Patents Issued in June 7, 2016
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Patent number: 9358866Abstract: A hybrid system includes a hybrid module that is located between an engine and a transmission. The hybrid system includes an energy storage system for storing energy from and supplying energy to the hybrid module. An inverter transfers power between the energy storage system and the hybrid module. The hybrid system also includes a cooling system, a DC-DC converter, and a high voltage tap. The hybrid module is designed to recover energy, such as during braking, as well as power the vehicle. The hybrid module includes an electrical machine (eMachine) along with electrical and mechanical pumps for circulating fluid. A clutch provides the sole operative connection between the engine and the eMachine. The hybrid system further incorporates a power take off (PTO) unit that is configured to be powered by the engine and/or the eMachine.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventors: James F. Hartz, Nayan V. Patel, Vernon D. Thompson, Paul A. Richardson, Christopher A. Baker, George S. Pelton
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Patent number: 9358867Abstract: A powertrain system in a hybrid vehicle includes a hydraulic device, a pilot valve, and a regulator valve. The pilot valve is operably connected to the hydraulic device and configured to actuate. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based device. The regulator valve is operably connected to the pilot valve and the hydraulic device. The regulator valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulic device based on the actuation of the pilot valve.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie, Chi-Kuan Kao, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Dongxu Li, Andrew L. Bartos, Kevin B. Rober
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Patent number: 9358868Abstract: A hybrid drivetrain for a motor vehicle has a first drive unit which has a first drive device by means of which first drive power can be provided. A second drive unit has a second drive device by means of which second drive power can be provided. A drive output device can be connected to driven wheels of the motor vehicle. A first gearbox arrangement has a first gearbox input and a first gearbox output. A second gearbox arrangement has a second gearbox input and a second gearbox output. The first drive device is connected to the first gearbox input and the second drive device is connected to the second gearbox input. The first and second gearbox outputs are connected to the drive output device. The first and second gearbox inputs can be connected to one another or separated from one another by means of a clutch.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KGInventors: Sören Wenzel, Stevens Sehic
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Patent number: 9358869Abstract: An arrangement for a motor vehicle having an electric or hybrid engine includes a power supply battery and reinforcing elements to protect the battery from external stresses applied to the vehicle in a longitudinal and/or transverse direction of the vehicle, in particular in the event of an impact. The reinforcing elements are separate from the battery and separate from an enclosure of the battery in particular. The battery is attached to the reinforcing elements. First structural elements of the chassis of the vehicle are sandwiched and clamped between the battery and the reinforcing elements.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.Inventors: Guillaume Le Jaouen, Yannick Kerguelen, Thierry Ferron, Luan Nguyen
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Patent number: 9358870Abstract: The overall outer shape of a vehicle drive device including an inverter device is reduced in size. An input member and a rotating electrical machine are arranged side by side on a first axis, and a differential gear unit is placed on a second axis. An inverter device is located so as to overlap the differential gear unit as viewed in a radial direction, and is located between a second reference line that extends perpendicularly to a first reference line passing through the first axis and the second axis and that passes through the first axis and a third reference line that extends perpendicularly to the first reference line and that passes the second axis, as viewed in an axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.Inventors: Yutaka Hotta, Tatsuyuki Uechi, Hiromichi Agata, Kazuo Aoki, Tatsuya Kondo, Manabu Miyazawa
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Patent number: 9358871Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle drive system, which permits effective reduction of deterioration of the drivability of the hybrid vehicle. The control apparatus includes a drive mode switching portion 60 configured to switch the hybrid vehicle drive system from a hybrid drive mode to a first EV drive mode if an electric energy amount stored in a battery is smaller than a predetermined threshold value ? or if a vehicle drive force required to be generated by the hybrid vehicle drive system is smaller than a predetermined threshold value ?, and to a second EV drive mode if the electric energy amount stored in the battery is equal to or larger than the threshold value ? and if the drive force required to drive the hybrid vehicle is equal to or larger than the threshold value ?, when the drive mode switching portion has determined that the hybrid vehicle drive system should be switched from the hybrid drive mode to the first or second EV drive mode.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2015Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Taku Harada, Masatoshi Ito, Masataka Sugiyama, Takuya Kodama
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Patent number: 9358872Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and is at least partially propelled by a fraction battery and a traction motor. A clutch is configured to be coupled to the traction motor. An electrical and/or mechanical pump provides pressure to control the clutch. At least one controller determines if the clutch is slipping. In response to the clutch slipping, the at least one controller commands an increase in speed of an input of the clutch such that the available line pressure to control the slipping of the clutch is increased. The line pressure is then applied to the clutch in order to control the slipping of the clutch.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Daniel Scott Colvin, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Marvin Paul Kraska
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Patent number: 9358873Abstract: A transmission system for a hybrid vehicle includes a primary input shaft for receiving drive from a primary vehicle drive motor, such as an internal combustion engine. A secondary input shaft receives drive from a secondary vehicle drive motor, such as an electric motor. An output shaft of the system is connected to drive a final drive unit. A multi-speed gearbox is provided to connect the primary input shaft to the output shaft at one of a plurality of gear ratios. An input selection mechanism, in a first mode, connects the secondary input shaft to drive the output shaft and, in a second mode, connects the secondary input shaft to drive the primary input shaft. A clutch may be provided that can selectively connect or disconnect drive between the primary drive motor and the gearbox.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2012Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Xtrac LimitedInventors: Adrian Paul Moore, Clive David Woolmer, Christopher Guy Cholmeley, Michael John Allen, Matthew Charles Clutterbuck, Paul Pomfret
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Patent number: 9358874Abstract: An electric motor or generator system comprising a stator, a rotor, a first bearing, a first coupling device and a second coupling device, wherein the second coupling device includes a first coupling element arranged to be coupled to a vehicle and a second coupling element coupled to the rotor with a second bearing mounted between the first coupling element and the second coupling element to allow the rotor to rotate relative to the vehicle, wherein the first bearing is mounted between a surface of the stator and a surface of the rotor or the second coupling element to allow the rotor to rotate relative to the stator and the first coupling device is arranged to substantially preventing movement of the stator relative to the first coupling element in a first degree of freedom while allowing movement of the stator relative to the first coupling element in at least a second degree of freedom.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: PROTEAN ELECTRIC LIMITEDInventor: Alexander George Fraser
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Patent number: 9358875Abstract: A saddle riding type vehicle, includes a frame including a head pipe and a pair of left and right main frames extending rearward and downward from the head pip, a fuel tank supported between the left and right main frames, a radiator; and a radiator shroud structure. The shroud structure includes shrouds covering lateral sides of the radiator and shroud fastening portions fixed to outer side walls of the left and right main frames so that upper portions of the shrouds are arranged in covering relation along outer faces of the outer side walls of the main frames, and lower portions of the shrouds extend downward from the upper portions of the shrouds and are connected to the radiator.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2015Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyohei Hosoya, Tomoya Matsuo, Kohei Hirano
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Patent number: 9358876Abstract: An exhaust port formed on one side portion of an engine body along the vehicle width direction, the exhaust port connected to an exhaust muffler arranged in an extending manner in the vehicle width direction along a rear edge of the vehicle body frame by way of an exhaust pipe passage means that introduces an exhaust gas from the exhaust port. The exhaust pipe passage means is arranged in an extending manner in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle while having a bent portion bent toward the center in the vehicle width direction from one side of the engine body in the vehicle width direction behind the engine body, as viewed in a plan view.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Shun Hanashima, Tadashi Oshima, Takaaki Shomura, Yuji Maki
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Patent number: 9358877Abstract: Provided is a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system that can include a frame and at least one container. The frame can include a first side and a second side, with each side being configured to partly define a portion of an interior space. The at least one container can be configured to house or contain CNG and can be engaged to and partly encased by the frame. The at least one container can be partly located within the interior space of at least one of the first side or the second side. The frame assembly can be engaged to a chassis of a vehicle such that the at least one container is located either at least partially underneath a cab of the vehicle or at least partially behind a cab of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIESInventors: Gary Gibb, Michael Pintz, Stephen Polatas
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Patent number: 9358878Abstract: A fluid energy reducing device includes a body having multiple, oppositely directed flow restrictors extending away from opposite sides of the body. Each flow restrictor can have a geometric shape such as a pyramid, triangle, or a conical shape. Fluid such as a fuel traveling in a wave entering the flow restrictors accelerates as the flow area in a flow passage of the flow restrictors decreases. The work performed by accelerating the fluid flow through one or more apertures created in each flow restrictor reduces the energy of the wave, thereby reducing noise in the fluid tank having the fluid energy reducing device when the reduced size and velocity wave subsequently strikes tank structure or walls.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2012Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: TransNav Inc.Inventors: Steven Gerrit Vreeken, Timothy James Nixon
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Patent number: 9358879Abstract: A transaxle for a vehicle is provided, including a pump assembly having an input shaft extending from a housing and driven by a prime mover and a pump disposed on a first hydraulic mounting member attached to a pump housing. An attached motor assembly includes a tubular axle/motor housing, a motor disposed on a second hydraulic mounting member therein and openings in the axle/motor housing to receive hydraulic fluid from the first mounting member. The pump hydraulically drives the motor through porting formed in the first and second hydraulic mounting members via protrusions extending from the first mounting member to the second mounting member. A pair of dual planetary gear reduction mechanisms may be driven by the motor output shaft to power one of a pair of driven wheels of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2012Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventor: Michael L. Bennett
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Patent number: 9358880Abstract: The present disclosure provides a tandem axle for a machine. The tandem axle includes a first wheel end adapted to receive a first wheel and a second wheel end adapted to receive a second wheel. The second wheel end is spaced from the first wheel end. A bogey assembly is coupled between the first wheel end and the second wheel end. The bogey assembly includes a planetary differential disposed along a main axis and is individually coupled to the first and second wheel ends. The planetary differential includes an input for receiving power along the main axis and a first output and a second output such that the first output is coupled to the first wheel end for transferring power to the first wheel end and the second output is coupled to the second wheel end for transferring power to the second wheel end.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Reginald M. Bindl
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Patent number: 9358881Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present disclosure enable a center console assembly of a vehicle to accommodate multiple transmission types with a single design, and further enable installation of the center console assembly without the need of a specially designed handle device separate from the center console assembly. The center console assembly includes a first side portion and a second side portion extending from a main body. A bridge member is pivotally coupled to the first side portion and the second side portion. The bridge member may be pivoted between a first position and a second position to accommodate a first transmission type or a second transmission type.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Jonathan Joseph Quijano
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Patent number: 9358882Abstract: A vehicle is described having plural modes of operation for the front and rear differential and whereupon start-up of the vehicle, the front and rear differentials are opened to their most open position.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventor: Roger J. Hapka
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Patent number: 9358883Abstract: A method for notifying, indicating or otherwise alerting a driver when it may be desirable to switch to a different transfer case mode. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method uses one or more environmental and/or vehicle conditions to evaluate a current transfer case mode and to determine if it is the most preferable or optimal mode. If the current transfer case mode is not optimal, then the method may recommend that the driver manually switch transfer case modes by notifying or alerting them through a visual and/or audio message. In one example, the method recommends a transition from a four-wheel mode to a two-wheel mode, or vice-versa, with a visual message on an instrument panel gauge.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ian L. Hanna, John A. Turzewski
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Patent number: 9358884Abstract: A vehicle having: a prime mover; first and second groups of wheels; and a driveline operable by a controller to connect the first group of wheels to a torque transmission path when the driveline is in a first mode, and the first and second groups of wheels thereto when in a second mode. The driveline is operable to connect the second group of wheels to the torque transmission path via an auxiliary portion comprising first and second releasable torque transmitting means and a prop shaft, the first and second torque transmitting means are respectively operable to connect the prop shaft to the torque transmission path and the second group of wheels. The controller is operable to control the driveline to transition from the first mode to the second mode at a connect rate that is responsive to the identity of a trigger condition that is met.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2012Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover LimitedInventor: Pete Stares
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Patent number: 9358885Abstract: A pedal assembly includes a one-piece accelerator pedal without moving linkages that is mounted to a pin for rotational movement relative to a mounting stay. The throttle cable is operatively connected to the accelerator pedal for movement thereby as the pedal rotates, at least one of the pedal and mounting stay configured to provide a first ratio of pedal stroke movement relative to cable stroke movement at initial depression of the accelerator pedal, and a different, second ratio of pedal stroke movement relative to cable stroke movement upon further depression of the accelerator pedal.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Lee N. Bowers
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Patent number: 9358886Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for configuring a user interface of a head unit of a vehicle by using a mobile terminal. The method includes steps of: (a) allowing the head unit of the vehicle to acquire information on at least one application stored at an executable state in the mobile terminal, if the mobile terminal is connected to the head unit; (b) allowing the head unit to decide a specific template interoperable with the application among multiple templates stored in the head unit by referring to the acquired information on the application; and (c) deciding a display mode of the specific template by referring to at least one piece of information on the number of acquired application and the driving state of the vehicle and displaying the acquired application on a screen of the head unit by using the decided display mode of the specific template.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Obigo Inc.Inventors: Doe Yun Hwang, Shin Gyu Kang, Hyung Woon Song
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Patent number: 9358887Abstract: A user interface is configured to control a vehicle control system. The user interface comprises a first touch pad on a back side of a steering wheel of a vehicle. The user interface further comprises a second touch pad arranged on the back side of the steering wheel. The user interface further comprises a processor which is configured to detect a first gesture on the first touch pad and a second gesture on the second touch pad in a correlated manner. The processor is further configured to generate at least one control message for the vehicle control system based on a first gesture and based on a second gesture.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbHInventors: Peter Kalbus, Davide Di Censo
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Patent number: 9358888Abstract: A display apparatus in a motor vehicle has at least one display element, which can be used to display at least one value and which has at least one light-emitting element for adjusting a display brightness for the display element. A sensing device has, a sensing element for sensing an ambient brightness for surroundings of the display element. The display brightness can be adjusted by the light-emitting element on the basis of the sensed ambient brightness. The sensing device is designed to prompt at least one function of the motor vehicle that is different than the adjustment of the display brightness when a change in the ambient brightness is sensed. A method operates such a display apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Stephan Schwantner, Christian Wall
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Patent number: 9358889Abstract: The power conversion apparatus converts power among a plurality of ports, and includes: a first voltage conversion unit that converts a voltage of a first port and outputs power having the converted voltage to a second port; and a second voltage conversion unit that performs a first operation of converting a voltage of one port of the second port and a third port and outputting power having the converted voltage to the other port, or a second operation of converting a voltage of the other port and outputting power having the converted voltage to the one port, and when performing the first operation the second voltage conversion unit switches from the first operation to the second operation when a vehicle condition where power of the one port is insufficient is detected.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kenichiro Nagashita
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Patent number: 9358890Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain having an electric machine, and friction brakes configured to resist rotation of a vehicle wheel. The further includes at least one controller programmed to (i) issue a command for the electric machine to apply a regenerative torque to decelerate the vehicle in response to driver braking demand, and (ii) cause both a decay in the regenerative torque and a countervailing increase in the resistance of the friction brakes when vehicle speed is reduced to less than a first threshold such that braking demand is substantially satisfied by only the friction brakes when the vehicle speed is less than a second threshold.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Francis Thomas Connolly, Daniel Scott Colvin, Zhengyu Dai, Ming Lang Kuang, Xiaoyong Wang, Yanan Zhao
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Patent number: 9358891Abstract: A vehicle brake system for braking a vehicle including a braking-mode switching mechanism configured to selectively effectuate, depending upon situations of the vehicle brake system, one of (A) a regulated-pressure-dependent braking mode in which is generated a regulated-pressure-dependent braking force having a magnitude that depends on a regulated pressure of a working fluid and (B) a braking mode depending on an operation force and the regulated pressure in which are generated both of an operation-force-dependent braking force having a magnitude that depends on the operation force by a driver and the regulated-pressure-dependent braking force.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2012Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroshi Isono, Yasuji Mizutani
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Patent number: 9358892Abstract: A method/system is provided for improving reverse hill climb performance of a hybrid vehicle. An electronic control unit (ECU) determines whether pre-charging is needed based on vehicle state and environmental conditions. This determination can be based on a grade value of a hill upon which the vehicle is positioned, a state of charge (SOC) of the battery, and/or the expected distance that the vehicle will travel uphill. The ECU sets a charging rate and a target charge value based on the foregoing data. The battery may be charged to have an SOC that exceeds an actual needed target charge value by a hysteresis margin. A message may be displayed requesting the driver to wait until pre-charging is complete. The engine charges the battery at the charging rate until the SOC reaches the target charge value. The driver is prompted that he or she can start reverse driving.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Geoffrey D. Gaither
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Patent number: 9358893Abstract: A charging apparatus and an electric vehicle including the same are disclosed. The charging apparatus includes a converter for, in a charging mode, converting an input alternating current (AC) voltage into a direct current (DC) voltage and a controller for controlling the converter. The converter includes a motor and a switching unit that is connected to an additional coil wound on a stator of one phase of the motor, and that supplies the input AC voltage to the motor by performing a switching operation. The converter also includes an inverter that, in a motor operation mode, converts a DC voltage from a battery into an AC voltage by a switching operation and drives the motor. In the charging mode, the inverter converts the input AC voltage into the DC voltage using the additional coil of the motor and the switching unit and supplies the DC voltage to the battery.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Dongcheol Lee, Yohan Park, Junyoung Lim, Murat Senol, Rik De Doncker
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Patent number: 9358894Abstract: Methods and systems for reconciling a charging event are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method establishes an identity tag at a grid connection point that uniquely identifies the point and receives tag information to uniquely identify the point at a mobile charging device. The method monitors charge event information indicating attributes of the charging event, associates event information with the identity tag information, and sends the information for reconciliation of billing accounts associated with the point and the mobile device. In another embodiment, a method receives an energy storage device for powering a mobile asset, couples the storage device to an electric grid during a connection event, realizes energy services from the connected storage device to the grid, determines a quantity of energy services realized by the storage device during the connection event, and reports the quantity of energy services realized and a unique identifier of the energy storage device.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2011Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: THE AES CORPORATIONInventors: John Christopher Shelton, John Michael Zahurancik
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Patent number: 9358895Abstract: An electrical vehicle includes a vehicle body defining a passenger cabin; at least one battery compartment with an openable hood that can be opened to expose the battery compartment; a battery including electrical electrodes removably stored in the battery compartment; at least three battery supports mounted substantially in a vertical orientation in the battery compartment, wherein at least two of the battery supports include electrical contacts that are configured to be electrically coupled with the electrical electrodes of the battery; the battery includes at least two downwardly depending projections which are spatially spaced and arranged relative to each other so that their spacing identically matches a corresponding spacing between said at least three battery supports in the battery compartment, and at least two of the three battery projections comprise said electrical electrodes configured to electrically mate with the electrical contacts of the battery compartment; and the battery supports and the baType: GrantFiled: October 27, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Inventor: Meir Avganim
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Patent number: 9358896Abstract: An energy management system that achieves minimization of electric power costs and leveling of an electric power demand while securing necessary battery residual quantity. The energy management system includes a charging stand that supplies electric power to an electric vehicle (EV) as an electric power supply part, a reservation information acquisition unit that acquires reservation information on electric power reception of the EV in the charging stand before the EV arrives at the charging stand, a charging plan preparation unit that predicts an electric power demand in the charging stand and prepares a charging plan for the EV based on the reservation information, and a charging controller that controls electric power supply for the EV in the charging stand based on the charging plan.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2012Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Yoshito Nishita, Masahiko Tanimoto, Nanaho Osawa
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Patent number: 9358897Abstract: An electric motor vehicle with a drive motor, a first rechargeable battery with a first design and a second rechargeable battery with a second design. Electrical energy may be transferred bidirectionally between the drive motor and the first rechargeable battery, and at least unidirectionally from the second rechargeable battery to the drive motor or the first rechargeable battery. The second rechargeable battery in this case includes at least one redox flow cell. Furthermore, a redox flow module is provided with at least one redox flow cell, which includes an electrical coupling for connection to a circuit of a vehicle and a fluid coupling for connection to an electrolyte circuit of said vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2011Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KGInventors: Hermann Pecnik, Gerald Teuschl
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Patent number: 9358898Abstract: In the present specification, degradation of a battery is suppressed in a hybrid vehicle having an EV mode in which the hybrid vehicle runs without using an engine and an HV mode in which the hybrid vehicle runs using both the engine and a motor. A controller of the hybrid vehicle is configured to limit a usage range of the battery in the EV mode with an execution request of the EV mode having been made by an information input from outside to the vehicle than in the EV mode with no execution request. The degradation of the battery is suppressed by limiting the usage range of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2011Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroki Endo, Masaya Yamamoto, Kensuke Kamichi, Yusuke Yamanaka
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Patent number: 9358899Abstract: A hybrid or electric vehicle includes a lithium-ion battery and a controller. The controller is programmed to discharge the battery through an electrical load to a predetermined voltage less than a voltage associated with zero state of charge such that relative degrees of lithiation associated with the electrodes of the battery change for at least one state of charge resulting in an increase in battery maximum capacity. The controller may be on-board or off-board of the vehicle. The electrical load may be part of the vehicle or external to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Edward Vann Decker, Chi Paik, Dawn Bernardi, William T. Moore
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Patent number: 9358900Abstract: A fuel cell system executes charge processing to charge electric power generated by a stack to a battery, and sealed discharge processing to cause an oxygen concentration inside a cathode flow channel to decrease, after a stop operation has been made on a power switch. The stop method of a fuel cell system includes: a step of calculating a remaining charge time corresponding to a time in which charge processing can be executed, by subtracting a time required in sealed discharge processing from a predetermined stop processing permitted time, after a stop operation has been made on the power switch (Step S52), a step of calculating a remaining target charge amount of the battery (Step S54), a step of executing charge processing while controlling output of the stack based on the remaining charge time and remaining target charge amount (Step S56), and a step of executing sealed discharge processing.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Chihiro Wake, Takuya Shirasaka, Go Kikuchi
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Patent number: 9358901Abstract: Provided is an inverted pendulum type vehicle capable of properly estimating whether or not a rider is thereon and controlling the travel of the vehicle by reflecting the result of the estimation. An inverted pendulum type vehicle 1, in which a traveling unit is driven by electric motors 31R, 31L, includes an occupied/unoccupied estimating unit (a first estimating unit) 62, which estimates whether or not a rider is on the vehicle 1 based on the observation values of the energizing currents of the electric motors 31R, 31L. A control unit 50 controls the operations of the electric motors 31R, 31L according to the estimation result of the estimating unit 62.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2015Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinya Shirokura, Kazumasa Ozaki
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Patent number: 9358902Abstract: A holding device for an adjustment drive of a motor vehicle seat has at least one channel for receiving a drive shaft which is mounted rotatably in a shaft casing and is connectable at one end to a drive unit and at the other end to an adjustment device. In order to provide such a holding device that permits a reliable arrangement of the shaft casing, in particular in a manner secure against rotation, provision is made for the channel to be formed for positioning the shaft casing in a manner partially offset in relation to the longitudinal axis of the channel.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2012Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Robert Landskron, Thorsten Schürmann
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Patent number: 9358903Abstract: An adjustment arrangement for a seat of a motor vehicle including a rail which is mounted displaceably in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle relative to a frame of the vehicle, a seat support which forms a retainer for the seat, a connecting element which mechanically couples the seat support to the rail, wherein a first section of the connecting element is mounted on the rail so as to be rotatable in a predefined pivoting plane, wherein a second section of the connecting element is mounted on the seat support so as to be rotatable in the pivoting plane, and wherein the connecting element is functionally rotatable relative to the seat support and/or to the rail up to a predefined adjustment limit, and further including an absorber unit which is designed to absorb kinetic energy introduced by the connecting element, if the connecting element exceeds the predefined adjustment limit.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Simon Alexander Maurer, Dieter Jungert
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Patent number: 9358904Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a vehicular seat adjustment mechanism for facilitating positional adjustments of a vehicular seat along a longitudinal direction of a vehicle. The vehicular seat adjustment mechanism includes a pair of rails that extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Each of the rails defines an opening that faces a lower surface of the vehicle. A pair of support legs are configured to be secured to a vehicular frame. Each of the support legs is secured to and supports one of the rails. A mounting plate supports the vehicular seat and is configured to be movable along the pair of rails. A pair of supports are each secured to one of the rails and configured to support the mounting plate and facilitate longitudinal movement of the mounting plate along the rails.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2015Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Noriyuki Muto, Tsuyoshi Kumasaka, Robert T. Wilson, III
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Patent number: 9358905Abstract: A hydraulic chair lift in a vehicle includes a rod that is attached to the floor and the roof of the vehicle, a piston that is arranged around the rod in a middle zone of the rod, a barrel that envelopes the piston, and two heads, each of which is arranged on an end of the barrel. Further, the two heads are provided with a channel for the passage of the rod. Additionally, a rod gland is arranged in each of the two heads surrounding the channel. Relative to the rod gland, the channel includes a first inner channel part with a first diameter and a second inner channel part with second diameter. The first diameter is smaller than the second diameter and the ratio of the length and the diameter of the first channel part is less than 3/5.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Inventor: Anne Marie Emilie Weersink
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Patent number: 9358906Abstract: A slouch rear seat includes a seat bottom, a seat back pivotally mounted to the seat bottom, and a driver for moving the slouch rear seat between a design position and a fully forward position. Characteristically, the seat bottom moves from the design position to the fully forward position by the seat bottom moving upward and forward in a manner that avoids a vehicle occupant contacting the top of the vehicle cabin.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Alex Taylor, Rodger G. Smith, Adrian J. Lewis, Clive Pearce, Wayne Meyrick
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Patent number: 9358907Abstract: An apparatus for back-folding a standup seat of a vehicle may include a standup associated back-folding unit that is installed between a hook mounted to a lower frame of a seat cushion to be locked to or unlocked from a striker of a floor panel, and a recliner mounted to a side frame of a seatback such that a forward folding operation of the seatback and a forward folding operation of a headrest that is automatically performed by operating the recliner during a standup operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Kug Hun Han, Young Bok Sung, Sang Ho Kim, Soo Hyun Moon, Deok Soo Lim
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Patent number: 9358908Abstract: Arrangements for safety and comfort in vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2011Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Inventor: Arjuna Indraeswaran Rajasingham
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Patent number: 9358909Abstract: A side bolster adjusting apparatus of a seat of a vehicle for guiding a developing direction of a side airbag may include a side airbag developing direction guide plates integrally fixed to a seatback frame to guide a developing direction of the side airbag, side bolster adjusting plates hinged to rear ends of the side airbag developing direction guide plates, an airbag disposed between the side airbag developing direction guide plates and the side bolster adjusting plates to expand and shrink and to adjust positions of the side bolster adjusting plates, and a pneumatic control unit controlling expansion and shrinkage of the airbag.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, HYUNDAI DYMOS INC.Inventors: Dong Woo Jeong, Hoon Bok Lee, Seok Nam Kang, Tae Hoon Lee, Sang Do Park, Seung Young Lee, In Ho Lee, Dong Gi Kim, Sin Jeong Kang, Sung Hoon Kim
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Patent number: 9358910Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of an active suspension system for a motor vehicle passenger seat, where the active suspension system comprises an actuator that is constructed and arranged to place force on the seat in a first degree of freedom and a control system that is responsive to a sensor system that detects motor vehicle accelerations in at least the first degree of freedom, where the sensor system comprises an accident detection system that detects motor vehicle accident conditions, where the control system provides control signals that cause the actuator to exert a force on the seat in the first degree of freedom, wherein in normal active suspension operation mode the actuator is controlled to output forces that reduce acceleration of the seat so as to counteract motions of the seat in the first degree of freedom.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2015Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Bose CorporationInventor: Damian Howard
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Patent number: 9358911Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat back having a backrest, a backrest support, and a linkage arranged to interconnect the backrest and the backrest support. The linkage is configured to support the backrest for movement relative to the backrest support.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLCInventors: Gregory Brncick, Dana J. Lowell, Adam Mack, Timothy R. Proulx
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Patent number: 9358912Abstract: A seating system for motorized vehicles is adapted to saddles on which riders travel for extended periods of time, such as motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and the like. The saddle includes an isolator with a disconnect for lateral vibrations, and a damper for lateral and vertical absorption and isolation of shocks and vibration. A decoupler includes layers separating or uncoupling lateral shear loading from vertical spring loading so vertical forces are not increased by the tension against nearby, laterally displaced material. Cradles provide bolsters to support soft tissue and distribute loads on skeletal structures more evenly at increased area and lower stress. Coverings may include integrating liners, moisture barriers, and an outer wrapper or skin, and may include localized padding.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Inventor: Bryan W. Nappi
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Patent number: 9358913Abstract: A flight passenger seating device comprising a backrest having a first backrest unit. The backrest has a second backrest unit and a bearing unit which movably receives the second backrest unit relative to the first backrest unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Hartmut Schürg, Andreas Erb, Jens Jakubowski
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Patent number: 9358914Abstract: Apparatuses, devices and systems for attaching seatbelts to anchoring structures in aircraft and other vehicles, are described herein. In some embodiments, such apparatuses include a modular connector having a base configured to be attached to an anchoring structure, a body configured to be attached to a seatbelt, and an annular lock configured to releasably couple the body to the base. In these embodiments, the body carries the lock adjacent to an aperture configured removably receive the base. When the body is pressed over the base, the base passes into the aperture and contacts the annular lock, expanding the lock outwardly around the base. The base continues moving though the aperture in the body until the lock retracts into a groove in base, thereby releasaby locking the body to the base.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: AmSafe, Inc.Inventor: Todd J. Humbert
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Patent number: 9358915Abstract: A storage assembly for a vehicle includes a housing having an outlet formed at a rear end thereof, a cooling and heating cup holder installed in the housing and having a thermoelectric element attached to a side end surface thereof, a convenience device disposed to be adjacent to a side of the thermoelectric element in the housing and including a storage tray or an electrical control switch, a heat exchange pin and a blower disposed at the outlet side of the rear end of the housing, and a heat pipe having one end connected to the thermoelectric element and the other end extended to turn aside or traverse the convenience device and connected to the heat exchange pin.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KBAUTOTECH CO., LTD.Inventors: Man Ju Oh, Jae Woong Kim, Jae Woo Park, Jae Hoon Kim