Flexible Support Patents (Class 180/382)
  • Patent number: 11364808
    Abstract: A contactless charging device for arrangement on an underside of a motor vehicle. The charging device has a first side facing away from the motor vehicle in a state in which the charging device is arranged on the underside of the motor vehicle. The charging device has a second side opposite the first side, facing towards the motor vehicle in a state in which the charging device is arranged on the underside of the motor vehicle. The second side is then configured to be ramp-shaped so that a thickness of the charging device increases in a first direction, pointing towards a rear of the motor vehicle in a state in which the charging device is arranged on the underside of the motor vehicle, over a part of a length of the charging device in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Sebastian Albl, Sandro Weigelt, Stefan Bickelmaier
  • Patent number: 11084537
    Abstract: An access panel for a body of a vehicle is provided that includes a dome portion, a flat portion, and an extension portion. The dome portion has a reinforcing element. The extension portion extends from the flat portion. A floor panel structure for a vehicle is also provided that includes a metal sheet and an access panel. The metal sheet includes an aperture. The access panel includes a dome portion, a flat portion, and an extension portion. The access panel is coupled to the metal sheet over the aperture, and the flat portion and the extension portion are configured to transmit a downward force applied to the access panel to the metal sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher R. Freeman, Patrick J. Ellison
  • Patent number: 10376324
    Abstract: A system and method for an articulated arm stabilization includes an arm stabilizer for use with articulated arms of a computer-assisted medical device. The stabilizer includes a spine, a first vibration absorbing mount attached to the spine, a second vibration absorbing mount attached to the spine, a first clamp attached to the first vibration absorbing mount, and a second clamp attached to the second vibration absorbing mount. The first clamp is adapted to hold a first attachment point of a first articulated arm without slipping. The second clamp is adapted to hold a second attachment point of a second articulated arm without slipping. In some embodiments, the arm stabilizer stabilizes and reduces vibration in the first and second articulated arms. In some embodiments, the vibration is in a range from 0.5 to 14 Hz. In some embodiments, the spine limits relative motion between the first clamp and the second clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Amy E. Kerdok, Margaret M. Nixon, Douglas S. Langley, Wesley Swanson, Mahdi Azizian
  • Patent number: 8584789
    Abstract: 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 gra
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Jacques Dusi, Dominique Poupard, Herve Remond
  • Patent number: 8544591
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Neapco Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Felchner, Ole Biskup, Luis Höks
  • Patent number: 8348007
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Anvis Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Waldemar Hermann, Heiko Pichel
  • Patent number: 8302398
    Abstract: A work machine having an internal combustion engine such as a diesel is connected to a transmission by a flexible coupling. The engine may have a turbocharger to increase its output. A power turbine is connected to receive exhaust products from the turbocharger turbine via an exhaust aftertreatment device. The power turbine is connected to either the transmission downstream of the flexible coupling or to an external load. In either case, the power turbine in the form of a centripetal turbine is isolated from the torsional vibrations of the IC engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Carl T. Vuk
  • Publication number: 20120267186
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: ANVIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Waldemar Hermann, Heiko Pichel
  • Patent number: 7922185
    Abstract: A drive axle and suspension assembly for a vehicle having a power source and wheels including a torsionally compliant twist beam suspension and a driveline assembly. The twist beam includes a twist element defining a first lateral axis and arm portions adapted to rotatably support the wheels of the vehicle along a second axis extending substantially parallel to the first axis. The driveline assembly is adapted to receive torque from the power source and drive the wheels. The driveline assembly includes a plurality of power transmission rotatably supported by arm portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Worman, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110056761
    Abstract: Apparatus for elastically supporting an engine transmission unit to a motor vehicle body, the apparatus comprising a rigid support member attachable to the engine transmission unit, a rigid flange attachable to the motor vehicle body and defining a horizontal, longitudinal direction particularly to be aligned with the driving direction of the vehicle, and an elastomeric body via which the support member is elastically supported by the flange and which has a vertical spring member for receiving a weight force of the engine transmission unit acting essentially vertically as well as perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and a horizontal transverse direction, wherein the support member is extending away from the flange in transverse direction and has a mounting area off-set with respect to the flange in transverse direction as well as a coupling section projecting in such a way essentially vertically through an opening formed through the flange that the coupling section forms an abutment for restricting a
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: ANVIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Jürgen Weissbecker, Eyk Karus, Heiko Pichel
  • Patent number: 6729455
    Abstract: A structure and a method for supporting an electromagnetic coupling (1) onto a vehicle body (347) is disclosed as being interposed between a center support bearing (37) remaining closer to a propeller shaft (319) and a center support bearing (37) remaining closer to a propeller shaft (321). The center support bearings (37, 37) are fixedly mounted to the vehicle body via shock absorbing members (35, 35), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignees: Tochigi Fuji Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Isao Hirota, Toshikazu Ubagai
  • Patent number: 6478106
    Abstract: For restraint guidance of the transmission housing in a crash situation, a crash skid is provided on the underside of the transmission housing and has an inclined surface which faces a cross arm. In the event of a shifting of the transmission housing counter to the direction of travel, the inclined surface introduces a restraint guidance of the transmission housing obliquely upward above the cross arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Rainer Hawener, Stefan Rugies
  • Patent number: 6223850
    Abstract: A vehicle powerplant including an engine-transmission assembly has the engine and transmission connected together at adjacent ends and includes four mounting points. The engine has opposite sides each including one of the mounting points. The transmission includes a housing also having opposite sides and having an inspection opening in the housing adjacent the engine. A cover is secured to the housing and closes the inspection opening. The cover has two opposite supporting portions extending beyond the opposite sides of the transmission and each supporting portion includes one of the mounting points. The four mounting points are connectable with brackets for mounting the powerplant in a vehicle. Optionally, the mounting points include mounting pads on supporting ears of the transmission cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Stanley H. Rajca, Bruce A. Hamlin
  • Patent number: 5868215
    Abstract: An axle case, housing therein axles and a transmission for driving the axle, provided with a mount boss for being mounted to case mounting portions provided on a body frame of a vehicle and having insertion bores for mounting bolts, and including vibration isolating members which are each fixedly positioned on each mount boss and are provided with a portion positioned thereon and a portion extending into the insertion bore, so that, when the mount boss is coupled with the case mounting portion, the portion of the vibration isolating member positioned on the mount boss contacts with the case mounting portion. Thus, the axle case and body frame can be simply coupled with each other by using the vibration isolating members. The axle case is preferably divided vertically into an upper and a lower portion through a horizontal joint surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirohiko Kawada, Norihiro Ishii, Koji Iwaki, Hidemi Harada
  • Patent number: 5785143
    Abstract: The invention concerns a motor-vehicle drive train (1) with a drive motor (2), a transmission (3) and an axle (6). An output shaft (7) of the transmission (3) is attached to a joint shaft (9) by a joint (8). Another joint (10) transmits the drive from the joint shaft (9) to an input shaft (11) of a differential transmission (4). In order to allow the joint shaft (9) to have a W-configuration, the drive motor (2) and the transmission (3) are mounted so that they can pivot about the axle (6). All divergences existing in a longitudinal direction of the drive train (1) immediately produce large angles of inflection in the joints. Irregularities in the drive train are hereby avoided. In addition to reducing the load on the joints, the generation of disagreeable noises is avoided. The invention is particularly used in utility vehicles such as employed in the construction industry and in agriculture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Fritz Leber, Wolfgang Rebholz, Tilo Huber
  • Patent number: 5495905
    Abstract: A front wheel drive motor vehicle is made having a strong, light weight, and attractive arrow-like body made with steel square tubing. Easily removable and replaceable plastic panel inserts complete the body. Vehicle entry is step in style by rolling back the top. The top is also easily removable to make it a convertible type vehicle. The vehicles front wheels are driven through a bevel gear drive which provides a narrow wheel track and drives both front wheels simultaneously. Suspension and steering along with drive support is through a pair of special U-shaped springs. The U-shaped springs also provide a semi-independent front suspension. The vehicle has a wide rear wheel track for stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventor: Anthony W. Fini, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5145025
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration damper 15 for a driveshaft 9 having a tubular or solid shaft and bearing means connected to the vehicle 1 via a rubber coupling. The object of the vibration damper 15 is to reduce the bending vibrations and, at the same time, to eliminate balancing problems of the known damper masses. To achieve the objective it is proposed that the vibration damper 15 should be freely vibratingly connected to a non-rotating part of the bearing means. In this way, the vibration damper 15 is not subjected to any rotation and ensures that the bending vibrations of the driveshaft 9 are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Karl Damian
  • Patent number: 5064018
    Abstract: A rear-axle transmission arrangement supports the transmission of at all fastening points and forms at least its output-side fastening points and forms by support bearings fixed to the body independently of the rear-axle support to improve driving comfort and handling performance. This arrangement permits vibrations resulting from the drive torque and a rising-up of rear-axle transmission and rear-axle support to be controlled better or be avoided. In addition, forces induced by the drive torque cannot bring about any shifts in the rear-axle support causing steering movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz AG
    Inventor: Ernst-Ekkehard Encke