Having Only Two Wheels Patents (Class 180/218)
- Electrical-type motor (Class 180/220)
- Including rotating element for frictionally engaging and driving a wheel (Class 180/221)
- Including steerable and driven wheel (Class 180/223)
- Having frame element or fender constituting also exhaust or fuel passageway or fuel reservoir (Class 180/225)
- Including longitudinally extending shaft for transmitting drive to wheel (Class 180/226)
- Including resilient means for mounting driven wheel (Class 180/227)
- Including resilient means for mounting motor (Class 180/228)
- With means for cooling motor (Class 180/229)
- With change-speed means between motor and driven wheel (Class 180/230)
- Including endless element for transmitting drive and means for adjusting tension of element (Class 180/231)
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Patent number: 8925657Abstract: A transporter for transporting a load over a surface. The transporter includes a support platform for supporting the load. The support platform is characterized by a fore-aft axis, a lateral axis, and an orientation with respect to the surface, the orientation referred to as an attitude. At least one ground-contacting element is flexibly coupled to the support platform in such a manner that the attitude of the support platform is capable of variation. One or more ground-contacting elements are driven by a motorized drive arrangement. A sensor module generates a signal characterizing the attitude of the support platform. Based on the attitude, a controller commands the motorized drive arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2013Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, Robert R. Ambrogi
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Patent number: 8905490Abstract: A wheel assembly and a wheel are suitable for use with a mobile platform. The wheel assembly comprising a first wheel and a second wheel, each wheel comprising a hub having a central axis of rotation, and at least two wheel lobes coupled to the hub, the wheel lobes extending radially from the hub and spaced around the central axis of the hub, where the first wheel is rotatably mounted to the second wheel on a common axis, and a control mechanism rotates the first wheel with respect to the second wheel.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2010Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Robosynthesis LimitedInventor: Philip Norman
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Patent number: 8907257Abstract: The present invention relates to a contactlessly chargeable heater. In one example, the contactlessly chargeable heater includes: an induction patch emitting magnetic field by means of current applied to an inner coil; and a heating body, receiving the magnetic field from the charging patch to perform a contactless charging operation, and including a conductive metal yarn for emitting heat via the power generated through the contactless charging operation. The conductive metal yarn is woven together using threads within the heating body.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2010Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Korea Institute of Industrial TechnologyInventor: Gi Soo Chung
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Patent number: 8886426Abstract: A power-assisted bicycle includes a bicycle body with a power assistance provider and a derailleur, a microcomputer, a gear-shift control driver, and sensors. When the microcomputer decides to perform gear shifting, it controls the power assistance provider to provide an assistant power output and the gear-shift control driver to drive the derailleur to shift gears properly subject to a before-shifting time period, an in-shifting time period and an after-shifting time period. Further, the microcomputer controls the power assistance provider to change the current assistant power to a predetermined low assistant power during the before-shifting time period, or to maintain the predetermined low assistant power during the in-shifting time period, or to change the assistant power output to a level higher than the current assistant power and then to return to the said current assistant power after the end of the after-shifting time period.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2012Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: J.D. Components Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chi-Chang Cheng
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Patent number: 8874338Abstract: A method for electronically controlling a bicycle gearshift and a bicycle electronic system, wherein when a gearshifting request is transmitted from an electronic control unit to a driving unit, the driving unit associates a wait for a waiting time therewith. In the case of a multiple gearshifting, the waiting time allows a chain to mesh securely with a toothed wheel. By providing for the wait to be carried out in a driving unit of a derailleur, the computing capability of an electronic control unit is not affected by the management of the wait, and the electronic control unit is free to carry out other functions, for example the management of errors of the electronic system, communication with a display unit or various sensors of the electronic system, etc.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2008Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventor: Federico Miglioranza
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Patent number: 8874319Abstract: An inverted pendulum type vehicle with a tiltable rider mounting section has a first travel operation unit and a second travel operation unit, which are disposed with an interval provided therebetween in the longitudinal direction and which are capable of traveling in all directions. In a situation wherein a predetermined representative point of the vehicle or the first travel operation unit is to be moved rightward or leftward, the traveling operations of the first travel operation unit and the second travel operation unit are controlled such that the travel velocity of the first travel operation unit and the travel velocity of the second travel operation unit in the lateral direction are different from each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2013Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toru Takenaka, Shinya Shirokura, Hideo Murakami, Makoto Araki
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Publication number: 20140291049Abstract: A motorized vehicle for a rider standing with one foot in front of the other, having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel. Load sensing means for sensing the amount of weight on each of the rider's feet are attached to or incorporated into the surfaces upon which the rider stands. An electronic control system detects when the distribution of weight between the rider's front and rear feet deviates from a certain ratio, and directs the motor to accelerate or decelerate in order to correct the change and restore the desired weight ratio. In this way the rider can control the speed of the vehicle by shifting her weight forward or backward. The front wheel is steerable by the rider's front foot. Leg contact surfaces facilitate stability as well as precision and control. Another control method is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2013Publication date: October 2, 2014Inventor: Shane Chen
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Publication number: 20140262580Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle includes a frame having a front frame portion, a mid-frame portion, and a rear frame portion. The mid-frame portion is coupled to the rear frame portion and the front frame portion. The vehicle further includes a plurality of ground-engaging members for supporting the frame. The front frame portion is removably coupled to the mid-frame portion with a plurality of frame members extending between the front frame portion and the mid-frame portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: David L. Bagnariol
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Publication number: 20140262579Abstract: A two-wheel movable platform, carrier, or base having canted wheels is disclosed. In one embodiment, the two-wheel movable platform, carrier, or base includes adjustable canted wheels in which the angle of the canted wheels is adjustable. In this embodiment, the two-wheel movable platform, carrier, or base includes a pair of wheel assemblies mechanically coupled to a battery housing. Each of the wheel assemblies includes, for example, a mounting plate, a drive motor arranged in a motor housing, a canted wheel that is driven by the drive motor, and an angle-adjusting motor for adjusting the angle of the canted wheel. In another embodiment, the two-wheel movable platform, carrier, or base includes canted wheels that are set at a fixed angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: OPOBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Colin Parker, Vikram B. Shah
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Publication number: 20140251710Abstract: A suspension structure utilized in a driving assembly of a vehicle with a first suspension arm, a second suspension arm, a third suspension arm and a shock absorber component is provided. The first suspension arm has a first fixed end and a first swing end opposite to the first fixed end. The second suspension arm has a second fixed end and a second swing end opposite to the second fixed end. The third suspension arm has a front swing end and a rear swing end opposite to the front swing end. The shock absorber component is disposed between the first suspension arm and the second suspension arm, and has two ends pivotally connected to the first suspension arm and the second suspension arm respectively. The shock absorber component is adapted to absorb an impact force by deforming while the impact force generated.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: GOGORO INC.Inventor: Ching Juan
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Publication number: 20140231164Abstract: Embodiments relate to a power assisted wheelbarrow. The wheelbarrow includes a dumping pan and a frame assembly in contact with the dumping pan. The frame assembly includes handles, a dump brace, one or more dumping pan supports and a resting support. The wheelbarrow also includes an electrical control assembly positioned in proximity to the handles, a wheel assembly including an axel positioned transversely between two wheels, an electrical motor assembly positioned in contact with the axel and in electrical contact with the electrical control assembly, a power supply supported by the frame assembly in electrical contact with the electrical control assembly and electrical motor assembly. Wherein the dump brace includes a curvature of about ninety degrees such that when a user dumps the contents of the dumping pan, the dump brace rolls into contact with the ground and prevents the dumping pan from contacting the ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: Michel Sales Company, Inc.Inventor: Charles J. MICHEL, JR.
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Patent number: 8812174Abstract: A controller system for vehicle which has a plurality of driving modes which influence driving feeling, and performs selection from the driving modes and the regulation by inputs from a selecting switch, a forward sequence regulating switch, and a reverse sequence regulating switch. For each input from the selecting switch, changing to the driving mode according to a predetermined normal order. For each input from each of the regulating switches, the current controlled step is changed in a predetermined tendency direction. In a state where the controlled step reaches a final step, the state of the final step is maintained even when the same regulating signal is inputted.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takeru Ohshima, Satoshi Takaya, Ichiro Umetani
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Publication number: 20140224560Abstract: A robot has an electronic surveillance system embedded within a chassis disposed between two wheels. The wheels include a main body and a plurality of treads. The treads are generally disposed radially around the main body and extend distally from outer portion of the main body. The main body generally defines a plurality of compression cells and may present a substantially frustoconical outer surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2013Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: ReconRobotics, Inc.Inventors: Casey R. Carlson, Andrew Drenner, Alex J. Kossett, Ian T. Burt
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Patent number: 8789629Abstract: A terrain traversing device includes an annular rotor element with a plurality of co-planar microspine hooks arranged on the periphery of the annular rotor element. Each microspine hook has an independently flexible suspension configuration that permits the microspine hook to initially engage an irregularity in a terrain surface at a preset initial engagement angle and subsequently engage the irregularity with a continuously varying engagement angle when the annular rotor element is rotated for urging the terrain traversing device to traverse a terrain surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Aaron Parness, Clifford F. McKenzie
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Patent number: 8770330Abstract: An exterior member such as a shroud, for a saddle-type vehicle including a head pipe and a main frame extending rearward from the head pipe, has a hook member formed on an inner side thereof. The hook member is configured for being engaged onto the main frame such that the exterior member is supported by the main frame. The exterior member is locked to the vehicle by engaging the hook member onto the main frame, thereby supporting the exterior member on the main frame. Such arrangement enables the exterior member to be affixed to the frame with a simple structure, without detrimentally affecting the external appearance of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yusuke Inoue, Shiro Yama
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Patent number: 8751110Abstract: An inverted pendulum type vehicle having a tiltable rider mounting section includes a first travel operation unit and a second travel operation unit, which are disposed with an interval provided therebetween in the longitudinal direction and which are capable of traveling in all directions. In a situation wherein a predetermined representative point of the vehicle or the first travel operation unit is to be moved rightward or leftward, the traveling operations of the first travel operation unit and the second travel operation unit are controlled such that the travel velocity of the first travel operation unit and the travel velocity of the second travel operation unit in the lateral direction are different from each other so as to cause the vehicle to turn about a turn center at the rear of a ground contact point of the first travel operation unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2013Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toru Takenaka, Shinya Shirokura, Makoto Araki
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Patent number: 8738278Abstract: A two-wheel, self-balancing personal vehicle having independently movable foot placement sections. The foot placement sections have an associated wheel, sensor and motor and are independently self-balancing which gives the user independent control over the movement of each platform section by the magnitude and direction of tilt a user induces in a given platform section. Various embodiments are disclosed including those with a continuous housing, discrete platform sections and/or tapering platform sections.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2013Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Inventor: Shane Chen
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Patent number: 8731758Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes state measurement means for measuring states of the vehicle; required power estimation means for calculating an estimated required power indicating a motor power required to operate the vehicle based on the states of the vehicle measured by the state measurement means; critical power estimation means for calculating a critical power when the motor power saturates based on the states of the vehicle measured by the state measurement means; modified reference input means for modifying a reference input so that the estimated required power falls within the estimated critical power when it is determined that the estimated required power estimated by the required power estimation means exceeds the estimated critical power estimated by the critical power estimation means; and control means for controlling a motor of the vehicle based on the reference input modified by the modified reference input means.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2010Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Fukashi Andoh
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Publication number: 20140131126Abstract: The invention relates to a self-balancing human transporter comprising a platform (1) flanked by two wheels (10) and equipped with a holding and driving stick (7) and a gyroscopic stabilization device acting on motors (14) that drive the wheels, each of the wheels comprising a rim (12) which collaborates with bearings (7) borne by respective crescent-shaped mounts (5) each of which extends essentially facing the associated rim and which support the associated drive motor so that this motor drives the corresponding wheel by acting on the rim, the mounts being fixed to the sides of the platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2012Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: UNIVERSITE PARIS-SUD 11Inventors: Pascal Marie Christian Yves Martinelli, Alexis Louis Williams, Olivier François Larive, Nicolas René Coibon
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Patent number: 8720614Abstract: A robotic two-wheeled vehicle comprising a connection body interposed between the two wheels are described. A drum can be coaxially located in a central region of the connection body and can support a hollow arm projecting radially from the drum. A tether can be inserted in the arm and connected to a second drum. Instruments and sensors can be accommodated in a case housed inside each wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2013Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Issa A. D. Nesnas, Jaret B. Matthews, Jeffrey E. Edlund, Joel Burdick, Pablo Abad-Manterola
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Publication number: 20140116795Abstract: The invention relates to circumferential movement field, including all circumferential movement devices such as transport vehicle, toy vehicle, space vehicle, blender etc, especially for energy-saving vehicles utilizing force of gravity. The energy-saving vehicle utilizes force of gravity as driving force, the vehicle body connects with the wheel by swing structure method or eccentric swing structure to utilize force of gravity more efficiently. The invention also provides solutions about two-wheel gravitational vehicle and multi-wheel vehicle and train connected by integrated vehicles or two-wheel vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2014Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: Wuhan Runlin Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd.Inventor: Wenlin REN
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Patent number: 8708086Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle in which the body frame can be reinforced without using a special reinforcing member includes left and right rear frame portions extending rearward and upward from a down frame. The right and left rear frame portions each include a rear frame front half portion and a rear frame rear half portion that are joined together at a joint. The left and right rear frame front half portions are connected to each other by a cross frame. The rear frame rear half portions extend further forward from its joint with the rear frame front half portion and are also joined together by the cross frame, which supports a seat through a storage box.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidenori Nagura, Junichi Sakamoto, Shingo Sugiyama
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Patent number: 8706336Abstract: A motorcycle apparatus is provided which may include a step disposed between a front wheel and a rear wheel, and to support feet of a rider and a side cover configured to cover a lateral side of the vehicle body. The apparatus may also include a charging electric cable for charging the battery from an outside power source and an electric cable housing unit to house the charging electric cable in the vehicle body, and in which the charging electric cable is connected to the vehicle body. The apparatus may further include a housing opening portion to be opened for inserting or removing a leading end portion of the charging electric cable into or from the electric cable housing unit and an opening lid to close the housing opening portion. The housing opening portion may be located under the step and provided to the side cover.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shujiro Inui
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Patent number: 8684123Abstract: A personal vehicle having two wheels that are arranged substantially side-by-side and connected by a linkage mechanism to one another. The linkage mechanism supports the wheels in a substantially parallel relationship as the two wheels tilt from side to side. A foot placement platform is associated with each wheel, as is a motor to drive the wheels. Gyroscopic sensors are used to in driving the wheels to maintain an upright position. Various embodiments are disclosed including folding platforms, a parallelogram linkage structure, handles and/or seats that may extend above the wheels, lower leg contact surface, and other features.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: Shane Chen
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Publication number: 20140083231Abstract: A modified delta linkage robot uses a reverse orientation arm linkage that includes an inwardly direct lower arm. This reverse arm orientation provides a number of advantages with respect to access over an extending surface such as may occur in a home, office or other environments shared with people. The delta linkage may also have application in certain factory environments, particularly when combined with an omni wheeled base. The linkage and the preferred linkage and omni wheeled base provide a stable movable platform. In addition this combination can advantageously include a number of sensors to take active steps to discourage and/or reduce the effect of sudden forces applied thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Inventor: Stephen Sutherland
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Publication number: 20140069733Abstract: A two-wheel battery-powered vehicle having a platform, two wheels connected to the platform, a battery-powered wheel drive driving the two wheels, an attachment connected to the platform, and a sensor device arranged in the platform. A person standing on the platform and engaging the attachment moves the platform into an angle position corresponding to a body position of the person. Based on the angle position of the platform relative to a horizontal position, the sensor device controls the wheel drive such that the wheel drive, by acceleration or deceleration, keeps the vehicle and the person standing on the platform in a balanced position. The attachment has a leg support device for at least one leg of the person standing on the platform in order to keep the platform at a desired angle position. The leg support device is adjustable.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Inventors: Ulrich Kahlert, Chris Fawcett
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Patent number: 8662229Abstract: A saddle-ride vehicle includes a vehicle-body frame, an engine, a seat, a storage box, a box lid, a box-side locking mechanism, a filler lid, a filler-side locking mechanism, an unlocking mechanism, a box-side cable, and a filler-side cable. The unlocking mechanism includes a key cylinder which is key-operated. The unlocking mechanism is disposed between a head pipe and the storage box. The box-side cable is connected to the key cylinder. The box-side cable is to be caused to unlock a lock of the box-side locking mechanism by turning a key in one of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction. The filler-side cable is connected to the key cylinder. The filler-side cable is to be caused to unlock a lock of the filler-side locking mechanism by turning the key in another of the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co. Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Nakagome, Tadashi Oshima, Kyohei Hosoya, Sunao Kawano, Manabu Fujii, Takeshi Kamiyama
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Publication number: 20140057505Abstract: A circular folding wheel has a center wheel section encompassing the center of a circle and adapted to be mounted to an axle at the center, with a side substantially corresponding to a chord of the circle. A wheel segment is pivotally attached to the center wheel section about a pivot axis extending along the side of the center wheel section. The wheel segment is movable from a rolling orientation, where the outer edge of the wheel segment is aligned with an outer edge of the center wheel section such that the folding wheel takes a rolling circular shape, to a folded orientation where the wheel segment extends laterally away from the pivot axis. Two, three, or more wheel segments can be pivotally attached to corresponding sides of the center wheel section.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: DRAGANFLY HOLDINGS, INC.Inventors: Orville OLM, Zenon Dragan, Greg Wood
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Patent number: 8651213Abstract: A braking device of a saddle-ride type vehicle that can reduce a load acting on a joint is provided. A joint 200 at a front-wheel brake output side which connects a metal pipe and a flexible brake hose is mounted on a body frame 2 via a mount rubber 260 under a floating state.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akira Nagakubo, Kotaro Fujiyama, Satoru Ikami
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Publication number: 20140039724Abstract: A survey instrument conveyance is disclosed. One embodiment includes a mobile platform having a set of wheels attached thereto. In addition, a mechanical coupling assembly is used to couple a survey instrument to the mobile platform. An adjustable position mechanism is coupled to the mechanical coupling assembly to raise and lower the survey instrument relative to the mobile platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Inventors: Kenneth Fortune, James M. Janky, Michael V. McCusker
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Patent number: 8640807Abstract: An inverted pendulum type vehicle provided with a body, a pair of wheels and that is attached to the pertinent body and that is arranged in parallel, drive mechanisms and that separately rotate the pertinent pair of wheels and around wheel axes, and a control member that controls the drive mechanisms and, wherein: the body is provided with a base to which the pair of wheels and is attached, a column disposed upright from the base, and a load-supporting part that is attached to the column and that sustains a payload; the column is joined to the base via a shaft that extends in a non-parallel direction relative to the wheel axes, and is provided so as to be capable of sliding around the shaft; and the shaft is provided with an actuator which imparts torque to the column that slides around the shaft with an orientation that is the reverse of the sliding direction of the column.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2010Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toru Takenaka
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Patent number: 8636096Abstract: Provided is a launchable remote-control attack device that enables an operator to remotely grasp the status of a target place and to remotely control weapons it has been equipped with to perform an attack using explosives or gas when necessary. The remote-control attack device includes a cylindrical body with a camera, drivers which are made up of two tires that are disposed on opposite sides of the body and can be driven individually, and battery units for supplying power and which are disposed in central openings of the tires of the drivers. The attack device further includes a plurality of storage units and a wireless control unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignees: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Duksan Mecasys Inc.Inventors: Soohyun Kim, Kyung-Soo Kim, Jeehyoung Kim, Bong-soo Kang, Wonsuk Jung, Chulyoung Kim, Yunsic Hong, Hyunsoo Park, Kyuje Yoo, Doo-Yeol Koh, Seung-Ho Lee, Min-Gu Lee
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Patent number: 8622166Abstract: The present invention provides a universal single switch driving system for power wheelchairs, which can be attached to any wheelchair joystick and remotely controlled, by any single switch available for persons with disabilities.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: University of Puerto RicoInventors: Raul Edmir Torres-Muniz, Sergio E. Garcia-Vegara, Baldin Lorens-Bonilla, Daphne Sanchez-Cordero, Mauricio Lizama
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Patent number: 8584782Abstract: A vehicle with two independently rotatable wheels arranged opposite from each other and bridged by a linking structure, having a driving motor for each wheel, and having electronic fore-and-aft self-balancing capabilities. The two wheels are capable of tilting side-to-side in unison to execute turns. The vehicle is operated by the rider leaning forward, backward, or sideways to direct travel in the direction of leaning. Further means are provided for producing advantages in stability and portability.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Inventor: Shane Chen
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Patent number: 8577577Abstract: A vehicle includes a support member and at least one wheel attached to the support member. The support member is capable of oscillating in a front-back direction of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a torque control unit applying torque to the wheel, and a control loop controlling the torque control unit to adjust the torque applied to the wheel to allow the vehicle to travel while keeping an inverted state of the support member. The control loop controls the torque control unit to apply normal torque and additional torque to the wheel, the normal torque determined according to a deviation between a target value and a controlled variable including at least one of an inclination angular velocity and an inclination angle of the support member in the front-back direction, the additional torque determined according to a power of a velocity parameter of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Susumu Oikawa, Yusuke Kosaka
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Patent number: 8562387Abstract: A driving mechanism for a radio-controlled toy vehicle is disclosed comprising a radio controlled drive assembly with a frame, two (2) large central wheels, and two (2) small motor driven drive wheels. The large wheels are driven by two (2) independent motors with drive wheels attached which engage the outer perimeter of each large wheel. The drive train and power supply are positioned upon a platform of the frame. Front and rear midpoints of the frame are provided with a finger protrusion to support the vehicle when changing directions or when balance is lost. The wheels are driven independently enabling one (1) wheel to be driven forward while the other one (1) is driven backwards to allow the vehicle to spin in place about a center point. The motors can be driven in a simultaneous manner to propel the vehicle forward or backward. Proportional steering enables the vehicle to turn corners and produce movements that follow curves or arcs.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Inventor: Gary R. Henthorne
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Patent number: 8543294Abstract: To provide a coaxial two-wheeled vehicle capable of performing a turning movement with stability and its control method. A coaxial two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with the present invention includes drive means to drive two coaxially-arranged wheels, turning reference-input input means to input a turning reference input, and control means to control the drive means according to a turning gain based on a turning reference-input input by the turning reference-input input means to thereby perform a turning movement. The control means preferably brings the turning gain to substantially zero when the coaxial two-wheeled vehicle is in a backward traveling state with a backward speed greater than or equal to a first speed, and sets the turning gain to a value greater than zero when a vehicle speed is substantially zero.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2012Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Susumu Oikawa
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Patent number: 8532877Abstract: To provide a coaxial two-wheeled vehicle capable of performing a turning movement with stability and its control method. A coaxial two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with the present invention includes drive means to drive two coaxially-arranged wheels, turning reference-input input means to input a turning reference input, and control means to control the drive means according to a turning gain based on a turning reference-input input by the turning reference-input input means to thereby perform a turning movement. The control means preferably brings the turning gain to substantially zero when the coaxial two-wheeled vehicle is in a backward traveling state with a backward speed greater than or equal to a first speed, and sets the turning gain to a value greater than zero when a vehicle speed is substantially zero.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Susumu Oikawa
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Patent number: 8505667Abstract: Provided is a throw-type compact reconnaissance robot, which is used for military purposes or counter-terrorism and is capable of ensuring a long operational time as well as drop safety by efficient spatial layout of a battery. The throw-type compact reconnaissance robot includes a cylindrical body (100) with a camera (140), drivers (200) made up of two tires (270) that are disposed on opposite sides of the body (100) and is drivable individually, and battery units (300) supplying power used to operate the robot and disposed in inner spaces of the tires (270) of the drivers (200) on the opposite outermost sides of the robot.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Soohyun Kim, Kyung-Soo Kim, Jeehyoung Kim, Wonsuk Jung, Chulyoung Kim, Yunsic Hong, Hyunsoo Park, Kyuje Yoo
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Patent number: 8504282Abstract: When a vehicle is stopped on a slope, a brake is operated to stop rotation of a drive wheel so that no torque is applied thereto, and the posture of the body is controlled by moving an active weight portion so that stabilized stop state of the vehicle can be achieved without consuming a large quantity of energy. The vehicle comprises the drive wheel attached rotatably to the body, the active weight portion attached movably to the body, and a vehicle controller for controlling the posture of the body by controlling at least one of the drive torque imparted to the drive wheel and the position of the active weight portion, wherein the vehicle controller controls the posture of the body by controlling only the position of the active weight portion when the vehicle is stopped on a slope.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2008Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Equos Research Co., Ltd.Inventor: Naoki Gorai
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Patent number: 8500221Abstract: A parallel two-wheeled vehicle including a braking mechanism to directly brake two wheels that includes: a body; a pair of drive units coaxially mounted to the body; a T-shaped handle to be gripped by a passenger; a longitudinal inclination detecting device of the body; and a brake lever. A brake detecting device detects operational information of the brake lever. The body includes: a vehicle speed detecting device to determine a vehicle speed based on a relative angular velocity between the body and the wheels, which is detected by the drive units and based on an angular velocity detected by the longitudinal inclination detecting device; a target speed setting device to set a target vehicle speed based on an output of each of the brake detecting device and the vehicle speed detecting device; and a stabilization control device to control the vehicle to stably follow the target angle/target angular velocity/target vehicle speed. Further, powder brakes are incorporated in the drive units, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2007Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yusuke Kosaka
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Patent number: 8496077Abstract: A robotic two-wheeled vehicle comprising a connection body interposed between the two wheels are described. A drum can be coaxially located in a central region of the connection body and can support a hollow arm projecting radially from the drum. A tether can be inserted in the arm and connected to a second drum. Instruments and sensors can be accommodated in a case housed inside each wheel.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2011Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Issa A. D. Nesnas, Jaret B. Matthews, Jeffrey E. Edlund, Joel Burdick, Pablo Abad-Manterola
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Patent number: 8490723Abstract: Method for controlling a vehicle that includes a support, at least one wheel, a platform coupled to the at least one wheel, a coupling structure having a support portion coupled to the support and a platform portion coupled to the platform that allows the support portion to move or slide fore and aft with respect to the platform portion, an actuator coupled to the coupling structure to control the position of the support portion relative to the platform portion, a drive coupled to the at least one wheel to deliver power to the at least one wheel to propel the vehicle and maintain the platform level, and a controller coupled to the drive to control the drive and coupled to the actuator to control the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Segway, Inc.Inventors: John David Heinzmann, Jon M. Stevens, Raymond Debruin, Anthony Foale, Joseph Hoell, Jr., Patrick A. Hussey, Alexander Muller
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Patent number: 8453768Abstract: A transporter for transporting a load over a surface. The transporter includes a support platform for supporting the load. The support platform is characterized by a fore-aft axis, a lateral axis, and an orientation with respect to the surface, the orientation referred to as an attitude. At least one ground-contacting element is flexibly coupled to the support platform in such a manner that the attitude of the support platform is capable of variation. One or more ground-contacting elements are driven by a motorized drive arrangement. A sensor module generates a signal characterizing the attitude of the support platform. Based on the attitude, a controller commands the motorized drive arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, Robert R. Ambrogi
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Patent number: 8442731Abstract: A control system for an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission of a straddle type vehicle in which an intentional shift down operation is easily made in an AT mode. An MT mode temporarily selecting section makes the gear change mode selecting section select the MT mode temporarily and makes the gear ratio control section change the gear ratio of the transmission to a gear ratio from among a plurality of predetermined gear ratios that is positioned lower than a current gear ratio when a mode change signal is inputted in AT mode. An AT mode returning section returns the gear change mode selected by the gear change mode selecting section to AT mode when a release signal is outputted after MT mode is temporarily selected by the MT mode temporarily selecting section.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2008Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshio Unno
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Publication number: 20130105239Abstract: A telerobot is designed for facilitating interaction between a remote user who is controlling the telerobot and a local user who is co-located with the telerobot. It comprises two wheels whose axes are aligned horizontally. It is designed to have its center of gravity located between the bottom of its body and the axes of its wheels so that it can stand up when powered or unpowered and can recover automatically after being toppled by an external force. Its camera's viewing angle can be adjusted to compensate for the swaying of its body due to inertia when it moves so that the remote user has a pleasant viewing experience. It supports gesture control text input so that the local user may input data into the telerobot without touching it. A virtual keyboard displayed on its screen has a layout optimized for gesture control text input.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventor: Hei Tao Fung
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Publication number: 20130098694Abstract: There is provided a motorized cycle comprising a frame, a seat, handle bars and a plurality of suspensions mounted to the frame, a plurality of wheels each coupled to one of the plurality of suspensions, one or more motors connected to the wheels causing the wheels to rotate and a control mechanism to independently control the one or more motors in response to a side-to-side and a front-to-back tilt of the motorized cycle. There is also provided a control system for operating a motorized cycle comprising a control board including software, a plurality of sensors providing inputs to the control board, a plurality of motors receiving instruction from the control board wherein the software maintains the center of gravity of the cycle in both a side-to-side and front-to-back direction by instructing the motors to accelerate or decelerate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: BPG RECREATIONAL INC.Inventor: Benjamin Gulak
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Patent number: 8424628Abstract: A SEGWAY adapted with a mechanism to manually override the rider detection mechanical sensors to allow a golfer to choose to ride or not ride the SEGWAY while playing golf. A handle attachment extends outwardly enabling the golfer to manually steer and thus control the speed and direction of the SEGWAY while not riding the SEGWAY. The golfer can ride, walk, or run as desired in unison with the improved SEGWAY. A wireless controller and steering mechanism allow the golfer to remotely operate and control the speed and direction of the SEGWAY.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Inventor: Christopher W. Schade
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Patent number: 8423274Abstract: A vehicle provides upstanding and tilted (standstill for allowing a user to get on an off the vehicle) positions without movement of the vehicle. In the vehicle, even if the vehicle body tilts, a riding section is moved in the forward-backward direction to bring the vehicle to an orientation where the center of gravity (P) of the vehicle body is on a vertical line (V) passing through ground contact points (S1) or drive wheels (12). This controls the tilt angle of the vehicle body and the position of the riding section (13) so that the center of gravity (P) does not move. Thus, the upright position and the tilted position of the vehicle are achieved without movement of the vehicle (without rotation of the wheels). Further, influences such as an error in parameters and disturbance are compensated for by a balancer that moves in the forward-backward direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Equos Research Co., Ltd.Inventor: Katsunori Doi
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Patent number: 8412414Abstract: To provide a coaxial two-wheeled vehicle capable of performing a turning movement with stability and its control method. A coaxial two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with the present invention includes drive means to drive two coaxially-arranged wheels, turning reference-input input means to input a turning reference input, and control means to control the drive means according to a turning gain based on a turning reference-input input by the turning reference-input input means to thereby perform a turning movement. The control means preferably brings the turning gain to substantially zero when the coaxial two-wheeled vehicle is in a backward traveling state with a backward speed greater than or equal to a first speed, and sets the turning gain to a value greater than zero when a vehicle speed is substantially zero.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Susumu Oikawa