underwater oxygen bar is provided in which patrons may descend into a water tank wearing a breathing apparatus. Once submerged, the patrons can move about the water tank and interact with an underwater appliance that provides a coupling to a source of an oxygen concentration. Customers can enhance their oxygen experience by using various flavored scents (including, for example, aromatherapy scents) to be added to the oxygen, such as lavender or mint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Jim Mayfield
  • Patent number: 10046841
    Abstract: A water bike has a frame supported on first and second spaced apart pontoons or similar floatation elements. Pedals are attached to cranks on a front sprocket rotatably supported on the frame. A chain or belt extends around the front sprocket and around a rear sprocket on a gearbox. An outdrive is supported on the gearbox and pivotal about a vertical axis relative to the gearbox. The combined outdrive and gearbox are pivotable about a horizontal axis relative to the frame. A propeller on the outdrive is mechanically linked to a first gear in the gearbox, with the first gear meshing with a second gear attached to the rear sprocket. A steering bar is pivotally attached to the frame. A steering linkage connects the steering bar to the outdrive, for pivoting the outdrive to steer the water bike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Schiller Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Judah Schiller, Robert Frick, Martin Windmill
  • Patent number: 10046842
    Abstract: An outboard motor mounting structure mounts an outboard motor body on a hull and includes a mounting bracket fixed to the hull, a swivel bracket joined to the mounting bracket to be tiltable around a tilt axis and that supports the outboard motor body, a flexible connector, and a first connector support that supports the flexible connector at a support position in a region adjacent to the mounting bracket. The relative position of the support position with respect to the mounting bracket does not change depending on a tilt angle of the outboard motor body. The flexible connector includes at least one of a wire, an operating cable, and a pipe that connects equipment on the hull and equipment provided in the outboard motor body. The adjacent region is a region defined between an upper surface of the hull and the engine cover and between a lowest point of the engine cover and the tilt axis in a state that the outboard motor body is tilted up at a maximum tilt angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Makoto Mizutani
  • Patent number: 10046843
    Abstract: A method of installing interior modules to support structures in an aircraft fuselage comprises attaching fixed ends of a plurality of tie rods to the support structures; and determining installation length of the tie rods, installation spacing between free ends of the tie rods, and installation orientation of the tie rods prior to positioning the interior module for installation. The method further comprises securing tie rod holding fixtures to the tie rods to hold the spacing and orientation at or near final configuration to facilitate installation of the interior modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Joseph L. Doran, Andrew R. Hackett, Jr., Mark J. Nadvornick
  • Patent number: 10046844
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for a transformable aerial vehicle are provided. In one aspect, a transformable aerial vehicle includes: a central body and at least two transformable frames assemblies respectively disposed on the central body, each of the at least two transformable frame assemblies having a proximal portion pivotally coupled to the central body and a distal portion; an actuation assembly mounted on the central body and configured to pivot the at least two frame assemblies to a plurality of different vertical angles relative to the central body; and a plurality of propulsion units mounted on the at least two transformable frame assemblies and operable to move the transformable aerial vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Tao Zhao, Hao Du, Mingxi Wang
  • Patent number: 10046845
    Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to a part of an aircraft structure including a portion of a floor structure and a portion of a hull structure, connected to one another by a connecting element. In accordance with, the disclosure herein the connecting element includes a flexible cable fixed at one of the ends thereof to the portion of a floor structure and fixed at the other, second of the ends thereof to the portion of a hull structure. When the connection between the portion of a floor structure and the portion of a hull structure is subjected to tensile load, the flexible cable makes it possible to meet the standards of resistance to forward accelerations of the aircraft. When the connection is subjected to compressive load, the flexible cable relaxes and bends, which limits the requirements of withstanding compressive stresses and therefore the weight of the connecting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Francis Dazet, Jérome Antypas, Laurent Bel, Philippe Delorme, Raphaël Brisbart