Electrical-type Motor Patents (Class 180/214)
  • Patent number: 11083659
    Abstract: An epidural patient positioning system for providing a mobile support platform which is adjustable for a wide range of patient sizes and configurations of treatment tables. The epidural patient positioning system includes a base assembly having a plurality of casters, a vertical assembly extending upwardly from the base assembly, a pair of adjustable foot supports positioned on either side of the vertical assembly, and pair of adjustable arm supports positioned on either side of the vertical assembly, a torso support member positionable both vertically and laterally rom the vertical assembly, and a motor and control assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Pivotal Health Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Quentin Grismer, Eric Tilberg
  • Patent number: 11001329
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an electric scooter comprises a deck configured to support a rider, front and rear wheels, a handlebar assembly that includes a handlebar, a left handle, and a right handle, a steering column that includes a steering tube and the handlebar assembly, and an electric motor configured to provide mechanical power to at least one of the front and the rear wheels. One or more of the steering column, steering tube, handlebar assembly, handlebar, left handle, right handle, and deck can be configured to be detachable and comprise one or more rechargeable battery packs. In addition, one or more of the steering column, steering tube, handlebar assembly, handlebar, left handle, right handle, and deck can be configured to receive one or more removable rechargeable batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Bravo Sports
    Inventors: Jack B. Lovley, II, Joseph C. Klingl, Mark Groenhuyzen, Kenneth Edlauer
  • Patent number: 10640348
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pallet carrier, comprising a carrier frame structure; a fork structure disposed on the carrier frame structure; a driving wheel structure comprising driving wheels that are articulated to the carrier frame structure, wherein each one of the driving wheels is set as a one-piece wheel structure integrated with a driving motor and a hub. The pallet carrier has the advantages of simple structure and work reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: NINGBO RUYI JOINT STOCK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhenyu Pan, Feng Tian, Zhenli Feng, Zefeng Yang, Liangzhu Wu, Yaoyao Zhang, Ji Chen, Haoxiang Fang
  • Patent number: 10246113
    Abstract: A wheel barrow that includes a three-wheel design and a secondary handle so that almost any single user, such as a disabled military veteran, can utilize the wheel barrow compared to traditional wheel barrows. The wheel barrow includes an A-frame, a first front wheel, a second front wheel, a rear wheel, a barrow receptacle, a clevis, and a handle bar. The A-frame is the main structural body of the wheel barrow. The first front wheel and the second front wheel provide a primary conveyance means for the wheel barrow. The rear wheel provides a secondary conveyance means for the wheel barrow and allows the wheel barrow to stand upright without the aid of the user. The barrow receptacle provides a storage means to carry material. The clevis allows the user to change directions when utilizing the wheel barrow. The handle bar provides an efficient leverage means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Inventors: William Michael Bresnahan, Sr., Kirby Killman
  • Patent number: 9914500
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a foldable scooter comprising a first frame component, wherein the first frame component comprises a steering column and a handlebar, wherein the steering column is integrated with an electric drive unit speed controller which is constructed and arranged to operatively control a removeable electric drive module; a second frame component, wherein the second frame component is rotatably attached to the first frame component so that the first frame component can fold onto the second frame component and wherein the second frame component includes a deck; a front wheel operatively connected to the first frame component; and a rear wheel operatively connected to the second frame component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Gábor Gerencsér
  • Patent number: 9879765
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a vehicle drive system that includes a drive pedestal, a drive motor mounting plate connected to the drive pedestal, an electric drive motor assembly having an output shaft and being connected to the drive motor mounting plate, at least two bearings connected to the drive pedestal, an axle shaft rotatably connected to the at least two bearings, a drive wheel connected to the axle shaft, a chain drive assembly, and a controller that provides control signals to the electric drive motor assembly and is connected to the drive pedestal. The electric drive motor assembly also includes a first gear speed reduction, while the chain drive assembly includes a second gear speed reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: BIG LIFT, LLC
    Inventors: Xu Hongpeng, Jin Miaofeng, Xu Linjie
  • Patent number: 9623891
    Abstract: A pallet jack includes a forked frame and a jacking cylinder, and is supported at least in part by left and right steering wheels. A drive wheel may be located between the left and right steering wheels, with a center of each of the steering wheels and a center of the drive wheel located in a co-planar orientation. A motor provides power to the drive wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Power Handling, Incorporated
    Inventor: Greg Newell
  • Patent number: 9604683
    Abstract: The general layout for a front wheel drive, three-wheeled vehicle designed for road use with two steerable driven wheels in the front of the vehicle, and the engine located behind the front of the passenger seating. The vehicle layout is designed for optimal stability and traction by the location of the passenger seating, engine or engines, steering and driven wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: Gregory W Kunsch, Alexander Andre Kunsch
  • Patent number: 8875831
    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: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Ali Kermani
  • Patent number: 8813890
    Abstract: A self-loading tricycle transporter directed to 10-50 ton load ranges having a three-point tricycle type configuration providing superior suspension in terms of natural load contact on any type of surface condition. The tricycle transporter includes a fluid lifting suspension at each of three points. One point utilizes an on-center rotation fluid suspension axle assembly working in conjunction with solid elastomer tires at each end axle beam at the rear that attaches to the underside of the tricycle transporter platform with heavy fluid cylinder at each end. Accordingly, the three suspension points have the capability of being able to lift and lower to accommodate self-loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Intelliport Corporation
    Inventor: Melvin Dean Terry
  • Patent number: 8789639
    Abstract: An electric motor and a differential mechanism are placed near a vehicle body left-right center line distributed between the left and right sides of the vehicle body. In addition, at least parts respectively of the electric motor and the differential mechanism are placed on the vehicle body left-right center line. A deceleration mechanism is placed away from the vehicle left-right center line on one of the left and right sides of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahide Mimura
  • Patent number: 8783394
    Abstract: A drive wheel and suspension for a vehicle for mounting on a steering post to provide both a steering capability and propulsion to the vehicle. The drive wheel and suspension provides a spring suspension for that wheel of the vehicle, as well as what is effectively vehicle body mounting of the propulsion system so as to minimize un-sprung weight and to provide a compact assembly to support a suitable aesthetic and protective fender over the drive wheel and suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: T3 Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Ki Y. Nam, Richard Taras, Kenneth Tien Cao
  • Patent number: 8684378
    Abstract: A frame folding and adjustment mechanism for a foldable motorized vehicle, comprising: a hollow adjusting and fixing member, a hollow mounting member, an elastic element, a restricting member, and a cable assembly having a fixing cylinder, and a cable, wherein the fixing cylinder is fixed between the front rack and the hollow mounting member, the upper end of the cable freely passes through the fixing cylinder, the lower end of the cable fixedly passes through the restricting member and is connected to a lower end of the elastic element, the upper end of the elastic element is fixed to the hollow mounting member, the restricting member detaches from the hollow adjusting and fixing member when the upper end of the cable is pulled, and the restricting member engages with the edges of the hollow adjusting and fixing member when the upper end of the cable is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Dongguan Prestige Sporting Products Co. Ltd
    Inventors: Chichun Wu, Zhao Zhang
  • Patent number: 8678123
    Abstract: An electric vehicle wherein a seat post is provided as one of the components of a body frame for housing a battery. The body frame includes a main frame, a seat frame, a roof frame, and a shield support part. The main frame includes a battery case which is continuously integral with a rear portion of a head pipe wherein the battery is housed. The seat post is continuously integral with a rear portion of the battery case. The seat frame is configured to be connected to the upper end of the seat post for positioning a seat. The roof frame rises from the rear end of the seat frame and supports the rear end of a roof. The shield support part is provided on to project from a head pipe and, together with the windshield, supports a head lamp disposed on the front surface side of the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Tako, Koji Yaginuma
  • Patent number: 8397854
    Abstract: A drive wheel and suspension for a vehicle for mounting on a steering post to provide both a steering capability and propulsion to the vehicle. The drive wheel and suspension provides a spring suspension for that wheel of the vehicle, as well as what is effectively vehicle body mounting of the propulsion system so as to minimize un-sprung weight and to provide a compact assembly to support a suitable aesthetic and protective fender over the drive wheel and suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: T3 Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Ki Y. Nam, Richard Taras, Hung Pham
  • Patent number: 8371404
    Abstract: A self-propelled pool service cart specifically adapted for transporting a battery powered pool cleaning vacuum powered by an on-board rechargeable battery, along with other pool cleaning equipment and accessories. The cart is adapted an electric motorized transaxle with integrated transmission for powering the cart wheels. The electric motor receives power from the rechargeable battery that is used to power the vacuum. The cart is adapted with a handle assembly that includes a thumb actuated throttle that allows the user to selectively control the speed of the cart. In an alternate embodiment, a wheeled platform or sulky is provided for removable attachment to the cart in trailing configuration. The wheeled platform includes a pole mount for removably receiving a telescopic pool cleaning pole therein when in operation. A self-propelled cart in accordance with the present invention may be used either with or without the wheeled platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Darron Boeckler
  • Patent number: 8356686
    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: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: Ali Kermani
  • Patent number: 8177012
    Abstract: A saddle-ride three-wheeled vehicle has a fuel cell which generates an electric power by a chemical reaction between a fuel gas and a reaction gas. The three-wheeled vehicle includes a drain pipe which guides water discharged from the fuel cell out of a vehicle body; a rear body to which a pair of left and right rear wheels are journaled; and a linking mechanism which swingably links the rear body and a front body to allow the front body to sway left and right with respect to the rear body, wherein the drain pipe has a drain port between the pair of left and right rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Horii, Shinji Furuta, Katsumi Sahoda, Yoshihiro Namiki, Ranju Imao, Takuya Warashina
  • Patent number: 8167074
    Abstract: A slow speed, driver's stand-up only, three-wheels, portable, leverless, extremely lightweight, two-part personal mobility vehicle. A front major part, wheel drive assembly, comprising of an upper sub-part, comprising of levers free steering handle mounted on steering column. A lower sub-part comprises of an extended backwards supporting leg, a control box, an electric chain motor assembly, a fork assembly, and front wheel assembly. A two-part hinge assembly below the steering column, enabling folding steering column, and, if necessary, removal. A second major part, a rear assembly chassis, comprising of a riders flat platform surface mounted on a rectangular metal frame, partially mounted on a rear axle, which is connected to both rear wheels. A rear hydraulic foot brake system installed in both rear wheels, whereby a foot brake (pedal) lever formed on top platform surface. An alternative, none-emergency hand brake lever, may be fastened on the steering handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Tsiyoni
  • Patent number: 7913792
    Abstract: The fork-lift truck comprises a body (11) with one or more directional rear wheels and a mast (12) with a slide (13) sliding and hearing front forks for gripping and supporting the load. According to the invention, the truck comprises an intermediate frame (14), bearing the front wheels (21; 22) and oscillating with respect to the body (11) around a transversal axis (X-X) parallel to the axis (Y-Y) of the front wheels, as well as operating-cylinder means (30) interposed between said frame and said body. Said mast (12) is dismountably fastened to said intermediate frame (14), so as to be made to oscillate integrally with the frame itself around said transversal axis (X-X) by means of said operating-cylinder means (30) to swing forwards and rearwards, with both idle (21) and driving (22) front wheels, whereas it can be easily disassembled and assembled with respect to the intermediate frame (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: V. Mariotti S.r.l.
    Inventor: Rocco Bruno
  • Patent number: 7880411
    Abstract: In a motor controller which supplies electric power to a motor of an electric power steering device from a main power supply and an auxiliary power supply, an N-channel MOS-FET is connected in parallel with a diode which is provided to prevent a sneak current from the auxiliary power supply to the main power supply. When electric power is supplied to the motor from the main power supply, the MOS-FET is turned on. Then, most of currents flow into the MOS-FET such that a power loss is reduced and a reduction in efficiency is prevented. The MOS-FET has high speed responsibility and excellent durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeki Nagase
  • Patent number: 7841436
    Abstract: The driven front wheel drive assembly includes a drive assembly with a drive frame. The drive frame has a vertical plate that pivots about a steering axis. A gear case with a plate portion and a skirt is clamped to the vertical plate to form a sealed gear case. A helical pinion gear is on a driven motor shaft. A compound gear with a helical gear is in mesh with the helical pinion gear. A first drive pinion gear fixed to the helical pinion gear is in mesh with the first spur gear. A second spur gear is fixed to the drive axle shaft and in mesh with first drive pinion gear. All of the gears are in the gear case rotate about parallel axes. The helical pinion gear and the first drive pinion gear have small pitch diameters to increase torque. The driven axle drives a wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Amigo Mobility International
    Inventor: Allen Bussinger
  • Patent number: 7823675
    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: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Ali Kermani
  • Publication number: 20090065272
    Abstract: The invention is a transporter for moving a rolltainer, a trolley, and various other multi-wheeled containers that roll on a surface. The transporter utilizes lever-assisted rotating forks to lift and position the container to provide maximum traction, stability, and safety. The transporter utilizes hub motors for increased maneuverability and to eliminate drivetrain elements. The transporter is configured to keep transporter structure between the operator and the load during al operative modes to maximize operator safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: James F. Martin, Bart Helson
  • Patent number: 7426973
    Abstract: A first reduction section of a hybrid power unit reduces an output of a motor when a transmission is shifted. A charge determining section determines whether charging of a battery is permitted. If the charge determining section determines that charging of the battery is not permitted in a period where the first reduction section reduces the output of the motor, a second reduction section reduces a power generation amount of a generator. Therefore, a shift shock is reliably prevented without generating response delay in an output rotation in the hybrid power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Hiroatsu Endo
  • Publication number: 20080164086
    Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle is provided, including a rotatable power base comprising two main wheels and at least one auxiliary wheel, the two main wheels being connected to two sides of a power base, the at least one auxiliary wheel being disposed underneath the power base, wherein the rotatable power base further includes a differential for connecting and controlling the two main wheels, thereby, the rotatable power base can be rotate 360 degrees; a connecting module having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the rotatable power base; a carrying module connecting to the second end of the connecting module; and a control module being secured to the carrying module for controlling operations of the rotatable power base and the connecting module. Accordingly, time spent on standing and walking by operators can be reduced while increasing work efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: CHUNG YUAN CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Kwun-Mao Ho
  • Patent number: 7328763
    Abstract: A hybrid electric drive system for a vehicle comprises a combustion engine (1), a transmission (2), a first clutch (3) disposed between the engine (1) and the transmission (2), a rotating electric machine (4) which serves as a motor as well as a generator, a second clutch (30) disposed between the rotating electric machine (4) and the transmission (2), and a storage device (9). When the second clutch (30) is commanded to connect the rotating electric machine (4) to the transmission (2), a control unit (10) controls the rotating electric machine (4) so as to decrease the difference between the rotation speeds of the rotating electric machine (4) and the transmission (2) (S2) and cause the second clutch (30) to connect the rotating electric machine (4) to the transmission (2) only after the difference decreases to a allowable value (S3, S4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Gouda, Mitsuhiro Nishina, Yuji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7285896
    Abstract: The device includes a housing and an outer shell including tightly wound wire coils fitted within the housing. Rotatable armatures including associated commutators are disposed at outer end portions thereof. The armatures further include spring loaded brushes and a plurality of wire coils wrapped intermediately spaced adjacent to the commutators. The device further includes a drive shaft having bearings selectively spaced therealong that defines a fulcrum axis for the armature coils and output shafts connected to the drive shaft. A power supply source is electrically coupled to an A.C. or D.C. motor and disposed external of the housing. The armatures define an epicyclical train for connecting the drive shaft in a linear path so that a driving force can be equally divided between the vehicle wheels to thereby permit one vehicle wheel to revolve faster than another vehicle wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Eugene R. Mallory
  • Patent number: 7174983
    Abstract: A motor-driven vehicle includes: a chassis; a post extending upwardly from the chassis and having an upright engaging wall formed with an engaging hole; a battery housing seated on the chassis adjacent to the post and including a mounting wall disposed adjacent to the engaging wall; a coupling device including an engaging rod having a pivot portion pivoted to the mounting wall of the battery housing, and an engaging portion extending from the pivot portion, the engaging rod being pivotable relative to the battery housing between an engaging position, where the engaging portion extends into the engaging hole, and a disengaging position, where the engaging portion is disengaged from the engaging hole; and a biasing member for urging the engaging rod to the engaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Sunpex Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Chi Hsiao
  • Patent number: 7163088
    Abstract: A lift truck (6) for the transport of a battery block (1) of an industrial truck, such as a fork-lift truck. The lift truck (6) includes at least one electrical unit. The electrical unit can be connected with the battery block (1) to be transported for supplying electrical energy to the lift truck (6). The lift truck (6) may not have its own battery. The electrical unit can be an electrical traction drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: STILL GmbH
    Inventors: Claus-Peter Jahns, Frank Rademacher
  • Patent number: 6889784
    Abstract: A vehicle incorporating a power unit having a front portion, a rear portion and a power source. A drive wheel, disposed in the front of the power unit, is connected to the power source. A brake pad is connected to the power unit beneath the power source and a handle bar extends back from the power unit. The vehicle includes a trailer unit, disposed behind the power unit, having two trailer wheels, disposed on opposite sides of the trailer unit. A connecting joint, connecting the power unit to the trailer unit, allows the power unit and trailer unit to move with respect to one another about the horizontal pitch axis and/or vertical yaw axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: Donald E. Troll
  • Patent number: 6834734
    Abstract: An electrical scooter includes a chassis having front and rear ends to which front and rear wheels are mounted. A seat is mounted on the chassis for supporting a rider thereon. A steering shaft is rotatably mounted to the front end of the chassis in an upright manner and has a lower end attached to the front wheel for swiveling the front wheel. A control device is mounted to an upper end of the steering shaft. An electrical motor is mounted to one side of the front wheel and coupled to the front wheel for driving the front wheel under the control of the control device. Since the motor is mounted to one side of the front wheel, the weight of the motor induces a torque to the steering shaft and thus yawing the front wheel and making directional offset of the scooter in the moving thereof. An offset compensating device is provided to overcome the directional offset of the electrical scooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Donald P. H. Wu
  • Patent number: 6478104
    Abstract: This invention relates to a collapsible motor drive vehicle of tripod construction which is lightweight and collapsible for ease in storage and handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph C. Kemper
  • Patent number: 6378642
    Abstract: A three wheeled electrically driven scooter having a front wheel drive. The scooter consists of three main components including a steering column having a front wheel attached at its bottom, a platform assembly and a seat assembly having a seat thereon. The front wheel drive includes a planetary speed reducing gear. The steering column is movably attached to the platform in such a manner so that the steering column can be adjusted in various positions relative to a vertical line and relative to the platform assembly. The seat assembly is mounted on the platform assembly so that the seat assembly can swing from a position where a person can sit on the seat on the seat assembly to an inactive position enabling the person to stand on a platform of the platform assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Eugene R. Sutton
  • Patent number: 6371235
    Abstract: A collapsible vehicle having a frame, a non-steerable wheel assembly and a steerable wheel assembly. The frame includes a longitudinal member, a transverse member, an upright member proximal to one end of the longitudinal member, and a steering member proximal to another end of the longitudinal member. The longitudinal member and the transverse member define a base plane. The non-steerable wheel assembly includes a non-steerable-wheel movable between a storage position within the periphery of the frame to a deployed position outside the periphery of the frame and extending below the base plane. The steerable wheel assembly includes a steerable wheel movable between a storage position within the periphery of the frame to a deployed position outside the periphery of the frame and extending below the base plane. A method of using the collapsible vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Warren R. Wisecarver
  • Patent number: 5901805
    Abstract: An automatically guided vehicle includes a single-wheel unit including a first wheel, a paired-wheel unit including second and third wheels, a sensor for detecting a track, a control unit, etc. The first and second wheels are drive wheels that are rotated by motors, individually, while the third wheel is an idler wheel. The control unit executes an angle steering mode during a forward movement or the like and a speed difference steering mode during a sidewise or slantwise movement. In the angle steering mode, the steering angle of that wheel unit, out of the single- and paired-wheel units, which is situated on the rear side in the moving direction is fixed, and the steering angle of the wheel unit on the front side is controlled. In the speed difference steering mode, the guided vehicle is steered along the track by differentiating the respective rotational speeds of the first and second wheels with the respective steering angles of the individual wheels fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Takao Murakami, Susumu Sugawa, Norikuni Miyaoka
  • Patent number: 5855249
    Abstract: A motor vehicle for urban use has a chassis, a plurality of wheels mounted on the chassis, an electric motor, an electric energy source supplying current to the electric motor located inside one of the wheels, and gears including a conical gear provided on an axle of the electric motor and a circular gear provided in a casing, with a roller bearing received in a groove of the circular gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Maquinas Agricolas Jacto S.A.
    Inventor: Shiro Nishimura
  • Patent number: 5749424
    Abstract: A powered golf bag cart (10) is shown which includes a frame assembly (20), a free wheel assembly (22), a drive wheel assembly (24), a power delivery assembly (26), a steering assembly (28), and a control assembly (30). For compact storage, the frame assembly (20) of the cart (10) further includes a base portion (32), central portion (34), and handle portion (36) which collapse into one another. The power delivery assembly (26) includes a drive motor (144), located in the drive wheel assembly (24). The cart (10) is steered by the steering assembly (28) changing orientation of the drive wheel assembly (24), under control of a user operating the control assembly (30). In this manner all control and motive force is applied via a single ground contacting surface in the drive wheel assembly (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Eric W. Reimers
  • Patent number: 5524720
    Abstract: An integrated powered walker and parallel bar that provides a stable and mobile walking frame for those who must pull on objects is adapted to move forward according to a user's needs. The user controls movement of the walker by depressing a switch; the speed at which the device moves is also user controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: John Lathrop
  • Patent number: 5522471
    Abstract: A power operated wheeled cart for hauling bulk materials is constructed so that it can be knocked-down into a condition of partial disassembly in a manner such that a base platform can be inverted and used as a structural base for attaching crating members to form a compact modular shipping unit which utilizes a minimum of crating components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Dennis J. Hilgendorf
  • Patent number: 5479998
    Abstract: A motor vehicle with an on-board propelling power source and operator control functions for steering, increasing and decreasing the vehicles rate of motion. The vehicle includes a chassis with an operator seat for receiving a human operator; a front wheel that can be laterally directed by the operator so the operator can steer the vehicle; a front wheel which is connected to an electronic motor for propelling the vehicle; a drive-gear train assembly for transferring the rotational power of the electronic motor to rotational power of the front wheel; a pair of rear wheels spaced laterally relative to each other for supporting and assisting in maneuvering the vehicle; and a pair of front stabilizing wheels spaced laterally from the front wheel with the front wheel intermediate to the front stabilizing wheels. The steering mechanism, drive-gear train assembly, and electronic motor are attached to a steering shaft and rotate with the steering shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Namco Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirotomo Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 5314038
    Abstract: An interlock circuit for a vehicle such as a lawn and garden tractor with a switch-controlled PTO and obstacle sensor. The circuit provides engine shutdown and PTO disconnect if a sensor switch is tripped while the vehicle is in reverse. Engine recovery is allowed with the sensor switch tripped if the transmission is shifted out of reverse. If the tactile sensor fails to reset when the vehicle moves forward, the circuit prevents PTO reactivation. Once the sensor resets, the PTO can only be turned on by cycling the PTO switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Rudolph A. Peterson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5307889
    Abstract: A golf cart or other personal utility vehicle includes a wheeled platform, a wheeled gooseneck frame detachably secured at the rear of the platform, and a detachable steering handle for turning a powered wheel on the gooseneck frame for steering purposes. A detachable upright post provides support for a conventional golf bag and set of clubs. A forwardly facing occupant seat is detachably mounted to the gooseneck frame, thereby placing the weight of an occupant substantially upon the rear driving and steering wheel. The golf cart provides a mechanized vehicle capable of use on all types of terrain. It can be readily disassembled for storage and transport within the trunk or cargo area of a conventional passenger automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventor: William D. Bohannan
  • Patent number: 5249636
    Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle having a very low center of gravity and compact overall size which facilitates travel in narrow hallways and in negotiating sharp turns as into a doorway along a narrow hall. The vehicle includes a generally horizontally disposed preferably circular, disc-shaped frame supported in close proximity above the ground by a steerable, motor-driven rear wheel and two spaced front wheels. A battery arrangement is connected to and supported by the frame and operably connected between a control lever in electrical communication with an electronic circuit and the motors for propelling and steering the rear wheel. A seat is provided whereby a user's feet may be comfortably supported on the frame. A circular cushioning ring, either fixed or preferably rotatably mounted and extending radially from the perimeter of the frame, contacts fixed objects such as walls, doorways and the like to facilitate tight maneuvers not heretofore possible with other such vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Sunstate Mobility Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Kruse, John C. Traxler
  • Patent number: 5125468
    Abstract: A battery powered steerable electric drive unit for detachable connection to a conventional wheelchair having a collapsible wheelchair frame comprises: a support releasably connectable to the wheelchair frame by an adjustable releasably lockable attachment mechanism; a drive assembly pivotably (steerably) mounted on the support and including a ground-engaging wheel and a battery powered electric motor for dirving the wheel; a solenoid-operated brake engageable with a disc-like surface of a pulley in the drive mechanism for the wheel; a detachable steering column having a handle mounted thereon and pivotably and rotatably mounted on the support; an adjustable steering mechanism mounted on the support and connected between the steering column and the drive assembly to effect steering when the steering column is rotated about its longitudinal axis; and an electric controller comprising an off-forward-reverse switch, a speed control switch and a brake switch mounted on the handle, and further comprising a solid-s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Inventor: Theodore R. Coker
  • Patent number: 5048626
    Abstract: A drive system for an industrial vehicle which consists substantially of an electric motor, a two-step transmission and a drive wheel and can be pivotally mounted for movement about a vertical axis in the undercarriage of the industrial vehicle. An axis of the electric motor is arranged parallel with respect to the drive wheel. The transmission can be a two-step spur gearing or a combined toothed belt and spur gearing. A swivel bearing is arranged above the drive wheel, the external race of which swivel bearing is received in the gear housing and the internal race of which swivel bearing is mounted onto a swivel pin extending downwardly from the undercarriage, the axis of said swivel pin lying at least approximately in the center rotational plane of the drive wheel, with the electric motor projecting above the area of the undercarriage having the swivel pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Carl Hurth Maschinen- und Zahnradfabrik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Richard Strehler, Wilhelm Schwibach
  • Patent number: 4775024
    Abstract: The carriage of the automatic trackless self-propelled carriage conveyance installation contains a steered front wheel arranged at the central lengthwise axis of the vehicle structure. There are also provided two steerable rear wheels. The steering structure of the front wheel is connected by a coupling rod with a central steering crank which, in turn, is connected via steering or tie rods with steering levers or arms of the rear wheels. To render posssible a faultless travel of the carriage through curves of a predeterminate path of travel or course, the arrangement is structured such that imaginary extensions of the rotational axes of the front and rear wheels, when undertaking a steering deflection or steering action at the carriage, intersect at a common point whose spacing from the median plane of the front wheel corresponds at least approximately to the radius of curvature of the path of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: Buro Patent AG
    Inventor: Herbert Pircher
  • Patent number: 4750578
    Abstract: A chassis member with rear wheels and a battery compartment has a detachable connection with an upright front wheeled support. The front wheeled support has a steering handle assembly pivotally connected thereto which can be locked in upright position or swung rearwardly into a folded position parallel with the front wheeled support, or pivoted forwardly for use as a dolly-type handle. An electric motor is mounted on the front wheeled support and has lead wires to the battery and to a switch operated by a belt tightener providing driving power when a hand lever is depressed but providing free wheeling when the lever is released. The lead wires for the battery are of a length and have disconnects which allow the battery to be carried on the person if desired. The cart is adapted to receive a removable seat and when knocked down consists of the chassis member, the front wheeled support, the battery, and the seat if the latter is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Inventor: Carl W. Brandenfels
  • Patent number: 4729447
    Abstract: A safeguard for an electric powered wheelchair having a forward steering column (13) on which a handle bar (14) and a control lever (20) are mounted, said safeguard comprising a platform (25) underlying said lever (20) and extending rearwardly thereof to provide contact with the body of an occupant of the chair when rising to dismount therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Inventor: John F. Morse
  • Patent number: 4437537
    Abstract: An occupant operated motor driven vehicle for supporting handicapped occupants adapted to be tilted forwardly by the occupant for retrieving articles lying on the vehicle support surface, and to be restored to vertical operating position. The apparatus by which the vehicle may be tilted and restored comprises a pair of hinged parallel support feet adapted to contact the vehicle support surface for supporting the vehicle in a forward tilt, and to be returned to nested position, and power driven extensible and retractable vehicle support means for moving said feet connected between the feet and the vehicle frame for forwardly tilting said vehicle and restoring it to its upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1984
    Inventor: Donald L. Ausmus