Patents Issued in September 15, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160264148
    Abstract: A device includes a road surface input calculating unit that calculates an estimated value of a road surface input to the wheel, by letting an inverse matrix of a product of a vehicle motion model matrix and a wheel speed influencing element model matrix act on a wheel speed of a vehicle. The vehicle motion model matrix represents a mechanical vehicle motion model, and the wheel speed influencing element model matrix using a quantity of influence due to pitch about a center of gravity of a vehicle body, a suspension geometry influence quantity, and a quantity of influence of a change in a rolling radius of the wheel. The device also includes a vehicle body state quantity calculating unit that calculates an estimated value of a vehicle body state quantity by letting the vehicle motion model matrix on the calculated estimated value of the road surface input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yanqing LIU
  • Publication number: 20160264149
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, systems, and program products are described for determining available capacity in a transportation mechanism. An object module identifies one or more objects within a transportation mechanism based on input received from a sensor. A capacity module determines an available capacity of the transportation mechanism as a function of the one or more identified objects. A service module services a call request in response to the available capacity satisfying a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Russell Speight VanBlon, John Carl Mese, Nathan J. Peterson, Rod D. Waltermann, Arnold S. Weksler
  • Publication number: 20160264150
    Abstract: A device for operating an apparatus comprising a first controller configured to be controlled by a first control signal, a second controller configured to be controlled by a second control signal, a control unit operatively connected to the first controller and the second controller, wherein the first controller and the second controller are both configured to operate the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Axel Freiwald, Bejoy Mathews, Antonio Vilela
  • Publication number: 20160264151
    Abstract: A cart and track assembly includes a track that may be positioned on a support surface. The track may be positioned beneath a structure such that the track extends outwardly from beneath the structure. A cart is rollably positioned upon the track and the cart may have an object positioned thereon such that the object is movable along the track. The cart shelters the object beneath the structure and transports the object outwardly from beneath the structure. A plurality of wheels is rollably attached to the cart and each of the wheels rolls along the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Strahan
  • Publication number: 20160264152
    Abstract: A locomotive assembly is provided. The locomotive assembly includes a locomotive having a power source configured to generate mechanical power. The locomotive also includes a generator configured to generate electrical power. The locomotive further includes an electric motor configured to provide motive power to the locomotive. The locomotive assembly also includes an auxiliary vehicle haying a power receiving device configured to receive electrical power from an external power grid. The auxiliary vehicle also includes a transformer and a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker and the transformer are configured to control the electrical power received by the power receiving device. The auxiliary vehicle further includes a cooling system configured to control a temperature of the transformer. The transformer is further electrically coupled to the electric motor of the locomotive to selectively provide electrical power to the locomotive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: John David Semple, William Thomas Carlson, Chi Khen Truong
  • Publication number: 20160264153
    Abstract: A discharge device for granular materials, with a housing having at least one inlet for the granular materials, and with a rotor that is connected to a motor, rotates about an axis of rotation and has multiple vanes and chambers located between the vanes, the granular materials being conveyable from the at least one inlet to at least one outlet when the rotor rotates. The axis of rotation of the rotor is vertical and the rotor is preferably arranged inside an essentially cylindrical wear liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: NOWE GMBH
    Inventor: Werner BARTLING
  • Publication number: 20160264154
    Abstract: A train includes a fuel storage tank configured to contain liquid fuel, a locomotive including an engine having an intake and configured to combust the fuel in a combustion reaction to provide a power output, an oxidant storage tank configured to contain at least liquid oxygen, and a vaporizer disposed along the flow path between the oxidant storage tank and the intake. The vaporizer is configured to convert a portion of the liquid oxygen into a flow of gaseous oxygen and provide the flow of gaseous oxygen to the intake thereby increasing the power output of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Alistair K. Chan, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160264155
    Abstract: An air spring includes: an upper surface plate; a lower surface plate opposing the upper surface plate; an elastic film airtightly coupling a peripheral portion of the upper surface plate and a peripheral portion of the lower surface plate to each other to form an air chamber inside the air spring; the air chamber connected to the lower surface plate; and an exhaust passage forming body at which an exhaust passage is formed. The exhaust passage includes an exhaust passage inlet and an exhaust passage outlet. The exhaust passage inlet is open to an outside of the air chamber when a clearance between the upper surface plate and the lower surface plate in an upward/downward direction falls within a predetermined allowable range and is open to an inside of the air chamber when the clearance exceeds an upper limit of the predetermined allowable range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Keiichiro KAMURA
  • Publication number: 20160264156
    Abstract: A traveling bogie includes a steerable wheel, a bogie main body configured to support the steerable wheel, a guide apparatus pivotally supported by the bogie main body and turned by receiving a reaction force from a guide rail, a steering mechanism configured to apply a steering force to the steerable wheel using the reaction force received by the guide apparatus, and an assist mechanism configured to apply an auxiliary steering force for assisting with the steering force from the steering mechanism to the steerable wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Yukihide YANOBU, Hiroyuki KONO, Akihisa KAWAUCHI, Kousuke KATAHIRA, So TAMURA
  • Publication number: 20160264157
    Abstract: A rail road freight car truck has a truck bolster and a pair of side frames, the truck bolster being mounted transversely relative to the side frames. The mounting interface between the ends of the axles and the sideframe pedestals allows lateral rocking motion of the sideframes in the manner of a swing motion truck. The lateral swinging motion is combined with a longitudinal self steering capability. The self steering capability may be obtained by use of a longitudinally oriented rocker that may tend to permit resistance to deflection that is proportional to the weight carried across the interface. The truck may have auxiliary centering elements mounted in the pedestal seats, and those auxiliary centering elements may be made of resilient elastomeric material. The truck may also have friction dampers that have a disinclination to stick-slip behavior. The friction dampers may be provided with brake linings, or similar features, on the face engaging the sideframe columns, on the slope face, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: James Wilfred Forbes, Jamal Hematian
  • Publication number: 20160264158
    Abstract: A brake apparatus includes a coupling member configured to couple one end parts of a pair of link arms, an actuator mounted on the coupling member and configured to advance and retract an output member, a lever rotatably coupled to the output member and configured to rotate by advancing and retracting movements of the output member and a booster unit provided on at least one of the one end parts of the pair of link arms and configured to rotate the link arms with supporting portions as fulcrums by boosting a force transmitted by the rotation of the lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: KYB Corporation
    Inventor: Tsutomu SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20160264159
    Abstract: A top of rail (TOR) applicator has a bar positioned in a housing and an exit orifice on the upper portion of the bar for delivering a friction control composition to the crown of a railhead. The upper portion of the bar slopes away from the friction control composition exit orifice. The bar may be composed of an elastomer such as polyurethane. A passageway may extend from an inlet port to the exit orifice. The friction reduction composition is pumped into the inlet port, through the passageway to the exit orifice and then onto the crown of the railhead. The friction reduction composition may be thixotropic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Dalton Lee Graham, Bruce Robert Wise, Kelvin Ray Adkins, Alejandro Medrano, Randall Krinker, Kelvin Chiddick, Kyle Wilson, David Birdwell
  • Publication number: 20160264160
    Abstract: A profile monitoring system for a railroad car is provided. The profile monitoring system includes a fixture element configured to be coupled to a frame member at a predetermined location. The profile monitoring system also includes a tensioning device associated with the fixture element. The tensioning device is configured to be coupled to one end of a wire or cable, wherein the tensioning device is configured to maintain a predetermined tension in the wire or cable. The profile monitoring system further includes a sensing device coupled to the tensioning device, the sensing device is configured to sense a change in a tension in the wire or cable. The profile monitoring system includes a triggering module communicably coupled to the sensing device, the triggering module is configured to trigger an alarm based on the change in the tension in the wire or cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Tougas
  • Publication number: 20160264161
    Abstract: There is described a peripheral post of railway field devices, comprising: a plurality of control modules operatively connected or connectable by electric cables to respective railway field devices;—a rack housing said plurality of control modules, wherein said rack comprises:—a wiring frame adapted to be permanently attached to a support surface or to an installation wall, comprising a front side and an opposite rear side and comprising on the rear side first connectors adapted to be electrically connected to end portions of said cables;—a support and containment frame of the modules adapted to house said modules and adapted to be coupled to the wiring frame by drawing said support and containment frame near the wiring frame from said front side so as to reach a coupling position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Alessandro SANTI
  • Publication number: 20160264162
    Abstract: A IRID object identification system equipped with active identifiers operation of which is based on transmission in the infrared radiation band is characterised in that the identification system uses IRID active identifiers operation of which is based on transmission in the infrared radiation band generated by narrow-angle infrared transmitters whereas a battery (3) of the energy management system (2) is recharged by solar cells (6), and the system comprises a device provided with transmitter (4) and receiver (5) equipped with reader (7). The device (1) of the system makes use directivity of emission in the infrared radiation band to analyse direction of motion of the identifier. This offers the possibility to handle more than one identifier present within the range of reader (7) and thus allows to overlap range areas of a plurality of readers (7) in the barrier or cellular (honeycomb) topology to increase precision of location of objects in a predefined area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: AMATEO Sp. Z.O.O.
    Inventor: PIOTR DULKIEWICZ
  • Publication number: 20160264163
    Abstract: A profile detection system is provided having first and second position sensors disposable adjacent an article wherein the first and second position sensors and the article are relatively movable. A laser sensor is disposed on a crane as a third position sensor. An additional sensor is configured to identify train components. A bar code reader, an optical character recognition reader or a radio frequency identification reader may selectively be used as the additional sensor. A programmable indication device is in communication with the first, second and third position sensors and the additional sensor. The programmable indication device develops an indication of a profile of the article responsive to the first and second position sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Harvey E. Schmidt, Daniel B. Zakula, SR.
  • Publication number: 20160264164
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for an interlocking wagon. In embodiments, the interlocking wagon may include a first component and a second component, wherein each component is coupled to a set of wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: TYLER HULL
  • Publication number: 20160264165
    Abstract: A cover configured to be detachably coupled to a product support container includes a flexible body, a an edge portion disposed about a periphery of the flexible body, and a plurality of coupling members secured directly or indirectly to the periphery and configured to detachably couple the flexible body to a product support container having an opening such that the flexible body spans across at least a portion of the opening to define a protected volume. The cover may include an accessory pocket having an accessible opening, where the accessory pocket is disposed entirely outside the protected volume when the cover is in use. The cover may also include a storage pouch secured directly or indirectly to the edge portion and configured to receive and store the flexible body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Janice Stokes
  • Publication number: 20160264166
    Abstract: A portable hand truck is disclosed having a collapsible frame, the frame being movable between collapsed, storage mode and an expanded, upright mode. The hand truck has wheels disposed at a lower end of the frame, a folding support platform hingedly or rotatably connected to a lower end of the frame, and having a battery, a drive controller, and at least one motor. The motor is mechanically connected to at least one wheel or to an axle of the hand truck, and the motor is electrically connected to the battery and the drive controller. The motor and battery are positioned on a lower part of the frame of the hand truck, proximate the wheels to provide a more compact area for collapsing the frame, as well as to provide a lower center of gravity for the hand truck, thereby making the hand truck more stable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Michael W. Miller
  • Publication number: 20160264167
    Abstract: A steering apparatus includes an upper bracket that supports a column jacket. The upper bracket includes a first member including a first top plate and fixed to the vehicle body, and a second member fixed to the first member and supporting the column jacket. The second member includes: a second top plate fixed to the first top plate, a pair of side plates extending downward from the second top plate and placed on both side of the column jacket; and a pair of restricted portions extended laterally from the pair of side plates, respectively. The first member includes a pair of restricting portions extending downward from the first top plate, the pair of restricting portions each including a second fixed portion fixed to its corresponding restricted portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicants: JTEKT CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuji TAKAHASHI, Tomonori SUGIURA, Shoji ISHIMURA, Tatsuro KUBOTA, Shigeru HOSHINO
  • Publication number: 20160264168
    Abstract: A column jacket includes an outer jacket and an inner jacket that are slidable relative to each other in the axial direction for telescopic adjustment. The inner jacket has an outer peripheral surface fitted to an inner peripheral surface of the outer jacket. A base end of an engaging member is fixed to the inner jacket. The inner peripheral surface of the outer jacket includes a guide groove, and a stopper provided at an end of the guide groove. The stopper restricts disconnection of the inner jacket from the outer jacket when being engaged with the engaging member. The engaging member is engaged with the guide groove, and the guide groove guides axial movement of the inner jacket via the engaging member. The guide groove has a bottom portion that faces a distal end of the engaging member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicants: JTEKT CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuro KUBOTA, Yuji TAKAHASHI, Tomonori SUGIURA, Shoji ISHIMURA, Shigeru HOSHINO
  • Publication number: 20160264169
    Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a steering shaft; a column jacket including an outer jacket including a slit and a pair of fastened portions, and an inner jacket; a fastening mechanism; an engaged tooth formation member including at least one engaged tooth and fixed to the inner jacket; a support shaft including end portions supported by support holes of the fastened portions; a tubular reinforcing member fitted to an outer peripheral surface of the support shaft at a prescribed area between the pair of end portions; and an engaging tooth formation member including an engaging tooth that engages with the engaged tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicants: JTEKT CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuro KUBOTA, Tomonori SUGIURA, Yuji TAKAHASHI, Shoji ISHIMURA, Shigeru HOSHINO
  • Publication number: 20160264170
    Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a steering shaft; a column jacket including an outer jacket including a slit and a pair of fastened portions, and an inner jacket; a bracket; a fastening mechanism; an engaged tooth formation member including at least one engaged tooth and fixed to the inner jacket; a support shaft including end portions supported by support holes of the fastened portions; an engaging tooth formation member including an engaging tooth that engages with the engaged tooth; and a biasing member configured to bias the support shaft in a biasing direction. One of the fastened portions or a member supported by the one fastened portion includes a positioning portion configured to position the support shaft in the biasing direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicants: JTEKT CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuji TAKAHASHI, Tomonori SUGIURA, Shoji ISHIMURA, Tatsuro KUBOTA, Shigeru HOSHINO
  • Publication number: 20160264171
    Abstract: A housing structure includes: a first housing having a fitting inner tubular portion that has an inner tubular end surface and a first bolt fastening portion that has a first bolt aligning surface formed at a position away from the inner tubular end surface in the radial direction, the first housing supporting a first end of an assist shaft via a first bearing; and a second housing having a fitting outer tubular portion having an outer tubular end surface and a second bolt fastening portion that has a second bolt aligning surface that mates with the first bolt aligning surface, the second housing supporting a second end of the assist shaft via a second bearing. A first gap is provided between the inner tubular end surface and an inner tubular opposite surface, and a second gap is provided between the outer tubular end surface and an outer tubular opposite surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: SHOWA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuhiro ZAIKE, Yusuke HAMAGUCHI, Yosuke TAKEBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20160264172
    Abstract: A steering control device for a vehicle, the steering control device controlling a steering device, the steering device having a steering mechanism (10) configured to steer wheels (15) and a drive unit (40) configured to provide the steering mechanism (10) with steering force for the wheels (15), the steering control device comprising: a detection unit (30) configured to detect turning of the wheels (15); a determination unit (30) configured to determine whether the vehicle is in a stationary steering state; and a control unit (30) configured to increase, when the vehicle is determined to be in a stationary steering state as a result of the determination of the determination unit (30), the steering force to be provided to the steering mechanism (10) than a value upon determination that the vehicle is not in a stationary steering state, wherein the control unit (30) is further configured to decrease the steering force to be provided to the steering mechanism (10) than before when the turning of the wheels (15)
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Daisuke OIKI, Masahiko KIKUCHI, Akira MORIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20160264173
    Abstract: An intermittent failure diagnostic system that, in addition to a failure detection of a conventional failure threshold, sets an intermittent diagnostic threshold inside of the failure threshold or sets the intermittent diagnostic threshold in an arbitrary scope with a detection resolving-power unit, securely detects the intermittent failure in a wide region by using a statistics way, suppresses an unprepared system down and improves the reliability and to an electric power steering apparatus provided with the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroki GOTO
  • Publication number: 20160264174
    Abstract: A steering system includes a fixing part connected to a frame, a wheel part into which a part of the fixing part is inserted to perform a relative motion and on which a wheel is provided, and a sensor provided between the wheel part and the fixing part and measuring an error angle of the wheel part with respect to a preset initial position of the wheel part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: Hanwha Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min Su KIM, Jong Yoon PECK, Jin Suk PARK
  • Publication number: 20160264175
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a recess portion is formed at an outer end portion of the upper surface of the arm member connecting portion, one end of the recess portion communicates with the counterbored portion, and the other end of the recess portion is opened to an exterior of the arm connecting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Yasuhiro MARUYAMA
  • Publication number: 20160264176
    Abstract: A shock tower assembly includes a cast shock tower body composed of magnesium or magnesium alloy and at least one steel bridging bracket. An insulating adhesive layer is formed between the tower body and the bracket. A mechanical fastener is used for fastening the tower body to the bracket. One or more structural ribbing are formed on the tower body. The mechanical fastener may be selected from any of several mechanical fasteners, including self-piercing rivets. Alternatively, a screw boss may be formed for receiving a screw. The rivet may be inserted from the bracket into the shock tower body or from the shock tower body into the bracket in which case an insulating layer is positioned between the head of the self-piercing rivet and the cast shock tower body. A sealant is preferably formed along the intersection of the cast shock tower body and the steel bridging bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Jason Scott Balzer, Vladimir Vladimirovich Bogachuk
  • Publication number: 20160264177
    Abstract: The present invention is a vehicle body structure, including: a pair of side members disposed under a vehicle cabin where front seats and a rear seat are disposed on both sides in a vehicle width direction and extending along a vehicle front-rear direction; a front seat cross member provided so as to extend along the vehicle width direction on a lower side of the front seats and coupling together the side members; a rear seat cross member provided so as to extend along the vehicle width direction on a lower side of the rear seat and coupling together the side members on a rear side of the front seat cross member; and coupling members provided so as to extend along the vehicle front-rear direction further on an inner side in the vehicle width direction than the side members and coupling together the front seat cross member and the rear seat cross member, wherein the front seat cross member and the rear seat cross member have a branch structure, with portions thereof on both end sides in the vehicle width direc
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Taichi KAWAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20160264178
    Abstract: A vehicle front portion structure including: a front side member that extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction at a vehicle transverse direction outer side portion of a vehicle front portion and includes a projecting portion that projects-out toward a vehicle transverse direction outer side at an outer side wall at a front end portion; a spacer that is provided at a vehicle transverse direction outer side of the front side member and is fastened to the outer side wall at a vehicle front side of the projecting portion, and that has an adjacent portion that is adjacent to a vehicle transverse direction outer side of the projecting portion; and an engaging portion that is formed at the spacer and is disposed at a vehicle front side with respect to the projecting portion, and that engages with a front end of the projecting portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keita ITO, Yuji Takahashi, Ryoji Matsumoto, Hironori Kadoi, Yutaka Yamada
  • Publication number: 20160264179
    Abstract: A vehicle body front portion structure includes a front pillar, a dash portion and a load transmission portion. The dash portion includes a dash panel. The load transmission portion includes a dash side structure portion that is fixed to a surface facing he vehicle rear side of a vehicle width direction outer side region of the dash portion, a pillar side structure portion that is fixed to a surface facing the vehicle width direction outer side of the pillar inner panel, and an intermediate structure portion that is connected to at least one of the dash side structure portion or the pillar side structure portion. The intermediate structure portion penetrates a hole portion and is set at a location at which a load that acts on the dash side structure portion when there is a frontal collision is transmitted to the pillar side structure portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshihito TOMIZAWA, Takerou KATOU
  • Publication number: 20160264180
    Abstract: A cabin front part supporting body includes a front frame that contacts a thickened part of a cabin front wall part disposed to cover a front side of an instrument panel and extends in vehicle width directions of an automobile, a rear frame that is disposed inside the instrument panel and rearward of the front frame and extends in the vehicle width directions, and side frames in a pair annularly coupling both end parts of the front frame to both end parts of the rear frame, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Mitsumasa KUWABARA
  • Publication number: 20160264181
    Abstract: A body panel that is attachable to a body structure is provided. The body panel has a single thickness portion and a double thickness edge portion where the body panel is hemmed over onto itself and is attachable to the body structure. The body panel may be made of a metal material or a non-metal material. The attachment may be via a weld, a fastener, and/or an adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Charles E. Jensen, Robert N. Saje, Peter M. Parlow, Jonathon E. Rich
  • Publication number: 20160264182
    Abstract: A column for a motor vehicle body shell structure and a method for producing the same is disclosed. The column includes a column body which has a first material in a first region and a second material in a second region, where the second region is a reinforcement region. The first region is produced by forging and the reinforcement region is formed by a reinforcement insert and/or a reinforcement core and is forged into, reforged in, forged to, or formed on the first region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Stylianos KIRTZAKIS, Michael BENDIKS, Florian SPITZMUELLER, Manfred KEMPF, Juergen THALEMANN
  • Publication number: 20160264183
    Abstract: A reinforcement patch is disposed at a vehicle inner side of a rail outer. The reinforcement patch includes an upper reinforcing portion and a lower reinforcing portion. At a boundary region between the upper reinforcing portion and the lower reinforcing portion, a reinforcement front-and-rear ridgeline is formed along an outer ridgeline. Spaced apart beads are formed at the reinforcement front-and-rear ridgeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kentaro SAITO
  • Publication number: 20160264184
    Abstract: In a vehicle body rear part structure, a plurality of first spot weld parts that join the rear panel inner flange and the rear panel outer flange by spot welding are provided at a first weld pitch; a plurality of second spot weld parts that join together the rear pillar inner flange and the rear pillar outer flange by spot welding are provided at a second weld pitch; at the corner part, a plurality of third spot weld parts that join together, by spot welding, regions of the rear panel inner flange, the rear panel outer flange, the rear pillar inner flange, and the rear pillar outer flange where at least three of the flanges overlap with one another are provided at a third weld pitch; and the third weld pitch is set to be shorter than the first weld pitch and the second weld pitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takehiro Ishihara
  • Publication number: 20160264185
    Abstract: A vehicle-hood lift system that is designed to offset the force caused by the weight of a vehicle-hood. In one embodiment, two systems are used to raise or lower a vehicle-hood-one system secured to each side of the hood. The systems use a spring, typically a gas spring, that is secured to the vehicle-hood and vehicle fender.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Andreas Heiko Keller, Brian F. VanderHaagen
  • Publication number: 20160264186
    Abstract: A hole plug which includes a flange part which covers an opening peripheral surface of an attachment hole formed on an attachment member at a predetermined inclined angle against the opening peripheral surface and a cylindrical outer peripheral wall part formed to extend downward from an inner edge part of the flange part. A flange part associating bending part is formed as a base point in order for bending an upper part of an outer peripheral wall part of the hole plug from a predetermined position of the outer peripheral wall part in a direction away from a hole edge when a tip of a flange part is contacted with an opening peripheral surface of the attachment member. Thus, the hole plug can reduce an insertion load, corresponding to variation of a plate thickness, and maintain a water sealing property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Takehiro SATO
  • Publication number: 20160264187
    Abstract: A node is disclosed. The node may have a core. The node may also have a projection extending from the core. Further the node may have a structural member attached to the projection. The node may also have a top cover having a top recess. The top recess may be configured to receive the structural member. Additionally, the node may have a bottom cover having a bottom recess. The bottom recess may be configured to receive the structural member. In addition the node may have a fastener to connect the top cover and the bottom cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Rahul N. GAMI, Ajay Dnyandeo YADAV, Richard K. HUFF, Jarrod Delane NEAL, Matthew M. ROBINSON, Tad W. MILLER, Brandon C. BRENNER, David William HOLTHAUS, Jacob Warner BELL, Michael H. NOBLE, Edward Patrick ORMISTON, Hemant Prasad MALLAMPALLI, Thierry A. MARCHIONE, Michael R. SPENGLER
  • Publication number: 20160264188
    Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a panel and a clip. The panel has a panel hole, and the clip is partly inserted through the panel hole. The clip is a one-way clip because, once it is partly inserted through the panel hole, it cannot be decoupled from the panel. In an embodiment, the clip includes a clip base and a plurality of retainers coupled along the clip base. Once the coupling assembly is fully assembled, the retainers extend through the panel hole. Each retainer includes a frame coupled to the clip base and an overhang rotatably coupled to the frame. Each retainer also includes a restrictor coupled to the overhang. The restrictor can rotate relative to the frame between a first restrictor position and a second restrictor position. In the second restrictor position, the restrictor inhibits the clip from decoupling from the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Todd E. Allen, Seung H. Lee, Paul W. Kenyon
  • Publication number: 20160264189
    Abstract: A node is disclosed. The node may have a first structural member. The node may also have a second structural member disposed at an angle relative to the first structural member. Further, the node may have a first end plate attached to a first end of the first structural member. The node may also have a second end plate attached to a second end of the second structural member. In addition the node may have a connector plate attached to the first end plate and the second end plate. The connector plate may be disposed generally orthogonal to the first end plate and the second end plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Rahul N. GAMI, Ajay Dnyandeo YADAV, Richard K. HUFF, Jarrod Delane NEAL, Matthew M. ROBINSON, Tad W. MILLER, Brandon C. BRENNER, David William HOLTHAUS, Jacob Warner BELL, Michael H. NOBLE, Edward Patrick ORMISTON, Hemant Prasad MALLAMPALLI, Thierry A. MARCHIONE, Michael R. SPENGLER
  • Publication number: 20160264190
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hybrid side sill for an automobile. The hybrid side sill may includes a pultruded profile part including a continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymer, which has a heat deflection temperature of at least 200° C., and a terminal part including steel, which is attached to an end portion of the pultruded profile part. The present disclosure further provides an automobile body including such a hybrid side sill and also a method of manufacturing a hybrid side sill for an automobile. The manufacturing method includes a step for forming a pultruded profile part including a continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymer, which has a heat deflection temperature of at least 200° C., and a step for attaching a terminal part made of steel to an end portion of the pultruded profile part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR EUROPE TECHNICAL CENTER GMBH
    Inventors: Julien Richeton, Hermann Hansen, Stephane Ringenbach
  • Publication number: 20160264191
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a flatbed comprising a bed, a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall wherein the first wall and second wall are hingedly attached to the bed and are constructed and arranged to swing relative to the bed such that the first wall, the second wall, and the bed lie flat to define an enlarged upper surface of the bed, first wall, and second wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Scott P. Wassell, Scott C. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20160264192
    Abstract: A vehicle in which separation of airflow from a vehicle surface can be prevented without causing disfigurement is provided. A vehicle body is insulated from a road surface, and positive static charges accumulate on the vehicle body during propulsion. The vehicle comprises a charge control device adapted to decrease the positive potential of a separation point at which positively charged airflow flowing along a vehicle surface deviates from the vehicle surface during propulsion by applying negative ions to an inner surface of the separation point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshio TANAHASHI, Yoji KANEHARA, Koshi YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20160264193
    Abstract: A variable deflector apparatus for a side step of a vehicle may include a slide plate receiving power from a drive device to be received in and drawn out from the side step, and a side-step deflector comprising a plurality of joints connected to each other in a row to be coupled with the slide plate and folded or unfolded with respect to a junction of each of the joints, in which the side-step deflector is configured to be received together with the slide plate when it is received in the side step and to be drawn out together with the slide plate and simultaneously separated therefrom when the slide plate is drawn out from the side step, and a drawn-out portion of the side-step deflector separated from the slide plate is configured to be perpendicularly deployed downwards from the side step, thus improving aerodynamic performance of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Seung Mok Lee, Young Sub Oh, Jin Young Yoon, Bock Cheol Lee, Hyun Gyung Kim, Dong Eun Cha
  • Publication number: 20160264194
    Abstract: An airdam is provided for a motor vehicle. The airdam includes an extruded body having a J-shaped cross-section defining a forward tilt angle and a curved lip. The body may include a crescent shaped profile or a bell curve shaped profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Ira Jason Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20160264195
    Abstract: A transporter for transporting a load over a surface. The transporter includes a support platform for supporting the load. The support platform is characterized by a fore-aft axis, a lateral axis, and an orientation with respect to the surface, the orientation referred to as an attitude. At least one ground-contacting element is flexibly coupled to the support platform in such a manner that the attitude of the support platform is capable of variation. One or more ground-contacting elements are driven by a motorized drive arrangement. A sensor module generates a signal characterizing the attitude of the support platform. Based on the attitude, a controller commands the motorized drive arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, Robert R. Ambrogi
  • Publication number: 20160264196
    Abstract: A tracked drive assembly for a work machine comprises a crawler frame, a crawler track, a drive wheel and a guide wheel, and an arrangement of running wheels coupled to the crawler frame, wherein the tracked drive assembly has a sensor system comprising a sensor for each of the outer running wheels of the running wheel arrangement, which are positioned or located adjacent to the drive wheel and the guide wheel, and at least one other running wheel which is arranged between the outer running wheels, wherein the force introduced into the crawler track via the respective running wheel can be determined by means of said sensor. The invention also relates to a method for determining the ground pressure distribution below a work machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: Manitowoc Crane Group France SAS
    Inventor: Bernd BACKES
  • Publication number: 20160264197
    Abstract: An adjustable locator includes an adjuster plate that communicates with an upper section of a damper to affect a relative orientation between the damper and a knuckle during assembly. A guide body is disposed at an opposite side of the adjuster plate from the damper, and a shim is configured for insertion between the adjuster plate and the guide body. Insertion of the shim causes the adjuster plate to change the relative orientation between the damper and the knuckle. A biasing device is configured to bias the guide body toward the damper and thereby fix the shim between the guide body and the adjuster plate, such that applying a force to the guide body that is greater than the biasing force of the spring in a direction opposite to the biasing force of the spring enables the shim to be removed from between the guide body and the adjuster plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Bryan HATFIELD, Victor GREENHUT, Brandon E. HUNTER