With Structure Adapted To Receive Or Support A Motor, Change-speed Gearing, Or Other Power Train Element Patents (Class 180/312)
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Patent number: 8657059Abstract: An attachment structure of a propeller shaft to a cross-member in a vehicle includes a pair of main frames (10) extending in a vehicle length direction; the cross-member (15) connecting the main frames (10) together; the propeller shaft (37) arranged between the main frames (10) and including a front shaft (37a) and a rear shaft (37b) connected together through a joint (65); a center bearing (67) fixed to the cross-member (15) and configured to rotatably support the front shaft (37a); a fuel tank (83) arranged between the center bearing (67) and one of the main frames (10); and a flexible connection body (170) configured to connect the center bearing (67) and part of the cross-member (15) on a side opposite to the fuel tank (83) and having a length which is substantially non-extendable.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Hideto Yamada, Hiroyuki Akaki, Soukichi Kikuchi
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Patent number: 8657060Abstract: A support mount bracket (57) provided on a vehicle frame (9) and configured to support a mount part (53) of a front differential gear unit (36) is arranged on part of a cross-member (12) connecting a pair of right and left main frames (10) so as to be, in a vehicle width direction, displaced from the center of a vehicle (1) in a width direction thereof. The support mount bracket (57) includes a base part (57d, 57e) to be connected to the cross-member (12), and a pair of fixing parts (57b, 57c) protruding from the base part (57d, 57c) and sandwiching the mount part (53) from sides thereof in the vehicle width direction. One (57b) of the fixing parts (57b, 57c) on a side closer to the center of the vehicle (1) in the width direction thereof is detachably attached to the base part (57d).Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Osami Ohno, Osamu Kurogi, Noritaka Sakiyama, Hiroyuki Akaki, Hideto Yamada, Osamu Kishi
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Patent number: 8651217Abstract: A structure of an engine mount is provided for a vehicle in which an engine is disposed in the front of the vehicle, a front wheel is driven, and the engine is integrally coupled with a transmission to be seated horizontally on a vehicle body in a transverse mounting direction. The structure may include a driveshaft coupled to receive the driving force of the engine through the transmission and penetrate a center bearing through a bearing bracket fixed to the engine, a subframe as a plate shape coupled to the vehicle body in a rear lower part of the engine and coupled to a lower part of the transmission through a main roll rod mounted on the front, and a sub-roll rod having one end connected to the subframe and the other end connected to the bearing bracket.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Yong-Jin Kim, Seung-Won Kim, Kong-Sup Jung, Hyo-Seok Kim
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Patent number: 8640814Abstract: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to side-by-side all terrain vehicles having plural rows of seats.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2009Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Deckard, Brian M. Safranski, Richard L. Sunsdahl
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Patent number: 8641066Abstract: An integrated vehicular suspension and differential mounting structure includes a metal base frame which supports a differential support member having a body formed of a resin or composite material. The differential support member further includes integrated annular collars having a central portion formed of a metal and a peripheral portion formed of resin or rubber. The peripheral portion of the collars are integrated with the resin or composite body of the differential support member. The base frame may further include a bracket for supporting the differential support member and a bracket for mounting an associated suspension system. The bracket for supporting the differential support member may be integrally formed with the bracket for mounting the associated suspension system.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Christopher Kudla, Naoki Munekata
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Patent number: 8636093Abstract: To obtain a vehicle body lower portion structure that can efficiently absorb and disperse load of a front or rear collision including an offset collision or an oblique collision, and transmit the load to an underbody. A vehicle body lower portion structure has an underbody at which a dash lower portion and a lower back portion are provided to stand from both ends in a vehicle front-rear direction at a floor portion, a suspension member the length direction thereof is along a vehicle transverse direction and is joined to the underbody in a state of planarly-contacting a front surface of the dash lower portion, and a front EA member a length direction thereof is along the vehicle transverse direction and is joined to a front wall of the suspension member.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2010Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshitaka Sotoyama, Koki Ikeda, Shigeru Inamori, Kazuhiro Seki, Hiroaki Iwamoto, Masahiro Ono, Sho Maeda
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Patent number: 8636303Abstract: The invention relates to a module for the modular frame of a heavy load transport vehicle, characterized in that it comprises, at one end thereof, a junction surface having an oblique bearing surface extending between two parallel planar surfaces inclined relative to the previous one. The invention also relates to a method for mounting such modules. The invention relates to a frame that comprises at least two such modules in which the junction surfaces together define an assembly with an oblique scarf joint, an unabutting scarf joint or key joint. The invention also relates to a harbor vehicle comprising at least one such frame and at least one such module.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2009Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Envision Vehicle Engineering Novasio Technology EventInventors: Christophe Gaussin, Pho-Trung Chau, Reginald Fenix
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Patent number: 8627906Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical connection system for a motor vehicle with electric drive so as to make it possible to electrically connect means of electrical energy storage of the vehicle to an electrical source with a view to their charging, characterized in that it comprises: at least one electrically conducting bar extending in such a way as to be accessible from beneath the vehicle between front and rear regions thereof, each electrically conducting bar comprising an electrically conducting active surface connected electrically to the means of electrical energy storage of the vehicle, the active surface being intended to come into contact with complementary means of the electrical source, protection means for protecting the active surface of the electrically conducting bar, the bar and the protection means being able to move relative to one another between a so-called charging position where the active surface of the bar is disengaged from the protection means and a so-called off-charge positionType: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Delachaux S.A.Inventor: Gilles Lacour
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Patent number: 8616324Abstract: A sub-frame and component configuration for mounting on a motorcycle includes a body frame structure including a main frame portion; and a sub-frame portion, he sub-frame is fixedly secured to the main frame portion and is configured for receiving and securing thereon a drop seat providing a rider with a seating area that is relatively closer to the ground than the seating area of a conventional motorcycle seat. A method of mounting the sub-frame on a motorcycle includes: fixedly securing a drop seat sub-frame portion onto a main frame portion, wherein the drop seat sub-frame portion is configured for receiving and securing thereon a drop seat.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Inventor: Gary D. Chipp
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Patent number: 8613338Abstract: A flat plate nose frame design for a tractor in which a thick, flat structural plate is connected to and forwardly extends from the conventional frame rails of the tractor. The flat plate nose frame design increases vertical clearance under the hood without raising the hood height or reducing ground clearance. The nose plate is contoured to match the exterior contours of the tractor grill and hood eliminating the need for a separate aesthetic component covering the nose plate. The nose plate features a pair of vertically aligned short-height frame plates extending forwardly along the axis from the deep-section frame rails to increase strength in the flat nose plate without significantly increasing vertical height of the nose plate assembly. The flat plate nose frame is capable of withstanding operational loads as well as supporting a weight package or front-mounted implements.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2010Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: John T. Rasset, Russell V. Stoltman, David S. Booth, Bryan J. Garberg, Carl J. Hagele, Chad A. Bautz, Landon J. Fries
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Patent number: 8596405Abstract: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to trail compliant side-by-side all terrain vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Richard Larry Sunsdahl, Aaron David Deckard, Marcus Johannes Tullemans, Richard E Eck, Jason Carl Plugge, Alan A Meyer, Laurie Jean Rengel, Geoffrey G White, Thomas Samuel Parks McCoubrey, Brian Michael Safranski
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Patent number: 8590662Abstract: A structure for mounting a transmission to a vehicle body may include a transmission mounting bracket coupled both to a transmission casing of the transmission and to a rear cover coupled to the transmission casing, wherein the transmission mounting bracket may be coupled to an insulator, and the insulator may be mounted to the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.Inventors: Hyun Ku Lee, Min Sung Baik, Moo Suk Kim, Kyoung Wook Kim
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Patent number: 8590663Abstract: A support structure for a motor vehicle body includes, but is not limited to a longitudinal girder extending between an engine compartment and a wheel installation space, a wheel installation strut extending over the wheel installation space, an engine frame, an attached bracket protruding downward on the longitudinal girder, which supports the longitudinal girder on the engine frame, and a one-piece reinforcement element, of which a first arm flanks the bracket and a second arm extends in the direction of the wheel installation strut.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Udo Mildner, Karsten Bohle
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Patent number: 8585064Abstract: A crop sprayer includes a pivoting axle suspension assembly that includes a bolster assembly secured between the frame rails of the main frame of the crop sprayer. The bolster assembly includes formed tube members that support a bearing structure for pivotably coupling a pivot pin of a pivot axle to the main frame. The tube members are curved downwardly from the main frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: ET Works, LLCInventors: Chad A Ringer, Justin Honegger, Ryan Larsh, Jarrett Waters
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Patent number: 8584789Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for hanging a vibration-generating member (8) attached inside an axle (3) of a running gear of a vehicle, in particular an automobile, said member (8) being attached to the axle (3) by at least one first (9A), one second (9B) and one third (9C) anti-vibration attachment elements, the three attachment elements (9A, 9B, 9C) not being on the same horizontal plane XY, said attachment elements (9A, 9B, 9C) providing isostatic hanging of the member (8) in the axle (3), and in which the first and second attachment elements (9A and 9B) are arranged separated from one another and aligned on a diagonal connecting the center of the first attachment element (9A) with the center of the second attachment element (9B), passing through the center of gravity of the member (8); the third attachment element (9C), separated from the first and second attachment elements (9A, 9B), does not pass through said diagonal line; and the center of the third attachment element (9C) and the center of graType: GrantFiled: September 8, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SAInventors: Jacques Dusi, Dominique Poupard, Herve Remond
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Patent number: 8579309Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly includes a structural member configured to support a vehicle body and a subframe member configured to support at least one of a vehicle suspension and an engine. The structural member includes a cavity and the subframe member includes a support section and an extension that extends transversely from the support section. The extension is received in the cavity to connect the subframe member with the structural member.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2012Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Charles J. Gagliano
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Patent number: 8562021Abstract: There is provided a front vehicle body structure including: a front sub frame mounted below front side frames; a tie rod disposed forwardly of an axle; a tie rod pressing member having a pressing portion which is mounted on the front sub frame forward of the tie rod and presses the tie rod when a collision occurs; and a rotational movement generating member for causing the tie rod pressing member to generate a rotational movement by deforming an area on which the tie rod pressing member is mounted in the front sub frame, by the load received when a collision occurs. The pressing portion is displaced by the rotational movement from a first position which is out of a steering range of the front wheels to a second position at which the pressing portion swings outward in the vehicle width direction and which allows pressing of the tie rod.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mitsumasa Kuwabara, Hiroyuki Matsuda
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Publication number: 20130256050Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure includes a vehicle having a plurality of ground engaging members, a chassis supported by the plurality of ground engaging members, and an engine supported by the chassis. The engine is configured to provide power to at least one of the plurality of ground engaging members. The vehicle further has a seating area supported by the chassis. The seating area includes at least an operator seat and a passenger seat in a side-by-side arrangement. The vehicle further has a plurality of longitudinal members positionable above the seating area, and a coupling device coupled to at least one of the longitudinal members. The coupling device has an adjustment member to vary a force of the coupling device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Inventors: Shane A. Novotny, Bradley R. Morisch, Brian J. Gross, Jed P. Leonard
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Patent number: 8544591Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is a bearing device for the vibrationally decoupled rotary mounting of an intermediate shaft on the engine block of a motor vehicle. It has the following features: a. a radial bearing with an inner ring for accommodating the intermediate shaft, and an outer ring, b. a bearing housing provided for attachment on the engine block of the motor vehicle and for accommodating the radial bearing in a non-rotatable manner, and which forms a mechanical interface for the attachment of the bearing housing on the engine block of the motor vehicle, wherein the bearing device further comprises at least one rubber-elastic damper member provided to be disposed in a vibration-damping way between the bearing housing and the engine block when the bearing housing is mounted on the engine block.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2009Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Neapco Europe GmbHInventors: Christian Felchner, Ole Biskup, Luis Höks
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Patent number: 8544585Abstract: A light-weight vehicle component such as a vehicle chassis (100) formed from an internally reinforced rigid closed-cell foam (12). The reinforced closed-cell foam vehicle chassis (100) includes an outer layer of rigid closed-cell foam (108a), an inner layer of rigid closed-cell foam (108c), and one or more layers of reinforcing structural material (114) disposed between the inner and outer layers of foam. The reinforced closed-cell foam vehicle chassis incorporates reinforced attachment points (114a) for receiving and supporting vehicle components, such as suspension elements, steering components, a drive motor, and passenger accommodations.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Inventor: Lon R. Ballard
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Patent number: 8534412Abstract: A multiuse vehicle comprises a frame having longitudinal portions forming a central opening for supporting an engine and end portions extending forward and rearward from said longitudinal portions, each of the end portions having a downwardly extending leg portion with one or more hitches. A suspension system includes the use of pivoting arms that carry trunnion-mounted differentials. An operator's cab is mounted on a forward portion of the frame to provide the operator with increased visibility. The frame behind the operator's cab is configured to receive any of a variety of devices such as a dump bed, a sprayer tank, a salt spreader, or a flat bed.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2008Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Custom Chassis, Inc.Inventors: Michael Carl Huhn, Matthew Thomas Tipple
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Patent number: 8528683Abstract: A snowmobile chassis includes dual panels that form a lighter weight and stronger tunnel preferably without the need for structural doublers, plates or other attachable reinforcement devices. The dual panels take the form of inner and outer panels coupled together with selective gaps or spaces located between the panels. The gaps laterally separate the panels and may be continuous and take a variety of shapes as defined by each panel's configuration. The arrangement of the gaps may advantageously define a desired structural load path through the tunnel, increase a section modulus with respect to a centerline of the tunnel, and reduce an overall weight of the tunnel as compared with conventional tunnels that utilize added reinforcement devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2011Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Artic Cat Inc.Inventors: Andrew Beavis, Jonathon Edwards, Ken Fredrickson, Ronald Bergman
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Patent number: 8523136Abstract: 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: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Dayalbhai R. Patel, Thomas Blake Tuttle, Suresh Padmanabh Pai
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Patent number: 8522911Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include an operator area including side-by-side seating. The vehicle may further include a prime mover and a transmission operatively coupled to at least one ground engaging member of the vehicle. The prime mover may be a diesel engine and the transmission may include a CVT. The prime mover and the transmission may be assembled together and supported by a frame of the vehicle through a plurality of mounts.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Chris J. Hurd, Richard D. Ripley, Anthony J. Kinsman, Matthew S. Kmecik, Brent A. Erspamer, Ryan D. Carlson
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Patent number: 8511711Abstract: A utility vehicle (1) comprising a carrier frame (3) mounted above a transaxle (2) is provided. The carrier frame (3) comprises a first carrier frame section (30) and a second carrier frame section (40). A height level of the first carrier frame section (30) differs from a height level of the second carrier frame section (40).Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: AGCO GmbHInventor: Robert Honzek
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Patent number: 8511417Abstract: A ride-on, self-propelled vehicle having front caster wheels, such as a zero-turn mower, includes a front brake system. The actuating power for the front brake pass through a spindle supporting the front caster wheel. In a preferred embodiment, a center shaft of each spindle or a concentric outer ring of a sleeve of each spindle passes a force from a brake actuator to a brake for the respective caster wheel. Actuation of the brake actuator moves a member into frictional contact with a portion of the front wheel or an object attached to the front wheel to applying a braking force.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Inventor: Ted H. Corriher
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Patent number: 8499882Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises a vehicle body frame including a main frame including a floor member and a pair of right and left side members and a sub-frame for reinforcing the main frame, each of the side members includes a side pipe element, a first pillar pipe element, a second pillar pipe element and a third pillar pipe element, the sub-frame includes a first cross member provided between and coupled to second pillar pipe elements, one end portion of the first cross member is detachably coupled to one of the second pillar pipe elements and an opposite end portion of the first cross member is detachably attached to the other second pillar pipe element.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshinori Tsumiyama, Hidetoshi Kaku, Tyler Furman, Kazuhiro Maeda
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Patent number: 8499883Abstract: A first fastening portion (100) for fastening a cylinder block (20) and a bracket (50) to each other and a second fastening portion (200) for fastening a crank case (30) and the bracket (50) to each other are so provided as to have interposed therebetween a fastening bolt (40) for fastening the cylinder block (20) and the crank case (30) to each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tatsuhiro Terada
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Patent number: 8499881Abstract: An upper pipe 55 includes a single front pipe portion 68, a branch portion 69 bifurcated from the rear end of the front pipe portion 68, and two left and right rear pipe portions 71L, 71R extending vehicle-rearward from the branch portion 69. A cylinder head cover 58 is located between the two left and right rear pipe portions 71L, 71R as viewed from above. Therefore, the cylinder head cover 58 can be accessed from above and removed from a cylinder head, whereby a valve train chamber can be inspected and maintained.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Noriyuki Muto, Mitsuo Nakagawa
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Publication number: 20130189066Abstract: The present invention provides a tractor which includes a body frame configured such that a front portion thereof adjacent to a front wheel axle is at a raised position to prevent interference with front wheels, and a medial portion thereof is depressed so that an engine can be located in the medial portion. Thereby, the front wheels can be turned to maximum angles without being impeded by the front wheel axle, and a driver cab provided with a driver seat can be located above an area where the engine is disposed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2011Publication date: July 25, 2013Inventor: Joong-Ho Kim
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Patent number: 8469137Abstract: Provided are a pair of left and right upper frames extending in a longitudinal direction; a mount frame supporting a transmission case below the upper frames; and vertical frames connecting the upper frames and the mount frame. Rear suspension arms are supported on the vertical frames. The vertical frames are configured to have upper members connected to the upper frames and lower members connected to the mount frame. The upper and lower members are separably connected.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2012Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventor: Takashi Fujii
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Patent number: 8469136Abstract: A hybrid construction machine includes an engine, a generator motor, and a hydraulic pump. They constitute a power unit, and are connected in series, with the generator motor being disposed between the engine and the hydraulic pump and with a center of gravity of the entire power unit being positioned closer to the generator motor than the center of gravity of the engine. A mount installation bracket is mounted at a side of each flange disposed at a corresponding side of the generator motor. A generator-motor-side mount device is mounted to the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsunori Manabe, Takao Sugano
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Patent number: 8459399Abstract: Provided is a mounting structure of a fuel cell system capable of inhibiting a related device from colliding with the fuel cell when a crash impact is applied from the vehicle front while inhibiting the increase in the vehicle weight. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, and a related device electrically connected to the fuel cell and disposed adjacent to the, wherein related device has an inclined part on a side of a forward direction of a vehicle. When a crash impact is applied to the vehicle from the forward direction side, the moving direction of the related device is changed to a direction (for example, downward) that is not parallel to the forward direction. Thus, it is possible to inhibit the related device from advancing directly toward and damaging the fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasuhiko Ohashi
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Patent number: 8453779Abstract: A snowmobile frame (106) is described, with a tunnel (108) having an inverted U-shape. An engine cradle (110) is attached to a forward portion of the tunnel. A suspension assembly (112) is disposed forwardly of the engine cradle. At least one support member (142) supports the suspension assembly on the engine cradle. The at least one support member forms a crumple zone between the suspension assembly and the engine cradle. The at least one support member resists plastic deformation in response to the first predetermined force exerted on the suspension assembly. The at least one support member undergoes plastic deformation in response to a second predetermined force being exerted on the suspension assembly. The second predetermined force is greater in magnitude than the first predetermined force. The tunnel resists plastic deformation in response to the second predetermined force.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2008Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc.Inventor: Sebastien Vezina
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Patent number: 8453780Abstract: An electrical component attachment structure for a two-wheeled motor vehicle includes a main frame supporting components of a vehicle body such as an engine, a center frame extending vertically behind the engine, and a pair of right and left seat rails detachably attached to the center frame, the seat rails being attached with a bracket which supports an electrical component, in which the bracket is formed in an approximate U-shape and is arranged with an opening section of the U-shape directed towards the front of the vehicle body, so that the bracket is configured to support the electrical component inside the approximate U-shape and to allow the electrical component to be taken out towards the front of the vehicle body from the opening section.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takao Yamamoto, Tatsuya Sasaki, Kunihiro Kai, Takashi Sasaki
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Patent number: 8439148Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, an engine attached to the vehicle body frame, and a power transmission unit for transmitting output from the engine to a wheel of the vehicle. The vehicle body frame includes a plate-shaped suspension-supporting bracket which is integrally connected to front end portions of main frame sections extending in a forward/rearward direction of a vehicle at a lower portion of the vehicle body frame, and also is integrally connected to lower end sides of front frame sections vertically extending at a front portion of the vehicle body frame. The plate-shaped suspension-supporting bracket includes suspension arm-supporting portions formed integrally therewith. The lightweight vehicle body frame reduces total weight of the vehicle and, at the same time, enhances assembling accuracy thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiromitsu Shiina, Akihiro Yamashita, Hajime Uchiyama
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Patent number: 8424631Abstract: A motor vehicle front structure is provided that has at least one first longitudinal girder and at least one first crash box. The first crash box has a deformation section and a fastening section, the fastening section connected to the first longitudinal girder. Moreover, the motor vehicle front structure has an engine mount, the engine mount having a first fastening section, which is connected to the first longitudinal girder. The fastening section of the first crash box and the first fastening section of the engine mount have a common overlap area.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Klaus Labbe, Juergen Hulbert
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Patent number: 8413751Abstract: A vehicle is equipped with fuel cells that is fastened to multiple side frames 810 arranged in parallel to each other and along a moving direction of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a support assembly arranged to span between the multiple side frames 810, a first fixation unit arranged to fasten the support assembly to the respective side frames 810, and a second fixation unit arranged to fix the fuel cells on the support assembly. This arrangement desirably reduces the influence of an external force applied to the fuel cells mounted on the vehicle and prevents an increase in total weight of the vehicle or a decrease in mounting space of the fuel cells.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2007Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasunobu Jufuku, Hiroshi Arisawa, Junji Nagasawa, Hiroyuki Nakamura, Miho Kizuki
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Patent number: 8413758Abstract: The vehicle body frame is configured in a manner that an upper tension pipe is removed from a first cross portion and a second cross portion. When mounting the engine in the vehicle body frame, the vehicle mounted component that is relatively heavy can be lowered into the vehicle body frame from above by removing the upper tension pipe. The vehicle body frame simplifies the removal and installation of the vehicle-mounted components.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiromitsu Shiina, Akihiro Yamashita, Hajime Uchiyama, Tatsuya Shiokawa, Yukinori Kurakawa, Masayuki Hirukawa
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Patent number: 8414025Abstract: An energy-absorbing device is provided that is mountable to an engine cradle of a vehicle. The device includes spaced-apart first and second plates having first and second plate lengths respectively, with the first plate length being less than the second plate length. A divider plate is positioned between the first and second plates. Opposing first and second side walls connect the first plate to the divider plate. The first and second side walls have first and second angled edges defining first and second incline angles, respectively, relative to the divider plate. The first and second incline angles are each less than 90 degrees. A distal portion of the device, at least partially defined by the first and second angled edges, is configured to provide lower resistance to an impact force relative to a proximal portion of the device, thereby providing progressive crush resistance.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Soo Aun Tan
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Publication number: 20130081886Abstract: A chassis assembly for an electrical vehicle is provided. The chassis assembly includes a main chassis, at least one main chassis wheel, a secondary chassis and at least one secondary chassis wheel. The at least one main chassis wheel is rotationally coupled to the main chassis about a main chassis rotational axis. A secondary chassis is pivotally coupled to the main chassis. The secondary chassis is configured and arranged to hold batteries that supply energy to an electric motor coupled to the main chassis. The at least one secondary chassis wheel is rotationally coupled to the secondary chassis about a secondary chassis rotational axis. A pivot connection between the main chassis and the secondary chassis has a pivot axis that is generally parallel with the main chassis rotational axis and the secondary chassis rotational axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2011Publication date: April 4, 2013Inventor: Mohammad Sadegh Jaberian
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Patent number: 8408566Abstract: A subframe for a front axle of a motor vehicle is arranged on the floor side of the vehicle structure and is connected to a front axle transverse beam and to the vehicle body. The subframe substantially contains two longitudinal beams which are arranged in a divergent fashion in relation to one another and which are connected at the rear end—as viewed in relation to the direction of travel—to a plate-shaped stiffening element. The latter is held together with the longitudinal beams on a central tunnel of the vehicle structure by fastening devices, with it being possible for the free front ends of the longitudinal beams to be fastened to the front axle transverse beam by further fastening devices.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Heiko Teichmann, Dennis Tegelkamp
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Patent number: 8403347Abstract: Front-axle bracket (1) for motor vehicles, in which in each case two receptacles or recesses (5, 6) for the bearings for the swivel mounting of in each case one of two wheel control elements (7), such as the wishbone or A-arm, and the receptacles (18, 19, 20) for the securing of the front-axle bracket are provided as a premanufactured unit together with preassembled assemblies on the vehicle body, and at least some of the receptacles or recesses listed below for the securing of the steering mechanism (13) the securing of the stabilizer (15) the mounting of a hinged column (14), and the front-axle bracket is produced in the form of a light-metal component which is integral with said receptacles or recesses and connects them to one another.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: KSM Castings Group GmbHInventors: Juergen Eickmann, Uwe Lange
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Patent number: 8365855Abstract: A space surrounded by a partition member (26) partitioning between an engine (8) and a heat exchanger (20), a top plate (21D) of a support frame (21) constituting the heat exchanger (20), and a top plate (13A) of an engine cover (13) is defined as an article accommodating space (30). In addition, an article box (32) where tools necessary for a maintenance operation are stored is accommodated in the article accommodating space (30). Thereby even in a hydraulic excavator (1) of a type having a small swing radius at the rear in which the engine (8) and a counterweight (7) are arranged close to each other, by effectively using a top surface side of the heat exchanger (20), it is possible to secure the article accommodating space (30) for accommodating an article such as the article box (32) in a housing cover (12).Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomonori Mamada, Hiroshi Kumagai
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Publication number: 20130015012Abstract: A chassis for an electric vehicle comprises: a base frame, a front frame, a rear frame, two side frames, four suspension devices and four wheels. The front frame and the rear frame have the front arc-shaped tube and the arc-shaped rear tube fixed to the base frame, the arc-shaped tubes can not only reduce the number of tubes required but also increase the area of thrust force as compared to the straight tubes. Besides, the arc of the arc-shaped tubes avoids a connection point of an acute angle, thus preventing stress concentration while improving the structural strength of the chassis. Further, the arc-shaped front tube, the arc-shaped rear tube, the front connecting tube and the rear connecting tube are hollow, which contributes to light weight of the chassis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: ENERGY CONTROL LIMITEDInventor: DONALD P.H. WU
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Patent number: 8353381Abstract: A transmission cross-member for supporting a vehicle's transmission includes a center portion, a pair of outer portions extending from the center portion and a pair of mounting flanges extending from the respective outer portions and connecting to the rails of the frame of the vehicle, wherein at least one of the mounting flanges is pivotally connected to one of the outer portions.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Inventor: Scott Melvin
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Patent number: 8348007Abstract: A device for elastically mounting an engine transmission unit on a motor vehicle body, comprising a motor support, a flange rigidly mountable to the motor vehicle body, defining a longitudinal direction to be aligned with the driving direction, wherein the motor support essentially extends out of the flange in a transverse direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and is facing the engine transmission unit for forming a mounting area for the engine transmission unit, and an elastomeric body via which the motor support is elastically supported by the flange and which has a vertical support spring to absorb an essentially static load from the weight of the engine transmission unit, the load acting vertically to the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, wherein the vertical support spring comprises two spring arms inclined towards each other and spreading away from each other in transverse direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2009Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Anvis Deutschland GmbHInventors: Waldemar Hermann, Heiko Pichel
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Patent number: 8342285Abstract: A hydraulic device disposed in a torque strut so as to provide a fully decoupled hydraulic torque strut. A main rubber element vibrates in response to powertrain pitch torque. At high vibration amplitude, high hydraulic damping is provided via a pumping chamber, an inertia track and a bellowed compensation chamber, wherein a decoupler system hydraulically connected to the pumping chamber is passively disabled. At low vibration amplitude, minimal hydraulic damping is provided via the decoupler system which is connected by a decoupler track to the compensation chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ping Lee, Daniel G. Gannon
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Patent number: 8342548Abstract: A suspension system for a motor vehicle including a frame assembly; a differential supported on the frame assembly; two half shaft assemblies engaging the differential and being pivotally connected to the frame assembly; and at least one air spring operatively positioned between the frame assembly and each of the half shaft assemblies. The air springs are connected to a rotating linkage which maintains a substantially linear axis of compression for the air springs.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Motor Trike, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Vey, John Petry, Jeffrey D. Vey, Christopher Vey, Adam Schumann, Ryan Reineck
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Patent number: 8324858Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for charging a vehicle. A vehicle and charging station can be designed such that an electric or hybrid vehicle can operate in a fashion similar to a conventional vehicle by being opportunity charged throughout a known route.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Proterra Inc.Inventors: Dale Hill, Michael Walker, Joshua Goldman, John Horth