Patents Issued in October 4, 2016
  • Heavy duty pneumatic tire
    Patent number: 9457621
    Abstract: A heavy duty pneumatic tire includes a tread portion provided with at least one circumferentially and continuously extending main groove, and a plurality of lateral grooves to form circumferentially repeated pitch elements each of which consists of one lateral groove and a block element divided between two adjacent lateral grooves. The tread portion has a land ratio in a range of from 70% to 80%, and the pitch elements in a range of from 40 to 50. Each lateral groove has a circumferential groove width in a range of from 5% to 15% in relation to a circumferential length of the pitch element, and an angle in a range of from 45 to 85 degrees with respect to a circumferential direction of the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Taro Okabe
  • Pneumatic tire
    Patent number: 9457622
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a tread portion provided with a radially outermost breaker ply and three main grooves extending in the tire circumferential direction. Crown axial grooves disposed between the main grooves are inclined oppositely to cords of the radially outermost breaker ply, at angles in a range of from 10 to 60 degrees with respect to the tire circumferential direction. The crown axial groove comprises a narrow portion and a resultant wide portion on the axially outside thereof. The crown axial groove is provided in its axially outer end portion with a tie bar provided with a sipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Susumu Tanaka
  • Pneumatic tire for running on rough terrain
    Patent number: 9457623
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire for rough terrain comprises a tread portion with a tread pattern provided with a block having a height of from 10 to 19 mm, the block comprising a top face and a sidewall face extending radially inwardly from a peripheral edge of the top face, the top face being a polygonal shape with a plurality of sides equal to or more than four, the sidewall face comprising a plurality of slant surfaces extending radially inwardly away from the sides, respectively, wherein each slant surface comprises a radially outer portion and a radially inner portion, the radially outer portion has a flat plane, the radially inner portion comprises a first plane and a second plane laterally adjacent to said first plane, and the first plane and second plane cross each other so that said radially inner portion dents inwardly of the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Sadahiko Matsumura
  • Variable tread axle assembly for tire inflation system
    Patent number: 9457624
    Abstract: An axle assembly is provided for a tire inflation system and supports a wheel which is movably mountable on the axle. The axle assembly includes an axle housing, an axle rotatably supported by the axle housing and an end plate sealingly engaging an end of the axle. A supply passage and a pilot conduit extend axially along a central axis of the axle, and communicate supply and pilot inlets to supply and pilot outlets in the end plate. Flexible supply and pilot hoses are coiled around an outer surface of the axle and connect the outlets to an inflation control valve mounted to a hub of the wheel. The supply passage and pilot conduit are coaxial and the pilot conduit extends through the supply passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Jeffrey Loren Lubben
  • Tire pressure management system with enhanced wireless security and control method thereof
    Patent number: 9457625
    Abstract: A tire pressure management system with enhanced wireless security and a control method thereof are provided. The tire pressure management system includes initiators configured to wirelessly transmit a tire information request signal to tire pressure sensors when the initiators receive a first signal, a receiver configured to receive packets including the tire information from the tire pressure sensors, and an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to transmit the first signal to the initiators. Further the ECU is configured to measure a delay after transmission of the first signal until the packets are received. The ECU is also configured to transmit the tire information within the received packets to a cluster or drop the received packets in response to the delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Ho Jin Jung
  • Tire separation warning system and method
    Patent number: 9457626
    Abstract: A tire separation warning system and method that includes a sensor that senses pressure of a tire and a receiver that calculates the amount of change in tire radius from the pressure of the tire received from the sensor. In addition, the receive estimates tire separation risk. A display warns a driver of the tire separation risk, when the tire separation risk is transmitted from the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jong Ho Lee
  • Handheld interrogation and display for remote sensors
    Patent number: 9457627
    Abstract: A handheld interrogation device includes a controller configured to generate a power signal. The controller is also configured to determine tire pressure data based on a signal received from a tire pressure sensor. The handheld interrogation device also includes a primary coil coupled to the handheld interrogation device and configured to transmit the power signal to a sensor coil of the tire pressure sensor and to receive a data signal from the sensor coil, via inductive coupling, in response to the primary coil being within a predetermined distance of the sensor coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Keller, Paul L. Summers, Scott Streng, Eric Stein
  • Method of manufacturing an electronic device for a pneumatic tyre
    Patent number: 9457628
    Abstract: An electronic device, which is intended to be incorporated into a tire, includes an electronic comprises, a conductor, and a support for the electronic component. The support and the conductor are joined together by a first part for attachment of the support and a second part for attachment of the conductor. A rigidifying casing of the device is overmoulded over at least the first part for attachment of the support and the second part for attachment of the conductor. At least one intermediate transition layer is at least partially overmoulded over the rigidifying casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventor: Michel Robert
  • Method for generating mesh model
    Patent number: 9457629
    Abstract: A method for generating a two-dimensional mesh model of an object made up of a finite number of elements and provided with nodes is disclosed. Data about an original contour of the analysis object, including data about contour nodes are defined. The original contour is transformed by scaling up or down only in the direction of a predetermined first axis at a predetermined first scaling factor to obtain the transformed contour. Based on the contour nodes and additional nodes defined on the transformed contour, a primary mesh model whose contour is the same as the transformed contour is generated. By scaling the primary mesh model only in the direction of the first axis at a second scaling factor equal to the reciprocal of the first scaling factor, a secondary mesh model whose contour is the same as the original contour is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Ao Imamura
  • Towing device
    Patent number: 9457630
    Abstract: A device comprises an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve that is rotatably supported at least partly in an interior of the outer sleeve. A hollow axle is located in an interior of the inner sleeve, and a skewer is supported within an inner region of the hollow axle. The skewer is slidable along an axis of hollow axle. First and second slots are located on the hollow axle. A lever that is rotatable about the axis of the hollow axle includes a mechanism for causing the rod to slide along the axis to change respective widths of the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald L. Anderson
  • Multi-use adjustable trailer hitch
    Patent number: 9457631
    Abstract: A multi-use trailer hitch configured to allow a single hitch to be used for multiple trailer couplers. The hitch includes a ball and pin member attached to the yoke so that the hitch can couple with a Lunette eye ring coupler and a ball hitch coupler. The ball and pin member is designed to fit on the yoke and be easily secured with a retainer pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Tractor Supply Company
    Inventors: Brian Kennemer, Ty Rager, Adam Prater
  • Collision avoidance method including determining height of an object fixed to a vehicle
    Patent number: 9457632
    Abstract: A method and system of avoiding a collision between an object attached to a rear of a vehicle and an object behind the vehicle during reverse maneuvering of the vehicle includes determining with an electronic control unit of the vehicle an adjusted top height of a first object attached to a rear of the vehicle. The electronic control unit then determines whether the adjusted top height is lower than a clearance height of a second object behind the vehicle and unattached to the vehicle. Upon determining that the adjusted top height of the first object is not lower than the clearance height of the second object, the electronic control unit determines that the first object would collide with the second object if the vehicle is reverse maneuvered too close to the second object and upon determining that the collision would occur alerting a user of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Joshua G Windeler, Ross S Maunders
  • Cross member system for a coupling device a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 9457633
    Abstract: A cross member system for a coupling device of a motor vehicle includes a tubular cross member, which extends between two lateral fastening consoles and a coupling mounting, which is connected with the cross member in a central section of the cross member. The cross member has a varying cross sectional course in longitudinal direction and is formed from a cut-to size-plate by a U/O-forming and is longitudinal seam welded. A central section of the cross member has a polygonal cross section. The cross member further has lateral end sections with a cross section which deviates from the polygonal cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: BENTELER AUTOMOBILTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Ryan Krieger
  • Progressive rate suspension for agricultural vehicle
    Patent number: 9457634
    Abstract: A suspension apparatus connected to a wheel of a vehicle and includes a first linkage, a second linkage, a third linkage, a bell crank, and a shock absorber. The first linkage connects to the wheel. The second linkage includes a first portion that is pivotally connected to a second portion of the first linkage. The third linkage includes a first portion that is pivotally connected to a second portion of the second linkage. The bell crank includes opposed first and second arms and a central pivot connection to the third linkage, wherein the first arm is pivotally connected to a first portion of the first linkage. The shock absorber has a variable length and includes a first portion that is pivotally connected to the first portion of the third linkage and wherein a second portion of the shock absorber is pivotally connected to the second arm of the bell crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Scott Hansen, Tony Becker
  • Magnetic damper
    Patent number: 9457635
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for damping movement of a first mass relative to a second mass by magnetically generating induced current are provided. A magnet is coupled to one mass and a nonferrous metallic member is coupled to another mass that moves relative to the first mass. First and second springs are coupled to opposing ends of the magnet, the magnet being positioned between the springs. A guide member channels the magnet as it moves relative to the nonferrous member, the magnet being slidable along the guide member. The magnet is in close proximity to the nonferrous metallic member as the magnet moves. Upon causing movement of the magnet by either mass, the magnet generates an electrical current in the nonferrous metallic member that induces a counter magnetic field that opposes the magnetic field generated by the current to damp movement of the magnet as it moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Renton Coil Spring Company
    Inventor: Charles F. Pepka
  • Suspension frame structure
    Patent number: 9457636
    Abstract: A suspension frame structure comprises a suspension frame and a reinforcement. The reinforcement has a support portion that extends in the up-down direction within the suspension frame and connects an upper wall and a lower wall of the suspension frame to each other, a front upright wall that extends outward in the vehicle-width direction and further to the front side of a vehicle from a side face of the support portion and is joined to at least one of the upper wall and the lower wall of the suspension frame, and a rear upright wall that extends outward in the vehicle-width direction and further to the rear side of the vehicle from the side face of the support portion and is joined to at least one of the upper wall and the lower wall of the suspension frame. The front upright wall and the rear upright wall form an L-shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yousei Minoda, Takehiro Shoji, Takako Ozawa
  • Crash pad upper mounting bracket
    Patent number: 9457637
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a crash pad upper mounting bracket which is installed between an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) to which a connecting duct of a vehicle is connected, and a crash pad, the crash pad upper mounting bracket including: a base which is installed at a lower side of the crash pad; and a mounting portion which protrudes from the base so as to press one region of the connecting duct. Accordingly, the crash pad upper mounting bracket presses the connecting duct so as to maintain airtightness between the HVAC and the connecting duct, thereby preventing deterioration in air conditioning performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Young Jun Kim
  • Vehicle having a textile channel
    Patent number: 9457638
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body, an inner cover disposed in the body and a textile channel conducting conditioned air, extending between the body and the inner cover and being made of a textile fabric. In order to provide such a vehicle having a textile channel that is easy to install, the textile channel is provided on the body and held against the inner cover by a hook and loop fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Werner Hoefler, Dirk Rohwerder
  • System and method of providing quick thermal comfort with reduced energy by using directed spot conditioning
    Patent number: 9457639
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and a method of controlling a HVAC system that is configured to provide a perceived comfortable ambient environment to an occupant seated in a vehicle cabin. The system includes a nozzle configured to direct an air stream from the HVAC system to the location of a thermally sensitive portion of the body of the occupant. The system also includes a controller configured to determine an air stream temperature and an air stream flow rate necessary to establish the desired heat supply rate for the sensitive portion and provide a comfortable thermal environment by thermally isolating the occupant from the ambient vehicle cabin temperature. The system may include a sensor to determine the location of the sensitive portion. The nozzle may include a thermoelectric device to heat or cool the air stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventors: Mingyu Wang, Prasad S. Kadle, Debashis Ghosh, Mark J. Zima, Edward Wolfe, IV, Timothy D Craig
  • Heating apparatus of fuel cell vehicle
    Patent number: 9457640
    Abstract: A heating apparatus for a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a fuel cell for generating electricity by a chemical reaction of oxygen and hydrogen, a cathode exhaust passage through which outside air introduced and supplied to the cathode electrode of the fuel cell so as to be used for the power generation reaction is discharged from the fuel cell, and an anode exhaust passage through which the hydrogen is discharged from the fuel cell. The heating apparatus further includes a branch passage which is branched from a branch point of the cathode exhaust passage and supplies the air discharged from the fuel cell to the vehicle compartment, and the anode exhaust passage is joined to the cathode exhaust passage on the downstream side of the branch point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Kengo Ikeya
  • Heat exchanger having electric heating elements
    Patent number: 9457641
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical heating device (1) including a heating body in which at least one electric heating element (8) is installed, the operation of said electric heating element being dependent on a control module (3) constituting the heating device, the heating body (2) including walls (5) at least partially defining a cavity (6) in which the control module (3) is accommodated, characterized in that the electrical heating element (8) and the control module (3) are suitable for being supplied with a so-called low voltage of between 80 and 600 volts, and in that an electrical insulator (17), which covers the walls (5) defining the cavity, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: VALEO SYSTEMES THERMIQUES
    Inventors: Frederic Pierron, Laurent Tellier
  • Vehicle sun visor with a multi-functional touch screen with multiple camera views and photo video capability
    Patent number: 9457642
    Abstract: A vehicle sun visor system with a touch screen display is configured to display video feed from one or more cameras. A front facing polarized and/or photochromic camera shows the area of view which is normally blocked by the deployed sun visor, allowing the user to view traffic lights, road signs, etc. without the distraction of glare. Software image processing may also be used to reduce glare and improve visibility. In addition the sun visor system also has a “see-me” camera which allows the user to use the screen as a mirror, and one or more rear-view cameras which can be used to see the passenger area of a vehicle through the touch-screen display. Any of the cameras may be used to take photos or videos, which may be viewed on the display and transmitted wirelessly to other electronic devices or cloud storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Ankit Dilip Kothari
  • Auto sun glare eliminator systems
    Patent number: 9457643
    Abstract: A line of attachable shields, specially designed for use in conjunction with or in lieu of existing automobile sun visors. Design intent to offer consumers improved sun and glare protection from any angle, while enabling them to clearly see the road ahead while driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Aliaksandr Tuikin
  • Convertible assemblies for vehicles
    Patent number: 9457644
    Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle includes a convertible top assembly having a pivotally interconnected link arrangement between a forward assembly and an aft assembly. The forward assembly is configured to pivotally move relative to the vehicle framework and the aft assembly from a closed position to a first retracted position. The aft assembly is configured to pivotally move relative to the vehicle framework and the forward assembly from the first retracted position to a lowered storage position. Methods for opening the convertible top assembly are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: WEBASTO-EDSCHA CABRIO GMBH
    Inventors: Jason Bowles, Magnus Sviberg
  • Device for the thermal connection of an energy storage
    Patent number: 9457645
    Abstract: A device for thermal connection of an energy store to a cooling plate and/or a contact element, and a cooling plate on a contact element and/or a fluid is provided. The device for thermal connection has a first region having a first heat transfer property and at least one other region having another heat transfer property, wherein the first region and the at least one other region are arranged next to one another in relation to the heat transfer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Hirsch, Achim Wiebelt, Caroline Schmid, Tobias Isermeyer, Marc-Thomas Eisele
  • Method and control unit for operating a drive train
    Patent number: 9457646
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a drive train having drive units, one transmission, and one output. A first drive unit acts on a first transmission shaft of the transmission, and a second drive unit acts on a second transmission shaft. The transmission comprises several shift elements, whereas, at the output, an output torque that depends on the torque required by the driver is provided. For the opening of a shift element, the shift element is positioned in a load-free manner. For the load-free positioning of the shift element, target torques are calculated for the first and the second drive unit, by means of which, while maintaining the torque required by the driver at the output, the shift element is positioned in a load-free manner. There is an examination of whether at least one of such target torques violates the torque limit of the respective drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Tobias Zoellner
  • Low gravity all-surface vehicle
    Patent number: 9457647
    Abstract: Vehicles are disclosed which have a lower center of gravity than existing all-terrain, amphibious, and unmanned ground vehicles due to the location of propulsion units and other vehicle components inside the wheels of the vehicle. The vehicles can climb over large obstacles yet are also able to corner at high speeds. The vehicles can be configured for direct manual operation or operation by remote control, and can also be configured for a wide variety of missions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: PAHA DESIGNS, LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin Meager
  • Vehicle fuel vapor recovery system
    Patent number: 9457649
    Abstract: A vehicle fuel filler tube collar includes an end wall and a side wall. The end wall has an inner surface and an outer surface with a first tube receiving surface extending from the inner surface to the outer surface. The tube receiving surface defines a tube receiving opening having a first diameter. The side wall extends from the end wall and has a first end that is contiguous with the end wall and a second end opposite the end wall. The side wall has an inner collar surface that defines a vent opening at the second end, and an outer collar surface. The vent opening at the second end has a second diameter larger than the first diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Souichi Fujiwara, Brandon Michael Dawe
  • Drain slot for capless fuel filler insert
    Patent number: 9457650
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a fuel-filler housing component for mounting to a vehicle body and an insert at a terminus of the fuel filler pipe. The housing component has a central opening and at least one on-center vertical plumb feature. The insert is mounted to the fuel filler pipe so that it is disposed in the central opening. The insert includes an annular mouth with a hole for receiving a fuel transfer nozzle, wherein the annular mouth includes a drain slot for draining liquid away from the hole. The drain slot is substantially aligned with the on-center vertical plumb feature and has a teardrop profile substantially free of visible straight lines pointing toward the on-center vertical plumb feature. Thus, any small misalignment of the insert remains relatively undetectable since visual cues are minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Aitken, Paul Chretien
  • Systems and methods for an externally accessible refueling request switch
    Patent number: 9457651
    Abstract: Systems are provided for a fuel system comprising an external refueling request switch accessible at or near a refueling door, thus enabling methods that may include initiating depressurization of a fuel tank responsive to an operator engaging the refueling request switch. The status of depressurization may be communicated to the operator via on one or more LED displays located either inside the refueling assembly or located at the refueling door. In this way, refueling requests may be initiated by a refueling operator, and by relaying the status of depressurization to the operator, any confusion on the part of the operator may be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Paul Lindlbauer, Bryan Michael Bolger, Herbert Thomas Meissner, Roman Schesnuk, Aed M. Dudar, Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Russell Randall Pearce
  • Systems and methods for mounting a fuel system
    Patent number: 9457652
    Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system to a vehicle. In some embodiments, the invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system comprising a fuel tank to a vehicle chassis using a bracket, which may be a multi-part bracket, and may be referred to as a “drop and go” bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Agility Fuel Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Sloan, Chris Forsberg
  • Self-propelled construction machine
    Patent number: 9457653
    Abstract: A self-propelled construction machine comprises a machine frame, on which a working unit is arranged, and comprises a drive unit for driving the working unit. An additive, in particular a urea solution for operating an exhaust gas treatment system, is provided in an operating material tank which is integrated in the fuel tank or water tank of the construction machine. The integration of the operating material tank in the fuel tank or water tank does not necessitate any modifications to the machine frame. The dimensions of the construction machine can also remain unchanged, since the fuel tank does not take up any extra space on the machine frame if the dimensions of the fuel tank or water tank are maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Busley, Olaf Gaertner, Cyrus Barimani, Günter Hähn
  • Drive axle system
    Patent number: 9457654
    Abstract: A drive axle system that may have a first drive axle assembly and a second drive axle assembly. The first drive axle assembly may have a first pinion that may rotate about a first pinion axis. The second drive axle assembly may have a second pinion that may rotate about a second pinion axis. The first pinion axis may be disposed substantially parallel to the second pinion axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Anderson, Dale Kwasniewski
  • Drive axle system having a clutching device
    Patent number: 9457655
    Abstract: A drive axle system for a vehicle drive train having a clutching device is provided. The drive axle system includes a first shaft, a first axle assembly, a second axle assembly, a first clutching device, a second clutching device, and an axle assembly housing. At least a portion of the first shaft, the second clutching device, and at least one of the first axle assembly and the second axle assembly are disposed in the axle assembly housing. The first axle assembly is drivingly engaged with the first shaft. The first clutching device divides one of a pair of output axles into first and second portions. The second clutching device selectively engages a driving gear of the second axle assembly with one of the first shaft and a portion of the first axle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: James F. Ziech, Donald J. Remboski, Steven J. Wesolowski, Timothy J. Morscheck
  • Drive axle system having a clutching device
    Patent number: 9457656
    Abstract: A drive axle system for a vehicle drive train having a clutching device is provided. The drive axle system includes a first shaft, a bevel gear inter-axle differential, a first axle assembly, a second axle assembly, a first clutching device, and a second clutching device. The first axle assembly is drivingly engaged with the first shaft. The first clutching device divides one of a pair of output axles into first and second portions. The second clutching device selectively engages a driving gear of the second axle assembly with a portion of the bevel gear inter-axle differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: James F. Ziech, Donald J. Remboski, Steven J. Wesolowski, Timothy J. Morscheck
  • Drive axle system having a clutching device
    Patent number: 9457657
    Abstract: A drive axle system for a vehicle drive train having a clutching device is provided. The drive axle system includes a first shaft, a planetary inter-axle differential, a first axle assembly, a second axle assembly, a first clutching device, and a second clutching device. The first axle assembly is drivingly engaged with a portion of the planetary inter-axle differential. The first clutching device divides one of a pair of output axles into first and second portions. The second clutching device selectively engages a driving gear of the second axle assembly with a portion of the planetary inter-axle differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: James F. Ziech, Donald J. Remboski, Steven J. Wesolowski, Timothy J. Morscheck
  • Drive train of a purely electrically all-wheel drivable motor vehicle
    Patent number: 9457658
    Abstract: A drive train (1) of a purely electrically all-wheel drivable motor vehicle, has a first axle (2), a second axle and two electric machines (10) arranged in the direction of travel (3) of the motor vehicle. The first axle (2) can be driven by the electric machines (10) via a transmission (11). The transmission (11) and the first axle (2) are connected to each other by at least one bevel gear toothing (20, 7; 20, 27), and the transmission (11) and a shaft for driving the second axle are connected to each other by at least a further toothing (22, 23; 22, 28). In this way, an all-wheel drive can be achieved with a simple construction by the use of such a drive train in a motor vehicle that is to be operated in a purely electrical manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Posche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Daniel Knoblauch
  • Transmission with integrated power take-off
    Patent number: 9457659
    Abstract: A transmission includes a housing, an input shaft, a transfer shaft, a first and second transfer members, a continuous transfer member, a drive shaft, and a torque transmitting mechanism. The input shaft and transfer shaft are each rotatably supported by the housing and are parallel to each other. The first transfer member is connected for common rotation with the input shaft. The second transfer member is connected for common rotation with the transfer shaft. The continuous transfer member is engaged with each of the first and second transfer members. The drive shaft is disposed coaxially and partially covered by the transfer shaft. The torque transmitting mechanism selectively connects the transfer shaft with the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory W. Kempf, Chi Teck Lee
  • Accelerator pedal apparatus
    Patent number: 9457660
    Abstract: An accelerator pedal apparatus includes a pedal arm rotating around a first rotation axis line, a return spring and a reaction force adding mechanism including a drive source and a rotation member rotating around a second rotation axis line and having a contact portion contacted to the pedal arm which adds reaction force in the direction to return the pedal arm to the rest position. A first distance from the contact position of the pedal arm with the contact portion to the first rotation axis line is longer than a second distance to the second rotation axis line. The pedal arm includes a contact section having the contact portion displaced while being contacted so that the contact portion is to be farther from the first rotation axis line when rotating toward the maximum depression position and to be closer to the first rotation axis line when rotating toward the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: MIKUNI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Osawa, Masato Kumamoto, Yoshitomo Fukushima, Kouji Kikuchi, Tsuyoshi Shimizu, Hisashi Kawade, Hiromutsu Touhachi
  • Systems and methods for information management
    Patent number: 9457661
    Abstract: Systems and methods for information management are provided. One embodiment of a method includes receiving a signal from a vehicle sensor, the signal related to a condition of a vehicle, determining a new alert from the signal, and comparing the new alert with a currently provided alert. Some embodiments include determining a priority of the new alert and, in response to determining that the new alert has a higher priority than the currently provided alert, determining whether to output the currently provided alert in a minimized form, providing the new alert for output on a primary output device, and providing the currently provided alert in the minimized form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A Restauri, III, Katsumi Nagata, Tuhin Diptiman
  • Presenting a dynamic range based on an operating parameter of a vehicle
    Patent number: 9457662
    Abstract: A system and method for presenting a range via a graphical user interface (GUI) representing a gauge based on an operating parameter of a vehicle are provided. The system includes a speed receiver to receive the speed of the vehicle; a setting retriever to retrieve the range based on the operating parameter, the operating parameter being related to the speed; and a display driver to communicate the range to the GUI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale O. Cramer, Michael Dean Tschirhart
  • Display device for vehicle
    Patent number: 9457663
    Abstract: A vehicle speed acquisition unit acquires speed information indicating a vehicle speed. An output acquisition unit acquires output information indicating an output of a drive unit that drives the vehicle. An output rate derivation unit derives an output rate indicating a ratio of the output to a rated output of the vehicle at the current vehicle speed. A waste derivation unit derives waste information indicating a degree of waste of energy consumed by the vehicle. A display unit displays a waste status of the energy. When the speed is within a predetermined speed range and the output rate is within a preset first output range, the waste derivation unit derives the waste information indicating that the waste of energy when the speed is high is less than when the speed is low, even when the output rate is the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Itaru Seta, Yosuke Ohtomo
  • Display device
    Patent number: 9457664
    Abstract: A display device includes: first setting means for setting a first operation amount to be performed by an occupant so as to increase an output in a state in which a vehicle speed is less than a predetermined threshold; second setting means for setting a second operation amount to be performed by the occupant such that an operation state of the vehicle can be shifted to a desired state in which optimal instantaneous fuel consumption is realized, by decreasing the output in a state in which the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold; and display means for displaying, on a display unit, at least one of the first operation amount and the second operation amount, and a present operation amount which is an operation amount performed at present by the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takashi Amano, Kaoru Kubo, Taishi Hisano, Yasushi Ozawa
  • Adaptive, automatically-reconfigurable, vehicle instrument display
    Patent number: 9457665
    Abstract: An adaptive, automatically-reconfigurable, vehicle instrument display method and system are described that use information from multiple sensors located within the vehicle that monitor various aspects of a vehicle's operation and health to automatically modify presence and/or location of widgets in the vehicle's instrument display panel based upon circumstances or conditions as they occur or change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Boss, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Luis Carlos Cruz Huertas, Edgar Adolfo Zamora Duran
  • Method and apparatus for supplying auxiliary electrical power to an electric or hybrid vehicle
    Patent number: 9457666
    Abstract: The present invention may include a towable trailer being mechanically couplable to a vehicle, the towable trailer including an auxiliary battery housing unit, a wheel being rotatably connected to the towable trailer, an auxiliary battery disposed within the auxiliary battery housing unit of the towable trailer, the vehicle including a storage battery, the auxiliary battery of the towable trailer being electrically couplable with the storage battery of the vehicle via a bidirectional pathway, and a control system configured to control a transfer of electrical energy between the auxiliary battery of the towable trailer and the storage battery of the vehicle along the bidirectional pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ELWHA LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Caldeira, Alistair K. Chan, Daniel B. Cook, William David Duncan, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, John Latham, Stephen H. Salter, Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Thomas A. Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Victoria Y. H. Wood, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Vehicle control device
    Patent number: 9457667
    Abstract: A vehicle control device includes: an engine and a first motor generator from both of which a driving force for traveling is output to drive wheels; and an electricity storage device that storages electric power for driving the first motor generator. When a vehicle weight is in a reference state at a time of deceleration braking, the first motor generator is mainly caused, out of the first motor generator and the engine, to generate a braking force, and when the vehicle weight is greater than that in the reference state, the engine is mainly caused, out of the first motor generator and the engine, to generate the braking force. Thus, a sufficient braking force can be obtained while an input limit of the electricity storage device is prevented from being reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukihiko Ideshio, Terufumi Miyazaki, Yuji Inoue, Shingo Eto, Yousuke Michikoshi, Akihiro Sato
  • Regenerative brake control system of electric vehicle
    Patent number: 9457668
    Abstract: A regenerative brake control system of an electric motorcycle includes an electric motor, sensors which detect the vehicle states, and a control unit which sets a target torque based on the vehicle state when the control unit determines that a regeneration condition is satisfied based on the detected vehicle state, and the control unit suppresses a regenerative braking amount more when it is detected that the electric motorcycle is turning than when it is detected that the electric motorcycle is not turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshimoto Matsuda
  • Brake control device and brake control method
    Patent number: 9457669
    Abstract: A brake control device mounted to a vehicle that comprises a pair of driving wheels and a pair of non-driving wheels controls an upstream brake pressure generated by a master cylinder and downstream brake pressures generated by brake actuators so that, during regenerative braking, the downstream brake pressures to brake devices corresponding to the driving wheels are reduced to be lower than the upstream brake pressure, and the downstream brake pressures to brake devices corresponding to the non-driving wheels are increased to be higher than the upstream brake pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Sato, Atsushi Yokoyama, Hitoshi Kobayashi
  • Power generation control apparatus for hybrid vehicle
    Patent number: 9457670
    Abstract: In a power generation control apparatus applied to a hybrid vehicle including a compound motor in which a wound rotor is connected to an internal combustion engine and a magnet rotor is connected to a transmission, when regenerative power generation is underway and the internal combustion engine is operative, a first motor/generator constituted by the wound rotor and the magnet rotor and the internal combustion engine are controlled such that torque output from the internal combustion engine is increased by torque applied to the internal combustion engine from the first motor/generator, and a power generation amount of a second motor/generator constituted by the magnet rotor and a stator is increased such that torque transmitted to an output shaft from the internal combustion engine is not applied to a drive wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tadashi Fujiyoshi, Takahiro Shiina, Akira Murakami, Tatsuya Miyano, Takao Watanabe, Ryoichi Hibino
  • Drive system for a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 9457671
    Abstract: A motor vehicle drive system utilizing a flywheel for storing recaptured kinetic energy from a moving vehicle is described. Alternators mounted to the drive train generate electrical power from the passively spinning wheels of a moving vehicle. This power may be used to rotate a flywheel. Energy from the continuously spinning flywheel is used or stored for later use to charge batteries which provide power to the drive wheels of the vehicle. The disclosed drive system can be mounted in an all-electric or gasoline-electric hybrid motor vehicle and provides additional power to an electric drive motor of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Carl Manganaro