Service Tank Patents (Class 280/834)
-
Patent number: 8919817Abstract: A bulldozer includes a cab, a fuel tank arranged to a rear of the cab, and first and second engaging members. The cab includes a driver seat and an air-conditioning cooling module projecting rearward from an upper end portion of the cab. The first and second engaging members are provided on the fuel tank, with each having an engaging part to engage onto a suspension member. The engaging part of the first engaging member is positioned on a first lateral side of a first straight line connecting a first lateral side end of the air-conditioning cooling module and a first lateral side end of the fuel tank. The engaging part of the second engaging member is positioned on a second lateral side of a second straight line connecting a second lateral side end of the air-conditioning cooling module, and a second lateral side end of the fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Taira Ozaki, Hiroshi Nakagami, Shuta Matsumura
-
Publication number: 20140367954Abstract: A refuse vehicle has a tailgate. The tailgate has a framework to secure CNG tanks. A cover overlays the frame work to provide an aesthetic appearance to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2013Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventor: Bobby Ray MCKINNEY
-
Patent number: 8899627Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a mobile machine, such as hydronic surface heater designed to be transported to a potentially remote worksite and operated for an extended period of time. The machine has a fueled component, such as a burner, fueled by a fuel supply system having at least two fuel tanks that are operably connected to one another by a connection line having an electronically controlled valve therein. The valve is coupled to the machine's electrical system, such as being coupled to the output of the machine's main breaker, so as to be opened whenever the machine is operating but to be otherwise closed. The fuel supply system thus has, in effect, a single tank when the machine is running and multiple separated tanks when the machine is not running. Fuel spill risks therefore are mitigated without having to sacrifice operating time and without significantly complicating the machine's fuel supply systems or its controls.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2011Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Wacker Neuson Production Americas LLCInventors: Paul Krause, Jason Fu, John Lane, Todd Lutz
-
Publication number: 20140333056Abstract: A floor panel of a vehicle body is provided with bulging sections in which seats are disposed to the left and right of a tunnel section, and a rear tunnel cross member extending in the vehicle width direction at the rear ends of the bulging sections. The vehicle body is provided with left and right floor extensions set further toward the tunnel section along a dashboard lower relative to the front side frames, floor frames extending so as to span between the floor extensions and the rear tunnel cross member and having a predetermined distance in the vehicle body vertical direction from a rear floor panel, and an energy container placed below the bulging sections and supported on the floor frames. The floor frames are fixed to the vehicle body so as to be capable of being removed from the below the vehicle body.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2012Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventors: Masayasu Yoshida, Mitsushige Goto, Takeki Tanaka
-
Patent number: 8882151Abstract: The invention relates to a filling device, in particular for filling a tank with a urea solution, comprising: at least one vehicle-specific pipe element, one standardized filler neck, and one holder, wherein the holder is fixed to said vehicle-specific pipe element via a joining method, particularly a welding method, used for the vehicle-specific pipe element, either in axial and/or in radial and/or in circumferential direction of said vehicle-specific pipe element.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2012Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Veritas AGInventor: Artur Wagner
-
Patent number: 8876163Abstract: An oil storage tank includes a step member, a first tank part and a second tank part. The step member has a placement face. The first tank part is disposed below the step member to support the step member. The second tank part is coupled to the first tank part and has an upper face a lower face, a first side face, a second side face and a recessed section. The upper face is provided above the placement face. The first side face faces the first tank part and is connected to the upper face and the lower face. The second side face is connected to the upper face, the lower face and the first side face. The recessed section is formed by a sloped face provided to a corner portion at which the upper face, the first side face and the second side face intersect.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Wataru Nishiyama, Ryouji Shiota, Jun Yonehara
-
Patent number: 8864175Abstract: A fuel cell powered vehicle fuel storage system is disclosed having a suspension system, a fuel tank, and a support system, wherein the suspension system, fuel tank, and support system cooperate to carry vehicle structural loads and the reaction loads of the suspension system and to maximize a volume of the fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2012Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: James W. Dandalides, David A. Young, Robert Metzenmacher
-
Patent number: 8851523Abstract: A frame for a vehicle to accommodate a large-sized accessory, such as a fuel tank, to be mounted downwardly of a rear pipe without having to lower a rear sub-pipe. A large-sized accessory, such as a fuel tank, can be inserted into a space under a rear pipe by removing a second rear sub-pipe from a main frame and the rear pipe. The second rear sub-pipe can be fixed to the main frame and the rear pipe by simply tightening bolts. Similarly, by simply loosening the bolts the second rear sub-pipe can be removed from the main frame and the rear pipe and the large-sized accessory can be removed onto an outside in a vehicle width direction. This facilitates mounting and helps reduce the number of man-hours involved in mounting the accessory.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2011Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiromitsu Shiina, Akihiro Yamashita, Masayuki Hirukawa
-
Patent number: 8820289Abstract: A unitary assembly for retaining the various components of a fuel control system on a vehicle, wherein the assembly includes a unitary module at least partially structured in the form of a mounting assembly operative to contain and support at least a portion of the fuel control system specifically including a containment structure or at least one fuel tank for storing and operatively disposing a fuel supply associated with the fuel control system. An electronic control unit of the fuel control system is structured to facilitate metering and distribution of an operative fuel mixture which may include an alternate fuel as well as a conventional distillate fuel. The module and the mounting assembly are cooperatively structured to collectively retain the electronic control unit, the containment structure and at least a portion of a remainder of the fuel control system as a self-contained unit on the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Inventor: Jason Green
-
Publication number: 20140239625Abstract: A bulldozer includes a cab, a fuel tank arranged to a rear of the cab, and first and second engaging members. The cab includes a driver seat and an air-conditioning cooling module projecting rearward from an upper end portion of the cab. The first and second engaging members are provided on the fuel tank, with each having an engaging part to engage onto a suspension member. The engaging part of the first engaging member is positioned on a first lateral side of a first straight line connecting a first lateral side end of the air-conditioning cooling module and a first lateral side end of the fuel tank. The engaging part of the second engaging member is positioned on a second lateral side of a second straight line connecting a second lateral side end of the air-conditioning cooling module, and a second lateral side end of the fuel tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2013Publication date: August 28, 2014Inventors: Taira Ozaki, Hiroshi Nakagami, Shuta Matsumura
-
Patent number: 8813780Abstract: A fuel tank for a spark-ignition motor with a vapor intake port has a tank body having a tank wall enclosing a tank volume. A filler port in a first upper portion of the tank wall establishes a liquid fill-level limit for the tank volume. A vapor dome formed by a second upper portion of the tank wall subtends a vapor space above the liquid fill-level limit. A vapor vent valve is mounted in the vapor dome and is connectable to the vapor intake port. The vapor dome has a shape and size allowing the tank body to tilt from about a horizontal position to about thirty degrees in any direction from the horizontal position before a liquid filling the tank volume to the liquid fill-level limit contacts the vapor vent valve.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Schiller Grounds Care, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Scheffler, Richard Lee Bedford, III, Anthony S. Weber
-
Patent number: 8807256Abstract: Provided is a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system comprising a frame, a first container, a second container, a first manifold, a second manifold, and a casing. The frame may have: a first side; a first connecting member; and a second side. The first container may be configured to house or contain CNG and be engaged to and substantially shrouded by the first side of the frame. The second container may be configured to house or contain CNG and be engaged to and substantially shrouded by the second side of the frame. The first manifold may be engaged to and substantially shrouded by the first side of the frame. The second manifold may be engaged to and substantially shrouded by the second side of the frame. The casing may at least partially surround the frame, the first container, the first manifold, and the second manifold.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Trilogy Engineered Solutions, LLCInventors: Gary Gibb, Michael Pintz, Stephen Polatas
-
Patent number: 8794673Abstract: A hydraulic excavator includes an undercarriage having a crawler and a rotating superstructure. The rotating superstructure includes a plate-shaped rotating frame, an engine, a fuel tank a counterweight and a fuel line. The engine is mounted inside the rotating frame. The fuel tank is disposed on one side of the engine. The counterweight is supported on the rotating frame to the rear of the engine, and disposed so that a bottom end portion faces a rear end surface of the rotating frame with a gap interposed therebetween and the gap is open to the atmosphere. The fuel line is connected to the fuel tank and disposed in the gap between the rear end surface of the rotating frame and the bottom end portion of the counterweight.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Youichirou Kimura, Jun Yonehara, Risa Yamamoto
-
Publication number: 20140191498Abstract: A revised location for the fuel system and fuel tanks to improve crashworthiness and reduce the occurrence of tank failure, fuel spillage, fire and/or explosion while still providing a sufficient range for the vehicle. The fuel tank system includes at least one fuel tank and a support structure. The at least one fuel tank is provided proximate frame rail members of the truck. At least a portion of the at least one fuel tank extends between an extension of a vertical axis of each of the frame rail members. The support structure protects the at least one fuel tank during an event, such as, but not limited to a collision, crash or accident. The support structure includes at least one mounting member which attaches the at least one fuel tank to the frame rail members, rails which extend about the at least one fuel tank, and at least one bottom plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Inventor: Erin Marie SHIPP
-
Publication number: 20140175783Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system to a vehicle. In some embodiments, the invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system comprising a fuel tank to a vehicle chassis using a bracket, which may be a multi-part bracket, and may be referred to as a “drop and go” bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Agility Fuel Systems, Inc.Inventors: Todd Sloan, Chris Forsberg
-
Publication number: 20140175782Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system to a vehicle. In some embodiments, the invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system comprising a fuel tank to a vehicle chassis using a bracket, which may be a multi-part bracket, and may be referred to as a “drop and go” bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Agility Fuel Systems, Inc.Inventors: Todd Sloan, Chris Forsberg
-
Publication number: 20140103629Abstract: A grass mowing machine operator platform includes a one-piece plastic composite molded structure with a top surface and an outer wall, and a plurality of slots in the top surface and outer wall. A pair of steering levers may be pivotably mounted to steering pivot bolts in the slots in the top surface, and a brake lever pivotably mounted in a slot in the outer wall. The slots where the steering levers and brake lever are mounted have integral bearing surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2012Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: Deere & CompanyInventors: Paul Elhardt, Kyle T. Ressler, Thomas R. Genz
-
Publication number: 20140103628Abstract: A fuel tank mounting assembly for mounting on a vehicle frame rail and method of installing the assembly on the vehicle frame rail to optimize the vehicle assembly line to allow for shorter takt time for the fuel tank mounting. The fuel tank mounting assembly includes a fuel tank, support brackets that each have two supporting tabs, and tank strap assemblies that attach to the support brackets to secure the fuel tank to the tank support brackets. Receiver brackets are attached to the frame rail of the vehicle, and the receiver brackets have two alignment notches that are sized to receive the two tabs of the fuel tank support brackets to couple the fuel tank to the vehicle for later permanent attachment, particularly at a subsequent assembly line station.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2012Publication date: April 17, 2014Inventors: Attilio De Biasi, Tim Urech, Luciano Ballestrin
-
Patent number: 8690191Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle has a receiving area in a refuse collection device. The receiving area includes a body cradle to receive at least one CNG tank. At least one CNG tank is positioned in the body cradle. At least one door covers the receiving area. The at least one door is pivotally secured on the refuse collection device to enable access to the at least one CNG tank without use of external lift device.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: The Heil Co.Inventor: David C. Gentry
-
Patent number: 8690190Abstract: A work vehicle includes a vehicle frame extending between a right and left pair of rear wheels. An engine is mounted in a vertical position on a horizontal mounting surface defined in the vehicle frame in a peripheral area of the rear wheels in a central portion of a transverse direction of the vehicle. A fuel tank includes a main tank body mounted under a driver's seat and an auxiliary tank body mounted on the mounting surface on one lateral side of the engine in the transverse direction of the vehicle. A canister is mounted adjacent to the engine on one lateral side of the engine and rearwardly of and adjacent to the auxiliary fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: David Spitz, Masahiro Yamada, Takeshi Komorida, Takashi Shibata
-
Patent number: 8672359Abstract: An object is to provide a vehicle in which the configuration of a frame supporting a tank is effectively used. In order to achieve such an object, the vehicle includes a tank supported by a pair of side frames and cross frames which traverse the side frames, wherein a displacement suppression target on a vehicle floor is supported by the cross frames, the displacement suppression target having a relative displacement during an action of an external force on the vehicle, needed to be suppressed. The tank is preferably suspended on the cross frames. In addition, the displacement suppression target is preferably attached to the cross frames on which the tank is suspended.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasuhiko Ohashi
-
Publication number: 20140021711Abstract: A heavy-duty truck chassis has a frame assembly having a first rail spaced from a second rail to define a gap therebetween. A front axle is supported by the frame assembly and is positioned proximate a front portion of the frame assembly. A rear axle is supported by the frame assembly and is positioned proximate a rear portion of the frame assembly. A fuel tank is supported by the frame assembly and positioned in the gap and behind the rear axle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: SHEM, LLCInventors: Herman Edward Steyn, Shane Leppan, Francois Pierre Hough, Johann Christiaan Vorster
-
Publication number: 20140025246Abstract: An apparatus includes a vehicle frame, a swing arm and a fuel tank. The vehicle frame includes a front portion and a rear portion and defines a longitudinal centerline therebetween. The front portion is configured to support a recumbent seat. The rear portion is configured to be coupled to the swing arm and. The swing arm defines a longitudinal centerline and includes a wheel mounting portion configured to be coupled to a wheel assembly. The wheel mounting portion defines a radial axis that is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle frame in at least one plane. The fuel tank is coupled to the rear portion of the vehicle frame such that the fuel tank is above the longitudinal centerline of the swing arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: TANOM MOTORS, LLCInventors: Merrill C. HALL, Adam J. CANNI
-
Publication number: 20140015239Abstract: A fuel tank mounting system for a motor vehicle including an end plate, a sleeve, a fuel tank bracket, and a pin for coupling the fuel tank to a frame of the motor vehicle while allowing the fuel tank bracket to move axially with respect to the pin and to rotate about the pin to reduce stress on at least one fuel tank mount used to couple the fuel tank to the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventors: Travis Schwark, James L. Greene
-
Patent number: 8628115Abstract: A storage system for a vehicle is disclosed. The storage system includes a pressure vessel, a plurality of mounting systems disposed on each end of the pressure vessel, each mounting system having a vessel shell having an end coupled to the end of the pressure vessel, a mounting shell having a first end coupled to the vehicle and a second end coupled to another end of the vessel shell, and an impact element formed in one of the vessel shell and the mounting shell having a yield strength less than a yield strength of the vessel shell and the mounting shell, a clamping element for coupling the vessel shell to the pressure vessel, and a coupling means for coupling the vessel shell and the mounting shell together through the impact element.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2010Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Valentin Schultheis, Thorsten Schutz, Helmut Schuermann, Wolfgang Bleser
-
Patent number: 8616581Abstract: A mounting arrangement for mounting a vertical wall of a fuel tank protector to a vertical wall of a fuel tank includes a protector tab received in a fuel tank slot and a dog-house fastener received through a protector aperture and anchored in a fuel tank dog-house recess.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jonathan A. Rihtar
-
Publication number: 20130334804Abstract: A fuel tank assembly includes a hinge assembly, a fuel tank, and at least one hinge bolt. The hinge assembly includes a hinge pin and a hinge stay. The hinge pin pivotally couples the hinge stay to a vehicular frame and defines a hinge axis about which the hinge stay is pivotable with respect to a frame. The at least one hinge bolt releasably couples the hinge stay to the fuel tank such that the fuel tank is pivotable about the hinge axis. The at least one hinge bolt intersects the hinge axis and obstructs the hinge pin from being removed from the hinge stay.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2012Publication date: December 19, 2013Inventor: Masayuki HIRUKAWA
-
Patent number: 8608202Abstract: A tank module is provided for a motor vehicle comprises at least two fuel tanks and a carrier body having concave flanks formed of sheet material and arranged between the fuel tanks and facing the fuel tanks.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Andreas Dossow
-
Patent number: 8602147Abstract: In a compact excavator of the type wherein an opening portion of an engine room with a fuel tank installed therein is opened and closed with a bonnet and an operator's seat is provided on the bonnet, a load transfer member is provided on an upper surface of the fuel tank in a state in which a load receiving portion is in contact with the bonnet, so that a total load comprising the weight of the operator's seat, the weight of an operator sitting on the operator's seat and the weight of the bonnet is transmitted from the bonnet to the fuel tank as a force of pressing down the tank from above.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2009Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventor: Isao Miyachi
-
Patent number: 8596682Abstract: A load mounting system for a vehicle generally includes a support assembly configured for supporting a load, wherein the support assembly has a first end and a second end, the first end being mountable to a frame of a vehicle at one or more support assembly mounting locations along the frame. The system further includes at least one retaining device configured for securing the load on the support assembly, the at least one retaining device being coupleable to the first and second ends of the support assembly, wherein the at least one retaining device is coupleable to the first end of the support assembly at a different location than the support assembly mounting locations along the frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: PACCAR IncInventors: Erik Johnson, Chris Gross, Jeff Schlutt, Josh Engstrom
-
Patent number: 8579331Abstract: A tank holding mechanism holds a gas tank that has a cylindrical portion and hemispherical-shaped domical portions formed on respective sides of the cylindrical portion. The tank holding mechanism includes: a tank accommodating portion that contacts a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion of the gas tank; tank end-side members provided near respective ends of the gas tank; a tank band that pushes the gas tank against the tank accommodating portion; and band securing portions that secure end portions of the tank band to the respective tank end-side members. The tank band is routed from one of the domical portions through the cylindrical portion to the other domical portion. The tank band extends along a diagonal line of the gas tank over an outer face of the cylindrical portion, conforms to the outer face of the cylindrical portion, and conforms to hemispherical outer faces of both of the domical portions.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hidetsugu Hayashi, Shusuke Inagi
-
Patent number: 8579332Abstract: A tank arrangement for a vehicle, particularly a truck, includes at least a first fuel tank and a second fuel tank which are connected by a balancing pipe, a suction pipe for feeding fuel to an engine and a return pipe for feeding fuel from the engine to at least one of the fuel tanks. The balancing pipe is provided with a first end to supply fuel to the first tank and a second end to suck fuel from the second tan, wherein a check valve is arranged upstream of the return pipe in the balancing pipe between the at least two tanks allowing a flow direction from the second tank to the first tank and blocking a flow in the reverse direction. Suction of fuel to the engine is from the first tank only. The check valve provides an automatic purging of the system.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Volvo Lastvagner ABInventors: Sigurd Sonderegger, Anders Ivarsson
-
Patent number: 8556335Abstract: A vehicle bottom structure is provided which, in the case where a vehicle is involved in an accident such as a rear-end collision, can prevent an exhaust system component reaching a high temperature from being brought into contact with a fuel tank without causing any trouble. A vehicle bottom structure according to the present invention includes a suspension member installed between a fuel tank and a muffler silencer and extending in the width direction of the vehicle, and a stopping member suspended from the bottom of the vehicle between the suspension member and the muffler silencer, the vertical position of the sopping member overlapping the vertical position of the muffler silencer. The suspension member is on a trajectory obtained by rotating the stopping member to the front side of the vehicle around the point at which the stopping member is suspended from the bottom of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2012Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventor: Hiroo Mizoguchi
-
Patent number: 8544891Abstract: A washer inlet attaching structure, configured to attach a washer inlet to a vehicle structural body made of resin, the washer inlet communicating with a tank main body adapted to store a windshield washer fluid and guiding the windshield washer fluid into the tank main body, the washer inlet attaching structure includes a washer inlet holding portion, configured to hold the washer inlet, the washer inlet holding portion being molded integrally with the vehicle structural body.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2009Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tohru Kitagawa
-
Patent number: 8540045Abstract: An apparatus includes a vehicle frame, a swing arm and a fuel tank. The vehicle frame includes a front portion and a rear portion and defines a longitudinal centerline therebetween. The front portion is configured to support a recumbent seat. The rear portion is configured to be coupled to the swing arm and. The swing arm defines a longitudinal centerline and includes a wheel mounting portion configured to be coupled to a wheel assembly. The wheel mounting portion defines a radial axis that is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle frame in at least one plane. The fuel tank is coupled to the rear portion of the vehicle frame such that the fuel tank is above the longitudinal centerline of the swing arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2012Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Tanom Motors, LLCInventors: Merrill C. Hall, Adam J. Canni
-
Patent number: 8523231Abstract: A riding mower includes a pair of right and left front wheels; a pair of right and left rear wheels; a driver's seat provided between the rear wheels and the front wheels; an engine provided in the rear of the driver's seat; and a mower provided under the driver's seat. The riding mower is capable of being mounted with a fuel gas cylinder sideways on a side of the engine in which an operation section of the fuel gas cylinder faces backward. The riding mower further includes a guard member that is opposed to a rear surface of the fuel gas cylinder and is switchable between a protection position to cover the rear side of the operation section and an open position to open the rear surface of the fuel gas cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Tada, Yoshikazu Togoshi, Kazuaki Nogami, Akira Minoura
-
Patent number: 8500169Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle which for preventing the fuel tank from receiving a load imposed on the tank cover and for achieving a weight reduction of the fuel tank. A motorcycle includes a vehicle body frame; a fuel tank, fixed to the vehicle body frame, for storing fuel; a tank cover for covering at least part of the fuel tank; a flange part, provided to the fuel tank, for fastening the fuel tank to the vehicle body frame; and a cover supporting member, fastened to the flange part, for supporting the tank cover.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2011Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., LtdInventor: Koji Aoki
-
Patent number: 8480131Abstract: A fuel vessel assembly for a fuel cell-powered vehicle and a method of increasing the structural rigidity of a fuel cell-powered vehicle. A vessel for storage of hydrogen or related fuel cell-compatible fuel is rigidly attachable to a vehicular frame or related load-bearing structure through one or more shells that extend from the vessel. Loads imparted to one or more of the shell, vessel frame are transmitted between them through the connection between the assembly and the frame such that a load-bearing capability inherent in the frame is enhanced by the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Valentin Schultheis, Thorsten Schutz, Helmut Schuermann, Wolfgang Bleser, Andreas Bleier
-
Patent number: 8469402Abstract: A riding mower having left and right driving rear wheels independently drivable forward and backward and a pair of left and right steerable front wheels is provided with a support device capable of being mounted with a cylindrical gas cylinder in a horizontal position on an external side of a rollover projection frame. The support device is provided such that the mounted gas cylinder is positioned along front and rear of the rollover protection frame and is mounted in a tilted state in which the central axis of the cylindrical gas cylinder is closer to a central side in a lateral direction of a vehicle body toward a rear side from a plan view.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Akira Minoura, Yoshihiro Ueda, Kuninosuke Iwata, Hiroyuki Tada, Yoshiyuki Esaki
-
Patent number: 8465057Abstract: A fuel cell powered vehicle fuel storage system is disclosed having a suspension system, a fuel tank, and a support system, wherein the suspension system, fuel tank, and support system cooperate to carry vehicle structural loads and the reaction loads of the suspension system and to maximize a volume of the fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2008Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: James W. Dandalides, David A. Young, Robert Metzenmacher
-
Patent number: 8424914Abstract: Fluid container for a motor vehicle, with a tank (10, 11) and a retaining structure (14, 14a), which is suitable for carrying the tanks (10, 11), characterized in that the retaining structure is designed in such a way that the tank (10, 11) is mounted on it such that it can be displaced. The tank can be displaced in such a way that access to important components is possible without complete dismantling, and, as well as this, the installation and dismantling of the tank can be designed to be easier, faster, and therefore more economical.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2008Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: AGCO GmbHInventor: Robert Honzek
-
Patent number: 8408600Abstract: A tank mounting technique of the invention effectively responds to a variation in size of a high-pressure tank T in its longitudinal direction and allows positioning of the high-pressure tank T around its longitudinal axis. A tank receiving recess 110 provided below a vehicle platform F has a pair of a front inclined surface 112F and a rear inclined surface 112R arranged to face each other across a concave groove 114. A side face of the high pressure tank T is brought into contact with both the inclined surfaces 112F and 112R. An end face of a tank positioning groove TVS formed on the high pressure tank T is brought into contact with a contact structure 121 of a tank edge bracket 120. This arrangement enables the high-pressure tank T to be positioned in a vehicle vertical direction and a vehicle front-back direction, as well as in the tank longitudinal direction (in a vehicle width direction).Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keiichi Kondo, Toshikazu Ito
-
Publication number: 20130069357Abstract: A system and attendant structural components for incorporating an alternate fuel supply, such as of the type used in combination with a conventional distillate fuel, to power a heavy duty industrial vehicle, such as a mine haul dump truck. The system and attendant structure includes a mounting assembly structured for containment and support of the alternate fuel and a containment area disposed on the vehicle and structured and dimensioned to retain the mounting assembly therein. The containment area and the mounting assembly are disposed in laterally adjacent, exposed relation to an operator area of the mine haul truck, wherein the mounting assembly and the containment area are cooperatively disposed and structured to facilitate storage of the alternate fuel and operative communication and distribution thereof with the powering engine of the mine haul vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Inventor: Jason Green
-
Patent number: 8382162Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel tank mounting structure for a vehicle which includes a rear floor panel forming a rear portion floor, a first cross member disposed in front of and under the rear floor panel and extending in a vehicle width direction, and a second cross member disposed rearward of the first cross member and extending in the vehicle width direction. A fuel tank is supported by belts stretched between the first and the second cross members so as to abut on an undersurface of the rear floor panel via a resilient pad. Brackets are joined to the first cross member such that they project rearward of the first cross member, each of the belts is connected to the first cross member by the corresponding bracket, and the fuel tank abuts on a rear surface of each bracket via a second resilient pad.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2011Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventor: Tatsuya Hourai
-
Patent number: 8366152Abstract: A tank mounting structure adopts a new approach against a force of moving downward a high-pressure tank transversely mounted on a vehicle. A tank mounting assembly has a winding strap and a restraining strap located on an upper side and a lower side of a high-pressure tank to transversely fix the high-pressure tank between a frame and a frame. This structure causes the high-pressure tank to be transversely mounted on the vehicle. A winding strap is wound on the high-pressure tank. A restraining strap extended from a fixing bracket of the winding strap is laid on the winding strap to be placed directly on an upper end portion of a circumferential wall of the high-pressure tank and is fastened to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takehisa Tsubokawa
-
Publication number: 20120313361Abstract: A vehicle includes a fuel tank disposed adjacent to a propeller shaft in a widthwise direction of the vehicle, and a differential unit coupled to a rear end of the propeller shaft. The differential unit includes a differential gear coupled to the rear end of the propeller shaft, a housing positioned rearward of the fuel tank to accommodate the differential gear, a bracket member fixed to the rear sub-frame, a plurality of bolts that fasten the housing and a first bracket together, and a stay member provided separate from the bolts to couple the housing and the first bracket together.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTDInventors: Yuichiro Saneyoshi, Kenji Hama, Makoto Nishida
-
Patent number: 8317227Abstract: A car body is provided for a motor vehicle that includes, but is not limited to a structural unit including a rear frame structure with a rear axle and mountings for a fuel tank or an electric accumulator. The structural unit is fixed on a bottom plate of the car body. A correspondingly designed rear frame structure makes it possible to selectively equip the motor vehicle for drives with an internal combustion or purely electric drives or hybrid drives.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2010Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Stanislaw Klimek, Martin Schwarz
-
Publication number: 20120280481Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle has a receiving area in a refuse collection device. The receiving area includes a body cradle to receive at least one CNG tank. At least one CNG tank is positioned in the body cradle. At least one door covers the receiving area. The at least one door is pivotally secured on the refuse collection device to enable access to the at least one CNG tank without use of external lift device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: The Heil Co.Inventor: David C. Gentry
-
Patent number: 8302997Abstract: A system for integrating and embedding a fuel storage tank in the roof of an automotive vehicle is provided. The automotive vehicle may include a roof assembly having inner roof panels and outer roof panels. The roof panels may define a cavity that protrudes into the passenger compartment below the roof line of the automotive vehicle. A pressurized fuel tank may be disposed within the cavity of the roof assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Michael Jon Veenstra
-
Patent number: 8297655Abstract: A fuel tank mounting mechanism which enhances backward visibility of an operator and performs the loading/unloading work of a fuel tank by a single motion to improve replacement workability. In the mechanism for mounting a fuel tank (30) on a counterweight (8) provided in the rear of an industrial vehicle, the front upper surface of the counterweight (8) is dented to form a recess (9) for receiving the fuel tank (30) in the width direction of the body. The recess (9) is provided with an arm (14) having a member (15) for fixing the fuel tank (30), and the arm (14) is supported rotatably for the body fixing portion through an arm rotating shaft (13) and arranged to rotate about the shaft (13) as the center of rotation to the right or left side in a vertical plane. The arm (14) hangs down from the body side when it rotates.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2008Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Kiyomitsu Ogawa, Nobutaka Umezawa