Having Specific Motor-to-body-frame Relationship Patents (Class 180/291)
- With member or mechanism for controlling gearing or clutch, and means for minimizing transfer of movement, caused by operation of motor, to member or mechanism (Class 180/293)
- With means enabling repositioning of motor and gearing or clutch (Class 180/294)
- With wheeled auxiliary frame, resiliently joined to body frame, for supporting motor and gearing or clutch (Class 180/295)
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Patent number: 10315700Abstract: The provision of impact structures is difficult in the case of small vehicles, due to the shortage of working depth. We propose to use the wheel and tire as part of the deformable structures, which reduces the overall weight of the vehicle and requires little or no additional space in which to provide the impact structures. There is still a need to control the movement of the wheel under impact, but we have found that this can be done by appropriate design of the suspension components so that they react in a defined manner to an impact and guide the wheel in the correct manner.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2015Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: GORDON MURRAY DESIGN LIMITEDInventor: Frank Coppuck
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Patent number: 10294634Abstract: A method for retrofitting a high drive track-type tractor with a rear entry electric drive motor module. The method includes inserting the rear entry electric drive motor module into a frame housing. The rear entry electric drive motor module includes an electric drive planetary gear assembly, and an electric motor. The method further includes attaching a reaction member to the rear entry electric drive motor module.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2014Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Joseph D. Tigue, Vance M. Buatte, Jonathan M. Baumann, Gregory Austin, Timothy J. Schlack
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Patent number: 10279755Abstract: The present invention relates to a wire harness arrangement structure of a vehicle, comprising plural component control parts to control plural electric components for governing a drive of the vehicle, a main control part to generate a command signal for providing a command to the plural component control parts, and plural main wire harnesses to transmit the command signal. The plural electric components include at least a brake, an engine, a transmission, and a steering, and the plural main wire harnesses constitute a signal transmission loop which extends from the main control part and returns to the main control part by way of the plural component control parts.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2017Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Sadahisa Yamada, Taro Tamagawa, Masaaki Shimizu, Osamu Michihira
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Patent number: 10232699Abstract: Provided is a work vehicle in which a seat support frame that supports a driver seat is equipped on a vehicle body frame, the vehicle body frame includes: a front portion vehicle frame at which a floor surface of a driving portion is provided; and a rear portion vehicle frame disposed at a position higher than the floor surface of the driving portion and rearward of the front portion vehicle frame. An engine is equipped below the rear portion vehicle frame, a battery that supplies power to an electric motor is equipped above the front portion vehicle frame and below the seat support frame, and a frame portion of the seat support frame that exists above the battery at a position opposing the battery is configured to be detachable from another frame portion that is fixed to the vehicle body frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2016Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Yoshinori Oyama, Takeshi Satozono, Rei Tokuda, Kazuyuki Tashiro, Masatoshi Sakai, Yuki Nakaoka
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Patent number: 10215091Abstract: A variable compression ratio engine (1) is provided with a multi-link mechanism (101) between a piston (102) and a crankshaft (103). The multi-link mechanism (101) includes an upper link (104), a lower link (105) and a control link (106). An anti-vibration device (6) for vehicles is attached between the upper part of the engine (1) and a vehicle body to which the engine (1) is mounted. The anti-vibration device (6) includes a rod body (63) having a first elastic connecting part (61) at one end and a second elastic connecting part (62) at another end. The first elastic connecting part (61) is connected to the engine (1). The second elastic connecting part (62) is connected to the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2014Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Masahiko Kondo, Yoshinori Hirano, Keiichiro Matsumoto, Koji Tanimura, Shunsuke Ebata
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Patent number: 10214876Abstract: A work machine includes a machine body, an engine, a rotary electrical device, and an electric power controller. The engine is provided on the machine body to move the machine body. The rotary electrical device is provided on the machine body to move the machine body. The electric power controller is disposed above the rotary electrical device in a height direction along a height of the work machine to control the rotary electrical device.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2017Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroaki Nakagawa, Masahiro Kuroda, Masahiko Nomura, Shinichi Kawabata, Yuki Shimoike, Sumio Yagyu, Kazuto Okazaki, Shizuo Demizu, Yoshihiro Takayama, Toshihiro Nakao
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Patent number: 10207577Abstract: A tractor includes a vehicle body, an engine, a cooling device, a fan, and a first exterior member. The engine is disposed on the front side of the vehicle body. The cooling device is disposed behind the engine. The fan is arranged to produce cooling air for the cooling device. The first exterior member is disposed on the front side of the vehicle body and covers the engine, the cooling device, and the fan. A first discharge port is arranged to discharge the cooling air and is provided in a first side surface of the first exterior member. The front side surface is positioned on a first side in the vehicle left-right direction. The front surface of the first exterior member includes no opening.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.Inventors: Yuushi Oshikawa, Takashi Noda, Taira Ozaki, Takuya Uemura, Yuya Takahashi, Masami Hirayama, Hiroshi Itogawa
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Patent number: 10196953Abstract: Embodiments of a tank cover for covering a diesel exhaust fluid tank of a vehicle. The tank cover can be added directly over a diesel exhaust fluid tank or can be used to replace a factory/OEM or other replacement cover. In some embodiments, the tank cover can be easily installed onto a vehicle through existing components, and no additional drilling may need to be performed.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2017Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: Lund, Inc.Inventors: Dean Mettler, Brian Cutway
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Patent number: 10099548Abstract: A utility vehicle includes: an engine; an engine room in which the engine is contained and that has a front opening in a front face thereof and a rear opening in a rear face thereof; and an air intake duct that has an air inlet in a front part of a vehicle body and extends in a front-rear direction, the air intake duct guiding air from the air inlet to the front opening, in which the engine room includes a bottom plate and a left partition wall and a right partition wall that are provided on respective sides, in a vehicle width direction, of the engine and cover at least a crankcase part of the engine in side view.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2017Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yoshinori Tsumiyama, Teruaki Yamamoto
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Patent number: 10082201Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle powertrain that includes an internal combustion engine, a transmission driving at least two wheels, and an intermediate unit connecting the engine and a transmission housing enclosing the transmission. The intermediate unit is configured to allow relative rotation between the engine and the transmission housing about an axis (X) that is colinear with an engine output shaft and a transmission input shaft. The arrangement prevents engine vibrations from being transmitted to the transmission, and prevents torque shock from the vehicle wheels from being transmitted to the engine.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2016Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventor: Soren Eriksson
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Patent number: 10071655Abstract: A body structure includes: a center frame extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at the center in the vehicle width direction; and at least one support member extending toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction from the center frame. The support member supports at least one of a steering system, a pedal system, a seat, and a footrest member.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2016Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Masamoto Ito, Martin Petersson
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Patent number: 10005357Abstract: A working vehicle includes: an engine mounted on a traveling machine body; a hydraulic continuously variable transmission configured to shift driving force from the engine; a transmission case incorporating the hydraulic continuously variable transmission; and rear traveling units disposed on both left and right sides of the transmission case via rear axle cases. The transmission case is divided into three sections of a front case, an intermediate case, and a rear case. The left and right rear axle cases are attached to both left and right sides of the rear case. The intermediate case, coupling the front case to the rear case, is coupled to left and right vehicle body frames forming the traveling machine body.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2017Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yusuke Hashimoto, Kazumi Yokota
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Patent number: 9950603Abstract: A vehicle front structure includes a connecting member (10) formed of a belt-shaped metal plate, the connecting member (10) has a plate-shaped bottom section (11), a first folded section (12) formed by folding a circumferential edge of the bottom section (11) and a circumferential wall section (13) that is formed in a continuous annular shape and that continues to the bottom section (11) via a folded section (12), and the bottom section (11) of the connecting member is formed in a V shape upward or downward in a longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuya Abe, Ryoichi Yoshitomi, Choichi Ishikawa
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Patent number: 9944177Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle (“ATV”) a frame extending along a longitudinal centerline of the ATV. Additionally, the ATV includes a plurality of ground engaging members operably coupled to the frame which includes a first ground-engaging member and a second ground-engaging member positioned on a first side of the longitudinal centerline and a third ground-ground engaging member and a fourth ground-engaging member positioned on a second side of the longitudinal centerline. The ATV further includes a straddle seat supported by the frame and configured to support an operator, an engine supported by the frame, and an engine air inlet fluidly coupled to the engine and positioned forward of the straddle seat.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2017Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Burton D. Fischer, William B. Rodriguez
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Patent number: 9914487Abstract: A work vehicle includes: a vehicle body frame; a prime mover part that is supported by the vehicle body frame; a bonnet that is configured to vertically swing between a closed position at which the prime mover part is covered, and an open position at which the prime mover part is open; and a support frame that supports a free end side of the bonnet located at the closed position. At least left and right guide-target parts of the bonnet or left and right guiding parts of the support frame have left and right inclined surfaces that serve as centering effective surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Koichiro Matsumoto, Nobuyuki Yamashita, Hiroshi Kawabata, Tomohisa Yamamoto, Masayuki Akita, Tasuku Teraoka, Yoshihisa Tonoya
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Patent number: 9896144Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle includes: a seat to be straddled and sat upon by a rider; an electric motor configured to generate traveling power for driving a wheel; a battery case arranged in front of the seat and accommodating a battery storing DC power to be supplied to the electric motor; and a charging connector which is arranged above the battery and through which the battery is charged from an external power supply, wherein the charging connector includes a connector connection surface to which a power supply connector of the external power supply is connected and which faces a vehicle width direction, and the charging connector is attachable to and detachable from a vehicle body integrally with the battery.Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2012Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroki Kawabata
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Patent number: 9884648Abstract: A push arm has a rear surface and a front surface. A rear surface of the push arm is located adjacent to and spaced apart from a front suspension structure defining a gap therebetween. The push arm extends forward and laterally outward such that the front surface of the push arm is located laterally outboard of and spaced apart from a front end of a first side member of a vehicle frame. A support bracket has a front section releasably attached to the push arm and a rear section releasably attached to a first cross-member of the vehicle frame adjacent to an intersection of the first side member and the first cross-member. The support bracket is configured such that in response to an off-center impact event against the front surface of the push arm, the support bracket guiding movement of the push arm in a rearward direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Dean Grattan, Christopher Robert Hartley, Gunnar Mason, Matthew Michael Gapinski
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Patent number: 9874264Abstract: A powertrain mount is connectable between a vehicle's powertrain component and body structure. The powertrain mount includes a moveable core and a housing for the moveable core. The housing supports the moveable core for movement relative to the housing, in one or more open degrees of freedom, to one or more floating poses where the moveable core is rigidly mechanically decoupled from the housing in the open degrees of freedom. A magnetic field generation system includes one or more housing-side magnetic devices at the housing and one or more moveable-core-side magnetic devices at the moveable core. The housing-side magnetic devices and the moveable-core-side magnetic devices are configured to collectively generate mutually balanced magnetic fields between the housing and the moveable core in the open degrees of freedom that retentively locate the moveable core in one or more floating poses.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2015Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Geoffrey D. Gaither
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Patent number: 9868345Abstract: A roll-rod for a vehicle which is mounted so as to connect a sub-frame and a power train may include at least one rubber block mounted between a front body portion and a rear end plate, in which the rubber block disposed at a rearmost part may be formed with a “U”-shaped band portion having an opening to which the end plate is fitted and joined wherein the “U”-shaped band portion is open in a vertical direction to the axial direction of a rearmost rubber block of the at least one rubber block to form the opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Hyo-Seok Kim
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Patent number: 9809114Abstract: A fuel tank system includes a fuel tank and a support structure. The support structure provides impact protection to the fuel tank. The support structure has mounting members, a bottom plate and a support member. The mounting members mount to the vehicle. The bottom plate is provided proximate a bottom wall of the fuel tank, wherein the bottom plate protects the fuel tank from being crushed or punctured and serves as a skid plate if ground contact is made. The support member extends between a respective mounting member and the bottom plate. The support member is configured to fail during impact, allowing the fuel tank to be moved downwardly and laterally by the energy of the impact to a position in which the fuel tank is substantially out of the path of the impact or protected by the chassis of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2015Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Inventor: Erin Marie Shipp
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Patent number: 9776494Abstract: A motor vehicle body structure includes a frame rail and a bracket attached to the rail and adapted for attaching an engine mount. The bracket has a first portion secured to the frame rail beneath the engine mount and at least one cantilever portion projecting at one end beyond the first portion. The cantilever portion defines an anchoring point for attachment of the engine mount that is spaced from the frame rail so that the portion of the frame rail beneath the anchoring point may undergo controlled deformation in the event of a front end vehicle collision.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Matthew David George Shynn, Bradley Staines, Joerg Reim, Matthew Sykes, Jon Horseman, Peter Brook, Alan Thorpe, Raise Ahmed
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Patent number: 9764789Abstract: A side cover structure for enhancing the external appearance and turning performance of a saddle-ride-type vehicle. A side cover structure of a saddle-ride-type vehicle includes a head pipe with a frame extending rearwardly from the head pipe. Side covers cover the frame from left and right sides. A bent portion is bent toward the outside in a vehicle width direction from a base portion and is formed on the side cover. An opening is formed in the base plate portion positioned in the vicinity of the bent portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2015Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Rui Maeda, Soya Uchida, Koji Koyano, Yasuhiro Ohashi, Daiki Hamaguchi, Koji Mizuta, Hiroyuki Sasazawa, Yukitou Fujimoto
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Patent number: 9764764Abstract: A subframe for a motor vehicle axle optimized for stiffness and weight is provided. Such a subframe may comprise a base member, a cross member, and a stiffening element. The base member may have an upper shell, a lower shell connected to the upper shell, and a connecting point formed on one of the shells for a pendulum bearing of a pendulum bar. The cross member may extend in a transverse direction, be attached to the base member, and have mounts for longitudinal members of the motor vehicle. The stiffening element may be connected to at least one shell in a region of the connecting point. Also described is a production method for a subframe.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2014Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: KIRCHHOFF AUTOMOTIVE DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventors: Carolin Irle, Christoph Meisterjahn, Josef Bartzik
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Patent number: 9751570Abstract: A front vehicle body structure includes: front lower side members extending along a length of a vehicle and located on left and right sides along a width of the vehicle; and a center lower cross reinforcement member extending along the width of the vehicle so as to interconnect middle portions of the left and right front lower side members along the length of the vehicle, where a steering gear box is mounted on the center lower cross reinforcement member.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2015Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Heeju Kim
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Patent number: 9711819Abstract: A mount structure includes a mount member, and a bracket member. An upper surface of the bracket member, which is connected to a lower portion of a fuel cell stack, includes an upper surface cut formed by cutting the bracket member in a depth direction, and the upper surface cut extends in a surface direction. A lower surface of the bracket member, which is opposite to the upper surface, includes a lower surface cut formed by cutting the bracket member in the depth direction, and the lower surface cut extends in the surface direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2016Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Nissin Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Choichi Ishikawa, Ryoichi Yoshitomi, Hideharu Naito, Susumu Yodono, Takashi Kuroiwa
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Patent number: 9694665Abstract: A liquid leakage countermeasure of a cooling medium channel is facilitated, and a need of high power of a pump for circulating a cooling medium is relaxed. An electric vehicle includes: a vehicle body including a dashboard which separates a front space covered with a hood and a boarding space provided with a seat on which a driver is seated; an electric component which is provided behind the dashboard and generates heat by electric energy for generating rotational power for vehicle traveling; and a heat exchanger provided behind the dashboard and configured to cool down a cooling medium circulating between the heat exchanger and the electric component.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2012Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshimoto Matsuda
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Patent number: 9676415Abstract: A vehicle having a structure is provided. The system includes a cradle mounted to the structure at a first position and a second position, the second position being spaced apart from the first position. A rear drive module is provided having a housing, the housing coupled to the cradle between the first position and the second position, the housing coupled to the cradle in at least two locations. At least one linkage is operably coupled to the housing on a first end and to the structure on a second end.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Daryl R. Poirier, James C. Holtgreven, Joseph A. Schudt, John E. Howard
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Patent number: 9579973Abstract: Systems, vehicles, and assemblies that include an prime mover, a transmission, and a coupler. The coupler couples the prime mover and the transmission. A preferred embodiment includes a system for forming a rigid body that includes a rotational prime mover and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly transmits at least a portion of the rotational energy from the prime mover to a driven member at a frequency. The system includes a first and a second bridging member. Coupling the first bridging member to the second bridging member forms a symmetric bridge or coupler. The symmetric bridge is symmetric about a first plane of symmetry. Furthermore, coupling a first portion of the bridge to the rotational prime mover and coupling a second portion of the bridge to the transmission assembly forms the rigid body. The rigid body further includes the bridge.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.Inventor: Brian G. Eck
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Patent number: 9580126Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle includes: a seat to be straddled and sat upon by a rider; an electric motor configured to generate traveling power for driving a wheel; a battery case arranged in front of the seat and accommodating a battery storing DC power to be supplied to the electric motor; and a charging connector which is arranged above the battery and through which the battery is charged from an external power supply, wherein the charging connector includes a connector connection surface to which a power supply connector of the external power supply is connected and which faces a vehicle width direction, and the charging connector is attachable to and detachable from a vehicle body integrally with the battery.Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2012Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroki Kawabata
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Patent number: 9543598Abstract: An air-cooled fuel cell-powered motorcycle allowing early detection of a malfunction in a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell-powered motorcycle includes a vehicle body; an electric motor for driving a driving wheel, an air-cooled fuel cell for supplying electric power to the electric motor and a hydrogen tank for storing a fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell, respectively housed in the vehicle body; a fan for supplying air as a reactant and a coolant to the fuel cell; and an exhaust duct for discharging the air having cooled the fuel cell out of a rear end of the vehicle body, the exhaust duct having an inlet connected to a rear end portion of the fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2015Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Ryuji Otsuka, Yoshifumi Takai
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Patent number: 9517762Abstract: A control apparatus of the invention is applied to a three-cylinder internal combustion engine that is mounted in a vehicle and in which a first MG is connected to a crankshaft in a manner capable of transmitting power. When stopping the internal combustion engine, a vehicle control unit controls output torque of the first MG such that the internal combustion engine is stopped in a state where a preset particular cylinder is in a compression stroke.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2014Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takashi Kawai, Mitsumasa Fukumura, Hiroshi Sugimura, Satoshi Maeda
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Patent number: 9505437Abstract: A subframe assembly for a vehicle includes a multipart subframe having two spaced-apart longitudinal members and two spaced-apart cross members connecting the longitudinal members. A transfer case is supported on the subframe between the longitudinal and cross members and has an input shaft in driving relation to two output shafts, and a bearing element which extends in axis-parallel relation to the input shaft and which is shifted in a direction of one of the longitudinal members and projects from the transfer case. A first one of the cross members is crossed by a portion of the transfer case at a crossing section and has two shell parts connected to one another at least at one area. Each shell part has a bracket, with the bracket of one shell part and the bracket of the other shell part jointly forming a bearing mount for the bearing element.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: AUDI AGInventor: Peter Leibl
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Patent number: 9505441Abstract: A supporting frame for a motor vehicle has two parallel longitudinal members oriented in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle and form part of the body. Two longitudinal struts are oriented at least partially in the longitudinal direction and are fixed at first ends to a contact section of the longitudinal members. The longitudinal struts are connected at a second end opposite the first end to an impact plate that is arranged on at least one driving component of the motor vehicle to form a load path between the contact section of the longitudinal members and the at least one driving component.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Timo Fabian Merkel, Volker Peitz, Julian Schoepfer
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Patent number: 9487085Abstract: A transaxle is adaptable to a vehicle equipped with a longitudinal engine including an engine output shaft to be oriented in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle. The transaxle comprises a transmission output shaft to be oriented in a lateral direction of the vehicle so as to be drivingly connected to a drive wheel of the vehicle, a hydrostatic transmission and a mechanical transmission for transmitting power from the engine output shaft to the transmission output shaft, and first and second power take-off shafts for taking off power from the mechanical transmission. The engine is joined to the transaxle so that the engine, the hydrostatic transmission and the mechanical transmission are assembled together. The first and second power take-off shafts are distributed rightward and leftward from the engine.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2015Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jun Matsuura, Koji Iwaki
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Patent number: 9463608Abstract: A frictional-force variable compact of the invention includes: a first surface; a second surface; insulation portion; and an electroconductive portion electrically conducting the first surface to the second surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2012Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignees: Fujikura Kasei Co., Ltd., National University Corporation Gunma UniversityInventors: Hidenobu Anzai, Koji Sakurai, Shin-ichi Kuroda
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Patent number: 9434586Abstract: A crawler undercarriage configured for modular attachment of work tools wherein the crawler undercarriage operates on at least two endless crawler tracks. Each crawler track extends around and is driven by a crawler sprocket at one extremity of its travel and extending around an idler roller at its other extremity of travel. The crawler undercarriage configured for modular attachment of work tools comprising a longitudinally extending center channel for securing a modular tool. The crawler undercarriage also includes at least one substantially vertical support member extending upwardly from the center channel. The crawler undercarriage also includes at least one mounting bracket secured to extending upwardly from the substantially vertical support member, wherein the modular member is secured to the at least one lower mounting bracket on the substantially vertical support member.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Custom Truck & Equipment LLCInventors: Fredrick Martin Ross, Jr., James H. Esch
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Patent number: 9421853Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle structure that extends along a longitudinal axis. An engine includes a crankshaft that defines a crank axis disposed substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis. A transmission includes an output shaft that defines a transmission output axis substantially parallel with the crank axis. The transmission output axis is disposed nearer the forward end of the vehicle structure than the crank axis. The crank axis is disposed vertically above the transmission output axis a distance of about 140 mm. The engine includes at least one cylinder bore that defines a bore axis disposed perpendicular to and may intersect the crank axis. The bore axis may be angled toward the forward end of the vehicle structure to define an angle between the bore axis and a vertical plane. The angle between the bore axis and the vertical plane may be about 18°.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: James L. Luttinen, Julian Broadbent, Alan W. Hayman, William A. Bear, James B. Borgerson, Daryl A. Wilton, Robert E. Zeweke, Thomas A. Barth
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Patent number: 9394001Abstract: A diagonal strut device (1) for reinforcing arrangement on an undercarriage of a motor vehicle. A plurality of struts (2) made from a fiber-reinforced plastic composite material extend away from a central joint element (3). Each strut (2) can be connected to the undercarriage via this from the end facing away from the central joint element (3). For this, a connecting joint element (4) is arranged on the end of each strut (2) facing away from the central joint element (3), wherein the central joint element (3) and the connecting joint elements (4) are formed from a light metal material. The central joint element (3) and the connecting joint elements (4) are then connected to the struts (2) by an at least positive connection. The central joint element (3) and the connecting joint elements (4) are each formed from several individual elements joined together.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2011Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Denis Andree, Konrad Eipper, Thomas Rudlaff, Asmir Salkic, Mirko Sretenovic
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Patent number: 9381807Abstract: Limp-home techniques for situations when an electronic shifter of a vehicle malfunctions include detecting, at a controller of the vehicle, a malfunction of the electronic shifter of the vehicle, the electronic shifter being configured to control shifting of a transmission of the vehicle in response to a gear control input provided by operation of the electronic shifter. The techniques include, in response to detecting the malfunction of the electronic shifter, receiving, at the controller, the gear control input from actuation of the one or more actuators of a steering wheel of the vehicle. The techniques also include controlling, by the controller, shifting of the transmission in response to the gear control input received from the one or more actuators of the steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2014Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: FCA US LLCInventors: Jeffrey C Hendry, Michael Mashkevich, Eugene Karpinsky
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Patent number: 9290129Abstract: An anti-slip step plate for a motor vehicle such as a truck. The step plate includes a generally rectangular base member which is secured to a step of the vehicle. The step plate also includes an accent plate member which is positioned on the base member and secured thereto with the accent plate member having a plurality of slots formed therein which receive portions of the base member. The accent plate member is colored so as to have a different color than the base member. The accent plate member will be colored to match or accent colors or features of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2015Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventors: Adam J. Wurzer, Terry D. Wurzer, David T. Wurzer
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Patent number: 9248861Abstract: A suspension superstructure adapted to be mounted to a dune buggy space frame, the space frame having a base frame and configured to support right and left dune buggy wheels at a first track width, the superstructure comprising: right and left frame brackets adapted to be coupled to the base frame; a bridging plate adapted to be connected to the right and left frame brackets; a bumper panel; and right and left wheel control arm supports mounted between the bridging plate and the bumper panel that support control arms of right and left dune buggy wheels so that the wheels have a second track width greater than the first track width.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2013Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Inventors: Tal Koren, Haim Levi
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Patent number: 9242541Abstract: An integrated engine mount for a vehicle may include a housing bracket and a base bracket vertically coupled, a car body bracket to be connected with a car body, and an insulator and a case bracket fitted inside the housing bracket and the base bracket. An edge of an upper end of the case bracket may be bent to form a folded portion and the folded portion is covered with a rubber member.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Hyo Seok Kim
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Patent number: 9211931Abstract: A motorcycle is provided with a vehicle body frame including a pair of left and right main frames and a pair of left and right seat rails disposed on the rear sides of the pair of left and right main frames, and the motorcycle is also provided with a canister for collecting evaporated fuel in a fuel tank supported by the main frames, the canister being arranged in an intermediate area in a width direction of the pair of left and right seat rails.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Masaki Nishiguchi
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Patent number: 9205733Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, an engine, and a plurality of mount devices. The frame includes a main frame and a sub-frame attached to the main frame. The engine is attached to the sub-frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2014Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., YUSA CorpInventors: Douglas M. Olsen, Jason W. Grundey, Masayuki Hirukawa, Ross Kleman, Tomofumi Tanahashi, Brian Welch
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Patent number: 9085234Abstract: A vehicle includes a fuel tank disposed adjacent to a propeller shaft in a widthwise direction of the vehicle, and a differential unit coupled to a rear end of the propeller shaft. The differential unit includes a differential gear coupled to the rear end of the propeller shaft, a housing positioned rearward of the fuel tank to accommodate the differential gear, a bracket member fixed to the rear sub-frame, a plurality of bolts that fasten the housing and a first bracket together, and a stay member provided separate from the bolts to couple the housing and the first bracket together.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2012Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTDInventors: Yuichiro Saneyoshi, Kenji Hama, Makoto Nishida
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Patent number: 9067483Abstract: An electric vehicle drive mechanism comprises a plurality of alternators, an energy storage system, a gear system, and a telescoping shaft. The telescoping shaft comprises shaft portions that extend along an axle of the vehicle. When the vehicle is in motion, the telescoping shaft drives the alternators through the gear system. Electrical energy generated by the alternators is supplied to the energy storage system.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2008Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Inventor: Maurice W. Raynor
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Patent number: 9045059Abstract: A footrest assembly includes a reinforcement plate mounted on a foam block of a foam member. The footrest assembly is disposed in a vehicle footwell and the foam member is operably coupled to a portion of the footwell in assembly. A carpet mat is at least partially disposed over the foam member and the reinforcement plate in assembly. A footrest pad includes a plurality of clips which are received in a plurality of associated slots disposed on the reinforcement plate, thereby retaining the carpet mat between the reinforcement plate and the footrest pad in assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2014Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Bryn Arthur Davies, Susan Ehlert
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Publication number: 20150144414Abstract: A harness routing structure for an electric vehicle is provided with a floor panel, a below-floor component, an above-floor component and a harness. The floor panel partitions a cabin space and a below-floor space. The floor panel has a harness through-hole. The below-floor component is disposed below the floor panel. The above-floor component is disposed above the floor panel and further toward a front of the vehicle than the below-floor component. The harness electrically connects the below-floor component and the above-floor component. The harness runs through the through-hole. The harness through-hole is located, with respect to a vehicle-lengthwise direction of the floor panel, in an intermediate position between a below-floor harness connection position of the below-floor component to a first end of the harness and an above-floor harness connection position of the above-floor component to a second end of the harness.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: Tatsunori Tanigaki, Nobuhiro Mori, Hideharu Ogawa
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Patent number: 9033094Abstract: An engine mount assembly is provided for mounting an engine to a vehicle frame. The engine mount assembly includes an elastomeric material snubber element having a generally elongated configuration with axial end faces and a coaxial bolt passage defined therethrough. A tubular sleeve has an inner shape sized for sliding receipt of the snubber element therein. The tubular sleeve has a longitudinal cross-sectional profile such that a bottom longitudinal cross-sectional portion of the tubular sleeve extends axially beyond the end faces of the snubber element and defines an enlarged attachment footprint for the tubular sleeve to a vehicle frame flange.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2013Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Dayalbhai R. Patel, Thomas B. Tuttle, Suresh P. Pai
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Publication number: 20150122573Abstract: A utility vehicle according to the present invention has a body frame, a source of power arranged in the body frame, and an under cover for covering a lower surface of the body frame. Both ends of the under cover in the vehicle width direction or the vehicle front and rear direction are fixed to lower surfaces of a plurality of bottom frame members forming a bottom part of the body frame, and a region of the under cover facing the source of power from the lower side is raised upward. A vertically sectional shape of the raised and designated region is formed in for example an arch shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Teruaki YAMAMOTO, Kazuhiro MAEDA