Patents Issued in April 21, 2020
  • Patent number: 10625789
    Abstract: A roof frame structure for a bus is provided. The structure includes a plurality of bow members that are spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the bus and a plurality of support members that are disposed between the plurality of bow members. Each bow member is extended in a lateral direction of the bus and at least some support members among the plurality of support members are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Hanyang University
    Inventors: Jongmin Kim, Seungjae Min
  • Patent number: 10625790
    Abstract: A container includes a first contoured edge of a first wall panel, a second contoured edge of a second wall panel, and a spline with a first channel that receives the first contoured edge and a second channel that receives the second contoured edge to form a spline joint securing the first and second wall panels together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: STI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Fenton
  • Patent number: 10625791
    Abstract: A splitter system for a vehicle having a vehicle body including a first vehicle body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion includes first and second splitter portions. The first splitter portion is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body. The second splitter portion is mounted to the first splitter portion. The first and second splitter portions together are configured to generate an aerodynamic downforce on the vehicle body when the vehicle is in motion. The splitter system also includes a mechanism arranged between the first and second splitter portions. The mechanism is configured to vary position of the second splitter portion relative to the first splitter portion to thereby control movement of the oncoming ambient airflow relative to the vehicle body and vary a magnitude of the aerodynamic downforce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jason D. Fahland, Joshua R. Auden
  • Patent number: 10625792
    Abstract: A movable front spoiler device includes: an actuator including a rotation shaft provided so as to be rotatable forwardly and reversely; a link mechanism connected to the rotation shaft of the actuator; a spoiler connected to the link mechanism and provided so as to be pivotable between a deployed position and a retract position; and a spring attached to the spoiler and configured to bias the spoiler in a pivot direction in which the spoiler pivots toward the deployed position in which the spoiler pivots toward the deployed position when the rotation shaft of the actuator rotates forwardly, and pivots toward the retract position when the rotation shaft of the actuator rotates reversely, and the actuator is provided such that the rotation shaft is rotatable reversely by an external force applied to the spoiler in a pivot direction in which the spoiler pivots toward the retract position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tokuhiro Shiga, Yukihide Shibutani, Hideki Mizuno
  • Patent number: 10625793
    Abstract: An aerodynamic structure attached to the sides and top of a truck cargo body (either a stand-alone trailer or a “straight truck” with the cab and cargo area as a fixed vehicle) at the aftmost region, which rear typically contains a rolling door assembly, which rolls upwardly. An aerodynamic structure is permanently attached to the sides and top of the trailer in a manner that extend past the aftmost plane of the truck cargo body and retract to the aftmost plane of the truck cargo body when subjected to a force, allowing this device to be backed into structures. The retracted orientation allows for the rear of the trailer to be fully accessible for loading and unloading, and does not reduce the size of the opening of the trailer. The various embodiments of the invention allow for automated deployment once the force used to compress the structure is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Stemco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Jared A. Niemiec, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Robert R. Cholnoky, Michael W. Polidori, Barrie J. Dickinson
  • Patent number: 10625794
    Abstract: An assembly of mating subassemblies having dimensional control features for a motor vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a composite molded first subassembly having a first set of molded-in dimensional control features. The assembly also includes an injection molded second subassembly having a second set of molded-in dimensional control features. The first and second sets of dimensional control features are integrally formed on their respective subassemblies to permit contact between the first and second sets of control features when the subassemblies are assembled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Global IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Allen Grajek, Jesse Brian Straight, Dustin Martin Fowler, Shane Caird Morse
  • Patent number: 10625795
    Abstract: It is contemplated to arrange a plurality of operational levers without inviting complications of the arrangements or enlargement of the vehicle body, intensively for better operability between the driver's seat and one of the right and left rear fenders. In a riding work vehicle, a plurality of operational levers 25, 26 are disposed adjacent on the right and left sides between a driver's seat and one of right and left rear fenders 7. Of the plurality of operational levers 25, 26, an inner operational lever 25 disposed on the side of the driver's seat is displaceable in a front-rear direction of a vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Yoshida, Ayaka Nakabayashi, Daisuke Tomimatsu, Koji Masumoto, Koji Kajino, Isamu Morimoto, Kyosuke Tanaka, Yoshiaki Niimoto, Hiroo Fujimoto, Masatoshi Watanabe, Shinji Kato, Yutaka Inubushi, Tatsuyuki Kashimoto
  • Patent number: 10625796
    Abstract: An auto-leveling drive axle device for a wheel tractor, and leveling method. The device comprises a transmission device and a leveling device. The device of the present invention changes only a vertical position of a drive axle with respect to a wheel, and a wheel shaft distance and wheel center spacing are not changed, thus improving traveling stability of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: JIANGSU UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jiangyi Han, Gaogao Shang, Changgao Xia, Xiang Gao, Jing Liu
  • Patent number: 10625797
    Abstract: A utility machine includes a frame, a prime mover supported by the frame, and an operator control assembly coupled to the frame. The operator control assembly includes controls to operate the utility machine. The utility machine further includes a track drive system coupled to the frame to facilitate movement along a ground surface. The track drive system includes a drive wheel rotatably driven by the prime mover, an idler wheel rotatably supported by the frame, and a flexible track interconnecting the drive wheel and the idler wheel. The idler wheel is translatable relative to the frame and to the drive wheel to adjust an orientation of the frame relative to the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Ariens Company
    Inventors: William D. Maile, Craig Key, Brett Bogenschutz, Travis Schisel, Scott E. Deschler
  • Patent number: 10625798
    Abstract: A grouser assembly is selectively attachable to an endless track having a carcass, side edges and traction lugs. The grouser assembly includes a body having top and bottom faces. The body includes a recess defined in the bottom face that is shaped to receive a traction lug of the endless track. The grouser assembly further includes ground-contacting projections connected to the body and extending away from the top face, and first and second attachment assemblies connected to the body. The second attachment assembly has an attached configuration and a released configuration, and is positioned relative to the first attachment assembly such that when (i) the traction lug is received in the recess, (ii) the first attachment assembly attaches the grouser assembly to the carcass, and (iii) the second attachment assembly is in the attached configuration, the second attachment assembly attaches the grouser assembly to the endless track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: SOUCY INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Pascal Lafreniere, Jean-Philippe Breton, Charles St-Arnaud, Caroline Leclerc, Charles Devin, Pierre-Yves Pettigrew
  • Patent number: 10625799
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a checking fixture comprising: a bottom support frame; a metallic support sheet mechanically fixated to the bottom support frame, the metallic support sheet comprising a plurality of through holes arranged in a predetermined layout; a plurality of holder members for holding vehicle component holders or vehicle component measurement devices, the holder members being attached to the metallic support sheet in the through holes and being adapted to extend away from an upper surface of the metallic support sheet; at least one metallic sheet reinforcement structure arranged orthogonally separated from the metallic support sheet, the metallic sheet reinforcement structure being adapted to fixate the relative position of at least two of the holders members. The metallic support sheet and the metallic reinforcement sheet structure are made from laser cut sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventor: Ulf Stanggren
  • Patent number: 10625800
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, an adjustable assembly for a bicycle includes a lower tubular support configured to be attached to a bicycle frame; an upper tubular support configured to be attached to a bicycle saddle; an expansion portion support member positioned within an interior space of the lower tubular support; an expansion portion disposed at an upper end of the expansion portion support member; and a resilient member configured to provide an upwardly-directed force to the upper tubular support to provide movement of the upper tubular support away from the lower tubular support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Lawrence McAndrews, Ronald Powers
  • Patent number: 10625801
    Abstract: The present disclosure is to improve workability of attaching and detaching a movable backrest to and from a seat body. A straddle type seat configured to support a rider seated to ride astride includes a seat body configured to support the seated rider, a backrest provided in the seat body, the backrest configured to support a rear portion of the rider, and a movable support device that supports the backrest movably with respect to the seat body. The movable support device has a stay portion attached to the seat body in a state where the stay portion is inserted through an insertion hole provided in the seat body, the insertion hole passing through in the up and down direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohisa Chiba
  • Patent number: 10625802
    Abstract: A rear fender supporting structure of a saddle-type vehicle includes a rear wheel supported through a swing arm to a body frame, and a rear fender covering a rear upper part of the rear wheel. The rear fender is supported to the swing arm on one side in a left-right direction. The swing arm includes an arm portion extending in a front-rear direction, a through hole provided at a rear end of the arm portion to support an axle, and a split-clamp portion supporting the axle by fastening an upper circular-arc and a lower circular-arc surrounding the through hole with a fastening member. The rear fender is mounted on a front-side fixing portion positioned on a front side of the upper circular-arc and on an upper surface of the arm portion, and on a rear-side fixing portion positioned on a rear side of the lower circular-arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuta Suzuki, Masakazu Kadota, Rui Maeda
  • Patent number: 10625803
    Abstract: A front mudflap that is mounted with or without the front fender of a motorcycle to block water, dirt, and debris includes a bracket, an elastic shield, a support plate, and at least one fastener. The elastic shield is positioned and mounted in between a shield attachment leg of the bracket and the support plate by the at least one fastener. A frame attachment leg of the bracket is mounted to a frame of the motorcycle by the fastening mechanism thus securing the front mudflap to the motorcycle in a horizontal manner. Since the front mudflap is not connected to the front fender, the front mudflap can function with or without the front fender by blocking water, dirt, and debris away from the motorcycle and the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: Henry Hyun Kwak
  • Patent number: 10625804
    Abstract: A vehicle includes left and right front wheels, a left shock absorber, a right shock absorber, a linkage mechanism including a right side member, a left side member, a plurality of cross members, and an air bag housing case having a bottom surface and side surfaces, and housing an undeployed air bag in a housing space defined by the bottom surface and the side surfaces. The air bag housing case is located behind the linkage mechanism in a front-rear direction and below an upper end of a handlebar in a top-bottom direction, and at least partially located above a lower end of a movable region of the right side member, the left side member, and the cross members of the linkage mechanism. The bottom surface is disposed along a surface including a rear portion of the movable region when seen from a side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Motoaki Deguchi, Masashi Matsuo, Eisuke Furuse
  • Patent number: 10625805
    Abstract: The invention includes a handlebar grip, a binding ring, a rod and a mirror. The handlebar grip has a main body and a tubular seat extending from an end of the main body. An outer diameter of the tubular seat is less than an outer diameter of the main body. The binding ring is a C-shaped body around the tubular seat. Two ends thereof are separately formed with a positioning hole and a threaded hole. The rod has a first end and a second end. The first end is formed with a positioning bar being inserted into the positioning hole. The positioning bar has a through hole. A screw passes through the through hole and the positioning hole and is screwed into the threaded hole to make the binding ring fasten the tubular seat. The mirror is pivotally connected to the second end of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: Dong-Lie Lee
  • Patent number: 10625806
    Abstract: A scooter has a load-carrying deck, a steering rod for steering a front wheel, two outriggers arranged on opposite sides to be pivotable between retracted stowed positions and extended support positions. Each outrigger has a wheel mounted movably on the outrigger to move between a stowed position and a ground-contacting support position. The outriggers when in their support position form a wider loading surface than the deck alone. A control arm is attached to the steering rod for movement between a folded/stowed position lying adjacent to the rod and an operating position extending forward from the steering rod. A sensor detects movement of at least a section of the control arm and, in response thereto, provides control inputs to an electric motor driving a rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Urs Christen
  • Patent number: 10625807
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body frame including a connecting bracket including a unitary connector that connects a front end of a right frame and a front end of a left frame, and an extension that extends to the front of the vehicle from the connector to be welded to a link support at a front end thereof. When the vehicle is seen from the front thereof, a weld between the extension and the link support is located on an imaginary central straight line that passes a middle upper axis and a middle lower axis above or below a turning support in an up-and-down direction of the body frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryuta Mitsuoka, Nobuhiko Hirakawa
  • Patent number: 10625808
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body frame including a main frame, a link support, and a connecting bracket that connects a front portion of the main frame and the link support. The connecting bracket includes a turning support that supports a lower cross member, a connector that connects a front portion of the main frame and the link support and a right reinforcement wall and a left reinforcement wall that extend in an up-and-down direction to connect the turning support and the connector. The connecting bracket including the turning support, the connector, the right reinforcement wall, and the left reinforcement wall is monolithic and unitary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ryuta Mitsuoka
  • Patent number: 10625809
    Abstract: A straddled vehicle includes a cross frame connected to a left main frame and a right main frame. As the vehicle is seen from the side, a centroid of a central cross section in a vehicle width direction of the cross frame is located within an area that is delimited by an upper extension obtained by extending rearward an upper outline of the left connecting frame, a lower extension obtained by extending rearward a lower outline of the left connecting frame, an upper outline of the left main frame and a lower outline of the left main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuki Murayama, Katsutoshi Satoh, Hideki Miura
  • Patent number: 10625810
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for releasably securing a radio handset microphone to a motorcycle handlebar is provided. The mounting assembly includes a bracket element to extend partially around a motorcycle handlebar and a rigid plate extending from the bracket element. The bracket element is adapted to be joined to the motorcycle handlebar such that the bracket element partially surrounds the motorcycle handlebar. The rigid plate includes a mounting surface for mounting a radio handset microphone thereto. The mounting surface generally extends over the handlebar and is easily accessible to the motorcycle occupant. The mounting assembly may be combined with a carrier and a handset adapter to provide a mounting system with a secure landing zone that firmly holds the radio handset microphone in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Innovative Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan J. Schreiber, Michael J. Tinter
  • Patent number: 10625811
    Abstract: A suspension assembly including a core member; and a skin member bonded on said core member. The skin member having a higher strength than the core member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventor: Mario Galasso
  • Patent number: 10625812
    Abstract: A swing arm secures rigidity, and is lighter than a conventional swing arm, includes a hollow body with a pivot hole in which a pivot shaft is disposed, a suspension fixing portion in the body connected to one end portion of a suspension unit, and a pair of arms extending from the body and supporting respective ends of a wheel axle. Each of the pair of arms includes an outer member having an open cross-section and an inner member having an open cross-section. The outer member and the inner member of each of the arms are joined at respective open end portions. The body includes first opening portions joined with a corresponding one edge portion of the outer member of the arms, second opening portions joined with a corresponding outer surface of the inner member of the arms, and reinforcing support-struts that partition the first and second opening portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takahiro Omosako
  • Patent number: 10625813
    Abstract: A brake assembly has a lever configured to press a knee against a pushrod of a piston of a master cylinder assembly. The knee is configured to receive removable inserts that allow a user to modify the angle at which the lever activates the master cylinder assembly. The master cylinder assembly can include protrusions on the outer surface of the cylinder to protect the cylinder from impact damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Patent number: 10625814
    Abstract: A bicycle crank assembly has a sprocket, a first crank arm, a second crank arm and a crank axle, A first axial distance is defined between the first pedal attachment surface and the second pedal attachment surface in an axial direction. A second axial distance is defined between the first transverse center plane of the sprocket and the second axial center plane of the crank axle in the axial direction. The first axial distance is smaller than or equal to 170 mm. The second axial distance is larger than or equal to 55 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kenji Kamada
  • Patent number: 10625815
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bicycle crank is revealed. After being extended, bent and forged, an aluminum alloy pipe becomes an L-shaped part formed by a cylindrical crankshaft portion and an oval crank portion integrally connected to each other. A plug is inserted into an outer end of the crank portion while a periphery of an outer end of the crankshaft portion is punched to form a shaft-connecting portion. An assembling hole is arranged at the outer end of the crank portion, corresponding to the plug. Thus a bicycle crank is produced. Thereby not only the assembly of the bicycle crank is easier and more convenient, the structural strength of the bicycle crank is increased effectively to against vibrations and impacts. The bicycle is lightweight and the bicycle crank is more streamlined so that consumers are attracted. Thereby the market competitiveness is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Alex Global Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Wei-Chin Chen
  • Patent number: 10625816
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cleat for being releasably secured to a clipless pedal. The cleat includes a base plate, a front engagement member, a rear engagement member and an anti-slip pad. The base plate is used for being fastened to a sole of a shoe and has a front tip, a rear end and a middle area between the front tip and the rear end. The front engagement member is mounted on a top side of the front tip. The rear engagement member is mounted on a top side of the rear end. The anti-slip pad is mounted on a bottom side of the middle area. Both the front engagement member and the rear engagement member are higher than the base plate in hardness and the base plate is higher than the anti-slip pad in hardness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: Chin-Long Hsieh
  • Patent number: 10625817
    Abstract: An electrically power assisted bicycle includes an electric motor that generates an assist force assisting human power of a rider, a detachable battery that supplies electric power to the electric motor, a headlight, and an operation panel including a display that displays information, a power button that turns on or off the electrically power assisted bicycle, an illuminance sensor that outputs a signal in accordance with received light, and a controller configured or programmed to control the headlight to be on or off. The power button and the illuminance sensor are located close to each other on or in the operation panel. After a predetermined time period passes after the controller is activated by the power button being pressed by the rider, the controller starts controlling the headlight to be on or off in accordance with the signal output by the illuminance sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirokatsu Kishita, Satoshi Katayama, Toshio Koga
  • Patent number: 10625818
    Abstract: A power assist device may include a motor, a motor driving circuit, sensors to output signals in accordance with a rotational speed of the wheel, a memory, and a signal processor. The memory stores information of a parameter defining a transfer function that interrelates a total torque to be input to the vehicle and a rotational speed of the wheel, and an inverse transfer function thereof. Based on the inverse transfer function, the signal processor determines an estimated value of total torque from a detected value of rotational speed of the wheel. Moreover, based on the transfer function, the signal processor updates at least a portion of the information of the parameter so that, for example, an error between a detected value of rotational speed of the wheel and an estimated value of rotational speed of the wheel as determined from the estimated value of total torque is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: NIDEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jun Kikkawa
  • Patent number: 10625819
    Abstract: A motorization apparatus for a motorized wheel comprises an axle secured to a frame of a vehicle. A rotor unit has poles of magnet material. A stator unit having slots and teeth secured to the axle is inward of said rotor to define a clearance gap therewith such that the rotor unit is rotatable about the stator core. An arrangement of coils is wound around the teeth of the stator unit, the coils adapted to be powered to induce a rotation of the rotor unit relative to the stator unit. A structure comprises hub portions rotatably mounted to the axle, the structure having lateral walls defining an inner volume for the rotor unit and the stator unit, the structure supporting the rotor unit. The structure comprises attachment members connected to spokes of the motorized wheel, located radially inward of the clearance gap between the rotor unit and the stator unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: BIONX CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Jean-martin Duhamel, Daniel Levesque, Pascal Larose, Jerome Cros
  • Patent number: 10625820
    Abstract: A bicycle rear sprocket assembly comprises a plurality of sprockets and a sprocket carrier. The plurality of sprockets includes a first sprocket and a second sprocket. The first sprocket has at least one circumferential coupling point. The first sprocket is coupled to a radially extending surface of at least one of a plurality of sprocket mounting portions at the at least one circumferential coupling point. The second sprocket has at least one additional circumferential coupling point. The second sprocket is coupled, at the at least one additional circumferential coupling point, to at least one of the sprocket carrier and one of the plurality of sprockets. A total number of the at least one circumferential coupling point is different from a total number of the at least one additional circumferential coupling point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Hiroshi Fujita, Fumiaki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 10625821
    Abstract: A bicycle sprocket comprises a first sprocket body, first sprocket teeth, a first side surface, a second side surface, at least one shifting facilitation projection, at least one guide portion, and at least one recess. The at least one guide portion is provided on a first side surface to guide a bicycle chain from the bicycle sprocket toward a smaller sprocket in a second shifting operation. The at least one recess is provided on the first side surface so as to be adjacent to the at least one guide portion in a circumferential direction defined about a rotational center axis. At least one of the at least one recess is provided in an upstream angular area defined from the at least one shifting facilitation projection to an upstream side in a driving state and within 90 degrees in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Ken Yokoi, Akinobu Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 10625822
    Abstract: A retractable hydrofoil for marine vessels asymmetrically mounted for-aft on opposing sides of the hull of the marine vessel and a control unit for retracting the hydrofoil from a deployed position to a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: James Patrick Hynes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10625823
    Abstract: A marine thru-hull fitting and drainage device for directing fluid away from a hull of a vessel. The thru-hull fitting includes a thru-hull body and a thru-hull flange formed on an end of the thru-hull body. The thru-hull flange includes an attachment portion formed on at least a portion of the face of the thru-hull flange, the attachment portion located adjacent to a discharge outlet of the thru-hull. A drainage device is secured on the attachment portion, the drainage device including U-shaped channel body having a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional area along a length of the body such that the body forms a channel for directing fluid from the discharge outlet along the body, the body extending from a first end proximate to the face of the thru-hull flange to a second end that is distal from the thru-hull flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventors: Colin Daley, Dale Branch
  • Patent number: 10625824
    Abstract: A method for determining a displacement of an anchor is provided. The method includes the steps of: determining an initial position of the anchor; and determining a displacement of the anchor. The step of determining the displacement of the anchor includes (i) measuring anchor velocity values, (ii) measuring at least one further physical quantity associated with the anchoring, (iii) deciding whether the anchor is at rest or in motion, wherein a value of the further physical quantity is taken into account in the decision, and (iv) integrating the velocity values over time during intervals when the anchor is deemed to be in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: Thomas Frizlen
  • Patent number: 10625825
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for mooring a watercraft to a stationary attachment point such as a dock. A guard assembly reduces chafing between a mooring line and an edge surface of the watercraft using an elongated tube of flexible material through which a medial portion of the mooring line freely passes. A securement strap of the guard assembly extends from a proximal end of the tube and is configured for attachment to an attachment point of the watercraft, such as a cleat. The securement strap has a length sufficient to maintain a medial portion of the tube in interposed relation between the mooring line and the edge surface of the watercraft. The securement strap may be adjustable in length to accommodate different watercraft configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Line Defenders, LLC
    Inventor: Magic Schwarz
  • Patent number: 10625826
    Abstract: A motorized water sports equipment rack and method for motorized swiveling of a water sports equipment rack attached to a boat are disclosed. The motorized water sports equipment rack includes a mounting bracket for securing the mounting bracket to the boat and a water sports rack mounting bolt connected to the mounting bracket. A swivel bracket is connected to the water sports rack mounting bracket. A water sports equipment rack mount is connected to the swivel bracket. The water sports equipment rack mount supports a water sports equipment rack adapted for holding various types of water sporting equipment. A sealed actuator housing is connected to the swivel bracket and houses an actuator, such as an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic actuator. The actuator is configured to drive the swivel bracket to rotate the water sports equipment rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: LeClaire Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Michael Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 10625827
    Abstract: A ride height adjustable oil damped air shock boat seat pedestal with selectively lockable swivel capability is shown, which includes a locking pin extending below the seat and moving up and down with the seat as permitted and controlled by the air shock. The locking pin being received by a structure, which limits rotation of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: Lee Falck
  • Patent number: 10625828
    Abstract: A universal attachment system wherein harnesses are provided which can be installed on a broad variety of surfboards, other boards and light watercrafts not requiring any permanent fixtures or permanent special features on said boards and are suitable for the attachment under-board of a motor module. The attachment straps are equipped with tightening devices for example ratchets and tension measuring means such as for example piezo-luminescent coating. Either the whole harness or the motor module alone are provided with the quick release means either mechanical or magnetic. The detached motor module is equipped with a capability of homing in to the radio control transmitter or traveling to a designated GPS location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: Shay Sharon
  • Patent number: 10625829
    Abstract: A personal watercraft comprises a body including a deck; and a seat disposed on the deck at a location that is forward of a rear end of the deck, wherein the deck includes a deck floor extending in a forward and rearward direction and in a rightward and leftward direction, at a location that is lateral of the seat, and wherein when viewed from a side, inclined parts which are inclined in an upward direction from a front to a rear, are provided in regions of the deck floor, the regions vertically overlapping with a portion of the seat, the portion being rearward of a center of the seat in the forward and rearward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshio Araki, Hironori Kato, Tadao Minesaki, Minoru Kanamori
  • Patent number: 10625830
    Abstract: A measurement device for use with a traction pad. The measurement device may include a first container configured to hold a sensor, the first container including an opening connecting an inner side of the first container with an outer side, a second container configured to hold a processor, a watertight passage between the first and second containers which allows a signal communication between the sensor and the processor, a lid configured to seal the first and second containers, a power supply configured to supply power to the processor, and a switch disposed on an end of the measurement device which is accessible to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventors: Or Lenchner, Eran Brill
  • Patent number: 10625831
    Abstract: A vessel hull stabilization system includes a housing having a rotatable shaft mounted thereto, the shaft configured to connect to a fin such that the fin is located on an outside of the vessel hull and the housing is located on an inside of the vessel hull. A drive system is mounted to the housing and includes a motor and a drive element. The motor is connected to a central shaft of the drive element and an outer element of the drive element is connected to the fin shaft. The drive element includes a plurality of teeth positioned between the outer element and the central shaft such that when the motor rotates the central shaft, the plurality of teeth oscillate in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the central shaft to interact with and rotate the outer element. A controller receives sensor readings to determine control signals to send to the motor(s) to impart rotation of the fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Naiad Maritime Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Venables, Steven J. Venables, Cameron Costen
  • Patent number: 10625832
    Abstract: Disclosed, as a device for correcting the horizontality of the small ship according to the present invention, is a device for controlling the horizontality of a small ship by using a variable mast, the device comprising: a tilt sensing unit for sensing the tilt of the small ship; a position adjustment unit formed such that at least a portion thereof can move in the horizontal direction on the deck of the small ship, and having a separate mast loaded on an upper part thereof to support the mast such that the mast is located at a predetermined height or higher; and a horizontality control unit for correcting the center of gravity of the small ship by adjusting a position of the mast through the position adjustment unit in correspondence to the tilt sensed by the tilt sensing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF OCEAN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Nam Sun Son
  • Patent number: 10625833
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface cover for a body which can be brought into contact with a liquid, comprising: a layer which at least partly contains gas and which is designed and arranged such that at least some sections of a layer face facing the liquid contacts the liquid; a gas-permeable layer which is arranged on the gas-containing layer on a face that faces the body and is opposite the face facing the liquid or which is integrally formed with the gas-containing layer; and a gas-supplying device which is connected to the gas-permeable layer such that gas can flow from the gas-supplying device to the gas-containing layer through the gas-permeable layer. The invention also relates to an arrangement and a use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Baden-Württemberg Stiftung gGmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Schimmel
  • Patent number: 10625834
    Abstract: A motorized fin booster system for surfboard or paddleboard or recreational small craft, consisting of at least one detachable motorized fin and at least one external, contour conforming and waterproof power supply are disclosed. The disclosed system allows for the addition and removal of electrically powered boost to nearly any board without permanent alteration of the board. The system integrates with widely used surfboard components; such as surf fins, leashes, ankle cuffs, and traction pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: Alexander T. MacFarlane
  • Patent number: 10625835
    Abstract: A marine propulsion system includes a water intake guide block with a flow guide passage, a propulsion device including a housing connected to the water intake guide block and a propeller mounted in the housing, a fixed nozzle connected to the housing of the propulsion device, a swinging nozzle connected to the fixed nozzle and biasable leftward and rightward relative to the fixed nozzle, and a contra type bossing pivotally connected to the fixed nozzle and biasable up and down relative to the fixed nozzle. When rotating the propeller, water is sucked into the flow guide passage and propelled by the propeller to eject backward through the fixed nozzle, and the swinging nozzle is biased leftward/rightward to control leftward/rightward turning of the boat, and the contra type bossing is biased upward/downward to control the pitch angle of the boat and forward/backward movement of the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: SOLAS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yeun-Junn Lin
  • Patent number: 10625836
    Abstract: In an oscillating fin propulsion apparatus adapted for use by a disabled diver, a propulsion force may be produced by a fin adapted to sweep back and forth in a generally transverse direction relative to the traveling direction of the diver. The fin may be mounted on a scuba tank operatively connected to drive members that may be reciprocated by the diver. The oscillating fin may provide a propulsive force propelling the diver forward during both oscillating directions of the fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: Joseph D Maresh
  • Patent number: 10625837
    Abstract: A controller controls a tilt-trim device under an automatic control mode such that the tilt-trim device automatically causes an outboard motor to continuously perform a tilt-trim motion within a motion range set in advance when an operation has been performed the plurality of times within the predetermined period of time. The controller deactivates the tilt-trim device when the outboard motor reaches either an upper limit or a lower limit of the motion range. The controller changes the motion range in accordance with a setting signal for setting the motion range when receiving the setting signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Noriyoshi Ichikawa, Hiroki Sato
  • Patent number: 10625838
    Abstract: A marine propulsion unit includes a propeller that rotates around a rotation axis of a propeller shaft, a case in which the propeller shaft is disposed, and a skeg that extends downward from the case. The skeg includes a reinforcer with a mechanical strength greater than that of a base material of the skeg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hikaru Yasukawa, Atsushi Kumita