Motor-carrying Attachments Patents (Class 180/11)
  • Patent number: 11975580
    Abstract: Joined automobiles are disclosed. Two separate joinable automobiles, each with its own control system, powertrain, and interior space, can be joined by means of built-in retractable coupling systems, providing a single joined automobile with a contiguous inner space, two powertrains which can be used singly or together, and two control systems. The coupling systems can be used by putting the automobiles in proximity to each other and engaging them, and/or disengaging them for separate use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Inventor: Madurai Bharani
  • Patent number: 11926301
    Abstract: A vehicle weight sensing system particularly useful for trailers. An axle tube is mounted to the vehicle or trailer through its suspension members that may be leaf springs. A mounting block is affixed to the axle tube for mounting a strain gauge. The mounting block is fixed to the axle tube between the suspension members connected to the axle tube. The mounting block has a mounting surface opposite to the mating surface and a notch extends from the mating surface toward the mounting surface. The notch terminates between the mating surface and the mounting surface. The notch separates rigidified sections of the mounting block and the rigidified sections straddle the notch. The stain gauge measures strain in the axle and thereby generates a signal proportional to the weight on the trailer. The signal can be used to properly proportion a brake system on the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Dexter Axle Company LLC
    Inventor: Samuel N. Lievore
  • Patent number: 11891101
    Abstract: A motorized utility cart assembly includes a cart that has a bottom platform and a top platform. A drive unit is attached to the bottom platform of the cart and the drive unit includes a pair of drive wheels. Each of the drive wheels is urged to rotate in a first direction when the drive unit is turned on thereby facilitating the cart to travel forwardly to transport cargo on the cart without requiring the user to push the cart. A control unit is integrated into the cart and the control unit is in communication with the drive unit. The control unit includes a throttle which actuates the drive unit to a speed corresponding to a level of engagement of the throttle between a minimum speed and a maximum speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Inventor: Ryan Dixson
  • Patent number: 11548166
    Abstract: Methods and systems for joint execution of complex tasks by a human and a robotic system are described herein. In one aspect, a collaborative robotic system includes a payload platform having a loading surface configured to carry a payload shared with a human collaborator. The collaborative robotic system navigates a crowded environment, while sharing a payload with the human collaborator. In another aspect, the collaborative robotic system measures forces in a plane parallel to the loading surface of the payload platform to infer navigational cues from the human collaborator. In some instances, the collaborative robotic system overrides the navigational cues of the human collaborator to avoid collisions between an object in the environment and any of the robotic system, the human collaborator, and the shared payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Skylla Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kota Weaver
  • Patent number: 11478396
    Abstract: A wheeled walker including a front wheel pair viewed in a driving direction and a rear wheel pair viewed in the driving direction; a frame including rearward oriented struts, wherein each of the rearward oriented struts supports a rear wheel of the rear wheel pair; a platform attached at the wheeled walker, wherein the platform includes at least one platform wheel and a standing platform for a person using the walker; and an electric drive that is configured to move the wheeled walker forward in the driving direction, wherein the wheeled walker includes a coupling device that attaches the platform at the wheeled walker and transfers pull forces and push forces between the wheeled walker and the platform, wherein the coupling device is arranged in an intersection portion of a scissor linkage that is associated with the wheeled walker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Disco Drives Kirschey GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Kirschey
  • Patent number: 11400967
    Abstract: A wheelbarrow with multiple wheels on a front axle is provided. The wheelbarrow includes a cargo carrying portion, two load carrying members supporting the cargo carrying portion, and a motor providing an output torque. The wheelbarrow further includes the front axle attached to the two load carrying members, a middle wheel attached to the axle and receiving the output torque from the motor, and two side wheels attached to the axle, one on either side of the middle wheel wherein the two side wheels each have a smaller diameter than the middle wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Inventor: Roger Larry Simons
  • Patent number: 11254376
    Abstract: A replacement mobility assembly for a walk-behind, powered device (10) may include first and second drivable components, a mobility assembly frame, and an adaptation assembly. The powered device may be provided with an original mobility assembly (40) that is to be removed from coupling with a drive assembly and a chassis (15) of the powered device prior to installation of the replacement mobility assembly. The first and second drivable components may each be of a different type than corresponding drivable components of the original mobility assembly. The first and second drivable components may be operably coupled to the mobility assembly frame. The adaptation assembly may be configured to enable the mobility assembly frame to be operably coupled to the chassis and the first and second drivable components to be operably coupled to the drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Husqvarna AB
    Inventor: Kenneth Mandeville
  • Patent number: 11246971
    Abstract: A method and a system are provided for detecting a condition indicative of a dislodged needle in a hemodialysis procedure. A venous return pressure for a patient undergoing dialysis is measured. The venous return pressure is analyzed via a controller, and an intravascular blood pressure in proximity to a location of needle insertion into the patient is derived. A lower limit is calculated as a function of the intravascular blood pressure via the controller. An average of the venous return pressure is calculated via the controller during a predetermined time window. The average is compared to the lower limit via the controller, and if the average is within a specified range of the lower limit, the controller determines that a condition indicative of a dislodged needle is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Henry Ford Health System
    Inventors: Stanley Frinak, Gerard Zasuwa, Jerry Yee, Anatole Besarab
  • Patent number: 11161560
    Abstract: A motor vehicle and construction method for a motor vehicle, such as a bus, wherein fabricated subassemblies or modules are joined using mechanical fasteners to form an integrated, load carrying structure. The fabricated subassemblies are configured to allow substitution of subassemblies with alternative configurations in order to produce a number of unique vehicle configurations each sharing a common architecture. Modular construction techniques allow for simplification of construction processes, reduction of welding processes, and the application of physically smaller subassemblies. Interchange and substitution of subassemblies with shared attributes may also facilitate production of vehicles having different characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Arboc Specialty Vehicles, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua J. Anderson, Thomas A. Kuhl, Donald W. Roberts
  • Patent number: 11104401
    Abstract: A human-powered vehicle drive unit that reduces loss of human driving force includes an electric motor, a crankshaft, an output portion, a speed reducer, and a clutch. The electric motor is configured to assist in propulsion of a human-powered vehicle. The output portion is coupled to the crankshaft. The speed reducer reduces a rotational speed of the electric motor in multiple steps. The clutch is provided between the output portion and the speed reducer. In a case in which the crankshaft rotates in a first rotational direction, the output portion is configured to rotate in the first rotational direction. In a case in which the crankshaft rotates in a second rotational direction, the output portion is configured to rotate in the second rotational direction. The clutch is configured to transmit a rotational force of the electric motor to the output portion from the speed reducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Noda, Tomoyuki Iiboshi, Takaaki Fujiwara, Akihiro Izawa
  • Patent number: 11065166
    Abstract: A motion-based push activation power assist system for manual wheelchairs. The system uses motion-based measurements to determine when the user applies a push to the wheelchair handrims and brakes with the handrims. The push recognition activates a drive system that provides an assistive driving force-pulse to the wheelchair to reduce the demand on the user during propulsion. The brake recognition deactivates the power assist. The provided power assist is proportional to the sensed push and can be modulated to different proportional settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: MAX MOBILITY, LLC
    Inventor: W. Mark Richter
  • Patent number: 11066257
    Abstract: A container transport system and method of operation can include: providing a vehicle having a subframe assembly coupled thereto, the subframe assembly including a lifting arm and a clamping arm; clamping the clamping arm onto a corner fitting of a cargo container; raising the lifting arm for raising a portion of the cargo container; inserting a jack stand below the cargo container; lowering the lifting arm for tilting the cargo container on the jack stand, the jack stand configured as a fulcrum; positioning a container trailer below the cargo container; and raising the lifting arm for pivoting the cargo container on the jack stand and lowering the cargo container onto the container trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Inventors: Victor Casanova, Jorge Casanova, Gary Dee Gates, Von Roy Christiansen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11033801
    Abstract: A method, system, apparatus, and/or device for propelling a non-motorized vehicle forward. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a frame, a first wheel, a second wheel, a motor, a controller, and a bracket. The frame may attach to the first wheel, the second wheel, and the motor. The first wheel may attach to a first side of the frame and rotate about an axis. The second wheel may attach to a second side of the frame and rotate about the axis. The motor may connect to the first wheel, where the motor is configured to rotate the first wheel to propel the apparatus forward. The controller may control a speed at which the motor rotates the first wheel. The bracket may attach to a front of the first frame and connect to a non-motorized vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Szymczak, Linda Szymczak
  • Patent number: 10994785
    Abstract: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to side-by-side all terrain vehicles having plural rows of seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron D. Deckard, Brian M. Safranski, Richard L. Sunsdahl
  • Patent number: 10912689
    Abstract: The disclosure provides an assist wheel including a wheel, a handrim, an elastic component, two contact components, a driving assembly, two film sensors. The wheel is configured to be rotatably disposed on a wheelchair frame. The handrim is disposed on the wheel and rotatable with respect to the wheel. Two opposite ends of the elastic component are respectively connected to the wheel and the handrim. The two contact components are respectively disposed on the wheel and the handrim. The driving assembly is configured to be fixed to the wheelchair frame. The two film sensors are disposed on the driving assembly and respectively pressed by the two film sensors. Each of the two film sensors is configured to generate a sensor value. The controller is configured to receive the sensor values from the two film sensors and signal the driving assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chia-Jui Hu, Zeng-Lung Huang, Tien-Ho Gau, Chou-Zong Wu
  • Patent number: 10913479
    Abstract: A wheeled platform has a base, a plurality of wheels, and a power supply. A connector extends from the wheeled platform. A motor assembly has at least one motor mounted on the connector to couple with a stroller. A controller assembly steers the stroller. The base includes an upper surface for supporting an operator. The base forms a wheel assembly for holding the wheels. The power supply sends power to the motor assembly through the control assembly to drive the stroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventor: Eddy Cardentey
  • Patent number: 10745040
    Abstract: A motorized cart retriever, which may be a cart pusher or a cart puller, can apply a force to a nest of human-propelled, wheeled carts to facilitate retrieval of the carts. The cart retriever can include a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive cart status information from cart transmitters of the wheeled carts and wirelessly report event data to a control unit. The cart status information may include an identification of the cart transmitter, a location of the cart, a lock or unlock status of a cart wheel, a misuse condition, etc. The event data can include the cart status information, a number of wheeled carts being retrieved, etc. The cart wheel may include a brake. The transceiver may communicate a message to the cart wheel to keep the brake unactuated during retrieval. The control unit may analyze the event data to detect traffic patterns of the carts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Hannah, Scott J. Carter, Jesse M. James
  • Patent number: 10703401
    Abstract: A lift-enabled motorized wheel assembly and material handling cart. A drive wheel is supported on an axel between a fixed leg and a floating leg. The axel passes through the fixed leg without interference, but is captured in the floating leg by a self-aligning bearing. The axle is driven by a drive motor that is bolted to the fixed leg through a right-angle gearbox. A vertical suspension unit provides compliance for drive wheel traction. A lifter sub-assembly alternately raises and lowers the drive wheel into and out of contact with the ground. The lift-enabled motorized wheel assembly is attached to the bottom of a cart frame, along with a plurality of caster wheels. The cart includes a tow-bar that is moveable between raised and lowered positions. When the tow-bar is lowered condition for towing, the drive wheel automatically lifts out of contact with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Caster Concepts, Inc
    Inventors: Elmer Lee, Alex Harden
  • Patent number: 10648659
    Abstract: Patient handling equipment, such as a hospital bed, is provided with a propulsion system and a status indicator light system incorporated in the propulsion system and operable to generate at least two light beams beyond a perimeter of the bed. The light indicator, which may have different colors, shapes or intensities, can indicate the state of propulsion of the system and generates light beams which are visible all around the equipment so as to be visible to a carer from any angle. The apparatus may include an ambient light sensor disposed to detect floor level lighting conditions rather than general ambient light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: ArjoHuntleigh AB
    Inventors: Jörgen Jönsson, Musadjan Alim, Danny Smith
  • Patent number: 10546328
    Abstract: A system for navigating a shopper in a store comprises a mobile device application that is stored at and executed by a mobile computing device; an electronic device in communication with the mobile device application, wherein at least one of the mobile device application and the electronic device receives location data for determining directions and a proximity to an item of interest and processes a predetermined feedback pattern for use by the at least one of the electronic device and the mobile device application and generated according to an established location of the at least one of the mobile electronic device and the electronic device, and wherein the feedback pattern is constructed and arranged to provide an indicator of both a direction to the item and a proximity from the item; and a store navigation system that provides instructions for generating the feedback pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventor: Richard M. Blair, II
  • Patent number: 10422087
    Abstract: A compact paver comprising a machine frame, drive motor, travel units, receiving container at the front in relation to the paving direction for receiving paving material, longitudinal conveying device with which the paving material can be conveyed from the receiving container in a rearward direction in relation to the paving direction, transverse distribution device with which the paving material can be distributed on the ground surface transversally to the paving direction, a height-adjustable paving screed for compacting and smoothing the paving material distributed on the ground surface behind the transverse distribution device in the paving direction, an operating platform mounted on the machine frame and arranged behind the receiving container in the paving direction, and an operating platform. And a method for coordinating the operating position of the operating console of the operating platform of the compact paver with a rear operating step and a higher front operating step of the operating platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: BOMAG GMBH
    Inventors: Thorsten Anheier, Thomas Haubrich, Thomas Klein, Andreas Roesch
  • Patent number: 10421550
    Abstract: An autarkic monument in an aircraft pressure cabin supplied with the required operating mediums in a decentralized fashion by carrying along these operating mediums in the monument in operating medium reservoirs is provided. Methods for the efficient energy conversion within this autarkic monument are also provided. The efficiency is achieved such that the energy conversion is, based on the operating mediums, optimized with respect to exergo-economic and/or exergo-ecologic aspects, and such that energy conversion processes are adapted to one another if several energy conversion processes take place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Ralf God, Christian Kurz, Andreas Westenberger
  • Patent number: 10384742
    Abstract: A system (1) for controlling the motion of an impulsive-type human-powered vehicle (100), includes: a motor (2) associable to at least one vehicle (100) driving element, suitable for generating a total torque/driving force (T); a system (4) for storing energy to be supplied to the motor (2); a sensor (5) for detecting the vehicle (100) longitudinal speed (v); a module (7) for controlling a main torque/driving force (T?) of the motor (2) based on at least the signal representative of the vehicle (100) longitudinal speed (v); a module (9) for determining the vehicle longitudinal acceleration (Ax); a module (8) for estimating the presence or absence of a thrust (Fk) of the user on the vehicle (100); an activation signal when it is estimated the absence of the thrust (Fk) of the user: a deactivation signal when it is estimated the presence of the thrust (Fk) of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: ZEHUS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Matteo Como, Sergio Matteo Savaresi, Paolo Lisanti, Giovanni Alli, Fabio Busnelli
  • Patent number: 10369454
    Abstract: A drive module for a skateboard, the drive module comprising at least one axle with at least one wheel which is or can be driven by an electric motor, and a frame, which is connected to the axle and has a receiving space for an energy storage unit, in particular for a secondary battery, the drive module being replaceably connectible to the skateboard. Also, a set and a skateboard comprising the drive module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Mellow Boards GmbH
    Inventors: Kilian Green, Christoph Schreiber
  • Patent number: 10370053
    Abstract: An electric powered personal mobility vehicle that includes at least one front wheel and an electric motor that provides rotational force to a wheel of the vehicle. The electric motor is supported by the vehicle and is powered by a rechargeable battery that is also supported by the vehicle. The vehicle can also include swivel caster wheels each configured to rotate about a wheel axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: RAZOR USA LLC
    Inventors: Robert Chen, Robert Hadley, William Griggs
  • Patent number: 10350121
    Abstract: An electrically powered wheelchair includes a chassis, seat frame, seat frame tilt and lift system, armrest assembly pivotally coupled to the seat frame, and armrest adjustment arrangement including: a first force transmitting arrangement having a first set of four pivot points and pivotally coupled to: an arm of the seat frame tilt and lift system via a first pivot point of the first set of four pivot points, and lifting member of the seat frame tilt and lift system via a second pivot point of the first set of four pivot points, and a second force transmitting arrangement having a second set of four pivot points and pivotally coupled to: the first force transmitting arrangement via a first pivot point of the second set of four pivot points, the seat frame via a second pivot point of the second set of four pivot points, and the armrest assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: PERMOBIL AB
    Inventor: Häkan Bergman
  • Patent number: 10279865
    Abstract: Embodiments of a friction drive system include a battery, a drive motor, a control unit, and a speed wheel. When the friction drive system is mounted on a wheeled vehicle, the speed wheel provides an accurate measurement of the vehicle speed by maintaining contact with a tire of the vehicle. An automatic traction control system, which may be part of the control unit, compares the speed of the speed wheel with the speed of the drive motor to determine whether slippage is occurring. If slippage is detected, then embodiments of an automatic traction control system automatically increase an amount of normal force between a contact surface on the drive motor and the tire, by advancing a position of the drive motor relative to a fixed mounting point. If no slippage is detected, then embodiments of an automatic traction control system automatically reduce the amount of normal force, by retracting a position of the drive relative to a fixed mounting point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: ShareRoller LLC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Guida
  • Patent number: 10245194
    Abstract: Drifting karts in accordance with embodiments of the invention are described that include a front wheel drive train and rear caster wheels that can be dynamically engaged to induce and control drift during a turn. One embodiment of the invention includes a chassis to which a steering column is mounted, where the steering column includes at least one front steerable wheel configured to be driven by an electric motor, a battery housing mounted to the chassis, where the battery housing contains a controller and at least one battery, wiring configured to provide power from the at least one battery to the electric motor, two caster wheels mounted to the chassis, where each caster wheel is configured to rotate around a rotational axis and swivel around a swivel axis, and a hand lever configured to dynamically engage the caster wheels to induce and control drift during a turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Inventor: Ali Kermani
  • Patent number: 10239369
    Abstract: The invention relates to a trailer (2) for a bicycle (1), having a braking device acting on wheel(s) (4) of the trailer (2); a sensor device (12) which supplies a measured variable, which is a measure of an acceleration force acting on the trailer (2) via a tow bar (5); a controller (18) for controlling the braking device and that is configured to act on the braking device, depending on the measured variable determined by the sensor device (12), such that an inertial force of the trailer (2) generated in the pulling mode or during braking of the bicycle (1) is compensated for or is at least reduced; and a decoupling device (10; 410; 510) which is configured for the partial mechanical decoupling of a movement of the bicycle trailer (2) with respect to the bicycle (1) in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle trailer (L).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: BRUEGGLI
    Inventors: Reto Guntersweiler, Simon Hasenfratz
  • Patent number: 10172750
    Abstract: A power assist apparatus that converts a hand-propelled wheelchair to a motorized wheelchair without the use of tools or mounting brackets. The apparatus has a motorized mechanism, a pair of outrigger assemblies, pivot mechanisms and position sensors. The motorized mechanism has a battery, a control mechanism and a pair of motorized sections that each have an electric motor and a wheel. The outrigger assemblies have arms that support the drive wheels of the wheelchair above the surface to be traversed. The position sensors determine movement of the outrigger assemblies or a wheel support mechanism attached thereto in response to rotation of the drive wheels by the occupant and transmit data to the control mechanism to operate the motors to move the wheelchair in the direction indicated by the drive wheels, thereby controlling movement of the apparatus in the same manner as the hand-propelled wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventor: Paul C. Dickie
  • Patent number: 10106184
    Abstract: Various embodiments herein relate to powered pusher devices configured to push wheeled objects from one location to another. Further embodiments relate to wheeled objects such as carts for transporting items from one location to another. Other embodiments relate to platform powered pushers that can be coupled to a family of various wheeled objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Dane Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Johnson, Andrew Dvorak
  • Patent number: 10086891
    Abstract: A modular electric vehicle includes a first body module having a lateral connecting side, a second body module having a lateral connecting side, two first wheels mounted to the first body module, two second wheels mounted to the second body module, and a connection unit. The connection unit includes a first electrical connector disposed at the lateral connecting side of the first body module, and a second electrical connector disposed at the lateral connecting side of the second body module. The first electrical connector is operable to be selectively and electrically coupled to the second electrical connector, so that the first and second body modules can be selectively assembled to form a relatively light electric vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: National Taiwan Normal University
    Inventors: Yi-Hsuan Hung, Cheng-Sian Li, Min-Chen Cho, Hsueh-Chung Han, Chen-Wei Hu, Shao-Wei Chang
  • Patent number: 10071758
    Abstract: A load transporting apparatus is described including: a main body; a ground engaging wheel positioned at or towards one end of the main body and supported for rotation about a generally horizontal axis; a support member, which is connected to the main body, and which supports a pair of wheel assemblies, each assembly including a wheel which is supported for rotation about a generally horizontal wheel axis, wherein said wheel assembly permits the wheel to swivel about a swivel axis which is substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis and off-set therefrom; wherein the support member is connected to the main body by connection means which permits movement of the main body towards and away from the support member. Also described is an apparatus where the or a further connection means is configured to permit rotation of the support member relative to the main body about an axis which extends generally in a fore-aft direction of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: M-MOVER HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Jason Derrick Fowler, Sam Matthew Dance, Andrew John Owen
  • Patent number: 10000230
    Abstract: A vehicle for line marking, having a steering mechanism (10) including: a directional wheel (5) that pivots about a steering shaft (12) coupled to a steering actuator (13); a control actuator (21) responsive to a steering wheel (22); and a universal joint coupling the control actuator (21) and the steering actuator (13) at a fixed angle between 20° to 70°, preferably 30° to 60°; the angle of the universal joint acting to produce a varying steering ratio as the steering wheel is moved away from its centered position. The vehicle includes a hydraulic pump circuit for a motor (101) driven line marking spray device (77) having a hydraulic supply line (105) for the motor with a check valve (107) and a high pressure accumulator (109) between the check valve and the motor and a pressure actuated ram (102) to deactivate the pump (100) when the pressure exceeds a threshold; the motor return line having a low pressure accumulator (110) and a restricted (112) bypass line (111).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventors: Rex Cameron Lucas, Carl William Watson
  • Patent number: 9988114
    Abstract: A trailer configured to couple to a self-balancing personal transporter, the trailer including a seat, at least one wheel rotatably coupled to the seat and oriented in an axial direction, the seat configured and positioned to support a user in a seated position with the user's feet in contact with a foot rest of the self-balancing personal transporter, and a yoke including a first end coupled to the seat and a second end configured to couple with a central portion of the self-balancing personal transporter, wherein the yoke extends in the same axial direction as the at least one wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventor: Anthony Freakes
  • Patent number: 9970499
    Abstract: The electric linear motion actuator includes an electric motor, a drive shaft configured to be rotated by the electric motor, a rotation-to-linear motion converting mechanism configured to convert the rotational motion of the drive shaft to the axial linear motion of an axially movably supported outer ring member, and an electric locking mechanism incorporated in a reduction gear mechanism in which the rotation of a rotor shaft of the electric motor is reduced in speed and transmitted to the drive shaft. When the electric locking mechanism is energized, the power transmission path shifts to the locked state in which power cannot be transmitted, and when the electric locking mechanism is de-energized thereafter, the power transmission path is kept in the locked state. The electric locking mechanism is built in a motor case of the electric motor so that the electric motor and the electric locking mechanism are unitized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsuya Yamasaki, Makoto Muramatsu, Yui Masuda
  • Patent number: 9915302
    Abstract: In a drive unit attached to a vehicle-body frame of an electric-motor-assisted bicycle including a one-way clutch including an outer member, an inner member, a plurality of clutch lugs, a plurality of springs, and a plurality of pins. Clutch teeth are located on one of an inner peripheral portion of the outer member and an outer peripheral portion of the inner member. The clutch lugs and the springs are located on the other of the inner peripheral portion and the outer peripheral portion. A number of the clutch lugs is an even number not smaller than four. A number of the clutch teeth is an even number that is not a multiple of the number of the clutch lugs. A number of the springs is half the number of clutch lugs. Each spring exerts a biasing force on two of the clutch lugs that are circumferentially adjacent. Each pin is in contact with one of the springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomohiro Usami
  • Patent number: 9808384
    Abstract: A transition means for adapting a wheelchair is disclosed wherein a user or an occupant of the wheelchair is enabled to repeatably alternate the wheelchair between an original mode and an adapted mode by engaging and disengaging a unilaterally-connected adaptive implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventor: Stephen C. Golden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9757290
    Abstract: An adjustable coupling device for use with a conventional wheelchair and a conventional vehicle. The wheelchair has a transverse foot support with a length. The vehicle has a support deck with a width. The coupling device is removably secured to the support deck. The coupling device is formed with a rectangular base plate. Upstanding components extending upwardly from the base plate are configured to receive and retain the transverse foot support. The width of the base plate is less than the length of the transverse foot support. The base plate has two spaced holes laterally spaced by a distance greater than the width of the support deck. A mechanism has a central section beneath the support deck and has upstanding ends extendable upwardly through the holes in the base plate. The mechanism is adapted to hold the base plate to the support deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Sergio Paolo Scognamiglio
  • Patent number: 9751372
    Abstract: A system for determining an axle load for an agricultural tractor. The system includes an axle or wheel suspension device arranged on a front axle of the agricultural tractor and has a hydraulic spring strut having a hydraulic cylinder and a hydraulic piston dividing the hydraulic cylinder into an annular space and a piston space. A first pressure sensor detects a first working pressure, which is present in the annular space. A second pressure sensor detects a second working pressure, which is present in the piston space. A control device calculates a front axle load variable which represents an axle load acting on a front axle on the basis of a pressure force difference derived from the first and second working pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Sebastian Traut, Guenther Wolf, Michael Meid
  • Patent number: 9701346
    Abstract: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to side-by-side all terrain vehicles having plural rows of seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron D. Deckard, Brian M. Safranski, Richard L. Sunsdahl
  • Patent number: 9682743
    Abstract: A bicycle control system is basically provided with a plurality of electric units. Each of the plurality of electric units is configured to be mounted to a bicycle. Each of the plurality of electric units includes a storage unit. At least two of the storage units of the plurality of electric units store at least two common pieces of information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Miyoshi, Jun Gao, Ayumi Kato
  • Patent number: 9676280
    Abstract: A system for managing braking torque in a machine uses a first braking system, a second braking system that is independent of the first braking system and a controller that monitors activity in both braking systems. The controller selectively reduces torque in the first braking system as torque in the second braking system increases to limit undesired effects of possible over-braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Ruth, Christopher P. Braet, Alexander C. Crosman, III, Jonathan M. Baumann
  • Patent number: 9676438
    Abstract: A method and kit for converting a two-wheeled motorcycle into a three-wheeled reverse trike. To convert the two wheeled motorcycle to a reverse trike, the front fork tubes, including the front wheel, are removed from the triple-tree of the motorcycle. A frame assembly mounts to a forward end of the motorcycle. Left and right wheels are mounted to the frame assembly with wheel suspension systems. A steering shaft is attached to the triple-tree of the motorcycle. Steering tie rods are linked to the steering shaft and the wheel spindles, whereby turning of the handle bars causes the steering shaft to rotate about its longitudinal axis and causes the left and right steering tie rods to effect corresponding turning of the left and right front wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: IDO-Endeavor Inc.
    Inventor: Norm Kokes
  • Patent number: 9656682
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a stroller system includes a stroller frame connected to three or more wheels, a housing unit operable to accommodate a rider, a motor coupled to the frame and to at least one of the wheels, and a brake coupled to at least one of the wheels. The system further includes one or more processors coupled to the frame, a first electronic display coupled to the frame and communicatively coupled to at least one of the one or more processors, and sensors coupled to the frame and to at least one processor. A distance sensor measures a distance between the distance sensor and an object, and a speed sensor measures the speed of the frame. The one or more processors are operable to receive measurements from the distance sensor and speed sensor, and to determine, based on the received measurements, whether to apply the brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Inventor: Eli Ahlemeier
  • Patent number: 9649236
    Abstract: A dynamic seating and walking wheelchair includes an active seat and a frame. The active seat is configured to move from a seated position to a standing position. The active seat includes a seat back with an upper end and a lower end, and a seat bottom with a front end and a rear end. The rear end of the seat bottom is rotatable about a movable pivot axis approximate to the lower end of the seat back from the seated position of approximately horizontal to the standing position of approximately vertical. The frame is configured to support the active seat. Wherein, when the active seat moves from a seated position to a standing position, the movable pivot axis moves both up and backwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Active Body, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Kenneth Wike, Jr., Michael Alan Kapp, Richard Michael McEntyre
  • Patent number: 9550443
    Abstract: A system of the present disclosure has a housing that has at least two female indentations, and each indentation has tapered walls that form a cavity. The system further has a trailer that has at least two protrusions, including a first protrusion on a first leg of the trailer and a second protrusion on a second leg of the trailer, and the protrusions are arranged to mate with the at least two female indentations when the housing is placed on the trailer. Each protrusion has a lock slat slidably moveable in a slot formed in a side of the protrusion and the lock slats are adapted to engage one of the tapered walls of the protrusions thereby retaining the housing on the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Bike Box, LLC
    Inventor: Chad S. McElhiney
  • Patent number: 9511656
    Abstract: To suppress the height of a vehicle body frame of an inverted pendulum type vehicle in consideration of mounting and dismounting the vehicle. Left and right drive units are disposed so as to be juxtaposed in the left-right direction at same-height positions higher than a main wheel. The left and right drive units and a battery pack are disposed so as to be juxtaposed in front and behind a vehicle body frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Muto, Wataru Yada
  • Patent number: 9487146
    Abstract: A trailer hitch step apparatus including a hollow square-shaped hitch sleeve, with a perimeter of a channel of the hitch sleeve substantially conforming to a perimeter of a trailer hitch receiver. A base mounting support is attached to a bottom side of the hitch sleeve. Each of a right step member and a left step member of a pair of step members is attached to a right area and a left area, respectively, of the base mounting support. Each of a right side mounting support and a left side mounting support of a pair of triangular side mounting supports is disposed on a side edge of the right step member and the left step member, respectively. The channel of the hitch sleeve is selectively slidably disposable around the trailer hitch receiver, and a tightening bolt secures the channel of the hitch sleeve around the trailer hitch receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventors: Richard Lowell, Debra Lowell
  • Patent number: 9474665
    Abstract: A wheelchair has a chair, an electrical power device, a foot stand, and a control device. The chair has two arm rest frames, and each arm rest frame has a connection board. The electrical power device is detachably connected with the connection boards and has a holding frame, a driving device, and two rear wheels. The holding frame has two holding boards respectively connected with the connection boards by multiple securing assemblies. Each securing assembly has a holding sleeve, a connecting rod, a knob, and a spring. The holding sleeve has multiple abutting ribs. The connecting rod is mounted through the holding sleeve and has a first end and a second end selectively extending into one of the connecting holes defined in a corresponding connection board. The knob is mounted securely around the second end of the connecting rod and has multiple engaging grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Shu-Chen Chan