Patents Issued in February 11, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160039253
    Abstract: A tire pressure sensor for motor vehicles includes a housing accommodating an integrated circuit (sensor IC), wherein the sensor IC has a microcontroller and a pressure sensor. The microcontroller, transfers pressure measurement values acquired by the pressure sensor to a receiver by wireless communication. The sensor IC has an internal memory, in which executable instructions and data can be stored, which, when executed, result in the acquisition and transference of the pressure measurement data. The sensor IC is coupled to an auxiliary memory module disposed in the housing. Numerous different data packets, with respective instructions or data, are stored in the memory module which can be activated via the microcontroller, in order to copy a selected data packet into the internal memory. The microcontroller controls the power supply for the auxiliary memory module such that the auxiliary memory can be switched over to an energy saving mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: HUF HUELSBECK & FUERST GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Markus Wagner, Benjamin Mueller
  • Publication number: 20160039254
    Abstract: A tire pressure sensor for motor vehicles, includes a housing, which accommodates an integrated circuit (sensor IC), having a microcontroller and a pressure sensor. The microcontroller transfers pressure measurement values to a separate receiver device by wireless communication. The sensor IC has an internal memory, in which executable instructions and data can be stored, which, when executed, result in the acquisition and transference of the pressure measurement data. A power supply is disposed in the housing, and coupled to the sensor IC which is coupled to an auxiliary memory module disposed in the housing. Numerous different data packets, with respective instructions or data, are stored in the memory module. The auxiliary memory module can be activated via the microcontroller, in order to copy a selected data packet into the internal memory. The auxiliary memory module is coupled to the microcontroller of the sensor IC by a serial data interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Wagner, Benjamin Mueller
  • Publication number: 20160039255
    Abstract: A number of frames in a burst is adjusted such that a first optimal number of first frames from a first manufacturer are included in the burst, the first optimal number of frames chosen to enable the detection of the burst by first receivers that are tuned to receive the first frames from the first manufacturer. The number of frames in the burst is adjusted such that a second optimal number of second frames from a second manufacturer are included in the burst, the second optimal number of frames chosen to enable detection of the burst by second receivers that are tuned to receive the second frames from the second manufacturer. The number of frames in the burst maintains a configuration compliant with government regulations regarding one or more of a burst length and a power emission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe Deniau, Brian J. Farrell
  • Publication number: 20160039256
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for configuring a tire pressure monitoring system are disclosed. One method comprises rotating a first tire of a plurality of tires on a vehicle and receiving a signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first tire from a wheel speed sensor associated with the first tire. A controller associates the first tire with a wheel location in response to receiving the signal from the wheel speed sensor. A tire pressure sensor in the first tire generates a tire characteristic signal in response to the rotation of the first tire. The controller receives the tire characteristic signal and associates the tire characteristic signal with the wheel location in response to receiving the tire characteristic signal within a predetermined time period from receiving the signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: BENDIX COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Shawn D. Lammers, Jon D Intagliata, Joseph M Macnamara, Sharon A Seitz, Daniel P Zula
  • Publication number: 20160039257
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a tire body having a crown portion and a pair of sidewalls. At least one reinforcing belt is disposed in the crown portion of the tire. A tag is carried by the reinforcing belt. In one embodiment, the tag is disposed in the location of one of the reinforcing cords that is disposed in the reinforcing belt. In another embodiment, the tag is disposed at the splice of the reinforcing belt. An alternative version of the tire has the tag carried in a depression formed in the outer surface of the tire sidewall. The tag may be encapsulated with an encapsulation material that is also disposed in the depression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: James P. Kleckner
  • Publication number: 20160039258
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tire assembly having: a tire having a tread portion and a pair of sidewalls extending radially inward from the tread portion to join with a respective bead; a supporting carcass for the tread portion and sidewalls; a pump passageway positioned within a bending region of the tire, the pump passageway being operative to open and close as the tire rotates; a valve assembly in fluid communication with the pump passageway; a pocket formed in the tire; a filter assembly mounted in the pocket, said filter assembly being in air flow communication with the valve assembly, wherein the pocket has an area larger than the area of the filter housing wherein the valve assembly has an inlet, wherein the filter assembly has an outlet, wherein a tube connects the filter outlet assembly to the inlet of the valve assembly; wherein the tube is made of a rubber composition having a shore D hardness greater than 40 as measured by ASTM-D2240.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Carolin Anna Welter, Dinesh Chandra, Robert Leon Benedict, Robin Lamgaday, Cheng-Hsiung Lin, Thulasiram Gobinath, Robert Allen Losey
  • Publication number: 20160039259
    Abstract: An adjustable trailer hitch security apparatus for use with an adjustable trailer hitch assembly to selectively cover the side holes of the hitch assembly's hitch mount, thereby preventing unauthorized access to the fastening system used to secure a trailer connection to the hitch mount comprises a moving cover portion connected to a fixed attachment portion. The cover portion is defined by a rectangular box shaped, hollow housing having an open elongated side opposite an elongated side wall and an open bottom side opposite an top side wall. The attachment portion is defined by a rectangular plate body having a top lip and a bottom lip, with a plurality of attachment apertures in its body. The cover portion is hinged to the attachment portion, enabling it to rotate from a open position to a closed position in which the cover portion and the attachment portion form a rectangular enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Steven Craig Elliott
  • Publication number: 20160039260
    Abstract: A vehicle having a hub carrier coupled to a body of the vehicle by a camber mechanism, the vehicle having first and second mounting points by means of which the camber mechanism is coupled to the body of the vehicle, wherein: (i) the camber mechanism comprises: a first wing attached to the first mounting point by a first rotationally free joint; a second wing attached to the second mounting point by a second rotationally free joint and attached to the first wing by an inter-wing joint that permits relative motion of the first and second wings; and a tie link attached by a third rotationally free joint to the first wing and running to the vehicle body; (ii) the hub carrier is attached to the first wing by a first hub carrier joint permitting relative rotation of the first wing and the hub carrier about only a single axis, which axis substantially intersects a camber axis; (iii) the hub carrier is attached to the second wing by a second hub carrier joint permitting relative rotation of the second wing and the h
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Steven James Randle
  • Publication number: 20160039261
    Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning device having no unneeded structure and high scalability is provided. The vehicle air-conditioning device includes a device body which has two-divided first outer case and second outer case. The device body includes a second spacing element for forming a second space. The second space spacing element is placed in the first outer case and the second outer case to place the second space in a first space and face a second aperture formed in the device body. Further, the second spacing element is supported in the first outer case and the second outer case by an air passage forming wall which forms an air passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Masaru AKAHANE, Keisuke KAWANISHI
  • Publication number: 20160039262
    Abstract: A roof for a cab of a machine includes a roof surface with a rearward incline having a front portion higher than a rear portion. The roof surface has a recessed portion at the rear portion that receives a Heating Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) unit. The recessed portion includes a rearward facing sidewall with a rearward incline, such that an upper end of the rearward facing sidewall is closer to the front portion than a lower end. The rearward facing sidewall has a lateral opening, a pair of lateral sidewalls, and a base with a rearward incline, such that a front end of the base is higher than a rear end. The base has an upright opening with a ridge protruding upward, defining a perimeter of the upright opening. The rearward facing sidewall, the pair of lateral sidewalls, and the base, define a contiguous peripheral portion of the recessed portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Gielda, JEFFREY A. ZURINSKI, ALEXA E. DAVIS, AARON L. DUNAWAY, CHRISTIAN D. RITCHIE
  • Publication number: 20160039263
    Abstract: A structure for arranging a heat-generating electric component in an automobile has a heat-generating electric component, and a duct extending from an air conditioning unit. The heat-generating electric component and the duct are disposed between a seat and a floor surface of the automobile. An air outlet hole is formed in the heat-generating electric component, through which air on an inside of the heat-generating electric component is discharged to cool the inside. An exit of the duct is disposed near the air outlet hole of the heat-generating electric component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Mori, Takuma Kobayashi, Minoru Kaho
  • Publication number: 20160039264
    Abstract: A pipe retainer assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a mount including one of a slot and a projection, and a pipe retainer including a latch and the other of a slot and a projection. The slot is received in the projection and the latch is engaged with the mount. The assembly further includes a fluid conduit held in place by the mount and the pipe retainer. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Calogero Alu
  • Publication number: 20160039265
    Abstract: A heater apparatus includes a main body, a detecting unit, and a control part. The main body has a power supply part to which electric power is supplied and a heating portion connected to the power supply part to generate heat by electric power supplied from the power supply part. The detecting unit detects an object around the main body. The control part controls supply amount of the electric power to the power supply part. The control part controls the supply amount of electric power to the power supply part to be reduced compared with a normal state when the detecting unit detects that the object is within a predetermined range of the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Koji OTA, Takuya KATAOKA, Manabu MAEDA, Asami OKAMOTO, Yasuhiro SAGOU, Keita SAITOU, Yoshihiko SHIRAISHI, Toshihisa TANIGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20160039266
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control module (4) for an electric appliance (3), comprising: a printed circuit board (11), on which electrical and electronic components (12) are mounted; and an electronic power component (10) separated from the printed circuit board (11) and held in relation thereto by means of at least one electrical connection body (18a, 18b, 18c) fixed to the printed circuit board (11) and connected to one (D) of the terminals (S, D, G) of the electronic power component (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: VALEO SYSTEMES THERMIQUES
    Inventor: Stéphane DE SOUZA
  • Publication number: 20160039267
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control module (13) for an electric appliance (10), comprising a printed circuit board (19) whereon electrical and electronic components (26) are mounted along with at least one power transistor (18) fixed to a first region (20) of the printed circuit board (19) and comprising a drain (D) connected to a first electrically conductive track (22) of said first region (20) and a source (S) connected to a second electroconductive track (23) of a second region (21) of the printed circuit board (19). At least one opening (27) forms a material discontinuity between the first and second regions (20, 21) of the printed circuit board (19), said opening (27) being arranged between the first and second conductive tracks (22, 23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: Valeo Systems Thermiques
    Inventors: Bertrand PUZENAT, Thierry ELBHAR, Jean-Baptiste AUDOYE, Alain RENARD
  • Publication number: 20160039268
    Abstract: An HVAC system is provided for use in a vehicle. The HVAC system includes a HVAC housing having a duct opening formed in a wall. An auxiliary duct may be inserted into the opening formed in the wall to direct air to a specified location. The opening may form a flap that contacts the auxiliary duct and is held in place adjacent to the wall by the contact of the auxiliary duct. The location can of the duct opening can be anywhere along the HVAC housing or any ducts leading off the HVAC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Delomer Gosioco, Brian Belanger
  • Publication number: 20160039269
    Abstract: A portable air cooling system and method for providing cooled air for mobile use for a user including in a golf cart has an insulated portable casing, an air cooling assembly, a primary air blower fan, a secondary air blower fan, a computer control unit, switches including variable resistance switches, a portable power source including batteries and solar panels, and a secondary casing for housing the portable power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Sivathanu B. Kumar
  • Publication number: 20160039270
    Abstract: A register fixing structure for a vehicle includes a first engaging portion provided at one of an upper portion and a lower portion of the register, or the instrument panel main body; a first engaged portion provided at the other of the upper portion and lower portion of the register or the instrument panel main body, and engaging with the first engaged portion in a vehicle front and rear direction; a second engaging portion provided at one of a side portion at a vehicle width direction outer side of the register or a side panel that is attached at the vehicle width direction outer side of the instrument panel main body; and a second engaged portion provided at the other of the side portion or the side panel, and engaging with the second engaged portion in a vehicle width direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Naoki SAWADA, Toshinao WADA
  • Publication number: 20160039271
    Abstract: There are provided view adjustment areas respectively at an upper edge part, a lower edge part, and right-and-left side edge parts of a windshield glass, wherein the view adjustment areas are configured to be respectively switchable between in a transparent state in which forward visibility is ensured and in a translucent or non-transparent state in which the forward visibility is limited (for example, adhesion of a liquid-crystal film). Thereby, the size or the shape of the window-frame structure of the windshield glass which is physically unchangeable can be visually changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihisa OKAMOTO, Takahide NOUZAWA, Kazuo NISHIKAWA, Atsuhide KISHI, Takayoshi NAKAMOTO, Naoki YAMADA, Hironobu YONEZAWA, Toshihiro YOSHIDA, Hiroko KAJIKAWA, Masaki CHIBA
  • Publication number: 20160039272
    Abstract: A window lifter assembly is provided which comprises at least one carrier component and a guide rail fixed at the carrier component, which defines a path of adjustment for a window pane to be adjusted. At least three geometrically differently designed first, second and third fixing regions are provided at the guide rail, which in the properly connected state with a tab each engage into a cutout of an associated fixing region at the carrier component. Identically formed screws are used at the different first, second and third fixing points defined thereby, in order to fix the guide rail at the carrier component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Rainer KROACK, Frank WAGNER, Klaus HAMPEL, Carsten HAERING, Philipp BARTHELMANN
  • Publication number: 20160039273
    Abstract: A vehicle having a rear opening formed across the entire rear surface of the vehicle body, a tailgate attached to the vehicle body so as to be capable of swinging up and down and so as to open and close the rear opening, a passenger opening formed in a portion of the tailgate in the vehicle width direction for allowing passengers to board, and a door attached to the tailgate so as to be capable of opening and closing the passenger opening. A door latch which maintains the door in a closed state is attached to the door. A release operation means which can release the door latch is provided on the surface of the door inside of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoki Yamaguchi, Hitoshi Hakamada, Seiji Honda
  • Publication number: 20160039274
    Abstract: A tonneau cover and a method of attachment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a self-energizing clamp can be used to retain a tonneau cover onto a side wall of a truck bed, or other vehicle bed. In some embodiments, the clamp can be rotated between a usage position and a storage position in order to prevent the clamp from incidental movement or harm while accessing the truck bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Anthony Smith, Dean Mettler
  • Publication number: 20160039275
    Abstract: A truck cap assembly for a cargo hold of a pickup truck. The truck cap assembly includes a truck cap pivotally engaged at one end with a region of the cargo hold, said truck cap being pivotable between an open position and a closed position; an aperture defined in the truck cap and extending between a top surface and a bottom surface thereof; said aperture being in communication with an interior of the cargo hold; and a door assembly provided on the truck cap and being movable between a closed position where access to the aperture is blocked and an open position where the aperture is accessible. The door assembly includes a door that is complementary in size and shape to the aperture and the door is movable, particularly pivotable, relative to a top surface of the truck cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew N. Rohr, Thomas M. Ertl, Todd S. Dreher
  • Publication number: 20160039276
    Abstract: A vehicle driving device that includes a rotary electrical machine that functions as a driving force source of a wheel along with an internal combustion engine; a transmission device that is disposed side by side with respect to the rotary electrical machine in an axial direction, the axial direction being a direction in which a rotation axis center of the rotary electrical machine extends; a case including a first case section that accommodates the rotary electrical machine and a second case section that accommodates the transmission device; an inverter device that controls the rotary electrical machine; and a wiring member that connects the rotary electrical machine and the inverter device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsutoshi TAKAHASHI, Hiroyuki FUJIOKA, Tatsuyuki UECHI, Manabu MIYAZAWA
  • Publication number: 20160039277
    Abstract: An axle assembly for an electric or hybrid vehicle includes electrically powered drive motors for respectively driving vehicle wheels. The axle assembly preferably includes a dual motor arrangement, wherein two electric motors are arranged end-to-end. Each motor includes an inverter that is directly connected to its respective motor, and includes a gearbox assembly coupled between an output of the motor and a corresponding constant-velocity (CV) joint operatively connected to a wheel. The inboard ends of the motors are secured to opposite faces of a cooling manifold wherein the cooling manifold maintains the motors in axial alignment. The cooling manifold plate is positioned between an inboard end of each of the motor housings, and the cooling manifold plate axially aligns the first and second motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Bruce Falls, Adrian Quintana, Thanh Nguyen, Mike Browne, Michael Colby Sefcik, Kevin Ledford
  • Publication number: 20160039278
    Abstract: An air inlet arrangement is provided for a work vehicle that has an auxiliary bay external to the engine compartment. The auxiliary bay can have a bay cover in part forming a step panel for the operator. The auxiliary bay contains an air cleaner coupled to an air inlet via air ducting that extends through the engine compartment. In the case of work vehicles having an aftertreatment device within the engine compartment for example, the air duct extends through the engine compartment between a side wall of the engine cover and the engine and/or the aftertreatment device. The air duct can at least in part be formed as a unitary part of the engine cover with multiple tube segments of differing cross-sections. At least the segment passing between the engine cover and the aftertreatment device can be oblong with a major axis essentially parallel to the engine cover side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher P. Kelley, William R. Farrar, Alan D. Stahl, Douglas A. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20160039279
    Abstract: A method and system for cooling the fuel contained in the fuel storage tank of motor vehicles using internal combustion engines. The method and system uses tubing in intimate contact with the exterior of the fuel tank to cool the fuel tank. The method and system may optionally employ an insulating wrap or shell to improve thermal efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Antwanette Bills, Anthony Bills
  • Publication number: 20160039280
    Abstract: A mis-fuel inhibitor (MFI) assembly is configured to prevent an improper fuel nozzle from dispensing fuel into a fuel tank. The assembly may include a main body having an MFI nozzle passage formed therethrough. The main body is configured to allow a proper fuel nozzle to pass through the MFI nozzle passage, and prevent the improper fuel nozzle from passing therethrough. The assembly may also include at least one securing member configured to connect to the main body within a fuel fill line. The securing member(s) is configured to securely retain the main body within the fuel fill line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Edward KIM, Miguel SANCHEZ, Paul M. SUTENBACH, Stephen SPERANDO
  • Publication number: 20160039281
    Abstract: A fuel tank system which has a revised mounting system and a revised location for the fuel system and fuel tanks to improve crashworthiness of the vehicle by reducing the occurrence of tank failure, fuel spillage, fire and/or explosion during and after a collision or similar event, while still providing a sufficient range for the vehicle. The fuel tanks are protected from damage from the side, bottom and between the tanks. The fuel tank mounting system also allows the energy associated with an event to be managed, such as by allowing the fuel tanks to be pushed or moved downwardly and/or laterally by the energy of the impact of a collision or similar event to a position in which the fuel tank is either out of the path of the impact or protected by the chassis or frame of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Erin Marie SHIPP, Peter J. LEISS
  • Publication number: 20160039282
    Abstract: A composite fuel tank support includes a strap 20 having a U-shape 22, 24, 26. The U-shape 22, 24, 26 includes a base portion 22, a first leg 24, and a second leg 26. An anchor 32 extends transversely from each of the legs 24, 26 and parallel to the base portion 22. The strap 20 defines a plurality of layers 34, 36 including a fortification layer 34 and a shield layer 36. The fortification layer 34 includes basalt and a plurality of reinforcement fibers interweaved together. Each of the anchors 32 defines a bore 44 disposed on a center axis A extending through the layers 34, 36. A compression limiter 54 is disposed in the bore 44. A cover 60 is disposed over each of the anchors 32. Each of the covers 60 defines a void 62 disposed concentric to the bore 44 with the compression limiter 54 disposed in the void 62. The shield layer 36 defines an anti-slip surface 70 having a plurality of projections 72 for engaging the fuel tank 28.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Boney Mathew
  • Publication number: 20160039283
    Abstract: A tractor, including: a link mechanism fixation-member which regulates rotation of the HST trunnion shaft by abutting the link mechanism; a link mechanism fixation-member operation lever which makes the link mechanism fixation-member about the link mechanism, or makes the link mechanism fixation-member move in a direction so as to get apart from the link mechanism; a brake pedal which is provided at the other side of the left-and-right sides of the step floor; and a link mechanism joining-cancellation mechanism which makes, in a case where the link mechanism fixation-member is abutting the link mechanism, the link mechanism fixation-member move in a direction so as to get apart from the link mechanism when stepping-on of the brake pedal is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: ISEKI & CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Eiji TOMIOKA
  • Publication number: 20160039284
    Abstract: A vehicle having a four-wheel-drive system including an auxiliary portion that has an auxiliary driveshaft and drive means between the auxiliary driveshaft arranged to releasably connect a second group of wheels to the driveline via a releasable torque transmitting device. The releasable torque transmitting device is operable to allow slippage of the input portion with respect to the output portions, thereby to vary an amount of torque that is transmitted to the second group of wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Russell OSBORN, Ian BEVERLEY, Brett HALLAM, Mark RATHBONE, Steve MULLANE, Shaun WICK
  • Publication number: 20160039285
    Abstract: A method of alerting a user of a vehicle as to a scene, external to the vehicle, includes capturing data pertaining to the scene, external to the vehicle. The captured data, pertaining to the scene external to the vehicle, is transmitted to a processor. The determination is made, in the processor that a characteristic is in the scene that requires the user's visual attention. Data pertaining to a gaze of the user is captured. Captured data, pertaining to the gaze of the user, is transmitted to the processor. A determination is made, in the processor that the drive is gazing toward a user device. A signal is transmitted to the user device such that the user device alerts the user as to the characteristic in the scene requiring the user's visual attention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Roy J. Mathieu, Joseph F. Szczerba, Micah R. Jones, Thomas A. Seder
  • Publication number: 20160039286
    Abstract: A vehicle display system displays information on a road surface. The vehicle display system includes an other-entity detector, an intersection detector, and a display device. The other-entity detector detects whether or not another entity approaches a vehicle mounted with the vehicle display system. The intersection detector detects whether or not the vehicle approaches an intersection. When the other-entity detector detects that said another entity approaches the vehicle or when the intersection detector detects that the vehicle approaches the intersection, the display device displays a predetermined shape in a predetermined region of a road surface ahead of the vehicle while moving the predetermined shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuichi Shibata, Takayuki Yagi, Hidetada Tanaka, Misako Nakazawa, Michihiko Hayakawa, Takeshi Masuda, Toshiaki Tsuda
  • Publication number: 20160039287
    Abstract: The present invention provides a display apparatus for use in a vehicle that prevents reduction in driver visibility and adds no constrains to vehicle interior design. The display apparatus includes an indicator unit and a reflection receiving surface. The indicator unit includes a housing, an indicator accommodated in the housing, and a face glass sheet attached to the housing in such a manner that the indicator is visible. The reflection receiving surface receives light traveling from an eye range and reflecting off the face glass sheet. the face glass sheet is formed into a cross-sectional concavity depressed toward the indicator. The concavity provides a curved surface that reflects the light from the eye range to the reflection receiving surface. The reflection receiving surface is a back surface of a vehicle structure placed at a position at which there is space between the reflection receiving surface and the face glass sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Hiroshi MASUDA, Yoshiyuki FURUYA
  • Publication number: 20160039288
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a differential portion including a motor generator, an electric power storage device exchanging electric power with the motor generator included in the differential portion, a gear type transmission provided in a powertrain between a rotation shaft of the motor generator and a drive wheel, and a control device controlling torque of the motor generator during gear shifting in the transmission. A restriction value for a rate of change in torque of the motor generator while a temperature of the electric power storage device is low is smaller than the restriction value while the temperature of the electric power storage device is high.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shunya KATO
  • Publication number: 20160039289
    Abstract: A method for inducing a secure state of a battery module of a motor vehicle includes continuously checking and evaluating a current state of the battery module. The secure state of the battery module to be induced is a state, in which effects of a defective battery module are reduced. The secure state is induced in dependence of a motor vehicle state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Holger Fink
  • Publication number: 20160039290
    Abstract: An abnormality detector detects whether an abnormality is occurring in a power converter based on electric current that the power converter outputs and an electric current detector detects. When a value that includes the number of power converters in which an abnormality is occurring, and that indicates amount of reduction in propelling force of a vehicle satisfies a judgment criterion, a determiner determines that an increase is required in the output of the power converter in which no abnormality is occurring, among multiple power converters, to a level higher than normal output. An output controller stops the power converter if notified by the abnormality detector of an occurrence of an abnormality in the power converter. The output controller controls the output of the power converter, for which the determiner determines that the increase is required so that the output becomes higher than the normal output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomonobu MIHARA, Yoshio NAGATSUKA
  • Publication number: 20160039291
    Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for a vehicle battery data analysis service. A processor can execute a vehicle battery data analysis service. The processor can generate a request to execute a load test at a vehicle and transmit the load request to a vehicle diagnostic system located at the vehicle. The processor can obtain diagnostic data generated by the vehicle diagnostic system. The diagnostic data can include test data that indicates a load of a battery of the vehicle and vehicle data that identifies the vehicle. The processor can update fleet data based upon the diagnostic data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin Reese, Alfonso Jones, Carl Sorrells
  • Publication number: 20160039292
    Abstract: A brake ECU110 memorizes a deceleration A of a vehicle body when a braking mode is shifted from a regenerative braking mode to a cooperative braking mode (S31). The brake ECU110 memorizes a deceleration B at the time of shifting to a friction braking mode, when the braking mode is shifted from the cooperative braking mode to a friction braking mode in a status that a brake operation is retained constant (S32 to S37). The brake ECU110 computes a deceleration ratio ? by dividing the deceleration A by the deceleration B, and updates the deceleration ratio ? (S39). The brake ECU110 corrects a target fluid pressure P* using this deceleration ratio ? (P*=P*×?). Thereby, a fluctuation of the deceleration at the time of a transition of a braking mode can be suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yu TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20160039293
    Abstract: A wireless power-transmitting device includes a power-transmitting coil installed in a predefined parking area, a receiving device configured to receive a signal for a power supply instruction transmitted through a windshield or through a rear window of a vehicle, and a control device configured to control supply of electric power from the power-transmitting coil to a power-receiving coil of the vehicle based on the signal received by the receiving device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: IHI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Motonao NIIZUMA
  • Publication number: 20160039294
    Abstract: A system and method for electrical charging is disclosed. The electrical charging system comprises a first charging coil and an energy storage device coupled to the first charging coil. The energy charging system further comprises an energy charging station comprising a second charging coil disposed on a movable positioner, wherein the second charging coil is coupleable to an electrical energy source, at least one drive mechanism configured to translate the movable positioned, and a system controller. The system controller is configured to detect an event indicative of a proximity of the first charging coil to the energy charging station, translate the movable positioner such that the second charging coil is substantially aligned with, and closely spaced apart from, the first charging coil to form an electrical transformer, and initiate a charging cycle configured to transfer electrical energy to the at least one energy storage device via the electrical transformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Louis Steigerwald, John Erik Hershey, Michael James Hartman, Robert Dean King
  • Publication number: 20160039295
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer-readable mediums for managing batteries of a fleet of vehicles. A computing device includes one or more processors configured to receive first battery data related to a first battery of a first vehicle, where the first vehicle is part of the fleet of vehicles, and compare the first battery data to fleet battery data related to one or more other batteries of vehicles in the fleet of vehicles. Based on the comparison a second vehicle in the fleet is determined in which to switch the first battery to improve battery life of the batteries of the fleet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Mahesh Madurai-Kumar, Morgan M. Andreae
  • Publication number: 20160039296
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a charging and discharging control apparatus that can reduce a period until charging and discharging processing is started while reducing power consumption during non-use, and to provide an electric motor vehicle including the charging and discharging control apparatus. The charging and discharging control apparatus of the present invention predicts, with use of a charging and discharging start predictor, whether a charging and discharging operation including at least one of an operation to charge a storage apparatus and an operation to discharge the storage apparatus is started or not. In accordance with a result of prediction, a manager manages transition of a charging and discharging controller from an activated state to a standby state and from the standby state to the activated state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kenta NAKAMURA, Toshihide SATAKE, Takanori MATSUNAGA
  • Publication number: 20160039297
    Abstract: A charging plug (10) for an electric vehicle having has contact pins (L1, N, PE) for establishing a plug connection to a coupling, and temperature sensors (NTC1, NTC2, NTC3) that are coupled thermally to the contact pins (L1, N, PE) for detecting a temperature profile between the charging plug (10) and the coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Horst Kretschmer, Frank Dambacher, Thomas Krauss
  • Publication number: 20160039298
    Abstract: A charging device for an electric vehicle has a first charging connector on the vehicle side for mechanically connecting to a second charging connector of an external charging station. The first charging connector has two contact elements for a DC charging process. A galvanic connection of the contact elements to an electric energy store is provided, wherein direct current flows into the electric energy store. A control device monitors the charging process and is capable of communicating with the charging station. The charging device has at least one contact element movable between a first and a second position. In the first position, the contact element is retracted in the first charging connector, and in the second position the contact element is arranged so as to contact a corresponding contact of the second charging connector when the first and the second charging connectors are mechanically connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Torsten HERZOG
  • Publication number: 20160039299
    Abstract: An Electric Vehicle Having Exchangeable Battery Modules and Method of Resupply Therefor. The device of the present invention is a electrically-powerable vehicle that provides the user with a usage pattern very similar to one experienced through use of an internal-combustion-powered vehicle. That is to say that the operating cost for the vehicle is “pay as you go,” rather than the user needing to pay an exorbitant up-front fee in order to purchase the vehicle. In order to accomplish this, the battery modules for use in the vehicle are exchangable by an individual driver. As a battery module becomes discharged, the user is able to visit a recharging station and exchange his or her discharged battery module with a fully charged module. The user is then be charged an amount that is relative to the number of exchanges and/or re-charge energy consumed. In order to enable this sort of system, and the battery modules are of standard size, and interface with a module tracking and monitoring system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Tuan Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20160039300
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for swapping the battery on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) while providing continuous power to at least one system on the UAV. The UAV may be able to identify and land on an energy provision station autonomously. The UAV may take off and/or land on the energy provision station. The UAV may communicate with the energy provision station. The energy provision station may store and charge batteries for use on a UAV. The UAV and/or the energy provision station may have a backup energy source to provide continuous power to the UAV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Mingxi Wang, Hualiang Qiu, Mingyu Wang
  • Publication number: 20160039301
    Abstract: A method, for use in a charging system including a vehicle in which a battery is installed, a charging facility, and an information terminal, for changing a charging schedule of the battery after creating the charging schedule without re-inserting a charging cable includes: receiving a request for a change of the charging schedule; acquiring, from the charging facility, a charging parameter applied in a case where the charging schedule is changed in response to the request for the change of the charging schedule as received; and creating a charging schedule after the change using the charging parameter acquired from the charging facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuji IGARASHI, Yukio GOTO, Takanori MATSUNAGA
  • Publication number: 20160039302
    Abstract: The contactless charging device is designed to provide a charging current for at least one specified energy store in the vehicle in such a manner that a current is transferred from a fixed location primary coil to a secondary coil in the vehicle depending on a magnetic field change generated by the charging device. During a charging phase of the at least one energy store, the invention detects, depending on specified ambient data for a specified environment around the vehicle, whether a vehicle user is approaching the vehicle and/or another vehicle which is located in a specified vicinity of the vehicle with a desire to access the vehicle or the other vehicle. If the invention detects that the vehicle user wishing to access the vehicle is approaching the vehicle and/or the other vehicle, the charging current is reduced in a specified manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Axel SCHWAB