Patents Issued in March 31, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160090035
    Abstract: A display section displays a shift indicator in a smaller size than that in a normal state at the start of display (upon switching the display) of the shift indicator. After that, the display section gradually enlarges a size of the shift indicator until it has a larger size than that in the normal state, and then gradually reduces the size of the shift indicator until it has the size in the normal state, thereby starting the display of the shift indicator in the size in the normal state. This operation provides a display device through which a driver can readily recognize the current shift position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryo KOBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20160090036
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for alerting a driver of a vehicle having a transparent conformal display unit. In one embodiment, a method includes: detecting that an object is located in proximity to the vehicle based on sensor data; determining at least one of a time and a distance associated with the detected object based on vehicle conditions; generating an image that illustrates the at least one of time and distance based on vehicle conditions; and selectively generating a display signal to display the image on a transparent display of the vehicle through the transparent conformal display unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventor: RAYMOND J. KIEFER
  • Publication number: 20160090037
    Abstract: An approach notification device of a straddle type vehicle which can effectively notify a rider of an approaching state of an obstacle, the device including an obstacle detection device for detecting an obstacle located around a motorcycle as an vehicle, an approach determination device for detecting an approaching state that the obstacle is located within a predetermined distance from the vehicle, and a winker operation resistance increasing device for increasing operation resistance of a winker manipulator of a winker device provided in the vehicle. When the obstacle is determined to be within the predetermined distance by the approach determination device and the operation of the winker manipulator in the direction of the obstacle is detected, the winker operation resistance increasing device is operated to increase the operation resistance of the winker manipulator and vibrators located in a steering handle and a fuel tank are operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Takashi Tetsuka, Yasumasa Matsui, Ryuta Niimura, Syunichi Miyagishi, Jun Adachi, Kosuke Kuroda
  • Publication number: 20160090038
    Abstract: Providing a danger zone warning. A volume is determined, and the volume is modeled. One or more danger zones within the volume are determined, wherein a danger zone is a sub-volume of the volume which is or will become hazardous for a person to be in. A visual indication is provided on the ground of a danger zone. Also, a directed audio warning is provided to a danger zone. A danger zone may be monitored for entry of a person into the danger zone, and one or both of the visual indication and the directed audio warning may be provided when an entry is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Simon A. S. Briggs, James K. Hook, Hamish C. Hunt, Nicholas K. Lincoln
  • Publication number: 20160090039
    Abstract: A method of communicating vehicle information, the method includes receiving, via a receiver, notification of an incoming communication from a remote device, capturing with a controller vehicle environment information from at least one onboard vehicle sensor device, transmitting, via a transmitter, the vehicle environment information to the remote device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventor: Adrian TAN
  • Publication number: 20160090040
    Abstract: A vehicle monitoring device provides comprehensive monitoring of areas both outside and within a vehicle. The device includes a plurality of operational controls positioned within an interior space of a vehicle. A monitor is positioned in the vehicle and operationally coupled to a processor such that the monitor displays images transmitted to the monitor from the processor. Each of a plurality of cameras is communicatively coupled to the processor. The cameras include exterior cameras outwardly directed for exterior images and an interior camera directed towards the interior space of the vehicle communicating an image of the operator of the vehicle to the processor. A transmitter is communicatively coupled to the processor wherein the image of the operator of the vehicle is transmitted to an extrinsic device relative to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventor: Ian Marsh
  • Publication number: 20160090041
    Abstract: A vehicle sightline guidance apparatus includes a display member displaying an image on either one one a see-through windshield and screen that allow a vehicle occupant to visually recognize outside of a vehicle; a scenery-information acquiring unit acquiring scenery information visually recognized by the occupant from inside the vehicle; and a perspective-position specifying unit specifying a perspective position, which is a position on the windshield or screen that a sightline passes when the occupant visually recognizes a predicted path of the vehicle or a position where left and right edges of the predicted path are projected, based on the scenery information. Based on the perspective position, the display member displays two reference marks on the windshield or screen such that the marks are separated from each other by a distance equivalent to a vehicle width or larger and appear to be aligned with the left and right edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Isamu Nagasawa, Keiji Asai
  • Publication number: 20160090042
    Abstract: A display control device for controlling a display unit in a vehicle, including a dedicated middleware that executes a program on a vehicle side, a general purpose middleware that executes general purpose application programs from an external of the vehicle, and an interface that exchanges necessary information between the dedicate middleware and the general purpose middleware, includes: an acquisition device that acquires vehicle information on a dedicated middleware side; a notification device that notifies a general purpose middleware side through the interface of a vehicle status based on the vehicle information; and an activation device that activates, on the general purpose middleware side, a target application program for realizing the display corresponding to the vehicle status among the general purpose application programs based on the vehicle status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahito MAEDA, Yasunori SUZUKI, Kiyohiko SAWADA
  • Publication number: 20160090043
    Abstract: A driver customizable blind spot display method and apparatus are provided. The method of displaying blind spots of a vehicle via a screen mounted within a vehicle includes receiving information regarding positions of the driver's eyes from a driver state monitoring system and receiving current mirror setting information on a per in-vehicle mirror basis from a mirror drive unit. Blind spots and viewable spots are then calculated using the information regarding positions of the driver's eyes and the current mirror setting information. Further, a current blind spot coverage screen is output that displays the calculated blind spots and viewable spots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Sam Yong Kim, Jin Kwon Kim, Ho Choul Jung, Byoung Joon Lee
  • Publication number: 20160090044
    Abstract: A periphery monitoring apparatus includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire first image data that is captured by a first imaging unit provided on a left side of a vehicle body, and second image data that is captured by a second imaging unit provided on a right side of the vehicle body; and an output unit configured to combine third image data which is generated by rotating, and magnifying or minifying the first image data in such a way that a plurality of left reference points included in the first image data are respectively displayed at pre-set positions, and fourth image data which is generated by rotating, and magnifying or minifying the second image data in such a way that a plurality of right reference points included in the second image data are respectively displayed at pre-set positions, and to output the combined image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuya WATANABE, Tetsuya MARUOKA, Itsuko OHASHI
  • Publication number: 20160090045
    Abstract: Illustratively, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vehicle that includes an entrance to an interior compartment. A step assembly is located adjacent the entrance of the vehicle and includes at least one step and at least one riser. The at least one riser is attached to and substantially perpendicular to the at least one step. The step assembly also includes an opening that allows access behind the step assembly. A lid is provided that includes a hinge to allow selective movement of the lid between open and closed positions with respect to the opening in the step assembly. A securement is attached to the underside surface of the lid to hold the lid to the step assembly. This securement, however, does not extend upward from the top surface of the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: GLEN R. HELMUTH, PAUL RINE
  • Publication number: 20160090046
    Abstract: A first member of a storage tray assembly has first and second planar surfaces parallel to one another. A first cut-out extends from the first planar surface to the second planar surface. A second member has third and fourth planar surfaces parallel to one another. A second cut-out extends from the third planar surface to the fourth planar surface. The second cut-out aligns with first cut-out when the first and second members overlay and attach to one another. A third member has fifth and sixth planar surfaces parallel to one another. The third member has first shaped surfaces extending from the fifth planar surface to the sixth planar surface. The third member is inserted into the second cut-out such that the first cut-out, the second cut-out and the plurality of first shaped surfaces of the third member define a concave storage space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventor: Eric ENGERMAN
  • Publication number: 20160090047
    Abstract: A storage assembly for positioning between vehicle seats, includes an enclosable compartment that has opposing longitudinal sidewalls and opposing lateral sidewalls that are connected to the opposing longitudinal sidewalls to define an interior volume. A plurality of retention features are spaced along an upper edge of the opposing longitudinal sidewalls and the opposing lateral sidewalls. A hanging storage module has a rigid panel suspended in the interior volume and a pair of support elements protrudes horizontally from opposing ends of the rigid panel to removably engage a corresponding pair of the plurality of retention features on a select one of the opposing longitudinal sidewalls and the opposing longitudinal sidewalls. The rigid panel has a side portion configured to vertically hold at least one object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Kristin Ann Hellman, Artur Sakarian, Ryan Welch, Scott H. Dunham, Stuart Salter, Cornel Gardner
  • Publication number: 20160090048
    Abstract: A modular system for a vehicle comprises a multi-component support structure which includes a pair of side supports, a pair of base supports, and a horizontal support suspended between the pair of side supports. Each side support comprises a vertical portion, a base portion extending from the vertical portion and coupled to the base support, and a gusset plate interconnecting the vertical portion with the base portion. An attachment is removably coupled to the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Crandall, Scott Cover
  • Publication number: 20160090049
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a container attachment system is provided. The system includes at least one strap coupled to a cross member at one end and terminating with an upper hook at the other end, the upper hook configured for hooking onto a vehicle; at least one anchor coupled to an opposite side of the cross member at one end and terminating with an lower hook at the other end, the lower hook configured for hooking onto the vehicle; wherein the cross member includes a retaining mechanism for attaching to a container. A method of fabrication is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventor: Peter Charbonnier
  • Publication number: 20160090050
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a first body structure defining a first interior cavity and a second body structure defining a second interior cavity, with one of the first and second body structures being pivotally connected and movable relative to the other of the first and second body structures to define an open configuration and a closed configuration. A base member is fixed to the first body structure. A guide member is fixed to the second body structure. A channel member is movably received by the guide member. The channel member has a first end rotatably fixed to the base member and a second end positioned within the second interior cavity. A wiring harness passes through the channel member from the first interior cavity to the second interior cavity. A first sealing structure sealingly engages the base member and the first end of the channel member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventor: Matthew FROESE
  • Publication number: 20160090051
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a first body structure defining a first interior cavity and a second body structure defining a second interior cavity. One of the first and second body structures is pivotally connected and movable relative to the other of the first and second body structures to define an open configuration and a closed configuration. A first grommet is fixed to the first body structure. A second grommet is fixed to the second body structure. A flexible tube is movably received by the second grommet. The flexible tube has a first end fixed to the first grommet and a second end positioned within the second interior cavity. The flexible tube extends across an exterior space between the first and second body structures. A wiring harness is configured to receive electrical wiring and passes through the flexible tube from the first interior cavity to the second interior cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventor: Matthew FROESE
  • Publication number: 20160090052
    Abstract: An auxiliary battery which is a main power supply is used as power source electric power supplying means for supplying power source electric power to a control device, and an auxiliary power supply is further provided. When an abnormality occurs in the auxiliary battery, the power supply for supplying power source electric power to the control device is switched from the auxiliary battery to the auxiliary power supply by a power supply switching device, to operate the control device stably and perform discharging of a battery. Thus, the discharging can be stopped before the battery is overdischarged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshimasa NISHIJIMA, Shingo YAMAGUCHI, Satoshi WACHI
  • Publication number: 20160090053
    Abstract: In a terminal box for an electric vehicle mounted with an in-wheel motor, at least a part of a terminal block is housed inside a casing. The terminal body includes a box body and a removable cover. The box body includes openings provided in its bottom portion and top portion. The cover covers the top portion-side opening of the box body. The terminal box is attached to an outer surface of the casing such that the bottom portion opening side of the box body covers the terminal block from above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime KATO, Miki NAKAMURA, Takeshi INNAN
  • Publication number: 20160090054
    Abstract: A battery system for a vehicle may include a battery pack and a switch device. The battery pack may include a plurality of batteries for providing power to devices in the vehicle. The switch device includes a plurality of switches that are electrically coupled to each of the batteries of the battery pack. The switches are operable to control each of the batteries of the battery pack. For example, two or more batteries of the battery pack may be coupled in series or in parallel, and/or a single battery may be controlled independently from the other batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventor: Patrick POWELL
  • Publication number: 20160090055
    Abstract: Method for controlling a vehicle including a smartphone-engaging coupling element. Data about operational status of the vehicle is transferred from one or more vehicle-resident systems to a smartphone when the smartphone is engaged with the coupling element. Commands are received by the vehicle from the smartphone when the smartphone is engaged with the coupling element, which commands being based in part on data previously transferred from the vehicle-resident system(s) to the smartphone when the smartphone is engaged with the coupling element. A vehicular system, e.g., seat positioning system, mirror positioning system, passenger compartment temperature control system, route guidance or navigation system, changes its operation in accordance with the commands received by the vehicle from the smartphone when the smartphone is engaged with the coupling element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Applicant: Intelligent Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Breed
  • Publication number: 20160090056
    Abstract: A hierarchical sandwich box impact beam for a vehicle that includes spaced apart micro-truss sandwich structures defining an open area therebetween. The impact beam includes an outer facing sandwich structure including an outer facesheet, an inner facesheet and a micro-truss core formed therebetween, and an inner facing sandwich structure including an outer facesheet, an inner facesheet and a micro-truss core formed therebetween. One or more structural connecting sections are coupled to the inner and outer facing sandwich structures so as to define the open area between the structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Jacob M. Hundley, ALAN J. JACOBSEN, SOPHIA YANG, ERIC C. CLOUGH, JAY C. KUSSMAUL
  • Publication number: 20160090057
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a vehicle body frame. A cockpit section or platform is arranged at a front section of the vehicle. A carrier bed is provided at a rear section of the vehicle. A ROPS includes a pair of left and right front supporting columns, a pair of left and right rear supporting columns, and a rearward overhanging frame extending rearward from upper part of the rear supporting columns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshimi HIROOKA, Takashi KURAMOTO, Kohta NAKAO, Katsuhiro WAKABAYASHI, Kyouhei HAMAMURA
  • Publication number: 20160090058
    Abstract: A seat cushion airbag system may include: a cushion body installed on a seat of a vehicle, unfolded by receiving gas from an inflator, and including a rear chamber which lifts the rear part of the body of a passenger and a front chamber which lifts the front part of the body of the passenger while inflating more than the rear chamber; and an unfolding restriction unit installed between the rear chamber and the front chamber, and having a vent hole through which gas is passed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventor: Seok Min LEE
  • Publication number: 20160090059
    Abstract: A sewn airbag includes a plurality of base fabrics sewn together, wherein in a sewn region where reinforcement is required, a reinforcing coating film made of an adhesive coating material that is adhesive to both a sewing yarn and fibers forming the base fabrics is formed on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the sewn region, the reinforcing coating film having the smallest possible width along a stitching region in the form of one or more strips forming the sewn region made with the sewing yarn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventor: Koki TANAKA
  • Publication number: 20160090060
    Abstract: A vehicle side airbag device including: inflator that operates to generate gas; airbag that is provided at side section of seatback of vehicle seat, that inflates and deploys using gas generated by the inflator, that protects occupant from at least head to abdominal region, and in which, in inflated and deployed state, rearward sloping portion configured by location at lower end side of front edge portion of the airbag extends diagonally toward vehicle upper rear on progression from lower end toward upper end of the rearward sloping portion; and flow regulating section that is provided at lower section of the airbag, and that ejects gas generated by the inflator from upper ejection opening toward upper section side of the airbag, and from lower ejection opening along lower edge portion of the airbag toward rearward sloping portion side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventor: Yusuke FUJIWARA
  • Publication number: 20160090061
    Abstract: An active hood device for a vehicle may include a hood panel which is provided in the front of a vehicle body to cover an engine room, and rotatably mounted by a hood hinge coupled to a rear end of the hood panel, a hinge actuator which has a first side connected to the hood hinge, and a second side coupled to a bracket coupled to the vehicle body, and has a rod movable, and an operating unit which connects the bracket and the hood hinge, and allows the rod to be moved when the rod is raised, wherein at a time of a vehicle-pedestrian collision accident, the hood actuator is operated by a signal from a detecting sensor installed at a front portion of the vehicle, to raise the rod, and the rod allows the hood panel to pop up while being raised by the operating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: In Hwang
  • Publication number: 20160090062
    Abstract: A seat belt assembly for a vehicle may be arranged to facilitate installation of a seat belt while improving the operation and feel during use. The vehicle may have a pair of left and right occupant seats on a vehicle body frame. A pair of left and right standing frames may be disposed on the outside of the seats, and the upper end parts of the pair of standing frames may be connected by a cross frame. A winding device of the belt may be supported on the frame so as to be positioned in back of the seat. A through-anchor into which the belt may be inserted may be supported on the upper part of the standing frame. Guide ribs may be provided on a back surface of the seat between the winding device and the through-anchor so as to guide the movement of the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Shinichi KARUBE, Takeshi KAMIYAMA, Makoto HOTOZUKA
  • Publication number: 20160090063
    Abstract: An occupant protection apparatus for a vehicle includes a door sensor that detects a defamation of a side door in a side collision and an occupant position detection sensor that detects a lumbar position of the occupant. A pretensioner is activated when it is determined from detection by the door sensor and the occupant position detection sensor that an intruding-object collision rear-end position in the side door is located in front of the lumbar position, and the pretensioner is prohibited from activation when it is determined that the intruding-object collision rear-end position is not located in front of the lumbar position. When there is a possibility that a clearance between the lumbar of the occupant and the deformed side door is insufficient, the pretensioner is prohibited from activation to allow the occupant to move at the early stage of a collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Keita Onishi, Tadashi Tsuneyoshi, Takao Kondo, Shinya Motomura, Junichi Orai
  • Publication number: 20160090064
    Abstract: A vehicle alarm system 10 includes a control unit 12, a number of door contacts or switches 13, 14, 15 connected as inputs to the control unit 12, the switches including a spare wheel sensor 14 and a battery sensor 15, and a spare wheel locking mechanism 16 connected to the control unit 12 as an output amongst others. The locking mechanism 16 has an actuator in the form of an electric motor 36 which is configured slideably to displace a locking pin 37 between an open position and a closed position in which the pin 37 engages a spare wheel hoist 26 of the vehicle hence preventing unauthorised lowering/removal of the spare wheel. If the alarm is armed, the sensor 14 will detect when an attempt is made to loosen the wheel and in response thereto a siren 19 will be sounded and the locking mechanism 16 locked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventor: Philippus Petrus Erasmus Taljaard
  • Publication number: 20160090065
    Abstract: A windshield wiper arm is provided on an outside of an aircraft and positioned to directly engage an air flow while the aircraft is traveling. The wiper arm includes an arm portion coupled to the aircraft and having an arm exterior surface, the arm portion extending along an arm axis and defining an arm length. A bead extends outwardly from the arm exterior surface and defines a bead exterior surface, the bead being sized sufficiently to engage a boundary layer of the air flow. A wiper blade is coupled to the arm portion. The bead prevents separation of the boundary layer from the arm exterior surface, thereby to attenuate shedding of vortices and associated vibrations and noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Philippe R. Spalart, Gail M. Barker, Brandon L. Bertolucci
  • Publication number: 20160090066
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an elongated windshield wiper blade includes providing a tandem wiper blade (1) made in one piece of an elastomeric material, which is composed of two wiper blades (2, 3) integrally joined together, and subsequently cutting the tandem wiper blade (1) so as to separate the two wiper blades (2, 3) each having a wiping head (4) facing away from a windshield to be wiped and a wiping lip (5) to be placed in abutment with a windshield to be wiped. The two wiper blades (2, 3) forming the tandem wiper blade (1) are integrally joined together at the location of their wiping heads (4) facing towards each other, wherein the tandem wiper blade (1) is cut into the two separate wiper blades (2, 3) along their wiping heads (4) facing towards each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventor: XAVIER BOLAND
  • Publication number: 20160090067
    Abstract: A vehicle wiper device includes: a first blade having an operating range that includes an upper mid region of a vehicle windshield; a second blade having an operating range that includes a lower region of the operating range of the first blade; a blade driving unit that causes each blade to reciprocate; and a controller that controls operation of the blade driving unit. When a tip end of the second blade moves in a special control region that is oriented toward a specific region preliminarily specified in the upper mid region, the controller controls the blade driving unit such that a moving speed of the second blade is lower than a moving speed of the second blade when moving in another region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kaminaga, Satoru Iwata, Toshihiko Dejima
  • Publication number: 20160090068
    Abstract: A vehicle wiper device includes: a first blade having an operating range that includes an upper mid region of a vehicle windshield; a second blade having an operating range that includes a lower region of the operating range of the first blade; a cleaning-liquid feeding unit; a blade driving unit that causes each blade to reciprocate; and a controller that controls operation of the cleaning-liquid feeding unit and operation of the blade driving unit. The controller performs the control such that, after a series of normal operation in which the first blade and the second blade reciprocate while ejecting the cleaning liquid has been completed, additional movement operation is performed in a state where feeding of the cleaning liquid from the cleaning-liquid feeding unit is stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kaminaga, Satoru Iwata
  • Publication number: 20160090069
    Abstract: A control method and apparatus of an electronic parking brake is disclosed. In an embodiment, a control method of an electronic parking brake comprises, determining by a control part whether a braking power transfer generation condition is satisfied, the braking power transfer generation condition being a condition that a braking power by a main brake is transferred to a braking power by a parking brake; determining whether a braking power transfer to the braking power by the parking brake is generated if the braking power transfer generation condition is satisfied; counting a lapsed time after the braking power transfer is generated if it is determined that the braking power transfer is generated; and generating an additional braking power to the parking brake according to the counted lapsed time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventor: Jae Woo JEON
  • Publication number: 20160090070
    Abstract: A cylinder device includes a regulation mechanism that regulates separation distance between a front piston and a rear piston. A spring seat member of the regulation mechanism includes a spring reception part that projects toward a retainer side to receive a rear end of a spring, a cup seal holding part that projects on an opposite side from the retainer to hold a cup seal arranged on the rear piston, and a projection part that projects on the opposite side from the retainer. The projection part becomes abuttable on the retainer by a stroke of the rear piston if the spring reception part and the cup seal holding part are installed reversely-oriented on the rear piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Kazuhiro TAGATA, Nobuyuki KOBAYASHI, Motoyasu NAKAMURA, Yoshiyuki TAKAMATSU, Hideki HIDUME, Kazuaki MURAYAMA, Nobutake HYODO
  • Publication number: 20160090071
    Abstract: An electronic parking brake support system for a vehicle includes an electric parking brake having at least one brake member associated with a wheel of the vehicle. The system also includes a service brake system constructed and arranged to control service brakes of the vehicle. The service brake system includes at least one circuit constructed and arranged to determine an occurrence of a failure or degradation condition of the service brake system and, in response to the detected condition, to send a request signal to the electric parking brake instructing the electric parking brake to activate the at least one brake member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew C. Tuhro, Bryan S. Coullard, Daniel G. Goodrich
  • Publication number: 20160090072
    Abstract: A wheel chock system includes a chock, a sensor disposed within the chock to sense the proximity to the tire, an outside light box, and an inside control panel. Lamps on the outside light box provide a visual indication as to when the chock is in close proximity to the wheel. Lights on the inside control panel provide a visual indication of the loading dock safety status. The wheel chock system further includes a controller coupled to the inside control panel, programmed to change visual indications of both the outside light signal box and the inside control panel, based at least on the sensor and a loading dock door sensor. The wheel chock system further includes a camera positioned to view the tire and the chock and convey an image of the tire and the chock to a display on or near the inside control panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Applicant: DL Manufacturing
    Inventors: Donald L. Metz, Joshua L. Eppley
  • Publication number: 20160090073
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling a creep torque of a hybrid electric vehicle that outputs the creep torque to improve shift feel and fuel consumption of the hybrid electric vehicle, may include the method for controlling a creep torque of a hybrid electric vehicle that may include detecting data of the hybrid electric vehicle for controlling the creep torque, determining whether a vehicle speed is greater than or equal to a predetermined speed and the hybrid electric vehicle is shifting from a current shift stage to 1 stage when the current shift stage is 3 stage or 2 stage, applying a creep torque factor depending on a shift stage and a brake amount when the hybrid electric vehicle is shifting from 3 stage or 2 stage to 1 stage, and controlling a motor to output the creep torque to which the creep torque factor is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jee Wook HUH, Gwang II Du, Sung Deok Kim, Teh Hwan Cho
  • Publication number: 20160090074
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine that can selectively provide drive torque to propel the vehicle. An electric machine also selectively provides drive torque. A differential transfers the torque to and amongst wheels. A planetary gearset is coupled to the engine and has a ring-gear for transmitting ring-gear-torque to the differential. A continuous torque transfer member operatively couples the ring-gear and the electric machine to the differential. At least one controller is configured to alter engine output based on a ring-gear-torque-threshold. This enables a desired torque to transfer through the continuous torque transfer member to the differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Carol Louise OKUBO, Jonathan Andrew BUTCHER, Ming Lang KUANG
  • Publication number: 20160090075
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a powertrain in a vehicle includes controlling a speed of an engine in the vehicle using a first engine speed control when an accelerator pedal position is less than a first predetermined position and a battery discharge limit of a battery in the vehicle is at least a predetermined discharge limit. The speed of the engine is controlled using a second engine speed control different from the first engine speed control when the accelerator pedal position is less than the first predetermined position and the battery discharge limit is less than the predetermined discharge limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond MARTIN, Paul Stephen BRYAN, Mohamad MANSOUR
  • Publication number: 20160090076
    Abstract: A vehicle gear box includes: a gear shift mechanism including a first engaging device configured to engage/disengage power transmission between an engine and a first input shaft of a first gear position group and a second engaging device configured to engage/disengage power transmission between the engine and a second input shaft of a second gear position group; a differential mechanism configured to connect a rotational shaft of a rotator and the first input shaft and the second input shaft; a third engaging device configured to engage/disengage power transmission between the engine and the first engaging device and the second engaging device; and a control system configured to control the third engaging device and the rotator to perform control that switches the third engaging device to be in a disengaged state and drives the vehicle by the rotary power output from the rotator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kimitoshi TSUJI, Kiyohito MURATA
  • Publication number: 20160090077
    Abstract: A control method of a hybrid vehicle may include performing a series of commands by a control portion including determining whether an accelerator pedal change amount detected by an accelerator pedal sensor is greater than a predetermined value, starting up an engine through a Hybrid Shaft Generator (HSG) during conversion into an HEV mode from an EV mode, controlling the engine to output constant torque, and synchronizing engine torque with motor torque to engage a clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Yongkak CHOI, Yonghoon Lee, Jeamun Lee, Hoon Han, Kyungtaek Lee, Seongik Park, Ilkwon Park, Sangjoon Kim, Jaeyun Shim, Joonyoung Park, Ineok Cho, Namil Choi
  • Publication number: 20160090078
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle that includes a first power transmission path, a second power transmission path, a clutch mechanism, a clutch controller, a supply current controller, a self-shut unit, and an electric power generating mode controller. The self-shut unit holds a conducting state of a second electric power supply line over a set time, in response to a change in a state of a first electric power supply line from a conducting state to a non-conducting state. The electric power generating mode controller executes an electric power generating mode that drives an electric motor to generate electric power upon a stop of a vehicle in which the clutch mechanism is disengaged. The supply current controller increases a supply current supplied to the clutch controller, in response to the change in the state of the first electric power supply line during the electric power generating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Applicant: Fuji Jokogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi SATOMURA
  • Publication number: 20160090079
    Abstract: A transmission structure of an HEV including: a generator disposed on the same shaft as an engine input shaft and coupled with a sun gear of a planetary gear part; a brake coupled with the sun gear or the generator; a rotation limiter to selectively limit a rotation of the engine input shaft; a first counter shaft connected to a motor disposed on the same shaft as the engine input shaft to transfer power; a second counter shaft connected to a ring gear included in the planetary gear part to transfer power; and an output shaft connected to the first counter shaft and the second counter shaft to transfer power to a wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventor: Kum Lim Choi
  • Publication number: 20160090080
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle control device includes a drive system including a starter motor, an engine and a motor/generator, and a power supply system including a high power battery, a capacitor, and a hybrid control module which controls charging and discharging of the capacitor. The hybrid control module performs a starter start-up control, a motor-generator start control and charging and discharging control: during EV mode, when the operating point in accordance with the vehicle speed and required driving force is present in a M/G start-up region, the hybrid control module maintains the capacitor voltage at or below a deterioration free voltage, and when the operating point is deviated from the M/G start-up region, the hybrid control module recharges the capacitor to or above a starter start-up permission voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventor: Tomoyuki KODAWARA
  • Publication number: 20160090081
    Abstract: A vehicle control device includes a remaining capacity detecting module that detects a remaining capacity of a secondary battery which supplies an electric power to the drive motor, and a cruise mode switching module that switches a cruise mode from the first cruise mode to the second cruise mode on the basis of the remaining capacity, and switches the cruise mode from the second cruise mode to the first cruise mode on the basis of an external charging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Mamoru AKITA, Jun Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20160090082
    Abstract: A driving system for a vehicle includes a drive source, a driven portion, a wet multiple disc connection/disconnection unit provided on a power transmission path between the drive source and the driven portion, and a connection/disconnection unit controller configured to control a release and an application of the connection/disconnection unit, wherein the driving system further includes a time counter configured to obtain a continuous applied time that is an elapsed time from a start of a latest application of the connection/disconnection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Hiramatsu, Shigeru Nakayama, Keiichi Ooiso, Takabumi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20160090083
    Abstract: A drivetrain system can drive a vehicle by a first motor and a second motor. A drivetrain couples the first motor with a first axle and comprises a propeller shaft transmitting torque from the first motor to a second axle and coupled with the second motor. A first clutch disconnectably connects the first motor with the propeller shaft. A second clutch disconnectably couples the propeller shaft with the second axle. The first and second motors can be activated. The first clutch can be connected to cause both the first and second motors to drive the first axle. The second clutch can be connected or disconnected to control torque transmission from the first motor and the second motor to the second axle, whereby the vehicle is operated in a hybrid mode in which both the first motor and the second motor drive the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventor: Akira Ibusuki
  • Publication number: 20160090084
    Abstract: A method of assisting a driver of a vehicle in driving a road, the method includes determining a location of a road boundary relative to the vehicle using a sensor, selecting, via a controller, a parameter to assist a driver of the vehicle at the location of the road boundary, updating the parameter based on a previous operation of the vehicle, determining, via the controller, whether the vehicle is approaching the road boundary based on a vehicle trajectory and the location of a road boundary, and providing a feedback operation to assist the driver in avoiding the road boundary, the feedback operation based on the selected parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Yoshiro TAKAMATSU, Yuji TAKADA, Yoshinori KUSAYANAGI, Norimasa KISHI