Patents Issued in September 13, 2016
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Patent number: 9440521Abstract: A vehicular deflector device includes an upper frame and a lower frame, a mesh member, two holding projections, and a pivot stopper. The upper and lower frames extend in a vehicle widthwise direction. The mesh member includes two short-side direction terminal portions respectively held by the upper frame and the lower frame. The mesh member is protruded from a plane of the roof together with the upper frame when the upper frame is lifted relative to the lower frame, and the mesh member is stored below an upper surface of the roof together with the upper frame when the upper frame is lowered relative to the lower frame. The two holding projections arranged on two extending direction end portions of the lower frame are respectively inserted into two holding holes formed in a roof member. The pivot stopper restricts pivoting of the lower frame about the holding projections.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsumi Konishi, Kazuki Sawada, Shinichi Hiramatsu
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Patent number: 9440522Abstract: A device for protecting a window of a vehicle from environmental conditions includes a water resistant cover for covering the window. The cover has a first side portion positionable to cover a driver's side of the window, and an opposed second side portion positionable to cover a passenger's side of the window. A frame supports the cover and includes spaced apart and resiliently flexible first and second frame members. The first and second frame members each extend widthwise with respect to the cover across at least a portion of the first side portion and at least a portion of the second side portion. The frame is collapsible to reconfigure the device from a deployed state wherein the frame supports the cover in a generally flat state to a storage state wherein the cover is folded. Fasteners are secured to the cover for mounting the device to the window.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventor: Leland Yip
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Patent number: 9440523Abstract: An underfloor unit for reinforcing a motor vehicle body has a base body (12) connected to the motor vehicle body and intended to dissipate static and/or dynamic loads of the motor vehicle body. The base body (12) has an upwardly directed support plate (14) for supporting battery cell units of a traction battery for and a downwardly directed separate armor plate (16) for protecting the battery cell units against sudden effects of force from below. A cooling duct (18) for cooling the battery cell units is formed between the support plate (14) and the armor plate (16). The underfloor unit (10) can support the battery cells of the traction battery as a support plate (14), protect them as armor and cool them with the aid of the cooling duct (18) as a heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Salvatore Decker
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Patent number: 9440524Abstract: A mount apparatus (20) for supporting a vibration source on a base is provided. The mount apparatus (20) includes a moving member (134) that is partially disposed in a pumping chamber (64) for moving within the pumping chamber (64) along a first axis (A) to create a volume change in the pumping chamber (64) to maintain the volume of the pumping chamber (64) to prevent a pressure increase in the pumping chamber (64) during the deformation of a flexible body (46) in response to an external excitation to effectively cancel the external excitation. The moving member (134) includes a moveable wall (144) of a flexible material, having a generally hour glass-shape in steady state, and extending between moving member upper and lower ends (140, 142). The moveable wall (144) flexes radially outwardly and inwardly relative to the first axis (A) in response to relative axial movement between the moving member upper and lower ends (140, 142), to amplify the volume change in the pumping chamber (64).Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: BeijingWest Industries, Co., Ltd.Inventors: Alireza Farjoud, David John Barta, Brent Wade Fourman, Chad Michael, Eric Louis Schumann
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Patent number: 9440525Abstract: A solar powered assisted trailer cooling system includes a trailer that has a bottom wall, a top wall and a perimeter wall attached to and extending between the top and bottom walls. The trailer is configured to be pulled by a vehicle to define a tractor trailer. A cooling assembly is mounted on the perimeter wall and is configured to cool an interior of the trailer. The cooling assembly includes a compressor powered by an electric motor. A plurality of solar panels converts sunlight into electricity. Each of the solar panels is mounted on an upper surface of the top wall. The plurality of solar panels is electrically coupled to a plurality of batteries. The solar panels recharge the batteries when the solar panels are producing electricity. The batteries are electrically coupled to the electric motor to power the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2011Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventors: Kathleen K. Baty, Larry L. Baty
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Patent number: 9440526Abstract: A drive system includes: a power split mechanism including a planetary gear unit, in which a ring gear is connected to an internal combustion engine, a sun gear is connected to a motor, and a carrier is connected to a counter shaft in a manner capable of transmitting power; a lock mechanism that can lock the sun gear; and a clutch mechanism that can engage the sun gear and the ring gear. The internal combustion engine, the power split mechanism, the motor, the lock mechanism, and the clutch mechanism are arranged on the same axis. The lock mechanism and the clutch mechanism are arranged on an opposite side of the internal combustion engine with the power split mechanism and the motor being interposed therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shigeru Okuwaki, Hiroyuki Shioiri, Hiroyuki Shibata, Kouhei Miyake
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Patent number: 9440527Abstract: A utility vehicle according to the invention includes a body frame supporting a cabin disposed between a pair of left and right front wheels and a pair of left and right rear wheels, a cabin front wall extending substantially throughout a vehicle width at a front end of the cabin, and an inner fender covering a lower surface of a front chamber located ahead of the cabin and above the front wheels and extending substantially throughout the vehicle width. The cabin front wall and the inner fender are connected to each other substantially throughout the vehicle width and form a front wheel space including wheel housings of the front wheels and a space between the front wheels.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuhiro Maeda, Itsuo Takegami
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Patent number: 9440529Abstract: A conformable fuel gas storage tank includes a housing that has exterior walls surrounding an interior. First and second base walls are spaced apart in a direction along a normal axis, side walls extend between the base walls and are spaced apart in a direction along a lateral axis, and end walls extend between the base walls and the side walls and are spaced apart in a direction along a longitudinal axis. Interior walls divide the interior and extend in a direction between the base walls and the end walls, and are spaced apart in a direction along the lateral axis. The interior walls establish elongate, laterally spaced, through channels extending longitudinally between the end walls. A gas storage material is located within the channels, and a gas permeable flow guide ex tends along at least one of the channels and through the gas storage material.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Alternative Fuel Containers, LLCInventor: Joong-Kyu Lee
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Patent number: 9440530Abstract: A vehicle body structure (10) is provided with: an exhaust pipe (18) disposed between a fuel container (16) and a right framework member (12) so as to extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body; and a slide member (23) provided to the framework side wall (25) of the right framework member (12). The slide member (12) is provided to the portion (27) of the framework side wall (25), which is overlapped by the fuel container (16) and a chamber (42) in the width direction of the vehicle. The slide member (23) has a slide slope section (64). The slide slope section (64) is tilted inward in the width direction of the vehicle from the lower end (64b) toward the upper end (64a) so as to approach the fuel tank (16).Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Masayasu Yoshida, Daisuke Nohara, Youichirou Hamano, Keita Ishihara, Takashi Kikuchi
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Patent number: 9440531Abstract: A power-train is provided for a driven, steerable axle of a motor vehicle. To reduce the size of the turning radius of the vehicle, the power train includes a left drive shaft that is fixedly connected in terms of drive to a left steerable wheel; a right drive shaft that is fixedly connected in terms of drive to a right steerable wheel; and a drive unit configured between the drive shafts for driving the drive shaft; the drive shafts being configured as articulated shafts, each having a wheel-proximal articulated joint and a wheel-distal articulated joint; and said articulated joints each having at least one axis of rotation with the same orientation for all articulated joints. The drive unit is designed for transmitting an electromotively generated torque to the drive shafts, and having a body suspension that allows the drive unit to rotate relative to the body about a swivel axis that extends in parallel to the axes of rotation having the same orientation.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Raphael Fischer, Thorsten Schubert, Thomas Mehlis, Christian Witt
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Patent number: 9440532Abstract: A lubrication system (300) for a transfer case (200) includes a shaft (302) having a lubricant inlet port (306) and a hollow bore (304) for transporting lubricant within the shaft (302), a pump (310) having a pump housing (312) and one or more pumping elements (318) that are disposed in the pump housing (312), and a clutch assembly (330). The clutch assembly 330 has an engaged position in which rotational force from the shaft (302) is transferred to the one or more pumping elements (318) to cause operation of the pump (310), and a disengaged position in which rotational force from the shaft (302) is not transferred to the one or more pumping elements (318). An actuator (370, 410) is operable to cause the clutch assembly (330) to move between the engaged position and the disengaged position.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Jesse Jongebloed, Michael Palazzolo
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Patent number: 9440533Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular 4-wheel drive system provided with: primary drive wheels to which a drive force is transmitted from a drive power source; auxiliary drive wheels to which the drive force is selectively transmitted; a first clutch configured to selectively place a first power transmitting path in a power transmitting state and a power cutoff state; and a second clutch disposed in a second power transmitting path to selectively place the second power transmitting path in a power transmitting state and a power cutoff state. The first and second clutches are placed in fully released states to establish a 2-wheel drive mode. The control apparatus includes a first-clutch control portion configured to bring the first clutch into a partially engaged state when a predetermined condition in which the vehicular 4-wheel drive system generates or is considered to generate a noise is satisfied in the 2-wheel drive mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshinori Maeda, Takahiro Yoshimura, Ryota Horie, Hiroshi Tamura, Hideki Tamoto
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Patent number: 9440534Abstract: An automotive accelerator device includes an accelerator member movable in response to driver operation, a position sensor associated with the accelerator member to output a position signal indicating an operation degree of the accelerator member, and signal processing means configured to receive the position signal generated by the position sensor and to generate a command for a motor vehicle engine based on the position signal and a characteristic curve of the accelerator device that defines the command for the motor vehicle engine as a function of the position signal; the signal processing means are further configured to: receive signals indicating a current motor vehicle speed and a target motor vehicle speed, and to dynamically adapt the accelerator device characteristic curve based on the current motor vehicle speed with respect to the target motor vehicle speed.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: C.R.F. Societa' Consortile Per AzioniInventors: Silvano Marenco, Maurizio Miglietta, Massimo Gaido, Vincenzo Murdocco
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Patent number: 9440535Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera having a field of view in a forward direction of travel of the vehicle. The camera has a two-dimensional array of photosensing elements that includes photosensing elements arranged in a matrix array of rows and columns. A control includes an image processor that processes image data captured by the camera to detect objects of interest located within the field of view of the camera. The image processor processes captured image data to detect lane markers on the road being driven by the vehicle and located within the field of view of the camera. The vision system, responsive to processing of captured image data, automatically recognizes whether the vehicle is being driven on a road of a left hand drive road system or on a road of a right hand drive road system.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Kenneth Schofield
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Patent number: 9440536Abstract: A passenger vehicle includes a control panel that receives user inputs. The control panel includes a contact sensor and a face plate that extends over the contact sensor. The face plate has a plurality of control elements that interact with the contact sensor during use of the control panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignees: Volkswagen AG, Audi AGInventors: James Leigh Toggweiler, Matthew Jolda, Nathaniel Paffett-Lugassy, Jaime Camhi
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Patent number: 9440537Abstract: A method to control functions displayed on a display unit of a vehicle uses gestures carried out in three-dimensional space. When a first gesture carried out in three-dimensional space is detected it is determined whether the detected first gesture is allocated to an activation of an operation of a function. If it is determined that the detected first gesture is the gesture allocated to the activation of the operation of the function, then the function is activated. Next a second gesture carried out in three-dimensional space is detected and it is determined whether the detected second gesture is a gesture allocated to the operation of the function. If it is determined that the detected second gesture is the gesture allocated to the operation of the function then the operation of the function is performed.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Volker Entenmann, Stefan Mattes, Joerg Reisinger, Tingting Zhang-Xu
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Patent number: 9440538Abstract: A housekeeping circuit configured to facilitate powering multiple loads is contemplated. The housekeeping circuit may include a transformer to regulate voltage output for using in powering the loads. A trickle circuit may be included to facilitate setting a minimum loading on the transformer. The minimum loading may be beneficial in insuring proper regulation of the transformer.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2011Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Krzysztof Klesyk
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Patent number: 9440539Abstract: An energy storage apparatus has developed for railway vehicles by adopting a bidirectional DC-DC converter to increase the efficiency of charge/discharge, comprising that; a power receiving unit, filter unit, charging unit storage unit having a plurality of super-capacitors, capacitor monitoring unit, a plurality of bidirectional DC-DC converters arranged in parallel, and voltage detector electrically connected to the filter unit, current detector for detecting the currents flowing. The controller further comprises; an analog interface board, signal identifying board, signal control board, digital output contact unit, communicating board, PWM control board, optical output board, external gate driver. The PWM control board includes; a sensor input circuit, A/D converter, calculation unit, calculation control processor, and power monitoring unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventors: Eun Kyu Lee, Yong-Woo Lee, Tae-Suk Kim, Kyoung-Min Kwon, Jung-Ho Yoo
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Patent number: 9440540Abstract: An electric vehicle includes an electric motor outputting regenerative torque to a drive shaft connected to an axle shaft, a hydraulic brake providing braking force for the vehicle, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to execute a regeneration coordination switch in which at least part of the regenerative torque from the electric motor is gradually switched to the braking force from the hydraulic brake. The electronic control unit is configured to execute a vibration suppression control that restrains vibration of the vehicle. The electronic control unit is configured to increase frequency of execution of the vibration suppression control when the regeneration coordination switch is performed, as compared to frequency of execution of the vibration suppression control when the regeneration coordination switch is not being performed.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masaya Yamamoto, Itaru Seta
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Patent number: 9440541Abstract: An in-vehicle control system is mounted in a vehicle, which is connectable with a charging station through a charging cable and provided with a battery chargeable from the charging station through the charging cable. The vehicle includes a double-wire type communication line provided with a charger-side terminal circuit. The in-vehicle control system includes a first communication line and a second communication line, which are connectable to the communication line of the charging cable and provided with three terminal circuits. The in-vehicle control system further includes a first ECU and a second ECU, which are connected to the first communication line and the second communication line. When a charging plug is connected to a charging port, the first ECU and the second ECU validate the first terminal circuit and invalidate the second terminal circuit and the third terminal circuit.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Naoto Sakai
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Patent number: 9440542Abstract: A reactor includes a coil formed by connecting a pair of coil elements configured by a wound wire, and magnetic core. The reactor for an on-vehicle converter converts an input voltage. Electricity applying conditions include a maximum DC current of 100 A or higher and 1000 A or lower, an average voltage of 100 V or higher and 1000 V or smaller, and a usable frequency of 5 kHz or higher and 100 kHz or smaller. The magnetic core is obtained by combining a plurality of divided core pieces without a gap provided. All the divided core pieces are made of hardened compact obtained by hardening resin of composite material containing magnetic powder and the resin. A distance between an inner peripheral surface of the coil element and an outer peripheral surface of the magnetic core opposite to the inner peripheral surface is 0.1 mm or more and 2 mm or less.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignees: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.Inventors: Kazuhiro Inaba, Shinichiro Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9440543Abstract: A vehicle self-resonant coil provided at a vehicle is formed to extend along a circumference of a winding center, centered about the winding center. The distance between the center of the vehicle and an anti-node of the vehicle self-resonant coil that is the area of the anti-node of AC current flowing through the vehicle self-resonant coil when electromagnetic field resonant coupling is established between the vehicle self-resonant coil and the facility self-resonant coil is shorter than the distance between the winding center and the center of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2011Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Shinji Ichikawa
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Patent number: 9440544Abstract: A system and method for managing batteries having a plurality of batteries, each battery comprises a battery ID attached thereto; a plurality of chargers, each charger comprising a charger ID attached thereto and being configured to selectively charge a battery; a plurality of vehicles, each vehicle comprises a vehicle ID attached thereto; a plurality of ID sensor units, each ID sensor unit configured to read the respective battery, charger and vehicle IDs; and a management server coupled to plurality of ID sensor units for selective control and management of identified batteries.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: COLUMBIA INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Ishmal R. Lewis, William D. Pierce
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Patent number: 9440545Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for swapping the battery on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV may be able to identify and land on an energy provision station autonomously. The UAV may take off and/or land on the energy provision station. The UAV may communicate with the energy provision station. The energy provision station may store and charge batteries for use on a UAV.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2016Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY Co., LtdInventor: Mingxi Wang
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Patent number: 9440546Abstract: A vehicle and a vehicle battery charging system are disclosed. The vehicle charging system includes a parking structure having solar collector. The solar collector is configured to collect and concentrate solar energy. The concentrated solar energy is then transferred to a solar panel located on the vehicle in order to charge a battery of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Donna L. Bell, David McCreadie, Michael Robert Tinskey
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Patent number: 9440547Abstract: A system and method for charging a battery in a plug-in electric vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the present method uses a charging profile and a scheduled departure time to develop a charging scheme for a plug-in electric vehicle that balances battery life with electricity costs. The charging scheme attempts to reduce the amount of time at which the battery is maintained at elevated state-of-charge (SOC) levels before a scheduled departure time, while still satisfying the electricity rate preferences established by the user. Reduced time spent at elevated SOC levels can, over the long term, improve battery life by increasing the capacity and performance of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Christian J. Buia, Mohammad A. Fayyad
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Patent number: 9440548Abstract: A system and method for managing and controlling charging of electric vehicles via charging stations over an advanced metering infrastructure is provided. Smart meters are deployed in the charging stations. Electric vehicle clusters which are logical representations of at least the charging stations are created. Policies for controlling electric vehicle charging based on data obtained using the electric vehicle clusters are generated. Further, it is analyzed if meter data obtained from the smart meters using the electric vehicle clusters comply with the generated policies. The meter data is obtained using the electric vehicle clusters identified with electric vehicle charging events. Policy violation action data is generated by applying predetermined rules if it is determined that the policies are violated. The policy violation action data is then sent to the identified electric vehicle clusters for controlling electric vehicle charging.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Cognizant Technology Solutions India Pvt. Ltd.Inventor: Hemant Babanrao Raskar
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Patent number: 9440549Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting vehicle proximity in an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). A sensor may be configured to detect a presence of a vehicle within a predetermined distance of the EVSE. A processor may be configured to determine that the vehicle is in proximity of the EVSE in response to the sensor detecting the presence of the vehicle. The processor may be further configured to generate an alert in response to a determination that the vehicle is in proximity of the EVSE.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Semmaconnect Inc.Inventors: Mahidhar Reddy, Harsha Kollaramajalu, Gurdarshan Singh Tiwana, Vincent J. Kayser, Joseph Engel, Roman Stanchak
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Patent number: 9440550Abstract: A system for the management of a fleet of battery powered vehicles using a paradigm of a reserve pool of vehicles as opposed to a reserve fleet of batteries. In this system, a reserve pool of vehicles is always maintained in a ready state such that vehicles being returned with depleted batteries may be replaced with a vehicle having a fully-charged battery. The system maintains a balance between reserve fleet size and charging time (and therefore the life of the batteries) to provide optimal performance and cost savings. The system has the added advantages of capital efficiency in that that the time and labor required to change batteries, and the need to maintain extra batteries is eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Philadelphia Scientific LLCInventor: Duncan Jones
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Patent number: 9440551Abstract: In a method for controlling a connection of a high-voltage source of a motor vehicle to a high-voltage network of the motor vehicle, first at least one test value for an electrical operating variable of the high-voltage network is determined by means of a control device of the motor vehicle after a connection command is received. The electrical operating variable depends on a capacitance actually effective at a connection of the high-voltage source to the high-voltage network. Only when the at least one test value meets a predefined safety condition, is a precharge current of the high-voltage source conducted via a first precharge resistor, which limits the precharge current, to the connection and into the high-voltage network to charge up a capacitor of the high-voltage network. Otherwise the precharge current is blocked.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: AUDI AGInventor: Marco Thömmes
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Patent number: 9440552Abstract: Hybrid or electric vehicles include a traction battery to store and provide motive energy. For effective operation of the traction battery, operating parameters, such as state of charge and battery power limits, may need to be known. The operating parameters can be based on a persistent excitation parameter of the traction battery and a measurement bias of the traction battery that depends on a temporal difference and a temperature difference between parameter measurements of the traction battery. A controller can execute instructions to implement a state estimator configured to output battery state based on a persistent excitation parameter of the traction battery and a measurement bias of the traction battery that depends on at least one of a temporal difference and a temperature difference between parameter measurements of the traction battery, and operate the traction battery according to output of the state estimator.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Yonghua Li
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Patent number: 9440553Abstract: An energy management method for a vehicle having an energy store and consumers, in which the energy reserve in the energy store is detected and a predicted actual range of the vehicle is calculated, a graphic object which visualizes the predicted actual range is generated and displayed, a user input is detected with which a setpoint range is set in that the graphic object is changed by an input device, after the setting of the setpoint range, on the basis of the difference between the setpoint range and the predicted actual range it is calculated by which changes in state of at least one subset of the consumers the setpoint range can be achieved, and the calculated changes in state are output as a proposal. Also disclosed is an energy management device for carrying out this energy management method.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Volkswagen AGInventors: Mathias Kuhn, Tobias Budzynski, Jian Lou, Sönke Petersen, Gustav Hofmann
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Patent number: 9440554Abstract: Various techniques described herein relate to electric vehicle power management system for managing a plurality of battery modules in a battery pack. Such electric vehicle power management system may include a plurality of battery management systems corresponding to a plurality of battery modules, and an energy management system for managing the plurality of battery management systems. The energy management system and the plurality of battery management systems may adopt master-slave wireless communication, and may use a single wireless frequency channel or a plurality of assigned wireless frequency channels.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: THUNDER POWER HONG KONG LTD.Inventor: Yu-Ting Dai
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Patent number: 9440555Abstract: An exemplary assembly includes a blend structure moveable between a first position and a second position. The blend structure in the first position permits a first flow of air. The blend structure in the second position permits a second flow of air. The first flow includes more air that has moved through an engine compartment of an electrified vehicle than the second flow.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: George Albert Garfinkel, Neil Robert Burrows, Chung-hsing Kuo, Steve F. Chorian, Dhanunjay Vejalla
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Patent number: 9440556Abstract: An anti-slip control device for a vehicle having an electromotive drive system includes one or more electric driving motors. In order to limit wheel slip, the rotational speed of the driving wheels is regulated by controlling the rotational speed of the rotary field generated in at least one electric driving motor, each electric driving motor being fed by a controllable converter associated therewith. In order to control the rotational speed, the anti-slip control device constantly informs each converter about the maximum allowed rotational speed of the driving motor or driving wheel associated with the respective converter.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Sebastian Loos, Dirk Hirschmann, Bodo Kleickmann
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Patent number: 9440557Abstract: A locking device for a vehicle seat, includes a pawl for locking a mating element, which pawl is pivotally supported about a first axis, and a tensioning eccentric that is pivotally supported about a second axis, which is parallel to the first axis, between a locking position and an unlocking position and ensures a locked state of the pawl owing to the interaction with a first functional surface of the pawl, the tensioning eccentric acting upon the first functional surface by a tensioning surface when spring-loaded and locked, an unlocking element being pivotable about the first axis counter to a spring force from a locking position to an unlocking position by an actuation device and the tensioning eccentric being pivotally engaged by the unlocking element from its locking position towards its unlocking position.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: KEIPER GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Peter Müeller, Volker Windecker, Stefan Haber, Kadir Yasaroglu, Silke Labuk
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Patent number: 9440558Abstract: A hinge mechanism for a vehicle seat includes an actuating lever, a disengaging lever, a main rotary axis, a deflection lever and a deflection rod. It also includes a separate first operating element for folding a backrest over in the direction of a seat part in the case of a fixed seat part, and a separate second operating element for folding over the backrest in the case of a simultaneous or subsequent pivot movement of the seat part. A method is provided for operation of a vehicle seat with a hinge mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: James Abraham, Robin Advena
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Patent number: 9440559Abstract: A vehicle seat (1), in particular a commercial vehicle seat, includes a scissor-type (scissors) framework (3) for adjusting the height. The scissors framework has intersecting rockers (8a, 8b) and at least one frame (5, 7), and at least one bearing device (21) for movably guiding the rockers (8a, 8b) in the frame (5, 7). A rotatable bearing roller (14) interacts with a first guide and a rotatable compensation roller (36) interacts with a second guide attached to a base region (52) of an insert (60). A lateral region (54) of the insert (60) extends perpendicularly to the base region (52) and is fixed to the frame (5, 7) and/or a head region (50) of the insert (60), extending parallel to the base region (52), is fixed to the frame (5, 7). The base region (52) is resiliently designed and presses against the compensation roller (36).Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Johnson Controls Components GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Thomas Gundall, Uwe Reichel, Adolf Vogt
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Patent number: 9440560Abstract: A lounge assembly includes a movable backrest to be positioned at multiple locations on its seating surface. The backrest is supported by plate supports extending into the seat below its seating surface to connect to a slidable carriage assembly used to move the backrest. The backrest can be locked into selected positions on the lounge assembly seating surface. The lounge assembly is especially adapted for a boat.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2016Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Grady-White Boats, Inc.Inventors: David A. Neese, Mark Edward Doggett, Paul Durant Gallup
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Patent number: 9440561Abstract: A recliner includes a first and second connecting members assembled together, and a ring member that holds the assembled connecting members. A dowel fitted in a fitting portion of a frame is formed in a region of an axially outer surface of the second connecting member. A radially outer portion of the second connecting member has an expanded portion expanding radially outward in a region at a circumferential position where the dowel is formed, and a recessed portion recessed radially inward in a region at a circumferential position where the dowel is not formed. A joint portion of the ring member is placed on an outer circumferential surface of the recessed portion, and the expanded portion is placed, from an inside in the axial direction, against a weld zone of the frame in which the dowel is welded.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignees: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN SEIKO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, SHIROKI CORPORATIONInventor: Eiichiro Tsuji
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Patent number: 9440562Abstract: A child restraint includes an adjustable base for installation on a passenger seat of a vehicle. The child restraint also includes an infant carrier associated with the adjustable base. The adjustable base is configured to be adjusted to tilt the infant carrier relative to the passenger seat.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc.Inventors: Nathan W. Heisey, Carl P. Gasner, Troy D. Mason
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Patent number: 9440563Abstract: Human support systems for one or more of the safety, convenience, comfort of the user.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventor: Arjuna Indraeswaran Rajasingham
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Patent number: 9440564Abstract: A locking device (10), for a vehicle seat (1), includes an indicating device (8) for indicating the locking state of the locking device (10). The indicating device (8) has a locking indicator (31, 32), which is visible when the locking device (10) is locked, and a release indicator (33, 34), which is visible when the locking device (10) is released. The indicating device (8) has at least one indicator arm (30), which is in the locking position when the locking device (10) is locked and which is in the release position when the locking device (10) is released. The indicator arm (30) includes an indicating area (39), which has a first locking indicator (31) and a first release indicator (33). A second release indicator (34), which is concealed by the indicator arm (30) when the indicator arm is in the locking position, is provided on a retaining plate (20).Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbHInventors: Mark Crossley, Ramakant K. Gowli, Ashish D. Mulay, Prasanth M. Pushparajan, Raminder Singh, Vinay K. Sudke, Halil Uezek, Vikas Wayal
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Patent number: 9440565Abstract: An unlocking unit (10), for a vehicle seat (1), transmits a movement introduced via an actuation element (62) to at least two locking devices (90) for unlocking purposes. Each locking device (90) is paired with an unlocking element (11, 12) and the unlocking element (11, 12) is in the locked position when the respective locking device (90) is locked and in the unlocked position when the respective locking device (90) is unlocked. A display element (64) is in the display position when the locking devices (90) are unlocked and is in the non-display position when the locking devices (90) are locked. Each unlocking element (11, 12) which can be found in the unlocked position prevents the display element (64) from moving into the non-display position, and the display element (64) remains in the display position as long as at least one locking device (90) is unlocked.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbHInventors: Martin Kuzma, Maros Rovny
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Patent number: 9440566Abstract: The technology described in this document can be embodied in an acoustic enclosure for a speaker system disposed in a portion of a vehicle seat. The acoustic enclosure includes a rigid plate configured to be attached to a frame, a first section, and a second section. The rigid plate configured to support a speaker disposed in part within the acoustic enclosure. The first section is constructed from expanded resin, and disposed in contact with the rigid plate. The second section is disposed in contact with the first section, between the second section and the rigid plate. The first and second section together define a housing of the acoustic enclosure that includes at least one cavity configured to accommodate a portion of the speaker.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Bose CorporationInventor: Bradford Kyle Subat
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Patent number: 9440567Abstract: An insert comprising: (i) a forward layer for facing a passenger; (ii) a rearward layer opposite the forward layer; and (iii) a spacer material located between the forward layer and the rearward layer creating an open space within the insert; (iv) an edge sealed substantially around a periphery of the insert; (v) a heater comprising; (a) polymer film having one or more openings for allowing air flow therethrough, (b) a resistive layer, (c) two or more buss bars that are spaced apart and electrically in communication with each other through the resistive layer; and (d) a protective layer; (vi) one or more air movers in fluid communication with the open space within the insert; (vii) a housing having a flange that attaches the one or more air movers to the insert, by the flange being fitted between the spacer material and the rearward layer; wherein the heater layer is attached to one or a combination of the forward layer, the rearward layer, or the spacer material; wherein the forward layer, the rearward layerType: GrantFiled: December 14, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: GENTHERM GMBHInventors: Marinko Lazanja, Goran Bajic, Ed Marlovits, Dmitri Axakov
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Patent number: 9440568Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a seat back pad of a vehicle; a rear cover coupled with the seat back pad on the rear side and made of flexible material; and a bracket formed along the periphery of the rear cover, the bracket being coupled with the seat back pad so that its front is supported by the seat back pad.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.Inventor: Sung Hak Hong
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Patent number: 9440569Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a vehicle seat configured by covering a seat cover on a sitting surface side of a seat frame via a seat pad and by covering a non-sitting surface side of the seat frame with a carpet, the vehicle seat including an end fixing part having a groove into which both ends of the seat cover and the carpet are to be inserted and fixed. The method includes fixing, to the end of the seat cover, an insertion member having stiffness, which can be inserted and fixed in the groove integrally with the seat cover, arranging the carpet such that the end thereof covers an entrance of the groove, and inserting the insertion member into the groove to thus push and fix the end of the carpet in the groove while the end of the carpet abuts on the insertion member.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Akiyoshi Okugawa, Kazuya Suzuki
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Patent number: 9440570Abstract: In a vehicle seat, beads are formed to a SC panel, and the beads extend along the seat front-rear direction adjacent to joint portions at seat width direction insides of the joint portions. When repeated load in the seat up-down direction is input to a seat width direction intermediate portion of the SC panel, for example, the SC panel is displaced by the input load in the seat up-down direction, and tensile load in the seat width direction acts on the beads as a result. The beads extend or contract in the seat width direction due to the tensile load. Load input to the SC panel is thereby absorbed by the extension and contraction of the beads, and load in the seat up-down direction input to the joint portions is reduced. This enables concentration of stress at the joint portions to be suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.Inventors: Motohiro Fushikida, Shinichi Kobayashi, Tomo Ishibashi, Masakazu Andou
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Patent number: 9440571Abstract: A conveyance seat includes a pair of side frames and a lower frame. The lower frame is formed to have a U-shaped section, an upper part of which is open, a center part position of a front side area of the U shape is recessed backward relative to both side positions in a view in a width direction of the seat. Cutouts are formed in end surfaces of the lower frame in areas connected with the pair of side frames, and the cutouts are made from the end surfaces to an inner side.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hidekazu Kitou