Patents Examined by Keith J Frisby
  • Patent number: 10752200
    Abstract: An airbag has a main bag portion that is provided with an occupant protective surface which is disposed to face the occupant and an auxiliary bag portion that can be disposed on the left side of the storage part, between the main bag portion and a vehicle body-side member, when the inflation is completed. The auxiliary bag portion is configured to enable an inflating gas to flow into an inside thereof through the main bag portion, is configured to be inflated under control of a control mechanism in association with a collision mode of a vehicle, and is configured to be interposed between the main bag portion and the vehicle body-side member and to be capable of pushing a region of the occupant protective surface on a side of the auxiliary bag portion, which is inflated, toward a side of the occupant, when the inflation is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naohiko Ishiguro, Ryotaro Ishida, Hiroyuki Nakanishi, Wataru Miuta
  • Patent number: 10744919
    Abstract: An operator seat system is provided that includes an operator seat and an armrest control center with an I/O (input/output) system that is connected to and moves with the operator seat. An armrest control center mount system may include a seat mount and an armrest control center mount that are attached to each other with an adjustment system that allows adjustment of the armrest control center with respect to the operator seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Nathan P. Brooks, Steven N. Winkel
  • Patent number: 10744972
    Abstract: A pedestrian protecting device that includes a right air bag device, a left air bag device, G sensors, and an ECU. The air bags include respective tip end portions which vertically overlap each other at a middle portion of a vehicle when the air bags are deployed. The ECU executes a time difference deployment control operation of: when a pedestrian collision position is located at a left side of the middle portion of the vehicle, operating the air bag devices such that a deployment of the right air bag is completed before a deployment of the left air bag is completed; and when the collision position is located at a right side of the middle portion of the vehicle, operating the air bag devices such that the deployment of the left air bag is completed before the deployment of the right air bag is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Ryouji Funahashi, Tsutomu Watanabe, Susumu Kuroda, Motoharu Sato, Yuji Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 10736479
    Abstract: A drive-wheel suspension mechanism for a smart movable device and a smart movable device, include a drive wheel bracket, a gearbox and a resilient reset member. The drive wheel bracket is provided with at least one set of sliding slot assembly arranged oppositely. The sliding slot assembly includes two first sliding slots arranged opposite to each other, and the first sliding slot extends rearward and an included angle between the first sliding slot and a horizontal plane is greater than or equal to 0 degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Inventors: Xianmin Wei, Xiaogang Xuan
  • Patent number: 10723302
    Abstract: A pair of first airbags and a pair of second airbags are stowed in opposing regions of side wall portions of a vehicle seat. The first airbags are positioned at a seat front side relative to a shoulder area of a seat occupant in a seat side view. The second airbags are positioned at the seat front side relative to a waist area of the seat occupant in the seat side view. The pair of first airbags and the pair of second airbags are supplied with gas, inflate and expand towards the seat width direction inner sides thereof, and are structured such that each pair of airbags, in the inflated and expanded states thereof, push against one another at a seat width direction middle side of the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuichi Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 10717032
    Abstract: Expanded metal sheets are used to produce tubular filters. The expanded metal sheet has a multiplicity of rows of openings arranged to reduce nesting when the sheet is rolled on itself. In particular, the pitch between the rows of openings, the sizes of the openings, or both the pitch between the rows of openings and the sizes of the openings are varied to reduce nesting when the expanded metal sheet is rolled on itself. The filters can include external circumferential grooves, rounded corners produced by a point loading process, textured surfaces between openings, and/or torturous internal paths produced by non-perforated areas of an expanded metal sheet. The expanded metal sheet can be composed of carbon steel coated with a material having a higher heat conductivity, e.g., tin. Among other things, the filters can be used in automobile airbag inflators to capture slag and absorb heat produced by the inflator's explosive charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: ACS Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: George Greenwood, Michael McCarthy, Richard Pfefferle
  • Patent number: 10710542
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inflatable airbag (1) for protecting a person (5), comprising a flexible cover (10) which includes at least two finger-type extensions (11), wherein the flexible cover (10) delimits a closed gas expansion compartment (12) by the finger-type extensions (11). The invention excels by the fact that the finger-type extensions (11) are arranged relative to each other such that in an inflated state the airbag (1) takes a three-dimensional shape and in the inflated state the finger-type extensions (11) at least in portions delimit a clearance (13), wherein the cover (10) is deferrable for absorbing impact energy while deforming, especially reducing, the clearance (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: TRW AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Daniele Aranzulla, Martin Burkhardtsmaier, Achim Hofmann
  • Patent number: 10710547
    Abstract: A seat belt adjustment release mechanism includes a carrier and a guide piece that is vertically slidable on the carrier. The guide piece includes an aperture configured to receive a seat belt there through and a spring-loaded button anchored on a pivot. The spring-loaded button, when pressed, is rotatable about the pivot between a home position and a depressed position for actuating a seat belt guide release lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: NYX, INC.
    Inventor: Yuriy Tsalenko
  • Patent number: 10710544
    Abstract: An external airbag includes: a lower edge bag that is deployed to extend along a lower edge of a windshield of an automobile, on a front side of the windshield; lateral edge bags in a pair that are deployed to extend along both lateral edges of the windshield, on the front side of the windshield; and an upper edge bag that is deployed to extend along an upper edge of the windshield, on the front side of the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Suemune, Yoshiyuki Hashimoto, Akihiro Onodera, Hiroshi Yoneyama, Daisuke Ototsuji, Isamu Nagasawa
  • Patent number: 10703403
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket assembly extending along a steering column axis. Also included is an upper jacket assembly at least partially received within the lower jacket assembly, the upper jacket assembly translatable along the steering column axis relative to the lower jacket assembly. Further included is an energy absorption strap operatively coupled to the upper jacket, the energy absorption strap having an aperture defined therein. Yet further included is a rake bolt extending through the lower jacket and through the aperture of the energy absorption strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Tyler M. Reno, Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh, Randy Jones
  • Patent number: 10703154
    Abstract: A control arm for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle. The control arm including a base body having a spring seat for receiving a helical spring of the wheel suspension. The control arm having a first end region connected to a spring-loaded component of the motor vehicle and a second end region connected to an unsprung component of the motor vehicle. The base body includes a first partial shell composed of steel and a second partial shell composed of a composite material, the shells undetachably fixedly connected to one another at least in one region of the spring seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Friedrich Peter Wolf-Monheim
  • Patent number: 10703325
    Abstract: Multi-chambered side airbag assemblies are provided. The airbag assemblies can include a housing, an inflator, and a side inflatable cushion. The side inflatable cushion can include multiple chambers, for example, a first inflatable chamber coupled to the housing, a second inflatable chamber coupled to the first inflatable chamber, and a third inflatable chamber coupled to the second inflatable chamber. The side inflatable cushion can also include a connector coupling at least two of the inflatable chambers to each other. In a deployed state, at least a portion of the side airbag may protrude transverse to a longitudinal axis of a vehicle such that a portion of the side airbag is configured to receive a vehicle occupant moving from a vehicle occupant position during a vehicle impact event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Schneider
  • Patent number: 10696124
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a coupling device for a stabilizer of a suspension. The coupling device has a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion that is supported thereon. One coupling portion has a connection location for the stabilizer and another coupling portion has a connection location for a wheel suspension. and the coupling device also has a locking device, which, in a locking position, limits a relative movement of the second coupling portion with respect to the first coupling portion in a first direction. In order to better protect a stabilizer from overload, the locking device is configured in a release position to release the relative movement when a first force acting between the connection locations exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Keuser
  • Patent number: 10696264
    Abstract: Provided is an airbag which can be easily manufactured though it is provided with a tether inside, and has a reduced fear of gas leakage from a joint region. The airbag includes a joint region of outer circumferential edges of a pair of walls. The joint region includes, between the outer circumferential edges of the pair of walls, a sealing member which has elasticity, and has adhesiveness in an unsolidified state. The joint region is formed by such a sewing that runs a sewing thread through an application area of the sealing member. A tether connects the pair of walls. The joint region includes a region in which the sealing member has a solidified, thus non-adhesive surface, and is pressed against at least one of the walls by the non-adhesive surface, and penetrated by the sewing thread in that state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignees: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD., SEIREN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Taizo Suemitsu, Takayuki Umeyama, Mikifusa Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 10696115
    Abstract: An omnidirectional movement system includes a frame with a central axis extending from a first end to a second end; a support extending from the first end to the second end; a first set of Mecanum wheels connected through a first axle and connected to the frame; a second set of Mecanum wheels connected through a second axle and connected to the frame; and a flexible suspension system connecting the frame to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventors: Glynn R. Bartlett, Cody E. Bressler, Cody M. Porter, Michael A. Ripperger
  • Patent number: 10688958
    Abstract: A guiding device for a seat belt system has a guiding ring, a moving seat, and an elastic member. The moving seat is slidably mounted on the guiding ring and is moveable upward and downward. The elastic member is connected between the guiding ring and the moving seat for providing an elastic force to the moving seat. When a webbing of the seat belt system is pulled, the moving seat is pulled by the webbing and moves downwardly. The elastic member is stretched to generate a cushioning resilience to reduce the pulling force. The structure of the guiding device is compact, so the guiding device is low-cost in manufacture and small in volume without occupying much space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Inventor: Liang-Hsiung Wang
  • Patent number: 10676059
    Abstract: An airbag includes a body portion, a tether, and a folded portion. The body portion is expanded and deployed to an outer side of a vehicle and covers a lower end portion of a windshield glass. The tether is provided inside the body portion, and connects an upper portion and a lower portion of the body portion so as to partition the body portion in the vehicle front-rear direction. Also, the tether has a through hole. The folded portion is formed by sewing the tether that is folded and overlapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Taichi Minei, Kenichiro Yoshimoto, Shunichi Okinaka, Xiang Chen
  • Patent number: 10647285
    Abstract: Tabs for coupling or securing an airbag to a vehicle are provided. A tab may include a first panel and a second panel that meet at a foldable portion. First and second arms may extend away from a central portion of the first panel in substantially opposite directions. First and second recesses may extend inward from first and second lateral edges, respectively, of the second panel. The tab may be configured to be folded to form a bracket receiving member. The bracket receiving member may be configured to be disposed through an aperture of a bracket to secure the tab to the vehicle. Additionally, the first and second panels of the tab may be configured to be secured to an airbag to secure the airbag to the vehicle via the tab and the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Glen Christiansen, Charles Paul Dinsdale
  • Patent number: 10640140
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a steering shaft operatively coupled to a steering device, the steering shaft and the steering device having corresponding rotation with each other. Also included is an anti-rotation assembly selectively engaged with a surface of the steering shaft to maintain the steering shaft and the steering device in a stationary condition when the steering shaft is rotationally decoupled from road wheels operatively coupled to the steering shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce M. Collier, Richard P. Nash
  • Patent number: 10633021
    Abstract: A modular chassis is provided for an off-road vehicle to improve assembly, servicing, and repairing of a drivetrain of the off-road vehicle. The modular chassis includes a chassis to support components of the off-road vehicle. A front frame module couples with a front of the chassis, and a rear frame module couples with a rear of the chassis. The front frame module supports lower suspension arms of the off-road vehicle by way of inboard bushing joints. The front frame module supports at least a steering gear and a front differential of the off-road vehicle. The rear frame module is a tube-frame structure that supports components of the off-road vehicle. A lower portion of the rear frame module extends rearward and acutely upward to a top frame member that couples with upper side portions of the chassis. Several cross-members impart structural integrity to the rear frame module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: Robby Gordon