Patents Examined by Laura Freedman
-
Patent number: 11040690Abstract: A side curtain airbag assembly includes an airbag cushion having a length and a height; a wrapper sheet having a length extending along the airbag cushion and a width perpendicular to the length; and a plurality of mounting strips distributed along the length. Each mounting strip includes a mounting bracket; a wrapping strip; and a connector strap. The wrapper sheet extends across at least two of the mounting strips and is affixed to the airbag cushion by at least one seam composed of stitches. The stitches divide the length of the wrapper sheet into a first partial width and a second partial width of the wrapper sheet. The first partial width of the wrapper sheet has a plurality of cutout openings distributed along an outer edge extending along the length of the wrapper sheet and aligned with the mounting strips. The second partial width can be free of cutout openings.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2019Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.Inventor: Ryan Montgomery
-
Patent number: 11040737Abstract: A device for assembling a column tube (30) in an adjustable steering column assembly (20), comprising a spacer portion (70) adapted to provide rotational damping; provide damping during adjustment of the steering column assembly (e.g., telescope adjustment); and assist in centering the column tube when in an unlocked position and assist in resisting lash, The device further comprises a stop bracket portion (50) adapted to limit rotational travel of the column tube when in an unlocked position; and retain the column tube longitudinally within the steering column assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2017Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: NSK Americas, Inc.Inventors: Scott Lewis Strong, Victor Corona Martinez, Jun Yamada, Dale E. Estes
-
Patent number: 11034318Abstract: In a triggering system for activating a safety device, an acceleration sensor outputs a signal for a time duration in which an acceleration impulse exceeds an acceleration magnitude threshold. A first switching device receives the signal output by the acceleration sensor, and electrically connects a power supply to at least one safety response device for the time duration. A time delay device, upon completion of a delay time after receiving the signal output by the acceleration sensor, outputs a signal for the time duration. A second switching device receives the signal output by the time delay device, and electrically connects the power supply to the at least one safety response device for the time duration. When the time duration exceeds the delay time, the first switching device and the second switching device concurrently electrically connect the safety response device to the power supply, activating the safety response device.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2019Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Adam M. Doyle, Russell C. Proctor
-
Patent number: 11027685Abstract: A vehicle body structure has: a front plate portion that faces in a vehicle front-rear direction; an inclined portion that obliquely descends rearward from a lower end of the front plate portion and is coupled to a floor panel making up a floor surface of a cabin; an arch-shaped portion located at outer end portions in a vehicle width direction of the front plate portion and the inclined portion and makes up a wheel arch-shaped rear portion of a tire house; a front side frame located inward of the arch-shaped portion in the vehicle width direction and extends from the front plate portion to the inclined portion in the vehicle front-rear direction; and a reinforcement panel placed over the arch-shaped portion. The reinforcement panel is disposed outward in the vehicle width direction of an innermost portion in the vehicle width direction in the arch-shaped portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2018Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Masaki Izutsu, Yoichiro Hamano, Tokihisa Ueta, Tomohiro Yoshimura
-
Patent number: 11021125Abstract: A steering wheel assembly includes a steering wheel and an airbag module. The steering wheel includes a hub portion that has a hook member and a first bracket opposed to the hook member and having an access hole. The airbag module is pivotably attached to the hub portion of the steering wheel and includes a latch member and a second bracket opposed to the latch member and having an access hole. The latch member is pivotably attached to the hook member, and the first bracket and the second bracket overlap with each other such that the access holes form a port that receives a fastener.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: RIVIAN IP HOLDINGS, LLCInventor: Gary Andrew Card
-
Patent number: 11014608Abstract: An assembly includes a suspension link, a worm screw, a worm wheel rotatably engaged with the worm screw, and an arm fixed to the worm wheel and connected to the suspension link.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2019Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Nicholas Anthony Quatrano
-
Patent number: 11014620Abstract: Ballast for operating machines, having a portion removably couplable to a hooking seat of the operating machine, characterized by having a fixed part is provided. The couplable portion, a movable part and means for constraining the movable part to the fixed part at a plurality of distinct distances (D, D?, D?) from the fixed part are provided, so as to change the center of gravity position of the operating machine.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2016Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Inventor: Sandro Dini
-
Patent number: 10999970Abstract: A front PTO implement auto connect system includes a frame having a drive over surface and a pair of rear attachment members automatically and releasably engageable by a tractor rear draft linkage. The system includes a PTO coupling member mounted on the frame, and a front PTO shaft extending forwardly from the frame to a front PTO housing. A front attachment member on the front PTO housing is automatically and releasably engageable by a tractor front hanger. The front PTO implement auto connect system may be picked up with the same or similar linkages used to pick up a mid-mounted implement such as a mower deck.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Spencer H. Morris, Santosh Khadasare, Sean T. Miller
-
Patent number: 11001225Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an airbag apparatus for a vehicle. The airbag apparatus is capable of protecting a collision object while protecting a vehicle and an occupant by being installed in a fully autonomous vehicle in which the occupant's position and posture are variable. The airbag apparatus includes an inflator provided outside a vehicle body and configured to generate working gas, a housing mounted to an edge of the vehicle body, a cushion part accommodated in the housing and configured to be inflated as being discharged from the housing by receiving the working gas generated from the inflator for covering a front of the vehicle body, and a tether part provided in the cushion part to determine a deployment shape of the cushion part.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventor: Hyock In Kwon
-
Patent number: 11001112Abstract: A wheel suspension of a vehicle intended to extend in a transversal direction of the vehicle in association with first and second wheels arranged on opposite sides of the vehicle, comprising: a subframe unit provided with a set of attachment points for attachment of the subframe unit to a vehicle body structure, wherein the subframe unit comprises a cross member extending along the subframe unit in a transversal direction of the vehicle when the subframe unit is attached to the vehicle; at least a first link member arranged on each side of the subframe unit, wherein each first link member is arranged to connect a corresponding wheel or wheel supporting element with the subframe unit via a pivoted connection; and a spring arrangement arranged to act onto each of the first link members so as to provide for a spring suspension of the first and second wheels.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2018Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventors: Joakim Weglin, Kjell Sjosten, Åke Malm
-
Patent number: 10987990Abstract: A semi-active anti-roll stabilizer bar capable of controlling the stiffness thereof by virtue of the elastic force of a spring is disclosed. When the stabilizer bar is rotated during general travelling, the stabilizer bar has roll stiffness attributable to the repulsive force due to the spring constant thereof. When the stabilizer bar is greatly rotated during turning of the vehicle, the springs are closely compressed, with the result that the stabilizer bar has the same high stiffness as that of a general stabilizer bar.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2019Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: DAEWON KANG UP CO., LTD.Inventors: Man Seung Lim, Jin Young Kim, Sang Eun Bae
-
Patent number: 10988105Abstract: A vehicular protection system for protecting a protection target colliding with a vehicle is provided, which includes: a bulkhead having a bulkhead upper which extends in a vehicle widthwise direction and is arranged at an upper portion thereof; a hood arranged over the bulkhead upper; a bulkhead pop-up device configured to lift up the bulkhead upper and the hood; and a hood-moving device configured to be able to move forward the bulkhead upper and the hood. When the protection target colliding with the vehicle is protected, the bulkhead pop-up device is used to lift up the bulkhead upper and the hood and the hood-moving device is then used to move forward the bulkhead upper and the hood.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yasuaki Gunji, Masaki Umezawa, Hiroyuki Asanuma, Osamu Ito
-
Patent number: 10988161Abstract: A steering input system for a vehicle, the system including: a steering input device configured to provide a steering action input for the vehicle, and an actuator assembly including a set of actuators configured to translate the steering input device from a drive position to a retracted position by a combined actuation action.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2019Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventors: Daniel Krstic, Johan Svensson, Victor Wetterlind
-
Patent number: 10981538Abstract: A response vehicle includes a transmission, a braking subsystem, and a vehicle management system coupled to at least one of the transmission and the braking subsystem. The vehicle management system includes an interlock module configured to provide a signal to switch the at least one of the transmission and the braking subsystem from a locked condition to an operational condition only in response to an authenticated user request thereby preventing undesired operation of the response vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2018Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Oshkosh CorporationInventors: David W. Archer, Neil Bjornstad, Michael J. Holeton, Patrick D. Martin
-
Patent number: 10981424Abstract: There is provided a control arm comprising a shell-like shell of a first material and a reinforcement of a plastic material, wherein the reinforcement has a flex-element which protrudes therefrom and which can be supported or guided by means of a vehicle structure in order in the event of jounce and/or rebound of the suspension to produce a resilient action equivalent to a conventional spring.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2018Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Daniel Mainz, Friedrich Wolf-Monheim, Rainer Souschek
-
Patent number: 10974682Abstract: An airbag device has an airbag that is wound in a rolled state, mounted in a vehicle longitudinal direction of a vehicle and deployable in a curtain-like manner in a vehicle compartment by a gas generated by an inflator in case of emergency. A cover cloth is provided so as to be wound to cover at least part of an outer circumference of the airbag extending in a longitudinal direction. The cover cloth has a first folded-back part that is formed by folding back one end of the cover cloth in a circumferential direction of the outer circumference of a cross section, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the folded airbag. An edge of the outer circumference of the airbag is held between the first folded-back part and the other end of the cover cloth.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2016Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT ABInventors: Tetsuya Iwata, Hiroki Ishihara, Akihiro Kawada
-
Patent number: 10974684Abstract: Airbag cushions and related assemblies configured to protect the lower extremities of a driver by deploying about the contours of a steering column shroud. In some embodiments, the assembly may comprise an inflatable cushion configured to be deployed adjacent to a vehicle steering column to provide protection to a driver's lower extremities during an impact event. The cushion may comprise a primary inflation chamber, a first supplemental inflation chamber fluidly coupled with the primary inflation chamber and configured to deploy on a left side of the vehicle steering column adjacent to the driver's left lower extremity, and a second supplemental inflation chamber fluidly coupled with the primary inflation chamber and configured to deploy on a right side of the vehicle steering column adjacent to the driver's right lower extremity.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventor: Mark L. Enders
-
Patent number: 10967815Abstract: A harness has a laterally extending portion disposed along a block rear surface of an engine and extending in a width direction of a vehicle within a predetermined height range in which a drive shaft is included. The engine has a projection disposed in at least one of a position above the laterally extending portion or a position below the laterally extending portion within the predetermined height range in a portion, of the engine, toward the rear of the vehicle, the projection projecting, toward the rear of the vehicle, further than the laterally extending portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2017Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Noriyoshi Okii, Kunihiro Nishi
-
Patent number: 10960844Abstract: An occupant protection system for a vehicle may include an expandable curtain and/or an expandable bladder configured to be expanded from a stowed state to a deployed state. The system may also include a transverse ceiling trim panel and one or more side ceiling trim panels configured to be coupled to a ceiling of the vehicle, with the transverse ceiling trim panel extending substantially transversely with respect to the one or more side ceiling trim panels. Portions of the ceiling trim panels may be configured to deflect and allow expansion of the expandable curtain and/or the expandable bladder to the deployed state. The system may also include a deployment controller and one or more inflators configured to cause deployment of the expandable curtain at a first time and deployment of the expandable bladder at a second time after the first time.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2019Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Zoox, Inc.Inventors: Josh Alexander Jimenez, Markus Jost, Andrew John Piper, Andrew Frank Raczkowski, Goutham Shanmuga Sundaram
-
Patent number: 10960840Abstract: An apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle comprises an airbag inflatable from a stored condition to a deployed condition in which the airbag is positioned between a reaction surface of the vehicle and the occupant. The airbag comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. Each of the upper and lower portions is at least one of rolled and folded. The upper and lower portions are positioned overlying each other when in the stored condition. A deployment flap comprises a sheet of material having a first end portion and an oppositely disposed second end portion. The first end portion is secured to the vehicle. A portion of the deployment flap is positioned between the upper and lower portions. The deployment flap has a notch with opposite side edges converging in a direction toward the first end portion of the deployment flap and terminating at a vertex.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Kurt F. Fischer, Alexandra E. Schroeder