Patents Issued in October 25, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180304672
    Abstract: The invention holds two writing or drawing instruments such as pencils between two plates for the purpose of drawing two adjustable equidistant lines an arbitrary distance apart for use in calligraphy or drawing. It allows the pencils to rotate around a common point and in a common plane so that it may be adjusted that the two tips can touch and thus create smaller parallel lines for creating smaller calligraphic characters than previously possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Richard Thomas Mueller
  • Publication number: 20180304673
    Abstract: A surface support for constructing a stained glass design having a flat central surface (12), surface frames (14) bounding all sides of the flat central surface (12), a stationery edge boundary (15) securely mounted on one of the surface frames (14), preferably the frame closest to the artist, 2 side adjustable members (18) mounted in a manner as to be slideable toward or away from one another, and capable of sliding over said flat central surface (12) and the surface frames 14, and a slideable boundary support (24) positioned to slide on side adjustable members (18) toward or away from the stationary edge boundary (15) and slide over the flat central surface (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: V.C. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20180304674
    Abstract: A flexible painter's string with pressure sensitive adhesive is provided. The painter's string provides edging for non-linear surfaces and provides a three-dimensional painting guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: Strimac Holding Corp.
    Inventor: Benjamin S. Striessnig
  • Publication number: 20180304675
    Abstract: A wheel disc adapted for use in a fabricated vehicle wheel comprising a steel wheel disc defining an axis and including a center mounting portion, an outer rim connecting flange, a plurality of radially outwardly extending spokes connecting the center mounting portion to the outer rim connecting flange and a ventilation opening provided between each pair of adjacent spokes. A width defined by a center wall of the spoke is tapered inwardly along a substantial portion of a radial length thereof as the center wall of the spoke extends generally from the center mounting portion to the outer rim connecting flange or wherein a width defined by outer walls of the spoke is tapered inwardly along a substantial portion of a radial length thereof as the outer walls of the spoke extends generally from the center mounting portion to the outer rim connecting flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: Maxion Wheels U.S.A. LLC
    Inventors: Fernando Mitsuyassu, Marcio Oliveira
  • Publication number: 20180304676
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel includes a rim having an inner peripheral surface, and a center disc. The center disc includes a disc portion, and an arm plate portion extending radially outward from the disc portion. The arm plate portion includes an outer boundary defined by a plurality of arc outer peripheral surfaces and a plurality of concave boundary surfaces. The plurality of arc outer peripheral surfaces have a radius equal to a radius of the inner peripheral surface of the rim. The plurality of arc outer peripheral surfaces are joined to the inner peripheral surface of the rim at a weld attachment interface to produce a plurality of holes defined by the plurality of concave boundary surfaces and the inner peripheral surface of the rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert WALDEN, Barry JORDAN
  • Publication number: 20180304677
    Abstract: A system for connecting a vehicle wheel attachment includes one or more threaded inserts each having an exteriorly threaded surface adapted to mate with a wheel hub central interiorly threaded bore. The wheel hub central interior threaded bore may be fabricated of a first material and the one or more threaded inserts may be fabricated of a second material that is different from the first material. The threaded inserts include an interiorly threaded surface adapted to mate with an exteriorly threaded flange carried by the vehicle wheel attachment. The threaded inserts may include an exteriorly threaded surface defining a same or a different exterior diameter from other threaded inserts, and may also include an interiorly threaded surface defining a same or a different interior diameter from other threaded inserts. Methods for connecting a wheel attachment to a wheel hum using the described system are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Neal Koenig
  • Publication number: 20180304678
    Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint includes an outer joint member having a cup shape, an inner joint member, which is received in the outer joint member, and transmits torque between the inner and outer joint members through intermediation of balls while allowing angular displacement, and a hollow shaft, which is coupled to the inner joint member so as to allow torque transmission. A threaded hole is formed in a bottom portion of the outer joint member along an axial direction. A recessed hole is formed to be open in a shaft end portion of the hollow shaft opposed to the threaded hole. An embedded stopper that enters the threaded hole is press-fitted into the recessed hole. The embedded stopper is retractable into the hollow shaft in a press-fitting direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Tomoshige KOBAYASHI, Yuichi ASANO
  • Publication number: 20180304679
    Abstract: A wheel loosening sensor (100; 400; 500; 600; 700) configured to detect loosening of a wheel of a vehicle, the wheel loss sensor comprising: a transmitter; a battery (128), wherein the transmitter and the battery are within a water tight housing (102) that is permanently sealed, and wherein at least two electrical terminals (104, 106) are exposed at an exterior of the housing, the transmitter being configured to receive electrical power from the battery and transmit a signal when the at least two electrical terminals are disconnected; an electrically conductive element (108) biased away from the at least two electrical terminals and configured to electrically connect the two electrical terminals when the bias is overcome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Gary Broadfield
  • Publication number: 20180304680
    Abstract: Wheel bearing units are disclosed. In one example, a wheel bearing unit includes an outer ring element and an inner ring element, between which there are arranged at least two rolling body rows. The inner ring element may have a radial flange which is fastenable to an axle body or to a wheel. A seal may be provided at a radial flange side between the outer ring element and the inner ring element, wherein the seal has a carrier element. A face surface, which faces toward the radial flange, of the outer ring element may include at least one projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Stahl, Natalie Treubert, Frank Eichelmann
  • Publication number: 20180304681
    Abstract: A system for guiding a part, including a through-hole, toward a desired position. The system includes a connector and a handle member. The connector is configured to be removably attached to the desired position. The connector is also configured to pass through the through-hole. The handle member has a distal portion connected to the connector. The distal portion is configured to pass through the through-hole. The handle member is configured to lift the part while the connector is attached to the desired position and a portion of the handle member is within the through-hole. The handle member is configured to allow the part to slide therealong and into the desired position while the part is lifted by the handle member. The connector is removable from the desired position after the part has been slid into the desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Gehring, Bruce Afton King
  • Publication number: 20180304682
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes bead cores, a carcass ply, an inner liner and the tread, and the crosslinked rubber composition, of the present invention, wherein the tread and the crosslinked rubber composition have a volume of the low density region of 35% or more at elongation by an applied stress of 1.5 MPa, a volume of the void portion of 7.5 or less at elongation by an applied stress of 3.0 MPa and a ratio of 40% by mass or more of a component having a weight-average molecular weight of not less than 1,000,000 in a molecular weight distribution measured by gel permeation chromatography are excellent in abrasion resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Ryo MASHITA, Hiroyuki KISHIMOTO, Ryota KITAGO
  • Publication number: 20180304683
    Abstract: The pneumatic tire of the present invention characterized by comprising: bead cores, a carcass ply, an inner liner and a tread having a volume of the low density region of 35% or more, at elongation by an applied stress of 1.5 MPa, a volume of the void portion of 7.5% or less at elongation by an applied stress of 3.0 MPa and a glass transition temperature of ?20° C. or lower, and the crosslinked rubber composition of the present invention having a volume of the low density region of 35% or more at elongation by an applied stress of 1.5 MPa, a volume of the void portion of 7.5 or less at elongation by an applied stress of 3.0 MPa and a glass transition temperature of ?20° C. or lower are excellent in abrasion resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Ryo MASHITA, Hiroyuki KISHIMOTO, Ryota KITAGO
  • Publication number: 20180304684
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the synthesis of a polymer bearing one or more pendant hydroxyaryl groups, comprising the reaction of a polymer bearing at least one epoxide functional group with a nucleophilic compound simultaneously bearing the hydroxyaryl group and a nucleophilic functional group selected from the group consisting of the phosphonic acid functional group and its ionic form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Claire RANNOUX, Rachid MATMOUR, Cédric LOUBAT, Camille CHATARD
  • Publication number: 20180304685
    Abstract: Provided are a method for producing a rubber composition capable of achieving low loss property and wet gripping performance, and a tire with loss property and wet gripping performance. The method comprises kneading of a rubber composition, wherein: the rubber composition comprises: a rubber component (A) containing 20 mass % or more of a specific modified SBR; 20 to 120 parts of a filler (C) containing silica per 100 parts of the rubber component; a compound (D); a silane coupling agent (E); and a vulcanizing agent (F), and the kneading comprises: first kneading to knead (A), (C), a part or all of (D), and 2 parts or more of (E) per 100 parts of (A); and second kneading to, after the first kneading, knead a kneaded product prepared in the first kneading and (F). The tire uses a rubber composition obtained with the method for a tread rubber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideyuki SAKURAI
  • Publication number: 20180304686
    Abstract: There is provided a tire being excellent in abrasion resistance. The tire comprises a tread composed of a rubber composition for the tread, and the rubber composition comprises 70 to 130 parts by mass of carbon black having a nitrogen adsorption specific surface area of 100 to 290 m2/g based on 100 parts by mass of a rubber component comprising a linear styrene-butadiene rubber having a styrene content of 35 to 45% by mass, a vinyl content of 35 to 45% by mass and a weight-average molecular weight of 1,000,000 to 1,400,000.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Fumiya KATO
  • Publication number: 20180304687
    Abstract: The present invention provides a composite that has good initial adhesion and good adhesion after high temperature and high humidity aging. Provided is a composite including: a topping rubber composition having a fatty acid content of 0.8% by mass or less; and an adherend plated with a copper-containing layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Natsuki MAEKAWA, Koji FUJISAWA, Hiroshi ITO, Ryosuke HARADA, Daiko FUJIMORI
  • Publication number: 20180304688
    Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire includes a circumferential tread having a first axial width. The tire further includes a lower annular band having a circumferential convex curved surface and a second axial width greater than the first axial width. The lower annular band is configured to deflect upon application of an axial force above a threshold axial force. The tire also includes tire structure connecting the circumferential tread to the lower annular band. The tire structure has a third axial width less than the second axial width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Douglas B. COSTLOW
  • Publication number: 20180304689
    Abstract: A tire having a rubber body in which a steel cord is embedded, wherein a layer composed of ZnxCoyO is formed at the interface between the steel cord and the rubber body and x+y is 5/6 or more and 1 or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Tetsuya Nakajima, Kenichi Yamashita, Takashi Tokuyama, Shinei Takamura, Masumi Suzuki, Koji Fujisawa
  • Publication number: 20180304690
    Abstract: A tyre for bicycle wheels, having a carcass structure, a belt layer arranged in a radially outer position with respect to the carcass structure and a tread band arranged in a radially outer position with respect to the belt layer. The carcass structure has a carcass ply engaged with a pair of annular anchoring structures and including a plurality of reinforcing cords. The cords are inclined, with respect to an equatorial plane of the tyre, at a first angle between about 65° and about 90°. The belt layer has a reinforcing cord wound onto the carcass structure according to a winding direction oriented, with respect to the equatorial plane, at a second angle between about 0° and about 30°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Pierangelo MISANI, Paolo BRIVIO
  • Publication number: 20180304691
    Abstract: Provided are: a rubber-reinforcing fiber, in which adhesion between a rubber and a fiber is enhanced and which is thereby capable of further improving the durability than before when used as a reinforcing material; a rubber-fiber composite; and a pneumatic tire using the same. The rubber-reinforcing fiber includes a core-sheath type composite fiber whose core portion is composed of a high-melting-point resin (A) having a melting point of 150° C. or higher and sheath portion is composed of a resin material (B) having a melting point lower than that of the high-melting point resin (A). The resin material (B) contains an olefin-based polymer (X) and a vulcanization accelerator (F).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaaki NAKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20180304692
    Abstract: Provided are: a rubber-reinforcing fiber, in which adhesion between a rubber and a fiber is enhanced and which is thereby capable of further improving the durability than before when used as a reinforcing material; a rubber-fiber composite; and a pneumatic tire using the same. The rubber-reinforcing fiber includes a core-sheath type composite fiber whose core portion is composed of a high-melting-point resin (A) having a melting point of 150° C. or higher and sheath portion is composed of a resin material (B) having a melting point lower than that of the high-melting point resin (A). The resin material (B) includes: an olefin-based random copolymer (C) and/or an olefin-based homopolymer or olefin-based copolymer (D) (excluding (C)); and a styrene-based elastomer (E) containing a monomolecular chain in which mainly styrene monomers are arranged in series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaaki NAKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20180304693
    Abstract: A tire is provided with a tread that includes first and second sectors and grooves. The second sectors are formed of a rigid reinforcing compound. Each of the first and second sectors has a contact face intended to contact a road surface when the tire is in use. Each groove includes sidewalls and a bottom, and extends from an end of an adjacent contact face. A depth P of each groove is measured in a radial direction between its bottom and a position corresponding to a radial height of the adjacent contact face. At least one of the second sectors has a contact face that includes a recess having a depth p of less than 2 mm, as measured in a radial direction from a surface of the recess to a position corresponding to a radial height of an adjacent first sector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: PATRICK PALLOT, BERTRAND DAVAL, BENJAMIN LEVRARD
  • Publication number: 20180304694
    Abstract: A tyre that can be fitted to the front of a motorcycle. The tyre has a high void-to-rubber ratio and includes grooves located asymmetrically across the equatorial plane of the tyre, arranged substantially orthogonally to the equatorial plane of the tyre at the equatorial plane itself. According to one aspect, the grooves are close to one another in the circumferential direction of the tyre to increase their number in a footprint area of the tyre.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Pierangelo MISANI, Mario MARIANI, Luca BRUSCHELLI, Aline RINGIS PIN
  • Publication number: 20180304695
    Abstract: In a tire in which a groove extending a tire circumferential direction is formed in a tread part, a projection extending in a direction intersecting the tire circumferential direction is provided at a groove bottom of the groove, the projection includes: a first projection part extending from one groove wall forming the groove toward the other groove wall forming the groove, and terminating short of the other groove wall; and a second projection part extending from the other groove wall toward the one groove wall, and terminating short of the one groove wall, and a terminal part of the first projection part is arranged closer to the other groove wall than a terminal part of the second projection part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sayaka MISHIMA
  • Publication number: 20180304696
    Abstract: Provided is a pneumatic tire for a motorcycle that is capable of early exhibiting performance of a new tire and that enables it to be visually confirmed that the new tire is worn to a degree that the tire can fully exhibit the performance. The pneumatic tire for a motorcycle includes a tread portion 1 formed into a ring shape, in which the tread portion 1 is provided with shallow grooves 2 having a width of 0.1 to 2.0 mm and a depth of 0.1 to 2.0 mm and extending in a tire circumferential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasufumi TOKITOH, Junichi TAKAHASHI, Dyta ITOI, Takamitsu NAKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20180304697
    Abstract: A control system for a motor vehicle includes a central tire inflation system (CTIS) electronic controller, the CTIS controller being configured to control the CTIS to cause inflation and deflation of one or more tires, the CTIS controller being configured to cause the CTIS to operate in a selected one of a plurality of operating modes in each of which the system is configured to set a pressure of one or more tires of the vehicle to a predetermined tire pressure value, the CTIS controller being configured to generate a tire wear indicator value in dependence upon a signal indicative of vehicle speed and a signal indicative of tire pressure, the CTIS controller being configured to inhibit at least one CTIS operating mode in dependence at least in part on the generated tire wear indicator value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Jonathan WOODLEY, Roxana CIOVNICU, Paul KING
  • Publication number: 20180304698
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a type of secure and efficient wheel assembly using fluid or solid stuffing materials so as to minimize the blowout risks, a wheel rim transmission assembly, an energy exchanging arrangement used in transporting system, and a vehicle energy storage system, as well as corresponding methods for manufacturing and preparing such assemblies and arrangements in applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Jing Ye
  • Publication number: 20180304699
    Abstract: A tire pressure management system includes at least an axle, a hubcap supported by the axle and having an interior and an exterior, and a rotary union mounted to the hubcap. The rotary union includes at least rotary union housing providing a central bore, a fluid conduit having upstream and downstream ends, and a bearing in contact engagement with the fluid conduit via an inner race of the bearing, and in sliding engagement with a bearing sleeve via an outer race of the bearing. The bearing sleeve in pressing contact with the central bore; and a seal, is disposed between the bearing and the downstream end of the fluid conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Sascha Castriotta
  • Publication number: 20180304700
    Abstract: A wheel end assembly for a tire inflation system includes a sealing ring disposed on an axle housing. The sealing ring includes a conduit formed therethrough in fluid communication with a conduit formed through a hub. The hub is rotatably disposed on the axle housing adjacent the sealing ring. An inner rotary seal is disposed between the sealing ring and the hub. An outer rotary seal is disposed between the sealing ring and the hub. The hub conduit is in fluid communication with the sealing ring conduit via an area between the inner rotary seal and the outer rotary seal. A bearing seal is disposed between the sealing ring and the hub. The bearing seal is disposed outboard of the outer rotary seal. The inner rotary seal, the outer rotary seal, and the bearing seal are each in sealing contact with the sealing ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: SHAD J. FALLS, WILLIAM J. FOOR, CHRISTOPHER P. LEWARK, JASON M. SIDDERS
  • Publication number: 20180304701
    Abstract: A method of determining tire pressure includes providing a control unit having a first pressure transducer. The control unit is in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir via an air supply circuit. A second pressure transducer is disposed at least partially within the fluid reservoir. The method also includes measuring a pressure of air in the air supply circuit utilizing the first pressure transducer and measuring a pressure of air in the reservoir utilizing the second pressure transducer. The method additionally includes determining a difference in the measurements of the first pressure transducer and the second pressure transducer and calibrating the second pressure transducer pressure measurement to agree with the first pressure transducer pressure measurement where the pressure difference is less than a predetermined value. The method further includes measuring a pressure in one or more tires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Venkata Ramakanth Kona
  • Publication number: 20180304702
    Abstract: Provided is an on-board device and a vehicle communication system that can expand the transmission range of signals that are transmitted from transmission antennas of the on-board device. An on-board device transmits signals to a portable device, from a plurality of first to fourth LF transmission antennas that are provided for a vehicle at positions that are separate from each other. The on-board device includes a transmission unit that transmits the signals from the first to fourth LF transmission antennas such that a transmission range in which the portable device can receive the signals is a range around the vehicle. The transmission unit substantially simultaneously transmits the signals from two or more transmission antennas among the first to fourth LF transmission antennas, to expand the transmission range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Yusuke Urano, Masaya Ina
  • Publication number: 20180304703
    Abstract: The present tire management method includes detecting a temperature at predetermined intervals inside a tire air chamber, converting the temperature detected at predetermined intervals inside the tire air chamber into a first multiplication value of load times speed or a second multiplication value of the square of load times speed, and calculating an accumulation value by accumulating the first or second multiplication value for a predetermined period. The present tire management apparatus includes a temperature detector that detects a temperature at predetermined intervals inside a tire air chamber, a converter that converts the temperature detected by the temperature detector at predetermined intervals inside the tire air chamber into a first multiplication value of load times speed or a second multiplication value of the square of load times speed, and an accumulator that calculates an accumulation value by accumulating the first or second multiplication value for a predetermined period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi KIMURA
  • Publication number: 20180304704
    Abstract: A machine for fitting and removing a tyre from a corresponding rim of a wheel of a vehicle, comprising: a wheel-holder unit rotating about a first axis (A) and slidably coupled to a groove provided in a base; a column; an upper operating head, provided with at least one upper fitting tool, at least one further tool, angularly spaced from the upper fitting tool, by a predetermined angle, and a wall pressing tool that can be placed in a working position which is operatively in contact with the wheel simultaneously with the upper fitting tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Giulio Corghi
  • Publication number: 20180304705
    Abstract: An adjustment structure of a Presta valve for a bicycle tire contains: an outer stem, a reinforcement stem, and a fitting sleeve. The outer stem includes a flat extension extending outward from a bottom of the outer stem, and the outer stem includes a coupling portion formed on the bottom of the outer stem. The reinforcement stem includes a hollow portion defined in the reinforcement stem, and the reinforcement stem includes a female threaded portion arranged on an inner wall of a bottom of the reinforcement stem. The fitting sleeve includes multiple ribs arranged on an upper end of an outer wall of the fitting sleeve. Furthermore, the fitting sleeve further includes a recess defined on a lower end of the outer wall thereof so as to retain with the flat extension of the outer stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Chang Hui LIN
  • Publication number: 20180304706
    Abstract: A drawbar assembly for coupling a drawbar to a tongue of a towed implement includes a drawbar pin and a drawbar clevis having a bore configured to receive the drawbar pin. A locking plate is coupled to the drawbar clevis and movable between a pin-locked position in which the locking plate is configured to obstruct at least a portion of the bore, and a pin-unlock condition. An ejector mechanism is configured to dislodge the drawbar pin from the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Derek HRUSKA, Matthew Benjamin SHAW
  • Publication number: 20180304707
    Abstract: A safety device for attachment to a ball mount of a trailer hitch is provided, the safety device comprising: a tower, the tower including a housing, the housing including a front, a back and a central aperture; a tongue, the tongue slidably mounted in the housing normal to the tower and including a distal end, a proximal end, an underside, a top and at least two tongue apertures, the tongue apertures extending between the underside and the top; and a pin, the pin releasably retained in the central aperture and one tongue aperture to releasably retain the retention tongue in a position. A combination for retaining a trailer socket and a trailer hitch assembly are also provided. A method of releasably retaining a trailer on a trailer hitch is further provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: JENNEX AND SONS MECHANICAL DESIGN INC.
    Inventor: George William JENNEX
  • Publication number: 20180304708
    Abstract: A disclosed trailer hitch device includes an upper member to restrain the movement of the trailer hitch and a lower member to connect to the upper member and to connect to a vehicle. The upper member is rotatably connected to the lower member. The upper member is substantially U-shaped. The lower member is also substantially U-shaped and substantially symmetrical to the upper member. The upper and lower members include a respective side section, a respective arm section and a respective connecting plate configured to restrain the upper member from rotating with respect to the lower member. The upper connecting plate is connected to the lower connecting plate with a fastening device. A single component step washer includes a flanging washer concentric with a collar washer, the flanging washer comprising a ball mounting surface. The collar washer is configured to fit rotatably inside the hitching aperture of the lower member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Karl Glenn Pratt
  • Publication number: 20180304709
    Abstract: A high speed actuation system for protracting and retracting a retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly of an amphibian includes an actuator, at least one retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly comprising at least one wheel and/or track drive supported directly or indirectly by a suspension assembly and movable between a protracted and retracted positions, an energy source for providing power to the actuator, and a controller that controls in amount the power provided by the energy source to the actuator such that the time of actuation to retract the at least one retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly from a protracted position to a retracted position, or to protract the at least one retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly from a retracted position to a protracted position, is less than 5 seconds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Alan Timothy GIBBS, Simon James LONGDILL
  • Publication number: 20180304710
    Abstract: An air and land multimodal vehicle comprises a frame, a propeller engine attached to a first location of the frame supplying power and torque to a propeller, a ground engine attached to a second location of the frame supplying power and torque to one or more ground traction elements, and a flexible wing releasably connectable to the frame, wherein the propeller engine is vertically and horizontally spaced from the ground engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: SkyRunner, LLC
    Inventor: Stewart HAMEL
  • Publication number: 20180304711
    Abstract: End mount assemblies include a mounting bracket dimensioned for securement to an end member of a gas spring and damper assembly. The end mount assembly can include an inner mounting element dimensioned for securement to an elongated damping rod of the gas spring and damper assembly. A first plurality of bushing elements can be operatively disposed between the inner mounting element and the mounting bracket. A second plurality of bushing elements can be operatively disposed between the inner mounting element and the end member. Gas spring and a damper assemblies including such an end mount assembly as well as suspension systems and methods of assembly are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Publication number: 20180304712
    Abstract: A lift option kit that allows the user to alter the vertical suspension lift of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: LARRY VERBOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20180304713
    Abstract: A vehicle incorporates a gravity-assist energy harvesting suspension system including one or more gravitational positive displacement pumps. The positive displacement pump has a cylinder and a reciprocating piston inside the cylinder. The piston is adapted for movement along a compression stroke and an opposite extension stroke in response to a gravitational bounce of the vehicle when in motion. A turbine comprising a rotor shaft and attached blades is mounted relative to a distal end of a fluid outlet hose connected to the pump. Fluid discharged through the outlet hose acts on the blades, thereby moving and imparting rotational energy to the rotor shaft. A generator is operatively connected to the turbine, and is adapted for converting the rotational energy generated by the rotor shaft to electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Matthew Alan Kaskowicz
  • Publication number: 20180304714
    Abstract: A synthetic resin-made sliding bearing 1 includes a synthetic resin-made upper casing 3 having a cylindrical outer peripheral side surface 2; a synthetic resin-made lower casing 6 which has a cylindrical inner peripheral side surface 5 opposed to the outer peripheral side surface 2 on an outer side in a radial direction A so as to surround the outer peripheral side surface 2 with a cylindrical fitting clearance 4 extending in a vertical direction B intersecting the radial direction A, and on which the upper casing 3 is mounted as the upper casing 3 is fitted thereto such that the displacement of the lower casing 6 with respect to the upper casing 3 in the radial direction A is made possible with a width a as a minimum width of the fitting clearance 4 in the radial direction A by being restricted by the contact of the inner peripheral side surface 5 with the outer peripheral side surface 2; and a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing 9 disposed in an annular space 7 between the upper casing 3 and the low
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Kouhei KUROSE, Katsunori SAITO
  • Publication number: 20180304715
    Abstract: A method of setting the rides height of the air springs and air pressures of the tires, including receiving a user selected setting or preprogrammed ride height settings; sensing a ride height of, and air pressure within, each of the air springs; determining the weight of the vehicle based on the sensed ride height and air pressure within each of the air springs; providing specified ride heights for the left and right front and rear air springs; determining specified air pressures for the left and right front and rear tire inflators, based upon the determined weight of the vehicle and selected setting; inflating the left and right front and rear air springs to the specified ride heights; and inflating the left and right front and rear tires to the specified air pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher J. Batsch, Christopher E. Cantagallo, Bradley S. Ketchel
  • Publication number: 20180304716
    Abstract: An elastic support for on-board suspension systems of a motor-vehicle includes at least one body formed of polymeric elastomeric material supplemented with carbon-based nanofillers. An outer surface is provided with one or more piezo-resistive areas where a polymeric material supplemented with carbon-based nanofillers has been made locally piezo-resistive by laser irradiation so as to define one or more electric deformation sensors configured to detect the load applied on the elastic support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: C.R.F. Società Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Antonino Domenico VECA, Paolo CHIAPPERO, Francesca DALMASSO, Vito Guido LAMBERTINI
  • Publication number: 20180304717
    Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a plurality of air spring assemblies, each having an air spring, and a suspension position sensor; and a controller. The controller is programmed to determine corner forces associated with each air spring of the plurality of air spring assemblies based on a pressure provided by a pressure sensor and an effective area of each air spring of the plurality of air spring assemblies based on a total length provided by the suspension position sensor, according to a target total length of each air spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher J. Mettrick, Chris Morgan, Christopher Archambo, Aditya Muktidoot
  • Publication number: 20180304718
    Abstract: In an air suspension system, starting of a compressor is facilitated in a condition in which there exists a pressure difference. There is provided an air suspension system in which air compressed by a compressor is supplied to a plurality of air chambers provided between a vehicle body side and a wheel side and configured to perform vehicle height adjustment in accordance with the supply and discharge of air. The compressor has a needle connected to a piston and extending in a moving direction of the piston, and an armature reciprocating the needle in the moving direction of the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Shinji SETO, Masaki KOYAMA, Shuhei NAGATA, Takashi OGAWA, Yosuke TANABE, Takahiro SUZUKI, Kan KOBAYASHI, Naofumi HARADA, Yoshinori KAWAI, Tomoyuki RI
  • Publication number: 20180304719
    Abstract: An air purge method in a vehicle is provided. The air purge method comprises starting a vehicle ventilation device in response to ventilation instruction; determining a current air purge status based on an operation time of the ventilation device; and indicating the current air purge status via an air purge indication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Kevin Shen, Wei Xu, Xuezhi Jin, Hogan Jiang
  • Publication number: 20180304720
    Abstract: A method for operating a climate-control system of a vehicle using an initial ambient (outside the vehicle) air temperature calculated based upon a current air temperature measured by a temperature sensor located on a side-mirror of the vehicle. A previous air temperature is stored at or before an engine shut-down time. At a subsequent engine start time: a) the temperature sensor on the side-mirror determines the current air temperature; b) a solar radiation on the vehicle is measured; and c) a duration since the previous air temperature was stored is determined. If, at the engine re-start time; a) the duration exceeds a threshold value; and b) the current air temperature is higher than the previous air temperature, then the initial air temperature is calculated from: a) the current air temperature, b) the previous air temperature, and c) the solar radiation. The climate-control system is operated using the calculated initial temp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Sandra KROLEWSKI, Dietmar FISCHER, Klaus SCHUERMANNS
  • Publication number: 20180304721
    Abstract: A tube of elastomeric material for an air conditioning system or for other system which is on-board of a motor-vehicle is intended to be fitted over a metal connecting element and to be locked onto the latter by means of a crimping operation that envisages the clamping around the tube of a metal clamping element. The tube includes at least one body made of polymeric elastomeric material supplemented with carbon-based nanofillers wherein an outer surface with one or more piezo-resistive areas is provided, where the polymeric material supplemented with carbon-based nanofillers has been made locally piezo-resistive by means of laser irradiation. The piezo-resistive areas arranged on the body of polymeric elastomeric material of the tube can be used for verifying the correct execution of the crimping operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: C.R.F. Società Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Antonino Domenico Veca, Paolo Chiappero, Francesca Dalmasso, Vito Guido Lambertini