Patents Issued in June 21, 2016
  • Patent number: 9371002
    Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a braking of the vehicle and a control device for sending a signal to a headlight activation circuit to modulate the vehicle's headlights based upon the braking of the vehicle. In particular, a headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated based upon an application of one or both of a front brake and a rear brake. The headlight activation circuit is able to modulate the headlight between an on position and an off position or modulate the headlight between a high beam position and a low beam position. Consequently, the vehicle is better seen as it approaches likely congestion areas such as intersections and slowing or stopped traffic and attempts to enter traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Vision Works IP Corporation
    Inventor: Fritz Braunberger
  • Patent number: 9371003
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes first and second modules. The first module receives input from an operator of the vehicle via an input device, wherein the operator input includes a change to an operating parameter of a vehicle system. The second module selectively adjusts a resistance of the input device based on the operator input and a predetermined threshold. A method for controlling a vehicle includes receiving input from an operator of the vehicle via an input device, wherein the operator input includes a change to an operating parameter of a vehicle system, and selectively adjusting a resistance of the input device based on the operator input and a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Denso International America, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Paul Tran, Justin McBride, Christopher Alan Arms, Bo Sun, Carolina Mary Rigney, Nhi Van Pham, Martin Ezequiel Nespolo, Silviu Pala
  • Patent number: 9371004
    Abstract: A nomadic device may connect to a vehicle computing system (VCS) and be configured to identify data element parameter information associated with a gauge to be displayed, capture, using a data bridge adapter connected to a vehicle network, an element of vehicle data according to the data element parameter information, and display, via the VCS, the gauge including the element of vehicle data formatted according to the data element parameter information. A VCS may be configured to receive filtered vehicle data from a telematics gateway configured to provide a subset of vehicle data provided over a vehicle network, receive vehicle data from a nomadic device in communication with a data bridge adapter configured to capture vehicle data provided over the vehicle network, and utilize the vehicle data to provide information via the VCS unavailable via the filtered vehicle data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Wehrman, Julius Marchwicki, Steven Bandy, Mark Wilson
  • Patent number: 9371005
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric vehicle, and to a method for managing the charging of an auxiliary battery for an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle according to the present invention comprises: a high voltage battery for driving the electric vehicle; an auxiliary battery for supplying a plurality of electronic loads with driving power; a converter converting the voltage of the high voltage battery to a voltage required by the electronic loads via PWM switching; and a current detection unit for detecting the output current of the converter wherein the converter includes a converter control unit for reducing the output voltage of the converter when the energy required by the loads, based on the current detected by the current detection unit, is greater than the rated capacity of the converter. Accordingly, energy supplied to the loads can be handled by the converter and the auxiliary battery so as to enable the safe operation of an electric vehicle system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Won Jin Oh, Sun Yong Kim
  • Patent number: 9371006
    Abstract: A method for the optimized recharging of the electric battery of at least one electric system, particularly an electric vehicle, using an electric recharging device, in which the electric battery is recharged during at least one charging time interval which is part of an available charging time period initiated by connection of the electric battery recharging system to the electric recharging device and which is determined as a function of a charging curve associated with this electric recharging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignees: Electricite de France, Electricite Reseau Distribution France
    Inventors: Mélaine Rousselle, Gaizka Alberdi
  • Patent number: 9371007
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enabling automatic vehicle charging via wireless charging pads, using a cloud system having one or more servers connected to the Internet. The method includes receiving, at a server, an identification of an electric vehicle that is associated to a user account that is pre-authorized to obtain charge from a charging units (CUs) associated with a network of CUs. The method also includes receiving, at the server, data indicative that the electric vehicle is positioned at least partially over the a charging pad of a CU of the network of CUs. The server sends data to the CU so that the charging pad transfers charge to the electric vehicle automatically if the user account is pre-authorized to obtain the charge from the CU, and the transfer of charge from the charging pad to the electric vehicle occurs without user input at the CU and without user interface input associated with the CU to cause or initiate the transfer of charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventors: Angel A. Penilla, Albert S. Penilla
  • Patent number: 9371008
    Abstract: Energy exchange station for a battery of an electric vehicle, comprising at least one power output for a vehicle, means for determining whether a vehicle coupled to the at least one power output is able to be charged with an AC voltage and/or a DC voltage, a plurality of power inputs, comprising at least one AC power input; and at least one DC power input and at least one controllable switch, for switching the at least one power output to any of the power inputs a controller for the switch, for controlling the switch at least based on the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: ABB B.V.
    Inventor: Crijn Bouman
  • Patent number: 9371009
    Abstract: A mount structure includes side mounts for holding a fuel cell stack to thereby fix the fuel cell stack to first vehicle frames, and rear mounts for fixing the fuel cell stack to a second vehicle frame. The strength of the side mounts is lower than the strength of the rear mounts. In the structure, when an external load is applied to a fuel cell electric vehicle, the side mounts are broken prior to breakage of the rear mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Choichi Ishikawa, Ryoichi Yoshitomi
  • Patent number: 9371010
    Abstract: A method of controlling a power inverter coupled to an electric motor in a vehicle powertrain having an engine is provided. The method includes generating a voltage waveform signal and a switching frequency signal for the inverter via a controller. At least one of the voltage waveform signal and the switching frequency signal is at least partially based on at least one commanded engine operating parameter. For example, the engine on/off state, engine torque, and engine speed can be considered. A vehicle having a controller configured to implement the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, William R. Cawthorne, Michael J. Grimmer, Steven E. Schultz, John P. Miller
  • Patent number: 9371011
    Abstract: A seat cushion extension apparatus includes an extension motor supported on a cushion frame, an extension mounting bracket holding an extension cushion such that the extension cushion is displaceable forward and backward on a seat cushion, and a power transmission unit connecting between the extension motor and the extension mounting bracket. The power transmission unit receives power from the extension motor and moves the extension mounting bracket forward and backward. A slide device is coupled with the extension mounting bracket, and supports the extension mounting bracket such that the extension mounting bracket is slidable forward and backward in the cushion frame. The front-back length of the seat cushion can be freely extended, and limitations in the thickness of a cushion pad or the like are removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Dymos Inc.
    Inventors: Tae Hoon Lee, Seok Nam Kang, Dong Woo Jeong, Sang Do Park, Eom Seok Yoo, Yong Hee Shin
  • Patent number: 9371012
    Abstract: A spindle drive for longitudinally adjusting a motor vehicle seat is provided. The spindle drive comprising an adjustment rail that can be longitudinally adjusted relative to a body mounted rail and an adjusting mechanism that includes a driving worm connected to a driving device as well as a spindle nut, the external teeth of which mesh with the external teeth of the driving worm, and the internal teeth of which mesh with the external thread of a spindle. The spindle nut is formed by a hybrid spindle nut that has a functional part, which is located in the force flux between the driving worm and the spindle, and at least one strengthening part, deflecting crash forces from the adjustment rail into the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Stefan Bosecker, Wolfgang Suck, Florian Lipp, Andrea Bauersachs, Sebastian Eichhorn
  • Patent number: 9371013
    Abstract: Seat tracks each include a lower rail, an upper rail, a lock lever, and a handle. When a handle is operated, the lock lever is set in a locking state or an unlocking state by engaging and disengaging the lock lever with and from lock recesses in the lower rail. The lock lever is supported pivotally with respect to the upper rail by pivot support portions, in which support holes in side plates of the upper rail and protrusions on arm plates of the lock lever are fitted together. A torsion coil spring, which interlocks the handle and the lock lever, includes a second stopper, which hooks on first stoppers provided on the arm plates of the lock lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Gifu Auto Body Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Motohisa Nakamura, Takayuki Ogasawara, Masashi Komiyama
  • Patent number: 9371015
    Abstract: A reclining device includes an operating shaft that is inserted through the reclining device in its axial direction to be mounted, and is adapted to release the reclining device from a locked position, and a torsion spring mounted between an outer end portion of the operating shaft which protrudes from the reclining device outward in a width direction of the seat, and a frame portion that is located outside the reclining device in the seat width direction. The operating shaft is constantly biased by the torsion spring in a rotational direction for locking the reclining device. The torsion spring is mounted onto the outer end portion of the operating shaft in the axial direction from an outer side of the seat, and has an inner end portion which is engaged with the operating shaft, and an outer end portion which is engaged with the frame portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignees: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hayato Matsui, Mikihito Nagura, Shinya Isobe
  • Patent number: 9371016
    Abstract: A fitting (10) for a vehicle seat has a first fitting part (11) and a second fitting part (12) that are rotatable relative to one another and are in geared connection, and a third fitting part (74) mounted on the first fitting part (11) such that it can be pivoted relative to the first fitting part (11). The third fitting part (74) can be locked to the first fitting part (11) by a pawl (80) which is mounted at a first articulation point (D1) on the third fitting part (74). The third fitting part (74), which has a locking cam (90), which is mounted at a second articulation point (D2), a coupler (98), which is connected at a third articulation point (D3) to the locking cam (90) and at a fourth articulation point (D4) to the pawl (80), and the pawl (80) define a four-bar linkage (74, 80, 98, 90).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Thiel
  • Patent number: 9371017
    Abstract: A plurality of lock tracks on a carrier of a car seat, a slider that co-pivots with a handle of the carrier, and an actuator on the handle and moveable between lock and release positions. Each of the lock tracks defines a respective handle position. The slider is slideable between lock and release positions, and is spring-biased toward the lock position. In the slider lock position, the slider engages one of the lock tracks to secure the co-pivoting handle in the respective handle position. And in the slider release position, the slider does not engage any of the lock tracks to permit the co-pivoting handle to pivot between the handle positions. The actuator is biased toward the lock position by the spring-biased slider, and actuating the actuator from its lock position to its release position moves the slider from its lock position to its release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: KIDS II, INC.
    Inventors: Scott R. Spence, Jacob Sclare, Michael A. Dotsey, Noah E. Dingler, Patrick B. Nolan
  • Patent number: 9371018
    Abstract: An accessory device that gently restrains a child's forehead to prevent his or her head from bobbing when asleep in a car seat includes head retention piece with outwardly extending center and side bands for securing the accessory device to the child car seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Diana M. Friedman
  • Patent number: 9371019
    Abstract: A child seat includes an upper surface adapted to receive a child in a sitting position, and a surrounding sidewall having a top connected with the upper surface, the upper surface including a plurality of perforations, the surrounding sidewall being formed integrally with the upper surface, and the surrounding sidewall and the upper surface at least partially delimiting an inner cavity below the upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventor: Guang-Hui Zhao
  • Patent number: 9371020
    Abstract: Improvements in a moveable stanchion pole for a wheel chair position in a transit bus to provide a connection to a seat or bench. The seat is pivotably secured to a side wall of the transportation vehicle. The pole rotates and or pivots as the seat or bench is moved. The stanchion pole allows a person to hold onto the pole while they are standing. When the pole is rotated the pole rotates to provide clearance to the area. The stanchion pole is connected to the front of the chair and lifts the stanchion pole as the chair is rotated. This requires the stanchion pole to both hinge and rotate with the bench. The movement of the chair and pole clears the occupied space of the seat and stanchion pole to allow for a wheelchair to occupy the same place where the chair previously existed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventors: Dale Elliott Carson, Bradley Dean Carson, Macy Masoud Neshati
  • Patent number: 9371021
    Abstract: A double-folding-type automotive seat including: a seat cushion having a forward end portion rotatably mounted on a floor of the automobile and an engagement piece provided to a rear end portion of the seat cushion, the engagement piece being normally disposed near to the floor of the automobile and displaceable with the seat cushion; a seat back having a lower end portion rotatably mounted on the floor of the automobile; and a headrest detachably mounted on a top portion of said seat back. In that seat, at a bottom surface of the headrest, there is provided a headrest attaching portion so configured to permit insertion therein of the aforesaid engagement piece of the seat cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TACHI-S CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yohei Mabashi, Yoshiyuki Shimomura, Shigeya Fujino, Makoto Miyabata, Toshiki Igarashi
  • Patent number: 9371022
    Abstract: In a vehicle seat (10), a deformable portion (32) extends continuously from an edge portion of a placement hole (28) towards an outside of the placement hole (28). When the deformable portion (32) is plastically deformed by a fastening bolt (40), the deformable portion (32) does not readily deform so as to be pushed outwards, but deforms so as to be squashed. When a low press-contact force acts on a side face (32D), the deformable portion (32) does not readily perform plastic deformation, and an impact load imparted to a seatback frame (44) can be stably absorbed by the deformable portion (32). Impact load imparted to the seatback frame (44) can be continuously absorbed by the deformable portion (32) since the deformable portion (32) deforms continuously. Accordingly, impact load imparted to the seatback frame (44) can be efficiently absorbed by the deformable portion (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nozomu Munemura, Hironobu Nakane, Atsuo Matsumoto, Ryo Nagahara, Kensuke Nagai
  • Patent number: 9371023
    Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a sliding armrest console may include having a console body, an opening and closing plate rotatably secured to an upper portion of the console body to thereby open and close an upper surface of the console body, and an armrest slid from the opening and closing plate, may include a hook provided to a front end portion of the opening and closing plate and controlling opening and closing of the opening and closing plate from the console body, and a locking unit provided to the armrest, controlling a sliding operation of the armrest by a rotation operation and operating the hook together with the controlling of the sliding operation of the armrest at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, NIFCO KOREA Inc., Dongkook Ind. Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jae Hyun An, Tae Su Jang, In Chan Jeong
  • Patent number: 9371024
    Abstract: An air-conditioner conducts an air-conditioning for a passenger compartment of a vehicle, and has an eco-mode to save energy. The air-conditioner includes a seat temperature control system and a controller. The seat temperature control system is configured to operate to heat or cool a seat in the passenger compartment. The controller automatically activates the seat temperature control system when the eco-mode is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshinori Ichishi, Yasushi Kondo, Yoshinori Yanagimachi, Satoshi Izawa, Motohiro Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9371026
    Abstract: A table apparatus for rear seat passengers may include a table housing rotatable upwards and downwards around a support shaft coupled to a sidewall of a rear console, a movable body movable along a guide provided in the table housing, a rotating body coupled to the movable body by a body shaft and rotatable upwards and downwards with respect to the movable body, a table coupled to the rotating body by a table shaft and rotatable leftwards and rightwards with respect to the rotating body, and a table tilting unit provided in the movable body and the rotating body, the table tilting unit controlling a rotation angle of the rotating body to determine a tilting angle of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp., ECOPLASTIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hong Sik Chang, Myeong Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 9371027
    Abstract: A load carrying body for a vehicle includes a curved metal plate floor (10) and a floor attachment system that attaches the floor to opposite sides of the body so that the floor is suspended between the sides. The floor attachment system includes a plurality of tensile members (38) which are the principal means for transferring forces from the floor to the remainder of the body. Each tensile member is coupled at one end to one of the sides of the body of the vehicle and at the other end to a side edge of the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Alan William Dickerson
  • Patent number: 9371028
    Abstract: A vehicle towing apparatus 1 includes a wheel cradle 5 provided on a rear of a automobile 2 serving as a towing vehicle and holds a front wheel 7 serving as a wheel of a vehicle 6 to be towed in the wheel cradle 5, the wheel cradle 5 including two arm members 21, 21 forming a space receiving a width of the front wheel 7 in a lateral direction, the each arm member 21 connecting a first end thereof to the automobile 2 with an attachment body 4 and connecting a second end to each other, thereby forming a closed holding region 24 holding the lower portion of the front wheel 7 to be inserted therein. Therefore, the structure of the wheel cradle 5 can be simplified, and the front wheel 7 can be stably held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA ACCESS CORP.
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Misono
  • Patent number: 9371029
    Abstract: The sliding table system, apparatus and methods relate to a sliding table assembly for a recreational vehicle. In certain implementations, the table assembly has a supporting cabinet and a table frame which is capable of horizontally sliding relative to the cabinet by way of one or more slots. In certain implementations, the table assembly is equipped with a lock mechanism such that when the lock mechanism is engaged the table is fixed in place, and when the lock mechanism is released, the table can be moved in a direction toward the front or rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Winnebago Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Hillman, Steven Jergenson
  • Patent number: 9371030
    Abstract: A control circuit is configured to compare an input voltage measured through an input voltage detection circuit with a first threshold which is lower than a rated voltage of an external DC power supply and with a second threshold which is lower than the first threshold. The control circuit is configured, when detecting that a duration time in which the input voltage is kept lower than the first threshold reaches a predetermined holding period, to stop operating a switching device. The control circuit is configured, after detecting that the input voltage is lower than the second threshold, to more shorten a maximum ON time than that during a normal operation or lengthen an OFF time of the switching device than a maximum OFF time during the normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Fukui
  • Patent number: 9371031
    Abstract: In a method for controlling a headlamp system for a vehicle, the headlamp system having two headlamps, set apart from each other, road users are detected in front of the vehicle in the driving direction, and a first total light pattern is able to be produced, in which the illumination range on a first side of a center axis is greater than on the other, second side of this center axis, and a second total light pattern is able to be produced, in which the total light pattern is controllable such that it has an illumination range in the direction of at least one detected road user that is less than the distance to the detected road user, and which has an illumination range in another direction that is greater than the distance to the detected road user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AG
    Inventors: Karsten Dierks, Martin Freese, Bernd Jahrsau
  • Patent number: 9371032
    Abstract: In certain example embodiments, moisture sensors, defoggers, etc., and/or related methods, are provided. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to moisture sensors and/or defoggers that may be used in various applications such as, for example, refrigerator/freezer merchandisers, vehicle windows, building windows, etc. When condensation or moisture is detected, an appropriate action may be taken (e.g., actuating windshield wipers, turning on a defroster, triggering the heating of a merchandiser door or window, etc.). Bayesian approaches optionally may be implemented in certain example embodiments in an attempt to improve moisture detection accuracy. For instance, models of various types of disturbances may be developed and, based on live data and a priori information known about the model, a probability of the model being accurate is calculated. If a threshold value is met, the model may be considered a match and, optionally, a corresponding appropriate action may be taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Vijayen S. Veerasamy
  • Patent number: 9371033
    Abstract: A sunshade assembly for a vehicle is provided herein. The sunshade assembly includes a housing and a light-producing assembly coupled to the housing. The housing includes a plurality of light sources and a photoluminescent structure configured to be excited by light emitted from the plurality of light sources such that at least a portion of the housing exhibits a luminescent appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Noah Barlow Mass
  • Patent number: 9371034
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting device comprising a flat light-emitting means having two side faces, wherein a first side face is transparent and a second side face is partially metal-coated, having a partially or completely metal-coated further third face, which is arranged parallel to but spaced apart from the second partially metal-coated face, and comprising at least one further light-emitting means, which outputs light in the direction of the partially metal-coated second face, which light is partially reflected on the partially metal-coated second face and is then reflected on the partially or completely metal-coated third face back in the direction towards the partially metal-coated second face and is partially transmitted through the partially metal-coated second face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: HELLA KGAA HUECK & CO.
    Inventor: Jürgen Heinrich
  • Patent number: 9371035
    Abstract: A lighted vehicle bin assembly that activates a light source based on motion and recalibrates a sensor is provided. The lighted vehicle bin assembly includes a vehicle storage bin, a light source arranged to illuminate the bin, and a proximity sensor for sensing an object in the bin based on a sensor signal relative to a threshold. The lighted vehicle bin assembly also includes a controller that activates the light source when the sensor signal exceeds a threshold and recalibrates the sensor when the sensor signal exceeds the threshold for a time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Carla Ann Gale, Hubert Szawarski
  • Patent number: 9371036
    Abstract: A display device of a motor vehicle has a display element, by which a value can be displayed by transmitting light beams through the display element and which can be adjusted in its display brightness. A detection device includes a control unit and a detecting element for detecting an ambient brightness of the surroundings of the display element. The display brightness can be adjusted by the control unit depending on a signal characterizing the detected ambient brightness and transmitted from the detecting element to the control unit. The detecting element is designed to detect light beams transmitted by the display element and to transmit an evaluation signal characterizing the detected light beams to the control unit, by which the display element can be tested regarding its functionality depending on the evaluation signal. A related method is used to operate the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Stephan Schwantner
  • Patent number: 9371037
    Abstract: A light module (5, 6) for a lighting device (1) of a motor vehicle includes a plurality of semiconductor light sources (11) in serial connection with each other. A circuit arrangement (12a, 12b, 12c) is assigned to and connected in parallel with at least one of the light sources (11), includes a plurality of detectors (13, 15, 16) for detection of a malfunction of the light source (11), and is adapted for bypassing the light source (11) in case of a malfunction of the light source (11). A lighting device (1) of a motor vehicle includes at least one light module (5, 6) for generation of a predefined light distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING REUTLINGEN GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Schnerr, Dirk Blum
  • Patent number: 9371038
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to removable payload containment systems for platforms, installation methods thereof and payload integration kits for platforms. The removable payload containment system may include: a housing having internal space for components, the housing including at least one connector configured to couple with at least one corresponding connector of the platform when the system is installed in or on the platform; and a latch mechanism that couples to a member of the platform and is configured to maintain the system into substantially non-moving engagement with the platform when engaged therewith, and permit removal of the system from the platform when released. The latch mechanism may be configured to limit movement of the housing with respect to platform in substantially only one direction when one connector couples and uncouples, and is mated, with a corresponding connector of the platform when installing or removing the system from the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Richard R. Gregory, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9371039
    Abstract: The present invention in one or more embodiments provides a storage assembly, which includes a housing, a tray positioned within the housing and including first and second portions opposing each other, and a track unit supported on the housing including first and second segments to respectively support and guide movement of the first and second portions, the first and second segments being positioned relative to each other with a transverse angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Tom Xu
  • Patent number: 9371040
    Abstract: A vehicle roof rack for securing objects to the top of a vehicle having cross-bars mounted to the roof of the vehicle, has two pivot bars slidably connected to two load tubes. Each pivot bar is connected to a bracket via a hinge, and bracket is then mounted onto the cross-bars. Each of the load tubes has an interior cavity and the first ends of the pivot bars are slidably inserted within an end of the load tubes, so that the load tubes can be slid between an extended position and a closed position. Each load tube has a first portion with an open profile, and a second portion with a closed profile. In the extended position, the second portion of the load tube abuts the mounting bracket and acts as a stop to keep the load tube from freeing itself from the pivot bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph Townsend
  • Patent number: 9371041
    Abstract: A load carrier foot for attaching a load carrier bar to a vehicle and a roof rack having the load carrier foot. The load carrier foot includes a body having a support surface, where the support surface is adapted to rest against a first portion of the vehicle, and a bracket having an aperture adapted to grip about a second portion of the vehicle. An attachment arrangement provides a clamping force between the support surface of the body and the bracket. The bracket includes an aperture adapted to permit the attachment arrangement to be positioned between two positions to enable an easy mounting and dismounting of the load carrier foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Stefan Almhill, Jonas Poulsen, Markus Nordangård
  • Patent number: 9371042
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for connecting a bicycle to a motor vehicle includes a crank axle support which supports the crank axle of the bicycle, a crank arm connector which connects to the crank arm of the bicycle, and a down tube connector which connects to the down tube of the bicycle. The crank arm connector and the down tube connector are adjustable to accommodate different style and size bicycles. The apparatus can be placed in in-use, lowered, and storage positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: George Jerzy Dratewski
  • Patent number: 9371043
    Abstract: A vehicle trim panel is provided including a body. The body has a storage compartment, a first access opening to the storage compartment biased in a first direction and a second access opening to the storage compartment biased in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kathleen M. Parlow, Anthony Michael Zingalie
  • Patent number: 9371044
    Abstract: An emblem assembly for a vehicle having a number of attachment features such as two locating-pins, two opposing force clips, an orthogonal force clip, and an adhesive. A body panel having an embossed emblem-mating surface defining a number of attachment features such as a 2-way locating-slot, a 4-way locating-hole, a central void with opposing substantially parallel edges, a clip retention slot with an orthogonal edge, and a panel surface area for adhesive contact. The emblem assembly and the emblem-mating surface features combine to provide an effective support for an emblem on a body panel of a vehicle. The emblem may be located on a tailgate of a pickup with an aluminum body panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Hossein Jacob Sadri, Geoffrey John Cooper, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Patent number: 9371045
    Abstract: An active control system for a LDC (Low-voltage DC/DC Converter) in a vehicle is disclosed. The LDC is disposed between a high voltage battery and a low voltage battery, rectifies the voltage in two directions and a VCU (Vehicle Control Unit) configured to control the LDC. The VCU is configured to control when a DC active control mode is initiated to obtain the minimum charging time of the low voltage battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Minwoo Lee
  • Patent number: 9371046
    Abstract: A steering angle sensor (3) includes: a sensor housing (40) that is fixable to a stator (11); idler gears (47) configured to be meshed with a drive gear (30) and rotated by the drive gear (30); a rotatable member (43) configured to be engaged with a sleeve (20) and rotated integrally with the sleeve (20); a detector (34) configured to detect rotation of the rotatable member (43); and a holder (49) configured to hold the detector (34). The sensor housing (40) is opened at its stator (11) side. A second storage space (50) is formed that is enclosed by the sensor housing (40) and the stator (11). The rotatable member (43) is stored in the second storage space (50). The holder (49) is able to hold the detector (34) even in the state where the second storage space (50) is not closed by the stator (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignees: FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTD, FURUKAWA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Utsunomiya, Yasuharu Kakimoto
  • Patent number: 9371047
    Abstract: There is provided a bumper beam that is formed of a 7000 series aluminum alloy hollow extrusion, has a crushed longitudinal portion, and locally has a low-hardness region in a bumper stay joint section. A portion (portion to be heated) of end portions of the bumper beam formed of a tempered member of a heat-treatable aluminum alloy extrusion is subjected to reversion treatment, thereby forming a heat-affected zone in a bumper stay joint section. An end region (portion to be crushed) of the heated portion is subjected to cold crushing, and then the whole bumper beam is subjected to age hardening. The heated portion and a non-heat-affected zone are hardened through the age hardening, thereby forming a low-hardness region that overlaps the joint section in a portion of the heat-affected zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Narikazu Hashimoto, Tsunetake Tsuyoshi, Takahiro Shikama, Hiroyuki Kajiwara
  • Patent number: 9371048
    Abstract: An energy absorbing member for a bumper assembly of a vehicle includes an open-celled foam. A magnetorheological fluid is disposed in the open-celled foam. A magnetic field source selectively controls a magnetic field in the open-celled foam. The open-celled foam includes cell walls and the magnetorheological fluid coats the cell walls and defines open cells unfilled by magnetorheological fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Iskander Farooq, Mohammed Omar Faruque, Dean M. Jaradi
  • Patent number: 9371049
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body that extends along a longitudinal axis. The body includes a front fascia and a forward load bearing beam that are disposed transverse to the longitudinal axis. A load distribution mechanism is rotatably attached to the forward load bearing beam for rotation about a rotation axis. The load distribution mechanism includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is for engaging an upper portion of the front fascia, above the forward load bearing beam. The second portion is for engaging a lower portion of the front fascia, below the forward load bearing beam. The front fascia engages the first portion and the second portion of the load distribution mechanism, and the load distribution mechanism rotates about the rotation axis, to control displacement of the front fascia in response to an applied force in which an object contacts the front fascia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Tushar S. Baviskar, Vijay Shankar Iyer, Sudhir K. Maddireddy, Scott A. Sytsma
  • Patent number: 9371050
    Abstract: A sensing and injury mitigation system for a vehicle to identify an object in an impact event is disclosed. The system includes an impact sensing unit comprising an impact sensor and a pressure sensing unit. The impact sensor has fluid-filled first and second tube portions. The pressure sensing unit has a housing and first and second pressure sensors located within the housing. The first tube portion of the impact sensor is attached to the first pressure sensor and the second tube portion of the impact sensor is attached to the second pressure sensor. The pressure sensing unit senses changes in fluid pressure within the tubes. In one embodiment, the tube portions of the impact sensor define a loop. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the first tube portion and at least a portion of the second tube portion share a common axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Yellin Schondorf
  • Patent number: 9371051
    Abstract: A collision determination apparatus receives sensor data, which includes a sensor identifier, from multiple sensors that are of at least two different sensor types. Based on the sensor data from each of the sensors, a main determination unit determines whether to operate a protection apparatus. In parallel, a redundant determination unit determines whether to operate the protection apparatus based on at least one sensor data and by switching sub-determination units that have different determination logics according to a sensor type. In particular, the sensor identifier includes a sensor type information that allows the redundant determination unit to determine the sensor type of the sensor that transmitted the sensor data, and select the appropriate sub-determination unit. Therefore, based on the sensor type information in the sensor data, the same collision determination apparatus can be used in different vehicles that have respectively different number of sensors and different sensor types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryo Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9371052
    Abstract: An airbag module (400) has a housing (402), an airbag (404), an inflator (406) and a deflector mechanism (420) which provides a barrier or guide and a reaction hood 401 or surface to modify the trajectory of the airbag on inflation to inflate at a lower trajectory. The deflector mechanism (420) has a tensioning member (430).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Heather Mallinger, Calum Beattie, Roy Deutschmann, Alberto Rodrigues, Joseph Massa
  • Patent number: 9371053
    Abstract: An airbag system includes an inflatable airbag including an aperture and an indicator, the indicator viewable through the aperture when the inflatable airbag is in a packaged condition. A method of packaging an inflatable airbag includes rolling an inflatable airbag into a packaged configuration and confirming the indicator is visible through the aperture when the inflatable airbag is in the packaged condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua L. Moberg