Patents Issued in June 21, 2016
  • Patent number: 9371054
    Abstract: In a webbing take-up device, a structure for interlocking a second lock pawl with a first lock pawl is only a shaft. It also suffices for switching between restricting of rotation of a lock ring and cancelling of the restricting to be carried out merely by moving a piston by gas pressure generated at a gas generator. In this way, by a simple structure, it is possible to switch between a mode, in which torsional deformation is brought about at a sub torsion main body of a sub torsion shaft, and a mode, in which torsional deformation is not brought about at the sub torsion main body of the sub torsion shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Masaru Ukita, Wataru Yanagawa
  • Patent number: 9371055
    Abstract: In a webbing take-up device, due to actuation of a pre-tensioning mechanism when a vehicle collision, a piston is moved, rack teeth of the piston mesh with pinion teeth of a pinion, causing the pinion rotate and a spool to be rotated in the take-up direction. In a state where a large rotational force in the pull-out direction is acting from an occupant on the pinion, through a webbing and the spool, a rack tooth is broken by a pinion tooth when the rack teeth initially mesh with the pinion teeth, especially by a tip end of the rack tooth meshing with the pinion tooth. Therefore, sticking-in of the pinion teeth rack teeth and the pinion teeth can be suppressed, or easily eliminated, enabling loss in force transmitted from the piston to the pinion to be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Wataru Yanagawa, Masaru Ukita
  • Patent number: 9371056
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for an additional electronic immobilizer (10) having a door-opener and theft-alarm function for a vehicle, comprising: a) a micro-controller; b) a mobile radio interface (1); c) a second interface (2) to a central locking system for doors of the vehicle; d) a near-field radio interface (3) such as RFID or NFC; e) a smart relay interface (4) for transmitting a control signal (S1) for a smart relay (8) and for receiving a receiving signal (S2) of the smart relay (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: OLIVER LUNSTEDT
    Inventor: Oliver Lunstedt
  • Patent number: 9371057
    Abstract: A vehicle security system has a driving function locking device movable between a locked position for disabling a driving function of a vehicle and an unlocked position. The vehicle security system includes a controller, a remote control and a chip card. The controller is connected to an electrical power supply of the vehicle and is in communication with a transceiver. The remote control and chip card each communicate with the transceiver to lock and unlock the driving function locking device or temporarily disable the driving function locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventors: Kamol Kantajaranit, Somchai Tiemsiriwat, Suwat Petcharapirat
  • Patent number: 9371058
    Abstract: A system for maintaining a wiper blade generally perpendicular to a curved windshield as the wiper moves throughout its stroke. A four bar linkage system is coupled to a first bevel gear causing it to drive a second bevel gear coupled to the wiper, thereby maintaining the wiper in a generally perpendicular orientation relative to the curved windshield. The windshield wiper system may be used as a single blade or may be used in tandem with blades running either independently or in a synchronized manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Hagie Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Aaron Goddard
  • Patent number: 9371059
    Abstract: A device for guiding a wheel along a track of a vehicle wash, comprises a support frame, a bracket and a bumper. The bracket is positioned adjacent to the track and has flanges extending upwardly and toward the center of the track defining a channel. The bumper has a mounting portion received in the channel and a wheel contacting portion with a tapered bearing surface. The mounting portion is received in the channel so that the tapered bearing surface extends at an angle upwardly and toward the center of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Ryko Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. MacNeil, Ereth McKnight-MacNeil
  • Patent number: 9371060
    Abstract: A trailer steering assembly includes a trailer. A mount is structured to be movably coupled to the trailer. A first actuator is coupled to the mount. The first actuator positions the mount between a raised position and a lowered position. A pair of wheels is coupled to the mount. The wheels may abut a support surface when the mount is positioned in the lowered position. A motor is coupled to the mount. The motor is mechanically coupled to the wheels. The wheels urge the trailer along the support surface. A second actuator is coupled between the mount and the wheels. The second actuator steers the wheels. A control is coupled to the mount. The control is electrically coupled to the first actuator, the second actuator and the motor. The control may actuate and de-actuate the first and second actuators and the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Eric Smith
  • Patent number: 9371061
    Abstract: A regenerative braking apparatus of a vehicle includes: an engine that supplies power to front wheels of the vehicle; a hybrid starting generator (HSG) that starts the engine; an engine clutch that is disposed between the engine and a transmission and selectively transmits power from the engine to the front wheels; a motor that supplies power to the rear wheels of the vehicle; a battery that stores electrical energy generated by the HSG and the motor; and a controller that generates friction braking torque on the front wheels when necessary braking torque of the front wheels is larger than regenerative braking torque of the front wheels, and that generates friction braking torque on the rear wheels when necessary braking torque of the rear wheels is larger than regenerative braking torque of the rear wheels, in braking of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sangjoon Kim
  • Patent number: 9371062
    Abstract: A brake device includes: a mechanical pressure regulating part having a high-pressure port, a low-pressure port, a pilot pressure input port, and an output port which outputs fluid pressure corresponding to the pressure supplied to the pilot pressure input port by fluid pressures supplied to both of the high- and low-pressure ports, to a chamber for a master piston; a high-pressure source connected to the high-pressure port and the pilot pressure input port; a low-pressure source connected to the low-pressure port and the pilot pressure input port; and an electrically-operated pilot pressure generating part which includes control valves for controlling flows of the brake fluid between the high-pressure source and the pilot pressure input port, and between the low-pressure source and the pilot pressure input port, respectively, and which outputs desired fluid pressure to the pilot pressure input port by controlling flow of the brake fluid with control valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: ADVICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Satoshi Ishida
  • Patent number: 9371063
    Abstract: A compressed-air supply device for commercial vehicles is provided. The compressed-air supply device may be connected electrically to an electronic control device that may actuate at least one control valve. The control valve has at least one inlet, one ventilating connection and one outlet. The compressed-air supply device has a control line which is connected to the control valve outlet and may be connected to a control inlet of a compressor and/or an inlet of a regeneration valve, has a supply line via which compressed air may be guided to the control valve inlet, and has a ventilating line connected to the control valve ventilating connection. The control valve may be ventilated via the ventilating line, and is configured such that at a predefined opening pressure in the supply line it pneumatically produces a fluid-conducting connection between the inlet and the outlet such that the control line is ventilated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Karsten Schnittger, Levente Balogh, Matyas Krabot
  • Patent number: 9371064
    Abstract: A position sensing assembly adapted for use with a master cylinder to measure travel of a piston of the master cylinder via a magnet operatively coupled to the piston thereof for movement therewith between a zero brake apply position and a full brake apply position. According to one embodiment, the position sensing assembly includes a housing adapted to be attached to a master cylinder housing and a flux concentrator operatively disposed with the position sensing assembly housing. The flux concentrator includes a first end, an intermediate body, and a second end. At least one of the first end and the second end defines a longitudinal plane and at least a portion of the intermediate body is oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal plane whereby the position sensing assembly is adapted to measure the travel of the piston of the master cylinder via the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventor: Jeremiah Gonyou
  • Patent number: 9371065
    Abstract: A method of controlling a transmission includes determining if the transmission is currently executing a first torque controlled shift from a first gear ratio to a second gear ratio. A torque controlled shift is defined as a shift control operation in which the speed of the engine is controlled to perform a shift operation. When a second torque controlled shift is detected while the transmission is currently executing the first torque controlled shift, a dual torque controlled shift strategy is executed, which merges a first shift control strategy for executing the first torque controlled shift with a second shift control strategy for executing the second torque controlled shift. The dual torque controlled shift strategy seamlessly executes the first torque controlled shift and the second torque controlled shift without a time delay and engine torque disruption therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Harinath Atmaram, Brian H Fiore, David Szpara
  • Patent number: 9371066
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes a transmission and a clutch. The slip of the clutch is adjusted to a predefined target where a sensed parameter of a shaft of the transmission corresponds to a specified noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) level in the powertrain. The sensed parameter of the transmission shaft may be one of acceleration, speed, and torque of the transmission shaft. The transmission shaft may be one of the input shaft and output shaft of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, Diana Yanakiev, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas, Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 9371067
    Abstract: An integrated battery control system incorporates a battery management system and a power control system to reliably and safely provide power to vehicles and other mobile devices. The integrated power control system incorporates safety features to protect the batteries from dropping below a threshold voltage or being overcharged, and from operating the vehicle when it is coupled with an AC power supply. An integrated power control system may be contained in a control enclosure having a computing device, battery power input, an AC power input, a power output switch, a power output, a key-switch interface and a shunt to measure current flow. The power control system regulates electrical power delivery to a drive motor and a pre-charge resistor as a function of the battery state of charge. When a battery unit is below a threshold value, power delivery is disabled to the drive motor and a pre-charge resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Elite Power Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Yuan Dao, William Jeffrey Schlanger
  • Patent number: 9371068
    Abstract: A control device of a vehicle including an engine, an electric motor, and a clutch configured to achieve a mechanically directly-coupled state of a power transmission path between the engine/the electric motor and drive wheels, the control device causing the clutch to be slip-engaged or released when the engine is started during motor running in which only the electric motor is used as a drive force source for running with the clutch engaged, the control device being configured such that when the clutch is engaged during the motor running, an engagement pressure is made lower than an engagement pressure when the clutch is engaged during engine running in which at least the engine is used as a drive force source for running, and in the case of running with the clutch engaged, the engagement pressure of the clutch is constantly adjusted based on output torque of the electric motor during the motor running, while the engagement pressure of the clutch is not adjusted during the engine running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yosuke Michikoshi, Shingo Eto, Yuji Inoue, Yukihiko Ideshio, Akihiro Sato
  • Patent number: 9371069
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling an engine clutch of a hybrid electric vehicle control a torque of an input shaft of the engine clutch to 0 by using an integrated hybrid starter and generator (HSG) and releases the engine clutch. The method may include: determining whether a release of the engine clutch is required while the hybrid electric vehicle is operating with fuel cut off; calculating an engine friction torque; increasing an output torque of the HSG by an absolute value of the calculated engine friction torque; decreasing a motor torque corresponding to the output torque of the HSG; and releasing the engine clutch when the output torque of the HSG is equal to the engine friction torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sangjoon Kim
  • Patent number: 9371070
    Abstract: An electronic control unit executes throttle torque reduction control for decreasing an engine torque by reducing a throttle opening degree during an upshift of an automatic transmission with respect to the throttle opening degree before a start of the upshift. During the upshift of the automatic transmission, the electronic control unit actuates a waste gate valve in a closing direction with respect to a position of the waste gate valve before the start of the upshift in parallel with execution of the throttle torque reduction control. Thus, a decrease in supercharging pressure due to execution of the throttle torque reduction control is suppressed during the upshift, and the engine torque that has been temporarily decreased in an inertia phase of the upshift recovers immediately after the upshift, so it is possible to suppress deterioration of drivability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomohiro Chinbe, Masakazu Owatari, Takaaki Tokura, Masayasu Mizobuchi
  • Patent number: 9371071
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes determining, via a vehicle computer, that a current fuel-tank fill-level matches a stored fill-level, stored prior to a refueling process. The method also includes calculating an average fuel-consumption when the current fill-level matches the stored fill-level, based on distance traveled since the refueling process and a total amount of fuel received by the vehicle, as indicated by stored fuel-dispensed data received from one or more fuel pumps, since the stored fill-level was stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hans Guenter Quix, David Van Bebber, David Mondrzyk
  • Patent number: 9371072
    Abstract: The disclosure includes a system, method and tangible memory for providing a lane quality service. The system includes a back-up camera mounted to the exterior of a vehicle. The system also includes one or more vibration sensors mounted configured to measure sensor data describing a roadway impairment for a current lane of a roadway. The system also includes an onboard vehicle computer including a lane quality application stored in a tangible memory and a processor. The lane quality application, responsive to being executed by the processor, causes the processor to execute steps including: determining a capture time for executing the back-up camera; executing the back-up camera at the capture time to capture image data describing an image of the roadway impairment; determining location data describing a current geographic location of the roadway impairment; and creating a log that describes the sensor data, the image data and the location data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Emrah Akin Sisbot
  • Patent number: 9371073
    Abstract: A device includes a plurality of tires and a suspension system as subcomponents. The suspension system includes at least one suspension sensor configured to provide suspension data (S). A controller is operatively connected to the suspension sensor. The controller has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions for executing a method for determining respective tire normal forces (Fzi(t), i=1 . . . 4) for one or more of the plurality of tires, based at least partially on the suspension data (S). The tire normal force (Fz) is the net force acting on each tire (or wheel) in the vertical direction. The tire normal force acting on each tire may be determined without using the specific model of the tire, road information, wheel or tire sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Shih-Ken Chen, Valery Pylypchuk, Nikolai K. Moshchuk
  • Patent number: 9371074
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling an aspirator shut-off valve in an engine of a hybrid vehicle. One example method includes opening the aspirator shut-off valve following a shut-down command to the engine when engine speed is between a first engine speed and a second engine speed, the first engine speed being lower than an idle speed and the second engine speed occurring before an imminent engine stop. The example method further includes not opening the aspirator shut-off valve between the first engine speed and the second engine speed if an oxygen content of an emission control device is at or near a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Luehrsen, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 9371075
    Abstract: Guide rail part for a conveyor adapted to convey product carriers in a hanging manner, where the guide rail part is adapted to be positioned centrally in a main rail of the conveyor, where the guide rail part comprises a body, wherein the guide rail part comprises an actuator pivotably suspended to the body, where the actuator is movable from a first upper position to a second lower position, and a stop member pivotably connected to the actuator such that the stop member is in a raised stop position when the actuator is in the second lower position and that the stop member is in a lowered bypass position when the actuator is in the first upper position. The advantage of the guide rail part is that a queue with product carriers can be realized, where the spacing between the product carriers is obtained with the guide rail parts in an easy and cost-effective way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Eton Innovation AB
    Inventor: Per-Olof Ihrefors
  • Patent number: 9371076
    Abstract: A method for remotely controlling a plurality of vehicles includes receiving at an external control system, under an indexing mode of operation, a first signal from off-board vehicle indexing equipment. The method further includes establishing in the external control system a positioning mode of operation in response to the first signal. Further, under the positioning mode of operation, and in response to actuation of an interface of the external control system, the method includes sending from the external control system a second signal to a first vehicle of the plurality of vehicles, the second signal comprising a first command to adjust a throttle setting of first vehicle and a second command to idle a throttle of at least one second vehicle of the plurality of vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Derek Kevin Woo, Carlos Sabino Paulino, Ralph Haddock, III
  • Patent number: 9371077
    Abstract: The invention comprises an improved method and apparatus for securing a tractor-trailer or other powered vehicle to a flatbed railcar (flatcar). The vehicle is driven onto the flatcar until the powered wheels of the vehicle reach a set of rollers. The vehicle then drives these rollers (or a treadmill) which power a mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic system which latches the wheels of the vehicle to the flatcar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Stanley W. Bird
  • Patent number: 9371078
    Abstract: A caliper body is slidably attached to a truck in the axial direction of a wheel. The body has a tip end portion branched off into two parts. One part is close to an outside of one side of the wheel with another part close to an outside of the other side of the wheel. An operating lever is arranged that rotates, via a protruding-retreating motion of a pneumatic actuator rod, one end side via a connecting link around an eccentric axis, which is rotatably supported by one of branched-off parts of the caliper body, as a center. One brake shoe is slidably installed to an anchor pin of the caliper body to freely rotate on a tip side inner surface of a caliper lever installed in an eccentric part. Another brake shoe is installed on a tip side inner surface of the other branched-off part of the caliper body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akito Tsurusaki, Hironori Yokota, Kenichiro Kamimura
  • Patent number: 9371079
    Abstract: A train brake tool for engaging and disengaging a train brake, such as a brake wheel or lever, is described. The train brake tool is configured for manual or hand operation and has both a puller portion and pusher portion configured at the end of an elongated member. The puller portion is configured with a hook for insertion into an opening in a brake wheel to allow the user to pull and rotate the wheel. The pusher portion has a hook configured oppositely to the puller, to allow the user to push the wheel. A length extension is described and is configured to be detachably attachable to the train brake tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Brian Owens
  • Patent number: 9371080
    Abstract: A multi-use apparatus for outdoorsmen including a tub and first, second, third and fourth adjustable legs. The adjustable legs are mounted to the tub. Each of the legs includes a mounting member and a telescopic member. Each mounting member is non-rotatably mounted to the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: NORTHEAST VENTURES LLC
    Inventor: Greg Dilone, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9371081
    Abstract: A travel cooler, includes a body comprising a base, sidewalls, and a lid connected together to define an interior, insulated containment space for holding cooler items. A lengthwise dimension of the cooler extends between opposite ends of the cooler, and the body defines recessed exterior surface slots extending along a lengthwise extent of the cooler. The cooler further includes a U-shaped handle having two legs connected by a handle portion. The cooler is transitionable between a first configuration, in which the legs of the U-shaped handle extend a substantial length from the body of the cooler, and a second configuration, in which the legs of the U-shaped handle are received within the recessed exterior surface slots extending along a lengthwise extent of the cooler, the handle portion extending in close proximity to an end of the body of the cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: M & C INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Alexander Vanderberg, Daniel Lee Bizzell, Ian D. Kovacevich, Chris Hoy
  • Patent number: 9371082
    Abstract: A rotating positioning member of a front wheel of a golf trolley is revealed. A front wheel set is disposed at a front end of a lower frame and including a front wheel base fixed on the lower frame, a front wheel frame, and a front wheel pivotally connected to the front wheel frame. The front wheel base is mounted with an inclined guide slot. A connecting rod is formed on the front wheel frame and pivotally connected to the inclined guide slot. Thus the connecting rod drives the front wheel frame to rotate 90 degrees and the front wheel frame further drives the front wheel to horizontally lean against the lower frame when the front wheel frame is rotated toward the lower frame in the inclined guide slot due to the connecting rod. Thus the golf trolley is easy to fold up for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Sport World Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fang-Li Wu
  • Patent number: 9371083
    Abstract: A stackable cart for storing items when in a collapsed configuration, including a wheeled base, an elevation means such as a scissor extension apparatus attached to the wheeled base, a basket frame attached to the scissor extension apparatus, and an actuation mechanism governing the height of the basket in a raised configuration of the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Acu-Pac, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason N. Jones, Thomas M. Snoddy
  • Patent number: 9371084
    Abstract: A shopping cart in one embodiment comprises a uniframe, a mat basket, and a slim-fit cart frame and basket combination, as well as in multiple embodiments, providing individual structural differences and advantages over pre-existing forms of shopping carts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Unarco Industries LLC
    Inventors: Bobby D. Peters, Wesley McMurtrey, Gregory A. Cox
  • Patent number: 9371085
    Abstract: Cart control systems and methods of controlling cart caster direction allow for operation of carts near walls without caster jamming. Cart control systems comprise a cart with one or more swivel casters, a wall, and a guide surface proximate the wall that is configured to swivel outwardly at least one of the swivel casters to be directed toward the wall when the swivel caster traverses the guide surface in a direction substantially parallel to the wall. When the caster is directed toward the wall, the floor contact of the caster is further away from the wall than the swivel axis of the caster and generally under the cart. When reversing direction, the caster swivels outwardly, with the floor contact remaining further away from the wall and generally under the cart. Thus, the caster does not swivel into the wall and jam the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Young, Carl Aaron Davison
  • Patent number: 9371086
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering column for a vehicle and a steering apparatus having the same. According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent loads transmitted to the steering column from being concentrated to a part of the steering column, to uniformize the distribution of operation force of the adjusting lever, and to prevent the deformation and damage of the steering column when the driver operates the steering wheel by maintaining the bearing forces of the upper tube and the lower tube at the time of tightening and releasing the adjusting lever for a tilt or telescope operation while increasing the rigidity of the entirety of the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jong Han Kim
  • Patent number: 9371087
    Abstract: A power conversion device includes: an inverter that includes high potential side switching elements connected to a high potential side and low potential side switching elements connected to a low potential side, and converts a current for supplying a rotating electric machine; a current detector having a sensor disposed on at least one of a positive bus for connecting the high potential side switching elements and a positive side of a DC power supply or a negative bus for connecting the low potential side switching elements and a negative side of the DC power supply; an energization device that energizes the sensor without passing through the inverter; and a controller that acquires a current detection value from the current detector, and controls the inverter and the energization device. The energization device energizes the sensor when all of high or low potential side switching elements are off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9371088
    Abstract: A vehicle steering device including a steering torque detection unit that detects a steering torque, the vehicle steering device controlling an electric current value, which is applied to an electric motor, and applying an assist torque to a steering system based on the steering torque, includes a one-side pull response control unit that detects one-side pull generated at a vehicle, and corrects the current value to restrict the one-side pull. One-side pull response control is restricted or inhibited for a predetermined time after the vehicle ends a turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Norifumi Tamura, Yoshifumi Banno, Shoji Hamada, Yuki Endo
  • Patent number: 9371089
    Abstract: A driver assistance system and method of operating same is provided for a non-track-bound. By applying a steering torque to the driver's steering wheel via an electric motor, a direction-oriented steering recommendation is made to the driver. By this steering torque, first, a steering wheel angle in the recommended rotating direction at an angular speed that is greater in its amount is set and subsequently a steering wheel angle is set in the opposite rotating direction at an angular speed that is lower in its amount. Subsequent to the setting of the steering wheel angle having the opposite rotating direction, at a comparatively lower angular speed, a further steering wheel angle can be set, by which the vehicle is changed along a straight course of the road essentially to the orientation held before the making of the direction-oriented steering recommendation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschat
    Inventors: Moritz Werling, Philipp Reinisch, Klaus Gresser, Peter Zahn, Nils Pletschen
  • Patent number: 9371090
    Abstract: A steering linkage structure of a rear wheel device may include a housing receiving a screw nut integrally and rotatably connected to a driving motor, a steering shaft inserted in the housing and having a lead portion coupled to the screw nut that rotates and being movable left and right in the housing by the screw nut, and linkages coupled to the steering shaft to connect both ends of the steering shaft to rear wheels, in which coupling portions where the linkages are coupled to the steering shaft are inserted and protrude into and out of the housing, such that when a bending load is applied, the coupling portions support the bending load and are in contact with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: JoonWon Chun, Min Chul Shin
  • Patent number: 9371091
    Abstract: A parking assist system and method that includes a plurality of ultrasonic wave sensors configured to measure a distance between a host vehicle and an external object and an motor driven power steering controller configured to operate steering of the host vehicle. In addition, a controller is configured to detect a parallel parking space based on distances measured from the plurality of ultrasonic wave sensors and to perform an exit from the parallel parking space while operating a steering angle through cooperative control with the MDPS controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Kyohoon Moon, Hyoun Soo Han
  • Patent number: 9371092
    Abstract: A reinforcing structure for a package tray side member provides a rigid connection between the package tray side member and a vehicle body while enabling the package tray side member to be re-positioned towards a rear end of a vehicle. The package tray side member is re-positioned so as to be located between a rear end of the vehicle and a seat belt retractor and a shock absorber. Upper and lower end portions of the package tray side member are reinforced, and are respectively coupled to a package tray side panel of a vehicle and to a floor upper side member of a floor panel of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Hyeong Gyu Park, Byung Jin Kim, Hee Dae Oh
  • Patent number: 9371093
    Abstract: Vehicle structures for dissipating energy associated with an impact are described herein. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes an A-pillar support having a first engagement surface that is oriented forward in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The first engagement surface extends across at least a portion of the A-pillar support in a vehicle lateral direction. The vehicle also includes an upper side member assembly that is coupled to and extends forward from the A-pillar support. The upper side member assembly includes an upper side member outer portion and an upper side member inner portion that is coupled to the upper side member outer portion and is positioned inboard of the upper side member outer portion in the vehicle lateral direction. The upper side member assembly also includes a second engagement surface that is oriented to face rearward and to face the first engagement surface of the A-pillar support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam D. Holmstrom, Carlos M. Briceno
  • Patent number: 9371094
    Abstract: An attachment joint for attaching a first panel to a second panel includes a threaded bolt, a cooperating speed nut, and a support plate interposed between the speed nut and a surface of the first panel opposite a mating surface of the first panel. The support plate is configured to engage and support a contour formed in an edge of the first panel. A motor vehicle panel subassembly including a first panel having a mating surface and an opposed surface and including at least one contour formed in an edge thereof and a second panel having a cooperating mating surface and a cooperating edge contour is assembled using the described attachment joint. The first panel may be a plastic motor vehicle fascia and the second panel may be a metal motor vehicle body panel such as a fender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company Brasil Ltda
    Inventors: Victor Ferauche, Rubens Faria
  • Patent number: 9371095
    Abstract: A motor vehicle body includes a body center section. The body center section has a rear floor and a cross member connected thereto, which are made of fiber-reinforced plastic material. The cross member preferably extends between a left lateral longitudinal beam and a right lateral longitudinal beam. The motor vehicle body can be self-supporting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Mihaly Gonda, Thomas Weiss
  • Patent number: 9371096
    Abstract: System and apparatus are disclosed for a cargo bed of a utility vehicle including side wall panels and a clamping device for mounting accessories. The cargo bed side panel includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The clamping device includes a first finger configured to engage the first protrusion and a second finger configured to engage the second protrusion, and an actuator configured to move the first and second fingers effective to secure the clamping device to the side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Club Bar, LLC
    Inventors: Steven P. Huston, Dean J. Long, Joseph A. Cuadra, Jr., Nick L. Arndt, Samuel R. Lyons
  • Patent number: 9371097
    Abstract: An aerodynamic device for a trailer includes an inflatable member coupled to a rear wall on a trailer adapted to inflate rearwardly therefrom to reduce drag as the trailer is towed forwardly. The aerodynamic device further includes an air intake scoop mounted beneath the rear wall of the trailer in fluid communication the inflatable member for filling the inflatable member with air as the trailer moves forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Trailstar International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Conny
  • Patent number: 9371098
    Abstract: A spoiler device for a vehicle includes a rear spoiler including an airflow controlling surface that is configured to continue to a roof surface and configured to be provided at a roof end, and an air duct including an air inlet opening to the airflow controlling surface and being formed penetrating through the rear spoiler, the air duct including an air outlet positioned in vicinity to an edge portion of the rear spoiler in a vehicle width direction, the air duct configured to guide an airflow at a vehicle top surface to a border portion between a vehicle rear side and a vehicle lateral side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Wataru Yamaguchi, Yukihide Shibutani
  • Patent number: 9371099
    Abstract: A modular intelligent transportation system, comprising an environmentally protected enclosure, a system communications bus, a processor module, communicating with said bus, having a image data input and an audio input, the processor module analyzing the image data and/or audio input for data patterns represented therein, having at least one available option slot, a power supply, and a communication link for external communications, in which at least one available option slot can be occupied by a wireless local area network access point, having a communications path between said communications link and said wireless access point, or other modular components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: The Wilfred J. and Louisette G. Lagassey Irrevocable Trust
    Inventor: Paul J. Lagassey
  • Patent number: 9371100
    Abstract: Provided are a vehicle body assembling method and a vehicle body assembling device that are space-saving and economical. The vehicle body assembling method includes: a first holding step (S2) for holding a floor complete 1 by a first jig 9; a second holding step (S3) for holding a roof arch by a second jig; a jig connecting step (S4) for connecting the first jig and the second jig; a third holding step (S5) for holding side inner completes by the first jig and the second jig; and welding steps (S6 to S9) for forming an inner frame by welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akio Fujisaki, Hideto Kojima, Yoshio Ishikawa, Yoshitaka Matsukami
  • Patent number: 9371101
    Abstract: The parking rack is formed of a length of rope wire curved generally into a majority of a circle. The rope wire extends between a first end and a second end. The rope wire is formed of bundles of individual strands of wire with a coating on an outside thereof. The coating is preferably somewhat resilient and at least partially transparent. The ends of the rope wire are fixed to an anchor through a first interface and a second interface. These interfaces are offset laterally so that the rope wire follows somewhat of a helical path to maintain stability while still exhibiting flexibility. Bicycles can thus be parked adjacent to the parking rack and secured thereto with the flexibility characteristics of the parking rack minimizing damage and maximizing convenience in attaching the bicycle to the parking rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Park A Bike, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg A. Bauer, Donn Van Dusen
  • Patent number: 9371102
    Abstract: A bicycle seat assembly can include a mounting portion, a seat portion, a locking portion, and an actuator portion. The mounting portion can be configured to engage a frame of a bicycle. The seat portion can be pivotally mounted to the mounting portion. The locking portion can be disposed to selectively lock the mounting portion and the seat portion with respect to one another in a plurality of different seat positions. The seat portion can be moveable among the plurality of different seat positions when the locking portion is in an unlocked configuration and can be fixed in one of the plurality of different seat positions when the locking portion is in a locked configuration. The actuator portion can be engaged with the locking portion and operable to shift the locking portion from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. The actuator portion can be hand-operated. Another bicycle seat assembly can include a mounting portion and a seat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Mark Botkin
  • Patent number: 9371103
    Abstract: A bicycle shift notification apparatus is provided with a transmission state determining component, a bicycle derailleur and a controller. The transmission state determining component determines a current operating state of a bicycle transmission having a plurality of speed stages. The bicycle derailleur produces a notification based on a determination of the current operating state by the transmission state determining component. The controller is operatively coupled to the bicycle derailleur. The controller activates the bicycle derailleur to produce the notification in accordance with a preselected notification pattern based on determining that a predetermined condition exists. A sound is produced by actuation of the bicycle derailleur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Fujii, Yoshiyuki Kasai