Patents Issued in January 14, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160009220
    Abstract: A running board of a vehicle is provided herein. The running board includes a housing and a light-producing assembly disposed inside the housing. The light-producing assembly includes a plurality of light sources and a photoluminescent structure configured to luminesce in response to excitation by light emitted from the plurality of light sources, wherein luminescent light escapes the housing via a first light permeable portion and a second light permeable portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Harry Lobo, Michael Musleh
  • Publication number: 20160009221
    Abstract: A module forms a bodywork element for a motor vehicle and contributes to the exterior aesthetics of the vehicle. It is intended to fitted to a body of the vehicle. It includes interior lighting electrical means, intended to light the interior of a passenger compartment of the vehicle, and means for connecting the interior lighting means to an electrical power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventor: Vincent Godbillon
  • Publication number: 20160009222
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for emergency alert audio interception. An emergency module is configured to determine that an emergency condition has been satisfied for a first vehicle. A transmitter module is configured to transmit an emergency indication from a first vehicle to a different vehicle. A receiver module is configured to detect, at a different vehicle, an emergency indication from a first vehicle. An action module is configured to perform an automatic action for a different vehicle in response to detecting an emergency indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventor: Eugene Taylor
  • Publication number: 20160009223
    Abstract: A system, method, and device for operations of an electrically motorized vehicle. The vehicle can utilize an electrically motorized wheel to convert a non-motorized wheeled vehicle to an electrically motorized wheeled vehicle. One system to facilitate user safety when using an electrically motorized wheel includes a proximity sensor on the electrically motorized wheel in communication with a user mobile device and a proximity alert module on the mobile device enabled to alert a user when a sensed proximity crosses a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Assaf Biderman, Jon Stevens, John David Heinzmann
  • Publication number: 20160009224
    Abstract: Information relating to a change made to a concrete mixture in a concrete mixer truck is obtained. An expected value of a selected characteristic of the concrete mixture is determined based on the change. A representation of the expected value is displayed on a processing device located in a cab of the concrete mixer truck. In one embodiment, the mixture comprises a concrete mixture. The change may comprise an addition of water to the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventor: Farrokh F. RADJY
  • Publication number: 20160009225
    Abstract: A periphery surveillance apparatus includes: a storage section storing captured image data from a capturing section capturing an image of a region including a road surface and a region upward therefrom, in a traveling direction of a vehicle; a display section selectively displaying at least one of past and present images, the past image based on captured image data corresponding to a current underfloor area among captured image data stored in the storage section, and the present image based on new captured image data captured and output by the capturing section; and a control section performing switching to the past image when a permission condition for permitting display of the past image is established during displaying the present image and performing switching to the present image when a recovery condition for performing recovery to the present image is established during displaying the past image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuya WATANABE, Tetsuya MARUOKA, Itsuko OHASHI
  • Publication number: 20160009226
    Abstract: A rear-view mirror arrangement for a motor vehicle, having a housing to hold a mirror assembly which has a liquid-crystal cell, the reflectance of the mirror assembly being variable. The liquid-crystal cell has a transparent front-side carrier layer, a transparent rear-side carrier layer and, an electrically actuable liquid-crystal layer arranged between the carrier layers and held in a sealed-off fashion by way of a seal frame. A permanently clear optical image is produced for the vehicle occupant as a user, and the mirror arrangement has a low weight and is inexpensive to produce. This is achieved in that the housing is of unipartite form and permits frameless retention of the mirror assembly, and a housing gap between the housing element and the mirror assembly into which is fitted a seal for the sealed retention of the mirror assembly in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventor: Peter KREBS
  • Publication number: 20160009227
    Abstract: A roof rail retainer with an adapter component, has a fastening apparatus for mounting on a roof of a vehicle and a fastening device for mounting a roof rail of the vehicle. The fastening apparatus has a bolt element which is preferably provided with a thread and is surrounded by a compressible sealing ring. At least one supporting element is associated with the bolt element and on the one hand lies in contact with the adapter component or is connected to the adapter component, and on the other hand has at least one supporting surface which can be placed onto the roof of the vehicle. A thickness of the uncompressed sealing ring as viewed in an axial direction of the bolt element is greater than the supporting length of the supporting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: HANS UND OTTMAR BINDER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Hans BINDER, Ottmar BINDER, Stefan SIRRENBERG, Marcus HIPPE
  • Publication number: 20160009228
    Abstract: A speaker assembly for a motorcycle is configured to provide sound to a passenger in the motorcycle. The speaker assembly includes a first support attachment and a second support attachment, mechanically coupled to the motorcycle. A central support assembly is mechanically coupled to the first support attachment and the second support attachment. A first speaker and a second speaker are mechanically coupled to the central support assembly and electrically coupled to the motorcycle. Padding covers the central support assembly and fitting around the first speaker and the second speaker. The first speaker and the second speaker are configured to render the sound to the passenger sitting proximate the padding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: George Calvin COTTON, Nicole Denise COTTON
  • Publication number: 20160009229
    Abstract: A modular mobile device enclosure and multi-part system or kit for purposes of providing functionality of mobile devices while embedded within or upon clothing or objects comprising a connectable by swivel snap modular device enclosure that couples with the opposing connectable swivel snap track, swivel snap pin or other swivel snap connection whereas the device is accessed via a snap and swivel motion from wherever placed by the user. In cases where a swivel motion may not be required to access the device, the system or kit by default is a secure connection between the enclosure, track, object or harness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventor: Bruce Max Davis
  • Publication number: 20160009230
    Abstract: An attachment structure for an in-vehicle camera includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket is fixed to an inner surface of a windshield. The second bracket holds an in-vehicle camera when the second bracket is attached to the first bracket at an attachment position. The first bracket includes a support portion and a first one-way engagement portion. The second bracket includes a pressing portion and a second one-way engagement portion. The pressing portion presses a pressed portion of the in-vehicle camera against the support portion and holds the pressed portion between the pressing portion and the support portion when the second bracket is at the attachment position. The second one-way engagement portion cooperates with the pressing portion to inhibit the second bracket from moving with respect to the first bracket when the second one-way engagement portion is engaged with the first one-way engagement portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiro MIYADO, Yutaka YAMAGIWA, Masami ISHIHARA, Ryuichi SHINKAI, Shinji TAKEO, Shintaro KAWAMURA, Ryo IWAMATSU, Kunihiko TOYOFUKU, Hajime NAGAE
  • Publication number: 20160009231
    Abstract: A vehicle storage assembly includes a bracket, a mounting plate, a post having a distal end and a proximal end, an upper member defining a frame configured to support a rigging accessory, a lower member, and a locking member positioned to selectively fix the orientation of the post, the upper member, and the lower member. The distal end of the post is rotatably coupled to the bracket and the proximal end of the post is rotatably coupled to the mounting plate. The upper member includes an outer wall and a plurality of supports defining a plurality of stations, the plurality of supports coupling the outer wall to the post. The lower member includes an outer panel and a plurality of partitions defining a plurality of cavities configured to receive the rigging accessory, the plurality of partitions coupling the outer panel to the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: OSHKOSH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jacob Perron, Bradley Kresge
  • Publication number: 20160009232
    Abstract: A power toolbox which may include a hollow body, comprising a top, a bottom, and a plurality of walls, and a kit for the same. The power toolbox may also include a first lid, wherein the first lid is attached to an outside edge of the top of the hollow body. The toolbox may further include a connection for a power source positioned inside the hollow body, which may be located on at least one of the plurality of walls. Also included in the toolbox is at least one electrical outlet positioned on a surface of the hollow body. Lastly, the toolbox may include at least one light source, wherein the light source is positioned inside the hollow body and is connected to the power source. A method of retrofitting the power toolbox in a pickup truck is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventor: Adam M. Budny
  • Publication number: 20160009233
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a lamp which includes a light source and first and second parabolic mirrored surfaces which extend radially from either side of the light source. A clear lens may be disposed directly above the light source and may be operably coupled to both the first and second parabolic mirrored surfaces. Moreover, an object may be disposed on top of the light source and when the light source is turned on a floating 3-dimensional image may be produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventor: Richard E. Lund
  • Publication number: 20160009234
    Abstract: Inflexible tube portions are formed so that their inner surfaces are located at the same position as inner surface portions of flexible tube portions. Therefore, the inner diameter of the former is set the same as that of the latter. The inner surface of each inflexible tube portion is formed so as to be connected to the inner surface portion of each adjacent flexible tube portion so as to form a gentle curved surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventor: Hideomi ADACHI
  • Publication number: 20160009235
    Abstract: A system includes first and second failsafe devices. Each of the failsafe devices includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor for performing at least one of detecting a fault and providing a communication concerning a fault. The system further includes an arbitration bus connecting the first and second failsafe devices. The communication concerning the fault may be provided from a first one of the first and second failsafe devices to a second one of the first and second failsafe devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John P. Joyce, Scott J. Lauffer
  • Publication number: 20160009236
    Abstract: A bumper beam has a hat-shaped profile (11) with a cover (12) which is recessed into the hat-shaped profile and is welded to the sides (16, 17) of the hat-shaped profile, inside the hat-shaped profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: Gestamp Hardtech AB
    Inventor: Johan Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20160009237
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a bumper assembly for a passenger car having a bumper cover for covering a flexible cross-member and at least one stiffening element for stiffing the bumper cover at least below the flexible cross-member. At least one sensor is coupled to the stiffening element to detect deformation of the stiffening element resulting from a collision of the passenger car with a pedestrian.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Christian RAHE, Tobias RIEDL, Gerhard FICHTINGER
  • Publication number: 20160009238
    Abstract: A foldable roll-over protection structure is provided for use on a vehicle movable in a generally fore-and-aft direction. The foldable roll-over protection structure includes a frame comprising a base section and an upper section. The base section is connectable to the vehicle. The upper section is swingable relative to the base section between a forward position in which the upper section projects forwardly from the base section, a rearward position in which the upper section projects rearwardly from the base section, and an upright position positioned between the forward and rearward positions. A hinge assembly swingably interconnects the sections of the frame. The hinge assembly is configured to releasably secure the upper section in each of the positions of the upper section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: FULL VISION, INC.
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Schlup, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160009239
    Abstract: A side airbag assembly for protecting an occupant of a vehicle seat. The assembly includes an inflatable cushion, wherein the cushion is stored in a compact arrangement. An inflator is provided for supplying inflation gas for the cushion. The inflator and cushion are secured in position by a mounting bracket connected to a frame of the vehicle seat. A cover for covering a back surface of the vehicle seat is included and the cover includes a rear facing surface and a first side facing surface. The cover is connected to the mounting bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: TK HOLDINGS INC.
    Inventors: Pongdet Paul WIPASURAMONTON, Jonathan Richard KIBAT
  • Publication number: 20160009240
    Abstract: An airbag device for a vehicle may include a main vent hole disposed in an airbag cushion and emit expansion gas therein, a cover disposed on an outer side of the airbag cushion, to be switched between an opened state and a closed state, by a tension force applied thereto, and provided with an auxiliary vent hole through which the expansion gas inside the airbag cushion may be emitted, a tether having a first one end connected to the cover through the main vent hole and a second end fixed inside the airbag cushion to provide the tension force to the cover, and a tether guide disposed on an inner side of the airbag cushion to support the tether and make the tether pass therethrough while being slid on the inner side of the airbag cushion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventor: Jun Yeol CHOI
  • Publication number: 20160009241
    Abstract: A frontal passenger airbag module is provided in association with the forward part of the instrument panel adjacent the windshield. The module includes a passageway through which the airbag may be deployed. The module is movable between an operational position in which the airbag may be deployed through the a breakaway opening in the instrument panel and a stowed position in which the module is moved vehicle-rearward such that the passageway is no longer adjacent the breakaway opening and the module no longer encroaches on the crush space provided for pedestrian protection. The vehicle includes an impact sensor for determining if an impact event involves a pedestrian. If it is determined by the sensor that a pedestrian has been involved, the module is moved to its stowed position. If it is determined by the sensor that no pedestrian has been involved, then the module remains in its operational position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Kevin Pline, Brian Robert Spahn, Sean West
  • Publication number: 20160009242
    Abstract: There is provided a front passenger seat airbag device including a front passenger seat airbag that receives a supply of gas and inflates and deploys in front of a front passenger seat, and that is formed with a vehicle rear-facing first head contact face at a vehicle up-down direction upper portion in an inflated and deployed state, and a center airbag that is integrally formed to the front passenger seat airbag, that receives a supply of gas and inflates and deploys on a vehicle width direction center side of the front passenger seat airbag, and that is formed in an inflated and deployed state with a second head contact face extending from a vehicle width direction center side end portion of the first head contact face toward the vehicle rear, and facing both the vehicle rear and the vehicle width direction outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventor: Osamu Fukawatase
  • Publication number: 20160009243
    Abstract: An airbag includes a mounting region, a protection inflatable region and an intermediate region disposed between the mounting region and the protection inflatable region. An area of the airbag from the protection inflatable region to the intermediate region is formed of two panels that are continuous with each other at leading end regions of the panels apart from the mounting region and the two panels in that area are connected at opposite edges by a joint. The protection inflatable region includes at the leading end a folded region that is formed by bringing the leading end regions of the two panels closer to the mounting region so as to form four or more layers of the panels, such that the folded region includes at least two inflatable spaces between the layers and a crease that is continuous with the joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Wataru MIURA, Keiichiro TAKEBAYASHI, Shota WATANABE, Daisuke KITAMURA
  • Publication number: 20160009244
    Abstract: An airbag includes at least one panel defining an interior of the airbag, and a divider positioned in the interior so as to divide the interior into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A valve mechanism is operatively coupled to the divider for restricting a flow of gases from the lower chamber into the upper chamber. The valve mechanism is structured such that an actuation response time of the valve in attenuating or impeding gas flow from the lower chamber into the upper chamber is proportional to the pressure differential between the upper and lower chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: TK HOLDINGS INC.
    Inventor: Christopher L Anderson
  • Publication number: 20160009245
    Abstract: Side curtain airbag assemblies for use inside motor vehicles and methods of preparing airbag assemblies are described herein that allow for the deployment of a curtain with varying trajectory. The curtain may be attached to an inflator that is configured to rapidly inflate the curtain from a folded condition to a deployed condition upon signals generated from an activation event, such as a collision or vehicle roll-over. The trajectory of the curtain can be defined as the direction of the curtain being inflated in relation to other components of a vehicle. Different portions of the curtain may have different fold configurations, allowing for tuning of the trajectory upon deployment of each distinct portion of the curtain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Robert C. Steinbrecher, Todd P. Lang, Adam Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20160009246
    Abstract: A curtain airbag for a motor vehicle includes an inflatable cushion and a protective sheet having an attachment edge attached to the airbag and a free-length extending from the attachment edge. The cushion formed into a folded condition from which it is deployable in a deployment direction, and the free-length of the sheet is positioned adjacent to the deployment direction of the cushion. The airbag is installed in the vehicle to deploy adjacent to a daylight opening of the vehicle. Deployment of the cushion during inflation causes the protective sheet to be drawn along with the cushion in the deployment direction so that the sheet overlays the outboard-facing side of the cushion (between the cushion and the daylight opening) and thereby provides a degree of protection against damage to the cushion that may be caused by, for example, broken window glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Sean Timothy Ryan, Joseph Edward Abramczyk, Abdelmonaam Sassi, Michal Jan Swiniarski, Barry Grindle, Jeffrey Charles Paddock, Marcus John Scott Ward, Jay Blackson, Joseph Giaimo
  • Publication number: 20160009247
    Abstract: A mounting structure of air bag device on vehicle body includes: a seat side block long in a vertical direction disposed on a side of a backrest portion of a seat; and an air bag unit including an inflator that injects high pressure gas at a time of application of an impact and a bag body that is deployed upon receiving the high pressure gas of the inflator. The airbag unit is built in the seat side block. The air bag unit along with the seat side block is mounted on a vehicle body side member. Retaining pieces are protrudingly provided in a retainer of the seat side block that holds the inflator and are inserted in openings of the vehicle body side member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shuhei Fujiwara, Yoshihiko Morita
  • Publication number: 20160009248
    Abstract: A side airbag apparatus can suppress the deformation of the periphery of a storage case by reducing a gas pressure applied to the storage case for storing an airbag when the airbag expands. A side airbag apparatus installed between a vehicle body and a rear seat includes a base storage portion that stores an airbag and an inflator. The upper and lower ends of an opening formed on the front side of the vehicle body in the base storage portion are provided with gas pressure relief portions for relieving the gas pressure generated when the airbag expands and deploys toward the vehicle body front side. The gas pressure relief portions are formed to make their widths narrower sequentially from the upper and lower ends of the opening toward the outside of the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Jinichi Tanabe, Kazuhiro Hayashi, Yoshihiko Morita, Shuhei Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20160009249
    Abstract: An apparatus, method of manufacturing, and method of using a strain gage load cell anchor are provided that include a safety belt anchor for connecting a safety belt to a vehicle. The safety belt anchor may have a first anchor opening that connects the safety belt anchor to a safety belt, and the anchor may have a second anchor opening that connects the safety belt anchor to a vehicle. One or more strain gages may be provided on the safety belt anchor to measure a force applied to the safety belt anchor, such that the safety belt anchor operates as a strain gage load cell anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: John Peter Patalak, Thomas Gideon, David K. Emerson, George Low
  • Publication number: 20160009250
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for disabling and/or enabling a vehicle. In one embodiment, the invention can be a method including transmitting a disable command to an electronic apparatus that is operably coupled to a vehicle. The electronic apparatus may be configured to transition the vehicle between an enabled state wherein operation of the vehicle is permitted and a disabled state wherein operation of the vehicle is prohibited. The method may further include, after the electronic apparatus receives the disable command, sending a test signal from the electronic apparatus to a remote server over a wireless network upon the vehicle being parked. When the test signal is not successfully sent to the remote server, the vehicle may remain in or be returned to the enabled state. When the test signal is successfully sent to the remote server, the vehicle may remain in or be returned to the disabled state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventor: Meir Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20160009251
    Abstract: What is described is a motor vehicle ignition key including a movement sensor for detecting the movement of the motor vehicle ignition key, a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Christian PODOLAK, Hans Joachim MOERSDORF, Christian ARZT, Martin RULSCH, Sergey ERSHOV, Robert COURONNÉ
  • Publication number: 20160009252
    Abstract: An anticrime system using the panic function of a vehicle enables a person to utilize the panic function of another person's vehicle so as to make a criminal fall into a panic state when the criminal commits a crime in an area such as an alley, a residential street, or a main street side around which vehicles are usually parked, so that a victim may quickly escape from the criminal scene and notify the surrounding people of the criminal scene and circumstances to request help, thus preventing a crime from occurring. To this end, the panic function of a vehicle is operated only by the owner to be utilized by another person, so as to readily constitute an anticrime system with reduced cost by means of a plurality of vehicles parked almost everywhere in a city.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventor: Taeseung JEONG
  • Publication number: 20160009253
    Abstract: A pivot link for a wiper blade of a vehicle window in a motor car is disclosed. The pivot link includes a substantially cylindrical shaft configured to be attached to a mechanical connector of the blade, and includes fluid-distribution means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage
    Inventor: Guillaume Barret
  • Publication number: 20160009254
    Abstract: A wiper apparatus having an integrally formed washer nozzle may include a retainer connected to a driving motor to be rotated, a wiper blade having a center spoiler and side spoilers, a washer module coupled to an upper surface of the center spoiler, a rubber coupled to a lower surface of the wiper blade, and a connector for detachably fastening the wiper blade and the retainer, wherein the connector may be inserted into a connector hole formed on an upper surface of the washer module and may be coupled into recesses of the center spoiler using bosses formed at an inner side thereof, and the retainer may be inserted into opposite insertion holes of the connector through a tip end thereof to be laid on an upper surface of the connector and to be caught by opposite hook coupling parts of the connector through hooks at lower portions thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, KCW CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hyun Sub KIM, Nak Kyoung KONG, Bock Cheol LEE, Jin Hee LEE, Young Sub OH, Jae Hyuck AN, Ji Yong JEONG, Jin Wan PARK, Je Seong LEE
  • Publication number: 20160009255
    Abstract: A system and method for the rapid exchange of batteries in an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle contains a removable battery housed in the vehicle's undercarriage. The electric vehicle moves through the exchange system either by propelling itself or by being propelled by the system. As the vehicle is propelled forward, the removable battery within the vehicle is unlocked from the vehicle and replaced with a charged battery. The charged battery forces the removable battery out of the rear of the vehicle as the vehicle moves forward through the exchange. The vehicle remains powered throughout the exchange process. Once the charged battery is aligned in position under the vehicle and connected to the vehicle through corresponding contacts, the charged battery is located into place in the vehicle's undercarriage and the vehicle is ready for additional driving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventor: Peter C. Droste
  • Publication number: 20160009256
    Abstract: The vehicle with integral tire jacks is an automatic built-in system for lifting a vehicle in the event of a flat tire when the tire requires replacement. The system includes four jacks installed under the vehicle near each wheel. An air compressor activated and controlled by an internal control panel will provide pressure to the jacks, the control panel being provided with knobs and buttons enabling the control of a desired jack. Each jack is adapted for being integrally mounted beneath the automobile, adjacent at least one wheel thereof. The jack includes a housing and a piston extendable from the housing. The piston has opposed upper and lower ends and a foot attached to the lower end thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: MEHMET DONDURUR, AHMET Z. SAHIN
  • Publication number: 20160009257
    Abstract: A system includes an autonomous sub-system that includes first and second braking modules. Each of the modules includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor for detecting a fault. The system further includes a brake sub-system programmed to actuate a brake mechanism in response to a signal from the second braking module. The autonomous sub-system is further programmed to select one of the braking modules to provide a signal to the brake mechanism depending on whether a fault is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John P. Joyce, Scott J. Lauffer
  • Publication number: 20160009258
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicle braking system including an electronic device to control at least one first hydraulic component and second hydraulic component of the braking system so that a first brake pressure in at least one first wheel brake cylinder of a first brake circuit of the braking system is settable corresponding to a predefined first setpoint brake pressure or a setpoint brake pressure profile, and a second brake pressure is settable in at least one second wheel brake cylinder of a second brake circuit of the braking system corresponding to a predefined second setpoint brake pressure or setpoint brake pressure profile, the electronic device being configured to select an operating mode to be performed from at least two workable operating modes based on at least one provided specified variable. Also described is a braking system for a vehicle and a method for operating a vehicle braking system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Christoph Betz, Michael Reichert, Michael Bunk
  • Publication number: 20160009259
    Abstract: An autonomous vehicle control sub-system includes first and second brake control modules that are communicatively and electrically connected to one another and a plurality of wheel-speed sensors communicatively connected to the first brake control module. The first module is programmed to receive wheel-speed data from the wheel-speed sensors. The second module is programmed to process the wheel-speed data in the event of a failure in the first module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John P. Joyce, Scott J. Lauffer, Peter Francis Worrel
  • Publication number: 20160009260
    Abstract: Disclosed is a control method of an electro-mechanical brake, including: a first step of operating a brake to stop a vehicle and generating a target pressure value of the brake; a second step of calculating an electrical angle of a three-phase motor and preparing movement of the electrical angle when the vehicle stops; a third step of checking errors of requested current and pressure; a fourth step of setting a range of the electrical angle when the current and the pressure are normal; and a fifth step of forcibly moving an actual position of the electrical angle to an adjacent electrical angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventor: Do Kun KIM
  • Publication number: 20160009261
    Abstract: A motor vehicle braking method wherein the vehicle includes a brake operating unit generating a braking signal based on brake pedal travel. The method includes the step of measuring the vehicle deceleration and pedal position during vehicle braking and determining an actual ratio between the measured deceleration and pedal position. In addition, a target ratio is provided based on vehicle deceleration for a defined pedal position. Wherein the actual ratios compared with the target ratio and a braking adjustment is provided when the actual ratio deviates from the target ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Svensson, Tim Jurkiw
  • Publication number: 20160009262
    Abstract: A vehicle brake hydraulic pressure control apparatus includes, as a controller 20, acceleration acquiring section 22 for acquiring an output value of an acceleration sensor detecting a front-rear direction acceleration of a vehicle, limiting section 23 for limiting the magnitude of the output value acquired by the acceleration acquiring section 22 within a predetermined limit value, a filter (control acceleration calculation section 24) limiting a change of a value output by the limiting section 23 in a predetermined direction, and holding section 29 for determining a holding pressure according to a value output by the filter and, based on the holding pressure, holding the braking force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Takashi KINOSHITA, Kohei AKAMINE, Masaki KOIKE
  • Publication number: 20160009263
    Abstract: A brake actuation unit (I) having a master brake cylinder (2) and a pressure-medium reservoir (4); a pressure provision device (5), having a piston (51) actuated by an electric motor (35), wherein the piston delimits a pressure chamber (50); first and second groups of electrically actuatable valves (6a-6d, 7a-7d); and an electronic control unit (12, 12?). The electric motor has at least two independently operable drive units, each having at least one winding, for driving the electric motor. The electronic control unit has a first microcontroller (201) and a second microcontroller (301). The first microcontroller controls (205) one of the drive units and the second microcontroller controls (305) the other of the drive units. The first and second microcontrollers control (207, 307) the second group of valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Hans-Jörg Feigel, Josko Kurbasa
  • Publication number: 20160009264
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an internal gear pump as a hydraulic pump for a slip-controlled vehicle brake system. The disclosure proposes to configure the internal gear pump as a pre-assembled module with a cartridge as housing, which can be pressed into a receptacle of a hydraulic block of the vehicle brake system. The cartridge has two steps which are parallel to one another for attaching a press-in ram and for orienting the cartridge in an angularly correct manner by means of the press-in ram, and a sealing surface, with which the cartridge bears in a sealed manner in the receptacle of the hydraulic block when the cartridge is pressed into the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Harald Speer, Rene Schepp, Edgar Kurz, Norbert Alaze
  • Publication number: 20160009265
    Abstract: A vehicle brake hydraulic pressure control apparatus (control apparatus 100), installed in a vehicle reducing a drive torque when the vehicle is at a halt, that includes vehicle holding control section 113 for performing vehicle holding control by holding a brake hydraulic pressure when the vehicle is at a halt. The vehicle holding control section 113 is configured to release the holding of the brake hydraulic pressure based on the accelerator operation of a driver when the vehicle is at a halt and, in the releasing of the holding of the brake hydraulic pressure, release the holding of the brake hydraulic pressure completely before the drive torque of the vehicle starts increasing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Takashi KINOSHITA, Kohei AKAMINE, Masaki KOIKE
  • Publication number: 20160009266
    Abstract: A braking fluid control apparatus includes a housing and an electromagnetic valve. The housing includes a fluid passage through which a braking fluid flows, and is formed with an assembling hole which opens to outside of the housing at an open end thereof. The electromagnetic valve includes a cylindrical sleeve inserted in the assembling hole. The sleeve includes a disk-shaped flange part projecting radially outward thereof. The flange part is formed by bending work in a convex shape projecting toward the bottom portion of the assembling hole, and disposed within the assembling hole. The flange part is sandwiched between the bottom portion of the assembling hole and a swaging deformation portion formed by swaging an area in the vicinity of the open end of the assembling hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventor: Yoshitada Katayama
  • Publication number: 20160009267
    Abstract: A braking system for an autonomous vehicle includes a brake device that is configured to brake a vehicle wheel. A first control system includes a first pump fluidly connected to the brake device via a hydraulic circuit. A second control system includes a second pump fluidly connected to the brake device via the hydraulic circuit. The second pump is fluidly connected in parallel with the first pump. A controller is in communication with the first and second control systems. The controller is configured to detect a fault in the first control system. The controller is configured to command the second pump to pressurize the hydraulic circuit in response to the failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventor: Roger John Lesinski, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160009268
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid powertrain includes the following steps: receiving a torque request; determining a plurality of possible motor torques for the first and second electric machines capable of achieving the torque requested; determining system power losses of the powertrain for all the possible motor torques for the first and second electric machines capable of achieving the torque requested; determining a lowest power loss of the system power losses determined for the plurality of possible motor torques for the first and second electric machines; determining a first operating torque for the first electric machine and a second operating torque for the second electric machine that correspond with the lowest power loss; and commanding the first electric machine to generate the first operating torque and the second electric machine to generate the second operating torque in order to achieve the torque requested while minimizing the system power losses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Goro Tamai, Lan Wang, Norman K. Bucknor
  • Publication number: 20160009269
    Abstract: A hybrid system torque control method and hybrid automobile using same, the method comprising the following steps: (1) analyzing the torque required by a driver; (2) allocating and coordinating the multiple-source torque. The method ensures a consistent driving feel within the range of real-time power source torque capacity, and facilitates hybrid system matching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Yuxing Zhou, Pengjun Zhang, Jun Zhu, Xiaoguang Deng, Jun Sun