Patents Issued in October 4, 2016
  • Patent number: 9457672
    Abstract: A charging apparatus with dynamical charging power is configured to charge an electric vehicle. The charging apparatus includes a main power conversion unit, an auxiliary power conversion unit, and a control unit. The main power conversion unit receives an AC power and converts the AC power into a main output power. The auxiliary power conversion unit receives an auxiliary DC power and converts the auxiliary DC power into an auxiliary output power. The control unit controls maximum output power of the main output power to be an upper-limit output power value. When a charging power value of charging the electric vehicle is greater than the upper-limit output power value, the control unit dynamically controls the auxiliary output power according to a power difference value between the charging power value and the upper-limit output power value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Yu-Ming Chang
  • Patent number: 9457673
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a power storage device, a power receiving unit for receiving power for charging the power storage device from an external power supply, an illumination unit for emitting light to the power receiving unit in response to a transistor attaining an on-state, and stopping the emission of light and a microcomputer for controlling the transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomokazu Masuda, Yusuke Tsutsui, Shogo Hirata
  • Patent number: 9457674
    Abstract: A power cable which connects to charge the battery power supply of an electric vehicle is suspended at a height generally above the vehicle and is automatically retractable. The operation of the power cable is automatically managed to provide a slack-free condition of the cable when the cable is moved in the extending and the retracting directions. The cable connector is easily accessible and the connector is positionable for ease of connection with the vehicle battery charging terminal. The cable management system for extending and retracting the overhead power cable employs a drive mechanism and a clutch assembly which are electronically controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Control Module, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Bianco, John Fahy
  • Patent number: 9457675
    Abstract: An actuator containing a drive mechanism that moves a locking pin forward and backward. Said drive mechanism is provided with the following: a holder that holds the locking pin; a cam member that has a cam gear; and a power-transmitting member in which a lower gear to which power from a motor is transmitted and an upper gear coupled to the cam gear are formed. The cam is offset from the center of rotation of the cam gear. The holder is pushed in a forward/backward direction by reciprocal motion of the cam within a range that constitutes less than a full revolution about the center of rotation of the cam gear. A region into which part of the lower gear fits and a region through which the cam moves are provided in a space above one surface of the cam gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: MURAKAMI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Fukai, Hiroya Miwa
  • Patent number: 9457676
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, contactless power transfer apparatus includes: transmission coil; primary capacitor; reception coil opposing transmission coil through gap; and secondary capacitor. Specification of frequency of the transmission coil and that of the reception coil are equal. At least one of electrical power specification and gap length specification of the transmission coil differ from the reception coil. When the electrical power specification of the power transmission coil differ from that of the power reception coil, the power is supplied from the transmission coil to the reception coil by using smaller one of the power of the transmission coil and of the reception coil as maximum power. When the gap length specification of the transmission coil differs from that of the reception coil, the transmission coil opposes the reception coil through the gap length, which is the specification of the transmission coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignees: TECHNOVA INC., NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION SAITAMA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Shigeru Abe, Tomio Yasuda, Akira Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9457677
    Abstract: A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically presenting user interface content outputted by code operated by one or more computer operating systems, the user interface content presented on one or more electronic user interface outputs and related at least in part to employment information associated with one or more employees as being involved with one or more electric vehicles and related at least in part to wireless transfer of electrical energy to the one or more electric vehicles. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Richard T. Lord, Robert W. Lord, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9457678
    Abstract: A vehicle electric power feeding system that is provided with an electric power feeding device (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B) that is provided at a location at which a vehicle (M) can stop; and a control means (3) that instructs the electric power feeding device (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B) to feed electric power to the vehicle in a stopped state (M: stopped vehicle) on the basis of a detection result of a detecting means (4) that detects the stopped state of the vehicle (M).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: IHI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Motonao Niizuma
  • Patent number: 9457679
    Abstract: A charge control device determines a current value acquired by dividing a current amount that should be charged in a secondary battery in a vehicle at a charging location by an allowable charging time at the charging location on the basis of a charging amount as a physical quantity associated with the charging state of the secondary battery. When the vehicle arrives at the charging location, the charge control device allows a charging device provided at the charging location to charge the secondary battery with the current having the determined current value for the allowable charging time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuaki Morita, Toshihiko Niinomi, Takayuki Kono, Kazuyuki Wakasugi, Hisashi Motoyama, Masato Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9457680
    Abstract: There is provided a system and a computer-implemented method for storing electrical charge in an electric vehicle connected to a charging station. The method includes: attaining a minimum State of Charge (SOC) for the electric vehicle; determining a time to charge the electric vehicle to a maximum SOC; maintaining an electric vehicle SOC by repeatedly charging and allowing discharge of the electric vehicle between the minimum SOC and a threshold; and charging the electric vehicle to the maximum SOC when the determined time to charge the electric vehicle to a maximum SOC has elapsed, wherein the threshold is greater than the minimum SOC and the maximum SOC is greater than or equal to the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoru Shinzaki, Toshiharu Kumagai
  • Patent number: 9457681
    Abstract: A high-current rapid charging battery module for an electric vehicle including a case, one or more battery cells inside the case, a ventilation system that draws air upward through holes in the bottom of the case from the exterior of the vehicle, massive copper busbars, each busbar electrically connecting a positive lead on one battery cell to a negative lead on a different battery cell, an air flow cartridge between each pair of adjacent battery cells, and one or more fans arranged on top of one or more cells that blow air drawn upward through the holes in the bottom of the case away from the top of the battery module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Robert P. Kittell
  • Patent number: 9457682
    Abstract: A method for predicting the duration of a future charging process for a vehicle battery. The method comprises estimating a future charge amount of the battery corresponding to the start of the future charging process. The method further comprises estimating a future temperature of the battery. The method still further comprises determining a future charging power or a characteristic thereof to be applied to the battery during the future charging process, wherein the future charging power or characteristic thereof is based on the estimated future charge amount and the estimated future temperature and is representative of a charging amount or characteristic thereof that will maintain the temperature of the battery at or below a threshold temperature during the future charging process. The method still further comprises predicting a duration of the future charging process based on the estimated future charge amount and the determined future charging power or characteristic thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Twarog, Ian L. Hanna, Trista K. Schieffer
  • Patent number: 9457683
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for discharging at least one capacitor (2) of an electric circuit (1), said electric circuit (1) also comprising: an electric stator winding (4) of a polyphase rotary electric machine, said winding (4) comprising a plurality of coils (6) which each form a stator phase and which are not being coupled to one another; and a switching system (5) disposed between the capacitor (2) and the electric stator winding (4) and comprising a plurality of controllable switching cells (10). According to the method of the invention, the coils (6) are electrically powered by the capacitor (2) by means of the switching system (5), of which the switching cells (10) are controlled such that the homopolar electric current passes through the electric stator winding (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes de Controle Moteur
    Inventor: Antoine Bruyere
  • Patent number: 9457684
    Abstract: A system includes a first battery configured to power at least one vehicle subsystem and a second battery configured to power an electric motor to propel a vehicle. A processing device is configured to detect an inadequate power level provided from the first battery to the at least one vehicle subsystem and selectively partition the second battery to power the at least one vehicle subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Scott Crombez, Jerome Charles Ivan, James Robert McBride, Wayne Williams, Paul Joseph Szuszman, Roger Arnold Trombley, Peter Worrel, Hai Yu
  • Patent number: 9457685
    Abstract: An industrial vehicle includes: a key-on signal detection unit that detects whether or not a key switch is in a key-on state; an under-charging signal detection unit that detects whether or not a storage battery is being charged; an operating time calculation unit that calculates a time, which is in the key-on state and in which charging is not performed, as an operating time; and an output unit that outputs the operating time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Feng Hua
  • Patent number: 9457686
    Abstract: A hybrid-electric vehicle includes a traction battery. A controller may operate the traction battery within certain state of charge and voltage limits. The controller may define a minimum operating voltage or state of charge below which no power may be requested from the traction battery. The minimum voltage and state of charge may be based on an electrical resistance of the traction battery. The voltage may also be based on a minimum power level required to crank the engine while meeting emissions standards. As the battery ages, the minimum voltage level may be adjusted such that the minimum power level is available at the minimum voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaoguang Chang, Chuan He, Xu Wang
  • Patent number: 9457687
    Abstract: Present example embodiments relate generally to a ground transportation system for interacting with one or more vehicles, the vehicle comprising at least one magnetic element fixedly attached to the vehicle, each magnetic element operable to generate a magnetic field having a first magnitude and a first direction, the system comprising a magnetic coil assembly fixedly positioned near an area traversable by the vehicle and comprising a core and a magnetic wire coil wrapped around the core, the magnetic coil assembly operable to generate a magnetic field having a second magnitude and a second direction; and an energy storage unit operable to release energy to and store energy from the magnetic coil assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: PARAMOUNT PICTURES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Margaret G. Brier, John K. Buyco, Chelsea R. Fischbach, Scott M. Ogilvie, Johnson Qu, Ayyappa P. Vemulkar
  • Patent number: 9457688
    Abstract: An electric driving wheel type work vehicle has a traveling motor, an inverter for supplying the motor with three-phase power converted from DC power, a pre-driver circuit for supplying a gate signal to the inverter on the basis of an input PWM signal, a controller for outputting to the pre-driver circuit the PWM signal for controlling the driving of the motor, a parking brake, and a parking brake condition detector that detects the condition of the parking brake. When it is detected that the parking brake has been operated, the pre-driver circuit cuts off the output of the gate signal or the input of the PWM signal to the pre-driver circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuichiro Morita, Shigeyuki Yoshihara, Kazuo Ishida, Noritaka Ito, Hirofumi Shimada
  • Patent number: 9457689
    Abstract: A system and method for notifying a driver who is leaving a stationary motor vehicle that there is still a person or an animal in the motor vehicle is presented. Exemplary notification modes include a notification mode in which the notification of the driver also depends on whether the current time falls in preset times; a notification mode in which the notification also depends on whether the motor vehicle is located within preset geographical areas; and a notification mode in which the notification also depends on whether preset or learned patterns of driver behavior have been detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Frederic Stefan, Uwe Gussen, Christoph Arndt, Frank Petri
  • Patent number: 9457690
    Abstract: A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a first adjustment portion which adjusts a position of a vehicle seat in a front/rear direction, a second adjustment portion which adjusts a position of the vehicle seat in an up/down direction, a third adjustment portion which adjusts a tilt angle of a seatback, and an operation input portion which is operated for performing a forward movement of the vehicle seat and a forward tilting operation of the seatback in an associated manner with each other, the forward movement of the vehicle seat being performed by the first adjustment portion and the forward tilting operation of the seatback being performed by the third adjustment portion, wherein the second adjustment portion starts performing a downward movement of the vehicle seat before the forward tilting operation of the seatback is performed after the operation of the operation input portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Soichiro Hozumi, Hitoshi Tsuzuki, Toshihiro Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 9457691
    Abstract: A seat slide apparatus for a vehicle includes an upper rail configured to support a seat at an upper portion of the upper rail, a lower rail supporting the upper rail in a manner that the upper rail and the lower rail are movable relative to each other, and a shaft member extended in a lengthwise direction of the upper rail, wherein the upper rail includes a pair of vertical wall portions extended in an upper/lower direction, the upper rail includes a bent portion connecting the vertical wall portions to each other and the shaft member is provided at an inner side of the bent portion, and the shaft member includes a threaded portion provided at each end thereof in an axial direction, the bent portion includes lengthwise-direction-end portions, and the threaded portions of the shaft member face the lengthwise-direction-end portions of the bent portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yukifumi Yamada, Naoki Goto
  • Patent number: 9457692
    Abstract: A seat reclining apparatus for a vehicle: a locking mechanism that is interposed between a seat cushion and a seatback and selectively switches inclining of the seatback between a permitted state and a regulated state with respect to the seat cushion; a first operation member that performs a first unlocking operation which allows the seatback to incline with respect to the seat cushion within a angle range with respect to the locking mechanism; a second operation member that performs a second unlocking operation which allows the seatback to incline with respect to the seat cushion to a forward tilt position exceeding the angle range with respect to the locking mechanism; and a stopper mechanism that regulates a rearward tilt of the seatback at a regulation angle position included within the angle range in a state of the second unlocking operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yukifumi Yamada, Naoki Goto, Yasuhiro Kojima
  • Patent number: 9457693
    Abstract: A supporting device for a seat, in particular a vehicle seat, has at least one planar supporting part and a plurality of fastening structures arranged on the supporting part. The supporting part has at least one region of extent for an extent in at least one direction in the surface plane of the supporting part. The supporting part is of planar design and has web-like surface sections. The at least one region of extent is designed as a predetermined separating point in at least one web-like surface region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: JOHNSON CONTROLS GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas Ruckriegel
  • Patent number: 9457694
    Abstract: A device for operating a plurality of containers fillable with a medium may include a plurality of container valves each connected to of one of the containers, and a filling channel arrangement connectable or connected at one end to a media pressure source and connected at the other end to the respective container valves. In order to simplify determination of the media pressure in the individual containers and, furthermore, to permit different filling speeds, an emptying channel arrangement is connected at one end to the container valves and connectable at the other end to an unpressurized media hollow via an emptying channel valve. The media pressure in one of the containers can be calculated using a mathematical model. A filling channel valve may be provided for selectively connecting the filling channel arrangement to the media pressure source either directly or via a throttle in order to permit different filling speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Ebel, Birgit Ferstl
  • Patent number: 9457695
    Abstract: A carrier structure for an armrest for pivotal articulation to a mount in a vehicle includes two carrier arms carrying a support body, wherein the carrier arms are connected at one end to a cross member. The cross member has pins for pivotable support in the mount. The cross member is produced by tube forming, bending and punching of a steel sheet corresponding substantially to the planar projection of the cross member, wherein the pins are formed on the cross member as tube parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Steffen Mangold
  • Patent number: 9457696
    Abstract: A console assembly generally includes a console body and an armrest movably coupled to the console body. The console body defines an interior console cavity. The armrest can rotate relative to the console body about an axis of rotation between a closed, locked position and an open, unlocked position. Moreover, the armrest can move linearly relative to the console body between the open, unlocked position and an open, locked position. In the closed, locked position, the armrest covers the interior console cavity of the console body. When the armrest is in the open, unlocked position, the interior console cavity is accessible. When the armrest is in the open, locked position, the interior console cavity is accessible and the armrest is locked to the console body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Taryn E. Dyle
  • Patent number: 9457697
    Abstract: A vehicle armrest is designed to allow for sliding movement between retracted and extended positions as desired by the vehicle occupant. A tambour door is disposed over at least part of the armrest, and may be moved fore and aft to allow access to storage volumes within the armrest or a support structure. The armrest is supported by sliding structures, such as engaged rails, and the tambour door is supported by tracks, one of which is fixed or stationary, and the other of which moves with the armrest. In this manner, the tambour door may be fully supported as it moves fore and aft, whether the armrest is in the retracted or extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventors: Ronald A. Bozio, Scott A. Hansen, Craig D. Flowerday, Jason M. Hipshier
  • Patent number: 9457698
    Abstract: A headrest support rod includes a first hollow tubular portion and a second hollow tubular portion. The first hollow tubular portion includes a first end having a first opening configured to receive filler material from an injection pump, is configured to support a headrest, and is configured to be disposed at least partially outside of the headrest. The second hollow tubular portion includes an opening and is configured to be disposed at least partially inside the headrest. The first hollow tubular portion is configured to enable the filler material to be transmitted from the first opening to the second hollow tubular portion, and the second hollow tubular portion is configured so as to enable the filler material to pass through the second opening to form the headrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: James Theodore Hunt
  • Patent number: 9457699
    Abstract: A seat assembly having an automatically adjustable head restraint is provided. A seat back is mounted within a vehicle and a head restraint assembly is adjustably mounted to the vehicle and disposed adjacent the seat back. The seat back includes a sensor mounted adjacent an upper portion of the seat back for detecting the presence and position of a passenger relative to the head restraint. A controller is in communication with the sensor and receives the output signal of the sensor. The controller then generates a control signal in order to position the head restraint based on the output signals of the sensor. An actuator is connected to the head restraint for positioning the head restraint based on a control signal received from the control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Arjun Yetukuri, David A. Hein, Sai Prasad Jammalamadaka
  • Patent number: 9457700
    Abstract: A compact headrest having a simplified and more compact mechanism is provided. The headrest includes a first and a second headrest pillars, and a stationary unit disposed therebetween. The stationary unit is movable in a vertical direction along the pillars. The headrest further includes a movable unit movable forward away from the stationary unit and rearward toward the stationary unit through a moving mechanism. The headrest further includes a front-rear locking mechanism having a lock receiver and a locking component engaging therewith. The front-rear locking mechanism locks and unlocks the movable unit moving in a front-rear direction to the stationary unit. The headrest further includes a vertical locking mechanism locking and unlocking the stationary unit stepwise in a vertical direction along the pillars. The headrest further includes an operation unit for simultaneously operating the front-rear locking mechanism and the vertical locking mechanism in a substantially identical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazunori Ishihara
  • Patent number: 9457701
    Abstract: A seat heater includes: a base material; and a heater wire disposed on the base material. The base material has a fold-back portion projecting from an edge of the base material where a cutout portion is formed. The heater wire is disposed on the fold-back portion. In a state where the fold-back portion is folded back toward a base material side, a proximal portion of the fold-back portion is positioned inside the edge of the base material. With such a configuration, the seat heater whose temperature elevation performance is not deteriorated can be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Yoshimoto, Takaaki Hyoudou, Yoshimitsu Fujiwara, Kazumi Nagayama, Masaki Hanada
  • Patent number: 9457702
    Abstract: A seat assembly is disclosed which has a heating element disposed along a predetermined path in a zone of a bottom seating surface or back seating surface. The heating element provides electrical heating of variable temperature along the predetermined path to the zone. The heating element includes first and second sections continuously alternating along the predetermined path. Each of the first sections provides electrical heating to the zone at a first temperature and each of the second sections provides electrical heating to the zone at a second temperature which is greater than the first temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: KONGSBERG AUTOMOTIVE AB
    Inventor: Milan Tüskes
  • Patent number: 9457703
    Abstract: A method of storage for this tire storage system will be Semi-Trailers in various length and width, some being drop-deck van boxes, some straight van box trailers and various lengths from 24? to 53?. Also included are ground level containers ranging from 20? to 53? long; sometimes referred to as Conex boxes or overseas shipping containers. The inside of the trailer/container will have from one to thirty sections, each having one to six layers of storage space for the vertical storage of tires. Each section beams are adjustable from floor to ceiling. Beams will be between 3? and 15? in length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: William N. Moore
  • Patent number: 9457704
    Abstract: A loading and transport device for all terrain vehicles. The loading and transport device loads two ATVs into a pickup bed by the use of a folding track that folds into an A frame shape by use of a jack. The ATVs are attached to the frame, and are transported in a generally vertical position. Loading involves unfolding the ATV racks, one of which reaches the ground. A winch is used to pull ATVs from the ground onto the ATV racks, and to lower them to the ground again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Charles Leroy Williams
  • Patent number: 9457705
    Abstract: A wheel chock is constructed from metallic material has an elongate primary body construction. The primary body construction has a ?-shaped transverse cross-section formed by an upper C-shaped channel construction and a lower planar basal construction. The basal construction has U-shape that extends orthogonally relative to the C-shape of the channel construction. The ?-shaped transverse cross-section bears and distributes stress imposed on the primary body construction. The C-shaped channel construction preferably includes a series of apertures for reducing weight and controlling elastic response of the primary body construction. Among these apertures are edge-based apertures, arm-based stress relief slots, and aligned apertures having sequentially decreasing diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Holland, L.P.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Morin
  • Patent number: 9457706
    Abstract: In one example, a tie-down apparatus can include a tie-down device and a housing adapted to receive the tie-down device. The tie-down apparatus can be transitionable between a stowed state and a deployed state. In the stowed state, the tie-down device can be stored entirely within the housing. The stowed state can be convenient for storing the tie-down device when not in use. In the deployed state, certain portions of the tie down device can be concealed within the housing while other portions of the tie-down device (e.g. attachment mechanisms) are deployed through openings in the housing. The deployed state can be convenient for securing cargo without damaging (e.g. scratching or denting) the cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Edwin A. Wright
  • Patent number: 9457707
    Abstract: A vehicle auxiliary lamp unit includes a first circuit board and an elongated light pipe. The first circuit board has a plurality of first light sources and at least one aperture. The elongated light pipe has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is located by the first circuit board and arranged to receive light from a first of the plurality of first light sources. The proximal end of the elongated light pipe includes at least one locating projection that is received by the at least one aperture of the first circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Nantais, Mark Contardi, Christopher Prisby, Kent Agne
  • Patent number: 9457708
    Abstract: A rear combination lamp is structured to include: a door side lamp portion having a first LED, a first housing and a first lens; and a fender side lamp portion having a second LED, a second housing and a second lens. Further, a first lamp side leg portion is provided at the first lens. Moreover, a second lamp side leg portion that extends along the first lamp side leg portion, and an extending portion that extends toward the door side lamp portion side from a second housing side end portion of the second lamp side leg portion, are provided at the second lens. A distal end of this extending portion is disposed further toward the door side lamp portion side than the first lamp side leg portion, and the distal end of the extending portion is fixed to the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuji Noritake, Ken Nishioka
  • Patent number: 9457709
    Abstract: An adaptive light notification system and method for activating turn signals using sensors. In addition, the adaptive light notification system and associated methodology activate sidelights by detecting a head movement. The system increases the safety of bicyclists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Reem Jafar Alataas
  • Patent number: 9457710
    Abstract: An operation-sound generator which can output an operation-sound similar to a hit-sound of a mechanical relay with sound pressure in which a driver is recognizable is provided. A microcomputer supplies a plurality of first pulse sequences to the buzzer at intervals during a lighting period of turning on the direction indicator lamp or the hazard lamp, each of the first pulse sequences having a pulse number differing from each other, a same pulse width, and a same duty, in an order gradually reducing the pulse number. The pulse number of each of the first pulse sequences is set so that the output of each of the first pulse sequences is finished before stationary vibration of the buzzer is performed. Furthermore, after the output of the first pulse sequence is finished, the microcomputer starts the output of next the first pulse sequence before the vibration of the buzzer is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Hatsushi Akamine
  • Patent number: 9457711
    Abstract: A light source unit for a vehicle includes a light source body, a light guide member that guides and exits the light from the light source body toward a portion of the vehicle to be illuminated, and a cover member housing the light source body and the light guide member. The cover member has an elongated light exit portion through which light from the light guide member is exited to the portion to be illuminated. The light exit portion includes a first light exit portion and at least two second light exit portions arranged along a longitudinal direction of the light exit portion to sandwich the second light exit portion therebetween. Light from the light guide member directly reaches the portion to be illuminated via the first light exit portion and light from the light guide member indirectly reaches the portion to be illuminated via the second light exit portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Nobuki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9457712
    Abstract: A sun visor is provided herein. The sun visor includes a visor body and a lid coupled to the visor body. The lid is moveable between a closed and an open position. A photoluminescent structure is coupled to the lid and a light source is configured to emit light based on the position of the lid. The photoluminescent structure luminesces in response to excitation by light emitted from the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • Patent number: 9457713
    Abstract: Herein, there is disclosed an LED illuminator installed to illuminate an inner space of a hood of a vehicle when the hood is open. The LED illuminator comprises a protection frame positioned in an inner space of the hood; and an LED module having a light emitting portion, wherein the light emitting portion is installed to be concealed into and exposed to the outside of the protection frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Pil Kim, Byeong Gil An
  • Patent number: 9457714
    Abstract: A system for controlling a vehicle horn includes a current delivery circuit and a control circuit that controls the current delivery circuit in response to a horn activation signal received from a horn pad switch. The control circuit includes a control module that generates a horn termination signal if a duration of the horn activation signal exceeds a predetermined duration. The horn termination signal is configured to cause the current delivery circuit to prevent delivery of current to the horn to deactivate the horn. The control circuit further includes a bypass circuit configured to cause the current delivery circuit to deliver current to the horn to activate the horn responsive to the horn activation signal in the absence of the horn termination signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Marcelo V. Lazarini
  • Patent number: 9457715
    Abstract: A work vehicle periphery monitoring system which monitors a periphery of a work vehicle including a vehicle body frame supporting front and rear wheels and a vessel loading a load thereon, the work vehicle periphery monitoring system includes: an object detecting device which is attached to the work vehicle and detects an object existing at a rear side of the work vehicle; and a controller which notifies an alarm based on a detection result of the object detecting device and switches between a notification mode for notifying the alarm and a standby mode for stopping the notification of the alarm based on a state of the work vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Mitsuta, Yukihiro Nakanishi, Takeshi Kurihara
  • Patent number: 9457716
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various aspects of child safety seats and safety systems for alerting care givers that a child remains buckled into a safety seat and also for alerting a care giver that a child is not fastened properly in the safety seat. In one aspect a child safety seat for securing a child while in a vehicle comprises one or more belts having fasteners thereon for fastening a child into the seat; at least one buckle assembly configured for receiving the fasteners therein; and a buckle sensor. The buckle sensor is configured for determining whether the fasteners are secured into the buckle assembly; and a transceiver is configured for communicating with a control system of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Amber Westmoreland
  • Patent number: 9457717
    Abstract: A parking assist system for a vehicle includes a camera and a display operable to display video images of an exterior scene derived from image data captured by the camera. A controller, when operating in a first or parking space locator mode, adds an overlay to the displayed video images. The overlay includes (i) a polygonal representation of the vehicle and (ii) a linear overlay extending along one side of the polygonal representation of the vehicle. The polygonal representation is offset behind and laterally from the vehicle. The controller is operable in the first mode while the vehicle is being driven by a driver of the vehicle and, with the overlay added to displayed video images, the driver maneuvers the vehicle to position the polygonal representation at a displayed target parking location. The linear overlay assists the driver in parking the vehicle at the target parking location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hagen Marczok, Holger Goerg, Paolo Di Alberto
  • Patent number: 9457718
    Abstract: An obstacle detection system includes an object detection system, an alert system, and a controller. The controller is configured to store an electronic map containing a known obstacle, store known and unknown obstacle warning zones, and detect a detected object in proximity to the machine. The controller is further configured to compare the detected object to the known obstacle to determine whether the detected object is a known obstacle or an unknown obstacle, generate a first alert signal if the detected object is a known obstacle and within the known obstacle warning zone, and generate a second alert signal if the detected object is an unknown obstacle and within the unknown obstacle warning zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Husted, Peter Petrany
  • Patent number: 9457719
    Abstract: A work vehicle periphery monitoring system includes a plurality of imaging apparatuses which are attached to the work vehicle and image the periphery of a work vehicle to output image information, a display control unit which displays an image based on image information which is output from imaging apparatuses, and a pattern indicating information relating to the work vehicle periphery monitoring system on a monitor, and a pattern display control unit which changes a display position at which the pattern is displayed on the monitor 50 based on a display switching signal for switching a display of the monitor, before and after switching the display of the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomikazu Tanuki, Dai Tsubone, Takeshi Kurihara
  • Patent number: 9457720
    Abstract: A display device for a motor vehicle, includes a display device housing, which is open at the front face and in which a display is arranged. A laminated safety glass panel, which is arranged in front of the front face of the display, is supported by the display device housing and/or the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Akteingesellschaft
    Inventors: Mark Pilkington, Andreas Balwe
  • Patent number: 9457721
    Abstract: A door mirror of a vehicle includes a housing and a base portion attaching the housing to a side surface of a vehicle body. The base portion includes: an attachment portion fixed to the side surface; and a support portion provided to protrude from the attachment portion toward a vehicle-width-direction outer side, and supporting the housing from below. The support portion is formed into a sectional shape of an inverse wing having a lower surface bulging downward in a vertically sectional shape in a front/rear direction, and the support portion is provided with a bead portion in the lower surface of the support portion, the bead portion protruding downward and extending in the front/rear direction so as to be gradually separated from the side surface as it goes toward a rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA ENGINEERING KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akira Takahashi, Takanori Goke