Patents Issued in June 27, 2019
  • Publication number: 20190193763
    Abstract: The present invention provides a measuring assembly (11) for measuring a characteristic of the movement of a first rail relative to a second rail. The measuring assembly comprises a measuring gauge (15) for measuring the characteristic and a rail movement detection device (13) to which the measuring gauge is removably secured. The detection device comprises a first subassembly (19) and a second subassembly (39) wherein the first subassembly and second subassembly are slidably interconnected. The first subassembly comprises a first rail engagement portion spaced from a first end (23) of the first subassembly. The second subassembly comprises a second rail engagement portion spaced from a first end (43) of the second subassembly. The measuring gauge is secured between the first end of the first subassembly and the first end of the second subassembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Bruce Arthur MAKIN, Parviz BARATI
  • Publication number: 20190193764
    Abstract: A control system and method determine an energy demand associated with delivery of cargo in a trip. The energy demand represents how much electric energy is needed to move cargo vehicles that carry the cargo through the trip. Locations of energy tenders and states of charge of the energy tenders are determined. A schedule for the cargo vehicles to deliver the cargo to a delivery location within a delivery time slot is determined. This schedule is determined based on the energy demand, the locations of the energy tenders, and the states of charge of the energy tenders. The system and method direct which of the energy tenders that the cargo vehicles are to couple with, be powered by, and move with for powering the cargo along routes to the delivery location of the trip within the designated time slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Jared Klineman Cooper, Samuel William Golden, Robert James Foy, David Michael Peltz, Nathan Thomas North, Milan Karunaratne
  • Publication number: 20190193765
    Abstract: A method (600) for generating schedules for railroad vehicles travelling within a railroad network using a genetic algorithm (GA) (100), through operation of at least one processor (82), includes providing an initial population (200) of initial schedules (220), each schedule (220) having first information of a railroad track network and second information of railroad vehicles travelling in the railroad track network for a specific time instance, selecting multiple schedules of the initial schedules (220), and generating a final population (480) of final schedules (420) utilizing crossover operation (400) between selected initial schedules (220), wherein the second information of the railroad vehicles travelling in the railroad track network are exchanged between the selected initial schedules (220).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventor: Badar K. Khan
  • Publication number: 20190193766
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method, implemented in a supervision system for trains of the “communication-based train management” type, which includes the steps, carried out by a zone controller, including: during nominal operation, periodically saving an image of a current operational situation on an external memory; and, after a downtime period and rebooting of the zone controller: establishing an image of the operational situation after rebooting; recovering, from the external memory, the most recent saved image as image of the operational situation before failure; collecting information on the crossing of borders of the zone associated with the zone controller during the downtime period; and verifying the coherence of the image of the operational situation after rebooting from the image of the operational situation before failure and crossing information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Javier BALLESTEROS, Mathieu BRESSON
  • Publication number: 20190193767
    Abstract: An auxiliary wheel assembly mounted on a selected portion of a wheelbarrow comprising: several structural members namely a urethane receptacle barrow, a front support and dual swivel wheel assembly, a dual rear support and wheel assembly with a plurality of heavy duty wheels, and a means to connect these front and rear assemblies and barrow. The various component members are potentially made of various materials and are designed for original equipment offerings or aftermarket additions to currently produced wheel barrows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventor: Lucky W. Price
  • Publication number: 20190193768
    Abstract: A moving carrier includes a body frame connecting device, an adjustment assembly, a body frame, an axle frame, at least one axle and at least one wheel. The adjustment assembly is disposed on the body frame connecting device. One end of the body frame is connected to the body frame connecting device. The relative positions of the body frame and the body frame connecting device are changed by adjusting the adjustment assembly. The axle frame is disposed on the body frame connecting device. The axle is connected to the axle frame. The wheel is disposed on the axle and connected to the axle frame by the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventor: Chih-Ching CHENG
  • Publication number: 20190193769
    Abstract: Foldable strollers and related methods are disclosed herein. An example frame for use with a stroller includes a first leg, a second leg, a first joint to couple the first leg and the second leg, a handle arm, and a second joint to couple the handle arm and the first leg. The second joint includes a first portion having a pocket and a second portion including a lock slidably disposed in the second portion. The lock is to be removably coupled to the pocket. The handle arm is to rotate relative to the first leg via the second joint when the lock is removed from the pocket. The rotation of the handle via the second joint is to enable the second leg to rotate relative to the first leg via the first joint to fold the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Yong Huang Xu, Mark Eyman, Peter Rolicki, Wes Thomas, Sebastiaan Ernst Raak, Martijn van Heteren, Aragon He
  • Publication number: 20190193770
    Abstract: In accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, the invention provides a sports apparatus having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface designed to slide on slippery surfaces such as snow, ice or sand and the lower surface having wheels and thus designed to glide along smooth hard surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2016
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Applicant: FlipSled International Limited
    Inventors: David Wayne Dieter, Aymeric Ralph Henri Fraise, Scott Christopher Stefan
  • Publication number: 20190193771
    Abstract: There is provided a steering wheel to make it possible to install a covering member on a rim section main body portion in a wide range and with a good external appearance. A steering wheel base section includes the rim section main body portion that configures a rim section. The rim section main body portion is provided with a groove along the rim section main body portion. The groove is provided with a first line-shaped groove and a second line-shaped groove that is less bent than the first groove. The covering member is wrapped around the rim section main body portion of the steering wheel base section. The covering member is provided with divergence covering sections disposed along the first groove with the first groove interposed therebetween. The covering member straddles the second groove at a position of the second groove and connects the divergence covering sections by a covering base portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Akihiko YAMAMI, Katsuya MURAMATSU, Masahiro OOKA
  • Publication number: 20190193772
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating a steering wheel and for detecting a steering wheel contact comprises a steering wheel armature (10) made from electrically conductive material and an electric heating conductor (12) arranged outside of the steering wheel armature (10). The apparatus further comprises a control and evaluation device (18) connected to the steering wheel armature (10) and the electric heating conductor (10) by means of which control and evaluation device the electric heating conductor (12) is repeatedly operated temporarily during a heating operation as a heating element for heating the steering wheel and temporarily during a measuring operation as a sensor element for detecting a steering wheel contact. The control and evaluation device (18) is configured so as to maintain the steering wheel armature (10) on a predetermined and especially constant potential at least during each measuring operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Guido Hirzmann, Alexander Lammers, Heinz Lefringhausen, Volker Mann
  • Publication number: 20190193773
    Abstract: A supporting apparatus for a steering gear box includes a pressing yoke part for supporting a side surface of a rack bar to be engaged with a steering input gear in a shape to wrap the side surface of the rack bar, a supporting yoke part provided in a mounting groove together with the pressing yoke part, an elastic link part formed of an elastic material and extending from the pressing yoke part to be inserted into the supporting yoke part, a cover part provided at a position opposite to the supporting yoke part and shielding an inlet of the mounting groove, and a pressing part located between the supporting yoke part and the cover part and pressing the supporting yoke part by a predetermined elastic force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventor: Tae Yoon KIM
  • Publication number: 20190193774
    Abstract: Provided is a power steering apparatus capable of preventing or reducing a sudden change in a steering force. A power steering apparatus includes a steering mechanism configured to transmit a steering operation on a steering wheel to a turning target wheel, a first actuation portion and a second actuation portion configured to provide a steering force to the steering mechanism, and a controller configured to output a first driving instruction signal for controlling driving of the first actuation portion and a second driving instruction signal for controlling driving of the second actuation portion. The controller includes an output distribution control portion configured to change a ratio of the output of the first driving instruction signal and a ratio of the output of the second driving instruction signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Applicant: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Mitsuaki NAKADA
  • Publication number: 20190193775
    Abstract: An electric drive device includes a motor housing made of aluminum-based metal and structured to house an electric motor. The motor housing includes an end face part opposite to an output part of a rotating shaft of the electric motor. An electronic control part is arranged at the end face part of the motor housing, and is configured to drive the electric motor. A metal cover is made of aluminum-based metal and structured to cover the electronic control part. One of the metal cover and the end face part of the motor housing includes an outer peripheral surface including a stepped portion having a radially inward recess form extending annularly. The stepped portion includes a fit portion where an opening portion of the metal cover is fitted. The fit portion is formed with a friction stir welding portion where the motor housing and the metal cover are welded together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventor: Keiji HAMADA
  • Publication number: 20190193776
    Abstract: There is provided a control device for an electric power steering device, which determines an estimate of a steering angle instead of using an angle sensor when any abnormality is detected in the angle sensor to perform steering angle control using the determined estimate of the steering angle. When it is determined that the detected steering angle is normal based on a steering angle abnormality determination signal Flg_?h, a steering angle calculating section 201 outputs a steering-wheel angle ?h as an actual steering angle ?r, while when it is determined that the detected steering angle is abnormal, the steering angle calculating section 201 determines and outputs an estimate ?r of an actual steering angle using a past value Z?r of the actual steering angle under normal conditions, a motor relative angle ??m, and a relative twist angle ?? of a torsion bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Takahiro TSUBAKI, Osamu TATEWAKI
  • Publication number: 20190193777
    Abstract: A steering apparatus for assisting rotation of a steering shaft in a steering system. The apparatus includes a motor having a drive shaft that rotates about a drive shaft axis and an output shaft that rotates about an output shaft axis. The output shaft axis extends parallel to the drive shaft axis. The output shaft is connected for rotation with the steering shaft. A gear train drivingly connects the motor to the output shaft. The gear train includes a worm screw and a worm wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Joseph E. Harter, JR., Kavin E. Boyle
  • Publication number: 20190193778
    Abstract: A torque compensation apparatus for a Motor Driven Power Steering (“MDPS”) system including: a column torque sensor configured to detect column torque applied to a steering shaft; a steering angle sensor configured to detect a steering angle of a steering wheel; and a controller configured to calculate a compensation ratio by sudden steering, based at least one of the column torque detected by the column torque sensor and a steering angular velocity calculated from the steering angle detected by the steering angle sensor. The basic assist torque outputted from the MDPS system is then compensated for according to the compensation ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Sang Hong BAE, Kyoung Soo LIM, Lyoung Tae KIM
  • Publication number: 20190193779
    Abstract: A method for controlling a power steering system of a road vehicle includes: after the road vehicle is started, activating only an EPS subsystem; afterward, activating an EHPS subsystem when a speed of the road vehicle is not higher than a predetermined speed threshold; once the EHPS subsystem is activated, controlling the hydraulic motor of the EHPS subsystem to rotate at a rotational speed lower than a pre-set rotational speed when a torque applied to a steering column is smaller than a predetermined torque threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Applicant: Automotive Research & Testing Center
    Inventors: Zong-Li WANG, Jin-Yan HSU
  • Publication number: 20190193780
    Abstract: A motor vehicle steering system may include an electric motor disposed in a motor housing. The electric motor may have at least three phases, and for each phase a high side MOSFET and a low side MOSFET may be assigned. The MOSFETs may be part of an inverter that supplies voltages into the electric motor. A first non-insulated contact point of the electric motor and a second non-insulated contact point of the motor housing may be configured such that water that ingresses into the motor housing electrically connects the electric motor with the motor housing via the non-insulated contact points. A pull-up resistor may be disposed in parallel with one of the high side MOSFETs of one of the at least three phases. A measurement unit may detect a phase voltage of the one of the at least three phases as being indicative of water present in the motor housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Applicants: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Gergely RÁCZ, Attila KONFÁR
  • Publication number: 20190193781
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for controlling rotation of a vehicle in consideration of slip. The apparatus includes a radius of curvature setting unit that sets a target radius of curvature of rotation of the vehicle while the vehicle is being driven and a radius of curvature calculation unit that estimates an actual radius of curvature of a traveling vehicle based on forward speed and lateral acceleration of the vehicle. Additionally, a radius of curvature adjustment unit adjusts a yaw direction rotation moment of the vehicle based on a difference between the target radius of curvature set by the radius of curvature setting unit and the estimated radius of curvature estimated by the radius of curvature calculation unit to adjust the radius of curvature of rotation of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Young Jin Jang, Hyung Souk Kang, Soung Han Noh
  • Publication number: 20190193782
    Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus that achieves a manual steering even if a steering intervention is performed by a driver during an automatic steering, ensures more safety when a driver steers urgently, and enables both an assist control and a steering angle control. The apparatus includes a steering angle control section that calculates a steering angle control current command value for the steering angle control, and calculates the current command value using at least the steering angle control current command value; this control section has a position control section to calculate a basic steering angular velocity command value, a steering intervention compensating section to obtain a compensatory steering angular velocity command value, and a steering angular velocity control section to calculate a steering angle control current command value with the basic steering angular velocity command value, the compensatory steering angular velocity command value and an actual steering angular velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Applicant: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro TSUBAKI
  • Publication number: 20190193783
    Abstract: An electrically powered work vehicle includes a left driving wheel and a right driving wheel that are supported to a vehicle body, a left motor for driving the left driving wheel and a right motor for driving the right driving wheel, a steering wheel, an acceleration operation tool, a turning command calculation section for calculating a tuning command based on a steering operation amount of the steering wheel, a turning torque calculation section for calculating a turning torque based on the turning command, a vehicle speed command calculation section for calculating a vehicle speed command based on an acceleration operation amount of the acceleration operation tool, a vehicle speed torque calculation section for calculating a vehicle speed torque based on the vehicle speed command, and a speed command calculation section for calculating a left motor speed command and a right motor speed command based on the turning torque and the vehicle speed torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Uemura, Hirokazu Ito
  • Publication number: 20190193784
    Abstract: A driven wheel assembly to provide a zero turn radius without wheel scrubbing. The assembly includes a vertical axis motor driving a vertical drive shaft to drive first and second spaced-apart wheels that are oriented horizontally or perpendicular to the vertical drive shaft for lateral motion of the vehicle. This is combined with an off-axis vertical motor and gear, which rotates or steers, the driven wheel assembly. Instead of a right angle gear drive as found in a conventional drive unit, the driven wheel assembly employs a center differential coupled to the output end of the vertical drive shaft and a hub of each of the first and second wheels and that is positioned in the space between the two wheels. The center differential drives the first and second wheels, and each of the first and second wheels can turn at a different rotational velocity or even in opposite directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventor: RYAN R. WACH
  • Publication number: 20190193785
    Abstract: A vehicle lateral control system having a lane model with modulation weighting for controlling a vehicle includes a camera, an image processing device, a controller and a steering device. The camera is configured to capture a front image of the vehicle to generate a front image dataset. The front image dataset is analyzed by the image processing device to obtain a plurality of lane markers, and the image processing device establishes a lane fitting curve according to the lane markers and a target weighting. The controller has a plurality of vehicle dynamic parameters and a target distance. The target weighting is changeable according to the target distance. The controller generates a steering control weighting according to the lane fitting curve and the vehicle dynamic parameters. The steering device is configured to control a turning direction of the vehicle according to the steering control weighting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Kun-Lung KU, Jin-Yan HSU, Hung-Pang LIN, Tong-Kai JHANG
  • Publication number: 20190193786
    Abstract: A control system for turning a motor vehicle is based on an environmental sensor system of the motor vehicle. The environmental sensor system is adapted to record at least one area in a direction of travel in front of the motor vehicle. A speedometer is provided and adapted to determine a speed of the motor vehicle. An interface is provided and adapted to communicate turning information to a driving entity of the motor vehicle. A controller is provided and adapted to identify a turning desire of the driving entity and to determine a turning possibility using sensor data recorded by the environmental sensor system and the speed of the motor vehicle determined by the speedometer. The controller is further adapted to cause communication of turning information of the interface to the driving entity of the motor vehicle as a function of the determination of the turning possibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventor: Rami Abusabbah
  • Publication number: 20190193787
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus estimates a curvature of the own lane ahead of the own vehicle based on both left and right markings in a captured image and performs a steering control of the own vehicle based on the estimated curvature of the own lane. The control unit determines the direction of the own vehicle and determines whether a change in the road slope is present. When the vehicle control apparatus determines that the direction of the own vehicle changes and the road slope ahead of the own vehicle changes, the vehicle control apparatus applies a restriction to the steering control performed based on the curvature of the own lane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventor: Yusuke MATSUMOTO
  • Publication number: 20190193788
    Abstract: An operating element can be operated by a driver for controlling at least the lateral guidance of the vehicle. A wheel angle adjuster is actuated by the operating element of the driver and/or by an electronic control unit that controls the automated lateral guidance of the vehicle so as to adjust a steering angle at the steerable wheels of the vehicle. In the process, a degree of coupling between at least one first part of the operating element and the wheel angle adjuster of the vehicle and/or between at least one first part of the operating element and a fixed position in the coordinate system of the vehicle can be modified depending on the degree of haptic contact between the driver of the vehicle and the aforementioned first part of the operating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventor: Alexander AUGST
  • Publication number: 20190193789
    Abstract: A steering angle calculating circuit includes a first neutral point calculating circuit, a second neutral point calculating circuit, and an absolute angle calculating circuit. The first neutral point calculating circuit calculates a motor neutral point (?m01), based on a steering angle detected by a steering sensor and a rotation angle of a motor detected by the relative angle sensor, when a drive source for driving a vehicle is started. The second neutral point calculating circuit calculates a motor neutral point when the steering angle detected by the steering sensor falls within a predetermined angle range in which a specific stroke with respect to the steering angle is constant. After the motor neutral point is calculated by the second neutral point calculating circuit, the absolute angle calculating circuit calculates the steering angle as an absolute angle, using the motor neutral point calculated by the second neutral point calculating circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi HOSONO, Akira NAMBU, Tatsuya SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20190193790
    Abstract: A side vehicle body reinforcing structure includes: at least two side sills connected to opposite ends of a center floor panel in a width direction of a vehicle body, respectively, and extending in a front and rear direction of the vehicle body, wherein each of the at least two side sills has a tube shape having an interior space therein; a seat cross member having a bottom side connected to the center floor panel and having opposite ends in the width direction of the vehicle body connected to the at least two side sills, respectively, so that the seat cross member crosses the center floor panel in the width direction of the vehicle body; and a center partition spaced apart from an outer plate of each of the at least two side sills to be toward the center floor panel, wherein the center partition has a “U” shape to be convex while being supported by an inner plate of each of the at least two side sills.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Seongeun CHOI, Kun Ho PARK
  • Publication number: 20190193791
    Abstract: An apparatus is for use with a pillar adjacent to a vehicle window, such as a windshield. The apparatus includes a molding for positioning adjacent to the pillar, the molding forming a channel in a deployed condition for receiving moisture from the vehicle windshield, or for reducing the effects of wind throb when a single vehicle window is open. An actuator may be associated with the molding for activating a non-deployed condition of the molding for reducing the effects of wind noise. The molding may include a passage for receiving an airflow and transmitting it to an outlet for directing fluid away from the molding, the pillar and adjacent side window. In the deployed condition, the molding may project from a surface of the pillar and in the non-deployed condition may be substantially flush with the surface of the pillar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: William S. Gulker, Jonathan B. Barnes, Travis S. Garland, Mark George Vojtisek, Jamal Kanso, Douglas Richard Olson
  • Publication number: 20190193792
    Abstract: A vehicle body rear portion structure includes a floor panel, rear wheel houses arranged on both sides of the floor panel in a vehicle width direction, a rear seat disposed between the rear wheel houses, braces each arranged at a vehicle cabin inside part above each of the rear wheel houses, and a cross member extending along the vehicle width direction between the braces. The brace is provided with a front side fastening portion positioned on a front side of the brace in a vehicle body front-rear direction and a rear side fastening portion positioned on a rear side of the brace in the vehicle body front-rear direction. Each of end edge portions on both sides of the cross member in a longitudinal direction abuts against one of the front side fastening portion and the rear side fastening portion and is fastened to the brace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Saeki
  • Publication number: 20190193793
    Abstract: A suspension system for use with a work vehicle. The suspension system may include a suspension tower to which one or more shock absorbers may attach. The tower may permit the shock absorbers to attach at multiple locations, effectively allowing the angular orientation of the shock absorbers, and thus a suspension characteristic of the suspension system, to be altered. The tower may be movable relative to the vehicle, e.g., for crating/shipping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Dale A. Stover, Alexander E. Hoy
  • Publication number: 20190193794
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for assembling an automotive tray assembly. The method involves capping at least one edge of a load-bearing tray to provide a safe edge and/or aesthetically pleasing finish. Preferably, the method involves using fasteners, including bolts or rivets for example, without the need for welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventor: JACK BEET
  • Publication number: 20190193795
    Abstract: A suspension system for controlling multiple degrees of freedom of a cab of a vehicle has mounting pads that support the cab with a spring assembly connected between the chassis and each mounting pad, allowing the cab to move with multiple degrees of freedom. A lateral rod connects with one of the mounting pads, with the chassis, and restricts sideways motion of the cab. A longitudinal rod connects with one of the mounting pads, with the chassis, and restricts forward motion of the cab. A stabilizer bar connects with one of the front mounting pads, one of the rear mounting pads, the chassis structure, and controls forward pitch rate of the cab. A roll control bar connects with the rear mounting pads and the chassis structure, and controls lateral roll rate of the cab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Donald E. Young, Joshua J. Kappelman, Jade E. Bender, Wen Tsung Lin, Byron N. Manternach
  • Publication number: 20190193796
    Abstract: A drag reducing device for a vehicle body having a top wall and a door pivotably mounted to the rear of the body to open toward a side wall of the body, includes a wing sized and configured to turn airflow across the top wall of the body, the wing having a trailing edge and a proximal edge; and an assembly mounted to the door and configured for pivoting the wing so that the trailing edge of the wing is pivoted upward to a position above the top wall of the vehicle body when the door is open and for pivoting the wing so that the trailing edge of the wing is pivoted downward to a position below the top wall of the vehicle body when the door is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Hunter Miller, John Vogel, James R. Tuerk
  • Publication number: 20190193797
    Abstract: Embodiments provide an aerodynamic fairing system that may comprise a base configured to mount to a vehicle, an arm coupled to the base at a proximate end and extending laterally, and a fairing mounted to the arm having an inboard and an outboard surface. The fairing outboard surface may provide an aerodynamic outer surface to direct flow to an angle to the rear. The arm may a fixed or adjustable length arm. The arm may provide a mounting area for a mud flap such that aerodynamic system may act as a mud flap hanger. Embodiments also provide an adjustable mud flap hanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Joshua Butler, Kyle Walker, Redza Shah
  • Publication number: 20190193798
    Abstract: A multi-leg independent mobile carrier device, comprising: a base (1), a traveling mechanism (2), and a posture adjustment mechanism (3). The base (1) is used for carrying a human being or an object. The traveling mechanism (2) comprises a driving unit (21) connected to the base (1) and a connecting rod unit (22) rotatably connected to the driving unit. The traveling mechanism (2) is used for driving the base (1) to travel and get over any obstacles. The posture adjustment mechanism (3) is connected to the base (1) and used for keeping the human being or object balanced. The multi-leg independent mobile carrier device integrates a traveling mechanism and a posture adjustment mechanism. The posture adjustment mechanism is used for keeping the base balanced all the time and the traveling mechanism is used for driving the entire device to travel and turn around more flexibly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventor: Renhang LU
  • Publication number: 20190193799
    Abstract: A device for joining a lens to a housing of a lighting device of a motor vehicle, having a receptacle device for accommodating and securing the housing, a pre-centering device for aligning and clamping the lens on the housing during an alignment procedure, and having a holding device for accommodating the lens after the alignment procedure and for holding the lens during an adjustment process, wherein the holding device is releasably attached to the pre-centering device by fastening elements during the alignment operation, and wherein the pre-centering device, together with the accommodated lens and the holding device attached to the pre-centering device is movable relative to the receptacle device during the alignment procedure such that the lens and the holding device can be aligned on the housing accommodated in the receptacle device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Applicant: HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Andreas SCHUETTE
  • Publication number: 20190193800
    Abstract: A bicycle telescopic apparatus includes a first tube, a second tube, a positioning structure, a memory, and a controller. The second tube is telescopically received in the first tube and configured to be adjustably movable with respect to the first tube in a longitudinal direction of the bicycle telescopic apparatus. The positioning structure includes an electrical actuator to adjustably position the second tube relative to the first tube in the longitudinal direction. The memory is configured to store setting information for a predetermined relative position of the first tube and the second tube, and the setting information is changed via an electrical setting operation. The controller is configured to control the electrical actuator to position the second tube relative to the first tube at the predetermined relative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Nobukatsu Hara, Satoshi Shahana, Toyoto Shirai, Yuki Sakagawa, Yuta Kurokawa
  • Publication number: 20190193801
    Abstract: A bicycle seatpost system comprises an electric actuator, a remote controller, and a seatpost controller. The electric actuator is to change a state of a bicycle seatpost assembly between a lock state where a total length of the bicycle seatpost assembly is invariable, and an adjustable state where the total length of the bicycle seatpost assembly is variable. The remote controller is configured to transmit a first control signal and a second control signal different from the first control signal. The seatpost controller is configured to control the electric actuator to change the state of the bicycle seatpost assembly to the adjustable state based on one of the first control signal and the second control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Nobukatsu HARA, Hiroshi MATSUDA
  • Publication number: 20190193802
    Abstract: A bicycle seatpost assembly comprises an electric actuator and a seatpost controller. The electric actuator is to change a state of the bicycle seatpost assembly between a lock state where a total length of the bicycle seatpost assembly is invariable, and an adjustable state where the total length of the bicycle seatpost assembly is variable. The seatpost controller is configured to control the electric actuator to maintain the adjustable state during an adjustment period selectable from a plurality of predetermined adjustment periods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Nobukatsu HARA, Hiroshi MATSUDA
  • Publication number: 20190193803
    Abstract: Various electric balance vehicles are described. In some embodiments, the vehicle has first and second housings with platforms to support a user's feet. The first and second housings can be rotatable relative to each other. The vehicle can have first and second wheel assemblies. A support member can extend within tapered portions of the first and second housings. In some embodiments, one of the first and second housings can rotate relative to the support member and the other of the housings can be rotationally fixed relative to the support member. The vehicle can balance and provide locomotion to the user. The vehicle can be light, compact, and/or have a low center of gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Ian Desberg, Robert Hadley, Robert Chen
  • Publication number: 20190193804
    Abstract: A bicycle frame includes a front triangle that has a top tube, a down tube, and a seat tube. A bottom side of the top tube includes a cavity. The bicycle frame also includes a seat stay assembly that has a first seat stay, a second seat stay, and a seat stay yoke that connects the first seat stay and the second seat stay. The seat stay yoke is configured to at least partially fit within the cavity on the bottom side of the top tube. The bicycle frame further includes an inline shock assembly that has a stanchion and a shock. At least a portion of the stanchion is configured to fit within the seat stay yoke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Edward A. Alsop, Benjamin Blaise Fullerton, JR., Brian Gerhard Bentler
  • Publication number: 20190193805
    Abstract: A light attached to an end of a hollow handlebar of a bicycle includes a first portion (a portion exposed outside the handlebar) accommodating a light emitting unit and a battery; a second portion (an insertion portion) configured to be inserted into the hollow handlebar to fix the light to the handlebar; and an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a maximum width of the second portion, the second portion having a space therein, the adjustment mechanism adjusting the maximum width of the second portion by using a rod-shaped member extending through the space in the second portion in an axial direction of the second portion to change an axial length of the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Applicant: Cateye Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nagano, Satoshi Tsukamoto
  • Publication number: 20190193806
    Abstract: In one example, a structure for attaching a wheel to one of a frame of a motorcycle or a bicycle may include an axle having first and second opposing end portions and supporting a wheel, a left axle support collar structure configured to support the first opposing end portion of the axle, and a right axle support collar structure configured to support the second opposing end portion of the axle. A first bearing is positioned in the left axle support collar structure, and a second bearing is positioned in the left axle support collar structure. The axle rotates relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Applicant: YETI CYCLING, LLC
    Inventor: Steven W. Hoogendoom
  • Publication number: 20190193807
    Abstract: A rear wheel suspension adjusting arrangement for use in a vehicle includes a configuration adjusting arrangement and an activating arrangement. The vehicle includes a frame having a front and a back, a suspended rear drive wheel that supports the frame, and a suspension system for connecting the rear drive wheel to the frame. The configuration adjusting arrangement is capable of changing the positioning of the suspension system relative to the frame such that the suspension system may be moved into an uphill configuration when the vehicle is traveling uphill and such that the suspension system may be moved into a downhill configuration when the vehicle is traveling downhill. The activating arrangement activates the changing of the configuration adjusting arrangement to cause the configuration adjusting arrangement to change the positioning of the suspension system relative to the frame while the vehicle is being used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventor: Jeffrey Michael
  • Publication number: 20190193808
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a mobile performance system, and methods of making and using such a mobile performance system, whereby the mobile performance system includes: a frame; a front wheel coupled to the frame proximate a frame front end; a pair of rear wheels coupled to the frame proximate a frame rear end; a drive mechanism coupled to the frame, the drive mechanism operable to drive travel of the mobile performance system along a travel path; a steering assembly coupled to the frame, the steering assembly operable to steer the mobile performance system along the travel path; and a platform coupled to the frame, the platform adapted to support a performer performing a performance while the mobile performance system travels along the travel path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Applicant: Yucca Dune, Inc.
    Inventor: Tim Ryschon
  • Publication number: 20190193809
    Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle, such as a scooter, includes at least one battery and motor for powering at least one driven wheel. The vehicle also includes a braking assembly configured to isolate the motor from the at least one driven wheel such that power is terminated from the motor to the at least one wheel in response to a user engaging a braking assembly of the vehicle. The vehicle can include a switch or position sensor that interacts with the braking assembly to initiate the isolation of the motor from the at least one driven wheel and the switch or position sensor preferably is inaccessible to the foot of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Robert Hadley, Robert Chen
  • Publication number: 20190193810
    Abstract: A human-powered vehicle control device includes an electronic controller that controls a motor used to assist in propulsion of a human-powered vehicle. The electronic controller is selectively settable to a first control state that controls the motor in accordance with human drive force and a second control state that controls the motor in accordance with human drive force so that a ratio of an output of the motor to the human drive force is greater than that of the first control state. In the first control state, the electronic controller controls the motor so that a response speed of the motor with respect to a change in the human drive force is equal to a first response speed. In the second control state, the electronic controller controls the motor so that the response speed is equal to a second response speed that is slower than the first response speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventor: Yasuhiro TSUCHIZAWA
  • Publication number: 20190193811
    Abstract: A driving control method for an electric bicycle includes: a starting step of supplying the electric power to the electric motor (41) of the electric driving unit (40) and the driving control unit (80) and making the electric bicycle ready to move using the electric power upon a start signal; a constant speed driving step of moving the electric bicycle at a constant rotational speed under the control of the electric driving unit (40), regardless of the pedaling power is provided; a constant speed driving releasing step of automatically discontinuing the constant speed driving step; and a slope skidding prevention step of preventing the electric bicycle from being pushed, in a moving direction or in an opposite direction to the moving direction when the electric bicycle starts and stops on a slope by applying a high load and a counter electromotive force to the electric driving unit (40) and the electric motor (41).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Gyu Chang KIM, Do Hwan LEE, Jun Cheol CHOI, Jeong Sam KIM
  • Publication number: 20190193812
    Abstract: A drive assemblage is described for a vehicle drivable by muscle energy and/or—in particular additionally—by motor energy, to an electric bicycle, e-bike, or pedelec, having: a crank spindle rotatable around a rotation axis for receiving a first torque that is generated in particular by muscle energy; and a transfer device that is embodied to transfer the first torque from the crank spindle to an output drive element couplable to a drive wheel of the vehicle, and is embodied, by way of an—in particular automatically—shiftable spur gear transmission, for a variable conversion ratio, in which: the spur gear transmission has a first shiftable spur gear transmission and a second shiftable spur gear transmission separate therefrom; the first shiftable spur gear transmission and the second shiftable spur gear transmission have a common transmission output to the couplable output drive element; and the first shiftable spur gear transmission and the second shiftable spur gear transmission are couplable alternatingly
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Markus Hinterkausen, Peter Kimmich