Patents Issued in March 8, 2016
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Patent number: 9278633Abstract: A cushion is adapted to set on a seat pan included in a vehicle seat. The cushion includes an inflatable air bag in, for example, a lumbar-support device.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, Inc.Inventors: Gregory Brncick, Dana J. Lowell, Leonardo Gomes
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Patent number: 9278634Abstract: A motor vehicle seat comprises a seat component and a backrest. The backrest has a shell structure which is provided on an occupant side with an upholstered element. The shell structure has at least one depression for accommodating the upholstered element. The upholstered element is thickened at the location of the at least one depression. The shell structure may have a central part and side wings arranged in an elastically resilient manner on the central part.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Ian Mathews, David Cooke, Marc Van-Soolingen, Robin Ndagi-Jimana, Wolfgang Pellenz
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Patent number: 9278635Abstract: A head restraint assembly is provided with a first guide member mounted proximate to a vehicle seat back. A second guide member is mounted to the first guide member for translation along the first guide member. A locking mechanism is mounted to the second guide member in cooperation with the first guide member for locking the second guide member relative to the first guide member. The first and second guide members are connected by at least one spherical bushing. A torsion spring is connected to the first guide member and oriented about the second guide member for locking the second guide member relative to the first guide member.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Mladen Humer
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Patent number: 9278636Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat back, a seat bottom, and a thigh extender assembly. The thigh extender assembly includes an extension bracket assembly attached to the seat bottom, a thigh support attached to an end of the extension bracket such that the thigh support is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, and a trim cover assembly disposed over the extension bracket assembly. The extension bracket assembly includes a seat bracket and an extension bracket with the extension bracket being moveable relative to the seat bracket such that when the thigh support moves between the retracted position and the extended position the extension bracket is concealed. The trim cover assembly is held fixed with respect to the seat bracket with the thigh support moving relative to the trim cover assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Bradley C. Duncan, Benedict J. Messina
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Patent number: 9278638Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention include a vehicular seat having a seatback, a seat cushion, a table and an armrest. The seatback is preferably tiltably connected to a seat cushion. The table is preferably provided beside the seat cushion. The armrest is preferably mounted to a side portion of the seatback. The table preferably has a recess for avoiding from interfering the table with the armrest when the seatback is brought down to a predetermined position.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroshi Tsuchida, Kenji Furukawa
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Patent number: 9278639Abstract: The mobile scuba diving center is an equipment designed to streamline the logistics associated to various ways of the scuba diving operation, by enhancing both safety and comfort, and preventing damages to the scuba equipment, while enabling to easily make available complete support bases for diving in remote locations, as well as eliminating or considerably reducing all manual assignments that are typically connected with the activity hereof. The mobile scuba diving center includes a base structure that comprises such diverse elements like a shell (1), stowage drawers (3), clipping devices (4) or support boxes for the scuba tanks (15), the compressor hose lines to fill the scuba tanks, a rotary hanging rod to hang wetsuits and dry-suits and also an assembly line of hoses and sprays to wash the scuba gear inside the drawers (9) and another assembly line of hoses and sprays to wash wetsuits, scuba tanks and BCs (10). The dive center can further include a ramp or access steps (13) and a protection awning (14).Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Inventor: João Ricardo Da Rosa Holtremann
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Patent number: 9278640Abstract: A convertible utility/camper unit for use in a trailer, truck bed, or other similarly shaped vehicle. The convertible unit is separate from the trailer or truck thereby allowing the convertible unit to be used in virtually any utility trailer or truck. The convertible unit comprises a frame and supports which can be placed in multiple positions to allow the unit to serve as a utility trailer or a camper.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Inventors: William A. Badger, Robert J. T. Badger, John T. Badger
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Patent number: 9278641Abstract: A valve for selectively sealing and unsealing an opening in a bladder is disclosed. The valve includes a flange for mounting the valve around the opening in the bladder, a valve seat supported on the flange, and an air passageway. A spring plate is supported on the flange and spaced from the valve seat. A floating valve disk is provided between the valve seat and the spring plate for movement towards and away from the valve seat to seal and unseal the opening in the bladder. A spring is provided to bias the floating valve disk towards the valve seat. Deflation lugs are provided to hold the floating valve disk away from the valve seat against the force of the spring. The floating valve disk is free to pivot but is prevented from pivoting to such an extent that movement of the floating valve disk is impeded as by binding.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Inventor: Hai Van Do Van
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Patent number: 9278642Abstract: An elastically deformable flange locator arrangement includes a first component having a first engagement surface. Also included is a second component configured to be mated with the first component. Further included is a first portion of the second component. Yet further included is a second portion of the second component extending relatively perpendicularly from the first portion proximate a perimeter of the first portion, the second portion having a second engagement surface, wherein the second portion is configured to elastically deform at a first interface upon contact between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Joel Colombo, Steven E. Morris, Michael D. Richardson
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Patent number: 9278643Abstract: A vehicle headlight includes: a first illuminator including a projector unit that has a projection optical system and illuminates a predetermined region ahead of a vehicle with a first light distribution pattern having a cutoff line at an upper end; and a second illuminator that has a reflector unit including a reflective optical system for illumination with a second light distribution pattern that includes a region on an oncoming lane side of an elbow point of the cutoff line of the first light distribution pattern and that substantially does not include a region on a non-oncoming lane side of the elbow point.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kentarou Yamasaki
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Patent number: 9278644Abstract: The present invention relates to an ADB head lamp system and a beam control method using the ADB head lamp system, the ADB head lamp system includes an ADB head lamp which is installed in a vehicle; a driving unit which drives the ADB head lamp; a road circumstance detecting unit; and a control unit which controls the driving unit to allow the ADB head lamp to radiate beam below a horizontal line in accordance with a signal which is generated by road circumstance information obtained by the road circumstance detecting unit, thereby implementing a beam which suppresses glare to the opposite vehicle, glare to a vehicle ahead, and minimize fatigue to a driver of the driving vehicle by recognizing a road circumstance.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.Inventor: Hyun Soo Lee
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Patent number: 9278645Abstract: An auxiliary lighting system using a trailer plug is disclosed. A signal may be transmitted from a vehicle's trailer plug to an auxiliary implement, such as a snowplow assembly. In one embodiment, the auxiliary implement may be attached to the front of the vehicle. The signal can be sent through a wire bundle. With this invention, the auxiliary lighting system does not require rewiring of the vehicle's wiring harness.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2015Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Meyer Products, LLCInventor: Louis Orazem
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Patent number: 9278646Abstract: Disclosed is, a driving support apparatus which includes a projecting unit configured to project a predetermined support pattern on a road surface ahead of an own vehicle; and a driving support control unit configured to control a projection state of the support pattern. The driving support control unit is configured to detect information of a road on which the own vehicle is travelling by a road information detecting unit, to detect a traveling state of the own vehicle by a travelling state detecting unit, the traveling state including at least one of a vehicle speed and a steering direction, to determine a proper vehicle speed and proper steering based on the detected road information and the detected traveling state by determining units, and to project the support pattern as a moving image based on the determination by a projection control unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2015Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kiyotaka Mochizuki, Satoshi Yamamura, Takayuki Yagi
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Patent number: 9278647Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a rear seat, a forward shelf and an aft shelf. The forward shelf is movable between first and second retention locations and the aft shelf is movable between horizontal and vertical retention locations defined by side wall structures. The second retention location is above the first retention location. In the second retention location the forward shelf is located proximate an upper end of the upright seatback. With the aft shelf in the horizontal retention location and the forward shelf in the first retention location, the forward shelf and the aft shelf are co-planar. With the seatback upright, the aft shelf in the vertical retention location and the forward shelf in the second retention location, the back surface of the seatback, the forward shelf and the aft shelf define an enclosed storage space.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Stanczak, Hidetake Matsuoka
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Patent number: 9278648Abstract: A device for attaching a tablet computer to the rear-side of a vehicle seat part has a carrier element (4, 10, 40?, 40?, 140) which is displaceably connected to a fastening device (2, 2a, 3a, 3b, 3c, 20, 20a, 30b, 30?, 130b, 30c, 130c) and to which a support (5, 50, 50?, 50?) is displaceably connected for receiving the tablet computer (6, 60). The support (5, 50, 50?, 50?, 59, 150) can be moved between a first user position in which the screen (6a, 60a, 60a?, 60a?) of the tablet computer (6, 60) is arranged on the side opposite the vehicle seat part (1a, 1b, 1c, 1c?, 1c?, 10a, 10a?, 10b, 10c) and aligned essentially vertically and a second user position in which the screen (6a, 60a, 60a?, 60a?) is oriented upward and essentially horizontally or oblique to the user.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2011Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Kinetix AGInventors: Peter Ackeret, Juergen Siegfried Skott
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Patent number: 9278649Abstract: A portable vehicle safe and method for installing the safe in a vehicle is disclosed. The save can be mounted in a vehicle in any orientation while still providing convenient access to the contents. A generally rectangular body of the safe features a door that is mounted at an angle so that the safe can be mounted both vertically and horizontally. In particular, the vehicle safe can be mounted in a concealed location, for example, under a seat or in a console or glove box of a vehicle while still allowing easy and discreet access from inside the vehicle. Although the invention is shown and described in connection with storing a firearm, the vehicle safe can be used to store any desired item or items.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Inventors: George P. McGoldrick, Ira Katz, Scott A. Payne
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Patent number: 9278650Abstract: A cargo step pad comprising a container having a bottom and a plurality of sidewalls defining an opening and a lid coupled to the container and operable between a closed position, wherein the lid extends laterally beyond the opening, and an opened position, wherein at least a portion of a back wall of the container is positioned within a volume defined by the inner surface of the lid.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Edward Joseph Leonard Meszaros, David Thomas Patrick
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Patent number: 9278651Abstract: Various mechanical closure systems and securing systems are disclosed, such as snowboard bindings and car rack systems. The systems include a mechanically reformable strap. The strap includes a wire disposed along a longitudinal axis of the strap. The wire maintains the strap in a desired geometry that is different from a previous geometry of the strap. In other embodiments, a wire-core strap can include transverse ridges, holes, or other types of grooves or apertures.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: WIRE CORE STRAP, LLCInventor: Bruce J. Caslowitz
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Patent number: 9278652Abstract: An apparatus for holding a cell phone or a mobile phone in a vehicle that includes a cradle to receive a cell phone or mobile device. The cradle includes a base plate, a latch button, and a latch mechanism. The apparatus also includes a triangular hold securement system connected to the cradle, wherein the triangular hold securement system includes a first pair of dual grab posts, a second pair of dual grab posts, and a third grab post. The first pair of dual grab posts and the second pair of dual grab posts are positioned to contact and engage the corners along one of two long sides of the mobile device and the third grab post is positioned to contact and engage on the opposite long side of the mobile device.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2015Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Allstate Insurance CompanyInventors: Soren K. Lundsgaard, Joy A. Thomas
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Patent number: 9278653Abstract: A fixing support is provided for a portable electronic device, in particular in a motor vehicle. The fixing support includes a fixed base for receiving the electronic device, a retainer movably mounted on the fixed base between an idle position to place the electronic device on the fixed base and an active position to retain the electronic device on the fixed base, and a one-way lock adapted to allow the retainer to move from the idle position toward the active position, while preventing the retainer from moving from the active position toward the idle position. A motor vehicle dashboard and a motor vehicle are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2011Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Faurecia Interieur IndustrieInventors: Sergio Da Costa Pito, Christian Brancheriau
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Patent number: 9278654Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror head and a reflective element. The mirror head includes a first microphone operable to generate a first analog signal and a second microphone operable to generate a second analog signal. The first analog signal is converted to a first digital signal by at least one analog to digital converter and the second analog signal is converted to a second digital signal by the at least one analog to digital converter. A digital sound processor is operable to process the first and second digital signals. Responsive to the processing of the first and second digital signals, the digital sound processor generates a digital output, and the digital output, at least in part, distinguishes a human voice present in the vehicle from noise present in the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2012Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: Timothy G. Skiver, Joseph P. McCaw, John T. Uken, Jonathan E. DeLine, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 9278655Abstract: Embodiments of foldable substrates and methods for making foldable substrates for a motor vehicle are provided herein. The foldable substrate comprises a first wall that has a first outer surface. The first wall comprises a first natural fiber-resin impregnated blank section that is overmolded with a first quantity of polymeric resin that forms at least a portion of the first outer surface. A second wall has a second outer surface. The second wall comprises a second natural fiber-resin impregnated blank section that forms at least a portion of the second outer surface. The first and second walls are hingedly connected together.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2012Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: FAURECIA INTERIOR SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Stephen Jones, Daniel Vander Sluis
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Patent number: 9278656Abstract: Airbag protection shields are disclosed that comprise an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the shield is configured to attach to a vehicle headliner assembly and cover a portion of at least one vehicle component in the headliner assembly, the at least one vehicle component being positioned such that a nearby airbag may contact the at least one vehicle component upon deployment. The protection shields may be configured to protect a headliner assembling containing air ducts and air vents.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Inventors: Araceli Boroel, Carl David Spamer, Robert C. Steinbrecher
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Patent number: 9278657Abstract: An exterior panel for a vehicle having a structure for preventing water from remaining therein, may include reinforcing ribs having a shape inclined downward, integrally formed on an inner surface of the panel, and disposed in a staggered arrangement at left and right sides of the panel, such that zigzag-shaped water drain routes, which guide water flowing into the panel in a downward direction, are formed on the inner surface of the panel, wherein lower end portions of the reinforcing ribs are adjacent to each other in upward and downward directions.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Chan Joo Moon, Nam Cheol Kim, Sang Soo Lee, Jeong Ho Lee
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Patent number: 9278658Abstract: A water stop sheet to be wound around a wiring harness wired in a vehicle includes a closed-cell elastic sheet, an entire adhesive layer provided on one surface of the elastic sheet, and a partial adhesive layer provided only on a part of the other surface along one end edge. The water stop sheet is wound with the entire adhesive layer located on an inner surface side to be held in contact with the outer periphery of a wire group of the wiring harness and wound at least one turn. A winding end part is placed on the outer peripheral surface of a winding start part. The partial adhesive layer located on the outer peripheral surface of the winding start part and the entire adhesive layer located on the inner peripheral surface of the winding end part are adhered to each other.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.Inventor: Takao Fukuda
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Patent number: 9278659Abstract: Exemplary methods of making a bumper component are disclosed, along with exemplary bumper assemblies and vehicles. An exemplary method may include providing a first mold portion defining at least in part a front surface, and positioning at least one sensor in the first mold portion. Exemplary methods may further include enclosing the at least one sensor within the first mold portion with a second mold portion. The second mold portion may define at least in part a rear surface. The method may further include forming a body within the first and second mold portions, thereby embedding the at least one sensor between the front and rear surfaces, the body extending between the front and rear surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Steven Yellin Schondorf, Abraham G. Philip, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Markus Hagen, Thomas Arndt
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Patent number: 9278660Abstract: A front passenger seat airbag includes a support inflation portion that protrudes downwards from a portion of the airbag, which is positioned on a rear side of a gas inlet port when the airbag is completely inflated, that is in contact with a rear region of an accommodating portion of an instrument panel for accommodation of the airbag, and that is supported by the instrument panel. The support inflation portion is formed by joining together respective lower edges of support inflation configuration portions of outer left and right panels, by joining respective upper edges of the support inflation configuration portions with portions of corresponding outer circumferential edges of outer left panel and outer right panel main bodies, which are positioned in front of respective outer joining portions, and by respectively joining rear edges of the support inflation configuration portions with corresponding front lower edges of inner left and right panels.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventor: Ikuo Yamada
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Patent number: 9278661Abstract: A vehicle airbag assembly includes an attachment bracket, an elongated support member and an airbag. The attachment bracket attaches to a vehicle body member and includes a hinge portion. The elongated support member is pivotally connected to the attachment bracket for pivoting movement about a pivot axis defined by the hinge portion of the attachment bracket. The airbag is attached to the support member and defines a lengthwise direction. The pivot axis is non-parallel to the lengthwise direction. The airbag and the support member are movable together about the pivot axis. The hinge portion is configured to direct movement of the airbag and the support member from a stowed orientation to a deployed orientation upon inflation of the airbag.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventor: Niko Jovicevic
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Patent number: 9278662Abstract: An airbag apparatus includes an airbag, a retainer secured to the airbag, and an elongated inflator attached to the retainer. The inflator discharges gas for inflating the airbag. The retainer includes an attaching protrusion, which protrudes in a direction intersecting an axis of the inflator and secures the retainer to a vehicle together with the airbag. The inflator includes an attaching protrusion, which protrudes in the direction intersecting the axis and secures the inflator to the vehicle together with the retainer.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventors: Masashi Hotta, Yuji Sato, Kensaku Honda, Yoshiaki Goto, Akira Yamashita
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Patent number: 9278663Abstract: Inflatable restraint assemblies for use with removable vehicle components allow portions of inflator assemblies to remain in the vehicle when the component is removed. The assemblies may include inflatable devices such as an airbag mounted within a removable seat with conduit connecting the inflatable device to a seat connection. The seat connection may be adapted to connect to an inflator connection that is connected to an inflator assembly within the vehicle. Such assemblies allow the inflatable device to be in fluid communication with the inflator assembly when in an installed position, and to allow the inflator assembly to remain attached within the vehicle when the seat is in a removed position.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Jason J. Hallman
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Patent number: 9278664Abstract: A folded airbag includes an outer circumferential wall which has a passenger side panel section disposed at a passenger side when inflation of the folded airbag is completed and a vehicle body side panel section extending forward from the passenger side panel section when the inflation of the folded airbag is completed, and an inlet opening which is positioned at a front lower side of the vehicle body side panel section when the inflation of the folded airbag is completed. The folded airbag is formed by folding an unfolded airbag body through front-to-back reduction folding that reduces a size of the unfolded folded body in a front-to-back direction so that a length of the folded airbag in a lateral direction is greater than a length of the folded airbag in a front-to-back direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventors: Kenichi Fukurono, Mikine Hayashi, Junichi Asanuma, Junichi Fujita
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Patent number: 9278665Abstract: A slouch correction device and a method of operation is provided for use in a chair, in which the slouch correction device is predominantly a loose seat cover on which a patient would sit, one or more straps from the seat cover which pass through an opening between the chair back and seat to secure to a separate harness or to form a harness about the waist of a caregiver, such that a care giver is able to pull on the harness to slide the seat cover and patient seated thereon back into an improved, upright posture position, while using free hands to hold the chair in a steady position. The slouch correction device provided with various improvements, including dual side handles for two person lifts, means to keep straps in safe and easily accessed position when not in use, and comfort features on the harness.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: NOVA SCOTIA COMMUNITY COLLEGEInventors: Dustin Joseph Amirault, Joshua Douglas Matthews, Jamison Stuart Etter, Shaemus Mullaney, Matthew MacKenzie, Gail Giffin
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Patent number: 9278666Abstract: The object to provide a child safety seat for a vehicle with a harness that can be tightened and clamped at a predetermined tension is solved by the child safety seat for a vehicle according to the invention with a harness for restraining a passenger in said seat, whereas said harness is to be tightened and clamped at a predetermined tension when in use and at least one adjuster strap of said harness is guided through a spring loaded element enabled to maintain the predetermined tension in the at least one adjuster strap of said harness and whereas that adjuster strap runs then through a clamping device to avoid slip.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: BRITAX RÖMER KINDERSICHERHEIT GMBHInventor: Gavin Paul Leese
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Patent number: 9278667Abstract: A plurality of driving force transmitting members, a piston, a spring and a gas generator are inserted into the pipe from the end of the pipe where the gas generator is mounted. The gas generator is press-fitted in the pipe while the flat faces thereof are deformed by a pair of protrusions of the pipe. Accordingly, the gas generator is temporarily held by the protrusions of the pipe. Then, one end of the pipe is firmly pressed and the gas generator is mounted in the pipe.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: TAKATA CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroshi Tomita, Yuichiro Hodatsu
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Patent number: 9278668Abstract: A brake/clutch locking system has a brake panel-blocking rod attached to a slidable axial tube in an axial tube to which an anti-lock mechanism is connected. A block in a chamber operatively coupled to a coil spring has a mass that produces more kinetic energy than the coil spring. The block has a shoulder portion with a shape corresponding to a protruding lower edge of a coil spring biased pin that slides into a bored hole provided in the wall of the axial tube and on the slidable axial tube, blocking movement of the slidable axial tube when an external force applied to the block creates a sufficient amount of kinetic energy to move the block from the protruding edge of the pin.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2011Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Inventors: Kamol Kantajaraniti, Suwat Petcharapirat
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Patent number: 9278669Abstract: A steering lock device includes a lock body attached to a column post that rotatably supports a steering shaft, and a steering lock unit that restricts or releases a rotation of the steering shaft by turning a key cylinder unit housed in the lock body. The steering lock unit includes a locking bar engageable with the steering shaft, a lock stopper holding the locking bar, a camshaft to convert a rotary motion of the key cylinder unit into a linear motion of the lock stopper, and a lock holder configured such that the lock stopper, the cam shaft and the locking bar are installed therein by being inserted thereinto in a same direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHOInventors: Hiroshi Yoshida, Takumi Tamezane
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Patent number: 9278670Abstract: An on-board optical sensor apparatus includes an optical sensor, an optical sensor cover, and a controller. The optical sensor has a lens. The optical sensor cover includes a holder and a washer nozzle. The holder holds the optical sensor. The washer nozzle performs a washing operation to wash a lens surface of the lens of the optical sensor or a glass surface of a cover glass located facing the lens by spraying a washer fluid, supplied from a washer fluid tank, onto the lens surface or the glass surface. The controller controls the washing operation of the washer nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Toshihiro Hattori, Manabu Ono
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Patent number: 9278671Abstract: A parking brake apparatus includes: a braking member; a ratchet having a plurality of serrations and disposed on one of the braking member and a vehicle body-side member; a pawl rotatably disposed via a pawl pin on the other; and a pawl-urging spring. At start of braking, every time the pawl relatively climbs over the serration, the pawl is brought into contact with a non-locking surface side of the serration in accordance with an urging force of the pawl-urging spring. The pawl has a triangular engagement tooth that is inserted into a tooth groove of the ratchet, and a second side end surface facing the non-locking surface is covered with a synthetic resin except a tip portion of the engagement tooth. The non-locking surface is a concave surface concaved so as to be recessed from a straight line connecting a tooth tip and a tooth bottom of the serration.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2012Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Toyoda Iron Works Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasuhiro Nagata
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Patent number: 9278672Abstract: A driving support apparatus is provided with a support control device configured to calculate, based on a remaining distance from a stop position at which a vehicle stops by stop indication of a first traffic signal located in a travel direction of the vehicle to a point of the first traffic signal, an estimated variation distance for a second traffic signal located in the travel direction of the vehicle after the first traffic signal, and create a target vehicle travel state obtained by changing timing to start stopping support at the second traffic signal based on the estimated variation distance; and a support device capable of outputting driving support information to support driving of the vehicle based on a target travel state quantity of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2011Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hirotada Otake
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Patent number: 9278673Abstract: A vehicle body assembly includes a steering column assembly, a steering wheel, an actuator mechanism and a controller. The steering wheel is rotatably supported to the steering column assembly for rotation about a first axis. The actuator mechanism is connected to the steering column assembly and includes a lever movable relative to the steering column assembly between a first position and a second position about a second axis that extends in a direction perpendicular to the first axis. The controller is operably connected to the actuator mechanism and to a trailer connector such that in response to the lever moving from the first position toward the second position, the controller transmits a braking signal to the trailer connector corresponding to activation of a trailer braking system of a trailer.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Squire, Michael McDuffie
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Patent number: 9278674Abstract: Detailed are assistive mechanisms for vehicle operators designed to reduce risks associated with degraded landing and other situations. Some mechanisms may include a display with a visual indicator located within the peripheral field of view of an operator. Aural alerts may also be employed. Information suggesting degradation of, for example, ground deceleration performance may alert the operator to perform unusual or abnormal actions to mitigate hazards produced by the performance degradation.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2012Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Engineered Arresting Systems CorporationInventor: John Gadzinski
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Patent number: 9278675Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus is disclosed which includes: a base body; and a housing to be fixed to one surface of the base body. The housing includes an opening facing the one surface of the base body. The opening includes a flange portion formed on and projected outwardly from an opening edge portion. The flange portion includes a screw-formed housing fixing hole for fixing the housing to the base body using a fastening member and a reference hole for provisionally fixing the housing when assembling parts to the housing. The reference hole is formed by lightening the flange portion and arranged parallel to the housing fixing hole.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: NISSIN KOGYO CO., LTDInventor: Takuro Kodama
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Patent number: 9278676Abstract: According to the present invention, limited electric power is consumed so as to achieve long-lasting use of electric power during brake control with the use of an auxiliary power supply source when there is a malfunction of a vehicle power supply source. In addition, a brake control device for ensuring responsiveness at the beginning of braking or when emergency braking is necessary is provided. The brake control device of the present invention is a brake control device for detecting electric signals generated depending on the degree of brake-pedal operation and calculating the driver's demanded braking force based on the electric signals so as to generate the demanded braking force, which comprises an auxiliary power supply source for supplying electric power to the brake control device when there is a malfunction of a vehicle power supply source and controls braking depending on the charged capacity of the auxiliary power supply source.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Kimio Nishino, Toshiyuki Innami, Norikazu Matsuzaki, Masayuki Kikawa, Ayumu Miyajima, Toshiyuki Ajima
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Patent number: 9278677Abstract: A controller controls respective braking pressures at wheels on a vehicle. The controller includes a processor electrically communicating with a first switching valve, which controls a first of the braking pressure at a first of the wheels, and a second switching valve, which controls a second of the braking pressures at a second of the wheels. The processor, during a braking control event, controls the switching valve associated with the higher of the braking pressures to maintain the higher braking pressure while switching a state of the switching valve associated with the lower of the braking pressures to increase the lower braking pressure.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLCInventor: Thomas Stephen Miller, Jr.
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Patent number: 9278678Abstract: A vehicle brake system includes a source of fluid pressure adapted to supply a braking force to at least one brake actuator and a modular valve unit fluidly coupling the brake actuator to the source of fluid pressure. The modular valve unit includes a plurality of valve modules. Each of the plurality of valve modules includes a housing in which working elements of the valve module are contained and at least one port in the housing adapted to be an input port or an output port, the at least one port being adapted to cooperate with and be directly fluidly connected to at least one port of another of the plurality of valve modules, thereby obviating the need for tubing or piping. Each of the plurality of valve modules is self-contained and defines a stand-alone unit capable of operating independently of any other of the plurality of valve modules.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2005Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: HALDEX BRAKE CORPORATIONInventors: Robert Rudolph, Joe Hoover, David G. Engelbert
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Patent number: 9278679Abstract: The invention relates to a brake system having a brake booster, in which pressure medium can be guided by means of at least one switchable valve (7, 15) from at least one wheel brake (10) into an accumulator chamber (8), wherein a control device controls at least the at least one switchable valve (7, 15), wherein, in the case of a disruption of the brake booster (1), in particular if the drive (11) thereof or the gear mechanism which is connected between the drive (11) and the piston of the brake master cylinder (4) is blocked, the at least one accumulator chamber (8) serves to receive pressure medium from at least one wheel brake or at least one brake circuit and therefore to dissipate pressure in at least one wheel brake.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2011Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: IPGATE AGInventors: Heinz Leiber, Valentin Unterfrauner, Christian Koeglsperger
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Patent number: 9278680Abstract: A control device for a vehicle executes an adaptive cruise control and an idle stop control. The control device automatically starts an internal combustion engine when an operation amount of a start operating member different from a brake pedal is larger than or equal to a predetermined amount while the idle stop control is being executed. The control device sets the predetermined amount to a first predetermined amount when the adaptive cruise control is not executed. The control device sets the predetermined amount to a second predetermined amount smaller than the first predetermined amount when the adaptive cruise control is being executed.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroaki Seguchi
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Patent number: 9278681Abstract: A method and system for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle include controlling torque in a traction motor in response to a provisional motor torque that has been adjusted based on a difference between a measured traction motor speed and a calculated vehicle speed and filtered to attenuate a resonant driveline frequency.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Wei Liang, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Xiaoyong Wang, Thomas Chrostowski, Jonathan Andrew Butcher, Ming Lang Kuang, Fazal Urrahman Syed
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Patent number: 9278682Abstract: A system and method for controlling automatic cruise control system is provided. More specifically, a request torque for the automatic cruise control system is calculated based on the target vehicle speed and the inclination angle of a road on which the vehicle travels, and the calculated request torque is distributed into engine torque and motor torque at a predetermined ratio. The engine and a motor are then controlled so that the engine and the motor generate torque at the predetermined ratio, and a speed difference between the traveling vehicle speed and the target vehicle speed are calculated. Additionally, a following motor torque is calculated for following the target vehicle speed based on the calculated speed difference and then is added to the distributed motor torque. The traveling vehicle speed is then controlled to the target vehicle speed based on the summed motor torque.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Sang Joon Kim
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Patent number: 9278683Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a hybrid vehicle with a hybrid drive comprising at least an electric machine and an internal combustion engine, wherein an automated manual transmission is connected between the internal combustion engine and an output, wherein the electric machine is coupled via a friction clutch to a shaft of the automated manual transmission. Wherein in the automated manual transmission, by interruption of the drive torque provided by the hybrid drive on the output, shifts are executed in such a way that in a first phase the drive torque provided at the output is first reduced, subsequently in a second phase the actual gear shift is executed and following that in a third phase drive torque is built up at the output.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Christian Mittelberger, Viktor Johannes Haeberle