Patents Issued in October 9, 2018
  • Patent number: 10093324
    Abstract: Autonomous vehicles use various computing systems to transport passengers from one location to another. A control computer sends messages to the various systems of the vehicle in order to maneuver the vehicle safely to the destination. The control computer may display information on an electronic display in order to allow the passenger to understand what actions the vehicle may be taking in the immediate future. Various icons and images may be used to provide this information to the passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Timothy Szybalski, Luis Ricardo Prada Gomez, Philip Nemec, Christopher Paul Urmson, Sebastian Thrun
  • Patent number: 10093325
    Abstract: A transport tanker and a method of reinforcing a transport tanker are generally provided. The transport tanker may include a tank body, and a coupling structure, including a web extending from the tank body, for transferring a towing load to the tank body. A load spreading structure may be affixed to the tank body and configured to spread at least a portion of a load experienced by the tank body in a region proximate a terminal end of the web. The load spreading structure may include a reinforcing member including a elongated U-shaped member including two legs joined at a first end by an arcuate section. A respective one of the two legs may be at least partially disposed on opposed sides of the web with web at least partially received within an open second end of the U-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: GATX Corporation
    Inventors: Rosario A. Blanco, Gabriel L. Buzas, Peter R. Manyek, Raul C. Rosiles
  • Patent number: 10093326
    Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, includes an undercarriage unit having at least one first wheel set supported on a track and a main body supported on the first wheel set. The main body has a coupling mechanism for mechanically coupling to at least one car body of the vehicle. At least one first driving motor for driving the first wheel set, at least one power supply unit for supplying the driving motor with electrical power and at least one inverter unit are provided. The power supply unit is disposed at least partially in a region of the undercarriage unit in order to permit the undercarriage unit of the assembly to be expanded with regard to the functionalities of the undercarriage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Glinka, Thorsten Stuetzle, Martin Teichmann
  • Patent number: 10093327
    Abstract: A gladhand coupling that prevents inadvertent separation of the coupling halves without the need for additional structure or manipulation to connect and disconnect the halves. Each half is equipped with a lug having two spaced apart ramped pads and a flange defining a channel having a corresponding ramped pad. When two halves are positioned together then rotated into the locked position, the ramped pad of the flange is positioned proximately to the either of the ramped pads of the flange to prevent inadvertent lateral compression of the two halves that would otherwise cause unintentional uncoupling. The coupling may be disconnected by simple rotation of one coupling half relative to the other so that the ramped pad of the lug is positioned between the spaced apart ramped pads of the lug and by pulling the coupling apart as done by current rail car decoupling procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: New York Air Brake
    Inventor: Jeffrey Aiken
  • Patent number: 10093328
    Abstract: An in-line brake having a displaceable carriage for slowing and stopping a zip track trolley, that allows the trolley to continue in its direction of travel after it stops. The carriage is then repositioned automatically to stop the next trolley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: ROPES COURSES, INC.
    Inventors: James Allen Liggett, Sean Raymond Horihan
  • Patent number: 10093329
    Abstract: An electrically insulating mechanical joint checker for mechanical joints connecting rails of following track segments of a railway line, each track segment forming part of a track circuit. The track segment includes electric signal transmitting units and receiving units for transmitting and receiving train presence detection signals within the track segment and/or relating communication signals between the train and the track segment. The train presence detection signals and communication signals include a further joint detection signal, generated and transmitted by the transmitting units and received by the receiving units belonging to the same track segment, the joint detection signal relating to the track segment being different at least in respect to the one relating to the adjacent track segments. A method to detect a failure or breakage of a mechanical joint inside a track segment is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventor: Pier Alessandro Aisa
  • Patent number: 10093330
    Abstract: A detection system for a locomotive may include a plurality of sensors. An electronic control module may be in communication with, at least, the plurality of sensors and the locomotive. The control module may be configured to: monitor the plurality of sensors; receive an alert from one of the sensors of the plurality of sensors when one of the corresponding sensors is triggered; determine if the alert is a security concern; and operatively respond to the security concern by at least one of removing tractive effort to the locomotive, apply braking force to the locomotive, locking a door of the locomotive, locking a window of the locomotive, and transmitting a notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Progress Rail Locomotive Inc.
    Inventors: James David Seaton, David Matthew Roenspies, Ola Tannous
  • Patent number: 10093331
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a train movement to a stop at a stopping position between a first position and a second position. Determining constraints of a velocity of the train with respect to a train position forming a feasible region (FR) for a state of the train during the movement, such that a lower curve bounding the FR has a zero velocity only at the first position, and an upper curve bounding the FR has a zero velocity only at the second position. Determining a control invariant subset (CIS) of the FR, wherein for each state within the CIS there is at least one control action having a value selected from a finite set of values that maintains the state of the train within the CIS. Controlling train movement subject to constraints by selecting a control action maintaining the state of the train within the CIS of the FR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Claus Danielson, Stefano Di Cairano
  • Patent number: 10093332
    Abstract: Distance measurement means measures a distance from a measurement point to a construction gauge in a route of a track. A range identification unit identifies whether or not a measurement point falls within a predetermined range from the construction gauge based on the measured distance. A ground feature identification unit identifies whether or not the measurement point is a measurement point of a feature on a ground. Drawing means draws in a plan view a measurement point identified as a measurement point of a feature on the ground by the ground feature identification unit among the measurement points, and draws in side views a measurement point identified as not a measurement point of a feature on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Kamei, Masashi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10093333
    Abstract: Described in detail herein are systems and methods for interacting with an interactive display using a shopping cart. A biometric device integrated with the handle portion on a shopping cart can detect and discriminate between user attributes. At least one RFID tags can store the captured biometric information associated with the user attributes. A RFID reader and a computing system can be disposed within a predetermined distance of the shopping cart. The RFID reader can communicate with the at least one RFID tag in response to the at least one RFID tag being with a range of the at least one RFID reader to transfer the biometric information stored in the RFID tag to the RFID reader. The RFID reader can transmit the biometric information to the computing system. The computing system can authenticate the user based on the biometric information received via the at least one RFID reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholaus Adam Jones, Aaron Vasgaard, Matthew Allen Jones
  • Patent number: 10093334
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining at least one daughter cart to a mother cart utilize a coupling system having first and second coupling rails attached to one of the mother and daughter cart frames, and a third coupling rail attached to the other of the mother and daughter cart frames. The coupling rails all extend in a parallel manner to one another in a direction generally perpendicular to a primary transport direction and parallel the underlying surface, when engaged for conveying the daughter cart with the mother cart. The third coupling rail is retained in a channel between the first and second coupling rails, in such a manner that the daughter cart is coupled to and moves with the mother cart as the mother cart is moved in the primary transport direction while the third coupling rail is positioned in the channel between the first and second coupling rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventors: Edmund W. Brown, Ryan Brown
  • Patent number: 10093335
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile housekeeping cart having a base supported by casters and wheels, where the casters have user-accessible swivel-lock levers to aid in controlling the motion of the mobile cart. Brackets extend downward from the corners of the base as housings for wall-protecting corner rollers. The corner rollers are positioned at a sufficiently low height so that the adjustable shock absorption rollers will impact base trim on walls instead of the wall surfaces themselves. The cart also has a main body storage area with an adjustable shelf, and a top storage area with a top hood. Handles are provided for user control of the cart, as well as to provide an attachment area for removable side storage bags, as well as providing attachment of tools and cleaning supplies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Suncast Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Thuma, Michael R. Vogler, Michael Uffner
  • Patent number: 10093336
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electric pullet truck in the technical field of land transportation equipment. The electric pullet truck comprises a frame including two forks; a steering drive assembly including i) a drive wheel component disposed behind the frame; ii) an oil cylinder component to drive the forks up, which includes a cylinder body and a plunger which could telescopically move within the cylinder body, wherein the cylinder body is fixedly connected with the drive wheel component; iii) a supporting seat component including an annular sleeve and two support arms extending from both sides of the annular sleeve, wherein the annular sleeve is covered outside of a lower portion of the oil cylinder body; and iv) a handle seat component fixedly connected with an upper portion of the cylinder body. The electric pullet truck of the invention has advantages like a high degree of integration and smooth steering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Ningbo Ruyi Joint Stock Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhenyu Pan, Zhenli Feng, Ji Chen, Feng Tian
  • Patent number: 10093337
    Abstract: A gyroscopically-responsive power assisted moment arm is disclosed for use in connection with vehicles such as load carrying devices. A moment arm extends to a pivot point such that when a longitudinal force is applied at the moment arm, a sensor senses such force and outputs an energizing signal to a motor to drive a wheel. If a rotational or vertical force is applied to the moment arm, the motor need not be driven. According to the invention, therefore, a power assist can be provided to a user to drive a wheel in a desired direction of transport while not causing drive during tipping or unloading of the load carrying portion of the vehicle. Such an apparatus can be advantageously applied to a power assisted wheelbarrow, as one exemplary application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: SECURE INFORMATION DEVICES INC.
    Inventor: John B. Snyder
  • Patent number: 10093338
    Abstract: A steering wheel that enables heat to be efficiently conducted to a steering wheel outer covering. The steering wheel includes: a core; a spacer member arranged around an outer periphery of a rim portion of the core; a temperature adjusting element provided on the spacer member; and a resin layer formed to cover an outside portion of the spacer member. The spacer member keeps at least a part of the temperature adjusting element away from the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Takayuki Hisajima, Toshiaki Ebana, Yousuke Kato, Yui Sekiya, Yukinori Midorikawa
  • Patent number: 10093339
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a locking assembly. The locking assembly is operatively connected to a jacket assembly. The locking assembly includes a housing, a first member, a second member, and a third member. The housing has a base and a wall that extends from the base. The wall and the base define a cavity. The first member is disposed within the cavity. The first member defines a first member ramp. The second member is disposed within the cavity and is spaced apart from the first member. The second member defines a second member ramp. The third member has a body that is disposed between the first member and the second member and an actuation arm that extends from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joen C. Bodtker, Randy W. Jones
  • Patent number: 10093340
    Abstract: A steering device includes a steering column (4a), a support bracket (17a) attachable to a vehicle body to support the steering column, and a tightening mechanism (80). The steering column includes an outer column (11a) and an inner column (10a) partially enclosed by the outer column (11a). The tightening mechanism has a first state in which the steering column is tightened with the support bracket and a second state in which the tightening is released. The outer column includes a first surface (49a) and a second surface (49b) arranged spaced apart from each other in a first direction, which intersects an axial direction, and such that the first surface and the second surface is pressed by the support bracket in the first state, and includes a clamp part (38). The clamp part has a third surface (40) provided independently from the first surface and the second surface and such that the third surface is pressed by the support bracket in the first state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Suguru Sugishita, Naoki Kabe
  • Patent number: 10093341
    Abstract: A steering device includes a cylindrical inner column that supports an input shaft connected to a steering wheel so as to allow the input shaft to be rotatable, a cylindrical outer column into which at least a part of the inner column is inserted, and a cylindrical lower column that supports an output shaft connected to the input shaft so as to allow the output shaft to be rotatable and is supported by a dash panel. The lower column moves to a rear side at the time of a primary collision, and the inner column and the outer column move relative to each other at the time of a secondary collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Masaya Johta, Daiki Orihara
  • Patent number: 10093342
    Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly comprising a steering shaft that is supported within a steering column shroud, the shroud comprising an upper shroud portion and a lower shroud portion, in which the upper shroud portion is located towards the end of the steering shaft that is nearest the steering wheel and the lower portion is located towards the end of the shaft furthest from the steering wheel, the upper portion being at least partially received within the lower portion so that the upper portion can telescopically collapse into the lower portion during a crash, a support bracket that in use is secured to a fixed part of the vehicle and includes two support bracket arms that depend from a base portion to embrace the shroud, a clamp rail that is releasably secured to the upper shroud portion, the clamp rail including a slot that extends generally horizontally, and a clamp pin that extends through an opening in each of the arms of the bracket and through the generally horizontal slot in the rail, the cla
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: TRW LIMITED
    Inventor: Michael Appleyard
  • Patent number: 10093343
    Abstract: A steering device according to the present invention has: a column pipe; a hanger bracket; an outer column that covers the column pipe in such a manner that the column pipe can move in a front-back direction; a fixed bracket that sandwiches the outer column; a fastening tool that has a bolt shaft and an operation lever portion, is inserted into a long hole of the hanger bracket, and locks and unlocks the outer column and the fixed bracket; a stopper member that is provided in the bolt shaft and swings as the bolt shaft rotates; and a telescopic regulating member that moves in the front-back direction together with the column pipe. The stopper member is capable of coming into abutment with the telescopic regulating member in an unlocked state but is not capable of coming into abutment with the telescopic regulating member in a locked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryosuke Takahashi, Isao Fujiu
  • Patent number: 10093344
    Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes a rotating assist force computing unit for computing an assist force in the rotating direction of a steering wheel, a returning assist force computing unit for computing a returning assist force, which is a steering assist force in a direction opposite to the rotating direction, and a summing unit for adding up the computed assist force in the rotating direction and the computed returning assist force. The electric power steering apparatus returns the steering wheel and steered road wheels to the neutral position at an earlier time if a driver releases his or her hands from the steering wheel when rotating the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki Yamanaka, Hiroshi Ohi, Seiji Chuda, Junichi Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 10093345
    Abstract: A calibration system for an electric power steering system includes a hardware-in-loop (HIL) test fixture, and an electric power steering system mounted to the HIL test fixture. The electric power steering system includes a power steering rack, and an intermediate shaft (I-shaft) mechanically connected to the power steering rack. An electric motor is operatively connected to the HIL test fixture. A clutch assembly is operatively connected between the electric motor and the I-shaft. The clutch assembly is operable to selectively connect the electric motor with the I-shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: William F. Dickson, Theodore P. Konieczny, Aaron Ronald
  • Patent number: 10093346
    Abstract: A motor controller includes an H-bridge circuit, a switching-element driving circuit, a motor-current detection circuit, a sample hold circuit executing a sample hold of an output of the motor-current detection circuit at every half period and outputting the output of the motor-current detection circuit as a first signal and a second signal, according to a PWM output timing of the switching-element driving circuit, and a motor-current calculation circuit selecting a signal that is larger between the first signal and the second signal as a selection signal, calculating a value of the selection signal as an absolute value of a motor current, determining a current direction based on a relation between the selection signal and a PWM output signal at a sample timing that the selection signal is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junichi Ogoshi, Yuta Uozaki, Rei Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 10093347
    Abstract: A motor driven power steering system may include: a steering angle sensor configured to sense a steering angle of a steering wheel; a motor current sensor configured to sense a current of a motor; an encoder configured to sense a position of the motor; a vehicle speed sensor configured to sense a speed of a vehicle; a virtual torque estimation unit configured to estimate, when an error of a torque sensor is detected, a virtual torque using the position of the motor, the steering angle of the steering wheel, and the current of the motor; and an assist torque calculation unit configured to calculate an assist torque for operation of the motor using the steering angle of the steering wheel, the speed of the vehicle, and the virtual torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Cheon Kyu Kim, Ji Hoon Yoo
  • Patent number: 10093348
    Abstract: Technical solutions are described for a motor control system, such as one used in a steering system, the motor control system including multiple controllers. In an example, the motor control system includes a first arbitration module associated with a first controller, and a second arbitration module associated with a second controller. The first arbitration module generates a first arbitrated input signal based on a first input signal directed to the first controller, and a second input signal directed to the second controller. The second arbitration module generates a second arbitrated input signal based on the first input signal and the second input signal. The first controller generates a first control output using the first arbitrated input signal, and the second controller generates a second control output using the second arbitrated input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael K. Hales
  • Patent number: 10093349
    Abstract: A magnet is fixed to an output shaft of a motor. The output shaft is rotated such that a magnetic field emitted by the magnet also rotates. A voltage pulse is generated from a passive sensor when the magnetic field rotates past the passive sensor. The voltage pulse is generated using a Wiegand wire. An active sensor is activated, from an unpowered state, in response to the voltage pulse. The active sensor detects a position of the magnet that correlates to a position of the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Woodruff, Timothy Sworn
  • Patent number: 10093350
    Abstract: Provided is a power steering sensor assembly which is capable of maintaining a stable coupling between a sensing device and a housing without using a separate auxiliary member, and is mounted in an electric power steering system. The power steering sensor assembly includes a sensing device including a plurality of coupling projections formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof, and a first housing having the sensing device housed therein and including a plurality of coupling grooves formed on an inner circumferential surface thereof, the coupling grooves each having an upper end which is opened. When the sensing device is housed in the first housing, the coupling projections of the sensing device are inserted into the coupling grooves of the first housing, respectively, such that the sensing device is coupled to the first housing without being moved in a radial direction and an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chang Hwan Lee
  • Patent number: 10093351
    Abstract: An electronic control unit diagnoses a short failure of an inverter FETs and diagnoses whether the failure of the FET-short detecting section has occurred. The unit controls a motor through an inverter including a bridge having an upper-stage FETs and a lower-stage FETs via an MCU, having: an FET-short detecting section to detect a short failure of the upper-stage FETs and the lower-stage FETs based on respective connection point voltages of the upper-stage FETs and the lower-stage FETs; and a diagnostic function to detect a failure of the FET-short detecting section. The diagnostic function diagnoses the failure of the FET-short detecting section at start up and turns-OFF the upper-stage FETs and the lower-stage FETs when the failure is detected. The FET-short detecting section diagnoses the short failure of the upper-stage FETs and the lower-stage FETs when the failure of the FET-short detecting section is not detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Shin Kumagai, Kyosho Uryu, Nobuhiko Ando
  • Patent number: 10093352
    Abstract: A motor controller, an electric power steering device using the motor controller, and a vehicle using the motor controller are provided. The motor controller includes plural hardware sets configured to operate in a normal state and to output a motor current, a control operation device configured to control the plurality of hardware sets commonly, an electric motor configured to operate with motor current output from each of the plurality of hardware sets, and an abnormality diagnosis unit configured to diagnose an abnormality of each of the plurality of hardware sets. In the control device, when there is an abnormal hardware set that has been diagnosed by the abnormality diagnosis unit, the control operation device stops an operation of the abnormal hardware set that has been diagnosed, and continues driving of the electric motor with a normal hardware set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Mori, Kotaro Tagami, Hiroki Sugawara, Shigeo Shinohara, Takaaki Sekine, Takeshi Senba, Shuji Endo
  • Patent number: 10093353
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to power-assisted steering systems and mobile inspection devices. Implementations may include and/or involve a directional control valve, a second hydraulic pump and a first driving motor. When determining an engine on a chassis has not been started, a central control unit may control start of the first driving motor according to a received travelling instruction such that the first driving motor drives the second hydraulic pump and then the power-assisted steering motor can be driven through a second oil path of the second hydraulic pump. Accordingly, the power-assisted steering system can be driven to operate when the mobile inspection device is in operation and the engine on chassis is not started, thus it is possible to drive the power-assisted steering system without the chassis engine operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignees: NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITED, NUCTECH JIANGSU COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Xuping Fan, Junping Shi, Ke Li, Dongyu Wang
  • Patent number: 10093354
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new hydraulic stabilizing unit that can be mounted onto any self-steering axle assembly that utilises a pneumatic stabilizing system. The hydraulic stabilizer works in conjunction with the pneumatic stabilizer to eliminate a “dead zone” of the pneumatic system to avoid wheel shimmy and hop conditions associated with out of specification caster angles on the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventor: Dawn-Marie Eveley
  • Patent number: 10093355
    Abstract: A system configured to be mounted to a vehicle including a skid-based steering system. The system including a control unit for determining course correction to the vehicle during operation based on a navigation path received from a remote device and data associated with the movement of the vehicle collected by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Robo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Liang Wang, Linli Zhang
  • Patent number: 10093356
    Abstract: A suspension system having a piston platform that supports an air spring. The piston platform may be pivotally mounted to an upper control arm. The upper control arm may be pivotally mounted to a subframe. The piston platform may rotate with respect to the upper control arm when the upper control arm rotates with respect to the subframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Edwin D. Lorenz, Adam P. Sadlik, Gordon Aaron Weeks
  • Patent number: 10093357
    Abstract: A vehicle structure includes a vehicle frame and a push arm. The vehicle frame includes surfaces that define an intersection of a first side member and a first cross-member. The surfaces extend from the first side member to the first cross-member with an upper surface of a mid-section of the first cross-member being vertically spaced apart from an upper surface of the first side member. The push arm is coupled to the vehicle frame proximate the intersection. A rear surface of the push arm faces and is adjacent to a front area of the intersection. A main body of the push arm extends forward and laterally outboard from the rear surface such that the front surface is located laterally outboard of the first side member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Bruno Buratto, Christopher Robert Hartley, Perry McConnell
  • Patent number: 10093358
    Abstract: A front suspension structure has a front portion on a first side member of a vehicle frame and a rear portion on the first side member rearward of the front portion. A front wheel is supported by a wheel support structure that is pivotally mounted to a front suspension structure of the first side member. A stop structure is installed to the first side member at the rear portion of the front suspension structure. The stop structure extends in an outboard direction of the first side member. The stop structure has a stop surface that defines an angle relative to the vehicle longitudinal direction between 110 and 130 degrees. In response to an impact event to a front area of the front wheel, the front wheel pivots relative to the wheel support structure moving a rear area of the front wheel into contact with the stop surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Takao Tani, Takemi Nishikawa, Kazunori Iimi, Hideo Aimoto, Naoki Kamizawa, Joseph Bruno Buratto, Perry McConnell, Michael James McGory
  • Patent number: 10093359
    Abstract: A frame assembly of a vehicle front portion includes a windshield lower beam. A damper mount is disposed on the front portion and deforms when subjected to an impact energy. An A-pillar includes upper and lower pillar portions, the upper pillar portion having a lower end disposed adjacent the windshield lower beam, and the lower pillar portion having an upper end disposed adjacent to the windshield lower beam. A joint includes first and second joint members, the first joint member connecting the windshield lower beam to the lower and upper pillar portions and being connected to the damper mount, the second joint member contained within the first joint member and connected to the windshield lower beam, and upper and lower pillar portions. The joint is configured to resist deformation due to the impact energy such that the damper mount deforms and dissipates the impact energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fabian J. Vigil, Hirotomo Yamada, Hirokazu Matsuura, Brian E. Dressel, Jason T. Hardesty, Kurtis R. Horner
  • Patent number: 10093360
    Abstract: A vehicle roof structure assembly includes a mounting bracket having a first aperture disposed therethrough. The vehicle roof structure assembly further includes a roof bow having a longitudinal body portion defining an inner channel. The longitudinal body portion includes a bottom wall having a second aperture axially aligned with the first aperture. The vehicle roof structure assembly further includes an insert block disposed within the inner channel of the roof bow. The insert block defines a third aperture disposed through a thickness of the insert block. The third aperture is axially aligned with the first aperture and the second aperture. The vehicle roof structure assembly further includes a fastener disposed through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture to rigidly secure the roof bow to the mounting bracket, and to rigidly secure the insert block to the roof bow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Edgar Edward Donabedian, Robert Reiners, Darrin Neil Wagner, Yu-Kan Hu, Leonard Anthony Shaner
  • Patent number: 10093361
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a vehicular fender extension comprise a wheel-well casing having a top surface, a bottom surface, an inside edge and an outside edge, the wheel-well casing being adapted to fit within a vehicular wheel-well, a guiderail located at the outside edge of the wheel-well casing, and an extending member slideably supported by the guiderail, the extending member having a top surface, a bottom surface, an inside edge and an outside edge, extending between first and second ends. The apparatus further comprises at least one actuator operable to move the extending member between a first position wherein the extending member is contained within the wheel-well casing, and a second position wherein the outside edge of the extending member is distal from the outside edge of the wheel-well casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventor: Kyle Wilson
  • Patent number: 10093362
    Abstract: A vehicle tailgate latch is provided. The latch having: a first portion; a second portion; a linkage for rotatably securing the first portion to the second portion, wherein the second portion is rotatably secured to the first portion for movement about a vertical axis with respect to the first portion; and a latching mechanism for releasing the second portion from the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: INTEVA PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Eduardo Estrada
  • Patent number: 10093363
    Abstract: A vehicle or trailer assembly is disclosed comprising at least one fan positioned on an exterior of the vehicle or trailer, wherein the at least one fan redirects or accelerates air moving over, around, or through the exterior of the vehicle or trailer. Also disclosed is a fan assembly comprising a manifold configured to be positioned on an outside surface of a vehicle, along an axis transverse to a direction of travel of the vehicle. The fan assembly also includes a plurality of motorized fans rotatably mounted along the axis of the manifold, such that the motorized fans are configured to accelerate air passing along the outside surface or within an exterior of the vehicle, in the direction of travel of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Inventure Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Brereton, Joseph A. Schetz
  • Patent number: 10093364
    Abstract: A balancing apparatus of a vehicle includes: a load sensor installed in a seat of the vehicle to measure a weight of a passenger sitting on the seat; and a balance control apparatus that controls a center of gravity of the vehicle, when the balance control apparatus includes: a battery pack that supplies power to the vehicle, and the battery pack is movably installed on a frame module and moves to control the center of gravity of the vehicle based on a value measured by the load sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Wook Hwan Seo
  • Patent number: 10093365
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes an antenna which executes communication with an external portion and a communication terminal device which is electrically connected to the antenna. The antenna and the communication terminal device are arranged within a dash board which is provided in a rising manner so as to bury a steering column where a control steering wheel is arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akimichi Iwata
  • Patent number: 10093366
    Abstract: A fifth wheel mounting bracket apparatus for use in combination with a fifth wheel and corresponding pin includes a main body having a mounting base and opposing upward rising surface members extending therefrom at an angle between 30-degrees and 60-degrees, the opposing upward rising surface members each having distal and proximal ends; first and second jaw members each being secured to the proximal end of a respective one of the opposing upward rising surface members; the first and second jaw members defining a bore that is sized and configured for engaged receipt of the fifth wheel pin therethrough; and wherein the first and second jaw members are configured to bend at the proximal end of the respective one of the opposing upward rising surface members in order to release the fifth wheel and corresponding pin when a force equal to a predetermined value is exerted on the jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventor: Nikolay Y. Penkov
  • Patent number: 10093367
    Abstract: A robotic device includes multiple sprockets coupled to a tread module. The robotic device also includes multiple first drive gears coupled to a drive shaft gear of the tread module. The robotic device further includes a second drive gear coupled to a carousel gear of the tread module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Donald Bolden Hutson
  • Patent number: 10093368
    Abstract: A dolly for supporting a tire of a motorcycle or motor scooter off the ground is provided. The dolly comprises: axially aligned wheels supported by a frame which has a frame part forward of the wheels and a frame part behind the wheels, the forward frame part having an open end being such that the motorcycle or motor scooter tire can locate in the open end, at least one tire gripping member on the forward frame part and adapted to wedge the tire when the forward frame part is lifted and release the tire when the forward frame part is lowered, and a wheel on the frame part behind the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: BLACK MC PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Stuart Ian Black, Stephen John McGuiness
  • Patent number: 10093369
    Abstract: Anti-theft bicycle locking device, wherein the bicycle has a saddle column (4), a saddle (3) and a rear frame tube (2), the device has a foldable locking loop that can be wrapped around the bicycle and a stationary object, the loop comprises a plurality of loop portions of which each has a predetermined length, a first loop portion is constituted by the saddle column (4) being a hollow tube, and a second loop portion (8, 16, 20) that has an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the saddle column (4) and has a first end slidably connected to and moving in the interior of the saddle column (4), a closure member (11, 17) in the remote end part of the saddle column (4) preventing the removal of the second loop portion (16, 20) from the saddle column (4), a lock (7) is attached to an upper portion of the saddle column (4) close to the saddle (3), and a lock part (9) is attached to a free end of the last portion of the loop, the lock part (9) can be fitted in and engaged by the lock (7), and said loop portion
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: INLOCK KFT.
    Inventor: Csaba Hollo
  • Patent number: 10093370
    Abstract: A seat device that is capable of improving body pressure distribution during traveling is provided. In a seat device including a seating seat, in both of end portions in the seat width direction of the seating seat, at positions interposed between the bottom plate and a cushion member of the seating seat, turning plates are provided. The parts of the cushion member, where the turning plates are provided between the same and the bottom plate, constitute turning parts that turn around edges thereof on the width direction inner sides as base points, as the turning plates turn. In the cushion member, slits are formed at boundary positions between the turning parts and a non-turning part, that is, a part other than the turning parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuro Ogawa, Ryuji Isobe, Yuichi Honma
  • Patent number: 10093371
    Abstract: A bicycle seatpost assembly comprises a first cylinder, a second cylinder, a mounting structure, a first engagement portion, and a second engagement portion. The second cylinder is configured to be telescopically received in the first cylinder. The mounting structure is attached to a distal end part of the second cylinder. The mounting structure is configured to fixedly mount a bicycle saddle to the distal end part of the second cylinder. The first engagement portion is provided to an outer periphery of the second cylinder. The second engagement portion is configured to engage with the first engagement portion such that a circumferential position of the mounting structure relative to the second cylinder is selectively adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Toyoto Shirai
  • Patent number: 10093372
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, an adjustable assembly for a bicycle comprises a first support and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support, such that one of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. In some embodiments, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be selectively moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. In one embodiment, the expansion portion is configured to contact and engage at least one portion of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position, and the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael McAndrews, Ron Powers
  • Patent number: 10093373
    Abstract: A load-bearing frame of a bicycle saddle comprises a base and a rim surrounding the base. The base is made of a first plastic material of predetermined rigidity and includes a relatively narrow anterior portion and a relatively wider posterior portion. The base further has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a peripheral edge. The rim is made of a second plastic material of rigidity being smaller than that of the first plastic material. The rim has an inner side coupled with the periphery edge of the base and an outer side extending upwardly from the inner side to define a first receiving space with a first upper opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: VELO ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tsai-Yun Yu