Patents Issued in November 27, 2018
  • Patent number: 10137915
    Abstract: A system for monitoring railcar and tram consist operational parameters and detecting anomalies in the operation and condition thereof using sensors to feed data to a distributive complex event processing engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: AMSTED RAIL COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: William LeFebvre, Andrew Martin, Francis James Cooper, Rachel W. Adamec
  • Patent number: 10137916
    Abstract: A modular fishing equipment cart includes a frame having a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side extending parallel to the first longitudinal side. A front lateral side connects the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side and a rear lateral side also connects the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side. A plurality of wheels supports the frame for rolling the frame on the wheels. A rod holder assembly extends along the left longitudinal side. A plurality of hooks is co-linearly attached to the front lateral side. A magnetic holder is attached to the rear lateral side. Additional components are removably attachable to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: David Glassberg
  • Patent number: 10137917
    Abstract: A shopping cart attachment. The shopping cart attachment includes an attachment brace and an accessory clasp. The accessory clasp attaches the shopping cart attachment to a shopping cart. The attachment brace releasably secures a hand bag within.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventors: Patricia Hennessy, Dana Hennessy, Maurice Glaude, Carrie Glaude
  • Patent number: 10137918
    Abstract: Apparatuses for securing and transporting containers with lids is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a moveable can retaining arm for securing cans and a moveable lid retaining arm for securing the tops of cans. The apparatus further comprises wheels attached to the apparatus to make it mobile. The apparatus further may be extended to increase the number of containers it may carry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventors: Ed Mellon, Claudia Mellon
  • Patent number: 10137919
    Abstract: A mobile phone holder is mounted to a seat back or a similar support surface of a shopping cart. The holder is a generally S-shaped clip with one bend (a mounting bend) that engages the top edge of a panel of a shopping cart and another bend (a holding bend) that receives an object to be held, such as a phone. A cutout window reveals the microphone of the held phone and/or control or home button. A back of an intermediate panel includes a horizontal flange to maintain the holder at a viewing angle relative to the seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Cart Phone Caddy, LLC
    Inventors: Herschel B. Winton, Denise Joy Winton
  • Patent number: 10137920
    Abstract: A hand truck assembly for transporting an object includes a frame that is selectively manipulated. A plate is coupled to the frame to support an object thereby facilitating the object to be lifted. A pair of first wheels is each rotatably coupled to the frame. Each of the first wheels rolls along the support surface thereby facilitating the object to be transported. A second wheel is rotatably coupled to the frame and the second wheel selectively supports the frame when one of the first wheels is damaged. A pair of handles is each coupled to the frame for gripping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: Juel Bolden
  • Patent number: 10137921
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric stroller and provides an electric stroller which is enabled to driven a stroller with an electric board and makes the electric board be folded to be kept and moved so as to more effectively use the stroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: Sang Min Lee
  • Patent number: 10137922
    Abstract: A stroller frame includes a handle assembly, a front leg assembly and a rear leg assembly having rotating end hubs which are pivotably connected to each other about a hub axis to be rotated so as to allow the stroller frame to transform between folded and unfolded states. A tray mounting assembly is coupled with a tray, is rotatably mounted on one of two rotating end hubs, and is rotated along with the relative rotation of the end hubs to convert the tray to folded and unfolded positions. A tray latching assembly is disposed to retain and support the tray mounting assembly to keep the tray stable in the unfolded position when the stroller frame is in the unfolded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: WONDERLAND SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventor: Jia-Liang Yuan
  • Patent number: 10137923
    Abstract: A steering column assembly comprises a telescopic shroud having an upper shroud portion and a lower shroud portion, a support bracket having at least one arm which extends down from the bracket on one side of the lower shroud portion, a clamp mechanism which comprises a clamp pin that passes through an opening in the arm and an opening in the lower shroud portion or an opening in a rail secured to the lower shroud portion, the clamp mechanism further comprising a primary cam mechanism which is operable by a lever, whereby the clamp mechanism is arranged so that when in the clamped condition the at least one arm is clamped to the lower shroud portion or rail and the lower shroud portion is squeezed onto the upper shroud portion to fix the upper shroud portion relative to the lower shroud portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: TRW Limited
    Inventors: Rajendra Gopalji Sikotra, Michael Appleyard, Bohumír Sýkora
  • Patent number: 10137924
    Abstract: A steering column arrangement for a motor vehicle may include a guide part for rotatably mounting a steering shaft about a longitudinal axis, a guide box that is mountable on the motor vehicle and in which the guide part is arranged displaceably along the longitudinal axis, and a clamping system that is for locking the guide part in the guide box and that is switchable between a locked state where the guide part is secured relative to the guide box and a released state where the guide part is displaceable relative to the guide box in a direction of the longitudinal axis, and first and second contact surfaces disposed between the guide box and the guide part. In the released state the first contact surface is in first frictional contact with a surface of the guide part that opposes a displacement of the guide part along the longitudinal axis relative to the guide box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Robert Galehr, Hieronymus Schnitzer, Michael Scholten
  • Patent number: 10137925
    Abstract: A telescopic steering column assembly includes at least one support bearing assembly that comprises an inner bearing race which is located on the steering shaft, an outer bearing race that is located on an inner face of a shroud, and a set of ball bearings that are located between the inner bearing race and the outer bearing race and are free to roll along bearing surfaces defined by the bearing races. Each of the bearing races comprises a pair of annular bearing race parts, defining a circumferentially extending bearing surface arranged coaxially and spaced apart from each other axially such that varying the spacing between the two parts varies the effective radius of the bearing race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: TRW Limited
    Inventor: Michael Appleyard
  • Patent number: 10137926
    Abstract: A steering shaft for a motor vehicle steering system may be used in connection with a variety of power assistance mechanisms. The steering shaft may comprise a first shaft part and a second shaft part that are rotationally-elastically coupled by way of a torsion bar. In order to transmit torque, the torsion bar may be received in a bore of the first shaft part and coupled to both the first and second shaft parts. In many cases, a first end of the torsion bar is coupled to the first shaft part, and a second end of the torsion bar is coupled to the second shaft part. The torsion bar may be mounted in the bore such that it can be rotated with respect to the first shaft part via a bearing element. In some examples, the bearing element comprises a prestressing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventor: Joseph Léon Strobel
  • Patent number: 10137927
    Abstract: A rack guide for a rack and pinion steering device, a rack and pinion steering device and a manufacturing method for a rack guide for a rack and pinion steering device, has a simple configuration with a close contact property being kept between a rack guide and a rack guide base member to ensure quietness. A rack guide for a rack and pinion steering device includes: a casing; a pinion to be slidably supported by said casing; a rack bar having a rack tooth meshed with said pinion; a rack guide including an abutment portion to which said rack bar is to be slidably abutted and a recessed portion, which is continued to said abutment portion, to be spaced from said rack bar; a rack guide base member for receiving said rack guide; and urging means for urging said rack guide against said rack bar through said rack guide base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: OILES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yosuke Nishitani, Yoshimitsu Ishida
  • Patent number: 10137928
    Abstract: In a steering assist device, a lane keep assist current value calculation unit calculates, based on a lateral deviation and a lateral deviation change rate, a lane keep assist current value that makes the lateral deviation and the lateral deviation change rate closer to zero. When the steering direction represented by the sign of control steering torque is the same as the steered direction represented by the sign of the fourth lane keep assist current value, a switch unit selects zero received at its second input terminal and outputs zero as a final lane keep assist current value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshiaki Oya
  • Patent number: 10137929
    Abstract: An electric power steering device for a vehicle includes a plurality of assist systems electromagnetically driving an electric motor. When a first or second assist system malfunctions, a malfunction state assist amount calculation part calculates an assist amount while decreasing a limit value at the vehicle stopping, to an amount smaller than a limit value at the vehicle moving. When a malfunction such as a disconnection or a fixing of the switching elements occurs in the first or second assist systems on the basis of a judgment result of a malfunction judgment function, an assist amount switching part supplies an assist amount received from the malfunction state assist amount calculation part to first and second motor drive control parts. When a malfunction occurs in one of the first and second assist systems, one of the first and second motor drive control parts drives the motor by using the assist amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenichiro Aoki, Kenji Shibata, Takayoshi Tsujimoto
  • Patent number: 10137930
    Abstract: A method for controlling an actuator for steering a wheel of a motor vehicle including an electrical actuator controlling steering angle of the steering wheel and a mechanism determining temperature of the actuator. The method includes: completing deactivating the actuator; and a counter-steering operation triggered when the temperature of the actuator is higher than or equal to a determined prevention threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Gareth Pugsley, Jerome Utter, Sylvain Facchin, Sandrine Calixte
  • Patent number: 10137931
    Abstract: A steering system which is capable of being controlled by a redundant brake system, which includes a primary brake control module, a secondary brake control module, and a plurality of brake units controlled by the primary brake control module or the secondary brake control module. There is at least one hydraulic motor connected to a component of the steering system, and the fluid pressure in the hydraulic motor is controlled by the secondary brake control module. The wheels of the steering system are configured to make a right-hand turn when the secondary brake control module operates the hydraulic motor during a first mode of operation, and the wheels of the steering system are configured to make a left-hand turn when the secondary brake control module operates the hydraulic motor during a second mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jorg Scheibel
  • Patent number: 10137932
    Abstract: A vehicle control device is equipped with a target steering angle generating unit adapted to generate a target steering angle for a vehicle from a relationship between acquired lane information and an attitude of the vehicle, during a period in which a low speed traveling state is being detected, or during a period until a predetermined condition from a mode transition time point is satisfied, and a steering angle control unit adapted to control the steering angle of the vehicle so as to agree with the generated target steering angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Oguro
  • Patent number: 10137933
    Abstract: A load management assembly can manage and/or absorb the energy from an external force applied to a vehicle. The load management assembly includes a frame rail and a mounting bracket coupled to the frame rail. In addition, the load management assembly includes a shield coupled to the frame rail. The shield partly surrounds the mounting bracket in order to protect the mounting bracket from an external force and to redirect a load path of the external force. The load management assembly may further include a reinforcement bracket to assist in directing the load path of the external force. The reinforcement bracket is coupled to the frame rail and may be in contact with the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Huai-yang Chiang, Vikas V. Joshi, Gheorghe Barbuta, Hari Prasada Reddy Lingala, Frank Burger, Len V. Peschansky
  • Patent number: 10137934
    Abstract: A vehicle body front structure includes a front side frame body provided on the front portion of the vehicle body, the front side frame including a front frame extending to the longitudinal direction and a rear frame extending downward from the rear end portion of the front frame to the rear direction, the rear portion of the front frame has a front bulkhead and a rear bulkhead which are longitudinally spaced from each other, a recessed portion which recesses the outside wall outside in the width direction of the vehicle to the inside in the width direction of the vehicle, and the recessed portion is positioned between the front bulkhead and the rear bulkhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Nakamoto, Yuki Matsushima
  • Patent number: 10137935
    Abstract: A support for a motor vehicle body-in-white includes a straight longitudinal portion that includes at least one cavity which is delimited by walls of the support and inside of which a reinforcing element is accommodated and is fastened in the longitudinal direction of the support. The reinforcing element is force-locked to the support so as to be fastened in the longitudinal direction of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andre Koch, Stefan Mieslinger
  • Patent number: 10137936
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body structure, a side bracket secured to the body structure, and a spacer bracket secured to the side bracket. The spacer bracket extends in a lateral direction toward an interior of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a roof bow secured to the spacer bracket. The roof bow extends in the lateral direction toward the interior of the vehicle. The roof bow may be secured to the spacer bracket through at least one fastener adapted to shear under a predetermined shear stress. The roof bow may be secured to the spacer bracket such that a distal end of the roof bow is disposed in spaced relation relative to a distal end of the of the spacer bracket. The roof bow may be secured to a K-brace which extends toward roof rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Muhsin M. Hamdoon, Marwan Ahmad Elbkaily, Matthew Alan Niesluchowski, Darrin Neil Wagner
  • Patent number: 10137937
    Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle has a roof panel and includes a bow having an upper surface for supporting the panel. The bow may define a hole extending in a lengthwise direction. The bow assembly may further include a cable extending through the hole that is adapted to be coupled to spaced-apart roof frame members. The cable is axially tensioned to support the bow and panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Jaspinder S. Sahi
  • Patent number: 10137938
    Abstract: An active grille shutter (AGS) system for a vehicle can include a housing defining first, second, and third openings, the third opening being located between the first and second openings and being configured to receive an object detection device that is configured to detect objects in front of the vehicle, a first set of louvers arranged in the first opening, a second set of louvers arranged in the second opening, and a linkage connecting the first and second sets of louvers, wherein a set of actuators are configured to selectively open/close the first and second sets of louvers by driving the linkage or at least one of the first and second sets of louvers. The AGS system can be configured to be fully-integrated, semi-integrated, or standalone with respect to a grille assembly of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: SRG Global Inc.
    Inventors: Rob Frayer, Kurt Meier, James DeLaHoussaye
  • Patent number: 10137939
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement of a radiator trim and a bumper on the front-end carrier of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The radiator trim and the bumper have at least one fastening part respectively, via which the radiator trim and the bumper are fastened on the front-end carrier by an allocated fastening element, preferably formed by a screw element. A connection element is provided on the fastening part of the radiator trim, the connection element being connected to a corresponding receiver of the fastening part of the bumper to form a mutual fastening device via which the radiator trim and the bumper are fastened on the front-end carrier by the fastening element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Alexander Guenther, Holger Jakobs
  • Patent number: 10137940
    Abstract: A vehicle member joining structure has: a metal member that is part of a vehicle; a resin member that is adjacent to the metal member; and an adhesive that is provided between the metal member and the resin member and joins the metal member to the resin member, the adhesive having an elastic modulus that is lower than elastic moduli of the metal member and the resin member, wherein, given that (i) ?L is a difference in linear expansions of the metal member and the resin member at a time of heating in a drying process after application of the adhesive, (ii) T0 is a thickness of the adhesive and (iii) T1 is a length of an end surface of the adhesive, the following predetermined relational expression is satisfied T12=T02+?L2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Taichi Minei
  • Patent number: 10137941
    Abstract: A vehicle body component includes a basic element reinforced with a reinforcing element of fiber-reinforced plastics material. The basic element reinforced with the reinforcing element is a basic element of a pillar of a vehicle body or a roof element. The reinforcing element has a constant thickness or a variable thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Selahattin Türel Memili, Raphael Koch, Igor Licko
  • Patent number: 10137942
    Abstract: A workpiece includes a plurality of knots and webs, which are formed in one piece, of a sheet metal, in particular a steel plate. Each web extends between two openings from one knot to another knot, and at least three webs meet at each knot. A plurality of the webs has a cross section, which includes at least one hardened and one unhardened area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Sanders, Wolfgang Eberlein, Maurice Dietz, Hartmut Baumgart
  • Patent number: 10137943
    Abstract: A vehicle body assembly includes a frame having a forward frame part defining a passenger cabin and a rear frame part defining a load carrying bed. A separate rear fender is removably fastened to the rear frame part, wherein a gap is provided between the forward frame part and the rear fender. A separate rear fender fairing is mounted to an inside surface of the rear fender. The rear fender fairing includes a seal located in the gap and sealingly engaging both the forward frame part and the rear fender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Adam J. Rompage, Edward W. Bach, Kevin D. Helton, Steven U. Behm
  • Patent number: 10137944
    Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle body having a receiving hopper with a pendulum packer device mounted for arcuate movement therewithin, a tapered storage compartment for receiving refuse material from the receiving hopper, a tailgate assembly having a pneumatic mechanism for controlling the tailgate latch mechanism, and an ejection system for dumping the refuse material collected within the storage compartment, the storage compartment having a trough or channel associated with its top portion for housing the hydraulic cylinders associated with the pendulum packer device and the tailgate assembly. The hydraulic cylinder associated with the ejection system as well as the hydraulic tank and hydraulic fluid cooler associated with the vehicle body are all positioned over hazmat containment devices to contain any leakage from these components during normal operation. The tapered storage compartment is formed by joining two rectangular sheets of material to a pair of wedge shaped members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Curbtender, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean S Steege, Curtis J Lellig, Douglas A Halbur
  • Patent number: 10137945
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a deployable fairing system to a tractor trailer. The deployable fairing system includes an actuator used to extend the deployable fairing from an unextended configuration to an extended configuration to occupy a portion of a gap area that exists between a tractor and an attached trailer. The deployable fairing includes deployable upper and/or lower horizontal assemblies that are pivotally coupled to a frame attached to the tractor/cab, and two side panels that are pivotally coupled to one or both of the upper and lower horizontal assemblies. The deployable upper and lower horizontal assemblies and the two side panels fold in on one another along multiple hinged axes in the unextended configuration, and extend rearward from the top and sides of the tractor in the extended configuration to cover a portion of the gap. The fairing may advantageously flair from front to the rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: XStream Trucking Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Burrows, Burkley Uwe Kladde, Dagan Alec Trnka, Roger Lawrence LeMesurier, Adam Joseph Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 10137946
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body having an underside and a mesh underbody panel. The mesh underbody panel is attached to the underside of the vehicle body, thereby, shielding vehicle components from a ground surface. The vehicle is situated such that the mesh underbody panel and the ground surface define a pathway through which air flows while the vehicle is in motion. The mesh underbody panel includes apertures extending therethrough that allow airflow through the mesh underbody panel while the vehicle is stopped or traveling within a low-speed range and restrict airflow through the mesh underbody panel while the vehicle is traveling within a high-speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventor: Robert M Schoen
  • Patent number: 10137947
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, load floor, subfloor, spare tire, jack, and a tow-eye. The frame defines a trunk. The load floor and the subfloor are each secured to the frame and disposed within the trunk. The load floor and the subfloor define a spare tire receptacle therebetween. The spare tire and the jack each define orifices and are disposed within the receptacle. The tow-eye has a fastening portion extending therefrom. The fastening portion extends through the orifices and engages the subfloor to secure the spare tire and jack to the subfloor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jay Robert Degenkolb
  • Patent number: 10137948
    Abstract: A vehicle track assembly includes a track framework including a frame structure, a drive drum, and a plurality of idler wheels supported by the frame structure. A drive track is arranged about and cooperatively engages the plurality of idler wheels and the drive drum. An adjustable ski is connected to the framework. The ski may extend forward of the track. An adjustable rearward extending ski may extend rearward of a track assembly. An indicator pole is coupled to the assembly to provide an indication of the angle of rotation of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: David Owen Mattson
  • Patent number: 10137949
    Abstract: A track assembly includes an elongated main frame supported for pivotal movement on a transverse axis and having opposite end portions supporting a set of end wheels. An endless flexible belt extends around the end wheels and has an upper run and a lower run for engaging the ground. A plurality of longitudinally spaced bogie wheels are positioned below the main frame and engage the lower run of the belt. The bogie wheels are carried by bogie frames supported for vertical movement and also for tilting movement relative to a plane defined by the axes of the end wheels. The bogie frames are urged or biased downwardly against the lower run of the belt by compression members extending from the main frame and preferably in the form of annular rubber spring members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: J. & M. Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Sean M. Kahlig
  • Patent number: 10137950
    Abstract: A vehicle track module having a frame, the module mountable on a rotatable axle of a vehicle and having a drive wheel rotatably mounted to the frame, leading and trailing idler wheels rotatably mounted to the frame, at least one bogie wheel in contact with the track and positioned between the idler wheels, and a continuous flexible track extending about the wheels, and the at least one bogie wheel is a cylindrical wheel with a tapered elastomeric tire therearound. The track module may include a module center plane parallel to the drive wheel and the bogie wheel may be thicker toward the center plane. A track assembly for a vehicle including a frame for mounting with respect to the vehicle and a plurality of wheels in contact with a continuous flexible track extending about the wheels with at least one wheel being cylindrical and including a tapered elastomeric tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: ATI, Inc.
    Inventors: Jamsheed Reshad, Duane Tiede, Kenneth J. Juncker
  • Patent number: 10137951
    Abstract: A trailer has a frame having frame-members configured to support a container, at least a pair of traction devices rotatably mounted on the frame, and a tongue configured to be mounted on a transportation device or an implement being towed by a transportation device. The frame-members may have a three-point mount configured to support a container. The container may be configured to be interchangeable with another container. The container may be an element of a seeding apparatus, the seeding apparatus mountable on the frame-members of the frame. The trailer may have a steering mechanism for the traction devices, and may be convertible between steerable and non-steerable modes. The steering mechanism may be guidance controlled. A transverse distance between the traction devices may be adjustable and/or height of the frame in relation to the ground may be adjustable. The trailer provides greater flexibility of operation under a greater variety of conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Salford Group Inc.
    Inventors: Geof J. Gray, John Mark Averink, Jacobus A. Rozendaal, Bradley William Baker, Chad Derek Pasma
  • Patent number: 10137952
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of longitudinal frame rails and a bed above the frame rails. A plurality of roll-formed aluminum cross-members contact the bed and are disposed between the bed and the frame rails for additional support of the bed. Extruded aluminum spacers are disposed between and in contact with the one of the cross members and one of the frame rails. A crush tube is spin-welded to the spacer and contacts the underside of the bed for additional support to inhibit downward relative movement of the bed. The crush tube is formed with a longitudinal hole extending therethough to receive a fastener that extends from above the truck bed, through the crush tube hole, through the cross-member and spacer, and into the frame rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Joseph Courtright, Dragan B. Stojkovic, Vincent Chimento, Philip Van Wyk, Lawrence J. Dupuis
  • Patent number: 10137953
    Abstract: A securing device for securing a component to an object comprises a fastening element having an engagement section and having a longitudinal axis, wherein the fastening element is selectively connectable to a counter element by actuating the engagement section; and a cover sleeve which is movably supported at the fastening element between a closed position in which the cover sleeve prevents an actuation of the engagement section and an open position in which the cover sleeve allows an actuation of the engagement section. At least one blocking element is provided between the fastening element and the cover sleeve, said blocking element being freely movable in the closed position of the cover sleeve between a latched position in which it blocks the cover sleeve in the closed position and an unlatched position in which it allows a movement of the cover sleeve into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: ABUS AUGUST BREMICKER SÖHNE KG
    Inventors: Marcus Kuchler, Ernst Pankratius
  • Patent number: 10137954
    Abstract: An integrated high-performance and light-weight electric drive system for a bicycle is disclosed comprising an integrated unitary motor-controller-drive system that can be inserted into and removed from a first tube portion of a bicycle frame through an open bottom bracket shell portion of the bicycle frame. A longitudinally-extending battery pack configured to be electrically connected with and to provide electrical power to the electric motor and the controller may be configured to be inserted into and removed from a second tube portion of the bicycle frame through the open bottom bracket shell portion of the bicycle frame. Some or all of the electrical components may not be visible from the exterior of the bicycle. A unique digital torque sensing and control system is described along with regenerative braking and other unique features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew Hendey, Stephen Moore, John Waters
  • Patent number: 10137955
    Abstract: A kick scooter includes an interconnecting member at a bottom of a deck; two links pivotably attached to two ends of the interconnecting member respectively; two biasing members in the interconnecting member and each having one end urging against one link; and a steering angle adjustment mechanism including a positioning member secured to the interconnecting member, an internally threaded member secured to the deck, an adjustment screw secured to the internally threaded member, a first bifurcation member disposed through a compression spring, the first bifurcation member having one end secured to the positioning member and the other two hooked ends secured to one end of the compression spring, and a second bifurcation member disposed through the compression spring, the second bifurcation member having one end secured to an end of the adjustment screw and the other two hooked ends secured to the other end of the compression spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: Anita Wu
  • Patent number: 10137956
    Abstract: Provided is an inverted pendulum vehicle including a display unit for providing a guide on an operation for putting the vehicle body into the tilted position from the upright position or into the upright position from the tilted position according to a state of the vehicle. In particular, the display unit indicates a direction in which the vehicle body is required to be moved when placing the vehicle body from the tilted position to the upright position and from the upright position to the tilted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Echizenya
  • Patent number: 10137957
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a cable control body, an operating member, a supporting structure, and an adjusting structure. The cable control body is configured to be pivotably mounted to the base member about a pivot axis to control a control cable. The operating member is configured to be movably mounted to the base member from a rest position to an operated position to move the cable control body. The supporting structure is configured to pivotably support the cable control body relative to the base member. The supporting structure is provided to the base member so as to at least partly intersect with the pivot axis. The adjusting structure is configured to adjustably position the supporting structure relative to the base member such that the rest position of the operating member is adjusted relative to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kentaro Miyazaki, Kazutaka Fukao, Yasuhisa Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10137959
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electric bicycle drive assembly with torque detection, including a torque detection mechanism, a clutch mechanism, a sleeve member, a pedal axle, and an electric machine assembly. The electric machine assembly is coupled to a seat, and the seat is mounted a vehicle frame. The torque detection mechanism, the clutch mechanism, and the sleeve member are assembled in sequence with the pedal axle extending therethrough and are arranged inside the seat. In case that the pedal axle is operable to drive the torque detection mechanism to rotate, when the torque detection mechanism detects a torque, a signal is generated and fed to a controller module to activate the electric machine assembly, such that the electric machine assembly drives the sleeve member and the clutch mechanism to rotate and the clutch mechanism in turn drives a toothed wheel of a bicycle to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventors: Chun-Hsiang Liu, Chung-Li Chin
  • Patent number: 10137960
    Abstract: A electric motor system for supplying assistive propelling power to a bicycle, comprising: one or more drivetrains, each comprising a motor-drive shaft having a pinion with fixed drive system driving a crown and bearing assembly connected to a spindle; and a controller for executing a motor control sequence comprising: an initial state activated by a rider's start command where the motor speed is being detected for an initial period, and if the motor speed is higher than a first speed threshold continuously for a first period, then the motor is turned on to output a rider-selected torque level; a continuous motor speed detection state where the motor speed is being continuously detected, and if the motor speed falls below a second speed threshold continuously for a second period, then the motor is turned off; and the motor is turned off if a stop command from the rider is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: S.C.P. TYPHOON
    Inventor: Henry Albert Gibbings
  • Patent number: 10137961
    Abstract: A bicycle drive unit has a planetary gear mechanism, a switching mechanism, a motor and a housing. The planetary gear mechanism includes an input body, an output body and a plurality of transmission paths having different transmission ratios between the input body and the output body. The switching mechanism is configured to switch between the plurality of transmission paths. The motor is configured to transmit rotational force to the input body. The housing rotatably supports a crankshaft and on which are provided the planetary gear mechanism, the switching mechanism and the motor. A manual drive force that is input to the crankshaft joins with a rotational force that is output from the output body of the planetary gear mechanism in a transmission path of a driving force from the output body of the planetary gear mechanism to a wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 10137962
    Abstract: The derailleur has a damper that breaks the angular movements of a chain guide. Variable volume chambers in the damper are filled with a damping fluid and connected through a controlled fluid passage system so that fluid flows between chambers in response to angular movement of the chain guide. The damper comprises a dividing body in a mobile body coaxial to the axis X, mechanically constrained so that each rotation of the dividing body about the axis X is accompanied by a translation of the dividing body along the axis X. The dividing body is mechanically constrained to the chain guide and moves with it in the angular direction about the axis X. The chambers are formed in the mobile body on opposite sides of the dividing body and change volume in opposite directions when the dividing body moves along the axis X.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventors: Gabriele Celi, Alex Viglierco
  • Patent number: 10137963
    Abstract: A bicycle transmission is basically provided with an input gear a plurality of second rotating bodies, a second shaft and a clutch mechanism. The input gear receives a drive force. The rotation of the input gear is transmitted the second rotating bodies. The second shaft is coaxially provided with a plurality of second rotating bodies and rotatably supports the second rotating bodies. The clutch mechanism is provided with a control shaft disposed inside the second shaft and which is rotatable relative to the second shaft. The clutch mechanism switches the coupling state between the second rotating bodies and the second shaft by rotating the control shaft relative to the second shaft. The clutch mechanism rotates the control shaft by transmitting the drive force that is applied to the input gear to the control shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kazutaka Niki
  • Patent number: 10137964
    Abstract: An electrical bicycle operating system comprises a first switch to generate a first transmission control signal, a second switch to generate a second transmission control signal, and a control unit to electrically operate at least one of an electrical bicycle seatpost assembly, an electrical suspension, and a driving unit configured to output an assist force when both the first switch and the second switch are operated concurrently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Yuta Kurokawa, Atsushi Komatsu
  • Patent number: 10137965
    Abstract: A snowmobile has a suspension with a spring. The spring has a central loop portion and an elastomeric bushing disposed in the central loop portion. A limiting cable is disposed adjacent to the spring. The snowmobile also has a rear snowmobile suspension with a torsion link structure. A control arm is pivotally connected to a first end of the torsion link structure. A wheel assembly is pivotally connected to a second end of the torsion link structure. A first slide rail is attached to the wheel assembly with a sliding mechanism. A track around the rear snowmobile suspension has a paddle oriented substantially perpendicular to the track. A first gripping element is disposed on the face of the paddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas W. Melcher