Patents Issued in August 11, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160229294
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a paved structure capable of feeding power to a traveling body in a noncontact manner. The paved structure 1 feeding power to a power receiver 3 provided in a traveling body 2 through an electromagnetic wave, includes: a depression 10 extending in the direction in which the traveling body 2 runs; a magnetic member 11 laid in the depression 10; a power feeding body 12 laid on the upper surface of the magnetic member 11 to feed power to the power receiver 3 through an electromagnetic wave; and a power feeding body protector 13 laid in the depression 10 to cover the power feeding body 12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: TOA ROAD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nagato ABE, Kazunori MANABE, Michio YOSHITAKE
  • Publication number: 20160229295
    Abstract: The present invention describes a self-propelling work machine in the form of a truck, having an electric drive comprising at least one electric motor, a generator drivable by an internal combustion engine for the power supply of the electric drive, and a braking apparatus for braking the work machine, wherein the braking apparatus provides a regenerative braking by the electric drive and a feedback apparatus for feeding back electrical motor braking power of the electric motor to the generator to apply the motor braking power on the internal combustion engine. The invention further describes a method for braking the work machine. A braking control apparatus is provided for an automatic connection of a mechanical brake in dependence on the motor braking power fed back to the internal combustion engine and/or in dependence on the operating state of the internal combustion engine acted on by the fed back motor braking power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: Liebherr-Components Biberach GMBH
    Inventors: Sebastien Nicolas HOFFMANN, Burkhard Emanuel RICHTHAMMER, Bernd SOMMER, Stefan DUELLI, Markus MERKLE, Juergen RESCH
  • Publication number: 20160229296
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first induction section comprising a first core and a first coil on the first core. A second induction section comprises a second core and a second coil on the second core. The first core comprises rail extensions, where at least two of the rail extensions extend from opposite ends of the first core. The second core comprises shoe portions located at respective ones of the rail extensions, where a gap is provided between each of the rail extensions and respective ones of the shoe portion. The second induction section is configured to move relative to the first induction section in a path along the extensions. The first induction section is configured to induce current in the second induction section, including when the second core moves relative to the first core along the extensions, to provide a contactless induction coupling between the first induction section and the second induction section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Martin Hosek, Sripati Sah
  • Publication number: 20160229297
    Abstract: A power supply system and method for a vehicle movable within a structure is provided. The power supply system includes at least one energy source arranged at a fixed location within the structure to transmit energy within the structure, and a receiver, arranged on the vehicle to receive the energy transmitted from the energy source, being configured to convert the energy to electrical power and/or thrust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: HYPERLOOP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Filip FINODEYEV, Joshua GIEGEL, Brogan BAMBROGAN, George O'NEAL, Kaveh HOSSEINI
  • Publication number: 20160229298
    Abstract: A battery power integration apparatus includes a power converter, a battery control module, and a relay. The power converter has an input side and an output side, and the input side is connected to a high-voltage DC voltage. The battery control module includes a relay control circuit and a pre-charge control circuit. The relay is connected to the input side of the power converter and the battery control module. The pre-charge control circuit receives a pre-charge enable signal generated from the power converter to pre-charge the input side of the power converter. The power converter steps down the high-voltage DC voltage to output a low-voltage DC voltage at the output side thereof when the relay control circuit turns on the relay, thus supplying the required power for low-voltage devices inside a hybrid electric vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Chin-Hou CHEN, Wen-Sheng TSAO, Chen-Bin HUANG, Jui-Teng CHAN
  • Publication number: 20160229299
    Abstract: A transportable ground station for a UAV includes a container in which the UAV may be transported and housed. The container includes a wireless or contact-based recharging station that recharges the UAV's batteries or other power sources after the UAV returns from a mission. The recharging station may be directly or indirectly connected to one or more solar panels that generate energy to power the recharging station. The ground station may be deployed virtually anywhere, from any vehicle (e.g., plane, train, boat, truck, etc.), and may operate over an extended period of time without human intervention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: Andrew Streett
  • Publication number: 20160229300
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for detecting a zero crossing of an alternating current is provided. The circuit arrangement includes a load through which the alternating current can flow, and an evaluation unit connected to the load and configured to evaluate an electrical voltage formed at the load, and to determining zero currents. The load comprises a capacitor through which the alternating current or a current to be measured derived therefrom can flow, and the evaluation unit is configured to account for a phase shift caused by the capacitor for determining the zero currents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Manuel Blum, Thomas Komma, Mirjam Mantel, Monika Poebl
  • Publication number: 20160229301
    Abstract: A mobile inductive charging station for vehicles has an overlay, a primary coil connected to the overlay, and at least one recess on an upper side of the overlay. The recess is equipped with inner side faces and is adapted to receive at least one tire contact area of a vehicle tire. The overlay has a flat underside opposed to the upper side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: OLIVIER FRAMENT, FLORIAN LOTZ, THOMAS ROEHRL, FLORIAN WIEGMANN
  • Publication number: 20160229302
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus control power of a vehicle including a main battery, an auxiliary battery, and an electric load. The Apparatus includes: a State Of Charge (SOC) detection unit configured to detect an SOC of the main battery and an SOC of the auxiliary battery, an allowable power calculation unit configured to calculate an allowable power of the main battery, a charging/discharging power calculation unit configured to calculate a charging/discharging power of the auxiliary battery, a first electric load power calculation unit configured to calculate a first electric load power, an operation control unit configured to control an operation of an electric load, a second electric load power calculation unit configured to calculate a second electric load power, and a charging/discharging control unit configured to control charging or discharging of the auxiliary battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: Young Ok LEE
  • Publication number: 20160229303
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing hybrid power control in an electronic device includes a charger positioned in the electronic device, and the charger is arranged for selectively charging a battery of the electronic device. In addition, at least one portion of the charger is implemented within a charger chip. For example, the charger may include: a first terminal, positioned on the charger chip; a second terminal, positioned on the charger chip and selectively coupled to the first terminal; a third terminal, positioned on the charger chip and selectively coupled to the second terminal; a fourth terminal, positioned on the charger chip and coupled to the third terminal; a first power output path, coupled to the fourth terminal, arranged for providing a first voltage level; and a second power output path, coupled to the third terminal, arranged for selectively providing a second voltage level that is greater than the first voltage level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: Nien-Hui Kung
  • Publication number: 20160229304
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method, to a device, and to a system for determining a position of a vehicle. The method comprises the method steps: Measuring (S01) at least one first magnetic field strength of a magnetic field at one each first position (A-i) by means of a first magnetic field sensor (11) arranged on a vehicle (1); measuring (S02) at least one second magnetic field strength of the magnetic field at one each second position (B-i) by means of a second magnetic field sensor (12) arranged on the vehicle (1) at a distance from the first magnetic field sensor (11); determining (S03) position data of the vehicle (1) at least by comparing data, which are based on the measured first and second magnetic field strengths, to a predetermined magnetic field data of the magnetic field; and outputting (S04) a signal based on said position data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Bildstein, Bernd Eckert
  • Publication number: 20160229305
    Abstract: A method of charging an electric vehicle (EV) includes receiving a user's authentication code in an electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) from a user's mobile device, comparing in the EVSE the user's authentication code to a whitelist having a plurality of authorized user authentication codes, and enabling an electric vehicle (EV) charging transaction serviced by the EVSE in response to the comparing of the user's authentication code to the whitelist so that a user's authentication code is authenticated to enable the EV charging transaction without concurrent access to an EVSE-related remote server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Scott Ryan Shumaker, Lovlesh Tandon, Herman Joseph Steinbuchel, IV, Robert Salazar, JR., Larry Hayashigawa
  • Publication number: 20160229306
    Abstract: An electric vehicle charging station system has numerous charging nodes, each charging node including a charging station having at least two electric vehicle supply equipment selected from the group consisting of a Level 1 charging device, a Level 2 charging device, an automobile brand-specific charging device, and a Level 3/Fast DC charging device, wherein the plurality of charging nodes are in communication with each other through a network. A display device is disposed on each charging station, the display device having one or more portals that display a web-based or consumer-focused content, wherein a portion of the content is provided by a vendor that provides a good or service concentrically located within a predetermined distance to the system, and another portion of the content provides the location of adjacent charging nodes to a consumer using the system to charge an electric vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: Bruce Brimacombe
  • Publication number: 20160229307
    Abstract: A method for automatically detecting a replacement of a control unit in a battery management system including a battery control unit includes allocating a one-way function to each control unit. The one-way function uses x and y to output z. The input y is a sensor_ID that uniquely identifies the control unit concerned. The method further includes providing a random number generated by the battery control unit to the first control unit at every system start-up as input x. The result z from the first control unit is used as the input x for the subsequent one-way function of the subsequent, second control unit until the nth control unit. The result z of the nth control unit is transmitted to the battery control unit. The method further includes generating a final ID and comparing the final ID with the result z of the nth control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: Christoph Brochhaus
  • Publication number: 20160229308
    Abstract: A battery housing for a traction motor battery of a vehicle is disclosed that includes attachments retained by parallel T-shaped guides on the outer surface of the walls of the enclosure. The attachments are oriented to extend either in a horizontal orientation or vertical orientation. The depth of the attachments and shape of the attachments may be selected to meet impact force requirements and packaging space limitations imposed by the structure of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Saied Nusier, Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Saeed David Barbat, William L. Stanko
  • Publication number: 20160229309
    Abstract: An OR circuit 61 of a relay drive unit 60 provides an ON output when at least one of a drive signal output from a battery ECU 52 and a latch signal output from an HVECU 70 is ON signal, while providing an OFF output when both the drive signal and the latch signal are OFF signals. The HVECU 70 switches off the latch signal when the engine operates, while switching on the latch signal when the engine is at stop. When no abnormality of communication with the HVECU 70 is detected and a specified time duration has not elapsed since detection of the abnormality of communication with the HVECU 70, the battery ECU 52 switches on the drive signal. When the specified time duration has elapsed since detection of the abnormality of communication with the HVECU 70, the battery ECU 52 switches off the drive signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: Noritake Mitsutani
  • Publication number: 20160229310
    Abstract: A low voltage battery charger is provided that includes a fuel cell stack that generates electrical energy by a reaction of hydrogen and oxygen and an air blower that supplies air to the fuel cell stack. A high voltage DC converter converts an output voltage generated at the fuel cell stack to a high voltage. A high voltage battery is charged with the output voltage converted by the high voltage DC converter. A low voltage DC converter converts the output voltage generated at the fuel cell stack to a low voltage and a low voltage battery is charged with the output voltage converted by the low voltage DC converter. A controller then variably adjusts a charge voltage of the low voltage battery based on an air amount supplied to the fuel cell stack through the air blower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Boung Ho Min, Kyuil Lee, Sung Gone Yoon
  • Publication number: 20160229311
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a body, a drive motor, at least one seat with a retaining structure, a first connecting element, a second connecting element, and at least one fastening device with which the seat is attached to the body. The first connecting element is used to attach the fastening device to the retaining structure in a positive and/or non-positive connecting manner. The second connecting element is used to attach the fastening device to the body in a positive and/or non-positive manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Andrzej PLESKOT
  • Publication number: 20160229312
    Abstract: An operating device to operate an adjustable seat of a motor vehicle having a carrier includes an operating element having a first surface directed towards an outer surface of the carrier, a second surface and at least one third surface adjacent to the first surface and the second surface. The operating device also includes a sensor for detecting a size of a force acting on the at least one third surface during the operating input and to generate a signal corresponding to the size of the detected force. The operating device also includes an evaluation device for generating a control signal by processing the signal corresponding to the size of the detected force, and an adjustment device to adjust the adjustable seat on the basis of the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Volker ENTENMANN, Volker GERHARDT, Jörg REISINGER, Tingting ZHANG-XU
  • Publication number: 20160229313
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle seat capable of being shifted to a walk-in state without side support parts or a tilt part hindering the seat back from folding forward. A seat according to an embodiment includes a seat cushion, a seat back, and a leg rest part. The seat is provided with side support parts at left and right sides of an occupant, and a tilt part that moves a front portion of the seat cushion upward and downward. The seat is further provided with a detecting part that detects a state of the seat back, and a control unit that causes at least one of the side support parts and the tilt part to transit from a deployed state to a housed state when the detecting part detects that a forward turn of the seat back is started.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Soichiro HOZUMI, Toshiro MAEDA
  • Publication number: 20160229314
    Abstract: A rotational device (10) for a vehicle seat includes a base element (20) and a seat part support (30) which can be rotated about a rotational axis (S) with respect to the base element (20). At least three rolling bearings (61, 62, 63) are provided to rotationally support the seat part support (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: Joerg ADAM
  • Publication number: 20160229315
    Abstract: A rotation control apparatus includes an engagement lever configured to restrict a rotation of a pinion gear by engaging with a ratchet wheel and a drive lever driving and rotating the pinion gear in a direction where a seat moves upward by integrally rotating with an operation member in a state where the drive lever engages with the ratchet wheel based on a rotation operation of an operation handle in a first direction. The engagement lever disengages from the ratchet wheel by the rotation of the pinion gear in a case where the seat moves upward. The rotation control apparatus further includes an engagement lever control piece and a drive lever control piece which cause the engagement lever and the drive lever respectively to disengage from the ratchet wheel based on the rotation operation of the operation handle in a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yukifumi YAMADA, Naoki GOTO
  • Publication number: 20160229316
    Abstract: A shoulder support adjuster includes a shoulder support, a bending angle adjusting mechanism, and a bending position adjusting mechanism. The bending angle adjusting mechanism and the bending position adjusting mechanism are provided within the shoulder support of a vehicle seat. At the bending angle adjusting mechanism, a bending angle of the seatback is adjusted by inflating an airbag. Further, at the bending position adjusting mechanism, by inflating the airbag and airbags, a flexed position of a shoulder plate is moved downward, and a bending position of the seatback changes downward. The bending position of the seatback is thereby adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi TAMURA, Akira KANEKO
  • Publication number: 20160229317
    Abstract: A seat structure 6 for mounting to the load space 3 of an automobile 1 includes a seat cushion 9 which, in use, may be positioned to extend out an opening to the load space to provide a seat for a person outside the automobile. The structure is particularly intended to provide a seat to the rear of an estate car, SUV or other automobile fitted with tailgate 4. The seat structure may be removably mountable to the load space of an automobile. The seat structure may comprise mounting assemblies 8 arranged to mount the structure to points at opposite sides of the load space of an automobile. A divider assembly 7 may be pivotally mounted to the mounting assemblies 8 for movement between upright and flat positions. The seat cushion 9 may be movably mounted to the divider assembly for movement between storage and deployed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: SHAJAHAN JANALLY, Stuart Russell
  • Publication number: 20160229318
    Abstract: A locking unit (10) for a vehicle seat (1) includes a housing with at least on side plate (16) and/or a cover plate (18), and at least one bearing bolt (51, 52) having a bearing axis (56). The at least one bearing bolt (51, 52), in an axial direction, is penetrated by a through opening (55) having a through axis (53). The through axis (53) of the through opening (55) extends offset to the bearing axis (56) of the bearing bolt (51, 52).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Andreas VEDDER, Ulrich LEHMANN, Peter MUELLER
  • Publication number: 20160229319
    Abstract: A frame serving as a seatback frame for a vehicle seat and simply configured to reduce a load applied to a seated occupant at the time of a vehicle collision is provided. A seatback frame includes a connecting wire which connects side frames. The center of the connecting wire is bent to extend toward a front side of a vehicle seat. When the seated occupant is moved toward a rear side of the vehicle seat at the time of a vehicle rear-end collision, the forward extending portion restrains a portion of the back of the seated occupant in which a thoracic vertebra is located and reduces an amount of a rearward movement of the portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Satoshi Fujita, Yusuke Higano, Koji Sano, Toshihiko Tsuda
  • Publication number: 20160229320
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a cushion and a seatback coupled with the cushion. The vehicle seat further includes a first set of independently inflatable massage bladders coupled within the seatback. The massage bladders of the first set are arranged to extend diagonally from adjacent a center line of the seatback at a first vertical location toward a first lateral side of the seatback at a second vertical location above the first location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Jeroen Lem, Joseph August Himmel, IV, Michael Kolich, Jessica Rausch, Amber LaVerne Hall, Brian Boland, Michael Medoro
  • Publication number: 20160229321
    Abstract: A method for providing bacterial protection for a head rest comprising the steps of: transporting a portable head rest cover, where the head rest cover is made of a flexible material; covering a head rest of a high back seat with the portable head rest cover during use of the high back seat; removing the portable head rest cover from the high back seat; and storing the portable head rest cover for future use. In one particular embodiment, the flexible material is spandex acrylic and the portable headrest cover may include an inside pocket. The method of providing bacterial may further include removing an anti-bacterial wipe from the inside pocket for use on the high back seat. The high back seat includes at least one of an airplane seat, a bus seat, a train seat and a theater seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: Jesse Kamekona
  • Publication number: 20160229322
    Abstract: A method of assembling a vehicle seat assembly is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a preassembled front seatback module and a seatback frame. The method further includes assembling a seatback assembly by coupling the front seatback module to a preassembled rear seatback module around and interconnected to the seatback frame. The method further includes providing a preassembled seat module and pivotally coupling the seat module to the seatback assembly. The assembly method further includes coupling the seat module to a seat frame, and further coupling a preassembled headrest module to an upper portion of the seatback assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marc Silva Kondrad, Brett Ronzi, Christian J. Hosbach, Daniel Ferretti
  • Publication number: 20160229323
    Abstract: A removable protective floor liner for a rearward seating area of a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a first floor mat section including a first flap section that is configured for installation in a first foot well of the passenger compartment and a second floor mat section including a second flap section that is configured for installation in a second foot well of the passenger compartment. The first flap includes an overlapping portion and a plurality of female interlocking fasteners and the second flap includes an underlapping portion and a plurality of male interlocking fasteners, including the underlapping portion extending a predetermined distance beyond the male interlocking fasteners. The first and second flaps cover a tunnel area intervening between the first and second floor mat sections. The male interlocking fasteners are joined with corresponding ones of the female interlocking fasteners when the first and second flaps are aligned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Kevin J. Veik, Wendy E. Zaranek
  • Publication number: 20160229324
    Abstract: A mat structure for a vehicle, in which an edging member capable of preventing impurities such as soil from falling down to an indoor floor of the vehicle is sewed on an upper surface of an edge of a mat, and a sewing device capable of easily sewing the edging member and a magic tape on the mat. The mat prevents impurities remaining on the upper mat from falling down to the indoor floor of the vehicle and contaminating inside the vehicle by using the protrusion portion, and passengers may scrape the impurities off bottoms of the passenger's shoes on the protrusion portion so that the impurities remain on the upper mat. Also, the protrusion portion protects a sewing line of the female magic tape against frictions with the bottoms of the shoes, and prevents the sewing line from being torn off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: Sang Yeon LEE
  • Publication number: 20160229325
    Abstract: A combined cup holder and storage bin is provided. Such a device includes a rotating body having a first feature, a second feature and a third feature. The rotating body is selectively displaceable into a first position orienting the first feature for use, a second position orienting the second feature for use and a third position orienting the third feature for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Kathleen M. Parlow, Nicholas Alphonse Billardello
  • Publication number: 20160229326
    Abstract: A transport machine is provided with a traveling device, a vehicle body, a vessel, a support device and a load detection device. At least a portion of the vehicle body is arranged above the traveling device. The vessel is provided on the vehicle body. The support device includes a slide mechanism that moves the vessel in a lateral direction with respect to the vehicle body, the lateral direction intersecting with a traveling direction of the traveling device when the transport machine travels straight. The load detection device detects a state of a load on the vessel. The slide mechanism is controlled based on a result of detection by the load detection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: KOMATSU Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Uetake, Yuichi Kodama, Kazunari Kawai, Shinichi Terada
  • Publication number: 20160229327
    Abstract: A belt conveyor and an auger conveyor are interchangeably mountable on a seed cart or tender. A mounting bracket slidably receives the lower end of the selected conveyor, which is hooked into position at the lower end of the bracket. A removable pin is inserted through the upper end of the bracket and the conveyor to retain the conveyor on the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket can be moved on a carriage along tracks on the frame of the seed cart or tender to position the inlet of the conveyor to receive seeds from bulk seed boxes or a hopper. The conveyor can be rotated to an infinite number of positions along a 180° radius to discharge seed in a desired location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Juan Neufeld, Jeffrey Paul Grindle
  • Publication number: 20160229328
    Abstract: A belt or auger conveyor is rotatably mounted on the frame of a seed cart or tender. The conveyor is mounted on a bracket, which in turn is mounted on the housing of a brake assembly. The brake assembly is rotatably mounted on a spindle fixed to a carriage, which is rollably mounted on tracks of the frame. The carriage allows the inlet of the roller to be longitudinally positioned for receiving seed or grain from a hopper or bulk container, while the spindle allows the outlet end of the conveyor to be rotated approximately 180° for positioning above a planter, truck or other receptacle. The brake assembly allows the rotational position of the conveyor to be infinitely adjusted without limitation to preset positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Juan Neufeld, Jeffrey Paul Grindle
  • Publication number: 20160229329
    Abstract: A roll-up tarp assembly including front and rear arm assemblies and an extended modified roll tube. The front arm assembly includes a drive assembly that drives an output shaft. The output shaft is removably connectable to the roll tube. The connection between the output shaft and the roll tube has two distinct modes. The output shaft can be removably connected to the roll tube with a clevis pin such that the output shaft and the roll tube rotate together or the output shaft can be retained within the roll tube by a roll pin residing in a peripheral grove in the output shaft so that the output shaft may rotate independently of the roll tube. Methods of installing and using the roll-up tarp assembly are also disclosed as well as methods and kits for converting a manually operated assembly to a motorized assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Charles M. Schmeichel, Shawn J. Wock
  • Publication number: 20160229330
    Abstract: A tie down device for securing cargo to a vehicle roof rack comprising: a telescoping rod; a first end of the telescoping rod; a second end of the telescoping rod; and a hook attached to a distal end of the rod. In one particular embodiment, the first end may include a handle and the hook attaches to the opposing telescoping end. The telescoping rod may expand to various lengths and in one particular embodiment may expand up to 76 inches in length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Pfahl
  • Publication number: 20160229331
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp control device (1) includes: an artificial light determination unit (82) which, on the basis of an image of the surroundings of a vehicle C captured by a camera (11) mounted on the vehicle C, determines whether or not the vehicle C is located in an artificial light environment, i.e., an environment illuminated by artificial light which is light provided by artificial illumination; and a lamp controller (81) which, on the basis of the result of determination by the artificial light determination unit (82), controls turning on or turning off of a lamp (12) which outputs an illumination light to the outside of the vehicle C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: Masahiko ADACHI
  • Publication number: 20160229332
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steering-column switch unit (1) for operating at least one electrical consumer, which is operated by an electric load current, in a motor vehicle, with a printed circuit board (5) on which strip conductors (9, 11) are arranged, said strip conductors being connected to electrically conductive contact surfaces (8, 10, 13) for contact elements (15, 15?) which are movable with a steering-column lever (16), wherein the strip conductors (9, 11) are configured for the load current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: VALEO Schalter und Sensoren GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Simonis, Roland Gruener
  • Publication number: 20160229333
    Abstract: A projection system includes: a position detecting section that detects the position of a target object located in front of a host vehicle; and a control section which, on the basis of the position of the target object detected by the position detecting section, controls a headlamp so as to project onto the position of the target object a projection pattern that moves in a direction corresponding to the direction of motion of a background at the position of the target object or a direction corresponding to the opposite direction of the direction of motion of the background.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Nobuyuki SHIRAKI, Shigeyoshi HIRATSUKA, Shinichi KOJIMA, Kazuya ASAOKA, Kazuhiko NAKASHIMA
  • Publication number: 20160229334
    Abstract: A signaling and/or lighting device for a motor vehicle comprises a casing provided with an opening for access toward the interior of the casing and a closure cover closing off the access opening. It also comprises a support for receiving a light bulb arranged in the casing and a removable handling element by means of which it is possible to manually actuate the support to install and remove it with respect to the casing. The device comprises holding elements for the removable handling element by means of which it is possible to reversibly attach the removable handling element to the casing or to the closure cover. A method for producing such a signaling and/or lighting device for a motor vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Puente, Isidro Garcia, Jose Garcia Castilla, Pedro Colmenero
  • Publication number: 20160229335
    Abstract: A system for notifying a third party as to whether a vehicle is producing or generating emissions. The system includes an internal combustion engine capable of producing exhaust gases, an exhaust pipe coupled to the internal combustion engine and for allowing passage of the exhaust gases and a sensor positioned within the exhaust pipe and configured to determine a characteristic of the exhaust gases. The system also includes a switch configured to activate and deactive a zero emissions mode, an electronic control unit (ECU) for determining whether emissions are present based on at least one of the characteristic of the exhaust gases or the zero emissions mode and an external light, controlled by the ECU, that is activated when no emissions are present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: Benjamin M. Geller
  • Publication number: 20160229336
    Abstract: The invention discloses a system and method that enhances safety for vehicle before and during a U-Turn. Vehicles are equipped with retrofit U-Shape light indicator which is mounted near the left rear light of the vehicle. This light indicator is enabled wirelessly from a button mounted on the dash board by radio frequency or Bluetooth. When this U-shape indicator is turned on the driver indicates to all other drivers at the intersection that he is making a U-Turn. This in turn reduces irritation, confusion and frustration among drivers, and consequently reduces the possibility of accidents. Multiple U-Shape light indicators may be placed at different parts of the vehicle and it may be manufactured in various shapes and sizes as per the intended vehicle. Additionally, the auto-manufacturer may include the system into the car assembly and wire the button/switch to the left turn signal with a separate position for ‘U-turn’.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: Amr Ali
  • Publication number: 20160229337
    Abstract: A light guide assembly for illuminating two gauges utilizing a single light guide includes of a two pairs of light sources such as LEDs, OLED's, quantum dots or other useful light sources functioning to emit light in opposite directions. A light guide receives the light emitted by the LEDs and leaks light out of its open surfaces. A protrusion from the light guide which leaks light in a specific orientation depending on its geometry illuminates a second gauge. An opaque gauge which covers the main portion of the light guide and is located above the light guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Vyacheslav B. Birman, Cristian Leonard Fitz
  • Publication number: 20160229338
    Abstract: An interior component includes a transparent base, a covering applied to an outer surface of the base, and a light emitting unit that is located at an inner side of the base and emits light to an inner surface of the base. The covering is a knitted fabric formed by knitting an outer yarn, which has a dark color, and an inner yarn, which has a brighter color than the outer yarn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: Ayaka SATO
  • Publication number: 20160229339
    Abstract: A sound collecting unit (10) mounted on a vehicle is configured to collect sounds, a frequency resolution unit (21c) is configured to perform frequency analysis on the collected sound information, and when an object around the vehicle is detected based on a frequency characteristic of the sound information, a traveling sound detecting unit (21d) is configured to perform object detection such that object detection using a predetermined frequency band when a sound pressure of the predetermined frequency band is high in a frequency characteristic of a sound reproduced from a reproduction unit (11) mounted on the vehicle is more suppressed than object detection using a predetermined frequency band when a sound pressure of the predetermined frequency band is low in the frequency characteristic of the sound reproduced from a reproduction unit (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryuji Funayama, Jun Sato, Hideo Fukamachi
  • Publication number: 20160229340
    Abstract: A vehicle approach notification apparatus includes a first sounding signal generation portion that generates a first sounding signal based on a first sound source data; a second sounding signal generation portion that generates a second sounding signal based on a second sound source data; and a combination portion that combines the first sounding signal with the second sounding signal to generate a notice sound signal. The first sounding signal generation portion changes a frequency and an output level of the first sounding signal depending on a speed of the vehicle. The second sounding signal generation portion changes an output level of the second sounding signal depending on the speed of the vehicle while holding a frequency of the second sounding signal to be constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Hiroshi SAKAKIBARA, Hironari TAJIMI
  • Publication number: 20160229341
    Abstract: A system for a motor vehicle for use by a driver of the vehicle to view the surroundings of the vehicle, while driving the vehicle has a system of digital cameras, a computer processor, a memory and a display screen. The processor receives inputs from the system of cameras where the inputs have a sequence of images representing views of surroundings of the vehicle and temporarily saves the images in the memory. The processor processes the series of images to create composite views of the surroundings and displays the composite views on the display screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: Tara Chand Singhal
  • Publication number: 20160229342
    Abstract: A driver assist system for a vehicle includes at least one non-visual sensor and a forward-viewing camera disposed that is part of a multi-camera vision system of the vehicle that includes at least two side cameras and a rear backup camera. A video display screen is viewable by a driver of the vehicle when the driver is normally operating the vehicle. During a driving or parking maneuver of the vehicle, images derived, at least in part, from image data captured by at least some of the cameras are displayed by the video display screen, and at least one indication is provided to the driver of the vehicle during the driving maneuver. A unitary image is synthesized from image data captured by the multi-camera vision system and approximates a view as would be seen by a virtual camera at a single location exterior of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: David W. Taylor, Kevin C. McCarthy, Niall R. Lynam, Kenneth Schofield
  • Publication number: 20160229343
    Abstract: An adjustable mirror (1) is provided with a mirror housing (1?) and a mirror foot (1?), coupled via a pivot (5) and a motor mirror adjustment device. The motor mirror adjustment device is provided with a housing (3) which includes a bearing part (3?); an electric motor (4); and a gear transmission for transmitting rotation of the electric motor to the pivot. The gear transmission is supported against the bearing part and includes drive elements such as gears and/or worms (6?) and/or worm gears (6), and an output gear (8) which is connected to the pivot. The gear transmission is provided with a resilient element (10) between one of the drive elements and the bearing part, or between the drive elements mutually, and is designed to generate a bias between the one of the drive elements and the bearing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Sigrid Elizabeth van Leeuwen, Dennis Alexander Vervoorn, Marinus Roose, Marinus Jacobus Maria van Zuilen, Stefan Frits Brouwer