With Means For Locking Parts Together Temporarily Patents (Class 188/300)
  • Patent number: 11952813
    Abstract: A vehicle door positioning holder includes a hydraulic cylinder connected to the door and a vehicle chassis, and a brake hydraulically connected in a loop. The cylinder pushes hydraulic fluid in the loop when the door is moved. The brake includes first and second chambers hydraulically connected to the loop and a third chamber connected in the loop at respective ends to the first and second chambers. The brake has a ball element in the third chamber when the hydraulic fluid is still, moved towards the first chamber as the hydraulic fluid flows in a first direction, and moved towards the second chamber as the hydraulic fluid flows in a second direction. A flow resistance of the hydraulic fluid is larger when the ball is positioned in the third chamber than when the ball is moved towards the first or the second chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Ningbo Geely Automobile Research & Dev. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Linus Hallberg, Martin Edberg
  • Patent number: 11932068
    Abstract: A suspension element includes a main body having an end cap defining an internal volume and a tubular element slidably engaged with the main body. The suspension element further includes a first piston and a flow control element. The flow control element is configured to prevent movement of the tubular element relative the main body in a direction. The suspension element may further include a locking member and a piston. The locking member may be configured to engage a barrier of the main body when the first piston traverses at least a predetermined distance towards the end cap. The locking member may be affixed to the tubular element and may fully surround the tubular element. Together the flow control element and the locking member are configured to prevent movement of the suspension element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Rositch, Erik Ellifson, Patrick Dillman, Kai Schubart
  • Patent number: 11865061
    Abstract: An orthopedic technical device having a top part and a bottom part, which are connected to each other by at least one joint device so as to be pivotable about a joint axis, and at least one attachment device with which the orthopedic technical device can be fixed to a limb. The orthopedic technical device also has an actuator, which is fixed to attachment points on the top part and the bottom part and influences a pivoting of the top part relative to the bottom part, wherein the orientation of the bottom part can be adjusted relative to the limb which is fixable to the upper part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS GMBH
    Inventors: Dirk Seifert, Roland Auberger, Christian Breuer-Ruesch, Alexander Noah Spring, Marco Volkmar
  • Patent number: 11866119
    Abstract: An automatic fork suppression system is described. The automatic fork suppression system includes a fork ring coupled to an upper fork tube and a locking assembly coupled to an outer face of a fork guard. The locking assembly includes a body, a latch lever, a pivot pin, a locking mechanism, and a lever return mechanism. In an unlocked position, the catch of the latch lever is configured inside the body of the locking assembly and is not engaged with an engagement portion of the fork ring). In a locked position, a catch of the latch lever is configured outside the body of the locking assembly and is engaged with an engagement portion of the fork ring. When the latch lever is coupled to the body, the handle extends through an opening such that it is accessible (e.g., by a user or motorcycle rider) and movable between unlocked and armed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventor: Brant William Berger
  • Patent number: 11843346
    Abstract: A photovoltaic system includes a collection of photovoltaic modules, a base supporting the collection of photovoltaic modules, and a damper coupled between the collection of photovoltaic modules and the base. The damper resists movement of the photovoltaic modules relative to the base. The damper has a first damping ratio when the collection of photovoltaic modules moves at a first rate relative to the base and a second damping ratio when the collection of photovoltaic modules moves at a second rate relative to the base, and the damper passively transitions from the first damping ratio to the second damping ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: FCX Solar LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Thomas Needham, Frank Carl Oudheusden
  • Patent number: 11837990
    Abstract: A photovoltaic system includes a collection of photovoltaic modules, a base supporting the collection of photovoltaic modules, and a damper coupled between the collection of photovoltaic modules and the base. The damper resists movement of the photovoltaic modules relative to the base. The damper has a first damping ratio when the collection of photovoltaic modules moves at a first rate relative to the base and a second damping ratio when the collection of photovoltaic modules moves at a second rate relative to the base, and the damper passively transitions from the first damping ratio to the second damping ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: FCX Solar LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Thomas Needham, Frank Carl Oudheusden
  • Patent number: 11761504
    Abstract: A piston cylinder device (1) comprising a cylinder (2) with a first and a second end and a guide (6), such that a pressure chamber (8) is formed in the cylinder. A piston (12) is moveable in the pressure chamber (8). The guide (6) is fixedly secured to the cylinder (2) by a lock ring (7). A sealing means (9) is arranged to seal between the guide (6) and an inner wall of a tubular wall (3) of the cylinder (2) to prevent fluid leakage from the pressure chamber (8) to the surroundings. The piston cylinder device (1) is provided with a material weakening zone (13) arranged in the inner wall of the tubular wall (3) of the cylinder (2) axially between the lock ring (7) and the second end (20) of the cylinder (2), the material weakening zone (13) being arranged to be deformed or sheared against the lock ring (7) at a predetermined level of impact of the piston (12) against the guide (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: STROMSHOLMEN AB
    Inventors: Fredrik Göransson, Thomas Bergqvist
  • Patent number: 11739808
    Abstract: Provided is a damper capable of securely assembling a cap on an outer circumference of a rod while reducing a diameter of the cap and reducing an outer diameter of a cylinder. A damper has a cylinder, a rod, and a cap attached to an opening of the cylinder. The rod has a piston on its tip side and a mounting portion mounted on the other of a pair of members on its base end side, the cap has a main body that extends in an axial direction of the rod, and the main body is formed with a receiving opening that can receive the rod from an outside in a radial direction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: PIOLAX, INC.
    Inventor: Kouichi Kato
  • Patent number: 11691856
    Abstract: A cylinder propping system includes a sleeve and a locking member. The sleeve includes an outer wall that defines an inner cavity and a ledge. The inner cavity is sized to receive at least a portion of a cylinder assembly therein. A first end of the outer wall is configured to hingedly couple to one end of the cylinder assembly. The ledge is spaced apart from the first end. The locking member is sized to engage with the ledge, between the ledge and a cylinder housing of the cylinder assembly, to prevent movement of the cylinder housing in at least one direction along a central axis of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Ryan
  • Patent number: 11649873
    Abstract: A shock absorber may include an elongated housing that contains damping medium, a piston rod with a first piston that divides the elongated housing into a rebound volume and a first compression volume, a second piston configured to move through a second compression volume, a third piston configured to move through a third compression volume, and a mount cap for the elongated housing. The mount cap may include a bleed circuit that leads from the third compression volume to the first compression volume. The second and third pistons may be configured so as only to be engaged when necessary to prevent the shock absorber from bottoming out in a compression stroke. A user-accessible adjuster mechanism on an outside of the shock absorber can be manipulated to close, open, or partially open the bleed circuit and thereby adjust the damping characteristics of the second and third pistons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP BILSTEIN OF AMERICA, INC., THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Justin Smith, Blake Ramuno, Austin Dvorak
  • Patent number: 11632074
    Abstract: A solar tracker system includes a torque tube, a solar panel assembly attached to the torque tube, a housing defining a chamber and a fluid passageway extending from the chamber, and an active lock connected to a seal configured to prevent a flow path of fluid while in a sealed state and allow the flow path of fluid in an unsealed state. The system further includes a controller in communication with the torque tube and the active lock. The controller is programmed to receive a command to place the solar panel assembly in a stowed position, instruct the torque tube to rotate the panel assembly to a stowed angle corresponding to the stowed position, monitor a current angle of the panel assembly, compare the current angle to the stowed angle, and instruct the seal to transition to the sealed state when the current angle is equal to the stowed angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: FTC Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph D. LoBue, Nagendra Srinivas Cherukupalli, Tamilarasan Mouniandy, Milo Zabala
  • Patent number: 11624473
    Abstract: A support device includes a slide frame defining a receiving space that has an opening suitable for facing a wall surface, a sliding unit slidable on the slide frame and suitable for connection with at least one of a display screen and a work platform, and a load-adjusting unit disposed in the receiving space, connected to the slide frame and the sliding unit, and switchable between a movable state, in which it is movable and brings the sliding unit to move therealong, and a locked state, in which it generates a supporting force that supports the sliding unit to maintain at a desired fixed point. A control unit is disposed on the sliding unit and includes an operating member for controlling the movement of the load-adjusting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: MODERNSOLID INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chin-Jui Hung
  • Patent number: 11614199
    Abstract: A vertically adjustable pedestal for a boat accessory includes a hollow outer column and an inner column positioned within the outer column. The inner and outer columns are longitudinally slidable with respect to one another. A plate is captured between the inner and outer columns. The plate is laterally adjustable to create a frictional force between the inner and outer columns that prevents lateral movement therebetween. One of the inner and outer columns is configured to be coupled to a supporting surface of a boat. The other of the inner and outer columns is configured to be coupled to the boat accessory. A lifting actuator is provided with an extender rod having an anti-buckling plate provided thereabout. The lifting actuator raises and lowers the inner or outer column that is coupled to the boat accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Derek E. Hilleren, Brian C. Leja, Perin E. Truax, Christopher C. Eckes, Todd W. Moore, Christopher P. Quiring
  • Patent number: 11592075
    Abstract: A magneto rheological damper includes a housing extending between a first opened end and a second opened end and defining a fluid chamber extending therebetween. An end cap is located at the first opened end and coupled to the housing. A piston is disposed in the fluid chamber dividing the fluid chamber into a compression chamber and a rebound chamber. A piston rod extends along the center axis and attaches to the piston for movement with the piston between a compression and a rebound stroke. A magnetic field generator is located in the compression chamber and in an abutment relationship with the end cap. An extension portion protrudes radially outwardly from the housing and defining a compensation chamber and a channel. The channel is in fluid communication with the compression chamber and the compensation chamber for allowing the working fluid to flow from the compression chamber to the compensation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: BEIJINGWEST INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Saiman Lun
  • Patent number: 11401712
    Abstract: The present invention belongs to the technical field of energy consumption and vibration reduction of assembled building structures, and provides an energy-consuming connecting device for a prefabricated assembled wall. The present invention provides a normal connection function between walls, and also has the functions of energy consumption and vibration reduction. A used viscoelastic material can provide energy consumption and weaken the cold and hot bridge effect, which is beneficial to building thermal insulation. Meanwhile, the energy-consuming connecting device for the prefabricated assembled wall can be connected with a prefabricated wall in advance, which can be carried out at the same time as the wall is inserted during construction, thereby effectively increasing the construction efficiency. Through the design of clamping groove devices, the wall can be connected firmly and reliably while generating displacement and consuming energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: DALIAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Xing Fu, Hongnan Li, Gang Li, Xu Xu, Wenlong Du, Zhiqian Dong
  • Patent number: 11346421
    Abstract: A crimp portion provided to a damping force adjustable shock absorber includes a crimp groove portion provided on an outer peripheral surface of a solenoid case along a circumferential direction thereof, and one end portion of a thin wall portion of a valve case that is contained while being bent in this crimp groove portion. The crimp groove portion includes an inclined surface inclined into a case 40 from a valve case side toward a solenoid case side. Due to this configuration, the damping force adjustable shock absorber can securely fix the solenoid case and the valve case by crimping while reducing a load on a solenoid block and a valve block due to the crimp fixation to a minimum load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Maeda, Daiki Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 11226022
    Abstract: A piston cylinder device (1) comprising a cylinder (2) with a first and a second end and a guide (6), such that a pressure chamber (8) is formed in the cylinder. A piston (12) is moveable in the pressure chamber (8). The guide (6) is fixedly secured to the cylinder (2) by a lock ring (7). A sealing means (9) is arranged to seal between the guide (6) and an inner wall of a tubular wall (3) of the cylinder (2) to prevent fluid leakage from the pressure chamber (8) to the surroundings. The piston cylinder device (1) is provided with a material weakening zone (13) arranged in the inner wall of the tubular wall (3) of the cylinder (2) axially between the lock ring (7) and the second end (20) of the cylinder (2), the material weakening zone (13) being arranged to be deformed or sheared against the lock ring (7) at a predetermined level of impact of the piston (12) against the guide (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Stromsholmen AB
    Inventors: Fredrik Göransson, Thomas Bergqvist
  • Patent number: 11180212
    Abstract: A fluid flow control structure is provided for a telescopic apparatus of a human powered vehicle. The fluid flow control structure basically comprises a first tube, a second tube and a positioning structure. The second tube is telescopically coupled to the first tube to move in an axial direction. The positioning structure includes first, second and third fluid chambers, and a valve that defines a port that is selectively opened and closed. The valve includes a valve body that is movable relative to a valve seat in the axial direction to change a valve state between a closed state and an open state. The valve body fluidly separates the first and second fluid chambers in the closed state and to fluidly connect the first and second fluid chambers in the open state. The third fluid chamber includes a compressible fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Toyoto Shirai
  • Patent number: 10414220
    Abstract: There is provided herein a recovery tow hitch assembly which may be utilized in a standard configuration much like a conventional tow hitch assembly. However, during bogging, a locking mechanism may be unlocked so as to free a sliding member slidably retained within a sleeve. A compression member acts between the sliding member and the sleeve such that, when unlocked, the vehicle may be driven forwards free of trailer tow load until such time that the compression member acts on the extended sliding member to pull the trailer free. In embodiments, at the full extent of travel of the sliding member, the present tow hitch assembly initially jerks the trailer under the inertia of the vehicle and wherein the potential energy stored within the compression member further assist the freeing of the trailer wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Shane Blackwell
  • Patent number: 10390622
    Abstract: A chair column arrangement of a swivel chair includes an upright tube which has a star base at its end region and in which a support tube is rotatably mounted. An end region of support tube remote from the star base protrudes from the upright tube and carries a seat at its protruding end region. A driven wheel is arranged non-rotationally coaxially on the support tube. A driving wheel arranged on a generator shaft of an electrical generator generating alternating current can be driven rotatably directly or indirectly by the driven wheel, wherein the electrical generator is arranged rigidly on the upright tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: STABILUS GMBH
    Inventor: Mihai-Augustin Vidrean
  • Patent number: 10358857
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes: a door; an electric actuating motor that opens and closes the door, the electric actuating motor configured for actuating at a hinge of the door; a push-open actuator mounted at a rear of the door, the push-open actuator configured for pushing against a body of the vehicle; and a wireless device configured for communications to the vehicle. A system for a vehicle includes: a front door; a rear door behind the front door, the rear door having a dual-hinge design that opens and closes in a substantially vertical direction; an electric actuating motor that opens and closes the front door, the electric actuating motor configured for actuating at a hinge of the front door; and a wireless device configured for communications to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: David Wheeler, Chris McCarthy, Jacob Warman, Austin Newman, John Hughes
  • Patent number: 10288141
    Abstract: A pressure-adjustable gas spring is invented. A gas spring mainly consists of a cylinder tube, a piston in the cylinder tube, a piston rod, a valve rod and so on; gas and oil liquid are stored in the cylinder tube. Since the piston occupies the volume in the cylinder tube, the piston is compressed into the cylinder tube when working, then the piston moves in the axial direction in the cylinder tube to press the oil liquid, then the oil liquid compresses the gas so that the piston reaches the working position; when the external force loaded on the piston rod is removed, the gas recovers and expands, and the expanded gas pushes the oil liquid to reset the piston and move out the piston rod, so that the gas spring realizes a compression motion and a restoration damping motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: CHANGZHOU LANT GAS SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shengrong Tao
  • Patent number: 10202054
    Abstract: A seat-back tilting device including a tilt control handle that can be selected from a first control handle and a second control handle, and with a tilt control shaft on which the control handle is mounted. The control shaft includes: a zone for receiving a first return member associated with the first control handle; a zone for receiving a second return member associated with the second control handle; and a zone for transmitting forces from the first control handle and from the second control handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignees: RENAULT s.a.s., NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: David Delecolle, Gregory Lesueur, Frederic Moulinas
  • Patent number: 10202158
    Abstract: An adjustable seat tube structure which is for adjusting a height of a saddle for a bicycle includes a lower tube, an upper tube and a piston set. The lower tube includes a top end. The upper tube is disposed at the lower tube and is limitedly moved relative to the lower tube. The upper tube is linked with the saddle and includes an upper end, an inner space, and a lower end. The upper end is protruded out of the top end, and the inner space is for receiving a gas. The lower end is corresponded to the upper end. The piston set includes a piston, a valve and a rod. The piston is disposed inside the inner space, and the lower end is moved relative to the piston. The valve is disposed inside the piston and the rod is connected to the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: GIANT MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shu-Yu Jhou, Che-Wei Hsu
  • Patent number: 10088008
    Abstract: An arrangement for the temporary pre-tensioning of fork tubes (1, 2) of a telescoping fork, displaceable with respect to each other, comprises a base body (3) attached to a first fork tube (1) to secure and guide at least a first locking element (4) and a second locking element (5), whereby the locking elements (4, 5) interact with a receptacle element (6) attached to the second fork tube (2). A common actuation element (7) is provided within the housing of the base body (3) to actuate the locking elements (4,5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: GROEBNER FERTIGUNGS GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Groebner
  • Patent number: 10074875
    Abstract: A protection circuit for protecting a secondary battery includes a controller that closes a charging path for charging the secondary battery with a charger when a charge preventing condition is satisfied, the charging path being between a terminal of the secondary battery and an input-output terminal for connecting the charger and an electronic apparatus, opens the charging path when a discharging current from the secondary battery to the electronic apparatus is detected while the charge preventing condition is satisfied and the charging path is closed, and temporarily closes the charging path when a predetermined period of time passes after the charging path is opened, to determine whether the discharging current is flowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kohei Shibata, Hibiki Yano
  • Patent number: 10065472
    Abstract: A dual bearing strut assembly for a vehicle suspension system includes a strut with a shock absorber comprising a damper cylinder and a piston rod, and a coil spring disposed around the shock absorber. The damper cylinder may be affixed to a knuckle of a vehicle wheel assembly and the piston rod may be affixed to a top strut mount. An upper bearing assembly and a lower bearing assembly are included. The coil spring has an upper end seated to the upper bearing assembly and a lower end seated to the lower bearing assembly. The lower end of the coil spring freely rotates about the damper cylinder when the coil spring is compressed thereby reducing torque on the damper cylinder and reducing “bump steer” of the vehicle steering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Aria Kashani
  • Patent number: 9926035
    Abstract: A system/assembly for a suspension fork for a bicycle is disclosed. A suspension system for use in a vehicle is also disclosed. A front suspension fork for a bicycle such as a mountain bike configured to contain a hydraulic fluid for fluid flow and in a flow path providing for compression damping and for rebound damping is also disclosed. A damper assembly configured to contain a hydraulic fluid for fluid flow in a flow path is also disclosed. The assembly/system generally comprises a set of inventive concepts/inventions (combination of inventive features) including (but not specifically limited to): (1) an externally-accessible adjustment mechanism; and (2) internal floating piston. The compression assembly/system of the suspension fork comprises a combination of improved functional assemblies including (but not limited to) an adjustment mechanism (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Hayes Bicycle Group Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas William Pye
  • Patent number: 9845113
    Abstract: A first hydraulic damper includes one end portion attached to a first attachment position of a vehicle body. A second hydraulic damper includes one end portion coupled to the other end portion of the first hydraulic damper via a linking member, and the other end portion attached to a second attachment position of the vehicle body. Each of the first and second hydraulic dampers includes a hydraulic cylinder, a piston, a piston rod, a free piston, a compression coil spring, first and second working oil passages to cause first and second oil chambers to communicate with each other, and working oil passage throttles. The first hydraulic damper, second hydraulic damper, and the linking member are coupled in the longitudinal direction. One of the hydraulic cylinder and piston rod is attached to the vehicle body, and the other is coupled to the linking rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Seiji Sawai, Yutaka Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9840864
    Abstract: A damping device is applicable to a hinge. The damping device includes a damper and a blocking member. The damper includes a first movable member and a second movable member movable relative to each other. The first movable member has a first abutting part and a second abutting part. The first abutting part and the second abutting part are located at different longitudinal positions on the first movable member. The blocking member is movable relative to the damper and configured to abut against one of the first abutting part and the second abutting part of the first movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignees: KING SLIDE WORKS CO., LTD., KING SLIDE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ken-Ching Chen, Hsiu-Chiang Liang, Chun-Chiang Wang
  • Patent number: 9746014
    Abstract: A device for retaining a strut that moves between a retracted position and an extended position includes a body arrangeable in a storage condition of the body and a retention condition of the body. In the retention condition, the strut is prevented from moving from the extended position to the retracted position thereof. The body moves from the storage condition to the retention condition in response to extension of the strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Nicholas C. Cassaro
  • Patent number: 9739329
    Abstract: A lockable piston-cylinder unit having a cylinder that is closed at both ends and filled with pressurized fluid and in which a piston that is sealed relative to the inner wall of the cylinder is displaceably guided. The piston divides the interior of the cylinder into a first working chamber and a second working chamber. A piston rod is arranged at the piston and is guided out of the cylinder 1 through one of the working chambers and through a guiding and sealing unit which closes the one end of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Pooschen
  • Patent number: 9598889
    Abstract: The invention relates to a movement-damping unit (30) comprising a receiving tube (32) having a longitudinal axis (A), a relative movement unit (34) which is received in the receiving tube (32) and which is displaceable back and forth relative to the receiving tube (32) substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A), and a friction device (41) acting between the receiving tube (32) and the relative movement unit (34). According to the invention, the friction device (41) comprises at least one switching element (44, 48) assigned to the relative movement unit (34) and having an engagement portion (48a) formed so as to widen radially in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A), wherein at least one resiliently compressible friction element (46, 50), which comprises a recess (50a) intended for engagement with the engagement portion (48a) and is arranged on the longitudinal face of smaller diameter of the switching element (44, 48), is assigned to each switching element (44, 48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventors: Lars Löhken, Ulrich Probst, Christoph Ulrich, Markus Müller, Joshua Burrell
  • Patent number: 9580123
    Abstract: A bicycle seatpost assembly comprises a first cylinder, a second cylinder, a positioning structure, an actuation structure, and a connecting rod. The second cylinder is configured to be telescopically received in the first cylinder. The positioning structure is configured to relatively position the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The actuation structure is configured to actuate the positioning structure and is disposed at a distal end of the first cylinder. The connecting rod is configured to operatively couple a control cable to the actuation structure. The connecting rod extends from the distal end of the first cylinder in a longitudinal direction of the first cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Toyoto Shirai
  • Patent number: 9458906
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension method and to a shock-absorbing device for an automobile in the broadest sense of the term, i.e. any vehicle having a suspension and moving under its own power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Astron Flamm Safety
    Inventor: Mauro Bianchi
  • Patent number: 9150076
    Abstract: A hydraulic strut system that damps vehicle vibration and includes a compressible fluid, a strut, and a valve plate. The strut includes three concentric tubes defining an inner cavity, an intermediary cavity, and an outer reservoir cavity, the inner cavity and intermediary cavity being fluidly coupled, wherein the inner cavity receives a piston that divides the inner cavity into a first volume and a second volume, the piston having an aperture that allows one way flow from the first volume to the second volume. The valve plate is removably coupled to the strut, and includes a first fluid path that allows one-way fluid flow from the intermediary cavity to the reservoir cavity, the first fluid path including a damping valve that damps fluid flowing therethrough; and a second fluid path that allows one-way fluid flow from the reservoir cavity to the inner cavity, the second fluid path further including a replenishment valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Fluid Ride, Ltd.
    Inventors: Joshua Coombs, Jeremy Edmondson
  • Patent number: 9121467
    Abstract: A piston rod is connected to a piston and extends through a seal in the end face of a cylinder. A locking tube which surrounds the cylinder when the piston rod is retracted has a first end section mounted to the free end of the piston rod so that the locking tube is pivotable between a release position, wherein the locking tube is substantially coaxial to the piston rod, and a locking position, wherein the locking tube is inclined toward the piston rod. An opposed second end section has a supporting stop which can be positioned axially against the free end of the cylinder when the piston rod is extended and the locking tube is in the locking position. An actuable retaining device retains the locking tube in the locking position only by manually pivoting the locking tube into the locking position when the piston rod is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Born, Rolf Mintgen, Dirk Rennecke, Bernd Rosenstein, Yukio Ushida, Masaru Kaneko, Hiroshi Aoyama
  • Patent number: 9113711
    Abstract: In order to provide an adjustment mechanism for the arm support of an armrest, which is particularly simple structurally and which also enables a particularly flat style of construction, a locking device is proposed for releasably locking the base platform and the carrier platform in different positions with respect to each other, said locking device comprising a transfer element, which is arranged between carrier platform and arm support and is connected to the base platform and which has first blocking elements for blocking the longitudinal adjustment of the arm support and second blocking elements for blocking the transverse adjustment of the arm support, and an actuating element, which is arranged between carrier platform and arm support and is provided with a control button for manual actuation and which has elements for simultaneously blocking or releasing the first and second blocking elements of the transfer element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Bock 1 GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hermann Bock
  • Patent number: 9103401
    Abstract: A damper includes a piston rod, a damping piston, at least one cylinder containing a damping liquid, a fixed partition member for partitioning the interior of the damper into two liquid chambers, a pressure source, and a valve in communication with the pressure source which reacts as a function of the pressure. The valve can also be in communication with additional forces, such as mechanical spring forces, which can be adjustable. The valve can include a pressure intensifier. The valve generates fluid flow resistance during flow of liquid in a first direction through the partition member. The fluid flow resistance in the first direction varies according to the amount of force communicated to the valve by the pressure source and any additional forces. The partition member can include means for providing low-resistance return flow of liquid in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Fox
  • Patent number: 9004239
    Abstract: A support for supporting a structure on a surface, comprising at least one support element, each support element comprising a piston, a cylinder in which the piston is moveable, and a brake for maintaining the piston in a position that is stable relative to the cylinder, wherein the piston and the cylinder are arranged so that a loading associated with the structure effects an adjustment of the support element, and wherein an increase in hydraulic pressure within the cylinder, effected by the loading associated with the structure, activates the brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Flat Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Antony Lawrence Pike, Duncan B. Gilmore, Raymond L. Hope
  • Publication number: 20150041267
    Abstract: A control assembly for controlling a component, such as a bicycle shock absorber including a first actuator carried by the shock absorber. The first actuator has a fulcrum body supported in the shock absorber and a control arm displacing the fulcrum body. The first actuator pivots on the fulcrum body to operatively control a first characteristic of the shock absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Van Zyl, Andrew Shawver
  • Publication number: 20140360827
    Abstract: A restraint device for being secured on a telescopic suspension comprising a first portion, which may be a fork band comprising a first restraining hook, a second portion comprising a body, a trigger, at least one magnetic member, and a second restraining hook, wherein the first restraining hook and the second restraining hook are configured to selectively engage one another to secure the suspension in a compressed position, and wherein the at least one magnetic member is configured to retract the second restraining hook when the device is disengaged to permit normal operation of the suspension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Works Connection, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Phipps
  • Patent number: 8763764
    Abstract: A locking apparatus for a parking brake includes a parking lever, a parking lever spring applying a restoring force to the parking lever, a cylinder of which an oil hole is formed thereto, a piston comprising a piston rod connected to the parking lever and a piston main body disposed within the cylinder, and the piston movable along length direction of the cylinder according to supplying or releasing of oil through the oil hole, a solenoid valve and a locking unit disposed within the cylinder for unlocking the piston when the solenoid valve is supplied electric power and for locking the piston when the solenoid valve is not supplied electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Unick Corporation
    Inventors: Sung Wook Jang, Gyu Chull Doh, Chang-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 8752810
    Abstract: A fluid strut includes a frangible locking member including a generally cylindrical locking pin mounted to an outer cylindrical housing of the strut and extending radially inwardly toward a gas spring cylinder. The locking pin is movable between operative and inoperative positions. In the operative position, the spring-loaded frangible locking pin extends into engagement with the gas cylinder and can advance radially to a locking position once the outer housing extends beyond the location of the gas cylinder. In an inoperative position, the locking pin is held in a retracted position. The end of the locking pin has a reduced diameter, such that, if a purposeful force is placed upon the strut when in a locked position, the pin can shear, allowing the rod to be retracted within the cylinder and the closure member to be closed without damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Suspa Incorporated
    Inventors: Ryan T. Anderson, Troy A. Waterman, Kevin Thomas Braat
  • Patent number: 8733510
    Abstract: A locking mechanism, which permits fixation to a piston rod of a linear actuator relatively to a cylinder of the actuator, as well as a linear actuator equipped with such a locking mechanism as well as to an aircraft with at least one linear activator that is equipped with the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a plurality of first positive locking elements which are arranged lengthwise with the outside circumference of the cylinder and in certain distances to one another and at least one second positive locking element, which is moved together with the piston rod upon activation of the linear actuator and thus passes a segment of the cylinder. The at least one second positive locking element is positively engageable with one of the plurality of first locking elements at discrete positions of the cylinder lengthwise, by which the piston rod is fixed relatively to the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Gunnar Haase
  • Patent number: 8727081
    Abstract: A restraint device for being secured on a telescopic suspension comprising a first portion, which may be a fork band comprising a first restraining hook, a second portion comprising a body, a trigger, at least one magnetic member, and a second restraining hook, wherein the first restraining hook and the second restraining hook are configured to selectively engage one another to secure the suspension in a compressed position, and wherein the at least one magnetic member is configured to retract the second restraining hook when the device is disengaged to permit normal operation of the suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Works Connection, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Phipps
  • Patent number: 8672106
    Abstract: A self-regulating suspension includes a first suspension member movable relative to a second suspension member, a fluid reservoir having a volume, the volume variable in response to a relative movement between the first and second suspension members, and a fluid flow circuit having a first end in fluidic communication with the fluid reservoir and a second end in fluidic communication with an isolated suspension location, the fluid flow circuit comprising a first valve, a second valve and a third valve, wherein said first and third valves are in parallel with each other and the second valve is in series with each of the first and third valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Laird, William Becker
  • Patent number: 8528708
    Abstract: An air damper is provided which can exhibit an appropriate braking force in accordance with an input load. There is provided an air damper including: a tubular cylinder 1 in which both end portions are opened; a piston 2 which moves within the cylinder 1; and a cap 3 which closes a one-end opening of the cylinder 1, wherein the cylinder 1 has an annular seal surface 4 formed on a circumferential surface of the one-end opening, wherein the cap is mounted on the one-end opening side of the cylinder 1 so as to be moveable or deformable along an axial direction of the cylinder 1, wherein the cap is brought into contact with or separated from the seal surface 4 in accordance with a pressure change due to a movement of the piston 2 within the cylinder 1, and wherein a first orifice 14 is opened in a base plate 12 of the cap, characterized in that: a second orifice having an inlet area smaller than the first orifice is defined between the cap 3 and the cylinder 1 during an operation of the first orifice 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventors: Takahiro Sakai, Tomoyoshi Ohnuki, Takao Nagai
  • Patent number: 8522934
    Abstract: A lockable piston-cylinder unit includes a cylinder having at least one axially facing counterstop; a piston dividing the cylinder into a first working chamber and a second working chamber; a piston rod extending through the first working chamber to a free end outside the cylinder; and a fastening tube having a first end in which the free end of the piston rod is fixed, a second end which receives the cylinder coaxially, and at least one axially facing supporting stop. When the piston rod is extended to maximum extension, the fastening tube is rotatable relative to the cylinder from a release position, wherein the supporting stop is offset from a respective counterstop, to a locking position, wherein the supporting stop faces the counterstop so that the fastening tube cannot move axially relative to the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Born
  • Patent number: 8499905
    Abstract: A front fork for easily optimizing an oil quantity in a damper cylinder with a relatively simple structure without affecting operability of a free piston even in an assembled state. An escape portion is formed on an outer periphery of a piston rod at a position where a seal member mounted on a sealing cap faces in an opposed manner when a front fork extends to the maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Uchiyama, Kazuhiko Gogo