Patents Issued in December 15, 2015
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Patent number: 9211875Abstract: To control a wheel load of a wheel according to a lateral acceleration of a vehicle so as to enhance stability of the vehicle, provided is a suspension control apparatus, which is configured to control a wheel-load adjusting mechanism in at least one of the following manners: the wheel load of a front wheel is increased or is made unlikely to be reduced relative to the wheel load of a rear wheel when an absolute value of the lateral acceleration of the vehicle is increasing; and the wheel load of the rear wheel is increased or is made unlikely to be reduced relative to the wheel load of the front wheel when the absolute value of the lateral acceleration of the vehicle is reducing.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2011Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventor: Naofumi Harada
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Patent number: 9211876Abstract: A vehicle brake system includes a first fluid chamber whose volume changes corresponding to the amount of advancement and retraction of the input piston, a second fluid chamber into which hydraulic pressure from a hydraulic pressure source is introduced after adjustment in a pressure regulator, a third fluid chamber kept at the atmospheric pressure, a stroke simulator which generates a reaction force to the brake operation corresponding to a change in volume of the first fluid chamber, a master cylinder, a partition member partitioning each of the second and third fluid chambers from the first fluid chamber, first and second seal members disposed in respective fitting gaps, and an annular member having both ends abutting respective seal members. The annular member divides a space into first and second space portions whose volumes respectively increases and decreases by the same amount when the annular member moves in one axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignees: ADVICS CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Akihiko Miwa, Hiroshi Isono
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Patent number: 9211877Abstract: An actuator (1), especially for a motor vehicle parking brake has a telescopic device (2) that actuates a brake cable (6), and a drive unit which is equipped with an electromechanical drive for actuating the telescopic device (2). The actuator (1) further has a displacement sensor unit for detecting the actuating travel of the telescopic device (2) as well as a force sensor unit for detecting the force applied to the brake cable (6) by the drive unit. The displacement sensor unit and the force sensor unit are disposed next to each other in or on the housing (3) of the telescopic device (2) while being separated from the brake cable (6). The assembly has a particularly simple and compact design while reducing the constructive and mounting effort required during the production of the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, WuerzburgInventors: Norbert Deutloff, Ekkehard Kraft, Stephan Roos, Armin Sauer
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Patent number: 9211878Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer-readable medium for measuring a determining a validity of an estimate of a response time of a brake is disclosed. A sensor obtains a waveform of a parameter related to the engagement of the brake during engagement of the brake. A processor analyzes the obtained waveform, determines inflection points in the waveform within a selected time period, validates the signal integrity of the waveform and provides an indicator when the number of determined inflection points is greater than a pre-specified count value.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Jason B. Kreienheder
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Patent number: 9211879Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods, which relate to the arrangement of a sensor on the shaft of a rail vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2009Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Eureka Navigation Solutions AGInventors: Holger Leitel, Victor Behrends, Kurt Genseleiter, Rolf-Stefan Scheible
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Patent number: 9211880Abstract: A method of adapting the characteristic curve of clutches in a partial dual-clutch transmission of a vehicle, for example a utility vehicle, having a first partial transmission in the form of a dual-clutch transmission (DKG) having a dual clutch (DK) that includes a first clutch (K1) and a second clutch (K2), which can be functionally connected to a drive engine (M), and a second partial transmission in the form of a main transmission (HG) which shifts with traction force interruption and which is arranged downstream from the dual-clutch transmission (DKG) in a drive-train. To achieve reliable and precise clutch control and a consistently high level of shifting comfort, the characteristic curve adaptation of the first and the second clutches (K1, K2) is carried out with the assistance of a pre-loading of the first and the second clutches (K1, K2), while the main transmission (HG) is in a neutral position.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2011Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Roland Mair
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Patent number: 9211881Abstract: A method of controlling an auxiliary power unit of a vehicle. The auxiliary power unit is in communication with an air conditioning system of the vehicle and includes an engine and an alternator coupled to the engine. The method includes determining a state of a compressor of the air conditioning system, the compressor including an off state and an on state, reducing an alternator load relative to the engine in response to the compressor being varied from the off state to the on state, increasing the alternator load relative to the engine after a predetermined time interval, and simultaneously operating the alternator up to an alternator load capacity and the compressor up to a compressor load capacity.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATIONInventors: William Waldschmidt, Gregory R. Truckenbrod, Peter J. Loomis, Michael D. Turnquist
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Patent number: 9211882Abstract: In a drive control device in a drive system including a four joint link mechanism type continuously variable transmission having a one-way clutch (OWC) which can transmit only power from a power source to driving wheels, the drive control device is configured to limit a transmission ratio or an output of the power source when an output speed of the continuously variable transmission is lower than a threshold value. The threshold value is represented as an output speed of the continuously variable transmission at an intersection point of a line that represents an output torque where a maximum driving force is achieved and a line that represents a torque outputted when a swing angle of an input member of the OWC which converts rotational power from the power source into swing power becomes a maximum torsion angle.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazuki Ichikawa, Mitsuhiro Iwadare
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Patent number: 9211883Abstract: Disclosed is a control apparatus of a vehicle which can control an internal combustion engine and a continuously variable transmission. The control apparatus is partly constituted by an ECU adapted to calculate a required drive force and a fuel consumption amount G. The ECU then calculates a time required for the speed change operation with reference to a speed change time map when a variation amount of the accelerator opening degree and a change speed of the accelerator opening degree are calculated. The ECU then calculates the speed change speed, and calculates a transmission efficiency ? of a CVT. The ECU then calculate the ratio G/? of the transmission efficiency ? and the fuel consumption amount G, thereby setting the engine rotational speed at which the above ratio is at the smallest level as a target engine rotational speed.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Toshiki Tachibana
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Patent number: 9211884Abstract: A battery information display apparatus is provided. The battery information display apparatus includes a data storage unit storing battery capacity information according to temperature and current of a battery of an electric vehicle, an integrated power control unit providing power for charging the battery and driving a motor, a sensor measuring the temperature and current of the battery, and a display unit displaying a battery remnant. The integrated power control unit calculates the battery remnant from the battery temperature and current measured by the sensor on the basis of the battery capacity information according to the battery temperature and current stored in the data storage unit and provides the calculated battery remnant to the display unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.Inventors: Byung Woon Jang, Hong Tae Park, Jae Hoon Jang, Yong Jin Kang
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Patent number: 9211885Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling a vehicle having driving sources, a driver request torque command is calculated based on driver operation information, driving-source commands used to control the sources are calculated by dividing the request torque command among the sources, a driver request torque monitor value used to monitor an abnormality in the request torque command is calculated, driving-source monitor values used to monitor an abnormality in the driving-source commands are calculated, a driver request torque monitor margin used to determine the abnormality in the request torque command based a difference between the request torque command and monitor value is calculated, driving-source monitor margins used to determine the abnormality in the driving-source commands based on differences between the driving-source commands and monitor values are calculated based on the request torque monitor margin, and the abnormality in the driving-source commands is determined based on the driving-source monitor margType: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Tomomi Hase
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Patent number: 9211886Abstract: A drive control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with a differential device including four rotary elements; and an engine, first and second electric motors and an output rotary member which are respectively connected to the four rotary elements. One of the four rotary elements is constituted by a rotary component of a first differential mechanism and a rotary component of a second differential mechanism selectively connected through a clutch, and one of the rotary components is selectively fixed to a stationary member through a brake.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Daiki Sato, Kazuyuki Shiiba
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Patent number: 9211887Abstract: A drive control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with a differential device including four rotary elements; and an engine, a first electric motor, a second electric motor and an output rotary member which are respectively connected to the four rotary elements. One of the four rotary elements is constituted by a rotary component of a first differential mechanism and a rotary component of a second differential mechanism selectively connected through a clutch, and one of the rotary components is selectively fixed to a stationary member through a brake. The drive control device comprises: an engine drive control portion configured to temporarily change an output torque of the engine when operating states of the clutch and the brake are changed in respective opposite directions to switch a vehicle drive mode from one of drive modes to another.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hiroaki Kiyokami
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Patent number: 9211888Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes an engine and a motor generator, and controls a hybrid vehicle in which the engine is started by starting torque outputted from the motor generator. The apparatus includes a prestart control section which makes the motor generator output prestart torque smaller than the starting torque before the engine is started by the starting torque, a balance determination section which determines whether or not compression torque caused by pressure in a cylinder of the engine and the prestart torque are balanced with each other, and a start-up control section which makes the motor generator output the starting torque, after the balance determination section determines that the compression torque and the prestart torque are balanced with each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2015Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Takuya Gotou, Kazunari Izumi
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Patent number: 9211889Abstract: A driver assistance method and system senses the presence of a trailer secured to a host vehicle and provides an indication thereof. When a yaw rate for the vehicle exceeds a predetermined value during turning of the host vehicle, the system determines the length of the trailer. To determine trailer length, reflection points from an output of a rear sensor unit are sensed to detect a side wall of the trailer. The farthest reflection point of the trailer is utilized to determine a longitudinal distance and a transverse distance of the trailer with respect to the reflection sensor. The longitudinal distance corresponds to a longitudinal axis of the host vehicle and the transverse axis is transverse to the longitudinal axis. The trailer length is estimated from the yaw rate that provides a trailer angle relative to the host vehicle, and the longitudinal and transverse distances.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Dieter Hoetzer, Maria Eugenia Garcia Bordes
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Patent number: 9211890Abstract: There is a need to further improve the fuel consumption of a vehicle. There is provided a vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle having: an engine; a battery that is chargeable with an amount of electric power generated by a generator which is driven with power of the engine; and auxiliary machinery that are operated with electric power of the battery. The vehicle control device comprises an idle reduction controller, an SOC detector, a current value obtaining section, a current correcting section, an idle reduction capacity setting section and a remaining capacity controller.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Michihiro Miyashita, Koji Ito, Nobukazu Ueki, Kouhei Tochigi
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Patent number: 9211891Abstract: In many vehicular control contexts, a vehicle may monitor the vehicle input control from a driver to detect warning conditions that entail a warning to the user and/or an automatic mitigating action (e.g., detecting hard braking that causes brake lockup, and automatically activating anti-lock braking). Warning and mitigation techniques may address the instant driving conditions, but may not the user driving behavior that caused the condition (e.g., a driving style of the user that resulted in hard braking, such as excessive speed for current driving conditions). Presented herein are techniques for monitoring the user driving behavior of the user in various driving contexts, and presenting driving suggestions of alternative driving behaviors providing advantages over the current user driving behavior of the user. The presentation of the alternative driving behaviors to the user may facilitate changes in user driving behavior that improve the safety, efficiency, and/or comfort of the driving experience.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: INRIX Inc.Inventors: Christopher L. Scofield, Scott Marshall Sedlik
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Patent number: 9211892Abstract: A monitoring device for a control valve on a railcar comprises a microcontroller that includes a memory component, along with a voltage sensor that is in electrical communication with one or more solenoids associated with the control valve. When a selected solenoid is actuated, the voltage sensor reads a voltage and communicates the voltage to the microcontroller, with the microcontroller storing the voltage and other pertinent data in the memory component.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Lexair, Inc.Inventors: James Combs, Theodore O'Canna
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Patent number: 9211893Abstract: A sanitary module for a rail vehicle has a trough-shaped floor region and side panels. The side panels have on their inside a recess in the floor region, in the cross-section of which ramp-like sealing profile sections are provided, the vertically running side areas of which are in contact with associated recess areas of the side panels. The sealing profiles are formed for fastening onto a baseplate. A floor covering forms the trough-shaped floor region of the sanitary module and extends across the ramp-like sides of the covering profiles. Sealing material is introduced in the upper part of the recess of the side panels in such a manner that the floor covering is closed flush with the side panels above the recess thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Abdessamad Ait-Jeddi, Walter Lindermuth
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Patent number: 9211894Abstract: A multi-mode load carrier is convertible to assume a storage mode, a cart mode, and a hand-truck mode. The load carrier includes a rolling base and a base pusher having a handgrip.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2015Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Ameriwood Industries, Inc.Inventor: William R Gibson
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Patent number: 9211895Abstract: A steering bar engageable with and removable from a steering mode transmission in a camera dolly or pedestal. The steering bar has a handle attached to an upper end of a slot tube, with the slot tube telescopically slidable into or over a base tube, and keyed to the base tube. A shift rod has an upper end connected to a shift cap at the steering bar and a lower end connectable to the steering transmission. A clamp clamps onto the shift rod and is axially movable with the handle bar, to allow shifting steering modes via movement of the shift cap, with the steering bar at any selected height.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment, Inc.Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
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Patent number: 9211896Abstract: A scooter with casters or similar devices enabling it to move smoothly with efficient change of direction. Also included is an outrigger with crosspieces that provide footrests for the rider. The crosspieces are shaped to enable two scooters to be attached in an assembly. The crosspiece is stored in locked and/or nested fashion in a storage cavity formed into the bottom surface of the scooter. A safety belt and backrest may be used with the scooter.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Shield Mfg., Inc.Inventors: Robert Berghash, Amy Hangen, David Delisanti
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Patent number: 9211897Abstract: A collapsible wagon comprises a frame, four wheels, a pliable liner, and a telescoping tow handle. The frame has four sides that are each formed by a respective scissor-bar assembly. The frame also has a vertically oriented telescoping pole assembly at the intersection of each pair of the scissor-bar assemblies. The frame is configured such that, as the wagon is altered from its expanded to its collapsed configuration, the scissor-bar assemblies and the telescoping pole assemblies increase in height and the scissor-bar assemblies decrease in width. Each of the four wheels is attached to a bottom end portion of a respective one of the telescoping pole assemblies. The pliable liner is connected to the frame and defines an open-top interior compartment of the wagon when the wagon is in its expanded configuration. The telescoping tow handle is adjustable between collapsed and expanded configurations.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2015Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Westfield Outdoor, Inc.Inventors: Baoqing Yang, Matthew Abernathy
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Patent number: 9211898Abstract: A golf trolley configured with a foldable chassis, a plurality of wheels for engagement with the ground, the wheels being movable between an operative position and a stowed position, and a handle. The trolley incorporates a gear train in connection with the foldable chassis for folding elements of the chassis with respect to one another and for moving the wheels between the operative and stowed positions. The handle is pivotally mounted to the chassis and includes a first gear, the first gear being in meshing engagement with the gear train for controlling the folding of the chassis by movement of the handle.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Stewart Golf LimitedInventors: Mark Adam Stewart, Duncan Ross Stewart, Jon Stewart Miller, David Michael Funnell
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Patent number: 9211899Abstract: A four-wheel shopping cart includes a substantially rectangular base surrounded by vertical side, front and rear walls to form an open-topped, cargo basket. The front wall opens fully to provide access to the cargo area, while the rear wall is shorter than the others to allow easy access from behind while shopping. A transverse axle mounted below the rear wall supports hinged legs that fold upwards alongside the side walls so the cart can be placed conveniently into a vehicle for transportation. The legs unfold and lock to support the cart on castors for shopping, and may include height adjustment means for lowering the basket to a comfortable level for usage and for raising it to place it into the shopper's vehicle. A pair of small, adjustable wheels mounted on opposite front corners of the base pivot partially to facilitate maneuvering the cart within the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Inventors: Brenda Jo Beauchamp, Kenneth Roy Hill
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Patent number: 9211900Abstract: A tugger cart that has a first side, a second side and a locking portion is provided. The first side and second side may include guide wheels aligned in an upward slant. The locking portion may include a rocking arm that is pivotally attached to the tugger cart. The rocking arm may include a lock pedal and an unlock pedal. A rider cart may include a first side and a second side. The first and second side may include wings that are slanted upward, similar to the guide wheels. The rider cart may be pushed onto the tugger cart and the wings may roll along the guide wheels. The rider cart may apply pressure to the lock pedal and the unlock pedal may pivot upward, locking the rider cart onto the tugger cart. To unlock the rider cart, the unlock pedal may be pushed downward, and the rider cart may be removed.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Inventor: Joseph Wayne Knepp
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Patent number: 9211901Abstract: A cooler includes a main body which includes a base, an upper rim, and one or more cooler walls extending therebetween. The cooler in some embodiments further includes a removable wheel assembly which includes two coaxial wheels, and an axle. The two coaxial wheels are removably securable to the axle. The cooler still further comprises a wheel fastening system configured to secure the removable wheel assembly to the base of the main body which includes a mount, a clip hingedly connected to the mount, and a locking clasp configured to lock the clip into a closed position to secure the wheel assembly. The cooler yet further comprises a lid including two wheel storage recesses, each being sized and dimensioned to receive and retain one of the coaxial wheel of the wheel assembly, and an axle storage recess sized and dimensioned to receive and retain the axle of the wheel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: M & C INNOVATIONS, LLCInventors: Matthew Alexander Vanderberg, Daniel Lee Bizzell
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Patent number: 9211902Abstract: A cooler includes a main body which includes a base, an upper rim, and one or more cooler walls extending therebetween. The cooler in some embodiments further includes a removable wheel assembly which includes two coaxial wheels, and an axle. The two coaxial wheels are removably securable to the axle. The cooler still further comprises a wheel fastening system configured to secure the removable wheel assembly to the base of the main body which includes a mount, a clip hingedly connected to the mount, and a locking clasp configured to lock the clip into a closed position to secure the wheel assembly. The cooler yet further comprises a lid including two wheel storage recesses, each being sized and dimensioned to receive and retain one of the coaxial wheel of the wheel assembly, and an axle storage recess sized and dimensioned to receive and retain the axle of the wheel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: M & C INNOVATIONS, LLCInventors: Matthew Alexander Vanderberg, Daniel Lee Bizzell
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Patent number: 9211903Abstract: A smart stroller includes at least one armrest, a processor, a flexible touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an automatic brake unit. The flexible touch sensor detects whether the at least one armrest is grasping by a person; if no, the processor controls the acceleration sensor to detect whether the smart stroller is moving. If the processor determines that the armrest is not grasped by the person and the smart stroller is moving, the processor control the at least one automatic brake unit to block the smart strolling to stop the smart stroller from moving.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Hou-Hsien Lee, Chang-Jung Lee, Chih-Ping Lo
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Patent number: 9211904Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, with a support part for directly or indirectly mounting the steering column on a body of the motor vehicle and with at least one carriage displaceably mounted in a displacement direction on the support part, at least in the event of a crash, wherein a steering spindle of the steering column is rotatably mounted directly or indirectly on the carriage, wherein the carriage is clamped onto the support part by means of at least one clamping device of the steering column, wherein the carriage is further braced on the support part by at least two contact points arranged on opposite sides of the clamping device and spaced away from the clamping device, wherein at least one free space between the carriage and the support part is arranged in regions between the clamping device and each of the contact points.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Presta AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rodrigo Back, Robert Galehr
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Patent number: 9211905Abstract: A steering apparatus has a pinion shaft that transmits rotation of a steering wheel to a rack shaft, a bearing that is internally fitted to the housing, rotatably supports one end of the pinion shaft on the housing, and bears a radial load and a thrust load acting on the pinion shaft, and a retaining ring that is internally fitted to an annular groove provided on the inner circumferential surface of the housing and has a C-shaped part and an opening defined by two opposed ends of the C-shaped part, the C-shaped part being in contact with an end face of an outer ring of the bearing to thereby fix the outer ring of the bearing to the housing. The retaining ring is internally fitted to the annular groove in such a way that the opening faces toward the rack teeth as seen from an axial direction of the pinion shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventor: Seiji Ueno
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Patent number: 9211906Abstract: A vehicle suspension device includes first lower link member and a second lower link member configured to individually couple a vehicle side support part and the axle carrier having an axle of rotatably supporting a turning wheel, a first upper link member and a second upper link member, and a component of moving a virtual lower pivot point represented by a cross point of the first lower link member and the second lower link member, in a planer view, toward an outer side and frontward in a vehicle width direction, when the turning wheel is turned from a straight travel state, and moving a virtual upper pivot point represented by a cross point of the first upper link member and the second upper link member at least toward the outer side and frontward in the vehicle width direction, when the turning wheel is turned from the straight travel state.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yusuke Kageyama
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Patent number: 9211907Abstract: A solenoid valve device includes: a solenoid valve that includes a solenoid that is supplied with driving current to generate magnetic flux, and a valve element that is moved by the magnetic flux generated from the solenoid; and a control device that controls the solenoid valve. The control device includes an alternating current component in the driving current and supplies the driving current including the alternating current component to the solenoid, and detects an impedance of the solenoid.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Ryouichi Kubo, Masahiko Sakamaki
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Patent number: 9211908Abstract: A steering spindle arrangement includes a spindle bolt (2), an axle beam (1) that is secured to a central part (2b) of the spindle bolt (2), a stub axle (5) that has a first arm (6) that is rotatable around a first part (2a) of the spindle bolt (2) via a first bearing (11) and a second arm (8) that is rotatably arranged around a second part (2c) of the spindle bolt (2) via a second bearing (22). An adjusting mechanism (4, 18) makes it possible to adjust a variable rotation resistance for the stub axle (5) when it is rotated around the spindle bolt (2).Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: SCANIA CV ABInventor: Martin Stjernling
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Patent number: 9211909Abstract: A controller and control method for a motorized vehicle such a wheelchair are provided. The motorized vehicle has at least two driven wheels driven independently by a motor arrangement, and the controller receives a number of input signals from a user input device of the motorized vehicle. The controller comprises drive control circuitry for generating control signals for controlling the driving of the driven wheels by the motor arrangement, the control signals being dependent on the input signals. Speed assist circuitry is responsive to an indication of current consumed in driving the driven wheels to detect occurrence of a loading condition. On detection of occurrence of a loading condition, the speed assist circuitry is then arranged to boost at least one of the input signals in order to boost top speed in the presence of the loading condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: PENNY & GILES CONTROLS LIMITEDInventors: Nigel Peter Sharp, Glenn Leigh Garnett
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Patent number: 9211910Abstract: A device for keeping a vehicle in its lane, including a reference model, which obtains geometric data regarding the position of the vehicle in the lane as well as data relating to the course of the lane from a lane detection system, and from these calculates a setpoint variable for controlling the vehicle position. In order to allow for corners to be cut, the guiding behavior of the control system is modified in such a way when cornering that, in the event of a deviation of the path of motion of the vehicle from the setpoint path of motion in the direction of the inside of the curve, no or only low steering forces are applied to the steering system.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2006Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Lutz Buerkle, Michael Weilkes, Michael Scherl, Tobias Rentschler
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Patent number: 9211911Abstract: A method for steering assistance of a motor vehicle driver of a motor vehicle in dangerous situations. The vehicle is equipped with a mechanism which influences its steering device and a vehicle environment detection mechanism. A trajectory calculation unit calculates driving cases of all drivable and stable movement trajectories on the basis of the data of the vehicle environment detection mechanism. A mechanism detects and evaluates a current steering wheel actuation with regard to the presence of a dangerous situation, wherein, when a dangerous situation is detected, the movement trajectory from the currently determined driving case is determined which corresponds to the driving maneuver that is indicated by the associated current steering wheel actuation, and the driver is assisted, by way of the mechanism which influences the steering device, in continuing the driving maneuver as a function of the determined movement trajectory.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2009Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHGInventor: Ulrich Stählin
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Patent number: 9211912Abstract: A method for calibrating a parking aid, which is configured to actively control a steering angle of a vehicle, by: automatically detecting a parking space with the aid of sensors and calculating a target course in light of the detected parking space. The steering angle is controlled based on the calculated target course, with a controllable actuator. The method accounts for an error by the actuator by: determining an actual course, which results from controlling according to the target course; comparing the actual course to the target course and ascertaining the error resulting from the comparison; and generating a correction parameter, which is linked to the error by a monotonic function. The correction parameter allows the actuator's behavior to be considered. Controlling the steering angle is done based on a combination of the set angle with the correction parameter. A related controller for implementing the method is also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2010Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventor: Volker Niemz
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Patent number: 9211913Abstract: A structure for front side frames of automobile is provided in which since, among first and second bent parts to the rear of a power unit mounting part of the front side frame formed from a tubular hollow member having a constant cross-section, a first weak part is provided in the vicinity of the rear-side second bent part, and a second weak part is provided in the vicinity of a third bent part, which is bent convexly outward in the vehicle width direction in the power unit mounting part, when an automobile is involved in a frontal collision, it becomes possible for the front side frame formed from the tubular hollow member and having high strength to bend via the first weak part and also via the second weak part, thereby enabling the impact absorption stroke to be increased and the effect in absorbing collision energy to be enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshikatsu Ohta
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Patent number: 9211914Abstract: A chassis (10) for a vehicle is disclosed which combines rigidity, speed of manufacture, and a small environmental footprint. Such a chassis comprises a framework of interconnected tubular sections (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 28) and at least one sheet (50) bonded to the framework. Laser cutting, CNC bending, and computer-controlled welding mean that the required production time can be kept to 120 seconds and the rigidity of the structure as a whole is sufficient. Such a chassis also has an exceptionally low carbon footprint. The sheet can be metallic, such as Aluminium or Aluminium honeycomb, or it can be a composite material such as one comprising a paper-based core and a fibre-reinforced plastics coating. The sheet can be non-flat, and is preferably a concave geometry such as a tub. It can be composed of a plurality of sections, ideally joined by a method allowing a positional tolerance so that any tolerance in the construction of the framework can be accommodated.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2009Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Gordon Murray Design LimitedInventor: Ian Gordon Murray
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Patent number: 9211915Abstract: There is provided a vehicle front structure including: a power unit disposed at a front part side of the vehicle; a front side member disposed at an outer side of the power unit in a vehicle width direction the front side member extending along a vehicle front-rear direction; a protruding member provided on an outer wall of the front side member, the protruding member protruding to an outer side in the vehicle width direction relative the outer wall of the front side member; and an inclined wall formed in the protruding member, the inclined wall extending from an outer end portion of the protruding member in the vehicle width direction to an inner side in the vehicle width direction and a vehicle body rear side in the vehicle front-rear direction in a plain view.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masatoshi Abe, Takashi Tagaito, Junki Niimoto
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Patent number: 9211916Abstract: A fender for a wheel rotating about an axis comprises a main fender part extending around the axis, a fender protruding from an axial fender fringe towards the axis, a mudguard comprising a main mudguard section extending downwards from the main fender part and a mudguard skirt protruding towards the wheel axis from an axial mudguard fringe, and an elastic interface. The main fender part, the fender skirt, the main mudguard section, and the mudguard skirt are molded of a same dimensionally stable plastic material. The elastic interface is made of an elastomeric plastic material molded to the main fender part, the fender skirt, the main mudguard section and the mudguard skirt, and connects the main mudguard section of the mudguard to a lower back end of the main fender part, and the mudguard skirt to a lower back skirt end of the fender skirt.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2015Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: WEGU HOLDING LEICHTBAUSYSTEMEInventors: Martin Rosenbecker, Grit Mueller
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Patent number: 9211917Abstract: A sleeve is attached to a tubular longitudinal bar that extends around a control arm for the rear suspension of a vehicle. The tubular longitudinal bar is generally U-shaped with a first leg attached to a frame rail in front of the control arm and a second leg connected to the frame rail behind the control arm. The first and second legs are joined by a middle portion. A bend is formed between the first leg and the middle portion. The tubular sleeve is attached to the tubular longitudinal bar at the bend and extends partially along the first leg and the middle portion. The tubular sleeve is disposed between the control arm and a fuel tank of a vehicle that is located between the rear wheels of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Rahul Arora, Sino Johan Van Dyk, Saied Nusier
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Patent number: 9211918Abstract: An attachment arrangement for a vehicle comprises a bracket having a first end part and a second end part. The first end part of the bracket is attachable to an inside of a first vehicle body part. The first vehicle body part is attachable to a second vehicle body part. A structural foam is arranged on the second end part of the bracket. The structural foam has an expansion factor such that when the structural foam is heated, the structural foam is expandable from the second end part of the bracket and adherable to the second vehicle body part.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATIONInventors: Anders Magnusson, Camilla Waestlund
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Patent number: 9211919Abstract: A system of aerodynamic skirt fairings designed to minimize aerodynamic drag and maintain smoother air flow over highway-operated long-haul tractor-trailer vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Strehl, LLCInventor: Richard P. Senatro
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Patent number: 9211920Abstract: A system comprising a self-propelled device and an accessory device. The self-propelled device includes a spherical housing, and a drive system provided within the spherical housing to cause the self-propelled device to roll. When the self-propelled device rolls, the self-propelled device and the accessory device magnetically interact to maintain the accessory device in contact with a top position of the spherical housing relative to an underlying surface on which the spherical housing is rolling on.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2015Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Sphero, Inc.Inventors: Ian H. Bernstein, Adam Wilson, Chun Kong
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Patent number: 9211921Abstract: A track assembly for traction of an off-road vehicle, such as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or a snowmobile, is disclosed. The track assembly comprises a plurality of track-contacting wheels, which comprises: a drive wheel; and a plurality of idler wheels spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the track assembly. The track assembly also comprises an endless track disposed around the track-contacting wheels. A frame of the track assembly may comprise a hollow frame structure. The hollow frame structure may be dimensioned to impede accumulation of snow, mud, rocks, debris, etc. in the track assembly. The track assembly may comprise interwheel guides between longitudinally adjacent ones of the idler wheels to contact a bottom run of the endless track, and/or fenders adjacent to given ones of the idler wheels. The frame's hollowness, the interwheel guides, and/or the fenders may be realized during molding of a portion of the frame using a blow molding or other fluid-based molding process.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2011Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Camso Inc.Inventors: Jeremie Zuchoski, Bernard Jean
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Patent number: 9211922Abstract: A robotic vehicle is provided with improved traction and mobility via a specially designed wheel apparatus including a relatively rigid wheel structure formed from two circular, coaxial sprocketed wheel plates separated by a central hub. The sprockets on the wheel plates are circumferentially aligned with one another, with axially facing sprocket pairs being received in areas defined between circumferentially adjacent pairs of tread links in a series of tread links, equal in number to the number of sprocket pairs, arranged in a circular array around the periphery of the wheel structure. The sprocket pairs are sized and configured in a manner such that substantial relative axial and circumferential movement between the wheel structure and the tread link array are blocked, with the axially facing sprockets in each sprocket pair being axially and resiliently deflected toward one another by surface portions of their associated tread link area.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Cardinal Gibbons High SchoolInventors: Ariana Jacqueline Keeling, Kirby Shane Cook, Timothy Paul Kowalczyk, Aaron Joseph Ruff, Sean Michael McDonald, Sean Michael Greene, Marc Celestini, Brian Alexander Nelson
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Patent number: 9211923Abstract: Guide projections 24 of protruding profile are disposed to the peripheral inside of a rubber crawler 10 so as to project out from an inner peripheral face of a rubber resilient body 12. Each of the guide projections 24 is configured with an indented portion 26. The indented portions 26 are open in the guide projections 24 on the peripheral inside.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATIONInventor: Shinichiro Uchiyama
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Patent number: 9211924Abstract: A vehicle may include a CVT unit or a power source which requires ambient air. An air inlet for an air intake system coupled to the CVT unit or the power source which requires ambient air may be provided in a side of a cargo carrying portion of the vehicle. The vehicle may include a rear radius arm suspension.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Brian M. Safranski, Robbi L. Peterson, Richard L. Sunsdahl, Aaron D. Deckard, Louis J. Brady