Patents Issued in November 8, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180319417
    Abstract: A medical device, such as an intra-aortic balloon pump or carrier with an extendable wheel track and handle configured to be removably carried and integrated with a cart. The wheel track is configured to extend upon extension of the handle and to return to its original position upon retraction of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Maquet Cardiovascular LLC
    Inventors: Yefim KAUSHANSKY, Edmund PACENKA, Robert HAMILTON
  • Publication number: 20180319418
    Abstract: A collapsible dolly assembly includes a pair of frames that are each selectively urged between a deployed position and a collapsed position. A pair of rear wheels is rotatably coupled to the frame to roll along a support surface. A pair of front wheels is rotatably coupled to the frame to roll along the support surface. A dolly is hingedly coupled to the frame to support an object thereby facilitating the object to be transported along the support surface. A pair of skid units is movably coupled to an associated one of the frames. Each of the skid units is selectively positioned in a deployed position. In this way each of the skid units frictionally engages a staircase thereby facilitating the object to be urged upwardly and downwardly along the staircase. A braking unit is movably coupled to the frame to selectively engage the staircase when the skid unit is positioned in the deployed position. Thus, the braking unit retains the object at a selected point along the staircase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Emily Kim
  • Publication number: 20180319419
    Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a steer-by-wire steering device may include an actuating unit that comprises a steering spindle mounted rotatably about a longitudinal axis in a casing unit. The casing unit may have a first casing tube in which a second casing tube is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the longitudinal axis and is mounted so as to be movable axially in a telescopic fashion. An actuating drive is connected to the first casing tube and the second casing tube and can move the second casing tube relative to the first casing tube. The actuating drive may comprise a spindle drive with a threaded spindle that is parallel to the longitudinal axis, rotatably drivable by a servomotor, supported on and extending within the first casing tube, and screwed into a spindle nut attached in a rotationally fixed manner to the second casing tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicants: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Daniel KREUTZ, Sebastian FORTE
  • Publication number: 20180319420
    Abstract: An adjustment drive for a steering column adjustable by motor includes a threaded spindle with an axis. The threaded spindle engages in a spindle nut, a drive unit and a gear wheel connected to the spindle nut or the threaded spindle for rotation therewith, which is driveable to rotate about the axis by the drive unit and rotatably mounted about the axis in a bearing housing in an arrangement between two outer bearing rings axially supported at the bearing housing. The outer bearing rings each have, on their facing sides, a circumferential outer bearing face coaxial to the axis, the outer bearing face in each case lying opposite a bearing face on the end side at the gear wheel. At least one outer bearing ring is axially resiliently supported at the bearing housing by an elastic preloading element that axially braces the two outer bearing rings together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicants: ThyssenKrupp Presta AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Sebastian HUBER, Jean-Pierre SPECHT, Arne SCHACHT
  • Publication number: 20180319421
    Abstract: A steering column (10), comprising: a base (20); an upper section (50) connected to the base (20), wherein the upper section (50) is movable relative to the base (20) with respect to at least two degrees of freedom; an actuation lever (60) connected to the upper section (50) and operable between a locked position, in which the actuation lever (60) is in stable equilibrium and constrains both degrees of freedom of the upper section (50) relative to the base (20), and two distinct unlocked positions, each of which respectively releases one of the two degrees of freedom of the upper section (50) relative to the base (20); wherein, in the two unlocked positions, the actuation lever (60) is located in two distinct respective stable equilibrium positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: MASSIMILIANO CASINI
  • Publication number: 20180319422
    Abstract: A feedback actuator for a steering mechanism for motor vehicles may include a steering adjuster that acts on the steered wheels and is controlled electronically based on steering commands of a drive of the motor vehicle. The feedback actuator may transmit feedback from a road to a steering wheel via a steering shaft. Further, the feedback actuator may have a preloaded belt drive and an electric motor configured as torque-generating means. The feedback actuator may generate a torque to simulate the feedback of the road. The torque may be formed by a sum of a torque from the preloaded belt drive applied to the steering shaft and a torque from the electric motor applied to the steering shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicants: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Kristof POLMANS, Thomas KETTENBERGER
  • Publication number: 20180319423
    Abstract: A power steering control system is provided. The control system includes an actual module that determines an actual load torque associated with a vehicle chassis. A steering module generates a steering control signal based on the actual load torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Jon D. Demerly, Siddharth H. D'Silva
  • Publication number: 20180319424
    Abstract: A method for generating an auxiliary steering torque (AST) adapted to a present driving situation (PDS) of a motor vehicle using an active steering assistance system (SAS), including ascertaining the present driving situation (PDS); classifying the ascertained present driving situation (PDS) into at least one of a group of driving situation categories (DSC); and generating an auxiliary steering torque (AST) using the active steering assistance system (SAS). Wherein the amount and/or a time profile of the auxiliary steering torque (AST) depends on the classification of the present driving situation (PDS) into one of the driving situation categories (DSC).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas Giersiefer, Patrick Glet, Christoph Klein
  • Publication number: 20180319425
    Abstract: A method and equipment for calibrating the steering angle sensor system of an electric steering system of a transportation vehicle during a software update, wherein the steering angle sensor system has a rotor position sensor for determining the rotor position of the electric motor of the electric steering system and the steering angle is derived from the rotor position. The method includes starting the software update, reading in and saving the present position data of the electric motor of the steering system, reading in and saving the memory values of the present calibration of the steering angle sensor system, cyclically monitoring the rotor position of the electric motor using the rotor position sensor, performing the software update, terminating the software update, and writing back the memory values of the calibration and releasing the software update.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Ingo SWIETER, Luis Alberto CISTERNA
  • Publication number: 20180319426
    Abstract: A hydraulic steering unit (1) is described comprising a supply port arrangement having a pressure port (8) connected to a main flow path (2) and a tank port (5) connected to a tank flow path (3), a working port arrangement having a left working port (L) connected to a left working flow path (4) and a right working port (R) connected to a right working flow path (5), a variable first left orifice (A2L) connected to the main flow path (2) and to the left working flow path (4), a variable first right orifice (A2R) connected to the main flow path (2) and to the right working flow path (5), a variable second left orifice (A3L) connected to the left working flow path (4) and to the tank flow path (3), and a variable second right orifice (A3R) connected to the right working flow path (5) and to the tank flow path (3). Such a steering unit should allow comfortable steering. To this end a measuring motor (15) is arranged in one of the working flow parts (4, 5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Niels Arbjerg, Charles Anthony Bates, Poul Ennemark, Mogens Frederiksen, Casper Mikael Olesen
  • Publication number: 20180319427
    Abstract: A hydraulic steering unit (1) is described comprising a supply port arrangement having a pressure port (P) connected to a main flow path (2) and a tank port (T) connected to a tank flow path (3), a first working port arrangement having a first left working port (L1) connected to a first left working flow path (4) and a first right working port (R1) connected to a first right working flow path (5), a variable first left orifice (A2L) connected to the main flow path (2) and to the first left working flow path (4), a variable first right orifice (A2R) connected to the main flow path (2) and to the first right working flow path (5), a variable second left orifice (A3L) connected to the first left working flow path (4) and to the tank flow path (3), a variable second right orifice (A3R) connected to the first right working flow path (5) and to the tank flow path (3), and a second working port arrangement having a second left working port (12) connected to a second left working flow path (9) and a second right work
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Niels Arbjerg, Charles Anthony Bates, Poul Ennemark, Mogens Frederiksen, Casper Mikael Olesen
  • Publication number: 20180319428
    Abstract: A hydraulic steering unit (1) is described comprising a supply port arrangement having a pressure port (P) connected to a main flow path (2) and a tank port (T) connected to a tank flow path (3), a working port arrangement having a left working port (L) connected to a left working flow path (4) and a right working port (R) connected to a right working flow path (5), a bridge arrangement (21) of variable orifices (A2L, A3L, A2R, A3R) having a first left orifice (A2L) connected to the main flow path (2) and to the left working flow path (4), a first right orifice (A3R) connected to the main flow path (2) and to the right working flow path (5), a second left orifice (A3L) connected to the left working flow path (4) and to the tank flow path (3), and a second right orifice (A3R) connected to the right working flow path (5) and to the tank flow path (3). Such a steering unit allows steering a vehicle with low energy consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Niels Arbjerg, Charles Anthony Bates, Poul Ennemark, Mogens Frederiksen, Casper Mikael Olesen
  • Publication number: 20180319429
    Abstract: A hydraulic steering unit (1) is described comprising a supply port arrangement having a pressure port (P) connected to a main flow path (2) and a tank port (T) connected to a tank flow path (3), a working port arrangement having a left working port (L) connected to a left working flow path (9) and a right working port (R) connected to a right working flow path (10), a bridge arrangement (15) of variable orifices having a first left orifice (A2L) connected to the main flow path (2) and to a left connecting point (16) at the left working flow path (9), a first right orifice (A2R) connected to the main flow path (2) and to a right connecting point (17) at the right working flow path (10), a second left orifice (A3L) connected to the left connecting point (16) at the left working flow path (9) and to the tank flow path (3), and a second right orifice (A3R) connected to the right connecting point (17) at the right working flow path (10) and to the tank flow path (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Niels Arbjerg, Charles Anthony Bates, Poul Ennemark, Mogens Frederiksen, Casper Mikael Olesen
  • Publication number: 20180319430
    Abstract: A hydraulic steering unit (1) is described, said hydraulic steering unit (1) comprising a supply port arrangement having a pressure port (P) connected to a main flow path (3) and a tank port (T) connected to a tank flow path (4), a working port arrangement having a left working port (L) connected to a left working flow path (5) and a right working port (R) connected to a right working flow path (6), a bridge arrangement (14) of variable orifices having a first left orifice (A2L) connected to the main flow path (3) and to the left working flow path (5), a first right orifice (A2R) connected to the main flow path (3) and to the right working flow path (6), a second left orifice (A3L) connected to the left working flow path (5) and to the tank flow path (4), and a second right orifice (A3R) connected to the right working flow path (6) and to the tank flow path (4). Such a hydraulic steering unit should be operated together with a pressure source of fixed displacements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Niels Arbjerg, Charles Anthony Bates, Poul Ennemark, Mogens Frederiksen, Casper Mikael Olesen
  • Publication number: 20180319431
    Abstract: A hydraulic steering unit (1) is described comprising a supply port arrangement having a pressure port (P) connected to a main flow path (5) and a tank port (T) connected to a tank flow path (6), a working port arrangement having a left working port (L) connected to a left working flow path (7) and a right working port (R) connected to a right working flow path (8), a bridge arrangement (14) of variable neutral open orifices, said bridge arrangement (14) comprising a first left orifice (A2L) connected to a main flow path (5) and to the left working flow path (7), a first right orifice (A2R) connected to a main flow path (5) and to the right working flow path (8), a second left orifice (A3L) connected to the left working flow path (7) and to the tank flow path (6), and a second right orifice (A3R) connected to the right working flow path (8) and to the tank flow path (6). Such a steering unit has a good steering behavior but can function as a closed-center solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Niels Arbjerg, Charles Anthony Bates, Poul Ennemark, Mogens Frederiksen, Casper Mikael Olesen
  • Publication number: 20180319432
    Abstract: A hydraulic steering unit (1) is described comprising a supply port arrangement having a pressure port (8) connected to a main flow path (6) and a tank port (T) connected to a tank flow path (7), a working port arrangement having a left working port (L) connected to a left working flow path (9) and a right working port (R) connected to a right working flow path (10), a bridge arrangement (14) of variable orifices having a first left orifice (A2L) connected to the main flow path (6) and to the left working flow path (9), a first right orifice (A2R) connected to the main flow path (6) and to the right working flow path (10), a second left orifice (A3L) connected to the left working flow path (9) and to the tank flow path (7), and a second right orifice (A3R) connected to the right working flow path (10) and to the tank flow path (7). Such a hydraulic steering unit should allow comfortable steering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Niels Arbjerg, Charles Anthony Bates, Poul Ennemark, Mogens Frederiksen, Casper Mikael Olesen
  • Publication number: 20180319433
    Abstract: A hydraulic steering unit (1) is described comprising a supply port arrangement having a pressure port (P) connected to a main flow path (6) and a tank port (T) connected to a tank flow path (7), a working port arrangement having a left working port connected to a left working flow path (8) and a right working port (R) connected to a right working flow path (9), a bridge arrangement (14) of variable orifices (A2L, A2R, A3L, A3R) having a first left orifice (A2L) connected to the main flow path (6) and to the left working flow path (8), a first right orifice (A2R) connected to the main flow path (6) and to the right working flow path (9), a second left orifice (A3L) connected to the left working flow path (8) and to the tank flow path (7), and a second right orifice (A3R) connected to the right working flow path (9) and to the tank flow path (7). Such a steering unit should make steering comfortable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Niels Arbjerg, Charles Anthony Bates, Poul Ennemark, Mogens Frederiksen, Casper Mikael Olesen
  • Publication number: 20180319434
    Abstract: An electric power steering device includes an input shaft, an output shaft, a torsion bar provided at an inner diameter side of the input shaft and the output shaft with coaxially coupling the input shaft and the output shaft each other; and, a torque detection sleeve which is arranged at an outer diameter side of the torque detection encoder part, and of which a rear end portion is externally fitted and fixed to the fitting part. A nitride layer is formed at least at a part, at which the torque detection encoder part is formed, of the outer peripheral surface of the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Taishi SHIGETA
  • Publication number: 20180319435
    Abstract: Magnetorheological-damper-based steering apparatus and methods for reducing steering wheel jerk resulting from off-road wheel impact are described. An example steering damper apparatus includes a magnetorheological (MR) rotary damper to be operatively coupled to a steering column shaft. The example steering damper apparatus further includes a sensor to detect an angular velocity associated with the steering column shaft. The example steering damper apparatus further includes a controller to energize the MR rotary damper in response to determining that the angular velocity exceeds an angular velocity threshold. The angular velocity threshold is associated with steering wheel jerk resulting from an off-road wheel impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Geoffrey Bossio, Chris M. Paiva, Steven Thompson, Zachary Grifka
  • Publication number: 20180319436
    Abstract: An automatic tilting vehicle including a pair of wheels rotatably supported by wheel carriers and laterally spaced apart and a vehicle tilting device that tilts the vehicle to the inside of a turn when turning. The vehicle tilting device includes a swing member, an actuator that swings the swing member about a swing axis, and a pair of connecting rods pivotally attached to the swing member and the wheel carriers on both lateral sides of the vehicle. Each connecting rod has a preset weakest portion that is buckled to be deformed in a preset direction in a preset area when a buckling load equal to or larger than a preset value is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshihisa KATO, Takashi MURAKAMI, Satoshi ADACHI
  • Publication number: 20180319437
    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 trailer hitch angle using at least one of an aspect ratio or location of the wheel in the image, and implements a trailer backup mode including using the estimated hitch angle in view of a kinematic model of the vehicle and trailer combination to control the steering system in reversing the trailer along a user-selected path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Zheng Hu, Erick Michael Lavoie
  • Publication number: 20180319438
    Abstract: A backing system for a trailer and vehicle and associated method includes recording an image of a hitch for the vehicle and trailer assembly with a camera. A plurality of distances related to geometry of the vehicle and the trailer and a plurality of reference points are learned based on the camera inputs. A plurality of reference distances related to the plurality of reference points are then determined. A current hitch angle may then be determined using the plurality of reference distances and the geometry distances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Brandon Herzog
  • Publication number: 20180319439
    Abstract: The assistance device (I) operates in a road mode in which the rear wheels (9) are initially straight and, once the front wheels (II) have turned through a certain steering angle, the rear wheels (9) are controlled to steer proportionately to the steering angle control received by the front wheels (II). This device (I) also operates in a parking mode in which the rear axle (5) steers and in which the steering angle of the rear wheels (9) is controlled via a device (10) for controlling the steering of the rear axle (5). The device then controls the steering of the rear wheels (9), which is dependent on the distance between the vehicle and the platform and other obstacles in the environment. These distances are measured by distance sensors (15, 18, 17, 18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: NEWTL (SOCIÉTÉ PAR ACTIONS SIMPLIFIÉE)
    Inventors: Geoffrey RICHERT, Dominique BEBON
  • Publication number: 20180319440
    Abstract: A device and a method may be used to determine a highly accurate absolute angle of rotation Xt of the rotational position of a rotatably supported steering shaft. Rotation of a rotor of an electric motor with a gearing with a gearing transmission factor K for power assistance may be coupled into rotation of the steering shaft. A rotational position of rotation of the rotor can be measured by means of a rotor position sensor and by using a number of revolutions of the rotor that have occurred. This value is used directly to determine the highly accurate absolute angle of rotation Xt of the steering shaft. Calibration methods involve determining initial values from which the counting of revolutions or the calculations occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicants: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Gernot ERNSTSON, Tivadar TOTH, Konstantin SCHWARZKOPF, Peter KNOLL, Sedat SEN
  • Publication number: 20180319441
    Abstract: A bumper support beam for a vehicle is provided. The bumper support beam includes an outer and an inner periphery each having six walls. The beam may include a plurality of ribs that may be disposed between the inner and outer periphery of the beam. The ribs may be arranged to define a plurality of triangular cells that increase the compressive strength of the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Tau TYAN
  • Publication number: 20180319442
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for mounting a trailer skirt to a trailer. This includes attaching a trailer skirt to a trailer, the trailer skirt configured to pivot in a longitudinal direction of the trailer skirt. In certain embodiments, such methods are accomplished using a trailer-skirt coupling apparatus, the apparatus including a trailer mounting bracket configured for mechanically coupling the apparatus to a trailer and a skirt-supporting member operably attached to the trailer mounting bracket in a cantilevered configuration, where in the cantilevered configuration, the skirt-supporting member is configured to pivot in a longitudinal direction of the trailer skirt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin
    Inventors: Philippe MACHEREL, Calvin Rhett BRADLEY, David C. LUNG, Larry SATTERFIELD
  • Publication number: 20180319443
    Abstract: A drag reduction apparatus for reducing the aerodynamic drag on a bluff body with a blunt trailing edge caused by fluid flow characteristics at the wake of the bluff body, the drag reduction apparatus comprising: one or more control elements configured to be coupled to the bluff body and to move with respect to the bluff body, whereby the movement of the one or more control elements controls fluid flow at the wake of the bluff body to reduce the drag caused by fluid flow instabilities and environmental asymmetries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Jonathan Morrison, Georgios Rigas, Juan Marcos Garcia De La Cruz Lopez, Rowan David Brackston, Andrew Wynn
  • Publication number: 20180319444
    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: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: WearPro Incorporated
    Inventors: Bradley E. Hawkins, Christopher N. Dewitt
  • Publication number: 20180319445
    Abstract: A track chain member comprises a shoe member, and a first rail member extending from the shoe member, wherein the first rail member defines a track chain traveling direction and a lateral direction generally perpendicular to track chain traveling direction, a first support surface extending generally in both the track chain traveling direction and the lateral direction defining an outer lateral extremity, and a first crest shaped member disposed laterally adjacent the outer lateral extremity of the first support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gustavo Acosta, David Jennings Hakes, Benoit Abello, Benjamin Isaac Jones, Udo Nott
  • Publication number: 20180319446
    Abstract: A track chain assembly comprises a plurality of interlocking track chain members wherein each track chain member defines a track chain traveling direction, a lateral direction perpendicular to the track chain traveling direction, and includes a shoe member defining a shoe width along the lateral direction; and a first track pad member defining a first track pad maximum width along the lateral direction, and a second track pad member defining a second maximum track pad width along the lateral direction, wherein a ratio of either track pad maximum widths to the shoe member width ranges from 1:4 to 3:4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gustavo Acosta, David Jennings Hakes, Benoit Abello, Benjamin Isaac Jones, Udo Nott
  • Publication number: 20180319447
    Abstract: A pin retention device comprises a fastener defining a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end along the longitudinal axis, a head at the first end and a threaded portion at the second end, a tubular spacer defining a thru-hole configured to receive the fastener, and a nut defining a threaded hold configured to mate with the threaded portion of the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Jose Gerardo De La Torre
  • Publication number: 20180319448
    Abstract: A track chain member comprises a shoe member defining a track chain traveling direction and a lateral direction perpendicular to the track chain traveling direction and a first rib defining a first concave radial portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gustavo Acosta, David Jennings Hakes, Benoit Abello, Benjamin Isaac Jones
  • Publication number: 20180319449
    Abstract: A track chain member comprising a shoe member defining a track chain traveling direction and a lateral direction, the shoe member further defining a first lateral end, a second lateral end, and a ground engaging surface spanning from the one end to the other end; wherein the shoe member further defines a first side void proximate the first lateral end, a second side void proximate the second lateral end, and the first side void terminates a first predetermined distance from the first lateral end and the second side void terminates a second predetermined distance from the second lateral end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gustavo Acosta, David Jennings Hakes, Benoit Abello, Benjamin Isaac Jones
  • Publication number: 20180319450
    Abstract: There is disclosed a cleat apparatus mountable on a track of a tractor or similar vehicle. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises an elongate frame having a first mounting bracket at a first end of the elongate frame, the first mounting bracket adapted to latch onto a first side of a track, and a removable second mounting bracket adapted to mount to a second end of the elongate frame, and to latch onto a second side of the track. The cleat apparatus is secured in position by the mounting brackets to provide additional traction for the track in more extreme operating conditions, including snow and ice in winter. This may significantly extend the utility of tractors which otherwise may sit idle during winter months.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: PRO-LYNX INC.
    Inventors: Richard T.W. WILSON, Jonathan J.H.G. OSKAM
  • Publication number: 20180319451
    Abstract: A disclosed lift axle is suitable for a vehicle that has a first wheel for supporting the vehicle on a road surface. The lift axle system includes a lift mechanism that is coupled to the vehicle and is configured to reciprocate an axle between a stowed position and deployed position. The lift axle system further includes a second wheel coupled to the axle. The second wheel engages the road surface when the lift mechanism is in the deployed position, and the second wheel is disengaged from the road surface when the lift mechanism is in the stowed position. The second wheel has a lower rolling resistance than the first wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: PACCAR Inc
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Smith
  • Publication number: 20180319452
    Abstract: A trailer system includes a chassis defining an axis and having a first section and a second section removably attached to the first section. A wheel assembly is attached to the first section that includes a single wheel and a lift mechanism arranged to raise and lower the chassis relative to the single wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Bary Sanford BOGGESS
  • Publication number: 20180319453
    Abstract: An apparatus for installing a windshield on a motor vehicle includes a base, a handler, one or more spring assemblies positioned between the base and the handler, the one or more spring assemblies connected to the base and coupled to the handler to allow the handler to float relative to the base, a vibrator attached to the base, and one or more stoppers attached to the base, the one or more stoppers configured for placement between the base and the windshield for transmission of vibration generated by the vibrator to the windshield while the one or more spring assemblies minimizes the transmission of vibration from the base to the handler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Guilherme Paz, Cristian E. Silveira, Claonir Oliveira de Souza
  • Publication number: 20180319454
    Abstract: A cycling gage assembly comprises a housing, a dial gauge face, a first antenna, a second antenna, a motor assembly a printed circuit board and a battery. The housing has a rotating bezel, a transparent cover, and a rear cover. The transparent cover structured to fit within the rotating bezel. The rotating bezel structured to fit at least partially over the rear cover. The dial gauge face has a top and a bottom and structured behind the transparent cover the dial gauge face having a first slot and a second slot, the slot. The first antenna has a portion coupled with the first slot of the dial gauge face and a portion along a bottom of the dial gauge face. The second antenna has a portion coupled with the second slot of the dial gauge face and a portion along a bottom of the dial gauge face. The motor assembly coupled with the dial gauge face. The printed circuit has a microcontroller, a Bluetooth circuit and a global positioning system (GPS) circuit. The microcontroller coupled to drive the motor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Julian Bleecker, John-Rhys Newman
  • Publication number: 20180319455
    Abstract: Provided is an accessory for a self-balancing board having two lateral foot-deck ends, each being coupled to a motor that drives a wheel in response to its orientation. The foot-deck has at least one sensor that is triggered when a rider is in a riding position thereon. The accessory includes a chassis, at least one travel surface-contacting element, a seat, and an engagement structure that releasably engages the self-balancing board. At least one sensor-triggering element is actuatable between an idle position and a triggering position, wherein the at least one sensor-triggering element triggers the at least one sensor. At least one control member actuates at least one of the engagement structure and the at least one sensor-triggering element to control the orientation of the lateral foot-deck ends. At least one manually actuatable actuator actuates the at least one sensor-triggering element between the idle position and the triggering position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Tyler Kroymann, Colm Marum, Barry Ryan, Wayne Walsh
  • Publication number: 20180319456
    Abstract: A control system and method method for a powertrain unit of a pedal assisted electrical bicycle, the powertrain unit including an electrical motor, a DC/AC converter to supply the motor from a battery wherein the following steps are taken: starting the electrical machine in order to rotate the rotor; estimating a back electromotive force produced by the electrical machine; estimating the angular position of the rotor with respect to the stator winding starting from the estimation of the back electromotive force; controlling the DC/AC converter based on said estimated angular position in order to make it supply the stator winding so that said electrical machine delivers a torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Paolo CAPOZZELLA
  • Publication number: 20180319457
    Abstract: A management method for the energy range of a rechargeable battery pack of an assisted pedal electrical bicycle (1) including an electrical machine controllable for supplying a torque according to a pedal assistance factor, said torque being summed to the one generated by a cyclist through the pedaling, the management method including the following steps: a) selecting a route to be traveled by the electrical bicycle (1) starting from an initial position; b) obtaining data representative of the altitude profile of the selected route and dividing the route in a plurality of segments each being characterized by a respective altitude parameter; c) calculating a value correlated to the maximum percentage of battery pack (20) discharge on the selected route as a function of the altitude profile and of a limit pedal assistance factor K_limit, preferably calculating a value for each segment representative of the percentage of battery pack (20) discharge on the segment as a function of a limit assistance factor K_limi
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Mario Donato SANTUCCI, Onorino DI TANNA
  • Publication number: 20180319458
    Abstract: A plurality of sprockets which are coaxial with respect to a sprocket rotation axis, are arranged with axial spacing from each other and have different numbers of teeth which are constructed for positive-locking engagement with a bicycle chain. The pinion arrangement has a gear range quotient which is formed by division of the number of teeth of the sprocket having the largest diameter by the number of teeth of the sprocket having the smallest diameter, and has a packing density quotient which is formed by division of the number of sprockets in the sprocket arrangement by the axial spacing measured in millimeters of the axially outermost pinions from each other. The pinion arrangement may have a gear range packing coefficient, formed from the product of the gear range quotient and the packing density quotient, which is greater than 1.25.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GmbH
    Inventors: HENRIK BRAEDT, MATTHIAS REINBOLD
  • Publication number: 20180319459
    Abstract: A chain guide for a bicycle having may include a base frame and a height adjustment member connected to the base frame and slidable relative to the base frame and lockable in a first position by engaging a first locking member. A retaining member may be pivotally connected to the height adjustment member and may be pivotable about a pivot axis a retaining position, in which the retaining member is positioned to obstruct lateral movement of the chain away from the chainring thereby preventing lateral misalignment between the chain and the chainring, and a removal position, in which the retaining member does not obstruct lateral movement of the chain away from the base frame while the height adjustment member is locked in the first position. The pivot axis may be spaced apart from the first locking member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Jonathan Staples
  • Publication number: 20180319460
    Abstract: A bicycle manual control device is described, configured to issue at least one electrical-electronic command to at least one piece of bicycle equipment, comprising a support body and at least one manual actuation member supported in a movable manner by the support body, and an emitter of a manual control device model identification signal. A bicycle electronic system comprising it and some methods for the configuration thereof, as well as a bicycle derailleur, are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventors: Nicola GIACOMETTI, Mirko MAISTRELLO, Gianluca BORTOLOZZO
  • Publication number: 20180319461
    Abstract: An improved mounting device and assembled configuration for deploying a manually operated pullout shade system of the type having a tensioned roller member carrying a flexible canvas sheet and parallel tubular actuators therefor. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mounting device is disclosed for securing the manual pullout shade system onto an arching tubular overhead structure onboard a boat so that the pullout shade may be adjusted in its working attitude and maintained in proper position for deployment. The mounting device includes a set of clamp members each constructed in the form of a figure “8” with associated circular sections on each clamp member being rotatably coupled together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Ronald D. Russikoff
  • Publication number: 20180319462
    Abstract: An adaptor for an anchor including a first member configured for coupling a chain and a hollow second member for pivotally coupling an anchor. The second member defines a longitudinally extending blind slot on an inner surface and a longitudinally extending opening diametrically opposite the blind slot. The blind slot configured to restrict pivoting motion of the anchor within the second member and a swivel coupler for coupling the first member to the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Michael A. Duff, Mark Pocock
  • Publication number: 20180319463
    Abstract: A method of deploying autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), the method comprising loading the AUVs into a deployment device; submerging the deployment device containing the AUVs after the AUVs have been loaded into the deployment device; towing the submerged deployment device containing the AUVs with a surface vessel; deploying the AUVs from the submerged deployment device as it is towed by the surface vessel; and operating a thruster of each AUV after it has been deployed so that it moves away from the submerged deployment device. A method of retrieving autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) is also disclosed, the method comprising towing a submerged retrieval device with a surface vessel; loading the AUVs into the submerged retrieval device as it is towed by the surface vessel; and after the AUVs have been loaded into the submerged retrieval device, lifting the submerged retrieval device containing the AUVs out of the water and onto the surface vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: DAVID ALEXANDER WILLIAM GRANT, Arran James HOLLOWAY, James Charles HILL, William James BIRDSALL
  • Publication number: 20180319464
    Abstract: Embodiments include a retrofit pontoon system including a pontoon, the pontoon having a pontoon body defining a first cavity, a retrofit assembly, the retrofit assembly including a tube, wherein the tube is sized to pass through a first aperture formed in the pontoon body and a selectively fillable container, where the tube is operably coupled with the selectively fillable container, and a pump, the pump being coupled with the tube such that operation of the pump selectively fills and drains water from the selectively fillable container, where filling the selectively fillable container lowers the profile of the pontoon in the water and emptying the selectively fillable container raises the profile of the pontoon in the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Lawrence Donald Sporing
  • Publication number: 20180319465
    Abstract: A movable float configured for self-propulsion by a user; the float including a board and hydrofoils; the board is mounted on hydrofoils at their ends with struts connecting the hydrofoil to the board. The movable float contains also a rope with a handle, a rudder and fairings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Wilson Meneguci, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180319466
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for damping a vessel's motion using a lifting effect, comprising at least one first stabilisation element that extends from the vessel's hull, below the water line, on a side of the vessel, which at least one stabilisation element is configured as a wing, sensor means for sensing the vessel's motion and delivering control signals on the basis thereof, as well as moving means for moving the at least one wing-shaped stabilisation element relative to the hull.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Theo Koop, Lambertus Johannes Maria Dinnissen