With Means To Guide And/or Control Air For Power Plant Cooling Patents (Class 180/68.1)
  • Patent number: 11970055
    Abstract: A blocking device for a front end air inlet of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one stop, a support frame, at least one flap arranged inside the support frame. The at least one flap comprises a first end and a second end. The second end of the at least one flap comprises a release device. The release device comprises a first part and a second part which are connected by a male/female device. The first part of the release device is configured to come into contact with said at least one stop such that the first part and the second part move apart from one another by the rotation of the second part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventors: Frédéric Vacca, Karim Arab, Laura Marion
  • Patent number: 11958561
    Abstract: A straddled vehicle having a body frame including a head pipe, a front cover disposed in front of the head pipe, a duct disposed in front of the head pipe and extending rearward from an opening in the front cover, to thereby form a traveling wind pathway for traveling wind taken in through the opening, and an aero-stabilizing member. The aero-stabilizing member includes a middle portion disposed below a lower distal end of the front cover, directly below the opening in a front view, a lateral portion extending from the middle portion to a more outer side than the opening in a width direction, apart from the front cover with a gap therebetween in an up-and-down direction, and a front edge slanted forward and downward from the middle portion and the lateral portion, the front edge being partially disposed further forward than a lower front end of the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Souichirou Imazeki
  • Patent number: 11945423
    Abstract: A motor vehicle having a front end, a pair of opposing front wheel wells rearward of the front end, and an air guide duct having at least one air inlet disposed forward of the front wheel wells and facing the front end of the motor vehicle. The air guide duct also has at least one air outlet opening into at least one of the front wheel wells such that incoming air from the front end of the motor vehicle is guided into at least one of the front wheel wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Pirooz Moradnia, Benjamin Bowlby, Brian R. Reynolds, David Wayne Halt, Jason Widmer, Matthew L. Metka, Pratap Thamanna Rao, Pubudu C. Abeysinghe
  • Patent number: 11912367
    Abstract: In an embodiment, there is provided a motorcycle comprising at least one front wheel, at least one rear wheel and a vehicle body, the vehicle body comprising a substantially open elongate duct extending longitudinally through a central portion of the vehicle body between an open inlet aperture arranged at a front portion of the vehicle body and an open outlet aperture arranged at a rear portion of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: WHITE MOTORCYCLE CONCEPTS LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert James White
  • Patent number: 11891125
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an active air flap for vehicles, which includes a frame unit having a hollow structure in which horizontal and vertical frames thereof are connected to each other, and configured to fluidly communicate with an outside air inlet of a grill, a flap unit having a plurality of flap members rotatably connected to the frame unit and configured to open and close the outside air inlet, a drive unit configured to provide a driving force to the flap unit, and a link unit connected between the flap unit and the drive unit to transmit the driving force from the drive unit to the flap unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Sup Byun, Kyeong Am Lee
  • Patent number: 11858338
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (2) for closing a motor vehicle cooling module, comprising: a closure element (4) for closing air inlets (6) in a motor vehicle; a guide element (8) for guiding the closure element (4) during an opening and a closing movement; and a control element (10) for controlling an opening and a closing movement of the closure element (4); wherein the closure element (4) and the guide element (8) are arranged with respect to one another and can be controlled by the control element (10) in such a way that air inlets (6) in a motor vehicle can be opened and closed by the closure element (4) along a vehicle width (B); wherein, at the same time, two air inlets (6) arranged opposite one another along a vehicle width (B) can be opened and closed by the closure element (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: HBPO GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhold Brückner, Christian Schneider
  • Patent number: 11845331
    Abstract: An air flow control device for a front face module of a motor vehicle, the control device including a frame and a plurality of vanes extending within and attached thereto in a rotatable manner, each vane being rotatable about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the main extension direction of each vane. The vanes being able to rotate between an open position and a closed position. The frame includes an integral support bar extending in direction perpendicular to the main extension direction of the vanes, with the vanes having fins configured to rest on the support bar when the vanes are closed and pressured towards the support bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventor: Victor Manuel Minero Ramales
  • Patent number: 11807186
    Abstract: A vehicle includes: a vehicle body; a support structure that is connected to the vehicle body and which is configured to provide a framework for one or more thermal components of the vehicle; a reinforcement member that is connected to the vehicle body and which is configured to absorb impact forces; and an active grille shutter that is connected to the support structure. The active grille shutter includes an integral pedestrian guard that is configured for contact with a pedestrian's leg to protect the pedestrian's leg during an impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jasvir Singh, Spencer Boyd, III
  • Patent number: 11767780
    Abstract: An engine cooling system comprising an exhaust enclosure formed in an engine compartment of a work machine. An exhaust processing system is situated within the exhaust enclosure. The exhaust enclosure is bounded in part by spaced upper and lower panels that are exposed to the ambient environment. At least one opening is formed in each panel. When an engine and fan also contained within the engine compartment are shut down, ambient air flows into the exhaust enclosure through the opening in the lower panel. The air flows around the exhaust processing system and back into the ambient environment through the opening formed in the upper panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Chester S. McVay
  • Patent number: 11760181
    Abstract: An assembly for securing a vehicle battery on a body of a motor vehicle, includes a securing device releasably secured on a body part of the vehicle body and an adhesive material. The adhesive material is arranged between a housing of the vehicle battery and the securing device in order to connect the housing to the securing device by way of a material bond. The adhesive material is arranged over a retention element portion of a retention element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Semi Ben Salah, Josef Braun, Martin Spaeth
  • Patent number: 11731531
    Abstract: An ECU performs processing including obtaining a full charge capacity when a cooling apparatus remains stopped, showing textual information that inquires about whether or not cooling can be carried out when a battery temperature is equal to or lower than a threshold value TB(1), when the full charge capacity is equal to or lower than a threshold value C(1), and when the battery temperature is equal to or higher than a threshold value TB(2), carrying out battery cooling control when a request for carrying out cooling has been issued, and maintaining a standstill state of the cooling apparatus when no request for carrying out cooling has been issued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yoshida, Nobuyuki Tanaka, Kazuki Kubo
  • Patent number: 11731503
    Abstract: An active gate device, comprising first and second flaps, capable of pivoting between a closed position and an open position; first and second cam tracks; and first and second mechanisms connecting the flaps to the cam tracks. The device further comprises: a rotary actuating lever; and first and second shoes slidable in the first and second cam tracks, respectively. The actuating lever is pivotable between three configurations, such that: in the first configuration, each flap is in the closed position; in the second configuration, the first flap is in the open position and the second flap is in the closed position; and in the third configuration, each flap is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Flex-N-Gate France
    Inventors: Cyrille Guyon, Yann Clapié, Bertrand Thoulouze
  • Patent number: 11732634
    Abstract: An engine according to the present disclosure includes: a crankcase which supports a crankshaft of the engine; a cylinder which is removably connected to the crankcase and protrudes from the crankcase in a cylinder axis direction; a cooling fan which is attached to the crankshaft and rotates in conjunction with the crankshaft; and a cover which guides cooling air generated by the cooling fan to an outer surface of the cylinder. The cover includes an opening part which allows a portion of the cooling air to flow toward an outer surface of the crankcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: KAWASAKI MOTORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Ren Toriizuka, Mitsuo Toyoshima
  • Patent number: 11692558
    Abstract: A straddled vehicle including a radiator, a radiator fan disposed behind the radiator and configured to generate air passing through the radiator and flowing rearward, a fan cover disposed behind the radiator fan and including a lateral blowing port configured to blow out sidewards the air flowing rearward from the radiator, a side cover covering the radiator laterally and having an opening formed therein, an inner panel disposed between the side cover and the radiator, to thereby define an accommodation space between the inner panel and the side cover, and an electrical component disposed in the accommodation space. The inner panel includes a slope that is located rearward of the radiator, slants with respect to aright-and-left direction of the straddled vehicle, is configured to lead the air blown out from the lateral blowing port to the opening in the side cover, and divides the accommodation space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kawabata, Mao Akita
  • Patent number: 11692506
    Abstract: An air-cooled internal combustion engine including a crankshaft rotating about a crankshaft axis, a first cylinder having a first cylinder head, a second cylinder having a second cylinder head, and a blower assembly. The blower assembly includes a blower housing, a first fan, and a second fan. The first fan is positioned proximate the first cylinder and the second fan is positioned proximate the second cylinder. The first fan and the second fan are each received within the blower housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan A. Sullivan, Gary S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11660953
    Abstract: An airflow adjusting apparatus includes a duct, a duct opening-closing unit for the duct, first and second airflow generators, and an airflow adjustment processor. The duct has an inlet open toward a front of a movable body and an outlet that guides an airflow to an air-blowing target inside the movable body. The first and second airflow generators are provided respectively on first and second faces, opposed to each other, of an inner surface of the duct. The airflow adjustment processor performs, if the duct opening-closing unit is closed, vortex flow formation control of causing the first airflow generator to generate a first airflow that directs to the outlet side with respect to the duct and causing the second airflow generator to generate a second airflow that directs to the inlet side with respect to the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoto Watanabe, Yusaku Dogahira
  • Patent number: 11654767
    Abstract: A cooling air flap device is for a motor vehicle. The cooling air flap device has a cooling air opening through which cooling air can flow. The cooling air flap device has: a cooling air flap, which is arranged in or on the cooling air opening so as to be adjustable in order to change an opening cross section of the cooling air opening through which the cooling air can flow; and a sensor configured to sense surroundings in a region of the cooling air flap device. The sensor is secured to the cooling air flap so that the sensor is adjustable together with the cooling air flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Sebastian Harter
  • Patent number: 11649005
    Abstract: A straddle vehicle includes a headlight and a first wind-receiving surface. The headlight emits light forward. The first wind-receiving surface is disposed below and adjacent to the headlight and provided so that it is positioned higher as it approaches rearward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: KAWASAKI MOTORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Tomo Yamamoto, Kohei Akita
  • Patent number: 11639099
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an active air flap apparatus for a vehicle coupled to an air inlet of a grill to cool the inside of an engine room when a vehicle travels, and the active air flap apparatus for a vehicle includes a frame coupled to a rear surface of the grill in which the air inlet is formed, a plurality of flap portions coupled to an inside of the frame to open or close the air inlet and arranged in a vertical direction of the frame, an actuator coupled to an outside of the frame to generate power, a gear unit operated by the power generated from the actuator, and a connection unit connecting the flap portions and the gear unit to each other to operate the flap portions according to the operation of the gear unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Sup Byun, Kyeong Am Lee
  • Patent number: 11634169
    Abstract: An electric power steering device includes: —a steering column provided with: a base; an upper segment connected in a tiltable manner to the base, a steering axis comprising a lower axis rotatably contained inside the base; —a hydrostatic steering assembly; —an electrically assisted steering apparatus axially interposed between the steering column and the hydrostatic steering assembly and provided with: a support frame comprising a tubular central body; a shaft whose upper end axially projects outside an upper end of the central body and is connected to the lower end of the lower axis and whose lower end is connected to the hydrostatic steering assembly; and an electric motor positioned inside the central body of the support frame; in which the upper end of the central body is directly fixed to the base and in contact therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: OGNIBENE POWER S.P.A.
    Inventor: Claudio Ognibene
  • Patent number: 11628745
    Abstract: An apparatus for a ground-based battery management for an electric aircraft is presented. The apparatus includes a battery pack mechanically coupled to the electric aircraft, wherein the battery pack includes at least a battery module, wherein each battery module includes at least a battery unit containing a first row of battery cells, a second row of battery cells, and a thermal conduit disposed between the first row and the second row of the battery unit, wherein the thermal conduit is configured to precondition the battery cells. Each battery module includes a thermal circuit mechanically coupled to the thermal conduit configured to facilitate the precondition using thermal media. The apparatus further includes a media channel encompassing the battery pack configured to connect to a ground cooling component that provides the thermal media to the thermal circuit using the thermal circuit, and evacuate the thermal media using the thermal circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: BETA AIR, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Donovan, Sarah Kathleen Overfield, Stuart Denson Schreiber, Peter Adam Gottlieb, Braedon Lohe, Herman Wiegman
  • Patent number: 11603146
    Abstract: An airflow adjusting apparatus to be provided in a vehicle includes an airflow ejector. The vehicle includes a wheel and a wheel housing including a cavity. The cavity is opened downward and laterally outward of a vehicle body of the vehicle, and houses a portion of the wheel. The airflow ejector is provided, in the cavity, on a front side of the vehicle relative to the wheel. The airflow ejector is configured to eject an airflow that forms a turbulence boundary layer adjacent to a surface of the wheel on a vehicle-widthwise inner side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoto Watanabe, Yusaku Dogahira
  • Patent number: 11598324
    Abstract: An electric drive pump system includes a power end and a detachable transmission assembly. The transmission assembly is mounted to the power end and is configured to provide rotational power to the power end through a plurality of electric motors. The plurality of electric motors use a gearbox to drive an output spline that engages the power end. A control module is used to regulate the performance characteristics of the plurality of electric motors. A temperature regulation assembly is configured to regulate the temperature of the transmission assembly and the power end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: ST9 Gas and Oil, LLC
    Inventor: Chris Buckley
  • Patent number: 11541744
    Abstract: An active grille shutter arrangement having an assembled modular frame with a plurality of primary frame pieces formed by extrusion. Each one of the plurality of primary frame pieces has a first end, a second end and at least one key slot extending between the first end and the second end. Each of the plurality of frame pieces also includes a hollow bore extending through the each one of the plurality of primary frame pieces forming an aperture at the first end and an aperture at the second end. When the modular frame is assembled there is an upper frame portion and lower frame portion, both formed from one of the plurality of primary frame pieces. The arrangement also includes a number of alternate frame and vane pieces that allow several different active grille shapes and configurations to be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA EXTERIORS, INC
    Inventors: Braendon Robert Lindberg, Ross J. Parpart, Jeffrey B. Manhire
  • Patent number: 11441475
    Abstract: A cooling system of a hybrid vehicle includes a radiator, an openable and closable first shutter, an openable and closable second shutter, and a control device. The radiator is placed forward of an internal combustion engine and a heat generation device configured to generate heat along with operation of the drive motor, and the radiator communicates with the heat generation device and the internal combustion engine such that a coolant circulates through the internal combustion engine and the heat generation device. The first shutter extends from a front end of an undercover so as to cross between the radiator, and the heat generation device and the internal combustion engine. The second shutter extends between a front end part of the undercover and a lower part of the radiator. The control device controls opening and closing of the first shutter and the second shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Sugihara
  • Patent number: 11433761
    Abstract: A grille shutter device opens and closes an introduction passage through which air is introduced from an opening provided at a front part of a vehicle to the inside of the vehicle. The grille shutter device includes: a driving fin and a driven fin that are configured to rotate between an open position in which the introduction passage is open and a closed position in which the introduction passage is closed; an actuator configured to drive the driving fin; a power transmission member configured to transmit power from the driving fin to the driven fin; and a first stopper configured to define a first position by coming into contact with the power transmission member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignees: AISIN CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ken Komatsubara, Kazuki Tsuboi, Shigeki Sato, Toshikazu Harada, Shuichi Morie
  • Patent number: 11427268
    Abstract: An air flow management device for a vehicle includes a support and at least one deflector wall supported by an actuating system mounted on the support and configured to move the deflector wall along a predefined trajectory relative to the support between a retracted position and a deployed position. The deflector wall is mounted to rotate relative to the support about an axis of rotation so as to be able to retract in case of contact of the deflector wall with an obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Flex-N-Gate France
    Inventor: Cyrille Guyon
  • Patent number: 11384689
    Abstract: A shield assembly that may be disposed within an engine compartment of an agricultural vehicle, the shield assembly includes a plurality of shields that may block buildup of debris within the engine compartment. At least one shield of the plurality of shields includes a sloped surface that may direct debris away from the engine compartment. The shield assembly also includes a plurality of ducts formed between the plurality of shields. The plurality of ducts may redirect cooling fluid from a cooling fan package to the engine compartment to remove debris from within the engine compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Don Osborne, Anthony Diederich, Jr., Mary Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11387709
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling module including an axial fan for vehicles, in particular for electric vehicles, which is characterized in that a cooling module casing encloses the axial fan and a flow deflection region and a cooling airflow enters the cooling module through an intake plane and leaves the cooling module through an outflow plane, wherein the intake plane and the outflow plane are aligned at an angle alpha in relation to one another and the angle alpha as the inclination of the intake plane in relation to the outflow plane is formed greater than or equal to 55° and the cooling module casing has a rear wall, wherein the rear wall is arranged at an angle beta of at most 90° in relation to the outflow plane, so that a flow deflection region is formed in the cooling module casing between the intake plane and the outflow plane and the rear wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: HANON SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Torsten Klein, Susanne Reimche-Nuding, Ján Gregu{hacek over (s)} Kollár
  • Patent number: 11376947
    Abstract: Disclosed is a ventilation device for a vehicle including a frame defining an opening and a closing device of the opening. The ventilation device has a first zone. The closing device includes at least one main closing flap able to close off the first zone and able to rotate about a first axis of rotation extending along a single first direction of rotation. The ventilation device has at least one second zone. The closing device includes at least one secondary closing flap able to close off the second zone and able to rotate about a second axis of rotation extending along a single second direction of rotation for the or each second zone, the second direction of rotation being separate from the first direction of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: FLEX-N-GATE FRANCE
    Inventors: Cyrille Guyon, David Duquesnoy
  • Patent number: 11377156
    Abstract: A vent assembly in an inner fender assembly disposed between a heat exchanger in an engine compartment and a wheel well of a motor vehicle includes a first vent and a second vent disposed in the inner fender assembly. The first vent includes a plurality of fins disposed at a first angle relative to a horizontal axis. The second vent is disposed between the first vent and the heat exchanger and includes a plurality of fins extending between distal ends of first and second walls of the second vent and disposed at a second angle relative to the horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Patrick G. Esber, Christopher D. Hinz, Shawn L. Tarr
  • Patent number: 11376750
    Abstract: Presented are embodiments of a modular transport robot for transporting consignments. The transport robot includes at least one base element for the structure of the transport robot, at least two expansion modules for the technical equipping of the transport robot, at least one consignment box for receiving consignments, and at least one control device. The base element and each of the expansion modules have corresponding connecting elements and are electrically connected to one another by an electrical connection. The base element has at least one wiring harness for electrically connecting the connecting elements of the base element to one another, and the base element and the expansion modules are designed correspondingly to one another such that the connecting elements of the expansion modules are selectively connectable directly to at least two connecting elements provided at different points, so as to form one common connection to the base element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Deutsche Post AG
    Inventors: Uwe Radetzki, Boris Trendafilov, Dong Uck Kong, Sandra Drees, Heike Bischoff
  • Patent number: 11370295
    Abstract: An air-flap apparatus, encompassing an air-flap carrier having an air passage opening that is flowthrough-capable for air; at least three air flaps, each of which projects at least into the air passage opening and is received on the air-flap carrier movably between two operating positions with different degrees of coverage of the air passage opening; a coupling apparatus that couples the plurality of air flaps for movement together between their operating positions; and an air-flap drive system having an output member that is coupled to the at least three air flaps; the coupling apparatus includes an inner lever arrangement having at least one first lever, each first lever coupling exactly two air flaps associated with it for movement together between their operating positions; and that the coupling apparatus includes an outer lever arrangement having at least one second lever, each second lever coupling either a first lever and a single air flap not directly connected to the first lever, or two first levers,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Röchling Automotive SE & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jürgen Schneider
  • Patent number: 11338749
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a body having fore and aft portions. The vehicle includes a bumper beam coupled to the vehicle body proximate the fore portion and a heat exchanger disposed aft of the bumper beam. A fascia assembly is coupled to the vehicle body and extends about the bumper beam. The fascia assembly includes a fascia inlet configured to direct an airflow from the exterior of the fascia assembly to the interior of the fascia assembly. An energy absorption member is disposed between the fascia and the bumper beam. An air passage extends through at least one of the bumper beam and the energy absorption member. The air passage extends from an air passage inlet to an air passage outlet. The air passage inlet is positioned downstream of the fascia inlet with respect to the airflow, and the air passage outlet being positioned upstream of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jacob Wright, Changyoung Heo, Vinayshankar L. Virupaksha, Trevor T. Winch, Donald M. Jamison, Srinivasa Rao Vaddiraju, Amlanjyoti Barman
  • Patent number: 11332002
    Abstract: In an engine compartment, a separation wall is provided between an intake pipe, which runs around to a rear side of the engine from a lateral side of the engine, and the engine. On an outer side of this separation wall, a travel wind guide having a vertical wall portion that opposes the separation wall with the intake pipe being therebetween is provided. The travel wind guide guides vehicle travel wind that is introduced into the engine compartment in a manner to cause the vehicle travel wind to flow along the intake pipe on the outer side of the separation wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuta Takamura, Motohiro Ariki, Shigeaki Watanabe, Kazuki Yamauchi, Kuniyoshi Tashiro
  • Patent number: 11325460
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a baffle for regulating air flow around an object. The baffle can be of unitary construction and can be made by a single shot injection molding process. The baffle can have an edge portion that is more flexible than the base portion. The baffle has also can have a base portion with a base portion thickness and an edge portion with an edge portion thickness that is less than the base portion thickness. A method of making a baffle by an injection molding process is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: GDC, Inc.
    Inventor: Suresh Ayyasamy
  • Patent number: 11326686
    Abstract: A utility vehicle has a CVT, an engine providing power to the CVT, a CVT case accommodating the CVT, front and rear wheels supporting the vehicle body frame on the ground surface and an exterior side panel supported to the vehicle body frame. The exterior side panel includes an inner wall located inside a vehicle cabin and an outer wall located outside the vehicle cabin. An intake chamber is formed between the inner wall and the outer wall of the exterior side panel. An intake opening portion is provided in the exterior side panel for introducing ambient air present around the exterior side panel to the intake chamber. The intake chamber and the CVT case are connected and communicated to each other via an intake hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nicholas Allicock
  • Patent number: 11299210
    Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is provided that includes: a body; a drive system configured to propel the body; and a front motor compartment formed within the body, the front motor compartment including: a first shock tower; a second shock tower; and a structural integration brace for a vehicle, including: a first end attached to a first shock tower of the vehicle; and a second end attached to a second shock tower of the vehicle; wherein the structural integration brace extends between the first end and the second end, generating a load path therebetween within the front motor compartment of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Bradley Leier, Mark A. Stebbins, Joung Min Choi
  • Patent number: 11299033
    Abstract: A work machine includes a first cooling unit that protrudes from a first wall surface at a first position of a main flow path and defines a first opening portion between the second wall surface and the first cooling unit; a second cooling unit that protrudes from the second wall surface on a downstream side of the first position in the flow path direction of the main flow path, defines a second opening portion between the first wall surface and the second cooling unit and partly overlaps with the first cooling unit when viewed from the flow path direction; and partition member that defines a first section flow path having the first cooling unit as an inlet and the second opening portion as an outlet and a second section flow path having the first opening portion as an inlet and the second cooling unit as an outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Ikeda, Kazuya Imamura
  • Patent number: 11293540
    Abstract: A vehicle has a frame; a seat connected to the frame, the seat having a seat bottom, a seat back and a headrest; at least one ground engaging member operatively connected to the frame; an internal combustion engine connected to the frame, the internal combustion engine being operatively connected to at least one of the at least one ground engaging member; and an air intake assembly having at least one air intake assembly inlet and at least one air intake assembly aperture. The at least one air intake assembly aperture fluidly communicates with at least one air intake port of the engine. The at least one air intake assembly inlet is disposed rearward of the headrest and is at least partially aligned laterally and vertically with the headrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Alexandre Leclair, Dave Proulx, Pascal Toupin, Mathieu Duquette
  • Patent number: 11292333
    Abstract: A louvered shelf for preventing snow accumulation in an air induction system of a vehicle includes a main body configured to couple to the vehicle proximate the air induction system, a plurality of airflow apertures formed in the main body configured to receive a flow of snow-laden intake air bound for the air induction system, and a plurality of louver assemblies. Each louver assembly is operably associated with one airflow aperture of the plurality of airflow apertures to establish a tortuous path for the snow-laden intake air to travel through the one airflow aperture. Snow particles are separated from the snow-laden intake air due to centrifugal forces generated from travel of the snow laden air through the tortuous path and/or the snow particles striking the louver assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Rohitashwa Kiran, Arturo Guzman-Magana, Mirza Muhammad Raza
  • Patent number: 11286843
    Abstract: A system for controlling a fan in a vehicle having a heat exchanger may include defining first and second geographic areas and determining a geographic location of the vehicle. A processor may be programmed to send a signal to operate the fan in a first rotational direction to move air through the heat exchanger in a first direction, and to send a signal to the fan to operate it in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction to move air through the heat exchanger in a second direction opposite the first direction when a plurality of conditions are met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Engineered Machined Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Steinmetz, Todd M. Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 11255373
    Abstract: A thermal management system and method includes: a drive shaft; one or more fans or impellers in fluid communication with at least a portion of the drive shaft; and one or more air management baffles configured to direct air flow between the impeller and the portion of the drive shaft. In one embodiment, the system and method further includes insulation positioned about the at least a portion of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Jordan Birkenheuer, Keith David Weaver, Jon Damon Bennett
  • Patent number: 11248716
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a valve assembly for a motor vehicle, such as a pressure relief valve (i.e., an “air extractor”), and a method of using the same. In an example, the valve assembly includes a flap moveable to between an open position and a closed position, a slider moveable along an axis and including an integrally formed arm in contact with the flap, and an electromagnet configured to be selectively activated to move the slider along the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Christopher Sterbenz, Eric Jay MacLean
  • Patent number: 11230879
    Abstract: A serviceable actuation arrangement for an active grille shutter system. The serviceable actuation arrangement includes a linkage connected to all of the vanes of the active grille shutter system. The linkage is connected to an actuator and moves vertically to rotate the vanes between an open position and a closed position. Between the actuator and the linkage are drive arms that are removably connected to the actuator. There is a connector clip that connects the drive arms and the linkage together in a removable manner. The connector clip retains the components together during operation, but provides a quick release so that the actuator can be removed and changed without having to disassemble the vanes from the linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA EXTERIORS, INC
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Manhire
  • Patent number: 11219337
    Abstract: A portable sink assembly for includes a cube that is positionable in a sleeper of a semi tractor be accessible to a driver. A sink is recessed into the cube to contain water and a faucet is removably coupled to the cube. The faucet is directed into the sink to direct the water into the sink. A pump is positioned in the cube, the pump is fluidly coupled between a water source and the faucet for pumping the water to the faucet. A valve is coupled to the pump and the valve is actuatable between a minimum flow rate and a maximum flow rate. In this way the valve adjusts the volume of water delivered to the pump between a minimum amount and a maximum amount thereby facilitating the flow rate of the faucet to be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Inventor: Matthew Austin
  • Patent number: 11215106
    Abstract: A cooling device includes a surrounding member, an air inlet, an air outlet, and a flow-path-formation mechanism. The surrounding member is configured to surround an engine. The air inlet is formed in the surrounding member. The air outlet is formed in the surrounding member and is to be coupled to an intake pipe of the engine. The flow-path-formation mechanism is configured to form a flow path that allows outside air to circulate to the air outlet from the air inlet when a temperature of the engine or a temperature inside the surrounding member is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi Oikawa
  • Patent number: 11207973
    Abstract: An actively controlled flap system includes a bar defining a rotational axis, a first flap rotatably coupled to the bar and configured to rotate about the rotational axis, and a second flap rotatably coupled to the bar and configured to rotate about the rotational axis, the second flap including an opening extending through the second flap. The first flap is rotatable between a first position in which the opening in the second flap is covered by the first flap and a second position in which the opening in the second flap is uncovered, and the second flap is rotatable between a third position and a fourth position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Srinivasa Rao Vaddiraju, Nicholas J. Christoff
  • Patent number: 11187138
    Abstract: An engine module for a mixer vehicle includes an engine, a cooling system, and a hood. The cooling system includes a radiator fluidly coupled to the engine and a fan assembly. The fan assembly includes a fan. The hood includes a housing and a door. The housing has a first end configured to be positioned proximate a mixer drum assembly and a second end configured to be positioned proximate a rear end of a chassis of the mixer vehicle. The housing defines an internal cavity within which the engine and the cooling system is disposed. The first end defines an inlet airflow cavity having a bottom surface and an air inlet. The second end defines an opening. The door is pivotally coupled to the second end and positioned to selectively enclose the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Greg Steffens, Jeremy Andringa, Connor Hietpas, Jesse Gander
  • Patent number: 11180021
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine unit, a radiator, a first passage, and a second passage which is provided below the cylinder head and to which lubricating liquid is supplied. The radiator is arranged in front of the engine unit. The first passage includes a first opening arranged in front of the radiator so as to face the radiator and is configured to guide first traveling wind from the first opening toward the radiator. The second passage includes a second opening arranged outside the first opening in the vehicle width while being partitioned from the first opening, and is configured to guide second traveling wind from the second opening toward the lower supplied member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shouhei Naruoka, Masaya Sando, Yuu Shibuta