Condition Responsive (e.g., Responsive To Speed, Load, Etc.) Patents (Class 474/70)
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Patent number: 12110948Abstract: A rack steering system and a motor vehicle having such a rack steering system. The inventive rack steering system comprises a steering gear housing, a toothed rack, which extends through the steering gear housing, an electric motor, which is coupled to the toothed rack on a thread side of the steering gear housing via a ball screw to provide an axial force to the toothed rack, and two track rod links arranged at axial ends of the toothed rack. The steering gear housing is designed in one piece such that a drive insert opening is formed on the thread side of the steering gear housing for arrangement of the electric motor and a direct stop face for a track rod link or a support face for the arrangement and axial support of a separate stop element for a track rod link is also formed on this thread side.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2022Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: Volkswagen AktiengesellschaftInventors: Heiko Schumann, Christian Schillak, Jens Rogall
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Patent number: 12049929Abstract: The disclosure relates to a belt pulley decoupler for transmitting torque between the belt of a belt drive and a shaft in driving connection therewith. The belt pulley decoupler includes a hub, a belt pulley, and a series circuit of a helical torsion spring, a wrap-around band, which surrounds the helical torsion spring with a radial gap, and a driver sleeve, which surrounds the wrap-around band and transmits the torque between the wrap-around band and the helical torsion spring. An outer periphery of the wrap-around band is in frictional contact with an inner lateral surface, which rotates conjointly with the belt pulley, and the outer periphery of the wrap-around band is also in frictional contact with the inner lateral surface of the driver sleeve. An end of the helical torsion spring is in contact with a radially inwardly extending spring plate of the driver sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2021Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Andreas Goetz, Eugen Bauer
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Patent number: 12005779Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a decoupler for an accessory drive for an engine. The decoupler includes a decoupler input member and a decoupler output member. One of the decoupler input member and the decoupler output member has a clutch engagement surface. The decoupler further includes a wrap spring clutch and an isolation spring that act in series in a torque path between the decoupler input member and the decoupler output member. The wrap spring clutch has a radially inner surface and a radially outer surface. One of the radially inner and outer surfaces engages the clutch engagement surface in an interference fit with the clutch engagement surface. The decoupler further includes a volume of lubricant. During sufficiently high acceleration of the decoupler input member, there is slippage at the wrap spring clutch for a selected period of time after which the slippage stops.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2020Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: LITENS AUTOMOTIVE PARTNERSHIPInventor: Ashaad Bahri
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Patent number: 11975800Abstract: A derailleur basically includes a base member, a movable member and a linkage assembly. The base member includes a first base member connecting section and a second base member connecting section. The movable member includes a first movable member connecting section and a second movable member connecting section. The linkage assembly includes an inner link member and an outer link member. The outer link is pivotally coupled to the second base member connecting section about a third pivot axis. The outer link is pivotally coupled to the second movable member connecting section about a fourth pivot axis. The outer link member has a power source receiving part that is configured to be arranged such that the power source receiving part traverses a reference line extending between the third pivot axis and the fourth pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2023Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Takafumi Nishino, Satoshi Idogaki
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Patent number: 11920658Abstract: A rack steering system and a motor vehicle having such a rack steering system. The inventive rack steering system comprises a steering gear housing, a toothed rack, which extends through the steering gear housing, an electric motor, which is coupled to the toothed rack on a thread side of the steering gear housing via a ball screw to provide an axial force to the toothed rack, and two track rod links arranged at axial ends of the toothed rack. The steering gear housing is designed in one piece such that a drive insert opening is formed on the thread side of the steering gear housing for arrangement of the electric motor and a direct stop face for a track rod link or a support face for the arrangement and axial support of a separate stop element for a track rod link is also formed on this thread side.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Volkswagen AktiengesellschaftInventors: Heiko Schumann, Christian Schillak, Jens Rogall
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Patent number: 11845515Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical derailleur for mounting on a rear wheel axis. The derailleur has a stationary element, a pivoting mechanism, a movable element having a chain guide arrangement, and a gearing housing. The gearing housing receives an electromechanical drive for driving the pivoting mechanism. The stationary element defines a housing void in which the gearing housing is disposed, and has a fastener for a power source. The power source is fastened to the stationary element such that said power source is electrically connected to the electromechanical drive in the gearing housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2022Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GmbHInventors: Robert Boehm, Sebastian Dueweling
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Patent number: 11840316Abstract: To provide a human-powered vehicle control device configured to perform shifting in accordance with situations, a control device is configured to control a transmission of a human-powered vehicle. The control device comprises an electronic controller configured to control the transmission. The electronic controller includes at least one shifting condition for actuating the transmission to shift a transmission ratio. The electronic controller holds the shifting condition that is related with riding-related information of the human-powered vehicle in a case where the human-powered vehicle is in a riding convergence state.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2020Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Satoshi Shahana, Mitsuhiko Kawasaki, Takehiko Nakajima
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Patent number: 11685472Abstract: A wireless control system for a bicycle may include a base part attachable to a bicycle and a movable part. The control system may also include an electric motor disposed on the electromechanical component and a control unit disposed on the electromechanical component for operating the electric motor to operate the electromechanical component, the control unit including a wireless receiver. The control system includes a wake sensor connected to the control unit, the wake sensor configured to communicate a wake signal to the control unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Brian Jordan, Todd Squires
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Patent number: 11624434Abstract: An isolator comprising a pulley having a pulley stop, a plate attached to the pulley, a shaft, the pulley journalled to the shaft, a torsion spring attached to the shaft, a damping member attached to the torsion spring, the damping member disposed between the plate and the pulley, and the damping member compressing a damping fluid against the pulley stop.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2019Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Gates CorporationInventors: Anthony R. Mora, Alexander Serkh, Keming Liu, Xiaohua Joe Chen
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Patent number: 11582906Abstract: A speed-adjustable self-propelled four-wheel-drive walk-behind lawn mower is provided. The lawn mower may include a cutting deck, an engine installed on the cutting deck including an engine shaft, and a cutting blade installed inside the cutting deck. The lawn mower further includes a first transmission box and a second transmission box. The lawn mower includes an engine pulley installed on the engine shaft, a first combined pulley in communication with the first transmission box, and a second combined pulley in communication with the second transmission box. The lawn mower includes a belt connecting the first combined pulley, the second combined pulley, and the engine pulley. The belt is configured to transmit, via the engine pulley, a driving force from the engine to the first combined pulley and the second combined pulley to rotate the first transmission box and the second transmission box.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2020Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Duro Industries, LLCInventor: Mirjana Lippman
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Patent number: 11565771Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical derailleur for mounting on a rear wheel axis. The derailleur has a stationary element, a pivoting mechanism, a movable element having a chain guide arrangement, and a gearing housing. The gearing housing receives an electromechanical drive for driving the pivoting mechanism. The stationary element defines a housing void in which the gearing housing is disposed, and has a fastener for a power source. The power source is fastened to the stationary element such that said power source is electrically connected to the electromechanical drive in the gearing housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2018Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GmbHInventors: Robert Boehm, Sebastian Dueweling
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Patent number: 11319020Abstract: The disclosure relates to a derailleur assembly including a connecting member, a power module, a linkage member, and a driving module. The power module includes a base body and a battery assembly, wherein the battery assembly is disposed on the base body. The linkage member is pivotably disposed on the base body via a first pivot shaft, and the linkage member is pivotably disposed on the connecting member via a second pivot shaft. The driving module includes a casing and a motor, wherein the casing is pivotably disposed on the base body via a third pivot shaft, the casing is pivotably disposed on the connecting member via a fourth pivot shaft, and the motor is disposed in the casing and is electrically connected to the battery assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2019Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: TEKTRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Bo-Yi Liao, Yu-Ming Huang
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Patent number: 11192607Abstract: An electric front derailleur is basically provided with a base, a chain guide, a linkage and an electric motor unit. The base is configured to be mounted to a bicycle. The chain guide is configured to guide a chain. The linkage movably couples the chain guide to the base in a forward-rearward direction to move the chain guide between a retracted position and an extended position in a mounted state where the base is mounted to the bicycle. The electric motor unit is supported on the base and operatively coupled to the linkage to move the chain guide between the retracted position and the extended position. The electric motor unit is arranged at least partly closer to the bicycle than the chain guide.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2019Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Naoki Fujimoto
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Patent number: 11124222Abstract: A power steering system includes a rack housing arranged to receive a longitudinally displaceable rack member. The system also includes an assist cover connected to the rack housing, the rack housing and the assist cover defining a cavity. The system further includes an assist assembly at least partially disposed within the cavity. The assist assembly includes a power pack connected to the rack housing, the power pack having a power pack shaft extending therefrom. The assist assembly also includes a drive pulley coupled to the power pack shaft. The assist assembly further includes a single bearing disposed within a bore defined by the drive pulley. The assist assembly yet further includes a mechanical fastener coupling the drive pulley to the assist cover. The assist assembly also includes a driven pulley disposed about the rack member.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventor: Ryan D. Harris
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Patent number: 11046390Abstract: A bicycle electric derailleur making use of a geared electrical motor with armature affixed to an electrical rotary encoder serving to provide derailleur position through direct sensing of position of actuating electrical motor.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2020Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Inventor: Hazem Nihad Hamed
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Patent number: 11034412Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-sprocket arrangement for installation on a rear-wheel hub and for engagement with a bicycle chain. The multi-sprocket arrangement includes at least ten adjacent sprockets with different numbers of teeth. In each case of the at least ten adjacent sprockets two adjacent sprockets of the sprockets are arranged with a defined spacing to one another. The defined spacing corresponds either to a smallest spacing or to a larger spacing.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2017Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GmbHInventor: Matthias Reinbold
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Patent number: 11027793Abstract: A multi-speed drive hub for a bicycle contains: a hub shaft, a speed-changing transmission, a speed shifter, and a sprocket set. The hub shaft is connected on a center of a wheel rim of the bicycle and includes a speed-changing transmission. The speed-changing transmission includes at least one drive element and an actuator for driving multiple force segments of the speed-changing transmission to rotate reciprocately. The speed shifter includes a fitting sleeve which has a third fixing orifice corresponding to the at least one drive element. The sprocket set includes multiple speed cassettes of different diameters and includes multiple spacing spaces, each of which is defined any two adjacent speed cassettes. The fitting sleeve has multiple ribs and multiple flexible sheets. Each drive elements includes multiple retainers, multiple columns, and multiple force segments.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Inventor: Liang Wei Lin
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Patent number: 11014626Abstract: An electric power assist system generates an appropriate level of assist power while an electric assist vehicle is running on a slope and includes an electric motor that generates an assist power to assist human power of a rider of the electric assist vehicle, a controller that controls a magnitude of the assist power to be generated by the electric motor, and an acceleration sensor that outputs an acceleration signal representing an acceleration in a travel direction of the electric assist vehicle. The controller acquires speed information representing a running speed of the electric assist vehicle based on an external signal, detects an inclination angle of a road surface based on the speed information and the acceleration signal, and causes the electric motor to generate an assist power of a magnitude in accordance with the inclination angle.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2019Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Mitsuharu Hasumi
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Patent number: 11015705Abstract: A bicycle control system may be provided to control a first gear changer with a control unit and a second gear changer with the first gear changer. The control unit may control both first and second gear changers. The system includes a predetermined shift path and may transition in and out of the predetermined shift path responsive to various controls. Shifts out of the predetermined shift path may be recovery shifts where both first and second gear changers are controlled.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2019Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventor: Alexander Kon-I Ho
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Patent number: 10954823Abstract: A block assembly for locking a toothed gear housed in a frame includes a body shaped to couple to a portion of the frame adjacent to the gear for translation in a first direction parallel to an axis of the gear, and a locking block coupled to the body that includes at least one locking tooth shaped complementary to at least one gear tooth of the gear. The block assembly further includes an adjustment mechanism operable, when the body is coupled to the frame, to move the locking block in a second direction that is substantially orthogonal the axis of the gear, such that at least one locking tooth is received between a circumferentially spaced pair of the gear teeth to prevent movement of the toothed gear.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2016Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Magdalena Ewa Gaca, Chad Duncan Munkres, Sean Cornelius O'Meara, John Matthew Sassatelli, Robert Oliver Perry, Jr., Adrian Adam Klejc, Michal Wojciech Wnuk, Michael Alan Davi
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Patent number: 10895313Abstract: Pulley assembly (111) comprising a hollow shaft (112) with an axis X, the hollow shaft (112) being suitable for being mounted on a shaft of a rotating electrical machine, the hollow shaft comprising at least one thread or tapping (132, 133) and a collar (113) extending radially outwards, wherein said hollow shaft also includes: a nut (128, 129) screwed on the hollow shaft via the thread or tapping; a spring (126) mounted about a portion of the nut; at least one ball bearing (122, 123) tightly fitted to the hollow shaft; a pulley (130), tightly fitted to said at least one bearing, about the spring, the nut and the hollow shaft. The nut (128, 129) includes a radial shoulder (131) mounted between the spring (126, 127) and the ball bearing (122, 123), the spring being held axially between the collar (113) and the radial shoulder (131).Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2017Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques MoteurInventors: Michel Phung, Xavier Collin, Jérome Giry
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Patent number: 10807675Abstract: An integrated bicycle control device has a handlebar portion of a bicycle handlebar assembly. The handlebar portion has a body with a gripping portion adjacent a distal end of the body and a transition portion spaced from the gripping portion. A compartment may be formed in the transition portion and an opening in the body may permit access to the compartment. An actuator is disposed near the distal end of the gripping portion. A control element and/or other elements or circuitry may be disposed within the compartment. The control device may include integrated accessory attachment structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2019Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Jochen Bierwerth, Paul Feuerstein, Ming Hsun Wu
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Patent number: 10794448Abstract: In an aspect, an isolator is provided for isolating a device driven by an engine via an endless drive member. The isolator includes a shaft adapter that is connectable with a shaft of the device and that defines an isolator axis, a rotary drive member that is engageable with the endless drive member, a first isolation spring arrangement that includes a first torsion spring, and that is positioned to transfer torque between the shaft adapter and an intermediate drive member, and a second isolation spring arrangement that is positioned to transfer torque between the intermediate member and the rotary drive member.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2016Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: LITENS AUTOMOTIVE PARTNERSHIPInventor: Boris Replete
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Patent number: 10604110Abstract: Provided is an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) apparatus including a gear housing in which a nut coupler coupled with a ball nut through a bearing is formed and an accommodation portion is formed in an internal circumferential surface of the nut coupler, and a lock screw configured to have an external circumferential surface on which a screw portion is formed, coupled to the nut coupler, and supports the bearing, and to have a loosening preventer formed to protrude toward the accommodation portion after the screw portion is coupled to the nut coupler.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2018Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventor: Dae Hee Jung
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Patent number: 10569914Abstract: A strapping machine of the type that feeds, retracts, tensions and seals strap to itself to form a loop of strap around a load, has a shock absorbing feed wheel assembly. The machine includes a frame, a feed head having a motor, a tension head, a sealing head and a strap chute mounted to the frame. The feed wheel assembly has a friction engaging surface and at least one pocket formed therein. A spring hub is engaged with the feed wheel and has at least one pocket formed therein corresponding to the feed wheel pocket. The spring hub is operably connected to the feed head motor. At least one spring is positioned in the feed wheel pocket and the spring hub pocket and is sandwiched between the feed wheel and the spring hub. The feed wheel is driven by rotation of the spring hub and engagement of the spring with the feed wheel pocket and spring hub pocket.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Signode Industrial Group LLCInventors: Michael Brydon Foy, Dustin D. Elliot
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Patent number: 10562590Abstract: A manually controlled chain driver apparatus for a bicycle drive chain derailleur providing necessary forward chain movement for derailleur operation less power transmission to bicycle pedals during stopping and coasting instances when pedaling motion has ceased or is not possible.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2019Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Inventor: Hazem Nihad Hamed
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Patent number: 10511945Abstract: A bicycle communication device includes a communicator and a memory. The communicator is communicable with a bicycle electric component and a bicycle operation unit. The bicycle electric component includes a drive unit. The memory stores information related to the bicycle operation unit. The communicator is configured to be able to input the information related to the bicycle operation unit to the bicycle electric component in a state where the communicator is located in a predetermined range that is within thirty centimeters from the bicycle electric component.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2017Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Takaya Masuda, Takafumi Suzuki
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Patent number: 10457351Abstract: A drive system for a pedal-operable vehicle, including a drive motor, pedals on pedal arms, a bottom bracket spindle on which the pedal arms are mounted, and a drive mechanism for transferring drive energy. A clearance is present in a transfer path between a pedal arm and a drive wheel, rotating with the bottom bracket spindle, of the drive mechanism. The system includes a return device with which the clearance-affected parts are transferable, at or below an idle pedal force within their clearance with respect to one another, into an idle position in which the clearance-affected parts assume a predefined relative position; the clearance-affected parts being removable, within the clearance, from the idle position by way of pedal force above the idle pedal force against the action of the return device; and information as to whether the clearance-affected parts are in an idle position being furnishable as electrical signals.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2014Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Robert Bosch GMBHInventors: Peter Kimmich, Wolfram Schock
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Patent number: 10435112Abstract: A bicycle drive train comprises a sprocket assembly and a floating sprocket. The sprocket assembly comprises a first rotational center axis, a first sprocket, and a second sprocket. The first sprocket includes at least one first sprocket tooth and at least one first axially displaceable tooth with respect to the first rotational center axis. The second sprocket includes at least one second sprocket tooth. The at least one first axially displaceable tooth is displaceable relative to the at least one first sprocket tooth toward the at least one second sprocket tooth. The floating sprocket comprises a second rotational center axis and an axially sliding surface. The axially sliding surface is to support the floating sprocket movably relative to the sprocket assembly in an axial direction with respect to the second rotational center axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2017Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventor: Toshio Tetsuka
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Patent number: 10377444Abstract: A bicycle electric component comprises a wireless communicator and a detector. The wireless communicator is configured to receive a wireless signal. The wireless communicator has a first operating mode and a second operating mode. A power consumption of the second operating mode is lower than a power consumption of the first operating mode. The detector is to detect an operational state of a bicycle. The wireless communicator is configured to change from the second operating mode to the first operating mode in a state where the wireless communicator receives the wireless signal and the detector detects the operational state of the bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Takafumi Suzuki, Takaya Masuda, Toshihiko Takahashi, Masafumi Tanaka
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Patent number: 10351208Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur is basically provided a base member, a movable member, a chain guide and a resistance applying structure. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle. The movable member is movably coupled to the base member. The chain guide is rotatably coupled to the movable member around a first rotational axis. The resistance applying structure includes a friction applying member that applies a frictional resistance to rotational movement of the chain guide. The resistance applying structure is offset from the first rotational axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2017Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Sota Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 10316968Abstract: An apparatus for ratio control of a continuously variable transmission includes a driver commanded ratio unit outputting a signal defining a commanded ratio. A clamp control portion is in communication with the driver commanded ratio unit. The clamp control portion includes: a ratio limits and override ring selecting a ratio matching the commanded ratio from an executable functions having stored ratio code data; a screening monitor continuously receiving output from the executable functions and using an input from a vehicle speed signal to compute minimum and maximum ratio limits for the ratio selected by the ratio limits and override ring; and a ratio control execution ring in communication with the screening monitor. The ratio control execution ring calculates a range of pressures allowed for operation of both primary and secondary pulleys of the continuously variable transmission.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2017Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, Christopher J. Weingartz, Greg J. Perantoni, Stuart W. Parker, Paul G. Otanez, Bret M. Olson, Mary M. Whitley, Nathan A. Schmidt
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Patent number: 10239582Abstract: An automatic shifting device for a bicycle is disclosed. The device may include a shifting actuator to activate the gearshift mechanism, a computing unit connected to the shifting actuator, an operator control/display unit connected to the computing unit, an inclination angle sensor, and a velocity sensor. The operator control/display unit may receive a first input value of a gear speed of the gearshift mechanism for starting on a level underlying surface; a second input value of a velocity of the bicycle at which shifting into a maximum gear speed of the gearshift mechanism takes place on a level underlying surface; and a third input value of a velocity of the bicycle at which shifting into a maximum gear speed for this terrain inclination takes place on an underlying surface with a positive terrain inclination. An individualized shifting algorithm based on the input values may be stored in the computing unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2016Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KGInventors: Dagmar Münch, Matthias Herbrich, Fabian Kempe, Ralf Weippert, Thomas Drescher
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Patent number: 10239579Abstract: A bicycle electric rear derailleur that has a support body configured to be mounted on a bicycle frame at an assembly of wheels coaxial with a hub of a rear wheel of the bicycle, a movable body, having a chain guide and linkage between the movable body and the support body. The linkage between the movable body and the support body comprises an inner connecting rod and an outer connecting rod. The ends of the rods are articulated to the support body and to the movable body to form an articulated parallelogram. A battery power supply unit is supported by one of the inner connecting rod and the outer connecting rod.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2018Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventors: Paolo Pasqua, Davide Bernardele
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Patent number: 10220913Abstract: A bicycle chain tensioner device is basically provided with a base member, a pulley and an electrical storage unit. The pulley is supported by the base member. The pulley includes a dynamo that generates electrical energy in response to the pulley being rotated by a bicycle chain. The electrical storage unit is disposed on the base member and electrically coupled to the dynamo to store electrical energy generated by the dynamo.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Satoshi Kitamura, Shintaro Mori
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Patent number: 10059254Abstract: Tools, techniques, strategies, devices, and systems are provided for processing and communicating the status of the operation of a vehicle using the visual effects of lighting devices. A lighting system is provided that uses a wide range of sensors, automated functionality, and communication modules for providing visual indications to others regarding the state of a bicycle and/or its operator.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Inventors: Ethan Perry Frier, Jonathan Tetsuhiro Ota
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Patent number: 10047859Abstract: When a line pressure is dominated (determined) by at least one of a primary pressure and a secondary pressure during idling of a continuously variable transmission, the hydraulic pressure that is applied to at least one of pulleys, to which the hydraulic pressure larger than a clutch pressure is applied, is reduced. On the other hand, when the line pressure is dominated by the clutch pressure during idling of the continuously variable transmission, the speed gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission is controlled to a lowest speed gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kunio Hattori, Daisuke Inoue, Hiroki Kondo, Kenji Matsuo, Mitsuhiro Fukao
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Patent number: 9964456Abstract: A system is provided for determining total exerted power value that is determined based on power measured at only one side of a bicycle by determining a side-to-side pedaling power asymmetry and estimating the total exerted power as a function of values of the one-sided power measurement and the side-to-side pedaling power asymmetry.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2015Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Saris Cycling Group, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery T. Iverson, Benjamin R. Bass, Edward M. Watson
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Patent number: 9950769Abstract: An electric front derailleur, comprising: a support member, disposed on a frame of a bicycle and having a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion; a driving unit, disposed in the first mounting portion and configured to drive a worm gear to rotate; a first transmission unit, having at least one transmission gear that is driven by the worm gear; a second transmission unit, comprising a rack, a linking member, and a swing member, wherein the rack is engaged with the transmission gear and movably disposed in the second mounting portion, and the linking member has one end pivoted to the rack and the other end pivoted to the swing member; a chain guide, comprising a pivot portion, and a chain guiding portion, wherein the pivot portion are pivoted to the swing member, and the chain guiding portion is configured to move a chain.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: TIEN HSIN INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.Inventor: Alfredo Sala
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Patent number: 9944350Abstract: A gear change mechanism for a bicycle may involve a tensioner that has a wheel engaged with a chain in a bicycle drivetrain. This tensioner may be configured to rotate or otherwise change orientation in response to slack in the chain to maintain tension in the chain. A sensor may be used to measure the orientation of a tensioner of a chain in a bicycle drivetrain, and/or the physical orientation of components indicative thereof. Actions may be triggered by signals generated by the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Henrik Braedt, Brian Jordan
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Patent number: 9873482Abstract: An electric front derailleur for a bicycle. The derailleur includes a chain guide, a linkage assembly movably connected to the chain guide, and an electrical actuation unit operatively coupled to the linkage assembly to move the chain guide with respect to the electrical actuation unit. The electrical actuation unit includes a mounting portion configured to be attached to a bicycle frame. The mounting portion is secured to the electrical actuation unit. The mounting portion permits the position of the electric front derailleur to be adjusted with respect to the bicycle frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2015Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Takafumi Nishino
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Patent number: 9810271Abstract: Under the condition that the rotation speed of a first rotating shaft is higher than that of a second rotating shaft, supported portions go through right-handed helical flutes to perform an engaging operation. Under the condition that the rotation speed of the first rotating shaft is lower than that of the second rotating shaft, the supported portions go through left-handed helical flutes to perform the engaging operation. In a releasing operation, the supported portions go through the right-handed helical flutes to release a clutch mechanism under the condition that the rotation speed of the first rotating shaft is lower than that of the second rotating shaft, and the supported portions go through the left-handed helical flutes to release the clutch mechanism under the condition that the rotation speed of the first rotating shaft is higher than that of the second rotating shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2014Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA CHUO KENKYUSHOInventor: Isamu Shiotsu
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Patent number: 9809276Abstract: An electric bicycle derailleur control system is basically provided with a derailleur, a detecting device and a controller. The derailleur includes a chain guide and an electrical actuator. The chain guide is configured to displace a bicycle chain. The electrical actuator is operatively coupled to the chain guide to displace the chain guide. The detecting device is configured to detect information related to a reaction force of the bicycle chain. The controller is configured to control the electrical actuator in accordance with detected information.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2016Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Takafumi Katsura, Keijiro Nishi, Yuta Mizutani, Hiroshi Tachibana
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Patent number: 9759266Abstract: An isolating decoupler comprising a shaft, a pulley journalled to the shaft, a torsion spring, the torsion spring comprising a flat surface planar in a plane normal to the rotation axis A-A on each end of the torsion spring, a one-way clutch engaged between the torsion spring and the shaft, a weld bead joining a torsion spring end to the one-way clutch, and a weld bead joining the other torsion spring end to the pulley.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Gates CorporationInventors: Alexander Serkh, Yahya Hodjat, Ilya Kleyman, Essie Rahdar
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Patent number: 9670971Abstract: A power transmission unit for a vehicle comprises: a motor arranged on an output side of an engine coaxially therewith in a housing adjacent to an outer face of the engine; an end cover arranged in the housing to cover an end portion of the motor to protect from the engine; a rotary shaft extending coaxially with the motor to be connected to an output shaft of the engine while penetrating through the end cover; and an engagement device disposed on an outer circumferential side of the rotary shaft between the motor and the engine to selectively restrict a rotation of the rotary shaft. A sub-cover to which the rotary shaft penetrates is attached to an end face of the end cover and a chamber is hermetically enclosed by the sub-cover, the end cover, and the rotary shaft. The engagement device is held in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2013Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kouichi Okuda, Ryuji Ibaraki, Yuji Yasuda, Atsushi Tabata, Toshiki Kanada, Isao Sato, Tatsuya Imamura
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Patent number: 9650094Abstract: A method and apparatus for a seat post assembly that is adjustable to an upper, intermediate, and lower seat post position using a locking member and a sleeve member coupled to an actuator for securing and releasing an inner tube with respect to an outer tube. The actuator may move the sleeve member to release the locking member from engagement with the outer tube to adjust the inner tube and thus the seat post assembly to the upper, intermediate, or lower seat post positions. The actuator and the sleeve may be biased into an initial position that urges the locking member into engagement with outer tube to lock the inner tube to the outer tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2014Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Laird, John L. Calendrille, Jr.
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Patent number: 9573653Abstract: A motor actuated derailleur for a bicycle gearshift that has a support body adapted for mounting on a bicycle frame. A chain guide moves a bicycle chain between different engaged positions on respective gear wheels. A pair of connecting rods connects said chain guide to said support body with a first connecting rod of said pair of connecting rods being rotatable about a first rotation axis (X) at a first end thereof. A motor housed in said support body has an output shaft able to rotate about a second rotation axis. A transmission between said motor and said first connecting rod is housed in an inner chamber of said support body that comprises at least one adjustable end stop element that prevents the rotation of the output shaft beyond a predetermined rotation angle, in at least one of the two directions of rotation of the output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2014Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventor: Paolo Pasqua
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Patent number: 9555857Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a movable member, an electric driving unit and a biasing member. The base member includes a bicycle mounting portion. The movable member is movably supported with respect to the base member between a first position and a second position that is farther than the first position from the base member. The electric driving unit is operatively coupled to the movable member to move the movable member between the first position and the second position. The biasing member is operatively disposed between the base member and the movable member to bias the movable member towards the second position.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Kazuya Kuwayama, Atsuhiro Emura
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Patent number: 9499233Abstract: A control mechanism (800) for setting a transmission ratio between a traction means (812), in particular chain, and a wheel set that is rotatable about a wheel axle and includes two or more wheel blades (810, 820, 830), in particular sprocket blades, adjusts the wheel rim sectors relative to a fixed plane of the traction means in a direction transverse to the plane of alignment. At least one of the wheel blades is composed of a plurality of independently adjustable wheel rim sectors (802, 803). By means of a control component (807) mounted decoupled from a rotary movement of the wheel set, a plurality of co-rotating thrust elements (804, 805) are each displaced via rotation-free couplings between a first and a second position at least in the axial direction, wherein each of the wheel rim sectors is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a respectively associated thrust element.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: VYRO COMPONENTS GMBHInventor: Gregor Schuster
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Patent number: RE47143Abstract: A decoupler assembly that includes a hub, a pulley and a mechanism for transmitting rotary power between the hub and the pulley. The mechanism includes a torsion spring and a one-way clutch. The torsion spring is configured to dampen vibration in the rotary power that is transmitted from the pulley to the hub. The one-way clutch has a wrap spring that is smaller in diameter than the torsion spring.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2017Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: LITENS AUTOMOTIVE PARTNERSHIPInventors: Pierre A. Mevissen, Warren J. Williams