Patents Issued in January 17, 2019
  • Publication number: 20190016361
    Abstract: A steering apparatus for adapting a push-from-behind transportation device having a push bar for steering through pulling in an abreast or leading position. The steering apparatus includes a telescopic bar to selectively adjust the length as the steering apparatus extends forward from the pushing bar. The connection of the steering apparatus to the pushing bar may be integrated thereto, facilitated by a removable load bearing device as well as pivotal connection so as to increasing the steering and navigating of the push-from-behind transportation device by pulling from either side or the front thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Sandra Perilli, Harold Chattaway
  • Publication number: 20190016362
    Abstract: A seat adapter removably mounts a child seat to a wagon having two opposing walls and an interposed connecting wall, and includes two latch components that mount to the wagon's opposing walls. In some embodiments, the seat adapter includes a cross-member extending between the latch components so that the cross-member provides structural integrity to the wagon if the connecting wall is displaced from its upright use position. In some embodiments, the seat adapter and the child seat can be mounted to the wagon for use with the connecting wall in its upright use position, and in some embodiments the seat adapter and the child seat can be mounted to the wagon for use whether the connecting wall is in its upright use position or its displaced position, with no mechanical interference between any part of the wagon and any part of the adapter or the child seat mounted to it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Andrew Bowman, Brady Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20190016363
    Abstract: A multi-function mobility device may comprise a lower chassis shell and an upper occupant shell connected by a quick release pivot joint that provides occupant accommodation that is secure and comfortable. In addition, the structural architecture is designed to allow safe adaptations to the axle configuration. Through flexible suspension arm mounting the suspension-hub-wheel/tire assembly can be quickly assembled/disassembled to provide alternative usage axle layouts. An ergonomic handle assembly may be coupled with the structure for pushing, pulling, towing, carrying, etc. When disassembled, the multi-function stroller can be folded into a compact storage mode. Thus, non-compromised performance, versatility, and usage functionality can be readily achieved and accomplished in a safe manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Darren W. Somerset, Sunil Lall
  • Publication number: 20190016364
    Abstract: The present teachings include a steering column assembly including an outer tube and an inner tube adapted for fore and aft translation relative to the outer tube. The assembly includes an actuator for causing the fore and aft translation. The actuator includes a motor and a screw having a longitudinal axis that is rotationally driven about the longitudinal axis by the motor. The assembly includes a pivoting nut assembly adapted to travel fore and aft generally along an axis that is the same as or generally parallel with the longitudinal axis. The pivoting nut assembly includes a bracket that is operably Joined with the inner or outer tube, for causing fore or aft translation of the inner tube in response to operation of the motor, and a nut that is assembled on the bracket and is adapted for pivotal movement in an axis generally transverse to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Justin R. Palmer, David Ray Hartman
  • Publication number: 20190016365
    Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle that utilizes steer-by-wire controls and may selectively be operated in an autonomous mode comprises a body mounted sliding steering column. The body mounted sliding steering column includes an arm that slides between a stowed position and a use position on at least one rail attached to a frame of the vehicle. The arm supports a steering column that may also be adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position. The arm also houses a force feedback motor in force-transmitting communication with the steering column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Sai Maharaja Swamidason, Aaron R. Bailey, Martin J. McKeefery
  • Publication number: 20190016366
    Abstract: Provided is a steering device support structure having better collision performance and more excellent steering device vibration performance. The steering device support structure 10 for a vehicle comprises: a cross car beam 1 having a given axial direction and comprising a planar portion extending along the axial direction; a steering device support member attached to the cross car beam 1 to support a steering device; and a center stay 3 for supporting the cross car beam 1. The steering device support structure further comprises a reinforcing member 5 (5a, 5b) provided to the cross car beam to cover the planar portion 1b of the cross car beam, and fastened to the steering device support member 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaya HAZAMA, Toshiki OKAUJI, Norio KASAJIMA, Takeshi KITAGAWA, Yoshiyasu KAJIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20190016367
    Abstract: A magnetically adhering robot has a body and a first travelling assembly configured to move the body in a first direction. A second travelling assembly is provided which is configured to move the body in a second direction, orthogonal to the first direction. An elevator assembly is provided which moves the second travelling assembly between a raised position and a lowered position. In the lowered position, the second travelling assembly is lower than the first travelling assembly and solely supports the body. In the raised position, the second travelling assembly is above the first travelling assembly, with the first travelling assembly solely supporting the body. At least one magnetic assembly is provided for magnetically adhering the body to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Colin E. DOBELL, Kienan J. WARDER
  • Publication number: 20190016368
    Abstract: A rack-and-pinion steering gear for a motor vehicle allows adjustment of an inclination angle between the rack and pinion at the point of contact therebetween to reduce noise. A yoke is spring-biased against the rack to urge rack into engagement with the pinion. The yoke is supported in a bushing which can be adjusted within and relative to a housing such that the yoke moves in a plane parallel to a longitudinal axis of the rack and to a longitudinal axis of the pinion shaft. The yoke engages the rack to permit steering-type movement of the rack relative to the yoke along the rack longitudinal axis, but movement of the yoke parallel to the pinion shaft longitudinal axis forces the portion of the rack contacting the yoke to move along with the yoke, thereby adjusting the inclination angle between the rack and the pinion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Kianmin DJIE
  • Publication number: 20190016369
    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 have 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 the casing; a rack bar having a rack tooth meshed with the pinion; a rack guide including an abutment portion to which the rack bar is to be slidably abutted and a recessed portion, which is continued to the abutment portion, to be spaced from the rack bar; a rack guide base member for receiving the rack guide; and an urging unit to urge the rack guide against the rack bar through the rack guide base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: OILES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yosuke NISHITANI, Yoshimitsu Ishida
  • Publication number: 20190016370
    Abstract: A steering apparatus for a steer-by-were system includes a driving member rotating in conjunction with a steering wheel and having a first stopper protruding from the driving member; a change gear receiving rotational force from the driving member, changing a rotational speed, and outputting a changed rotational speed; and a driven member receiving the rotational force output from the change gear, rotating at a rotational speed different from that of the driving member, and having a second stopper, which protrudes from the driven member, disposed within a rotation radius of the first stopper. The second stopper comes into contact with the first stopper at a predetermined steering angle during rotation of the driving member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Sang Woo HWANG, Hyeon Seok CHO, Byung Rim LEE, Young Dae PARK, Min Jun KIM
  • Publication number: 20190016371
    Abstract: A power-source connector is situated at or in the vicinity of the radial-direction middle portion of a housing and is fixed to the housing, and a first connection portion and a second connection portion for connecting the winding terminal of an armature winding with a control circuit unit are substantially symmetrically arranged at positions corresponding to the radial-direction peripheral portions of the power-source connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro URIMOTO, Yoshihito ASAO
  • Publication number: 20190016372
    Abstract: A steering device includes: a rack shaft; a rack housing housing the rack shaft; a motor unit having a motor case of which one end is coupled to the rack housing; a moving force application mechanism that moves the rack shaft by an output of the motor unit; and a support member that is fixed to the rack housing and supports the motor case. The rack housing has a fixing projection in which a bolt hole extending in a height direction is formed. The support member has an arc-shaped support part that extends along an outer circumferential surface of the motor case, and a pair of fixing pieces that protrudes from the support part toward a rack shaft housing section. Ends of the pair of fixing pieces are fastened with a bolt to the fixing projection of the rack housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuta KIMURA, Hiroaki MURAKAMI
  • Publication number: 20190016373
    Abstract: Problem In an electric power steering device that includes a filter section, the electric power steering device in which a motor and a control unit are integrated with each other, a device that aims to improve the noise suppression function of the filter section and improve workability is provided. Solution In an electric power steering device that includes a filter section, the electric power steering device in which a motor and a control unit are integrated with each other, the control unit includes a filter module forming the filter section connected near a connector for power supply placed in an outermost portion, and this filter module is configured with wiring for electric conduction, coils and, and a filter substrate on which capacitors are mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro URIMOTO, Tomohiko NAGASHIMA, Yoshihito ASAO
  • Publication number: 20190016374
    Abstract: An electric drive device has a motor housing accommodating therein an electric motor; a pair of supporting stems arranged so as to face to each other on an end surface, which is an opposite side to an output shaft portion of a rotation shaft of the electric motor, of the motor housing and extending in a direction of the rotation shaft which is an opposite direction to the output shaft portion; a heat radiation base body arranged between the pair of supporting stems and extending in the same direction as those of the supporting stems; fixing bolts screwed into the heat radiation base body from a radially outer side to a radially inner side through the supporting stems and connecting the supporting stems and the heat radiation base body; one electronic control unit of a redundant system, arranged along a direction in which the heat radiation base body extends and having a board that is fixed to the heat radiation base body with thermal conduction to the heat radiation base body allowed; and the other electronic
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Masao FUJIMOTO, Keiji HAMADA
  • Publication number: 20190016375
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an electric power steering (EPS) motor of an EPS system of a vehicle are provided. A steering rack position sensor detects a linear position of a steering rack linear of the EPS system and a suspension travel sensor detects a suspension travel of the vehicle. An EPS controller has a processor and a memory. The EPS controller is configured to control the current draw of the EPS motor. The EPS controller is further configured to determine an EPS motor output torque based on the linear position of the steering rack and the suspension travel, and to limit the current draw of the EPS motor based on the EPS motor output torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ramakrishna Vijayakumar, George E. Doerr
  • Publication number: 20190016376
    Abstract: A multifunctional steering column for a transportation vehicle having a steering bracket for connection of the steering column to a transportation vehicle body of the transportation vehicle; a steering tube held on the steering bracket and which has a steering tube axis; a steering wheel connection for mechanical coupling of the steering column to a steering wheel; and a steering gear end at which a steering gear coupling with a steering gear connection for mechanical coupling to a steering gear of the transportation vehicle is arranged. Also disclosed is a transportation vehicle and a method for operating a transportation vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Dzemal SJENAR, Oliver SCHULZ
  • Publication number: 20190016377
    Abstract: In a steering control device equipped with an electric motor having a plurality of winding sets and a plurality of assist current output sections each outputting a motor drive current caused to flow through each of the plurality of winding sets, it is possible to quickly make the driver aware of a state in which abnormality is generated and to suppress deterioration in operability in the state in which the abnormality has been generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi SATOU, Mitsuo SASAKI
  • Publication number: 20190016378
    Abstract: Provided is a steering device which allows continued safe travel in the event of a fault during automatic steering control. The steering device is equipped with an electric drive device composed of a plurality of systems of electric motors and has an assist control function for assisting a driver in steering and an automatic steering control function for automatically controlling the steering angle of steered wheels on the basis of a steering angle instruction value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro ITOU, Masaru YAMASAKI, Mitsuo SASAKI, Kazuya YAMANO
  • Publication number: 20190016379
    Abstract: A hydraulic steering system of a work vehicle includes a hydraulic cylinder assembly configured to receive hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic cylinder assembly includes a hydraulic cylinder and a shaft assembly disposed within the hydraulic cylinder. The shaft assembly includes a first shaft part extending within the hydraulic cylinder and having a first piston integrally formed thereon and also includes a second shaft part extending within the hydraulic cylinder and having a second piston. The hydraulic cylinder assembly also includes a plurality of sealing members configured to extend radially between the hydraulic cylinder and the shaft assembly to separate the hydraulic cylinder into a first chamber supporting the first piston and a second chamber supporting the second piston. The first chamber and the second chamber are fluidly isolated from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventor: Daniel Joseph Payne
  • Publication number: 20190016380
    Abstract: A rear wheel steering system includes a vehicle that has a solid rear axle, a first drive shaft, a second drive shaft and a steering system. The solid rear axle includes a pair of rear wheels and the solid rear axle is pivotally coupled to the vehicle. A gear box is coupled to the vehicle and the gear box is operationally coupled to the steering system. The gear box is positioned at an intersection between the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft. Moreover, the gear box engages the second drive shaft such that the gear box urges the second drive shaft into the selected angle when the steering system is manipulated. In this way the solid rear axle facilitates the rear wheels to steer the vehicle in conjunction with front wheels of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventor: Mario Gullo
  • Publication number: 20190016381
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns a tilting vehicle with at least one multi-wheel axle, a vehicle structure and a control unit that is arranged to detect a lateral acceleration acting on the tilting vehicle and actively adjust a tilt angle of the structure of the vehicle about the longitudinal axis thereof In order to optimize adjustment of the tilt angle in a tilting vehicle, the control unit is arranged to adjust the tilt angle so that in a direction of a lateral axis of the structure of the vehicle, a Y component of the lateral acceleration is partially compensated by a Y component of acceleration due to gravity according to a specified compensation proportion. The compensation proportion increases as a function of the lateral acceleration to a global maximum value at a first acceleration, and decreases above the first acceleration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Marc SIMON, Lucian LIPPOK
  • Publication number: 20190016382
    Abstract: A method for maneuvering a vehicle-trailer system in a reverse direction is provided. The method includes receiving images from a camera positioned on a rear portion of the trailer. The method includes: identifying one or more guide representations within the received images; and transmitting the received images to a user interface. The method also includes receiving from the user interface, an indication of a guide representation from the one or more guide representations. The method includes determining a path that includes maneuvers configured to move the vehicle-trailer system along the path to follow the guide associated with the identified guide representation while maintaining a minimum distance from the guide positioned behind the trailer. The method also includes transmitting to a drive system of the vehicle, one or more commands causing the vehicle-trailer system to autonomously move the vehicle-trailer system along the vehicle-trailer path in the reverse direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Alejandro Salcido Zarco
  • Publication number: 20190016383
    Abstract: A steering wheel (102) having a hub portion (118), a rim (112) and at least one spoke (114) connected to the hub portion (118) and to the rim (112), the rim (112) having a groove and a surface of the steering wheel (102); a number of actuatable light sources located in or under the groove; light diffuser or lens (140) positioned in the groove above the light sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Byron Spencer, Michael Jendrowski, John Musiol, Joachim Klesing
  • Publication number: 20190016384
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate generally to autonomous vehicles and associated mechanical, electrical and electronic hardware, computing software, including autonomy applications, image processing applications, etc., computing systems, and wired and wireless network communications to facilitate autonomous control of vehicles, and, more specifically, to systems, devices, and methods configured to control driverless vehicles to facilitate complex parking maneuvers and autonomous fuel replenishment. In some examples, a method may include computing vehicular drive parameters, accessing map data to identify a boundary, detecting an autonomous vehicle, accessing executable instructions to facilitate vectoring of an autonomous vehicle, and applying vehicular drive parameters to propel the autonomous vehicle to a termination point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: NIO USA, INC
    Inventors: Jamie P. Carlson, Yadunandana Yellambalase, Sathya Narayanan Kasturi Rangan
  • Publication number: 20190016385
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a method and device that assists a parking maneuver of a motor vehicle. The method and device to assist a parking maneuver of a motor vehicle, with which the motor vehicle is maneuvered into an intended parking space at least partly, automatically, detects a curb bounded by at least one curb edge located in a vicinity of the motor vehicle. A trajectory is determined along which the motor vehicle can be moved into the intended parking space while carrying out at least one move of the maneuver. The trajectory is modified depending on at least one distance between the at least one curb edge and a tire of the motor vehicle that is expected for the trajectory while carrying out the parking maneuver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ahmed BENMIMOUN, Nadja WYSIETZKI, Lars KUHNERT, Georg NEUGEBAUER
  • Publication number: 20190016386
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wheel bearing device including a wheel bearing supported by a knuckle; a hub ring having a boss portion; a second constant-velocity joint; and a first constant-velocity joint. The second constant-velocity joint includes an outer ring rotatably supported by the wheel bearing, and an inner ring coupled to the boss portion of the hub ring. The first constant-velocity joint includes an outer ring coupled to the outer race of the second constant-velocity joint, and an inner ring coupled to a drive shaft. The knuckle supports a pair of camber angle-adjusting linear motion actuators, and a pair of toe angle-adjusting linear motion actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masao KURITA, Hirokazu OHBA
  • Publication number: 20190016387
    Abstract: A vehicle frame includes two frame rails fixed relative to each other and each having a tubular shape defining an exterior surface and an interior surface, a crush-initiating notch on each exterior surface, and a reinforcement extending along each interior surface and positioned in a vehicle-rearward direction from the notches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marwan Ahmad Elbkaily, Tushar B. Kamble, Gururaj Aralikatti, Greg Gombert, Benjamin Mansfield
  • Publication number: 20190016388
    Abstract: A vehicle front portion structure that includes: a first vehicle body frame that extends in a vehicle transverse direction at a vehicle front portion; a second vehicle body frame that is positioned at a rear side of the first vehicle body frame, and that extends in the vehicle transverse direction at the vehicle front portion; and a non-contact charger having a front side part that is joined to the first vehicle body frame and having a rear side part that is joined to the second vehicle body frame, wherein the non-contact charger includes: a power receiving coil, a cover having a charger bottom surface that is positioned beneath the power receiving coil, and a pair of left and right longitudinal direction frames that respectively extend in a vehicle longitudinal direction at left and right sides of the power receiving coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuki SHIMIZU
  • Publication number: 20190016389
    Abstract: There are provided a front side frame having a closed cross section extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction and including a mount-bracket attachment part for attaching a PT mount bracket provided at a PT mount for supporting a powertrain and a crash can attached to a front end of the front side frame. The front side frame includes a compressive-deformation part which is configured to be compressively deformed in a vehicle frontal collision and extend rearward from the front end, having substantially the same sectional shape as the crash can. A gusset member for preventing shearing deformation of the closed cross section of the front side frame is provided at a portion of the front side frame between the mount-bracket attachment part and the compressive-deformation part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takehiro KAMEI, Daisuke SAKAGAMI, Shunsuke HIRAI, Yasuhiko NISHIDA
  • Publication number: 20190016390
    Abstract: A vehicle-body front structure includes a pair of left and right side frames, a cross member, a pair of sub-frames, projections, and buckling structures. The pair of left and right side frames extend in a front-rear direction. The cross member is coupled to a lower side of the pair of left and right side frames and extends in a left-right direction. The pair of sub-frames are coupled to a lower side of the cross member and extend in the front-rear direction. Each projection is disposed on a front end side of the corresponding sub-frame and projects from the corresponding side frame outward in the left-right direction in a plan view. Each buckling structure is formed in the corresponding sub-frame and causes the sub-frame to buckle such that the corresponding projection comes into contact with the cross member when an impact load is applied to the projection from a front side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seiji FUJIWARA, Yosuke HACHISU, Kenichi TAKEDA
  • Publication number: 20190016391
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a load transmission member, a first engagement portion, and a second engagement portion. The load transmission member is disposed at a position overlapping with the power unit in a vehicle front view. The first engagement portion is provided between the load transmission member and the power unit. The second engagement portion is provided between the suspension member and the power unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shin INOUE
  • Publication number: 20190016392
    Abstract: A center pillar structure of a vehicle includes: a center pillar that is disposed at a center portion in a length direction of a vehicle body and supports the vehicle body; a center pillar outer reinforcement panel that supports the center pillar as a basic frame of the center pillar; a side sill that extends in the length direction of the vehicle at a lower side of the center pillar; and a center pillar inner panel coupled to parts of the side sill and the center pillar outer reinforcement panel by being overlapped therewith to form the center pillar, and disposed farther inside in a width direction of the vehicle body than the center pillar output reinforcement panel. The side sill and the center pillar output reinforcement panel are integrated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Hae Hoon LEE, Sung Gae WEE, Won Gun KIM, Dae Myoung PARK
  • Publication number: 20190016393
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle panel including a plurality of individual mesh structures where the individual mesh structures each include four triangular sides extending outwardly from a plane of the panel forming a pyramid shape. A fillet connects adjacent triangular sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Yogesh Patel, Kirby Bryson, Naoshi Yamaki, Hiroaki Oba
  • Publication number: 20190016394
    Abstract: A dash panel supporting structure includes a center member rested on a tunnel portion of a vehicle, a bridge member connected to an upper portion of the center member, and a pair of side members configured to support both ends of the bridge member and both ends of the center member on inner portions of side pillars of the vehicle. Therefore, the tunnel portion, a cowl panel and A-pillars of the vehicle are supported by each other through the dash panel supporting structure, so that the torsional rigidity of the vehicle is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Wook Hyun HAN, Seung Hyun KANG
  • Publication number: 20190016395
    Abstract: The instrument panel reinforcement pipe extends in a width direction of a vehicle, and is formed in a circular tubular shape to support a steering column placed in a front-and-rear direction of the vehicle. The cowl-to brace extends in the front-and-rear direction of the vehicle, has a front end fixed on a cowl panel placed in a farther front side of the vehicle than the instrument panel reinforcement pipe, and includes a joint portion to be joined with the instrument panel reinforcement pipe, between the front end and a rear end. The floor brace extends in an up-and-down direction of the vehicle, and has a lower end fixed on a floor tunnel and an upper end fixed to the rear end of the cowl-to brace. The joint portion of the cowl-to brace is formed in a ring shape to be fitted and inserted into the instrument panel reinforcement pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kouta KAJIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20190016396
    Abstract: A vehicle aerodynamic assembly includes a first end plate, an airfoil including an outboard edge portion contiguous with the first end plate, and a first drainage channel extending through at least one of the first end plate and the outboard edge portion of the airfoil. The aerodynamic assembly may be mounted to a deck lid of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Stephen SYLVESTER, Andrew Thomas CUNNINGHAM, Matthew Arthur TITUS
  • Publication number: 20190016397
    Abstract: A row-crop tractor including a tractor frame structure having a front portion and a rear portion. Two front wheels are rotatable mounted to the front portion of the tractor frame structure. At least a rear wheel is mounted to the rear portion of the tractor frame structure. A drive mechanism is mounted to the front portion of the tractor frame structure and connected to the two front wheels for controllably driving the same in dependence upon a control signal received from an operator of the row-crop tractor such that one front wheel is driven independent from the other. A front farm implement connecting mechanism is disposed at a front end of the front portion of the tractor frame structure and an operator seat mounted to the front portion of the tractor frame structure in close proximity to the front end of the front portion of the tractor frame structure such that the operator of the row-crop tractor is enabled to reach a front farm implement connected to the front farm implement connecting mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventor: Frank Rempel
  • Publication number: 20190016398
    Abstract: A split chassis system includes a first chassis base portion that is configured to house a first component and a second chassis base portion that is configured to house a second component. The second chassis base portion is positioned adjacent the first chassis base portion such that a first chassis coupling member included on the first chassis base portion is coupled to a second chassis coupling member included on the second chassis base portion. The split chassis system further includes a leveling subsystem that is coupled to the first chassis base portion and the second chassis base portion. The leveling subsystem aligns the first chassis base portion and the second chassis base portion such that the first chassis base portion and the second chassis base portion substantially maintain coplanarity when the first chassis coupling member is coupled to the second chassis coupling member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Corey Dean Hartman, Yu-Feng Lin
  • Publication number: 20190016399
    Abstract: A track for a vehicle having a plurality of wheels for driving the track on a terrain. The track has an endless elastomeric carcass having a wheel-facing side that is mountable onto the plurality of wheels, and a ground-facing side opposite the wheel-facing side. A plurality of elastomeric traction surfaces is positioned on the ground-facing side. Each of the traction surfaces has a first shape when the track is not mounted onto the plurality of wheels. A plurality of primary load distribution members is positioned transversely and distributed longitudinally in the carcass so as to distribute at least parts of downward wheel forces applied by at least one of the wheels when the track is being driven down onto the wheel-facing side of the carcass into the traction surfaces via flexion of the primary load distribution members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Olivier DUMOULIN, Magella BEDARD, Remi HAMELIN, Tommy MARCOTTE
  • Publication number: 20190016400
    Abstract: A track changing apparatus for changing a track on an armored vehicle includes a plurality of moveable elements. The plurality of moveable elements of the track changing apparatus allows a track to be manipulated from loose or unmounted state, to a tensioned state wherein the track is located on the track changing apparatus, and finally, to a fully mounted state wherein the track has been transferred onto the armored vehicle. In at least one embodiment, the track changing apparatus may be used to remove a track from an armored vehicle. Methods of using a track changing apparatus are also described, including a method of mounting a track onto an armored vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Colin Campbell, Guy Carrier, Camil Giguere, Michael Harris, Neil Hutton, John Beattie, Ian Marsh
  • Publication number: 20190016401
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bicycle alarm device, including a main body and a connection mechanism connected with a bicycle. The main body comprises controller. The controller includes an upper cover and a lower cover connected with the upper cover. A first waterproof rubber ring is positioned between the upper cover and the lower cover. The main body also includes a battery compartment. One end of the battery compartment is connected with the controller, and the other end is connected with the connection mechanism. The battery compartment includes a compartment body and a compartment cover. A second waterproof rubber ring is positioned between the compartment body and the compartment cover. The present disclosure has good waterproof effect, and can effectively protect the controller and electrical parts in the battery compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventor: Haoyu XING
  • Publication number: 20190016402
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bicycle seat post with one end thereof having a rail support for securing two rails of a bicycle seat. The rail support comprises an accommodation member having an aperture, an adjusting member detachably engaged within the aperture of the accommodation member, and the adjusting member having at least one displacement hole, and a first clamp assembly and a second clamp assembly disposed on two sides of the displacement hole of the adjusting member to secure the two rails of the seat. The rotational mechanism of the present invention is designed with the displacement hole being disposed within the adjusting member, therefore facilitating the rotary adjustment of the seat by adjusting the position of the displacement hole and securing the relative position of the first and second clamp assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventor: Yuan-Hsin Huang
  • Publication number: 20190016403
    Abstract: An arm rest assembly for a motorcycle is provided having a housing that receives a shaft of the arm rest. A user-operated button is movable between a first position to prevent vertical movement of the support relative to the housing, and a second position to permit vertical movement of the support. A locking mechanism is operable to secure a second sleeve of the assembly to a first sleeve of the assembly to prevent relative movement between the first sleeve and the second sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventor: Thomas Kilgriff
  • Publication number: 20190016404
    Abstract: This invention relates to storage devices, particularly to storage devices for storing and protecting vehicles, and more particularly to storage devices for storing and protecting bicycles and/or motorcycles. In one aspect of the present invention, a storage device may include an enclosure which may be sealed and/or closed off to the outside environment, and may further include a compact, at least partially nesting structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the nesting structure may include a plurality of segments that may form the enclosure, where some of the segments may nest into another to open the enclosure while maintaining the compact form-factor of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventor: Eric Pearson
  • Publication number: 20190016405
    Abstract: A steering and leaning system for a vehicle includes a steering unit, a driving unit, and a control unit, each of which is adapted to be mounted to a main body of a vehicle. The driving unit is mounted between two spaced-apart front wheels of the main body, and includes an adjusting member that is driven swingably by the steering unit for controlling a moving direction of the vehicle. The control unit includes a control member that is connected movably to the adjusting member such that the swing movement of the adjusting member drives the main body to lean. The control unit is telescopically adjustable to be connected to different height positions on the adjusting member, thereby adjusting a lean angle of the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Kuan-Lung HUANG, Chia-Jung CHANG
  • Publication number: 20190016406
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to bicycles. In particular, the present disclosure provides systems and devices for converting a standard bicycle into a cargo bicycle using various detachable components. The ability to convert a standard bicycle into a cargo bicycle and back again confers many advantages, including eliminating the need for a separate bicycle for transporting cargo and encouraging the use of bicycles as a mode of transportation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventor: Scott Taylor
  • Publication number: 20190016407
    Abstract: A walker-shaped hoverboard attachment provides a center platform having a cavity and a rim around the cavity configured to rest on either side of a hoverboard's upper surface. Support rails and crossbars collectively configured as a walker may be fixedly connected to the platform. One or more brakes on one or more grips may enable a user to control the hoverboard while a user is standing on the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventor: Maurice Rosemeyer
  • Publication number: 20190016408
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a bicycle frame having a lug that is connected with a tube. The lug may be produced by shaping and bonding at least two plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jungnam CHOI, Sung Dae LIM
  • Publication number: 20190016409
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is provided for a bicycle that includes a front wheel, a drive train and a suspension. The drive train includes an input unit to which driving force is input, a rear wheel to which the driving force is transmitted, and a transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force that is input to input unit to the rear wheel. The bicycle control device includes an electronic controller that changes an operation state of the suspension in accordance with movement of at least one of the input unit, the transmission mechanism, the front wheel and the rear wheel in a state in which the rear wheel is not rotated by the driving force that is input to the input unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventor: Toshio TETSUKA
  • Publication number: 20190016410
    Abstract: A foot clamping and locking mechanism with an auto-release for releasably securing a user's foot to a pedal may include a pedal comprising a pedal base having a top plate; an arm extending from the pedal; a cuff attached to the arm, the cuff sized to wrap over top of a user's foot; and a trigger extending upward from the top plate, the trigger operatively attached to the arm such that, when the user steps on the trigger, the arm causes the cuff to lock down onto the user's foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Greg William Davis, ROBERT E. GLASPIE