Patents Issued in January 30, 2020
  • Publication number: 20200031383
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a shroud; a steering shaft, which is supported by the shroud; a support bracket, a clamp, and a clamp mechanism. The support bracket is configured to be secured to a fixed part of the vehicle and includes two arms that depend from a base portion to embrace the shroud. The clamp pin extends through an opening in each of the arms of the support bracket and in a slot in the shroud. The clamp mechanism is movable between an unclamped position in which the shroud can move relative to the support bracket and a clamped position in which the shroud is fixed relative to the support bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: TRW Steering Systems Poland Sp. Z.o.o.
    Inventors: Pawel Ponikiewski, Artur Wojtalik
  • Publication number: 20200031384
    Abstract: A support bracket assembly, for fixing a shroud of a steering column assembly to a vehicle, includes: a support bracket fixable to the shroud; and a capsule assembly for interconnecting the support bracket with a fixed part of the vehicle. The capsule assembly further includes a capsule body; and an energy-absorbing strap; wherein the capsule body and energy-absorbing strap are configured to be fixed to the fixed part of the vehicle. Prior to an application of a predetermined force to the support bracket, the capsule body, energy-absorbing strap, and support bracket are interconnected by a connector and further wherein, upon application of the predetermined force to the support bracket, the connector is configured to separate from the capsule body whilst continuing to interconnect the energy-absorbing strap and support bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: TRW Steering Systems Poland Sp. Z.o.o.
    Inventors: Pawel Ponikiewski, Artur Wojtalik
  • Publication number: 20200031385
    Abstract: There is provided an electric power steering device, including: a reverse steering detection unit configured to determine start of reverse steering when a magnitude of a rotational speed of a motor is equal to or smaller than a set speed, a rotational acceleration of the motor is in a direction of causing the rotational speed of the motor to become 0, and a magnitude of the rotational acceleration of the motor is equal to or larger than a set acceleration; and a current command control unit configured to output a current command for the motor based on the steering torque or the rotational speed of the motor, in which the current command control unit is configured to increase a transfer gain from input to output by the current command control unit when the reverse steering detection unit determines start of the reverse steering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Isao KEZOBO, Kenta TANAKA, Akira FURUKAWA, Masaharu TANAKA, Akiyoshi TAKASHIMA
  • Publication number: 20200031386
    Abstract: A motor-driven power steering apparatus includes an auxiliary output generation unit configured to generate an auxiliary output of a motor by using at least one of a vehicle speed, a steering angle and a column torque; a compensation gain generation unit configured to generate a compensation gain for compensating for a steering pull of a vehicle by a rapid acceleration during a turn, by using at least one of the vehicle speed, the steering angle and the column torque; and an auxiliary output compensation unit configured to compensate for an auxiliary output by applying the compensation gain outputted by the compensation gain generation unit to the auxiliary output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Tae Hong KIM
  • Publication number: 20200031387
    Abstract: A method for controlling a power steering system utilizes a vehicle having a motor, a controller coupled to the motor, and a steering assembly. The method includes detecting a steering rate using the controller and determining a vehicle speed. A base level steering damping is computed using the steering rate and the vehicle speed. At least one approximate vehicle acceleration is determined. A steering torque of the steering assembly is sensed through a torque sensor configured to sense the steering torque of the steering assembly. Moreover, a user torque is determined using the torque sensor. A damping boost is computed using the user torque and the at least one approximate vehicle acceleration. A final steering damping gain is determined using the base level steering damping and the damping boost. The final steering damping gain is applied to the steering assembly to minimize unwanted feedback to the steering assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: Kongsberg Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Gagné, Nicolas Girard, Simon Bédard, Alexandre Frigon
  • Publication number: 20200031388
    Abstract: A motor oil pump assembly includes: an oil pump component is supported on an end cover of a motor component, and an upper end cover of the oil pump component has an end cover cavity that runs through the upper end cover and in communication with a high-pressure cavity of the oil pump component; an inner sound insulation enclosure encloses the oil pump component and is in communication with a low-pressure cavity of the oil pump component, and the inner sound insulation enclosure and the oil pump component define an inner sound insulation cavity filled with low-pressure oil; and a pre-tightening buffering component includes a piston and an elastic member, the piston fits in with the end cover cavity to isolate the high-pressure cavity from the inner sound insulation cavity, and the elastic member is elastically sandwiched between the piston and the inner sound insulation enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: BYD COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Shenglin YANG, Jun LI, Hui XUE, Guojie RAO, Yan LIU, Tao WANG, Kunzhen YANG, Yanzi LI, Taiji CHEN
  • Publication number: 20200031389
    Abstract: A steering system includes a drag link having a first support bushing opposite a second support bushing, a first steering hydraulic cylinder operably connected to the drag link, a second steering hydraulic cylinder operably connected to the drag link, a first tie rod operably connected to the drag link, and a second tie rod operably connected to the drag link. Each of the first and second cylinders and first and second tie rods are arranged to apply a corresponding radial force that is distributed between the first and second support bushings. One or more of the first and second steering cylinders and/or the first and second tie rods is positioned relative to the drag link to minimize a net summation of the first and second cylinder radial forces and the first and second tie rod radial forces that are applied to the first and second support bushings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: David M. Steele
  • Publication number: 20200031390
    Abstract: An electromagnetic motor comprising an inner stator comprising a plurality of stator teeth, each surrounded by one or more turns of electrical wire, a controller which generates a set of currents that are applied to phase windings of the inner stator to generate a pattern of magnetic poles spaced around the inner stator, the spacing between the magnetic poles being larger than the spacing between adjacent teeth of the inner stator, an outer stator that is concentric with the inner stator and comprises an alternating set of magnet poles, the spacing between adjacent magnet poles being smaller than the spacing of the magnetic poles of a first array created by the controller, and an intermediate rotor part that is located between the inner stator and the outer stator and comprises an array of pole pieces, in which the pole pieces of the intermediate rotor part shape a magnetic flux acting between the inner and outer stators, and whereby in use the controller is arranged to control a torque applied to the rotor p
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: TRW Limited
    Inventor: Connel Brett Williams
  • Publication number: 20200031391
    Abstract: An oscillation limited driven steering track assembly includes a track mechanism coupled to and driven by a hydraulic motor. The motor is pivotally secured about a steering axis to a stub axle which partially supports a land vehicle. A longitudinally extensible and retractable apparatus extends between the track mechanism and the stub axle. One end of the apparatus is pivotally secured to a post secured to and extending from the track mechanism parallel with the motor shaft axis of rotation. A yoke is provided between the apparatus other end and pivotally secures the apparatus to the stub axle about the steering axis and, also, about a pivot axis perpendicular to the steering axis. Oscillation of the track mechanism about the motor shaft is limited by the apparatus. Simultaneously, the apparatus does not interfere with the track mechanism while the mechanism is rotated about the steering axis for steering the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: Terra Drive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kasandra Coverdale
  • Publication number: 20200031392
    Abstract: A system for calibrating a backup assist system for a trailer attached to a vehicle is provided which includes a hitch sensor continuously measuring a hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer. A controller is configured to determine an offset of the measured hitch angle. The controller is configured to calculate and store in memory a forward offset if no reverse offset is stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Joseph M. Raad, Donald Jacob Mattern
  • Publication number: 20200031393
    Abstract: There is provided a display device for a vehicle, the display device including: a display unit that is visible to an occupant of a vehicle; a memory; and a processor that is connected to the memory, the processor changing a content image displayed on the display unit so as to be displayed in the same direction as a direction in which a travel path of the vehicle curves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiro HIROTA, Koji AIKAWA, Shigeto MURAMATU
  • Publication number: 20200031394
    Abstract: A driving assistance apparatus includes: an assist device configured to perform a steering assist in which a steering torque for steering a vehicle in a direction away from a pedestrian is applied to the vehicle; and a canceller configured to cancel the steering assist if a cancellation condition is satisfied. The cancellation condition includes: a first condition caused by that at least a part of a traffic lane is not recognized; and a second condition caused by that a vehicle operation by a driver is performed. The canceller applies a steering torque in an opposite direction, which is opposite to a direction of the steering torque applied by the steering assist, to the vehicle if the first condition is satisfied, and is configured to increase a torque change amount per unit time of the steering torque in the opposite direction in comparison with when the second condition is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Miyuki KAMATANI, Minami SATO, Kazuyuki FUJITA
  • Publication number: 20200031395
    Abstract: A parking assist system is provided with: a first estimator configured to estimate a first time, which is a time required for a parking control preliminary operation of manually moving a vehicle to a position in which the parking control can be started; a second estimator configured to estimate a second time, which is a time required for a manual parking operation of manually parking the vehicle in a parking space; a determinator configured to determine whether or not it is in a situation to perform the manual parking operation rather than the parking control preliminary operation, on the basis of the first time and the second time; and a proposing device configured to propose performing the manual parking operation to an occupant of the vehicle if it is determined that it is in the situation to perform the manual parking operation rather than the parking control preliminary operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Issei MATSUNAGA, Koji TAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20200031396
    Abstract: A system and method for guiding an articulated vehicle having at least a first section and a second section includes one or more sensors positioned separately from the vehicle and adapted to detect the positions of and the angle between the first and second sections. The system also may include one or more position sensors located on the vehicle. A computing system that may be on the vehicle or positioned separately from the vehicle receives the position data and includes a pose-determining algorithm for determining the position and orientation of the vehicle and a guidance-determining algorithm for determining guidance commands to guide the vehicle to a target position. A communications device communicates the guidance commands or sensed position and/or angle information to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Sean Nicholas BRENNAN, James Theodore DORRIS
  • Publication number: 20200031397
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a parking assistance device capable of computing a parking path that is suitable for given circumstances or user's needs. A parking assistance device of the present invention is a parking assistance device for assisting in parking a vehicle in a parking space provided on one side of a road, the parking assistance device being configured to compute a first parking path for starting moving the vehicle forward from the initial position thereof, and a second parking path for starting moving the vehicle backward from the initial position thereof, select one of the first parking path or the second parking path on the basis of a preset evaluation function, and set the selected path as a parking path to be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: CLARION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Noriyasu HASEJIMA, Takehito OGATA, Makoto ISHINODA, Shinya TAGAWA
  • Publication number: 20200031398
    Abstract: A peripheral monitoring device according to an embodiment includes an acquirer configured to acquire a first image generated by an imaging device, and acquire a steering angle of a vehicle, the imaging device that images an area behind the vehicle; a calculator configured to calculate an estimate of trajectory of a first coupling device from the steering angle, the first coupling device being mounted on the vehicle to couple the vehicle to a towed vehicle; and an output configured to display the first image on a display screen for use in an interior of the vehicle and to superimpose a second image on the first image on the display screen. The second image is of a linear shape representing the estimate of trajectory. The linear shape widens continuously or in stages as being away from a vehicle-side end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuya MARUOKA, Kazuya WATANABE, Takayuki NAKASHO, Masahiko SAKABE, Kazunori ONO
  • Publication number: 20200031399
    Abstract: A lower vehicle body structure for a vehicle includes a floor panel, a pair of side frames, a battery, a left and right pair of side sills, a cross-member, an impact absorption member, and a reinforcement member. The impact absorption member is disposed at a lower surface side of the floor panel and at a position overlapping the cross-member in a front-rear direction of the vehicle body so as to extend in a vehicle width direction between the side frames and the side sills. Also, the impact absorption member is joined to the side frames and the side sills. The reinforcement member is disposed in the cross-member to extend in the vehicle width direction between portions of the cross-member, which correspond to the left and right pair of side frames in the vehicle width direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yamato MATSUDA, Nobuyuki NAKAYAMA, Shuji MURAOKA
  • Publication number: 20200031400
    Abstract: A covering of an outer sill of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, has a covering region and a mounting region, which extend between first and second ends of the covering along a direction of longitudinal extension. The mounting region extends in a first direction of transverse extension perpendicular to the direction of longitudinal extension and has mounting elements in order to be able to be mounted on an underside of the outer sill for a mounted state. The mounting region has a lateral edge facing away from the covering region in the direction of longitudinal extension, which has recesses between mounting elements, which are formed such that sections of the lateral edge of the mounting region extend in a recessed manner in the first direction of transverse extension towards the covering region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Markus ROTTELBERGER, Harald LATHWESEN, Wilhelm RIEDL
  • Publication number: 20200031401
    Abstract: A vehicle hood is disclosed and is movable to access an engine compartment. A compartment defining a storage space is accessible through a lid within the closure panel. The compartment includes a temperature control system maintaining a temperature within the storage space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Mark Wisneski
  • Publication number: 20200031402
    Abstract: A cabin front wall structure of a vehicle includes a dash panel constituting a front wall of a cabin of a vehicle, an accelerator bracket attached to the dash panel, and used for mounting an accelerator pedal, a brake bracket attached to the dash panel at a position spaced from the accelerator bracket in a vehicle width direction, and used for mounting a brake pedal; and a brace (connection member) extending along a surface of the dash panel and configured to connect the accelerator bracket with the brake bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Motoki Tanaka, Koji Saeki
  • Publication number: 20200031403
    Abstract: A fender structure for a vehicle includes: a fender panel that is disposed on a lateral surface of a vehicle-body front portion; a reinforcing member that supports the fender panel from the inner side in the vehicle width direction; a first engagement portion that is able to engage with a top end portion of the fender panel; a second engagement portion that is able to engage with a bottom end portion of the fender panel; and a spring portion that biases the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion with an elastic restoring force in the vehicle height direction in which the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are separated from each other in a state in which the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion engage with the top end portion and the bottom end portion of the fender panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Shuichi ASO
  • Publication number: 20200031404
    Abstract: A fender flare for attachment to a fender of a vehicle, the fender flare having a flap and a support system operatively connected to the flap to attach the flap to the fender. The support system has a trim having or being capable of adopting a U-shaped configuration. To improve connection to the fender, the support system can have a carrier embedded within the walls of the trim or protrusions projecting from the walls of the trim to facilitate a gripping action of the walls against the fender. Fasteners can also be used to facilitate securement of the support system to the fender. A thinned segment between the trim and the flap can be used to eliminate certain distortions in the fender flare and for efficient packaging. A seal projecting obliquely from the first wall at a top end of the first wall may be used to keep debris out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Ken Siegel, Tien Tran
  • Publication number: 20200031405
    Abstract: An electric-propulsion car includes: a main frame, a front axle unit, a rear axle unit, wherein the axle units each have an auxiliary frame for supporting the axle units and two suspension units that connect two respective wheel supports to the supporting auxiliary frame, wherein at least one of the axle units is a motorized axle with steering wheels including, mounted on said auxiliary frame, an electric motor for actuating the rotation of the wheels, a control unit for controlling said electric motor, a transmission unit for connecting the electric motor to the wheels, and a steering device for steering the wheel supports, and wherein each one of the main frame and auxiliary frames includes a reticular lattice structure including boxed elements made of steel, each one of the main frame and auxiliary frames being adapted to be pre-assembled separately and then assembled together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Pietro Perlo, Pietro Guerrieri, Marco Biasiotto, Davide Penserini
  • Publication number: 20200031406
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle rack comprising a bed mount configured to be mounted on a vehicle bed, the bed mount comprising: a mounting plate including a first portion adjacent to an inner wall of the vehicle bed, a second portion adjacent to an outer wall of the vehicle bed, and a third portion connecting the first and second portions, at least two mounting shaft sleeves attached to the second portion of the mounting plate, and a receptacle configured to be detachably connected to the bed mount, the receptacle comprising: at least two mounting shafts, each configured to be inserted into a corresponding one of the at least two mounting shaft sleeves, a plurality of pairs of through holes in the mounting shafts, and at least one stop pin configured to be positioned within at least one pair of the plurality of pairs of through holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Robert FLORES
  • Publication number: 20200031407
    Abstract: A turntable lubrication device for lubricating sliding mating surfaces of a base plate and an upper plate, the device comprising; —a casing, and —a lubricating grease contained and sealed within the casing, which lubrication device is intended to be manually positioned on the mating surface of the base plate and ruptured under pressure of the upper plate when the upper plate is positioned on top of the base plate, thereby allowing the grease to be distributed between the mating surfaces. The lubrication device is elongated and plastically formable, thus allowing the device to be shaped and curved so that it substantially follows a circumferential shape of the base plate such that the grease is evenly distributed over the sliding mating surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Tore Jenssen
  • Publication number: 20200031408
    Abstract: A radio-controlled vehicle having a frame, a left undercarriage and a right undercarriage; wherein the frame has a front guide and a rear guide, each configured to house a respective cylinder; each undercarriage having a front slide and a rear slide, which are connected in a sliding manner to the front guide and to the rear guide, respectively; wherein each cylinder is configured to selectively vary the distance between the longitudinal axis of the frame and the longitudinal axis of each undercarriage; wherein each undercarriage comprises an anti-derailment plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Mario Di Biase
  • Publication number: 20200031409
    Abstract: A track shoe cover is disclosed. The track shoe cover may include a roller engaging surface, and a shoe engaging surface. The shoe engaging surface may comprise a shoe engaging recess defined on at least two opposite sides by a set of side walls, and a respective attachment groove included in the set of side walls. The respective attachment groove may be configured to facilitate mechanical connection of the track shoe cover and a crawler shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Jones, Paul Prest
  • Publication number: 20200031410
    Abstract: In some examples, a shoe pad for a grouser of a vehicle track defines a slot configured to receive a bracket that is configured to attach the shoe pad to a grouser. For example, a first arm of a bracket may be inserted into the slot and a second arm of the bracket may be configured to contact an interior side of a grouser of a vehicle track to attach the shoe pad to the grouser. In some examples, the shoe pad and the bracket may be held to the grouser with the aid of a bolt, which bolt may not extend through the grouser, but, rather, may merely engage with an exterior side of the grouser. In this way, the shoe pad may be able to be attached to a grouser without requiring one or more holes to be present in the grouser, while still providing a relatively tight fit with the grouser the shoe pad is configured to cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Woo Young Jee, Dennis Hyunsuk Jee
  • Publication number: 20200031411
    Abstract: A walking mud handling system may include a walking mud tank and a plurality of hydraulic walkers coupled to the walking mud tank. Each hydraulic walker may include a walking foot, a hydraulic lift, and a sliding actuator. The hydraulic lift may include a hydraulic cylinder coupled to the walking foot such that extension of the hydraulic cylinder extends the walking foot into contact with the ground. The sliding actuator may include one or more hydraulic cylinders coupled to the walking foot such that extension of the sliding actuator moves the walking foot laterally relative to the hydraulic lift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Ashish GUPTA, Ralph SHAMAS, JR.
  • Publication number: 20200031412
    Abstract: Disclosed is a configurable workstation for coupling to a utility vehicle. The workstation allows for fast, simple, and secure mounting to the utility vehicle by way of a conforming surface engaging with the utility vehicle's rear platform or bagwell. The workstation is configurable in a number of customized forms depending on the use requirements of the utility vehicle and workstation and may include drawers, an interchangeable work surface with or without a backsplash, cabinets, or bins in many different combinations. Examples of the interchangeable work surface include a countertop, a wooden or metal workbench, and other removable and exchangeable work surfaces according to the application desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Michael White, John Sido
  • Publication number: 20200031413
    Abstract: The disclosure provides an electric scooter storage method based on a scooter storage box. The scooter storage box is configured to store at least one electric scooter, The scooter storage box includes a box body, a bracket arranged in the box body and used for storing the electric scooter, an access port, and an interaction device. The method further includes: if the interaction device detects a scooter taking-out instruction, verifying identity information of a scooter taking-out user; if the verification is passed, conveying the electric scooter to the access port, and opening the access port; and if it is detected that the electric scooter is taken out from the bracket, recording renting information of the electric scooter, the renting information at least including: user information of a scooter taking-out user who takes out the electric scooter, and identification information and renting time of the electric scooter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Xuewen CHEN
  • Publication number: 20200031414
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bracket and a scooter storage box having same. The bracket is used for storing an electric scooter. The bracket includes: a chassis, the chassis being provided with a recess portion for receiving a wheel of the electric scooter, the chassis being further provided with a carrying surface urging against the lower surface of a scooter body of the electric scooter; and a charging portion, electrically connected to the electric scooter to charge the electric scooter. The electric scooter may be limited and carried by the cooperation of the recess portion on the chassis of the bracket and the carrying surface, so that the electric scooter may be steadily stored. Furthermore, the electric scooter may also be charged by the charging potion to meet the charging needs of the electric scooter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Xuewen CHEN
  • Publication number: 20200031415
    Abstract: An open-cabin vehicle is provided that makes it possible to enjoy the convenience provided by electronic devices while suppressing electric power consumption and also suppressing a reduction in the convenience of the open-cabin vehicle. An identification signal transmission unit inside an electric power control apparatus of an open-cabin vehicle intermittently transmits an identification signal (ID). A response signal reception unit receives a response signal (RE) that is transmitted from a portable terminal in response to the identification signal (ID) without any operation by a rider on the portable terminal or the open-cabin vehicle. When the response signal reception unit receives the response signal (RE), a command unit commands current conduction in a first electric power supply circuit and does not command current conduction in a second electric power supply circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi SHIBUYA, Kotaro ONISHI, Tomohiro TAKEUCHI
  • Publication number: 20200031416
    Abstract: A modular electric bicycle with the classic diamond frame design which has been designed to accommodate a d-c rechargeable battery pack within its top, down and seat tube and conceal all electrical wiring inside the frame. The modular electric bicycle has been designed in order to ease the maintenance of electronic components and replace obsolete electronics just as easily as conventional bicycles can have mechanical components replaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Matteo Giuseppe Matsuura Frontini
  • Publication number: 20200031417
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations a motorized tricycle includes a lean mechanism and an active system that is operably coupled to the lean mechanism that receives an signal indicative of an interaction with human, that is operable to detect a lean of the body of the human and that is operable to receive a sensed movement on the seat via multisensory devices, and to generate and send a signal to the lean mechanism from the signal, the lean and the sensed movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: TerraCraft Motors Inc.
    Inventors: James Wesley Abbott, Bailey H. Jones
  • Publication number: 20200031418
    Abstract: A foot-controlled personal transportation device having a drive wheel and a foot platform, with the drive wheel preferably located below the platform. Device driving may be controlled by a position sensor and a control circuit that drives the device toward auto-balancing. The device can be detachably coupled to various accessories to change or expand the function of the device. The device can also exist as a permanently attached drive unit in a complete non-auto-balancing vehicle such as a skateboard or scooter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Shane Chen, Jennifer Lynn Chen, Ywanne Ying Chen
  • Publication number: 20200031419
    Abstract: A motorcycle frame including a left side frame member, a right side frame member, and a steering head member positioned along a longitudinal center plane of the frame between the left and right side frame members. The steering head member includes a steering head portion defining a steering axis. A plurality of fastener joints are established between the steering head member, the left side frame member, and the right side frame member, the plurality of fastener joints positioned rearward of the steering head portion. A fastener joint, separate from the plurality of fastener joints, is established rearward of the plurality of fastener joints between the steering head and the left side frame member. A fastener joint, separate from the plurality of fastener joints, is established rearward of the plurality of fastener joints between the steering head and the right side frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Joseph Dennert, Jared P. Thede, Brian Scherbarth, Eric John Konkel, John W. Schanz
  • Publication number: 20200031420
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a frame, a wheel coupled to the frame, and a battery assembly including a housing supported by the frame. The housing includes a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side. A drive assembly of the electric vehicle is at least partially enclosed within a drive housing unit. The drive assembly includes a motor configured to receive power from the battery assembly and a gear assembly configured to transmit torque from the motor to the wheel. The drive housing unit is positioned below the bottom side of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: David Isaac Aunkst, Samuel Nicholas Reitinger, Eric James Klumpp, Ronald Hurth, Ben Matthew Lund
  • Publication number: 20200031421
    Abstract: A straddle vehicle of the present invention includes: a vehicle body frame member; a rotatably supporting member supporting a front wheel; a support arm supporting the rotatably supporting member, the support arm extending rearward from the rotatably supporting member; a pair of upper and lower link members pivotally connected to the support arm at two locations on a rear portion of the support arm at least on one side of the vehicle body in a vehicle width direction, the two locations being spaced in the upward-downward direction, the pair of upper and lower link members extending rearward from the support arm, each of the link members having a rear portion pivotally connected to the vehicle body frame member; a handle; and a handle supporting member removably coupled to the vehicle body frame member and supporting the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Masato Kogirima, Hiroshi Ishii, Kazuhiro Ichikawa, Taro Iwamoto
  • Publication number: 20200031422
    Abstract: A bicycle apparatus with interchangeable front fork is disclosed. The bicycle comprises a frame and a quick release assembly for securing the removable front fork attachment assembly to the bicycle frame's head tube. The interchangeable front fork attachment assembly and quick release assembly allows for the quick interchanging of front fork with varying attachments which utilize different methods to achieve motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Robert Allen Erickson
  • Publication number: 20200031423
    Abstract: A two-wheel, self-balancing transportation device having a foot platform zone associated with each wheel. Various sensor or control arrangements are disclosed. In one embodiment, torsion sensing is used to determine a rider's fore-aft weight distribution on one foot platform zone relative to the other. The torsion-based sensing is preferably combined with fore-aft platform position sensing to achieve a driving and turning of the device. In another embodiment, pressure sensors are used to determine a rider's fore-aft weight distribution on one foot platform zone relative to the other. In yet another embodiment, a relative position sensor is used to determine the relative position of movable platforms sections. Other features and embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Shane Chen, Ywanne Chen
  • Publication number: 20200031424
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an adjustable suspension system for a vehicle comprises at least one strut. In one embodiment, the stanchion (or slider) is non-uniform with a major and minor circumferential stiffness and is adjustable relative to a fore and aft axis of the vehicle in order to provide a differing amount of stiffness relative thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario GALASSO, Wesley E. ALLINGER
  • Publication number: 20200031425
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a battery having a housing. The housing includes a rear side which is defined as a side facing away from a forward travelling direction of the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle further includes a frame, a motor having a housing, and a pivot shaft stack-up assembly co-aligned along a pivot shaft axis. The pivot shaft stack-up assembly includes first and second portions of the frame, a swingarm extending therebetween, and an idler bracket. A shock mount is integral with the battery housing. The shock mount extends from the rear side of the battery housing. The battery housing is configured as a stressed chassis member in which each of the motor housing, the frame, and the pivot shaft stack-up assembly are aligned thereof. The shock mount provides a path along which a load is directed to the battery housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: David Isaac Aunkst, Curt Zackiewicz, Ronald Hurth, Brandon James Deaner, Brian M. Scherbarth, Eric James Klumpp, Senthilkumar Vijayakumar
  • Publication number: 20200031426
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a forward frame portion, a rear frame portion, and a motion control system that movably interconnects the forward frame portion and the rear frame portion. A forward acceleration of the rear frame portion resulting from a driving force imparted by a wheel supported by the rear frame portion imparts a first force onto the motion control system that counters a second force imparted on the motion control system by an acceleration of a payload supported by the forward frame portion as a result of the forward acceleration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Darrell W. Voss
  • Publication number: 20200031427
    Abstract: Conventional bicycle pedals and cleats are provided in a myriad of specific designs. Cleat designs offer varying amounts of relative movement between the pedal and cleat to accommodate the needs of cyclists. However there exists room for improvement in existing designs for a cleat which improves a cyclist's pedaling technique and pedaling efficiency, which in turn reduces the likelihood of knee and other injuries, whilst at the same time reducing the rate of cleat wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Craig FOUCHE, Antoni Ryszard KOWALEWSKI
  • Publication number: 20200031428
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, powertrain unit having output shaft, and a drive sprocket coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith. A swing arm has a first end pivotably coupled to the frame and a second end supporting a drive wheel of the vehicle. A wheel sprocket is coupled to the drive wheel for rotation therewith, and a flexible final drive member is wrapped around the drive sprocket and the wheel sprocket to establish a driving relationship therebetween, the flexible final drive member forming a loop. An idler bracket is fixed with respect to the frame and supporting both an upper idler and a backside idler. The upper idler is positioned within the loop such that the flexible member engages an upper side of the upper idler. The backside idler is positioned outside the loop such that the flexible member engages an upper side of the backside idler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Ben Matthew Lund, Senthilkumar Vijayakumar, Steven D. Grant
  • Publication number: 20200031429
    Abstract: Provided is a hull of a boat including a central portion of a bottom of the hull, side portions of the bottom of the hull, lateral to the central portion of the bottom of the hull, the central portion of the bottom of the hull being substantially lowered in a substantially discontinuous way with respect to the side portions of the bottom of the hull, central side walls separating the central portion of the bottom of the hull from the side portions of the bottom of the hull. The hull also having external side walls laterally external to the side portions of the bottom of the hull.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Maurizio DE GIACOMO
  • Publication number: 20200031430
    Abstract: A collapsible folding boat that includes two or more hulls. The individual hulls can either be directly connected together or connected using one or more structural members. In addition, the multiple hull folding boat can make use of inflatable air chambers and/or rigid components as part of its final assembly. The multiple hulls of the multiple hull folding boat can also be separated for use as individual collapsible boats. The multiple hull folding boat can include one or more seats for use by persons in the boat, and these seats can be placed in a lateral or longitudinal arrangement. The multiple hull folding boat also includes a removable floor design to present a dry floor to the inside of the boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Roland Edward Heersink
  • Publication number: 20200031431
    Abstract: An anchoring device may be arranged above or below a body of water and may secure or anchor watercraft to at least one vertical object and/or horizontally-positioned object. The anchoring device may provide a clamping mechanism that may secure the anchoring device to the at least one vertical object and/or horizontally-positioned object. The anchoring device may be integrated or fixed to watercraft, such as at a seat pedestal. The anchoring device also may be used without being integrated or fixed to watercraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Gregory Robinson
  • Publication number: 20200031432
    Abstract: A long, wide, and low-profile mono-hull vessel able to meet the requirements for an efficient, rapid, and reliable inland waterway container transport system. A shallow draft container carrier may comprise a self-propelled semi-monocoque mono-hull vessel having a double radius ogive bow and octet truss space frame structure. Additional features such as a forward bridge, full beam stern, and distributed electric propulsion system elements may be included. The design provides a vessel that is large, strong, ridged, and fast, able to operate in shallow water, resistant to debris accumulation, with large cargo capacity and low wind load, and potentially with zero-turn radius capability. The aspect ratio provides high capacity with high speed, low drag and fuel-efficient hull form. Integral bow and stern thrusters may provide enhanced safety, control, speed, maneuverability, and zero-turn radius capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Gregg George CREPPEL