Motor vehicles inventions 01/08

20080023233 - Drive unit for trailers and caravans: According to the invention, a drive unit for trailers or caravans is provided that has a chassis (2) with crawler sections (3), a coupling device (4) and steering and maneuvering devices. The drive unit is coupled to the trailer or caravan and is used to position the trailer or caravan... Agent: William J. Sapone Coleman Sudol Sapone P.C.

20080023234 - Self controlled, electric powered trailer: A two wheeled trailer is attached to a human powered vehicle such as a bicycle or a scooter for carrying load such as children. The trailer is powered by two electric motors and at least one battery. The control of the motor is through a force/pressure meter inserted to the... Agent: Linghsiao Jerry Wang

20080023236 - Combined golf caddie and golf cart: A combined golf caddie and golf cart apparatus comprises a frame configured to support a golf bag, and a steering assembly which pivots with respect to the frame to adjust between a walk position and a ride position. A seat is removably mounted on the frame by support legs, wherein... Agent: Hodgson Russ LLP The Guaranty Building

20080023237 - Hybrid drive train provided with hub motors: A parallel hybrid drive train is provided with an internal combustion engine (ICE) that supplies mechanical power to two driving wheels of a vehicle. Each driving wheel is provided with a respective hub motor having a stator mounted to the vehicle and a rotor directly connected to the driving wheel.... Agent: Fay Kaplun & Marcin, LLP

20080023240 - Side-by-side atv: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to trail compliant side-by-side all terrain vehicles.... Agent: Baker & Daniels LLP

20080023235 - Portable auger with a two-stage hydraulic pump: A portable auger having a two-stage hydraulic pump is described. The two-stage pump drives an auger via an auger power drive by providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to the drive. The invention also describes a portable auger having a dedicated transport powered drive unit driven by the two-stage hydraulic pump. The... Agent: Fox Rothschild LLP Princeton Pike Corporate Center

20080023238 - Hybrid vehicle and control method of hybrid vehicle: In a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine and a motor that are connected to a driveshaft linked to an axle via a gear mechanism, on condition that a torque demand Tr* required for the driveshaft is lower than a preset reference torque level Tref (step S220) and that a... Agent: Oliff & Berridge, PLC

20080023239 - Power control for hybrid motorcycle: An automatic centrifugal clutch is interposed in a power transmission system between an engine and a driving wheel. A motor, which is capable of generating electricity, is supplied with electricity from a battery to generate auxiliary power. The motor is connected to a crankshaft of the engine. An acceleration data... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080023241 - Cruise control system using instruction sent from switch: In a cruise control system installed in a vehicle and electrically connected to a plurality of switches installed therein, a detecting unit detects that one of the plurality of switches is operated. A cruise control unit executes cruise control of the vehicle based on an instruction corresponding to the one... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC

20080023243 - Faux tire for a juvenile ride-on vehicle: The present disclosure relates to juvenile ride-on vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a motorcycle including a frame, a front wheel, and two rear wheels mounted to the frame.... Agent: Barnes & Thornburg LLP

20080023242 - Wheeled vehicle with water deflectors: A vehicle has a straddle seat, a left front wheel and a right front wheel. Each of the front wheels is mounted to the vehicle via a front suspension. Each front wheel has a fender associated therewith. At least one rear wheel is mounted to the vehicle via a rear... Agent: Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP (brp)

20080023244 - Straddle-type vehicle: A motorcycle that reduces air resistance without a cowling includes a steering handle, a headlight unit disposed in front of a handle base disposed at a substantial center of the steering handle, a meter unit disposed above the handle base, and a fuel tank disposed behind the handle base. In... Agent: Hogan & Hartson L.L.P.

20080023245 - Method and apparatus for controlling seat position based on seatbelt usage: A method of controlling the position of a front seat having an unbelted rearmost position forward of a belted rearmost position within a vehicle is provided. The method includes determining if a seatbelt associated with the front seat is fastened and allowing movement of the front seat rearward of the... Agent: General Motors Corporation Legal Staff

20080023246 - Seat-belt pretensioner arrangement: A seat-belt pretensioner arrangement comprises a pretensioner (7) and a control system (3-6) to control the tension applied to a seat-belt by the pretensioner (7). The control system (3-6) controls the pretensioner (7) in response to at least the rate of change of steering angle (ε′). A first processor (4)... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione

20080023247 - Reverse drive safety system for vehicle: This patent discloses a vehicle having mounted therein a safety system. The safety system may indicate contact between an external object and the vehicle as the vehicle moves in reverse gear. The indication of contact may include automatically shutting down the vehicle engine, engaging the hand braking system of the... Agent: Vincent Tassinari

20080023248 - System and method for heat removal from confined spaces in a motor vehicle using natural aspiration and curie temperature: A system (30) and method for removing heat from a confined space such as from engine compartment or service brake of a motor vehicle where heat is generated by operation of a heat engine (12) that propels the vehicle or application of a friction brake. The system and method do... Agent: International Truck Intellectual Property Company,

20080023249 - Side-by-side atv: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to trail compliant side-by-side all terrain vehicles.... Agent: Baker & Daniels LLP

20080023250 - Ergonomic machine control console: A steering control console for a mobile machine is disclosed. The control console has an armrest extending adjacent a seat in a forward direction generally parallel with a seat plane of symmetry. The control console also includes an operator interface device operatively connected to the armrest. The operator interface device... Agent: Caterpillar/finnegan, Henderson, L.L.P.

20080023251 - Transmission ratio variable steering device: A transmission ratio variable mechanism in prior art provided on a steering column needs a spiral cable and hence, not only needs an extra space but is also accompanied by a risk of having a drawback such as the breakage of the cable or the like. A steering wheel shaft... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20080023252 - Power steering gear cooling: A power steering gear for a heavy vehicle includes a housing and a flow path for a power steering fluid. A heat exchanger is mounted to the housing or is a part thereof. The heat exchanger includes a first flow path for the power steering fluid and a second flow... Agent: Wrb-ip LLP

20080023253 - Steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle: A steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a steering wheel and a display device mounted on the steering wheel. The display device is functionally linked with a sensor device to be mounted on the motor vehicle for detecting a parameter of the motor vehicle and adapted to display... Agent: Foley And Lardner LLP Suite 500

20080023254 - Steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle: A steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a steering wheel, a steering wheel rim of the steering wheel at least partially rotating about a steering axis about which the steering wheel is mounted to be rotatable at an angle to the steering axis, at... Agent: Foley And Lardner LLP Suite 500

20080023255 - Compensation of periodic sensor errors in electric power steering systems: An electric power steering system includes a steering wheel, an electric assist motor operatively coupled to the steering wheel, and an electronic controller operatively coupled to the assist motor. A steering wheel position sensor provides an output indicative of an angular position of the steering wheel. A motor position sensor... Agent: Delphi Technologies, Inc.

20080023256 - Quadrant dependent active damping for electric power steering: An electric power steering system includes a steering wheel, an electric assist motor operatively coupled to the steering wheel, and an electronic controller operatively coupled to the motor for receiving a first signal representative of torque applied to the steering wheel, and a second signal representative of angular velocity of... Agent: Delphi Technologies, Inc.

20080023258 - Variable gear ratio steering device: A gear mechanism is arranged between input and output shafts and powered by an electric motor. The gear mechanism includes an assist shaft by which a rotation ratio between the input and output shafts is varied with the aid of an electric motor. A connecting unit has a first condition... Agent: Foley And Lardner LLP Suite 500

20080023257 - Steering system: The invention relates to a steering system, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising an electric motor (10) for boosting the steering effort and a steering column (11). In the steering effort boosting system known from the state of the art the electric motor together with a transmission transmits a... Agent: Jordan And Hamburg LLP

20080017423 - Fuel saver machine: A fuel saver machine is fixedly secured to a hybrid vehicle in order to produce the air resistance force which is a homogeneous, compressible fluid with thermodynamic power densities that increase exponentially during acceleration. The fuel saver machine is using the available air resistance force to produce large amounts of... Agent: Leonardo M. Gasendo

20080017424 - Turbofan powered vehicle with spherical wheels: A vehicle having a chassis comprises a turbofan engine mounted on the chassis for providing thrust to propel the vehicle over a surface, and four wheels located about and mounted on the chassis wherein at least two of the wheels are substantially spherical or partially spherical in shape. Braking systems,... Agent: Colin P. Abrahams

20080017427 - Hybrid vehicle control apparatus: A hybrid vehicle control apparatus includes an engine, a motor, first and second engaging elements, an input rotational speed and a controller. The first engaging element is arranged between the engine and the motor to selectively connect and disconnect the engine and the motor. The second engaging element is arranged... Agent: GlobalIPCounselors, LLP

20080017428 - System and method for recovering regenerative power in a vehicle, and vehicle using the same: A system, method and vehicle using the same for increasing regenerative power recovered during vehicle deceleration. The system includes first and second sets of vehicle wheels, a controller, an electric machine, a regenerative power source, and a driveline. The electric machine performs as a motor/generator in a first/second mode of... Agent: Brooks Kushman P.C./fgtl

20080017430 - Fuel tank shield with cushion: A fuel tank shield is provided for mounting between a fuel tank and a rotating drive shaft of the type having a generally smooth cylindrical outer surface from which a hard edge extends adjacent the fuel tank shield. A recess is provided in the fuel tank shield and a block... Agent: General Motors Corporation Legal Staff

20080017426 - Modular vehicle system and method: A modular vehicle system, for enabling configuration thereof as required. The system includes a core vehicle, and a module, for enabling configuration of the core vehicle as required, able to be integrated into the core vehicle, and able to be disconnected from the core vehicle for interchange thereof with another... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20080017425 - Process for operating a brake actuation unit of a motor vehicle brake system: Disclosed is a process for operating a brake actuation unit of a motor vehicle brake system of the ‘brake-by-wire’ type. The brake system has a brake booster, a master brake cylinder, and a pedal travel which interacts with the brake pedal and due to a resetting force acting on the... Agent: Continental Teves, Inc.

20080017429 - Heat exchanger assembly for the front section of a motor vehicle: The invention relates to a heat exchanger assembly (1), in particular a radiator assembly for the front section of a motor vehicle, comprising a heat exchanger (2, 3). According to the invention, the heat exchanger (2, 3) is configured in several parts in the form of heat exchanger elements, i.e.... Agent: Foley And Lardner LLP Suite 500

20080017431 - Personal snow vehicle: A straddle-type personal snow vehicle includes a body frame, an engine, a front support and a rear track drive mechanism that is driven by the engine. The front support may be a front suspension that supports at least one front ski. The rear track drive mechanism may be supported by... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080017432 - Recumbent two-wheeled motor vehicle with low center of gravity providing optional elliptical frame rider protection in six degrees: The present invention demonstrates a high-performance, high-safety, and high-efficiency motorcycle with a desirable recumbent configuration for improved performance and compact wheel base. The motorcycle provides a seat for the driver in front of the engine and both the driver and engine are located as low as possible to the road... Agent: Dort Patent, P.C.

20080017433 - Climbing device: A device adapted for movement over inclined surfaces and inverted surfaces. The device comprises at least one front wheel mounted for rotation on a body potion having at least one means for abutting against the inclined surface. The abutting means may be displaced rearwardly from at least one front wheel.... Agent: Fleit Kain Gibbons Gutman Bongini & Bianco

20080017434 - Wet brake system, rear gear assembly including wet brake system and vehicle including same: A vehicle includes a combined wet brake and rear gear assembly supported by a pair of frames. The combined wet brake and rear gear assembly includes a housing having at least one gear and a wet brake provided therein. An input shaft is connected to the gear and to the... Agent: Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Co. C/o Keating & Bennett, LLP

20080017435 - Vehicle steering system: A vehicle steering system is provided which includes a variable angle ratio mechanism for changing an angle ratio of a steering angle of a steering member to a turning angle of a steering mechanism, the variable angle ratio mechanism including a first sun gear connected to a steering column, a... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20080017436 - Motor vehicle steering control: A motor vehicle steering control provides two degrees of freedom with a one-handed operation that is simple and intuitive. The control is achieved with a joystick control movable from side to side (e.g. as in an aircraft) in combination with a yoke control which rotates on an axis (e.g. like... Agent: Gordon E. Dower

20080017437 - Internal gear pump and power steering device: An internal gear pump has a first port opening into pumping chambers and provided at one side with respect to a first axis interconnecting a confinement portion of the pumping chambers having a maximum volumetric capacity and a deeply-meshed-engagement portion of the pumping chambers having a minimum volumetric capacity, a... Agent: Foley And Lardner LLP Suite 500

20080017438 - Electric power steering apparatus: In an electric power steering apparatus which includes a brushless motor composed of a cylindrical motor case with a bottom; a bracket for covering an opening of the motor case; an end housing for supporting a non-output-shaft side bearing located on one side; a bus bar housing in a ring... Agent: Darby & Darby P.C.

20080017439 - Power steering apparatus: Provided is a power steering apparatus capable of suppressing an abrupt change in steering force and preventing a deterioration in steering feeling even in the event of a transition from power steering to manual steering. The power steering apparatus includes a torque sensor, a motor of a permanent magnet field... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20080011523 - Rotor energy augmented vehicle: A vehicle is constructed with a front rotor or rotating assembly that shields the vehicle from motion induced resistance force to a degree without protruding beyond the sides of the vehicle and without significantly increasing the motion induced resistance force such that the motion induced resistance force to the vehicle... Agent: Thomas G. Packard

20080011524 - Endless track suspension: An endless track suspension is comprised of a suspension support beam having an idler wheel assembly connected to a respective one of opposed ends thereof. At least one of the idler wheel assemblies has an endless track binding mechanism. Support wheels are secured to the suspension support beam and project... Agent: Ogilvy Renault LLP

20080011526 - Hydroplaning, reducing or eliminating device:

20080011527 - Children's ride-on vehicles having ground detection systems: Children's ride-on vehicles having a drive assembly that is selectively configured between a plurality of drive configurations, such as responsive to user inputs via user input devices, and a ground detection system that is adapted to detect when at least one of a plurality of wheels loses contact with the... Agent: Kolisch Hartwell, P.C.

20080011529 - Hybrid drive for a vehicle: The invention proposes a hybrid drive for a vehicle with a power train, which has a first electric machine (4), which is permanently connected to an input shaft (3) of the vehicle transmission (2) arranged between an internal combustion engine (1) and a vehicle transmission (2) with changeable gear ratio,... Agent: Davis Bujold & Daniels, P.l.l.c.

20080011528 - Vehicular electrical system and control method therefor: A vehicular electrical system for a hybrid electric vehicle provides a high voltage electrical system having a high power electrical energy storage device (HPD) and a power inverter that cooperate to provide power to a hybrid electric vehicle propulsion system; and a low voltage electrical system having a low voltage... Agent: General Motors Corporation Legal Staff

20080011531 - Motorized axle for use with environmentally friendly vehicles: v

20080011525 - Link-type double track mechanism for mobile robot: The present invention relates to a design of a driving mechanism for a vehicle to move through uneven terrain including stairways. The link-type double track mechanism in accordance with the present invention comprises: front and rear track driving sections; a built-in type control box; a set of angle-adjusting flippers, installed... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20080011530 - Drive control apparatus for forklift: When a determination result of a limitation determining section during a driving of a forklift is positive, a control section limits a vehicle speed and adjusts an engine speed. If a limitation canceling condition is met while the vehicle speed is limited, a control section cancels a vehicle speed limitation... Agent: Morgan & Finnegan, L.L.P.

20080011532 - Bonnet and method of manufacturing the same: The purpose of the present invention is to construct cheaply a light and rigid bonnet of a working vehicle having a working machine such as a loader or a tractor without providing a reinforcement member in an opening of the bonnet, and to improve external appearance of the bonnet and... Agent: Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.l.l.c.

20080011533 - Anti-deflection structure for a chassis of a remote-controlled car: An anti-deflection structure for a chassis of a remote-controlled car includes a board which is added below a central differential gear at a center of a chassis, to strengthen a rigid structure of the chassis. A center of the board is provided with a hollow part for emplacing a gear... Agent: Troxell Law Office PLLC

20080011535 - Shift collar for motorcycle transmission: A shift collar for a transmission is disclosed. The shift collar includes a gear engagement surface for engaging a transmission gear, at least seven engagement dogs projecting from the gear engagement surface, a shift sleeve engagement surface for engaging a shift sleeve, and a plurality of grooves formed in the... Agent: Steptoe & Johnson LLP

20080011534 - Straddle-type vehicle: A straddle-type vehicle that has a fuel pump mounted on the bottom of a fuel tank disposed above an engine provides simplified maintenance and cleaning of the upper portion of the engine and its peripheral parts. A fuel tank support section that connects a fuel tank such that the fuel... Agent: Hogan & Hartson L.L.P.

20080011536 - Safety arrangement: A safety arrangement for use in a motor vehicle comprises at least one plastically-deformable element, defining an interior chamber, which will deform only when subjected to at least a first predetermined force. A source of gas is connected to inject gas into the chamber and a signal generator is provided... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione

20080011537 - Apparatus and method for steering a vehicle: A steering system for a vehicle includes a load displacement system allowing transient loads of the steering mechanism to be displaced. The steering system also includes a first coupling mechanism coupling an electric motor to a rack housing, and a second coupling mechanism coupling a ball nut to a rack... Agent: Delphi Technologies, Inc.

20080011538 - Support structure of motor-driven steering assist apparatus: In a support structure of a motor-driven steering assist apparatus interposed between an upper steering shaft in a steering wheel side and a lower steering shaft in a tire wheel side, a steering angle regulating means for limiting a maximum steering angle of the upper steering shaft is provided between... Agent: Orum & Roth LLC

20080011539 - Determination of the absolute position of a steering system through a linear sensor on the rack: The invention relates to a steering system of a motor vehicle with a rack, which is connected on the end side with steerable wheels and which pivots said wheels through a lateral movement. The steering system has a position sensor which continuously determines the position of the rack and emits... Agent: Cantor Colburn, LLP

20080006455 - Differential steering type motorized vehicle: A differential steering type motorized vehicle is capable of directly steering a front wheel by the turning operation of handlebars, and performing on-the-spot turning around a central position of a vehicle body together with differential rotation type control of drive wheels, and comprises the front wheel as one wheel supported... Agent: Hoffmann & Baron, LLP

20080006456 - Blow-molded wheels having undulating treads, methods for producing the same, and children's ride-on vehicles including the same: Improved blow-molded wheels, methods for producing the same, and children's ride-on vehicles including the same are disclosed. The blow-molded wheels may include a blow-molded wheel body that is configured to rotate about an axis and has a tread surface that extends circumferentially around the wheel body and may have a... Agent: Kolisch Hartwell, P.C.

20080006457 - Motor lock prevention control for hybrid vehicle: There is provided a motor lock prevention control device for a hybrid vehicle that has a motor-generator and a clutch capable of changing a transmission torque capacity between the motor-generator and driving wheels. The motor lock prevention control device is configured to, when the motor-generator is in a motor locked... Agent: Foley And Lardner LLP Suite 500

20080006460 - Hood assembly for a machine and a method of use thereof: A hood assembly includes a first hood and a second hood. The second hood is selectively rotatable with respect to the first hood to provide rapid access to components enclosed by the second hood, such as a radiator. The first and second hoods are selectively rotatable together to provide access... Agent: Caterpillar C/o Liell & Mcneil Attorneys PC

20080006458 - Straddle-type vehicle: A motorcycle that ensures engine cooling efficiency while suppressing radiator exposure has a head pipe and left and right downtubes extending downward from the head pipe. A radiator catches traveling wind from forwardly of the motorcycle. A louver provided on the radiator includes baffle plates that lead traveling wind to... Agent: Hogan & Hartson L.L.P.

20080006459 - Battery exchange system for a battery-driven industrial truck: Battery exchange system for a battery-driven industrial truck, in which the chassis of the industrial truck comprises a battery compartment open to the side of the industrial truck for side installation and removal of a battery container, on the battery container on at least two opposing sides at least one... Agent: Vidas, Arrett & Steinkraus, P.A.

20080006461 - Vehicle: A hydrogen tank is placed substantially at a middle portion in a fore/aft direction on a roof of a fuel cell-equipped bus, an air conditioning unit is placed on the front of the hydrogen tank and a radiator is placed on the rear thereof, and these components are covered with... Agent: Kenyon & Kenyon LLP

20080006462 - Method and arrangement for the speed control of a motor vehicle and operator-controlled element: A method and an arrangement for the speed control of a vehicle as well an operator-controlled element are disclosed which make possible an improved acceleration and/or deceleration input by the driver of the motor vehicle. The speed control takes place in dependence upon a value for an acceleration and/or deceleration... Agent: Walter Ottesen

20080006463 - Motorcycle with battery mounting arrangement: A motorcycle includes a motorcycle body, which incorporates a frame. An engine is supported by the motorcycle body. The engine includes a cylinder block and a crank case. An exhaust pipe communicates with the engine and has a portion that extends along a side of the engine. A battery is... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080006464 - Drive shaft case for motorcycle and motorcyle: A tubular case 35 into which a drive shaft 32 configured to transmit a driving force from a transmission T of an engine E to a rear wheel 22 of a motorcycle 20 is accommodated, the case including a case body 33 which has an opening portion 57 extending in... Agent: Alleman Hall Mccoy Russell & Tuttle LLP

20080006465 - Chassis for electric vehicles: The present invention discloses an electric vehicle chassis applicable to the field of the electric vehicle technology. The object is to provide an electric vehicle with light weight and good driving stability. The electric vehicle chassis according the present invention comprises a frame and a power real axle, wherein the... Agent: Hamre, Schumann, Mueller & Larson, P.C.

20080006466 - Auto theft deterrent system: A vehicle anti-theft mechanism moves the driver's unit into a location which prevents operation of the vehicle. The mechanism includes a bracket mechanism that fits onto the driver's seat unit and has two screws that movably connect a first bracket cross arm to a second bracket cross arm. A motor... Agent: Sung I. Oh, Professional Law Corporation

20080006467 - Hybrid vehicle: The present invention provides a hybrid vehicle including a first transmission path that transmits a traction of an engine to driving wheels and a second transmission path that transmits a traction of a motor to the driving wheels, and the hybrid vehicle runs by alternatively selecting either the first or... Agent: Arent Fox LLP

20080006468 - Multiple ratio steering for loader: A multiple-speed steering system for an off-road vehicle having a loading mechanism and a hydraulic steering system associated with guiding the vehicle. The multiple-speed steering system includes a hydraulic steering cylinder and a first component fluidly coupled to the steering cylinder to provide a primary metered flow of hydraulic fluid... Agent: Cnh America LLC Intellectual Property Law Department

20080006469 - Power steering device and method of controlling the power steering device: m

20080006470 - Vehicle steering system: A storage part stores an initial sum, which is obtained by summing a steering angle of a steering wheel and a rotational angle of an electric actuator before checking of unlocking of a transmission ratio variable mechanism by a computer part. The computer part determines that the storage part is... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC

20080006472 - Electronic power steering apparatus: An electronic steering apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, a worm wheel provided in the housing, a worm axis engaged with the worm wheel in the housing, a bearing installed on the outer circumference of one side of the worm axis, and a resilient member supporting the one... Agent: Lahive & Cockfield, LLP

20080006471 - Electric power steering apparatus: An electric power steering apparatus includes a transmission mechanism for transmitting an output from an electric motor for steering assist to a steering mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes a driving gear, an intermediate gear and a driven gear. An eccentric mechanism for eccentrically locating the intermediate gear is provided in... Agent: Rabin & Berdo, PC