Five Or More Wheels Patents (Class 180/22)
  • Patent number: 11951410
    Abstract: A ride-on vehicle for children comprising a main body that includes one or more built-in toy vehicle tracks that allow a toy vehicle to travel on the main body. A wheel assembly comprising a plurality of wheels is coupled to the main body. A drive assembly is operatively coupled to the wheel assembly and is configured to drive two or more wheels of the wheel assembly. A steering assembly is also operatively coupled to the wheel assembly and is configured to steer the vehicle based on a received user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Robert Favorito, Morgan Siebold, Jon Paul Castiglione, Carl J. Kamph, Patrick Schaefer
  • Patent number: 11840400
    Abstract: Autonomous vehicle (AV) systems are disclosed that may be deployed as a single vehicular unit or multiple units that operate synchronously. An AV system may deploy a flexible and scalable number of autonomous vehicles of different sizes, capacities, and propulsion systems that either transport smaller or lighter goods alone or connect with other vehicular units to form a larger, higher capacity vehicle. Each of these units is configured to navigate independently, as well as synchronously with companion units. For example, a unit may be paired with one, two, or three or more other units to provide greater capacity in which to carry goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Pirooz Moradnia
  • Patent number: 11750007
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a chassis supported on wheels, a battery having a voltage and supported by the chassis, a first electrical circuit supported on the chassis and configured to receive current from the battery, and a second electrical circuit supported on the chassis and configured to receive current from the battery. The second electrical circuit includes a current disconnect that is switchable between an open condition, in which the second electrical circuit is disconnected from the battery when the voltage falls below a voltage threshold, and a closed condition, in which the second electrical circuit is connected to the first electrical circuit when a reset condition occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: REV Ambulance Group Orlando, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Thomas Kraus, Christopher Lee Ellis
  • Patent number: 11572074
    Abstract: A system for estimating tire parameters for an off-road vehicle in real time, the system including a processing circuit including a processor and memory, the memory having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the processing circuit to measure a position of the vehicle at a first time, determine, based on the position, motion characteristics of the vehicle, predict, based on the motion characteristics, a position of the vehicle at a second time, measure a position of the vehicle at the second time, and generate a tire parameter associated with the vehicle based on the predicted position and the measured position of the vehicle at the second time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Phillip Duane Dix, Daniel Geiyer, Aditya Singh, Navneet Gulati
  • Patent number: 11497664
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base having a length and including a plurality of caster wheels enabling movement of the patient support apparatus across a floor surface. An auxiliary wheel support structure is secured to the base and rotatably supports at least one non-castered auxiliary wheel. A drive mechanism including a motor may be configured to drive the auxiliary wheel. A braking system including at least one brake member may be configured to apply a braking force to decelerate the auxiliary wheel and is movable between a first position wherein the at least one brake member is disengaged from the auxiliary wheel and a deployed position wherein the at least one brake member is frictionally engaged with the auxiliary wheel to restrict rotation of the auxiliary wheel. The braking system may be configured to synchronize the braking forces applied to first and second auxiliary wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: William Dwight Childs, Anish Paul
  • Patent number: 11479218
    Abstract: A vehicle operating device including an operating member operable by a driver and configured to: issue, to a drive system, a command to apply a drive force in a forward direction when a first-direction operation of the operating member from its neutral position in a first direction is performed in a state in which the vehicle is at a stop or running forward; issue, to the drive system, a command to apply a drive force in a backward direction when a second-direction operation of the operating member from the neutral position in a second direction different from the first direction is performed in a state in which the vehicle is at a stop or running backward; and issue, to a brake system, a command to apply a braking force as an opposite-direction-operation-dependent braking force when the second-direction operation is performed in a state in which the vehicle is running forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshihide Sekiya, Daisuke Itagaki
  • Patent number: 11433959
    Abstract: A four-wheeled articulated steering vehicle for terrain exploration. The four-wheeled articulated steering vehicle has a pair of robotic tethered two-wheel vehicles that dock, lock, and drive long distances as the four-wheeled, articulated steering vehicle. Two actuated docking mechanisms attached on opposite ends of a central module of the four-wheeled vehicle enable “sit/stand” functionality. The “sit” configuration is achieved by aligning each dock mechanism parallel or nearly parallel to the surface, allowing two-wheel vehicle to detach and explore while the other remains docked and serves as a backup. While ‘sitting’, the central module rests on the ground and is outfitted with shovel-style wedges for passive anchoring. In order to “stand”, the exploring two-wheel vehicle reattaches, locks, and both dock mechanisms are rotated until each two-wheel vehicle's caster arm is upright and the central module is lifted off the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Patrick Mcgarey, Issa A Nesnas
  • Patent number: 11279402
    Abstract: A method for steering a gantry crane having wheel assemblies includes the steps of: initiating movement of the gantry crane; and rotating the wheel assemblies wherein the front wheel assemblies rotate in a first rotational direction and the rear wheel assemblies rotate in a second rotational direction. The first rotational direction is opposite to the second rotational direction. First side wheel assemblies rotate at a first rotational speed and second side wheel assemblies rotate at a second rotational speed, such that the gantry crane moves from a linear path to an arcuate path with a turning radius decreasing to substantially zero for rotation about a central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: CIMOLAI TECHNOLOGY SPA
    Inventor: Donato Cecchin
  • Patent number: 11254206
    Abstract: A drive axle system having a one-way freewheel clutch. The one-way freewheel clutch is configured to transmit torque between first and second axle assembles when an interaxle differential unit is unlocked. The one-way freewheel clutch transmits torque to one of the first axle assembly and the second axle assembly when the interaxle differential unit is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Brian D Hayes, Robert J. Martin, Pedro Garcia, Chris Keeney, Dale Eschenburg
  • Patent number: 10974585
    Abstract: A mobile platform for materials transport is provided. The platform includes a pair of suspension devices that in turn include a pair of rocker beams which can be rotated between two positions: a first position where central wheels attached thereto can be used to drive the platform; and a second position where the central wheels are retracted and the platform can be rolled on end wheels without the friction of the central wheels, and an associated drive system, impeding movement of the platform. Furthermore, data from sensors and/or load cells can be used to control movement of the platform; specifically shifts in load distribution and/or sensed forces at the suspension devices can indicate that a load (and/or materials) has shifted and/or is shifting and movement of the platform is adjusted accordingly, for example to prevent the platform and/or the load (and/or materials) from tipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: CLEARPATH ROBOTICS INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Lord, Roydyn Clayton, Michael Irvine, Ryan Christopher Gariepy
  • Patent number: 10967926
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile robot adapted to traverse vertical obstacles. The robot comprises a frame and at least one wheel positioned in a front section of the robot, at least two middle wheels and at least two rear wheels. The at least one middle wheel and at least one rear wheel are connected by a tilting lever that is arranged on each of the opposing sides of or to the frame, forming a pair of wheels. Each tilting lever can be turned around a lever bearing located between the respective axial centers of rotation of each pair of wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Starship Technologies OÜ
    Inventors: Ivo Liivik, Märt Liivik, Tiit Liivik
  • Patent number: 10792969
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a longitudinal leaf spring device for suspension of a body of a motor vehicle. and the longitudinal leaf spring device comprises a longitudinally formed leaf spring element and a coupling device that mechanically couples the leaf spring element to a motor vehicle axle. According to the disclosure, a holder device is provided that has a base holder element for fixed connection to a vehicle chassis and a suspension adjustment element that faces the leaf spring element and is fixedly connected to the base holder element. In this case, the leaf spring element is connected in a front region, fixedly to the base holder element, and the front region is provided to come into mechanical bearing with the suspension adjustment element in at least one operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Friedrich Peter Wolf-Monheim
  • Patent number: 10667970
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a swing arm assembly (1) for a mid-wheel drive wheelchair (21), comprising: a front swing arm (3) having a front swing arm pivot point (3a), a drive assembly swing arm (5) having a drive assembly swing arm pivot point (5a) and a resilient member first mounting point (5b), a rear swing arm (7) having a rear swing arm pivot point (7a) and a resilient member second mounting point (7b), and a resilient member (9) configured to be connected to the resilient member first mounting point (5a) and to the resilient member second mounting point (7a) to enable force transfer between the drive assembly swing arm (5) and the rear swing arm (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Permobil AB
    Inventors: Herbert Van de Wal, Anton Danielsson
  • Patent number: 10640146
    Abstract: A moving vehicle includes a skid-steer electric motor vehicle chassis that is capable of traveling and an optical sensor provided on the electric motor vehicle chassis. The electric motor vehicle chassis includes a chassis body, a plurality of wheels that are provided as pairs of right and left wheels at the front and rear of the chassis body, and a driving unit that individually rotation-drives the pairs of right and left wheels. The optical sensor is disposed, in planar view, at a position nearby an axle line of a pair of right and left wheels on one side of the front and rear. A pair of right and left wheels on the other side of the front and rear is configured of wheels with rollers each having a wheel body and a plurality of rollers provided on an outer circumferential portion of the wheel body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kosuke Tanaka, Kyosuke Taka, Yoshitaka Okahashi, Atsushi Higuchi, Kiyotaka Hirata
  • Patent number: 10589797
    Abstract: A front suspension system is provided for a front-wheel drive vehicle having a drive shaft for driving a front wheel. The front suspension system includes a suspension device configured to be connected to the vehicle, a control arm configured to be connected to the vehicle, and a yoke mount configured to connect the suspension device to the control arm. The yoke mount has first and second legs that receive the drive shaft therebetween when the front suspension system is mounted on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignees: NIKOLA MOTOR COMPANY LLC, ARVINMERITOR TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Trevor R. Milton, Kevin M. Lynk, Adam Sadlik, Edwin Lorenz, Michael Schlundt, Paul Barr
  • Patent number: 10399598
    Abstract: A moving vehicle includes a skid-steer electric motor vehicle chassis that is capable of traveling and an optical sensor provided on the electric motor vehicle chassis. The electric motor vehicle chassis includes a chassis body, a plurality of wheels that are provided as pairs of right and left wheels at the front and rear of the chassis body, and a driving unit that individually rotation-drives the pairs of right and left wheels. The optical sensor is disposed, in planar view, at a position nearby an axle line of a pair of right and left wheels on one side of the front and rear. A pair of right and left wheels on the other side of the front and rear is configured of wheels with rollers each having a wheel body and a plurality of rollers provided on an outer circumferential portion of the wheel body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kosuke Tanaka, Kyosuke Taka, Yoshitaka Okahashi, Atsushi Higuchi, Kiyotaka Hirata
  • Patent number: 10357995
    Abstract: A lift device includes a wheel assembly coupled to a frame. The wheel assembly includes a rim having an inner barrel, an outer barrel, and a lip defining a first surface and a second surface. The lift device also includes an adapter plate and an axle having a first end coupled to the frame and a second end including a hub. The adapter plate includes a barrel portion defining a first face and a second face, a hub portion directly coupled to the hub, and a transition portion extending between the barrel portion and the hub portion. The second surface of the lip engages the first face of the barrel portion when the wheel assembly is in a first configuration and the second face of the barrel portion when the wheel assembly is in a second configuration thereby reducing a track width of the lift device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Palmer, Andrew J. Kotloski
  • Patent number: 10302406
    Abstract: A mechanical device that has the ability to manage and set explosives cones in the rocks that form the hanging, which can be operated remotely, avoiding the danger of the current state of the art where operators place explosive using bamboo sticks, before detonating them, causing an imbalance in the hanging. The mechanical device also known as cone-holder, is located at the end of an automated and semi autotransportable manipulator arm for releasing hangings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: CODELCOTEC SPA
    Inventors: Mario Vicuna Marin, Gaston Pinilla Narvaez, Ernesto Arancibia Villegas, Gabriel Gonzalez Loguercio
  • Patent number: 10279643
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a leveling system useful for self-leveling casters on suspension systems of harvesters, such as self-propelled windrowers. The suspension system utilizes position sensors and hydraulic actuators operably linked to each caster, the hydraulic actuators responding to a rotational position of the caster as detected by the respective position sensor to level the caster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Fay, II, Gregory Fasick
  • Patent number: 10272983
    Abstract: Embodiments of a boat heat exchanger system of the present invention employable to cool a user device via heat transfer generally include an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and an inline pump, wherein the inlet pipe is fluidly connectable to an external aqueous fluid source. In one embodiment, a closed-looped system utilizing a heat exchange component of a contained external aqueous fluid source is provided. In another aspect, embodiments of a boat heat exchanger system of the present invention contain a close-looped system and generally include an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, an inline pump, and an externally disposed heat exchanger, wherein an aqueous fluid is recirculated through the heat exchanger system. Methods of cooling user devices on a boat using embodiments of a boat heat exchanger system are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Strom W. Smith
  • Patent number: 10239378
    Abstract: A robot has a robot body on a frame structure, the robot body having at least one enclosed space to hold at least one delivery item. At least one sensing device detects objects along a direction of motion of said robot. The robot has six wheels, where at least two wheels on a side of the frame are connected to each other. The axis of rotation of each wheel is substantially fixed with respect to the robot during forward, rearward, and turning motion of the robot. During transition, via a substantially vertical obstacle, from a first substantially horizontally surface to a second substantially horizontally surface higher than the first substantially horizontally surface, one of the connected wheels causes an upward or a downward force to be applied to the other connected wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: STARSHIP TECHNOLOGIES OÜ
    Inventors: Ivo Liivik, Märt Liivik, Tiit Liivik
  • Patent number: 10236746
    Abstract: An electric machine is provided. The machine includes a housing and a coil operably connected to the housing. The machine also includes a rotor. The rotor is rotatably secured to the housing and defines a first end of the housing which extends outwardly from a first end of the housing. The machine also includes a locking mechanism connected to the housing and selectively connected to the rotor. The locking mechanism is adapted to selectively provide a first mode in which the rotor may rotate relative to the housing and a second mode in which the rotor may not rotate relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary Alexander Borts, Stephen Thomas English
  • Patent number: 10232782
    Abstract: A mobile vessel for refueling engines at remote refueling sites. The vessel has a tank with side walls and a rectangular bottom portion. The bottom portion is configured to rest on the ground and it includes an inner wall and a lower plate. The bottom portion further includes spacer elements between the inner wall and lower plate that defines a gap there between for collecting fuel that may leak from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: BNJ Leasing Inc.
    Inventor: Mark William Beard
  • Patent number: 10097064
    Abstract: A motion system has at least one body, a motion unit that applies force to this body in a specified direction, and a control unit that controls the operation of the motion unit. The motion unit has at least one base connected to the body, at least one plate that is connected to the base, at least one first motion element that is controlled by control unit, at least one rotating mass that is connected to the plate and at least one second motion element that is controlled by the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventor: Melih Cakmakci
  • Patent number: 10093356
    Abstract: A suspension system having a piston platform that supports an air spring. The piston platform may be pivotally mounted to an upper control arm. The upper control arm may be pivotally mounted to a subframe. The piston platform may rotate with respect to the upper control arm when the upper control arm rotates with respect to the subframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Edwin D. Lorenz, Adam P. Sadlik, Gordon Aaron Weeks
  • Patent number: 9908573
    Abstract: Technology is provided for a self-balancing robot that transitions from a three-wheeled mode to a two-wheeled self-balancing mode. The robot includes a body and a pair of drive wheels located at a first end portion of the body. Each drive wheel is coupled to a drive assembly operative to propel the robot along a surface. A third wheel is located on the body at a second end portion opposite the first end portion. A main arm is coupled to the body, wherein the main arm is rotatable to confront the surface and lift the third wheel away from the surface, thereby standing the body up onto the pair of drive wheels in preparation for self-balancing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott C. Wiley
  • Patent number: 9643670
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in a forestry machine (100), in which arrangement there is —a chassis (12), —a single-axle set of wheels (13) pivoted to the chassis (12), and —at least one auxiliary wheel (18) fitted the outside the set of wheels (13), in order to increase the load-bearing capacity of the rear part (19) of the chassis (12). —The arrangement further includes —at least one support arm (20) arranged to carry the said auxiliary wheel (18) at its first end (22) and pivoted at its second end (24) to the said chassis (12) with the aid of a transverse shaft (23), —a support surface (36) attached to the chassis (12) and a counter surface (38) attached to the said support arm (20), for limiting the transverse movement of the support arm (20). —The invention also relates to a corresponding forestry machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Ponsse Oyj
    Inventors: Ossi Pohjoisaho, Jan Kauhanen, Risto Vidgren, Jukka Karppinen, Pentti Hukkanen
  • Patent number: 9579242
    Abstract: A wheelchair of the mid-wheel drive type has a chassis frame, a pair of from and rear link arms that are pivotally connected to the chassis frame. Front caster wheels and drive wheels are fixed to the front link arms. Rear caster wheels are fixed to the rear link arms. A coupling operatively connects each front link arm to an adjacent rear link arm to transmit pivotal movement of one of the front and rear link arm to an opposite pivotal movement of the other of the front and rear link arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Permobil AB
    Inventor: Mehdi Mirzaie
  • Patent number: 9555702
    Abstract: A vehicle has a frame, a motor, two front wheels, a first driveshaft operatively connected to the motor, and a first gear assembly operatively connected to the first driveshaft. The first gear assembly includes a first bevel gear operatively connected to the first driveshaft, a second bevel gear meshed with the first bevel gear, and a third bevel gear meshed with the second bevel gear. Two intermediate wheels are operatively connected to the second bevel gear. A second driveshaft is operatively connected to the third bevel gear. A second gear assembly is operatively connected to the second driveshaft. Two rear wheels are operatively connected to the second gear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: Jukka Olli
  • Patent number: 9469172
    Abstract: An independent suspension and an independent suspension arrangement for a liftable rear axle of a heavy vehicle are provided. The independent suspension includes a lower wishbone and an upper wishbone hingedly suspended in a support assembly and a hub carrier, and an air bellows and a lifting bellows, where the air bellows is arranged outside of a plane defined by the web of a main frame beam and the lifting bellows is arranged inside of a plane defined by the web of a main frame beam. The independent suspension arrangement includes a left wheel suspension, a right wheel suspension and at least one sub-frame assembly extending between the left and right wheel suspensions, where the left and right wheel suspensions are mounted directly to the sub-frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Jörgen Andersson, Johan Samson
  • Patent number: 9435670
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for sensing position of an oil port on a rotating element (e.g. the wheel or track of a heavy vehicle) has a position sensor in electrical communication with a wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter is configured to receive signals from the position sensor and to send signals to a wireless receiver. The apparatus further has a mounting structure (e.g. a magnet) for temporarily mounting the apparatus on the rotating element. An indicium on the apparatus associated with a desired service action to be performed on the rotating element correlates an angular position of the oil port to a pre-determined reference position of the position sensor, the angular position of the oil port being a correct position for performing the desired service action. In use, the apparatus is mounted on the rotating element so that the indicium points at the oil port and then the rotating element is rotated until the receiver indicates that the oil port is in the correct position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Checkfluid Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Bernard Hall
  • Patent number: 9429222
    Abstract: A drive unit assembly including an input element, a first output element, a second output element and a drive unit housing containing a differential unit, the differential unit drivingly coupling the input element, the first output element and the second output element, the input element having input coupling features positioned externally of the drive unit housing, the first output element having output coupling features positioned externally of the drive unit housing, wherein the drive unit housing includes at least one mounting feature for securing the drive unit housing externally relative to an axle assembly and the second output element is suitable for driving an axle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems Cameri SpA
    Inventors: Marco Bassi, Roberto Gianone, Eugenio Tiziani
  • Patent number: 9422014
    Abstract: An axle lift system and a method of control. The axle lift system may include a liftable axle assembly and an axle securing unit. The axle securing unit may selectively secure the liftable axle assembly in a secured position in which the tires of the liftable axle assembly may not support the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Luis Gustavo Schuck
  • Patent number: 9409458
    Abstract: A vehicle includes two wheels on each side, with the pair of wheels on the left side mounted on a single bar that pivots up and down about a pivot point (left side wheel pivot plate) fastened to an axle that runs through the vehicle chassis from side-to-side. A pair wheels on the right side is similarly mounted (right side wheel pivot plate) on the right end of the axle. A stabilizer bar and associated components are attached to the rear portion of both pivot plates limits the independence of the up and down motion of the pivot plates, stabilizing the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: William C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9254878
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile robot, exhibiting an omnidirectional wheeled support vehicle (1) having numerous omnidirectional wheels (13) and drives for driving the omnidirectional wheels (13), a robot arm (2), exhibiting numerous, successively disposed links (3-7) and drives for moving the links (3-7), and a positioning device (17), designed to position the robot arm (2), which can be automatically moved on the support vehicle (1), in relation to the support vehicle (1), and a drive dedicated to the positioning device (17) for moving the robot arm (2) in relation to the support vehicle (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: KUKA Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Alois Buchstab
  • Patent number: 9216781
    Abstract: Configurations are provided for vehicular robots or other vehicles to provide shifting of their centers of gravity for enhanced obstacle navigation. A robot chassis with pivotable driven flippers has a pivotable neck and sensor head mounted toward the front of the chassis. The neck is pivoted forward to shift the vehicle combined center of gravity (combined CG) forward for various climbing and navigation tasks. The flippers may also be selectively moved to reposition the center of gravity. Various weight distributions allow different CG shifting capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy R. Ohm, Michael Bassett
  • Patent number: 9027678
    Abstract: An omnidirectional mobility apparatus. The current invention is an omnidirectional, remote-controlled mobility apparatus, similar to a wheelchair, which allows the transport of an individual or object(s). The device includes a cubic-shaped base with wheel wells on each vertical side of said base. Within each wheel well is a wheel set, such that the front and rear wheel sets face each other and the left and right wheel sets face each other. The circumference of each wheel set includes a plurality of transverse-facing, smaller wheels disposed incrementally within each wheel set along the circumference of each wheel set, such that a portion of the smaller wheels protrude outside the circumference of each wheel set. This allows the mobility apparatus to propel in any direction. Also included in the device are an adjustable, interchangeable footrest and chair assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Merry Lynn Morris, Mark Rumsey, Thomas Messerschmidt, Tim John Lewis, Neil Edmonston
  • Publication number: 20150125244
    Abstract: A low profile transport device includes a frame having a top surface and a recess disposed along the top surface to hold and transport an object. The low profile transport device also includes a plurality of wheels disposed below the frame that support the frame, and a plurality of pivotable wheel struts coupled to the wheels. The wheel struts are each individually adjustable relative to the frame from a first position relative to the frame to a second position relative to the frame to allow the low profile transport device to climb an obstacle without tilting the frame. The low profile transport device also includes a motor that generates movement of the wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Steve Coogan, Michael Waedekin, Joseph A. Yustus
  • Patent number: 8991832
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to double acting suspension axle assemblies that can be used to facilitate mobility of a heavy load transporter and/or to adjust a deck height of the heavy load transporter. Each axle assembly includes a wheel assembly and a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. The double acting suspension axle provides the ability to force the hydraulic cylinder of each axle assembly to fully retract without relying solely on gravity. The double acting suspension axle assembly may be incorporated directly into or permanently affixed to other large structures, such as mobile robots, large tooling structures, gantry cranes, or other large machinery to provide the precise control of mobility and forced lowering capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: Doefer Companies, Clover Industries Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Tetzlaff, John R. Burnett, Jason Van Clark, Melvin D. Terry
  • Patent number: 8994776
    Abstract: A telepresence robot uses a series of connectible modules and preferably includes a head module adapted to receive and cooperate with a third party telecommunication device that includes a display screen. The module design provides cost advantages with respect to shipping and storage while also allowing flexibility in robot configuration and specialized applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: CrossWing Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Sutherland, Sam Coulombe, Dale Wick
  • Publication number: 20150075882
    Abstract: The present application relates generally to conveyances and, more particularly, to wheelchairs. In one embodiment, a wheelchair includes a seat assembly coupled to a chassis. The chassis includes a frame having a rear wheel support member, one or more front wheel support members extending in a forward direction from the rear wheel support member, and a seat support member. The rear wheel support member comprises a central portion and left and right portions extending downward from the central portion. The wheelchair also includes one or more drive wheels for propulsion of the wheelchair, a set of front wheels for supporting the wheelchair, and a shrouding system for at least partially covering the frame and other components of the wheelchair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Tuckowski, Traian Mohan, Robert Bekoscke, Damon Jurkiewicz, Daniel James Yee, Joseph Spalding, Howard Loewenthal
  • Patent number: 8960340
    Abstract: A power add-on device for powering a manual wheelchair includes a motorized component including dual electric motors and a power source electrically coupled to the electric motors, wherein each of the motors is configured to turn a respective one of a set of drive wheels. The power add-on device includes a latching mechanism adapted to attach the power add-on device to the camber tube of the manual wheelchair; and a controller, reachable by a person sitting in the manual wheelchair, that controls the latching mechanism, the motors, and a swing arm that allows the rear wheels of the manual wheelchair to be lifted off the ground. The front wheels of the manual wheelchair are allowed to be lifted several inches off the ground to avoid obstacles, or can be lifted by the user leaning back. Advantageously, the power add-on device can be detached from the manual wheelchair and loaded into the trunk of a car when travelling or may be checked in as baggage when flying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Patrick Tallino
  • Publication number: 20150014959
    Abstract: Embodiments of a patient transport platform employing one or more adjustable columns interposed between a base having caster wheels with one or more intermediate large wheels, the adjustable columns accommodating deployment and retraction of the large wheels and elevation and positioning of an articulating patient stretcher chair. In various embodiments, the adjustable columns are in parallel or series connection, or combinations thereof. An articulating base frame assembly with a dampened interconnection between fore and aft sections, having three pairs of wheels for selective implementation in use is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Trevor Youngmann, Brian Huml, David Heidenreich, Nathan Yensho, Michael Maske
  • Patent number: 8925943
    Abstract: A wheelchair includes a frame, a rear caster coupled to the frame, a drive wheel coupled to the frame, a front caster, and a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly couples the front caster to the frame such that upward movement of the front caster relative to the frame causes the front caster to move toward the drive wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Invacare Corp.
    Inventor: James H. Molnar
  • Patent number: 8890098
    Abstract: A floor curing apparatus is disclosed, including a housing, an ultraviolet lamp, and an offset wheel arrangement including a pair of inner drive wheels configured to rotate and alternately be driven about a first common axis and a pair of outer drive wheels configured to rotate and alternately be driven about a second common axis. Each of the pair of outer drive wheels are positioned a first predetermined distance outward from each of the pair of inner drive wheels, and the first axis is offset from said second axis by a second predetermined distance. The floor curing apparatus also includes a shutter device a linear actuator configured to drive a support element in a direction away from the ultraviolet lamp, the support element affixed to a plurality of rods configured to draw the shutter device away from the ultraviolet lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Jelight Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Mackinnon, Dick Amen
  • Publication number: 20140305720
    Abstract: A frame apparatus for a lightweight rollator has a front frame and a rear frame. The front frame has a base and a handle frame. The base has two connecting tabs, two locking elements and a mounting frame. The handle frame is rotatably connected to the base and has a front wheel and two connecting arms. The connecting arms are formed on and protrude from the handle frame and are pivotally connected to the base between the connecting tabs. The rear frame is connected to the front frame and has a bottom mount, two rear wheels and at least one driving motor. The bottom mount is connected to the mounting frame and has a guiding rod and an engaging shaft. The rear wheels are rotatably connected to the bottom mount. The at least one driving motor is mounted on the bottom mount and is connected to the rear wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: SHU-CHEN CHAN
  • Patent number: 8757316
    Abstract: A trochoid propulsion system includes wheels provided at three points of the outer edge of an outer wheel part that turns around a driving shaft; and a steering link part that co-rotates with the action part and is movable horizontally on a turning plane. The steering link part includes a liner slider including a guide member attached to a vertical steering shaft that rotates each wheel so that the length direction is in a radial direction of the steering shaft and a moving member that slides on the guide member. In a state where a center of rotation of the steering link part coincides with the driving shaft of the outer wheel part, a rotating shaft provided corresponding to the steering shaft is attached rotatably to the corresponding moving member at a position separated from the steering shaft by a predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Osaka University
    Inventors: Taro Maeda, Hideyuki Ando
  • Patent number: 8746378
    Abstract: Here invented are efficient road vehicles having special aerodynamic shapes, with stabilizing provisions that enable aerodynamic efficiency. It is a vehicle that is configured to include a carriage part that encloses a driver and passenger riding in tandem. This car width is for persons seated in single file, enabling a narrow width that makes a body shaped like an airship practical, where that shape is characterized by a very low drag coefficient in free flow conditions. This body is elevated on struts above a wheel system to enable such free flow aerodynamic conditions, thus, the drag coefficient of the airship is made applicable to this road vehicle. The wheel system includes wheels on each side of the vehicle that are arranged in horizontal columns, to which the struts are attached. The horizontal columns act as individual aerodynamic entities that function independently of the carriage aerodynamic operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: James K. Bullis
  • Patent number: 8739917
    Abstract: An off-road vehicle comprising a pair of articulatable chassis members each swivelably connected at or near one end thereof by a generally upright trailing yoke therebetween, each chassis member including means for mounting respective forward, middle and rearward wheel means thereon, the center of the yoke including means for swivelably receiving the trailing end of a rockable cradle for supporting a driver of the vehicle, the cradle being rockable about an axis generally transverse to the wheel axes, the leading end of the cradle forming a leading yoke connected to respectively opposite ends of a pair of pivotable struts, the other end of each strut being pivotally connected to a respective leading part of one of the pair of chassis members, the arrangement being such that independent vertical movement of the or each wheel means is generally isolated from the cradle and hence the driver of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Sioin Emyr Pierce
  • Publication number: 20140138170
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension is provided. The wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a front caster pivot arm, a drive assembly, and a rear caster. The front caster pivot arm is pivotally connected to the frame. The front caster is coupled to a front end of the front caster pivot arm. The drive assembly is pivotally connected to the front caster pivot arm. The drive assembly comprises a drive wheel and a motor that drives the drive wheel. Torquing of the drive wheel by the motor in a forward direction causes the drive assembly to pivot with respect to the front caster pivot arm such that the drive wheel moves forward toward the front caster and a distance between a support surface and the connection between of the drive assembly and the front caster pivot arm increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Iinvacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null