Patents Assigned to North America, Inc.
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Publication number: 20140117733Abstract: A seat portion is pivotally mounted to a seat back at a main pivot point. A striker pin is mounted to the seat portion. The striker pin includes a free end. A bracket is further connected to the main pivot point wherein the bracket includes a main body. The bracket further includes an arm extending away from the main body. The arm extends away from the main body to support the free end of the pin to further support the striker pin during a latched construction. The main body of the bracket and the arm of the bracket support the free end of the pin during rotation of the seat portion towards the seat back from a down position to an up position allowing for a fixed latch on the seat back to engage with the pin of the seat portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
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Publication number: 20140116178Abstract: A system for controlling gear changes in a vehicle. The system includes a steering wheel and a detent mechanism having an idle location, a first location, and a second location, the detent mechanism is coupled to the steering wheel. The system also includes a paddle shifter coupled to the steering wheel and the detent mechanism, the paddle shifter having an idle position with no associated function when the paddle shifter is in the idle location, a first operating position with an associated first function when the paddle shifter is in the first location, and a second operating position with an associated second function when the paddle shifter is in the second location. The associated first function is different from the associated second function.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Andrew Sata
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Publication number: 20140118833Abstract: A light filter assembly for an automotive vehicle that includes a central plate or a sleeve with at least one filter attached to by a fastener. The filter has a substantially triangular shape with at least one curved edge, and can rotate about the fastener in a plane parallel to the central plate or sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC. (TEMA)Inventor: Danil V. Prokhorov
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Publication number: 20140120442Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring in-situ membrane fluid crossover are provided. One embodiment of a system for diagnosing in situ degradation of membranes in a fuel cell stack comprises an inert gas supply configured to be connected to the fuel cell stack to supply an inert gas to an anode side of the fuel cell stack during diagnosis and means for detecting an amount of crossover cathode gas in exhaust from the anode side of the fuel cell stack during diagnosis.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: GREGORY DILEO, RAMESHWAR YADAV
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Publication number: 20140118549Abstract: An automated vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus is basically provided with a camera, an image displaying device, a position location device and a controller. The image displaying device is operatively connected to the camera to display an image captured by the camera. The position location device acquires a current location of the automated vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus. The controller is operatively coupled to the image display device and the position location device. The controller is programmed to automatically display the image captured by the camera on the image display device upon determining that the current location of the automated vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus matches a prescribed location.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventor: Michael Meldrum
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Publication number: 20140117718Abstract: A vehicle suspension strut tower bracing system includes a first suspension strut tower and a second suspension strut tower spaced from the first strut tower. At least one wall extends between and interconnects the first strut tower to the second strut tower. At least one strut tower brace is attached to the wall and spaced from the first and second strut towers. The strut tower brace includes a first support member having a first end and an opposite second end, and a second support member attached to the first support member at location spaced inward from the first and second ends of the first support member. The second support member is arranged at an oblique angle relative to the first support member so as to form a generally Y-shaped configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventor: George J. Van Kaam
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Publication number: 20140120433Abstract: Assemblies and methods for measuring in-situ membrane fluid crossover are provided. One embodiment of an in-situ fuel cell membrane crossover measurement assembly as disclosed herein comprises an anode fluid supply configured to supply anode fluid to an anode side of a proton exchange membrane; a cathode fluid supply configured to supply cathode fluid to a cathode side of the proton exchange membrane; a collection chamber configured to receive an exhaust from one of the anode side and the cathode side of the proton exchange membrane; and means for detecting a crossover fluid in the exhaust. The crossover fluid is from the cathode fluid if the exhaust is collected from the anode side and the crossover fluid is from the anode fluid if the exhaust is collected from the cathode side.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: GREGORY DILEO, RAMESHWAR YADAV
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Publication number: 20140116933Abstract: A filtration apparatus for removing solids and particulates from a liquid stream flowing through a filter media. A magnet is located adjacent to the filter media and the liquid steam to attract metal particles in the liquid stream to the filter media. The magnet may be a rare birth magnet. A variable speed drive motor is coupled to a carrier supporting the filter media to advance the filter media through the liquid stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
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Publication number: 20140117723Abstract: A cover includes a top portion that spans a width of a roof ditch of a vehicle. The cover includes a cover attachment section and a molding attachment section. The cover attachment section couples the cover at a fixed position relative to the vehicle. A molding member extends in a lengthwise direction along the roof ditch between the first and second wall surfaces. The molding member includes an attachment member and an attachment projection. The attachment member mates with the molding attachment section of the cover to form a lengthwise movement connection that retains the cover to the molding member with a predetermined amount of movement along the lengthwise direction of the roof ditch. The attachment projection extends under a lateral side of the cover with an upper surface of the top portion of the cover facing an underside of the molding member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Robert T. SLACK, Michael KOWACZYK
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Publication number: 20140115909Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring pedal distances within a vehicle. The apparatus includes a first block for engaging an accelerator pedal. The first block includes a first receptacle for receiving a first measurement device and a second receptacle including slidable and rotatable engagement for receiving a second measurement device. The first measurement device measures pedal stroke and the second measurement device measures distance. The apparatus further includes a second block for engaging a brake pedal. The second block includes a receptacle including slidable engagement for receiving a third measurement device. The third measurement device measures distance, either between pedals or between a pedal and a reference surface in the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Jacob Seth Kononiuk
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Publication number: 20140117638Abstract: A support cart for a machine screw may comprise a frame and a plurality of trolleys. The frame may have a pair of tracks and a caster assembly. The caster assembly may have a first position where the frame does not contact a surface, such as a floor, allowing the frame to be movable. The caster assembly may also have a second position which allows the frame to contact the surface, such as a floor, rendering the frame to be substantially stationary. The plurality of trolleys may include a base, an adjuster, a support bracket, and a plurality of rollers. The trolleys may be movable along the tracks of the frame via the plurality of rollers. A height position of the support bracket may be adjustable relative to the base via the adjuster.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: Asahi Kasei Plastics North America, Inc.Inventors: Kevin W. Crawford, Derrick Gene Colon
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Publication number: 20140121913Abstract: A system for controlling gear changes in a vehicle. The system may include at least one primary paddle shifter coupled to the steering wheel and/or the steering column. The system also includes at least one auxiliary paddle shifter coupled to the steering wheel, the steering column and/or the at least one primary paddle shifter. The primary paddle shifter may engage a primary function, such as one sequential gear shift up or down and the auxiliary paddle shifter may engage a secondary function, such as an optimal gear shift up or down.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Andrew Sata
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Publication number: 20140120842Abstract: A system on a vehicle is provided operable to notify a user if and when they are approaching a low digital radio signal area. The vehicle includes both the capability to receive digital and analog radio signals. The system further includes a processor and a data storage unit. If the digital signal drops below a certain predetermined threshold, the system will record the location of the low signal and will notify the user of the low signal next time the user is approaching the same area recorded by the GPS.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Sean Lee Helm, Mark Jotanovic
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Patent number: 8709204Abstract: A wood pulping process includes producing weak black liquor and cooling the liquor as well as recovering heat therefrom by directing the weak black liquor through a spray film evaporator. A feed or condensate is directed into the spray film evaporator and the feed or condensate is sprayed onto the outer surfaces of a bundle of tubes. This results in the feed or the condensate being vaporized and producing a vapor that can be utilized as a heat source for other processes in a pulp mill.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies North America Inc.Inventor: Michael S. Begley
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Patent number: 8709659Abstract: A composition for use in an electrochemical cell is disclosed wherein the composition includes a clean metal substantially free of impurities and a layer of protective material in contact with the clean metal, wherein the protective material comprises a protective metal component, a multi-component material, a multi-layered component or a combination thereof. Further disclosed is an electrochemical cell including a metal film comprising a clean metal substantially free of impurities. The electrochemical cell may further include an electrolyte and a layer of protective material disposed between the electrolyte and the metal film, wherein the protective material comprises a protective metal component, a multi-component material, a multi-layered component or a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Monique Nathalie Richard
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Patent number: 8708600Abstract: In one embodiment, dispersants are injected directly into a plume of oil in a subsea environment. The dispersant is supplied from a vessel, through a tubular string and flows through a routing manifold into a flexible hose. The hose then transports the dispersant to a distribution manifold, which is disposed on the sea floor, and permits injection of dispersants at multiple locations at the same time around the leaking oil. Injection of dispersants from the distribution manifold may be through injection wands, or the dispersant may be transferred to a containment or collection device located above the plume of oil, wherein nozzles are disposed around the circumference of such containment or collection device. If the dispersants are injected into the leaking oil through injection wands, such wands may be held and/or manipulated by an ROV.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignees: Wild Well Control, Inc., BP Corporation North America Inc.Inventors: Michael Duggan Drieu, Patrick Michael Cargol, Jr., Jonathan Eryl Rogers, Pierre Albert Beynet, Stanley Silva
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Publication number: 20140109485Abstract: A weatherstrip assembly for a vehicle. The assembly includes a body having a base and first and second legs which define a channel. The body includes an interior base surface, a first interior leg surface, and a second interior leg surface disposed within the channel. The assembly includes at least one sealing lip having an abutment surface and a wearstrip disposed along at least one of the interior base surface, the first and second interior leg surfaces, and the abutment surface and formed of a thermoplastic polyethylene material. The wearstrip has a plurality of alternating wear sections and gaps that define a series of alternating semi-rigid and flexible sections, respectively, with each wear section having first and second surfaces. The first surface of one of the wear sections and the second surface of an adjacent wear section face each other to define the gap.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: Henniges Automotive Sealing Systems North America, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Murree, Alessandro Libriani, Robert Krueger
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Publication number: 20140110387Abstract: A heater system for an electric vehicle that is void of engine coolant. The heater system can include an air duct having an opening into a passenger compartment of the vehicle and a heater unit attached to the air duct. The heater unit can have a self-contained quantity of oil within an oil reservoir and an oil channel in fluid communication with the oil reservoir. The oil channel can be located between a front wall and a back wall of the heater unit and the unit can also have an electric heating element at least partially within the oil reservoir. The electric heater unit can be operable to heat oil in the oil reservoir and thereby result in the oil flowing through the oil channel and heating the front wall and the back wall of the unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
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Publication number: 20140111950Abstract: A bracket for a vehicle blind spot monitor. The bracket can have upper and bottom members that are spaced apart from each other and connected by a side member. The upper, bottom and side members of the bracket can also form an opening where a blind spot monitor can be located. The bottom member can have a debris-blocking flange that protects or shields the outer radar surface from debris such as rocks, sand, etc., that are thrown up from a road surface towards the blind spot monitor. The bracket can have a plurality of protrusions to guide the blind spot monitor into the bracket opening. The bracket additionally features clips that affix the blind spot monitor to the bracket prior to installation on the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Bryan Else Yamasaki, Charan Singh Lota
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Publication number: 20140111861Abstract: A multilayer stack displaying a red omnidirectional structural color. The multilayer stack includes a reflector layer, a dielectric layer extending across the reflector layer, and an absorbing layer extending across the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer reflects more than 70% of incident white light that has a wavelength greater than 580 nanometers (nm). In addition, the absorbing layer absorbs more than 70% of the incident white light with a wavelength less than 580 nm. In combination, the reflector layer, dielectric layer, and absorbing layer form an omnidirectional reflector that reflects a narrow band of electromagnetic radiation with a center wavelength between 580-680 nm, has a width of less than 200 nm wide and a color shift of less than 100 nm when the reflector is viewed from angles between 0 and 45 degrees.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicants: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Debasish Banerjee, Minjuan Zhang, Masahiko Ishii, Li Qin Zhou, Yumi Kato
