Hand Wheels Patents (Class 74/552)
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Patent number: 11970378Abstract: Systems for inspecting a warehouse are disclosed. A system includes a laser scanner attachable to an industrial truck and adapted to scan in a plane substantially perpendicular to the industrial truck's main direction of travel to scan an environment of a warehouse on at least one side of the industrial truck and to generate scan data. The system includes a computing unit adapted to receive the scan data and data on the absolute position and/or relative position change of the industrial truck, or data from which one or more of these variables can be derived. The computing unit is further adapted to construct three-dimensional data of the environment on the basis of the scan data and data on the absolute position and/or relative position change of the industrial truck.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2021Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: Jungheinrich AktiengesellschaftInventors: Hannes Bistry, Ralf Wetegrove, Maximilian Richter
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Patent number: 11964720Abstract: An airbag module that serves as a damper mass mounted to the steering wheel surrounding the center of steering of the steering wheel via vibration damping parts, the vehicle steering wheel structure damping steering wheel vibration, wherein the vibration damping parts includes at least a first vibration damping part positioned upward from the center of steering and a second vibration damping part positioned downward from the center of steering with reference to a neutral position of the steering wheel and the spring constant or elastic modulus of the first vibration damping part is set lower than the spring constant or elastic modulus of the second vibration damping part.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2020Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Norihisa Shiraishi, Kazuhiro Abe, Takayuki Kura
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Patent number: 11938995Abstract: A steering wheel includes a boss connected to the steering shaft and steering portions arranged around the boss, and the steering portion has a non-circular portion including a corner portion or an end portion, where the non-circular portion is covered with one or more cover pieces. Preferably, the one or more cover pieces cover the front surfaces facing the occupant in the non-circular portion, the rear surfaces positioned on the opposite side of the occupant, and the upper surfaces positioned between the front surface and the rear surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2020Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Shoutarou Hada, Shunichiro Shinmen, Masaji Hasegawa, Adonis Egdane
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Patent number: 11926371Abstract: Example steering wheel systems and torque feedback actuator assemblies for use in steer-by-wire vehicles are described herein. An example steering wheel system includes a steering wheel and a torque feedback actuator assembly. The torque feedback actuator assembly includes a housing and a helical gear rotatably disposed in the housing. The steering wheel is coupled to and coaxially aligned with the helical gear. The torque feedback actuator assembly also includes a motor with a worm gear engaged with the helical gear to provide torque feedback to the steering wheel by driving the helical gear.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2021Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jeremy Rawlings, Robert Mrozek, Lodewijk Wijffels, Eugene Lau
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Patent number: 11912330Abstract: A modular steering wheel assembly includes a central hub having a center support, a first support element extending outwardly from the center support in a first direction and a second support element extending outwardly from the center support in a second direction. The first support element includes a first connector member and a second connector member, and the second support element includes a first connector element and a second connector element. A first steering wheel member is detachably connected to at least one of the first connector member and the second connector member, and a second steering wheel member is detachably connected to at least one of the first connector element and the second connector element.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Dong Yeon Yoo
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Patent number: 11834093Abstract: Various implementations include a light bar system for a steering wheel of a vehicle that includes a high intensity light source, a light diffusing layer, and an outer lens. For example, in certain implementations, the light diffusing layer is disposed between a plurality of high intensity light emitting diodes (LEDs) and an outer lens, and the light diffusing layer causes the light from the LEDs to appear as a continuous stream of light across a length of the lens and provides sufficiently bright lighting to warn or communicate with the driver in various ambient lighting conditions. In certain implementations, the outer lens is colored to blend in with the rest of the steering wheel when the LEDs are not activated.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2022Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition LLCInventors: Valerie D. Gardner, Jason Carl Lisseman, David Ryan Varcoe
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Patent number: 11767015Abstract: A system, vehicle, method and non-transitory computer readable storage medium for improving driving safety are provided. The system includes: a steering wheel; a paddle attached to the steering wheel; a pressure sensor, which is installed between the paddle and a contact point of the paddle to the steering wheel and is coupled to a control component, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to sense a pressure exerted on the pressure sensor by the paddle and send the sensed pressure to the control component; and the control component, which is configured to, in responsive to receiving the sensed pressure, determine a level of deceleration corresponding to the sensed pressure and send a deceleration command which instructs to decelerate, based on the determined level of deceleration, a vehicle on which the system for improving the driving safety is installed.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2020Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: GUANGZHOU AUTOMOBILE GROUP CO., LTD.Inventor: Hai Xiao
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Patent number: 11760405Abstract: A handle in which a sensor layer capable of detecting grip is disposed on a gripping portion that is gripped at a time of steering. The gripping portion includes a core material, a covering layer formed of urethane foam, which is disposed by die-molding so as to cover a periphery of the core material, the sensor layer, and a protective layer covering the sensor layer. The sensor layer is formed of a mold coat agent formed of a urethane-based paint containing a conductive material. The mold coat agent is applied to a die surface of a molding die of the covering layer. At a time of molding the covering layer, the sensor layer formed of the mold coat agent is disposed on a surface side of the covering layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2022Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuichi Tsunekawa, Toshihiko Asai, Norio Umemura, Akira Nakiri
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Patent number: 11745783Abstract: A steering wheel includes a steering wheel axis, a hub for fastening the steering wheel to a steering shaft rotatable about a steering wheel axis, and a steering wheel rim connected to the hub and at least partially surrounding the hub in the circumferential direction. A mounting projection for fastening an operating unit is formed on the steering wheel rim and includes a coupling element for detachably fastening the operating unit as well as a positioning portion for fixing the operating unit in position.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: DALPHI METAL ESPANA, S.A.Inventors: Ramon Baña Castro, Pedro Pereiro Coto, Miguel Segovia Romero, Alberto Santorio Cancelas, Rafael Carballido, Laurent Bauvineau, Clément Lemele, Nathalie Richeux Guilloux
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Patent number: 11738871Abstract: A tactile interface including a touch pad and a support, the touch pad being hingedly attached to the support between the extended active position and a retracted inactive position, in which the pad is folded back towards the support wherein the support constitutes a drawer which is movable in a casing between a pulled-out position in which the interface is in the active position and an inserted position in which the interface is in the retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2020Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Safran Electronics & Defense Cockpit SolutionsInventor: Thomas Thorpe
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Patent number: 11713070Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for controlling the steering of an autonomous vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.Inventor: Tae Hong Kim
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Patent number: 11667317Abstract: A steering device includes a rotation central portion having a rotation axis Ax of the steering device and a steering unit connected to the rotation central portion. The direction in which the rotation axis of the rotation central portion extends is an axial direction. One of directions perpendicular to the axial direction is a radial direction. A direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the radial direction is a width direction. The steering unit protrudes from the rotation central portion in the radial direction in plan view of the steering device in the axial direction. A maximum width of the steering unit in the width direction is less than or equal to a maximum width of the rotation central portion in the width direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2022Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKIInventor: Tadayuki Yakushi
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Patent number: 11654825Abstract: A system for indicating an operating mode of a motor vehicle having a vehicle interior and an operator seat arranged therein includes a rotatable steering wheel arranged inside the vehicle interior relative to the operator seat. The steering wheel includes a front side facing the operator seat and an opposing back side. The system additionally includes a light source configured to project a beam of light onto the back side of the steering wheel. The back side of the steering wheel is configured to capture the light beam and illuminate therewith the front side of the steering wheel to thereby generate a sensory signal indicative of the operating mode to a vehicle operator positioned in the operator seat. A motor vehicle employing the system for generating a sensory signal to a vehicle operator for indicating an operating mode of the vehicle is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2022Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Tzvi Philipp, Yael Shmueli Friedland, Asaf Degani
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Patent number: 11628902Abstract: A steering wheel assembly for use with a ride-on vehicle which has a frame with at least two wheels. The steering wheel assembly comprises a steering rod operatively coupled to the frame of the ride-on vehicle. The steering rod includes a chuck secured to the steering rod. The chuck includes a body extending between a base and an upper end. The steering wheel assembly further comprises a steering wheel with a sleeve adapted to be coupled to the chuck in a tool-less manner such that the steering wheel is configured to be engaged by a rider for moving the steering wheel and thereby steering the ride-on vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2019Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: Huffy CorporationInventor: Donald K. Jessie, Jr.
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Patent number: 11564421Abstract: Systems and methods for interactive objects including illuminated surfaces are provided. An interactive object includes a flexible substrate comprising a soft material that is non-transmissive to light. The interactive object includes a plurality of holes extending from an inside surface of the flexible substrate to an outside surface of the flexible substrate to form a light-transmissive pattern at one or more locations of the flexible substrate. An illuminated surface is positioned adjacent to the inside surface of the flexible substrate with its front surface extending along at least a portion of the inside surface of the flexible substrate at the one or more locations including the plurality of holes. The interactive object includes one or more electronic components electrically coupled to the illuminated surface to control the illuminated surface to provide a visual output.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2019Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: GOOGLE LLCInventors: Mark Zarich, Tong Wu, Bryan Allen, Brendon Beardsley, Adam Bernstein
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Patent number: 11548342Abstract: A coilover shock absorber includes a damper element and a coil spring, where the coilover shock absorber includes a first mount for the damper element and a second mount for the damper element, and where the coilover shock absorber includes a first seat for the coil spring and a second seat for the coil spring, where the first mount for the damper element is operatively separate from the first seat for the coil spring, where the second mount for the damper element is operatively separate from the second seat for the coil spring. The resulting inverted coilover shock absorber allows for separate load paths for the damper element and the coil spring to the chassis.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: NINGBO GEELY AUTOMOBILE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CO.Inventor: Magnus Nilsson Gatenholm
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Patent number: 11541583Abstract: This injection-molded article is an injection-molded article using a cellulosic fiber composite resin, including: a resin insert piece including a colorant or a cellulose fiber; a first region formed of the cellulosic fiber composite resin; and a second region formed along a weld line of the cellulosic fiber composite resin extending from the resin insert piece, in which the first region and the second region have different color tones.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2021Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shouma Nishino, Hideo Mine, Masashi Hamabe, Masayoshi Imanishi
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Patent number: 11541926Abstract: A steering wheel includes a boss, a grip having a substantially rod shape and arranged away from the boss, and a spoke portion connecting the boss and the grip. The grip includes a core for the grip, a coating layer which covers an outer peripheral side of the core, and the decorative body exposed on the upper surface side of the grip. The decorative body has a decorative main body exposed on the upper surface side of the grip and a mounting portion having a long shape, being arranged substantially along the grip, holding the decorative main body and being attached to the coating layer. Mounting fitting portions to be attached to the coating layer is arranged on a lower surface side of the mounting portion and on a side separated from the boss and the spoke portion with respect to the core in a cross section of the grip.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2021Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventors: Fumiyasu Kojima, Kenji Fujimura, Takanori Yamada
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Patent number: 11447068Abstract: Various implementations of an illumination system include a light guide, a housing having a ceiling and defining a window, and a base coupled to the housing. The light guide is supported between the base and the ceiling. At least one light source is disposed adjacent a first end of the light guide. The light guide transmits the light from the light source through at least a portion of the outer surface of the light guide and the window. One or more tabs extending from the base each define at least one opening, and the at least one opening defined by each tab is alignable with an opening in a spoke portion of a frame. The openings receive a fastener to couple the base to the spoke portion. The housing may be integrally formed with a trim cover coupled to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2021Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition LLCInventors: Jason Lisseman, Adorian Marc, Erick Staszak, Valerie Gardner
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Patent number: 11440309Abstract: A method for trim preparation of car interior parts includes the steps of cutting out templates of natural jute or linen fabric primer and a second natural cotton fabric or fiber paper, and impregnation of the fabrics with a water-based adhesive resin in each of the fabrics and drying thereof. The method also includes the steps of fabric pressing, forming a structure by adding an adhesive layer and a decorative sheet, applying primer on the decorative layer and drying it, and applying at least one layer of varnish onto the primer layer and drying it.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2017Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Inventor: Aurelio Dieguez Garcia
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Patent number: 11383750Abstract: A vehicle steering assembly has a steering handle for steering a vehicle and a suspension part that can be secured to the vehicle. The steering handle is secured to the suspension part and it can be pivoted with respect to the suspension part about a pivot axis in a steering position and a table position, in which the steering handle can be used as a table.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2019Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Robert Martin
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Patent number: 11318980Abstract: A steering section of a steer-by-wire system includes a handle having a center axis of rotation arranged in the front-rear direction, and a handle-support shaft having a center axis arranged in the front-rear direction and that is supported so as not to be able to rotate about the center axis with respect to the vehicle. The handle is rotatably supported so as to be able to rotate about the center axis of rotation with respect to the rear-end portion of the handle-support shaft. The center axis of the handle-support shaft is arranged so as to be offset upward with respect to the center axis of rotation of the handle.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2019Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: NSK, LTD.Inventors: Yoshifumi Kurokawa, Yuichiro Taguchi
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Patent number: 11318979Abstract: A changeable-shape steering wheel of a motor vehicle has a steering wheel rim composed of a plurality of rim parts, of which some can be pivoted relative to one another, in order for it to be possible, in addition to a circular shape, for it to also be transferred into an approximately oval shape. In a neutral position of the steering wheel which is rotatable about a circular shape center point, the semi-major axis in an oval shape is oriented at least substantially horizontally. The rim parts are movable by way of levers which are provided on the steering wheel rim, such that, in the neutral position, the semi-major axis of the oval shape of the steering wheel is no longer than half the diameter in the case of a circular shape of the steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2019Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Philipp Kerschbaum, Markus Wadepuhl
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Patent number: 11292503Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes a hub connected to a steering column of the vehicle, a spoke connected to the hub, a rim disposed around the hub and connected to the spoke so as to be rectilinearly movable, a first gear provided in the spoke and rotated by a power source, and a second gear that is provided on the rim so as to be engaged with the first gear and rectilinearly moved by the rotation of the first gear and that moves the rim relative to the spoke.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2020Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventor: Ho Ssang Jo
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Patent number: 11241961Abstract: Provided are a vehicle instrument, a display method, and a vehicle speed monitoring display system. The vehicle instrument includes a display panel including an indicator structure used together with a scale on the dial for reading; a dial exposed by the display panel; and an actuating mechanism connected to the display panel and configured to control a movement of the display panel relative to the dial. The vehicle instrument has a first state, in which the display panel and the dial are in a first positional relationship, the display panel displays a first pattern region, and the first pattern region and the dial are in a second positional relationship; and a second state, in which the display panel and the dial are in a third positional relationship, the display panel displays the first pattern region, and the first pattern region and the dial are in the second positional relationship.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2019Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: SHANGHAI TIANMA AM-OLED CO, LTD.Inventors: Shuang Cheng, Jinghua Niu, Mingzhi Dai, Yinhe Liu, Yibin Xing, Ruixuan Dang, Tiezhen Gao
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Patent number: 11180177Abstract: A steering wheel assembly includes a rim that is movably connected to a base for movement between driving and utility positions. A movement control mechanism is configured to selectively lock the rim in the driving position relative to the base structure. The motion control mechanism includes a detent that is configured to retain the rim structure in the utility position relative to the base structure, whereby a user can apply a force to the rim structure to overcome the detent and move the rim structure from the utility position to the driving position.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2021Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Macit Aktas, Joseph Michael Kish, Martin Fassbender, Philipp Kuepper
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Patent number: 11148702Abstract: A damper structure provided in a steering wheel of a vehicle to be able to achieve an improved effect of reducing vibration in a low frequency region and structurally prevent noise generation. The damper structure includes a plate member which faces the steering wheel and to which an airbag module is to be attached, an insulator attached to the plate member, a connector inserted into the insulator and having one end fixed to the steering wheel to be oscillated by vibration of the steering wheel, an elastic member surrounding the connector in the insulator, a ring provided with the elastic member to transmit the oscillation of the connector to the elastic member, a stopper provided around another end of the connector to face the elastic member, and a coil spring which brings the elastic member of the insulator into pressure contact with the stopper.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2019Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignees: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB, HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Takanori Ikeda, Shoma Fushimi, Eisuke Kurata, Yosuke Iwasaki
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Patent number: 11072358Abstract: There is provided a steering covering member in which it is possible to dispose a wire on a grip section in a wider range while a wrinkle or a slack is suppressed, a steering wheel including the steering covering member, and a method for manufacturing the steering wheel. The steering covering member includes a sheet-shaped sheet member having extensibility and a wire held by the sheet member. The sheet member is set to have a length, in a natural length, having a corresponding relationship with an inner circumferential-side length of a rim section main body portion. Both end portions of the sheet member in the longitudinal direction are disposed at positions corresponding to recessed portions of the rim section main body portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: NIHON PLAST CO., LTD.Inventor: Nobutaka Uematsu
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Patent number: 11066092Abstract: A steering wheel includes a decorative component and a surface skin on a surface of the rim. The decorative component is formed into a band and a leading-end portion of the decorative component has a tapered form in which an inner edge curves towards an outer circumference of the rim and serves as a curving edge. The surface skin includes a curved-side section adjoining the curving edge and a non-curved-side section adjoining a non-curving edge of the leading-end portion. The curved-side section includes a main body that includes a curving portion which corresponds to the curving edge of the leading-end portion in shape, and an extended portion that extends beyond an apex of the leading-end portion and extends towards the non-curving edge of the leading-end portion of the decorative component. A region of the extended portion beyond the apex is joined to a leading edge of the non-curved-side section.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2019Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignees: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuki Nonoyama, Jun Sato, Sanae Oritaka, Makoto Noda, Yosuke Iwasaki
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Patent number: 11046320Abstract: A system for initiating and executing an automated lane change maneuver in a vehicle may include a steering wheel interface having a display; and a monitor to detect a viewing direction of the user. The interface may detect a first predetermined gesture by the user; in response to the first predetermined gesture, transmit a first signal to the vehicle instructing the vehicle to prepare for the automated lane change maneuver; display a status of the automated lane change maneuver; display a prompt for the user to visually confirm safety of the automated lane change maneuver. The monitor may continuously detect the viewing direction of the user; and in response to the viewing direction of the user changing, transmit a second signal to the vehicle instructing the vehicle to execute the automated lane change maneuver.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2018Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Gary P. Bertollini, Joseph F. Szczerba, Roy J. Mathieu, Alicia Napoleon
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Patent number: 11027768Abstract: A steering system for a road vehicle; the steering system comprises: a steering wheel provided with an outer ring, which is mounted so as to rotate around a rotation axis and has no connection to steering wheels; a position sensor, which is designed to detect the angular position of the outer ring of the steering wheel around the rotation axis; and a mechanical limit stop device, which is coupled to the outer ring of the steering wheel and limits, in both directions, the maximum angular width of the rotation of the steering wheel around the rotation axis, so that the steering wheel can make, on the whole, a rotation around the rotation axis that is greater than 360°.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2018Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: FERRARI S.P.A.Inventor: Franco Cimatti
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Patent number: 10996770Abstract: Disclosed are computer peripheral interface devices (such as computer mice) that include a wheel member configured to rotate around an axis in a plurality of modes, where each of the plurality of modes corresponds to a respective unique friction profile. The plurality of operation modes includes a freewheel mode and at least two additional modes. The at least two additional modes includes two or more different ratchet modes, two or more different constant friction modes, or at least one constant friction mode and at least one ratchet mode. The interface device also includes an actuator assembly configured to set the wheel member to each of the plurality of operation modes.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2018Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Inventors: Padraig McLoughlin, Arnaud Perret-Gentil, Nuno Miguel Pereira dos Anjos Valverde, Jan Stoeckli, Lars Lauridsen, Jean-Claude Dunant
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Patent number: 10953791Abstract: Various implementations of an illumination system include a light guide, a housing having a ceiling and defining a window, and a base coupled to the housing. The light guide is supported between the base and the ceiling. At least one light source is disposed adjacent a first end of the light guide. The light guide transmits the light from the light source through at least a portion of the outer surface of the light guide and the window. One or more tabs extending from the base each define at least one opening, and the at least one opening defined by each tab is alignable with an opening in a spoke portion of a frame. The openings receive a fastener to couple the base to the spoke portion. The housing may be integrally formed with a trim cover coupled to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition LLCInventors: Jason Lisseman, Adorian Marc, Erick Staszak, Valerie Gardner
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Patent number: 10933901Abstract: A control yoke for steering a motor vehicle, with a hub attached to a steering shaft, is connected to two steering handles protruding laterally in opposite directions, and has a motor-driven adjustment device by means of which the steering handles are displaceable from a usage position at a greater distance from the hub into a standby position at a smaller distance from the hub and vice versa. In an automatic steering mode of the motor vehicle the steering handles are rotatable by means of the adjustment device towards the driver in the usage position and away from the driver in the standby position about a transverse axis which connects the two steering handles and is arranged transversely to the rotation axis of the steering shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2017Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignees: thyssenkrupp Presta AG, thyssenkrupp AGInventor: Daniel Kreutz
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Patent number: 10906575Abstract: A collapsible steering wheel of a motor vehicle, comprising a steering wheel rim having a number of segments that can be moved in relation to each other between a first position and a second position. A first angle is formed between respectively adjacent segments in the first position and a second angle different from the first angle is formed between respectively adjacent segments in the second position. The disclosure also relates to a steering device of a motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, CoburgInventor: Roland Riedel
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Patent number: 10792843Abstract: A method of manufacturing a carbon fiber wheel rim is provided, including flowing steps of: preparing a core ring, including a core material which is disintegrable and annular; continuously obliquely winding at least one first dry carbon yarn around the core ring, to form a first semifinished rim; placing the first semifinished rim in a mold, and performing vacuuming, resin injection and thermoforming, to form a second semifinished rim; removing the second semifinished rim out of the mold, and disintegrating and removing the core material.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: MARSHAL INDUSTRIAL CORP.Inventor: Ming-Jen Tsai
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Patent number: 10780908Abstract: Various implementations include a light bar system for a steering wheel of a vehicle that includes a high intensity light source, a light diffusing layer, and an outer lens. For example, in certain implementations, the light diffusing layer is disposed between a plurality of high intensity light emitting diodes (LEDs) and an outer lens, and the light diffusing layer causes the light from the LEDs to appear as a continuous stream of light across a length of the lens and provides sufficiently bright lighting to warn or communicate with the driver in various ambient lighting conditions. In certain implementations, the outer lens is colored to blend in with the rest of the steering wheel when the LEDs are not activated.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2018Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition LLCInventors: Valerie D. Gardner, Jason Carl Lisseman, David Ryan Varcoe
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Patent number: 10773744Abstract: There is provided a steering wheel covering member which is capable of disposing a wire in an opening edge of a recessed portion of a rim section main body portion and which is easy to be attached to the rim section main body portion, a steering wheel, and a manufacturing method of a steering wheel. The steering wheel covering member includes sheet-shaped sheet member having dividing portion that is a cut-out portion. The steering wheel covering member includes wire that is held on sheet member excluding non-setting area A along dividing portion. The dividing portion is accommodated in recessed portion such that dividing portion and non-setting area A of wire are disposed inward of an opening edge of recessed portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2019Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: NIHON PLAST CO., LTD.Inventor: Nobutaka Uematsu
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Patent number: 10759462Abstract: A steering wheel structure configured to control cooling and heating, the steering wheel structure including: an inner layer forming a rim of the steering wheel; and an outer layer surrounding at least a part of the inner layer; wherein the outer layer including, an outer circumferential part forming at least a part of outer circumference of the outer layer; at least one gap disconnecting the outer circumferential part; and a cold-hot adjusting part formed in the at least one gap; wherein the cold-hot adjusting part has a lower heat capacity and a higher thermal conductivity than the outer circumferential forming part.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2017Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: MI-SEOJIN, INC.Inventors: Seo Young Kim, Hang Cheol Choi, Keun Hee Lee
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Patent number: 10748392Abstract: A tactile sensation providing apparatus includes a contact region to be touched by an operating body, a thermal sensation providing element that is disposed in the contact region and provides at least cold sensation information, and a warm sensation providing element that is disposed in the contact region and provides warm sensation information. The warm sensation providing element is disposed at least in regions that sandwich the thermal sensation providing element.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2019Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.Inventors: Kunio Sato, Daisuke Takai, Yuzuru Kawana, Katsunari Sato
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Patent number: 10746280Abstract: A steering device includes: an input shaft main body portion including an input shaft first region, and protruding from the housing, and an input shaft second region received within the steering shaft receiving space; and an input shaft cover including; an input shaft cover main body portion surrounding a portion of the input shaft first region which is closer to the input shaft second end portion than the first input shaft seal portion in the rotation axis direction, and an input shaft cover seal portion provided to the input shaft cover main body portion, abutted on the first input shaft seal portion, and arranged to suppress moisture from entering between the input shaft and the input shaft cover.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2019Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Yoshiharu Kamaguchi, Masato Kadokura
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Patent number: 10730431Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an illuminated emblem assembly coupled to a steering wheel assembly and a method of assembling the same. The illuminated emblem assembly includes a conductive plate having a generally U-shape and formed from an electrically conductive material, a light source coupled to a PCB which is coupled to the conductive plate such that an electrical signal is provided to the light source from the vehicle control system via the PCB. The emblem assembly includes a base disposed on a top surface of the conductive plate also having a generally U-shape where the base includes an opening adjacent the light source for directing light emitted from the light source towards a U-shaped volume defined by a top surface of the base. Light is transmitted from the light source towards the user through an outer cap being disposed over the base.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2019Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition LLCInventors: Adorian Marc, Jason Nikolauk
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Patent number: 10676119Abstract: There is provided a steering wheel to make it possible to install a covering member on a rim section main body portion in a wide range and with a good external appearance. A steering wheel base section includes the rim section main body portion that configures a rim section. The rim section main body portion is provided with a groove along the rim section main body portion. The groove is provided with a first line-shaped groove and a second line-shaped groove that is less bent than the first groove. The covering member is wrapped around the rim section main body portion of the steering wheel base section. The covering member is provided with divergence covering sections disposed along the first groove with the first groove interposed therebetween. The covering member straddles the second groove at a position of the second groove and connects the divergence covering sections by a covering base portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: NIHON PLAST CO., LTD.Inventors: Akihiko Yamami, Katsuya Muramatsu, Masahiro Ooka
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Patent number: 10532760Abstract: Systems and methods described herein are directed to an adjustable steering wheel. According to one aspect, a steering wheel includes a center post, a plurality of arc segments, a plurality of telescoping arms, and a plurality of modular segments. The plurality of arc segments have a fixed arc length relative to a center post axis defined by the center post. Each arm of the plurality of telescoping arms has a first end portion affixed to the center post and a second end portion non-removably affixed to an arc segment of the plurality of arc segments. The plurality of modular segments have adjustable arc lengths relative to the center post axis. Together the plurality of arc segments and the plurality of modular segments cooperate to define a circumference of the steering wheel that is orthogonal to the center post axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2019Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Andrew Wang
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Patent number: 10471987Abstract: A damper for a steering wheel is provided. The damper may include a housing attached to the steering wheel and an energy-storage medium supported by the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: FCA US LLCInventors: Christopher R. Trendov, Roger M. Cortina, Ryan J. Said
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Patent number: 10449988Abstract: There is provided a steering wheel including (1) a resin body made of resin, (2) a decorative body that is provided separately from the resin body, and (3) a placement member that is disposed between the resin body and the decorative body and that is moved by the decorative body when the decorative body has been relatively displaced.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2016Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHOInventors: Yoshiaki Maekubo, Ichiro Yamamoto, Taichi Hino, Tamio Harada, Hiroshi Ohira
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Patent number: 10352221Abstract: Heating device (10), in particular for heating an operating fluid tank of a motor vehicle, preferably a tank for storage of aqueous urea solution, the heating device (10) comprising an electrical resistance heating trace (14) with a heating side (14b), on which, in intended operation, heat is emitted to a fluid to be heated, and the heating side (14b) opposing a carrier side (14a), on which the resistance heating trace (14) faces a mounting supporting it, wherein the resistance heating trace (14) is disposed between a flexible film (16) on its heating side (14b) and a substrate (12), rigid in comparison with the flexible film (16), as the supporting mounting on the carrier side (14a), which is characterized in that the resistance heating trace (14a) is connected to the rigid substrate (12) on the carrier side (14a) without intermediate arrangement of a further film.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2017Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: RÖCHLING AUTOMOTIVE SE & CO. KGInventors: Fabrizio Chini, Luca Marini, Ivan De Metri, Francesca Brunori, Stefano Dalpez
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Patent number: 10352440Abstract: A shift-by-wire actuator and a method for selecting drive positions of a motor vehicle transmission is provided. The actuator comprises an actuating field, in which a scrolling surface for selecting one of the drive positions, and a release button, which transmits a release signal based on an actuation, are disposed. The actuator is characterized in that the scrolling surface and the release button are coupled via a locking and releasing mechanism, such that a shift-effecting selection of at least one of the drive positions can be executed by manipulation of the scrolling surface after release by the locking and releasing mechanism, based on the release signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2014Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Vitali Fribus, Alexander Kirilenko
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Patent number: 10351171Abstract: A steering wheel includes: a cylindrical slider which is disposed on an outer side of a support member so as to slide in a front-to-rear direction and which is biased to the rear; a cap member which covers at least respective rear end portions of the support member and the slider from the rear; a movable-side contact portion which is provided inside the cap member; an annular damper holder which is mounted inside the cap member; an annular elastic member which is interposed between the slider and the damper holder; a transmitting portion which is provided in an inner circumferential portion of the damper holder; and a movement catch portion which is provided on an outer circumferential portion of the slider so as to be positioned immediately before the transmitting portion and to which a forward movement of the damper holder is transmitted through the transmitting portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2016Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventors: Tsutomu Ishii, Osamu Hirose, Kenji Sasaki, Toshihiko Yanagisawa
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Patent number: 10300937Abstract: A decorative piece of a vehicle steering wheel decoration arranged to be mounted on a steering wheel of the vehicle includes a decorative core made from a decorative material, such as wood. A protective portion of the decorative core made from a transparent or translucent material covering at least part of a surface of the decorative core is arranged to be visible by a user. A fastening portion is arranged to fasten the decorative part on the steering wheel. The fastening portion is made from the same transparent or translucent material as the protective portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT ABInventors: Mickael Peyrot, Frederic Moulinas