Patents Issued in April 14, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160101666
    Abstract: A vehicular heat management system includes: a refrigerant circuit; a first heat medium circuit in which a heat medium circulates and exchanges heat with a low-pressure side refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit; a second heat medium circuit in which a heat medium circulates and exchanges heat with a high-pressure side refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit; and a switching device configured to switch a mode between a communicating mode in which the first heat medium circuit and the second heat medium circuit are coupled and a non-communicating mode in which the first heat medium circuit and the second heat medium circuit are not coupled on the basis of a temperature of the heat medium in the first heat medium circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Kengo SUGIMURA, Kazutoshi KUWAYAMA, Masamichi MAKIHARA, Yoshiki KATOH, Norihiko ENOMOTO
  • Publication number: 20160101667
    Abstract: A transport refrigeration system (20) has a compartment (22) and a vapor compression refrigeration system (30). The vapor compression refrigeration system (30) has: a compressor (32); a first heat exchanger (34) downstream of the compressor along a refrigerant flowpath in a cooling mode; an expansion device (36); a second heat exchanger (38) downstream of the expansion device along the refrigerant flowpath; and a fan (42) for driving air along an air flowpath across the second heat exchanger for cooling the compartment in the cooling mode. A thermochemical refrigeration system (100) is coupled to the vapor compression refrigeration system downstream of the first heat exchanger and upstream of the second heat exchanger along the refrigerant flowpath in the cooling mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cédric Hervé Rivière, André Georges Stumpf
  • Publication number: 20160101668
    Abstract: An air vent comprising a housing, an air inlet opening, which is located in the axial direction of the housing, and an air outlet opening, which is disposed opposite the air inlet opening, a first air guide surface, which has a first bulge and is disposed in the housing, and a second air guide surface, which has a second bulge and is disposed in the housing, wherein the first bulge points in a first direction and the second bulge points in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction oppose one another and extend perpendicularly to the axial direction, wherein the first air guide surface and the second air guide surface are disposed at a distance from the housing, wherein a first air duct is formed by the housing and the first air guide surface, and wherein a second air duct is formed by the housing and the second air guide surface, wherein the first air duct is designed to convey a first volumetric flow of air—which can flow into the housing through the air inlet opening—to the ai
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Volker Doll, Stephane Londiche, Julien Seiller, Martin Schulz
  • Publication number: 20160101669
    Abstract: An air freshener for a vehicle includes a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet at both ends thereof. A perfume container is provided inside the housing, in which a plurality of aromatics having different physical states are laminated. An aromatics laminated at an uppermost layer is evaporated by air passing through an interior of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: June Kyu PARK, Kwang Woon CHO, Yong Jun JEE, Jae Ho KIM
  • Publication number: 20160101670
    Abstract: A vehicle having a sliding door arranged behind a body pillar, a frame around the door opening closeable by the sliding door, a rail system provided in the region of the sliding door connected fixedly to the vehicle and having upper and lower guide rails, sliding carriages provided on the sliding door connected to the sliding door via a respective supporting arm and guided displaceably on the guide rails, and side impact protection in the region of the sliding door. At least one of the sliding carriages or supporting arms is provided with a stop. In the event of a side impact, in which the outer vehicle wall is deformed in the direction of the vehicle interior, an abutment connected to the vehicle wall comes to bear against the stop of the sliding carriage or of the supporting arm, and the position of the sliding door is thereby blocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Dirk van Oirschot, Olaf Van Leeuwen
  • Publication number: 20160101671
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a body including a header margin at least partially defining a body side opening. The motor vehicle further includes a first door received in and closing at least a first portion of the body side opening and a drip resistant textured surface feature provided along the header margin above the first door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: George Michalopoulos
  • Publication number: 20160101672
    Abstract: There is provided a vehicle upper section structure including: a roof side rail extending along a vehicle front-rear direction; a roof reinforcement extending along a vehicle width direction further to a vehicle cabin inside than the roof side rail and a roof panel of the vehicle; a center frame that is disposed at a vehicle up-down direction upper side or lower side of the roof reinforcement, and that extends in the vehicle width direction; and a bracket that is joined to a vehicle cabin inside of the roof side rail, to the roof reinforcement, and to the center frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takuya OSHIMA
  • Publication number: 20160101673
    Abstract: A top of a convertible vehicle includes at least one top element displaceable between a closed position and a storage position. Each of two side portions accommodates a closing system fixing the relevant side portion to a front apron of the vehicle or to a further top element. The closing systems are displaceable between a blocked position and a cleared position. Each closing system includes a locking hook, which interacts with a corresponding locking element and which is pivotable about a hook axis, and a drive unit, which drives a control element pivotable about a pivot axis and mounted at the relevant side portion as well as being connected to the locking hook via a coupling unit. The pivot axis of the control element and the hook axis are oriented with respect to each other in a skew fashion and the coupling unit includes at least one 3-D link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Magnus Sviberg, Alexander Haimerl
  • Publication number: 20160101674
    Abstract: A transport refrigeration system comprises: a container (22) having a doorway (27) with at least one door (26); a refrigeration system (30) including a reversible first fan (82) for driving air (512) along an air flowpath and a heat absorption exchanger (80) along the air flowpath for cooling the air; and a second fan (100) positioned to in at least one mode of operation drive an air curtain flow (520 1) downward across the doorway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cédric Hervé Rivière, André Georges Stumpf
  • Publication number: 20160101675
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing arrangement for a vehicle window. The sealing arrangement comprises a retaining rail having a latching channel that is formed by a guide rail and a spring leg having a latch hook, the retaining rail being affixed to a window pane. The sealing arrangement further comprises a cover having a guide channel that is formed by a positioning stop and by a latching rail having a locking element. The guide rail is arranged in the guide channel and the latching rail is arranged in the latching channel, wherein the latch hook is engaged with the locking element in that a convex curved latching guide surface of the latch hook is guided along a latching sliding edge of the latching element, and a spring element is tensioned in the guide channel between the guide rail and a contact surface on the underside of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Alwin TIMMERMANN
  • Publication number: 20160101676
    Abstract: A support strap for holding a seal strip of a convertible top against one or more body panels of the vehicle. The seal strip has a body panel engaging portion and an attachment portion. A tensioner is operatively attached to the support strap to reduce the flexibility of the support strap and apply pressure to the seal strip to improve the effectiveness of the seal strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher J. Dilluvio, Wolfgang Richter
  • Publication number: 20160101677
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure having a detachable roof, in which a front seal member is provided in a roof opening, and the front seal member is in contact with a press end of a soft top. The front seal member includes a first stopper member provided adjacent to a first seal member and a second stopper member provided adjacent to a second seal member. The press end is in contact with both the first stopper member and the second stopper member in a condition that sealing is maintained by both the first seal member and the second seal member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryo Suesada, Masaki Soda, Takeshi Ishikawa, Yuujiro Tashima
  • Publication number: 20160101678
    Abstract: The embodied invention is a large, horizontal sunshade with vertical shading curtains around the perimeter that is securely attached to the roof of a vehicle. The attachment means comprises a semi-permanent magnetic vehicle mount assembly that is attached to the vehicle roof and a matching snap ring that secures the sunscreen in place. The snap ring is magnetically attached to the car mount assembly using strong magnets that prevent the sunscreen from blowing away in the event of a wind. The sunscreen assembly incorporates reinforcing ribs in a way that allows the sunscreen assembly to be folded and stored compactly. The sunscreen assembly is removable by a simple rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Scott B. Fogarty
  • Publication number: 20160101679
    Abstract: A transmission system may include a planetary gear set disposed on an input shaft receiving power of an engine, two input gears connected respectively to two rotation elements among three rotation elements of the planetary gear set, first and second motor/generators disposed on an intermediate shaft and a connecting shaft disposed in parallel with the input shaft, two intermediate gears connected respectively to first and second rotors of the first and second motor/generators, a brake selectively connecting the first rotor of the first motor/generator to a transmission housing, and two output gears fixedly disposed on an output shaft disposed in parallel with the intermediate shaft and transmitting power transmitted through one input gear of the two input gears and/or one intermediate gear of the two intermediate gears to a final reduction gear of a differential apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Baekyu KIM, Chulmin AHN, Seok Joon KIM, SungGon BYUN
  • Publication number: 20160101680
    Abstract: A transmission structure of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) may include an engine connected to a front wheel of the hybrid vehicle, a planetary gear part connected to the engine, a first motor generator connected to the planetary gear part, an overdrive brake connected to the first motor generator, and a second motor generator connected to a rear wheel of the hybrid vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Chul Min AHN, Seok Joon Kim, Jun Young Ha, Baek Yu Kim, Sung Gon Byun
  • Publication number: 20160101681
    Abstract: A driving device includes: a power distribution mechanism configured such that a ring gear is connected to an internal combustion engine, a sun gear is connected to a first MG, and a carrier is connected to a counter shaft in a power transmittable manner; and a clutch mechanism that is able to connect the sun gear to the ring gear. The internal combustion engine, the first MG, the power distribution mechanism, and the clutch mechanism are placed on the same axis. The clutch mechanism is placed on an opposite side to the internal combustion engine across the first MG and the power distribution mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shigeru OKUWAKI, Kenji ITAGAKI, Hidehumi AIKAWA, Youmei HAKUMURA
  • Publication number: 20160101682
    Abstract: A method of controlling an active air flap, includes detecting a location of a vehicle from a GPS signal received through a GPS receiver, and acquiring a road surface gradient of a road on which the vehicle travels from location information of the vehicle and map information stored in a data storage, by a controller, determining an opening degree setting value corresponding to the road surface gradient of the road, by the controller, outputting a control signal for controlling an opening degree of an air flap according to a setting value, by the controller, and controlling the opening degree of the air flap by operating an actuator according to the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Seung Ho Choi
  • Publication number: 20160101683
    Abstract: A fuel tank having two opposite wall portions and at least one reinforcing element connecting these two wall portions, such reinforcing element comprising at least two parts linked by at least one rotating link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: INERGY AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS RESEARCH (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: David HILL, Bjorn CRIEL, Vincent CUVELIER, Scott MCCLEARY
  • Publication number: 20160101684
    Abstract: An embodiment provides a check valve including a valve case, a positive pressure valve having a resin ring sealing member, and a resin negative pressure valve. The positive pressure valve and the negative pressure valve are disposed in the valve case. The positive pressure valve includes a first mount surface and a second mount surface disposed on an inner diameter side of the first mount surface. In the valve case, a presser cap is mounted on the positive pressure valve so as to sandwich the ring sealing member and the negative pressure valve with the first mount surface and the second mount surface of the positive pressure valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Kosei YAMAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20160101685
    Abstract: A cap for closing a fill tube of a fluid container that includes fewer part and requires just a quarter turn between opened and closed positions. The cap has a lower plate for engagement with a free end of a fill tube and an upper plate that connects to a cover. The upper and lower plates have cooperating pawl and detent portions that form a ratchet member. Rotation of the cap by approximately a quarter turn moves the cap form an opened position to a closed position against the neck of a filler tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: RB DISTRIBUTION, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick DARPINO, Brian REYES
  • Publication number: 20160101686
    Abstract: A fuel door assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The fuel door assembly includes a housing, a fuel door and a door seal. The fuel door is hingedly supported by the housing for rotation between an open position and a closed position. The door seal includes a proximal edge supported by the housing and a distal edge separated from the housing. The door seal has an arcuate shape extending from the proximal edge to the distal edge when the fuel door is in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: SRG Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart BROWN, William DOROGHAZI, Brett STONE, Peter STOKES
  • Publication number: 20160101687
    Abstract: A fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank and a coupling assembly for coupling the fuel tank to the underbody of a vehicle. The fuel tank includes a tank body and a plurality of tabs extending from the tank body. Each tab has a tab opening. The coupling assembly includes at least one strap partially surrounding the fuel tank. The strap defines a strap opening. The coupling assembly further includes at least one fastener extending through the strap opening and the tab opening. Further, the coupling assembly includes a compression sleeve partially positioned in the tab opening. The compression sleeve defines a sleeve opening for receiving the fastener. The compression sleeve has a height that is greater than the height of each of the tabs in order to attenuate the transfer of tensile loads from the at least one strap to the tabs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Basista, Philip A. Yaccarino
  • Publication number: 20160101688
    Abstract: A transfer case (16) for translating torque from an engine (12) to first and second differentials (20, 22), including: a housing (42), a primary shaft (44) supported in the housing (42) with an input end (52) in communication with the engine (12) and an output end (54) in communication with the first differential (20), a secondary shaft (46) spaced from the primary shaft (44) and in communication with the second differential (22), a clutch assembly (48) in communication with the shafts (44, 46) for selectively translating torque therebetween, and a sleeve (50) operatively attached to the primary shaft (44) between ends (52, 54). The sleeve (50) has an outer surface (68) with a plurality of radially spaced flutes (70) defined therein for directing lubricant from a predetermined location (72) of the housing (42) toward the clutch assembly (48) during rotation of the primary shaft (44).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Michael R. PALAZZOLO, Jesse JONGEBLOED
  • Publication number: 20160101689
    Abstract: By driving a first electromagnetic solenoid and a second electromagnetic solenoid, if first cams of a first thrust force amplification mechanism and a second thrust force amplification mechanism are connected to non-rotary members, since second cams are rotated at rotating speeds that are proportional to a vehicle speed V, the relative rotations between the first cam and the second cam increase. Therefore, the first thrust force amplification mechanism and the second thrust force amplification mechanism can be actuated quickly, to thereby switch connection/disconnection states of the first connection/disconnection mechanism and the second connection/disconnection mechanism quickly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Takahiro Yoshimura, Ryota Horie
  • Publication number: 20160101690
    Abstract: In a transfer, a high thrust can be given to a front-wheel driving clutch by a high magnification function of a screw mechanism. Further, a necessary stroke for an operation of a high-low switching mechanism can be obtained by the screw mechanism. Accordingly, with the use of one motor, the screw mechanism, and a transmission mechanism, it is possible to perform a switching operation of the high-low switching mechanism and a torque adjustment of the front-wheel driving clutch by the same system. Hereby, it is possible to perform, with accuracy, the switching operation of the high-low switching mechanism and the torque adjustment of the front-wheel driving clutch, based on a motor rotation angle Am of one motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mizuki IMAFUKU, Akinori HOMAN, Tomohiro ARAKAWA
  • Publication number: 20160101691
    Abstract: A disconnecting driveline component can include a shaft coupled to one of a pair of output members of a differential. A clutch input can be coupled for rotation with one of a ring gear and the one of the output members. A clutch output can be coupled for rotation with one of a differential case and the shaft. A collar can be axially-slidable between a first position, where the collar couples the clutch input and the clutch output to transmit rotational power therebetween, and a second position where the collar is rotatably decoupled from one of the clutch input and the clutch output. A pilot input can be non-rotatably coupled to the clutch input. A pilot output can be fixed to the clutch output. An electromagnet can draw the pilot input into frictional engagement with the pilot output when the collar is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Paul Joseph Valente
  • Publication number: 20160101692
    Abstract: The present invention in one or more embodiments provides a base for supporting shifter, wherein the base includes longitudinal axis, a first cross-section including a first border defining therein a first aperture, and a second cross-section positioned spaced apart from the first cross-section along the longitudinal axis and including a second border defining therein a second aperture. The base as provided is believed to be advantageous in supporting the shifter while allowing arrangement for the air duct to pass through and therefore to improve comfort for the rear-seat passenger without having to necessarily increase the interior packaging size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: LEO CHEN, GARY D. MULLEN, IAIN RAYMOND JONES, DENIS GERALD O'SHANNESSY, PAUL SCHMIDT
  • Publication number: 20160101693
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to adjustable ground speed control devices, systems, and methods for walk-behind equipment. A variable speed control system for a machine can include a control system base, one or more control lever selectively movable with respect to the control system base between a first operating position and a second operating position, first and second speed adjustment actuators positioned on the control system base proximal to the one or more control lever, and a control unit configured for communication with the one or more control lever, the first and second speed adjustment actuators, and a machine component. In this configuration, the one or more control lever can be configured to control the machine component to operate between a minimum operating speed and a variable maximum operating speed, where the value of the variable maximum operating speed can be adjusted by the first and second speed adjustment actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Andrew E. Bejcek
  • Publication number: 20160101694
    Abstract: A vehicle pedal assembly with a stationary plastic pedal shaft structure made of different plastic materials and more specifically a vehicle pedal assembly with a pedal shaft including an exterior bearing surface adapted for abutting bearing contact with the surface of the drum of the pedal shaft. The bearing surface is made of a different plastic material that minimizes wear and friction between the shaft surface and the pedal drum surface. The pedal shaft includes opposed key shaped ends that are inserted into respective key hole shaped through-holes defined in the pedal assembly housing for aligning and securing the pedal shaft in the pedal housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas A. Hallberg
  • Publication number: 20160101695
    Abstract: A cluster information output apparatus for a vehicle may include: a plurality of peripheral control devices having a function of displaying cluster information; a storage unit configured to store the cluster information and priorities for the plurality of peripheral control devices; and a control unit configured to determine operation states for the plurality of peripheral control devices when an error occurs in an operation state sensed from a cluster, and output the cluster information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Seung Jae KIM
  • Publication number: 20160101696
    Abstract: A first driving instability determining unit estimates driving instability based on a difference value between plural traveling state distributions of different time ranges on the basis of the traveling state data. A second driving instability determining unit estimates driving instability by a process different from the process used in the first driving instability determining unit. A learning completion determining unit determines that the learning is completed when a predetermined learning time elapses from the start of collection of the traveling state data, depending on a degree of learning at which the traveling state distribution calculated by a first traveling state distribution calculating unit is matched with the driving characteristic of a driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takayuki KONDOH
  • Publication number: 20160101697
    Abstract: A display system mounted within a vehicle is provided, where the system monitors the user's position within the vehicle's seat and automatically adjusts the location of the display to compensate for variations in the size or seating position of the user, thereby helping to alleviate the eye strain, fatigue, neck and back pain that often accompany the improper use of a monitor for an extended period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: Atieva, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Dore Rawlinson, Eric Obers
  • Publication number: 20160101698
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling regenerative braking torque, which is produced by an electric machine of a vehicle operating in generator mode in a coasting operation mode of the vehicle, in an open-loop or closed-loop manner in accordance with need. The method detects, on the basis of a specified algorithm, an imminent situation in which the speed of a vehicle should be reduced to a speed lower than the current speed. The method outputs a recommendation directed at the driver to release the accelerator when the expected occurrence of such a situation has been detected. If the driver has released the accelerator, the method controls the regenerative braking torque in an open-loop or closed-loop manner in such a way that the vehicle achieves the lower speed without actuation of the service brake when the situation occurs, or, if this cannot be achieved solely via the recuperation torque, maximizes the vehicle deceleration that can be produced by regenerative braking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Johannes von GRUNDHERR, Oliver SCHOERRIG
  • Publication number: 20160101699
    Abstract: A drive system includes an engine, an alternator coupled to the engine, the alternator being configured to power at least one auxiliary load, a traction motor system operatively coupled to drive wheels of the vehicle, the traction motor system being configured for receiving primary electrical power from the alternator and for propelling the vehicle in response to the primary electrical power, and a motor electrically connected to the traction motor system and mechanically coupled to the engine. The motor is configured to receive electrical power from the traction motor system in a dynamic braking mode of operation of the traction motor system and to communicate power to the engine during the dynamic braking mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: JEFFREY JOHN WOLFF, AJITH KUTTANNAIR KUMAR, HENRY TODD YOUNG, JASON DANIEL KUTTENKULER, MAKSIM V. BORISENKO, EDWARD PETRAK
  • Publication number: 20160101700
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes an electric drive system associated with a first set of wheels. The electric drive system is configured to selectively provide electric motive power to the first set of wheels to propel the vehicle and electric retarding to slow the vehicle. The system further includes a friction brake system associated with one of the first set of wheels or a second set of wheels, a drive system control unit, and a friction brake control unit in electrical communication with the drive system control unit. The drive system control unit is configured to communicate with the friction brake control unit to control an amount of friction brake application during vehicle stops and starts on grade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Timothy Brown, Jeffrey Wolff, Henry Young, Carlos Vallejo, Sean Cillessen, Kenneth Nedley, Larry Bench
  • Publication number: 20160101701
    Abstract: A vehicle charging system may include a drive system mounted to a chassis, a positionable electrical connector assembly, a position sensor, a proximity sensor, and a control module. The control module may be programmed to operate the drive system to place the chassis proximate a vehicle electrical connector and operate the positionable electrical connector assembly to releasably engage the vehicle electrical connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Bo Wu, Brittany Connolly, Christopher W. Bell, Raymond C. Siciak
  • Publication number: 20160101702
    Abstract: A power supply system includes: a first voltage converter configured to bidirectionally convert voltage between a first battery and an output line in accordance with first pulse width modulation control; a second voltage converter connected to the output line in parallel with the first voltage converter, the second voltage converter being configured to bidirectionally convert voltage between a second battery and the output line in accordance with second pulse width modulation control; and a controller configured to control the first and second voltage converters by generating first and second pulse width modulation control signals, the controller being configured to, when one or both of temperatures of the first and second batteries are lower than a predetermined temperature, change phases of the pulse width modulation control signals such that the first second pulse width modulation control signals change from a synchronous state to an asynchronous state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shohei OI, Ryoji SATO
  • Publication number: 20160101703
    Abstract: Systems and/or methods for charging electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are disclosed. In various embodiments, charging to the battery pack may dynamically be changed according to a characteristic of the external electrical source to which the vehicle is plugged. While monitoring the characteristics, the charging level may be changed up or down depending on the characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Andrew Frank
  • Publication number: 20160101704
    Abstract: Example electric vehicle charging systems and methods are described. In one implementation, an electric vehicle charging system includes multiple solar cells and a power manager coupled to the multiple solar cells. The power manager receives power signals from each of the solar cells and generates an output signal based on at least a portion of the received power signals. The output signal has an associated voltage and/or current that is within an acceptable operating range for charging an electric vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: David Thompson McCalmont, Donald Martin Bray, Aaron William McCalmont, Jonathan Scott McCalmont
  • Publication number: 20160101705
    Abstract: A management system and a management method of a battery and a battery charger, and a battery charger are provided that can obtain information on the state of a battery and information on the usage state of a battery charger even during charging so as to monitor/control the battery and the battery charger even during the charging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Mamoru KURAISHI, Shinji HIROSE, Kenji NISHIGAKI, Junichi HATANO
  • Publication number: 20160101706
    Abstract: Systems composed of chargers that allow vehicles to control parameters of power, or that allow vehicles to receive power having parameters the power connector usually is used for, or parameters that a charger estimated based on voltage that the charger measures at the vehicle's connector, or that has parameters that a charger calculated based information about the vehicle's energy storage device that the vehicle sends to the charger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Carl Lee Danner
  • Publication number: 20160101707
    Abstract: Provided are a power supply apparatus and method for a hybrid vehicle. The power supply apparatus is integrated with a power conversion device and an energy storage device in order to reduce a size and production cost of the power supply apparatus and includes a battery unit including a plurality of battery cells configured to store different levels of power and a power control unit configured to control the battery unit to integrally or selectively output the power of the plurality of battery cells based on whether an engine of the hybrid vehicle generates power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD
    Inventor: Deok Kwan CHOI
  • Publication number: 20160101708
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for calibrating state-of-charge (SOC) of an energy storage device. The method includes monitoring, via a battery management system, at least one of an accumulated capacity of the energy storage device after a first SOC calibration or a time period after the first SOC calibration. Another step includes determining, via the battery management system, whether at least one of the accumulated capacity or the time period is above a predetermined threshold. If at least one of the accumulated capacity or the time period is above a predetermined threshold, then the method includes charging, via the battery management system, the energy storage device for a specified duration until the energy storage device reaches a second SOC calibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Jiucai Zhang, Charles Clarence Hicks,, JR., Sam T. Liu, Robert A. Kaucic, Leng Mao
  • Publication number: 20160101709
    Abstract: An electrical grid management system is disclosed, and includes a plurality of segmented pathways that each include a corresponding renewable energy source and a vehicle propelled along the plurality of segmented pathways. The electrical grid management system includes a system control module including control logic determining a baseline operational plan. The baseline operation plan is based on scheduling and operational requirements of the vehicle. The electrical grid management system also includes a corresponding supercapacitor provided for at least one of the plurality of segmented pathways. The supercapacitor stores energy generated by the corresponding renewable energy source for later use to propel the vehicle along a corresponding segmented pathway. The electrical grid management system includes a plurality of section control modules in communication with the system control module, the corresponding supercapacitor, and the main grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: William Joseph Purpura
  • Publication number: 20160101710
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat foundation coupled to a floor of a vehicle, a seat bottom coupled to the seat foundation to move back and forth along a longitudinal axis relative to the floor, and a seat back coupled to the seat bottom to extend upwardly away from the seat bottom. The seat back pivots about an axis relative to the seat bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffery T Bonk, Dale J Frye, Matthew Shinew, Christopher L Hogg
  • Publication number: 20160101711
    Abstract: Connecting device of linear drive includes a main body part with a rectangular profile, and a hardware stamping. The two opposite sides of the main body part are respectively fixedly connected with the hardware stamping. The middle portion of the main body part has a hollow cavity. A threaded axle hole device with threaded holes inside is accommodated in and fixedly connected with the cavity. The lateral walls of the cavity have locating grooves. The hardware stamping includes two reverse bends between which the portion is disposed above the main body part. The lower portion of the hardware stamping is tightly adhered to the lateral side of the main body and bolted, while the upper portion of the hardware stamping has a connecting hole. The connecting device is light in structure, small in size and more convenient to install and is improved in bearing capability and operation stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: OKIN REFINED ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Minglong LEI, Long LI
  • Publication number: 20160101712
    Abstract: A seat track assembly including a first rail and a second rail spaced apart by a distance and extending parallel with respect to one another, wherein at least one of the first and second rails having a first receiver, a second receiver, the first and second receivers longitudinally translatable with respect to each other, and a sliding member disposed therebetween, wherein the sliding member defines an aperture extending at least partially therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Timothy J. Hagan, Jens Speicher, Lukas Plioska, Alexander Jindra, Abe Sanchez, Chloe Echikson
  • Publication number: 20160101713
    Abstract: The disclosed technology is a car seat for infants suffering from acid reflux, embodiments of which include a car seat base or wedge frame and a removable rectangular frame. The removable rectangular frame has a flat child support surface, allowing the child to be secured to the removable rectangular frame. The wedge frame has a support structure along the interior thereof for supporting the removable rectangular frame within the wedge frame. The wedge frame and the removable rectangular base support the child support surface at an angle of about 30 degrees, or 28-32 degrees, or 20-40 degrees, relative to the wedge frame's bottom plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Abigail N. Smith
  • Publication number: 20160101714
    Abstract: A receiving device on a vehicle seat for a holding element of a fastening system which has a receiving element of an equipment part to be fastened, which receiving element can be fixed on the holding element. The holding element is provided with a cover element having a cover opening. The receiving device has a holding part which is reversibly secured on the holding element. The cover element has a casing body which emerges from the cover opening and has cover-element slotted guides that are open with respect to the holding element within the casing body. The casing body of the cover element at least partially surrounds a body of the holding part, and the open side of the cover-element slotted guides of the cover element engages in the holding element whereby the cover element is mounted and is guided in a telescopically movable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Robert SZLAG
  • Publication number: 20160101715
    Abstract: A manual controller for operating two drives of a recliner has a housing and a lever projecting from the housing and movable in a forward direction from a rest position through a first forward position and then into a second forward position and rearward from the rest position through a first rearward position and then into a second rearward position. The first positions lie between the respective second positions and the rest position. Two first switches in the housing are each operated by the lever only in a respective one of the first positions, and two second switches in the housing are each operated by the lever only in a respective one of the second positions. Two of the switches are connected to one of the drives and the other two of the switches are connected to the other of the drives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Martin KRISTEN