Patents Issued in October 11, 2016
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Patent number: 9463667Abstract: The invention relates to an axle mount for utility or commercial vehicles, comprising a carrier unit and a protective unit, wherein the carrier unit has a first fastening region for the fixing of a utility vehicle axle thereto and has, arranged adjacent to said fastening region, a receiving region for receiving chassis systems, and wherein the protective unit is arranged on the carrier unit such that the receiving region is enclosed transversely with respect to an axial direction by the carrier unit and by the protective unit, in such a way that the ingress of foreign bodies into the receiving region is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2012Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND GmbHInventor: Rolf Spielmann
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Patent number: 9463668Abstract: A wheel assembly for traversing a path along a ground surface having a layer of soil, the wheel assembly comprising a central support and an airless flexible covering mounted on the central support and having a plurality of rigid sections and a plurality of flexible sections. The outwardly protruding spokes urge the rigid sections into the layer of soil when the rigid sections contact the ground surface. The flexible sections include a set of traction lugs for gripping peaks of a corrugated pattern in the ground surface for improved traction.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2016Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Lindsay CorporationInventors: Michael S. Fredenburg, Thomas J. Korus
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Patent number: 9463669Abstract: Provided is a tire whose durability is improved by using, as a reinforcing member, a polyester cord having an improved heat resistant adhesive property to rubber. Provided is a tire in which a rubber-cord complex composed of a polyester cord and a rubber is used as a reinforcing member. The polyester cord is formed by twisting polyester filaments, and then subjecting the twisted filaments to an adhesive agent treatment. The polyester filament is made of a polyester fiber which is composed of a polyester having ethylene terephthalate as a main repeating unit and having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.85 or higher, wherein the amount of terminal carboxy group in the fiber is 20 equivalent/ton or larger, the long period according to small-angle X-ray diffraction is 9 to 12 nm, and a surface treatment agent having an epoxy group is attached to the surface of the fiber.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroyuki Yokokura, Daisuke Ozaki, Shintaro Shimada, Fuyuki Terasaka
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Patent number: 9463670Abstract: A pneumatic tire including a plurality of circumferential main grooves extending in a tire circumferential direction and a plurality of land portions partitioned and formed by these circumferential main grooves in a tread portion. Additionally, the plurality of land portions have a plurality of sipes, respectively. Moreover, not less than 90% of the sipes disposed in an inner side region are constituted by two-dimensional sipes and not less than 90% of the sipes disposed in an outer side region are constituted by three-dimensional sipes. Furthermore, the tread portion has a cap rubber and an under rubber. A rubber hardness H1in at ?10° C. and a rubber hardness H2in at 20° C. of the cap rubber 151in in the inner side region, and a rubber hardness H1out at ?10° C. and a rubber hardness H2out at 20° C. of the cap rubber 151out in the outer side region have relationships such that H1in<H1out and H2in<H2out.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.Inventors: Norifumi Kameda, Isamu Kishizoe
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Patent number: 9463671Abstract: A vehicle pneumatic tire has a two-layer belt and a tread having profile grooves within width TW 45. The maximum depth of the profile grooves varies within TW 45 and the tread has an outer contour defined by reference to rolling radius differences. The maximum depth of the grooves within a center region of TW 45 is the same. The maximum depth of the grooves in the shoulder region is a maximum of 2 mm less than in the center region. The outer contour of the tread in the center region is made flat so that the outer contour radius difference (ArdM) between the zenith and the center region axial end is less than 1 mm, and the outer contour of the tread in the transition region is configured so that the outer contour radius difference (Ards) between the zenith and the transition is 3 mm to 5 mm.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Continental Reifen Deutschland GmbHInventors: Robert Schiller, Daniela Schirra, Kalyan Yalamanchili
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Patent number: 9463672Abstract: The invention provides a tire tread, the tread having at least one circumferentially extending or laterally extending main groove, the maximum radial depth of the at least one main groove defining a non-skid tread depth, the at least one main groove partially forming at least one tread element, the at least one tread element having a sipe therein, wherein the sipe has a first portion having a first and second opposed side, and a third side joining said first and second side, and said sipe further including a continuous tubular pathway bordering said first, second and third side. The invention further includes a blade for molding a tire, the blade comprising a first portion having a first and second opposed side, and a third side joining said first and second side, and said blade further including a continuous tubular pathway extending along the third side and partially extending along at least one of the first and second side.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2013Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: Vincent Benoit Mathonet, Daniel Scheuren, Philippe Joseph Auguste Muller, Frank Pierre Severens, Eric Nowak
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Patent number: 9463673Abstract: A tire positioning method includes the following steps. Four wireless signals transmitted from four tires of a car are received by a wireless signal receiver. Each wireless signal includes a uniaxial acceleration. One of the tires which is located at a first location is identified according to the intensity of the wireless signals. The first location is the closest to the wireless signal receiver. When the car makes a turn, one of the tires which is located at a second location is identified according to the direction of each uniaxial acceleration. The second location and the first location are both located at one side of the car. The direction of the uniaxial acceleration of the tire which is located at the first location is identical to that of the tire which is at the second location. The side of the car is right side or left side.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2014Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Shih-Ching Huang, Chin-Chia Chang, Chung-Yuan Su
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Patent number: 9463674Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving, by one or more sensors, data for one or more cycles, each of the one or more cycles including one or more slots. The computer-implemented method further includes combining the one or more slots from each of the one or more cycles into a combined slot group. The computer-implemented method further includes converting the combined slot group into a converted slot group. The computer-implemented method further includes monitoring the converted slot group for an anomaly. The computer-implemented method further includes, responsive to the anomaly: Comparing the anomaly to one or more known anomalies to determine a correlation between the anomaly and the one or more known anomalies, and determining the anomaly location. The computer-implemented method further includes reporting a problem condition based on at least one of the correlation and the anomaly location. A corresponding computer system and computer program product are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Shi Wen He, Jun Liao, Rui Shen, Dan Dan Wang, Wen Bao Yin
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Patent number: 9463675Abstract: The present invention provides an improved dolly which is not only effective in terms of return logistics but also simple in design and easy to use. The novel dolly includes a chassis, which has an upper side with a load carrying surface, and an opposing underside. The dolly also includes a tow bar, which is arranged slidably to the underside of the chassis via a pivoting mechanism, which is configured to pivot the tow bar about a horizontal axis. The chassis of the dolly includes a corresponding hitch, which allows pivoting action about a vertical axis between the tow bar and the hitch.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2014Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: K. Hartwall Oy AbInventors: Eero Korhonen, Jack Gronholm, Petri Piirainen, Juha Makela
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Patent number: 9463676Abstract: A knee-action-type suspension is provided with an arm member, a compression coil spring, and a shock absorber. The coil spring is extended and retracted between a full-rebound state and a full-bump state in accordance with the magnitude of a load applied to a vehicle body. A wire of the coil spring includes a large-diameter wire portion, a small-diameter wire portion, and a wire diameter varying portion. The large-diameter wire portion is provided in a first portion of the coil spring, which is on the side near to a pivot. The small-diameter wire portion is provided in a second portion of the coil spring, which is on the side far from the pivot. A wire diameter of the large-diameter wire portion is greater than a wire diameter of the small-diameter wire portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2015Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.Inventors: Kenji Yamamotoya, Hideto Enomoto, Ken Takahashi, Toshiaki Sato, Mitsuhiro Sugiyama, Yoshio Kobayashi, Taichi Inage, Tomotake Kato, Akihiko Nishikawa, Masahiro Umezawa, Michihiko Ayada, Suguru Kajigaya
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Patent number: 9463677Abstract: A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle is disclosed having a wheel carrier and having multiple links which are each connected to the wheel carrier by way of a link attachment. The wheel carrier has a shell body composed of sheet metal and includes a base and a side wall. The shell body is closed off in regions by a cover plate, with the shell body being stiffened in this way. At least one link attachment has a bearing receptacle which is fixed in the side wall of the shell body, and in which a bearing is held. The link is fastened to link attachment, and engages around the bearing receptacle. The bearing receptacle is a sleeve or is formed as a rim hole in the side wall of the shell body.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: BENTELER AUTOMOBILTECHNIK GMBHInventors: Siegmund Czerr, Stephan Meyer
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Patent number: 9463678Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed designed for traveling on a traveling surface. The vehicle comprises a detection means for detecting irregularities in the traveling surface. From the detected irregularities in the traveling surface a first kinematic effect is calculated that is being exerted, or about to be exerted, on a support wheel of the vehicle. The vehicle further comprises an actuator that exerts a second kinematic effect on the support wheel. The second kinematic effect is identical or similar in magnitude to the first kinematic effect, and opposite in sign. The vehicle can be any vehicle, in particular an industrial vehicle, more particularly a vehicle that can be extended to a height exceeding its wheelbase.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: FLOOR MASTERInventors: Hans Voet, Pascal Degezelle
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Patent number: 9463679Abstract: A camber adjustment apparatus is provided for alignment of a vehicle wheel. The camber adjustment apparatus includes: a plate member configured to be bolted to the vehicle wheel; an adjuster plate member coupled to a bottom surface of the plate member and comprising a first end and a second end; an adjuster bolt coupled to the first end and the second end of the adjuster plate member; and an adjusting body movably coupled to the adjuster bolt and at least partially disposed between the first end and the second end of the adjuster plate member. The adjusting body is configured so that rotation of the adjuster bolt moves the adjusting body between the first end and the second end of the adjuster plate member such that the plate member is adjusted to a predetermined camber.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2015Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Inventor: Alin Marinescu
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Patent number: 9463680Abstract: Sway bars are described that include at least an inner sway bar, a first outer sway bar, and a second outer sway bar. The sway bar includes a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion that can engage and disengage under control from a remote location. The sway bar includes a larger diameter, outer sway bar assembly that can be disengaged and a smaller diameter inner sway bar. The sway bar can include a housing to retain fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2015Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: TAP Worldwide, LLCInventors: Jason M. Miyamoto, Sean J. Angues, Jason L. Bennett
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Patent number: 9463681Abstract: Methods and systems for real-time engine load control (RTLC) for electronically controlled engines in a transport refrigeration system (TRS) are provided. In particular, a RTLC system is provided to control an electronically controlled engine for the TRS in order to maximize temperature control of the TRS, while preventing engine shut down due to a TRS load demand that exceeds the engine's horsepower output capability. The RTLC system includes an engine control unit (ECU) connected to a TRS controller. TRS controller includes an ECU data processing component, a load control component, an ETV control component, a TRS load demand component and a temperature control and TRS protection component.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2013Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATIONInventors: Omosola Waidi Olaleye, Alan Gustafson
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Patent number: 9463682Abstract: A vehicle includes: a front panel provided in front of an occupant traveling in the vehicle; an air-conditioning duct that forms at least one air outlet, through which a conditioned airflow is blown, in an upper portion of the front panel; a wind direction adjustment member capable of adjusting the conditioned airflow blown out of the air outlet such that the conditioned airflow flows from the air outlet toward the occupant; and at least one display member that displays information to the occupant. The display member is provided in the air-conditioning duct or the air outlet. The wind direction adjustment member is provided so as not to interfere a path between an image displayed by the display member and the occupant.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2015Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takahito Suzuki, Tomoyuki Nunome, Tsukasa Mikuni, Makoto Niwa, Isamu Nagasawa
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Patent number: 9463683Abstract: To solve this problem, a desiccant humidity control technique is used, in which moisture emitted from passengers is absorbed, so as to suppress rising of an absolute humidity, by a desiccant which absorbs moisture in air or discharges moisture into air by the difference in relative humidity to air, and air with a high temperature is generated by utilization of heat generated by moisture absorption. This air is sprayed to a front window and other areas so as to cause defogging as well as heat the interior of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2010Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Inventor: Takumasa Watanabe
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Patent number: 9463684Abstract: A sliding window assembly is used with a vehicle. The sliding window assembly includes at least one fixed panel having first and second edges, with the fixed panel also having an arcuate configuration between the first and second edges. The sliding window assembly includes at least one rail coupled to the fixed panel and having first and second rail ends. The rail extends along an axis between the first and second rail ends. The rail defines a rail channel having a substantially linear configuration along the axis. The sliding window assembly includes a sliding panel at least partially disposed within the rail channel and movable along the rail and the axis relative to the fixed panel between open and closed positions. The first edge of the fixed panel is spaced from the second edge of the fixed panel along the axis that the rail extends along.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2015Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignees: AGC AUTOMOTIVE AMERICAS R&D, INC., AGC FLAT GLASS NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventor: David W. Lahnala
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Patent number: 9463685Abstract: A tailgate on a vehicle and a method of forming a tailgate for a vehicle includes a tailgate frame, a tailgate liner secured to the tailgate frame and a tailgate liner insert fixedly secured to the tailgate liner. The tailgate liner is formed of a first material and the tailgate liner insert is formed of a second material that is different from the first material. The tailgate liner insert is adapted to be accommodated within an insert aperture defined in the tailgate liner. The tailgate liner insert having an integrally molded feature.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2014Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Andrew Edward Barrow, Jason Dilley, Justin Longwell
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Patent number: 9463686Abstract: A utility vehicle includes: a chassis frame, a cargo bed, a cabin, and an engine. The utility vehicle further includes: a torque rod bracket fixed to an engine body forming a shell or outline of the engine and projecting upward from an upper end of the engine body; and a torque rod provided at a position higher than the upper end of the engine body and coupling the torque rod bracket and a frame member provided at one end in a vehicle width direction of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yuji Ohshita, Takuma Nozaki, Hiroshi Nakatani
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Patent number: 9463687Abstract: A method is provided for operating a drive unit for a hybrid vehicle. The drive unit includes a drive assembly with an internal combustion engine, and an electric motor, and a transmission featuring several sub-transmissions shifting between the drive assembly and an output. Through a planetary transmission, the electric motor is coupled to an input shaft of a first sub-transmission and an input shaft of a second sub-transmission shifted in parallel to the first sub-transmission. Through a frictional-locking separating clutch, the internal combustion engine couples to the input shaft of the first sub-transmission and, if the separating clutch is locked, is coupled to the same element of the planetary transmission together with the input shaft of the first sub-transmission.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2013Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Uwe Griesmeier
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Patent number: 9463688Abstract: A drive control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with a differential device including four rotary elements; and an engine, first and second electric motors and an output rotary member which are respectively connected to the four rotary elements. One of the four rotary elements is constituted by a rotary component of a first differential mechanism and a rotary component of a second differential mechanism selectively connected through a clutch, and one of the rotary components is selectively fixed to a stationary member through a brake. The drive control device stops a rotation of the engine by using the clutch or the brake when an engine speed is reduced for making a shift from an engine drive mode in which the engine is driven for running to a motor drive mode; engages the clutch or the brake to reduce the engine speed to zero after the first electric motor is used for reducing the engine speed.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2012Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tomoya Matsubara, Kazuyuki Shiiba
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Patent number: 9463689Abstract: Hydraulic motor integrated in a vehicular wheel comprising a hub having a cylindrical symmetry supported by a articulated stub axle and defining a development axis of the hub and of the hydraulic motor, a motor body, rotatably integral with the articulated stub axle, having an annular shape and being equipped with radial pistons, a ring nut integral with a hub and wherein said radial pistons act, an hydraulic oil distributor, wherein the hydraulic oil distributor is housed in the hub.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2014Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: FPT INDUSTRIAL S.P.A.Inventors: Emanuele Colacito, Edoardo Curti, Massimo Melluso, Giorgio Rossia
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Patent number: 9463690Abstract: A neck assembly of a fuel system component comprises a housing. The housing comprises a sleeve having a first end portion positioned exterior to the fuel system component and a longitudinally opposed second end portion. The housing further comprises an encapsulation ring extending radially outwardly from the second end portion of the sleeve and encapsulated within a wall of the fuel system component. The neck assembly further comprises a valve cartridge at least partially received within the sleeve and secured thereto. The valve cartridge comprises a conduit having a first end portion positioned exterior to the fuel system component and a longitudinally opposed second end portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2013Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Salflex Polymers LimitedInventors: Jeff Yager, Daniel Butum, William Matthew Foster
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Patent number: 9463691Abstract: A number of variations may include a transfer case comprising an input shaft and a first output shaft sharing a primary axis of rotation; a second output shaft offset from the first output shaft; a range shifter comprising a first cam constructed and arranged to selectively shift a vehicle to a high-range drive mode, a low range drive mode, or a neutral drive mode; a mode shifter comprising a second cam constructed and arranged to actuate a synchronizer which selectively shifts the vehicle between a two-wheel drive mode and a four-wheel drive mode a gear train having a first axis offset from the primary axis, and a reversible electric motor which drives the gear train wherein direction of the rotation of the electric motor determines engagement or disengagement of the mode shifter to selectively shift the vehicle between the two-wheel drive mode and the four-wheel drive mode.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2016Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Joseph D. Mastie, Larry A. Pritchard, Mallikarjun Rudagi
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Patent number: 9463692Abstract: In the display of an image including a fixed background image and a variation image of the background image, at least one of the amount of data to be held and the amount of work to be processed is reduced. A display control device acquires pixel description data including a combination of position information for specifying a position on a pixel array and address information for specifying an address in an image storage unit of image data which is displayed at the position specified by the position information. Furthermore, the display control device reads out the image data from the address of the image storage unit specified by the address information and specifies the position on the pixel array specified by the image description data to the display to input the read out image data.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: CYPRESS SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Minoru Usui
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Patent number: 9463693Abstract: [Problem] To provide a display device able to visibly and clearly display a relationship between a moving condition of an indicating member and an indexes. [Means for solving problem] A display device 1 includes: a design pattern 31 on which a plurality of numerical markers 35 are arranged; a pointer 32 configured to move along the numerical markers 35, and display a position corresponding to a measured amount of a moving object; a display member 15 configured to display an afterimage 33 extending in a direction M? opposite to a moving direction M of the pointer 32; and a CPU 10 configured to control the display member 15 to display the afterimage 33. A tip 32a of the pointer 32 is overlapped with an area 36 on which the numerical markers 35 are arranged. The CPU 10 makes the afterimage 33 extend from the tip part 32a of the pointer 32 to be overlapped with the area 36 on which the numerical markers 35 are arranged, and makes the numerical markers 35 visible through the afterimage 33.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2010Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Yukio Oishi
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Patent number: 9463694Abstract: A configurable vehicle cluster is described which extends down below a top of the steering column to provide a display of information. The display can display information to the driver through or around the steering wheel and the recess in the vehicle cluster through which the steering wheel column extends. An instrument cluster is positioned adjacent the steering assembly and includes a display having an edge that is non-linear and may at least partly wrap around the steering column to increase the viewing area of the cluster. The display may extend around the steering column behind the steering wheel. The vehicle cluster can be mounted lower in a vehicle while providing adequate viewing area and conserving space in the vehicle cabin.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2015Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Techologies, LLCInventors: Todd N. Clark, Kathleen M. Schulz, Christopher Tulik, Mark Larry
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Patent number: 9463695Abstract: A straddle electric vehicle comprises a battery case for storing a battery unit; an inverter for converting DC power stored in the battery unit into AC power; a plurality of electric components connected to the battery unit and the inverter; and an electric motor for generating driving power for rotating a drive wheel, by the AC power generated by conversion in the inverter; wherein the plurality of electric components are stored in the battery case such that the electric components are placed above the battery unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2011Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshimoto Matsuda, Masafumi Inoue
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Patent number: 9463696Abstract: Systems and methods for a mobile power conditioning platform are disclosed. According to one embodiment of the invention, a mobile power conditioning platform is positioned proximate to a power grid, coupled to the power grid via an offboard power coupling, coupled to an onboard electrical system of a vehicle via a vehicle power coupling, and transfers electric power between the power grid and the onboard electrical system. One or more onboard generators of the vehicle may modify operation at least partly in response to the transfer of electric power.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Ralph Teichmann
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Patent number: 9463697Abstract: A traction control system is provided that is applicable to both two wheel drive and four wheel drive electric vehicles, and which is capable of handling both low frequency and high frequency control duties. The system uses proportional gains in order to minimize controller delays and insure a natural feeling traction control system.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2015Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: ATIEVA, INC.Inventor: Jean-Philippe Gauthier
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Patent number: 9463698Abstract: A hybrid vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, a traction motor, a starter motor, and a battery bank, all controlled by a microprocessor in accordance with the vehicle's instantaneous torque demands so that the engine is run only under conditions of high efficiency, typically only when the load is at least equal to 30% of the engine's maximum torque output. In some embodiments, a turbocharger may be provided, activated only when the load exceeds the engine's maximum torque output for an extended period; a two-speed transmission may further be provided, to further broaden the vehicle's load range. A hybrid brake system provides regenerative braking, with mechanical braking available in the event the battery bank is fully charged, in emergencies, or at rest; a control mechanism is provided to control the brake system to provide linear brake feel under varying circumstances.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2011Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignees: PAICE LLC, The Abell Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Alex J. Severinsky, Theodore Louckes
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Patent number: 9463699Abstract: A power control method of an electric storage apparatus that includes an electric storage device and an output terminal connected to the electric storage device via a power supply route, the output terminal being electrically connected to a system including an engine, the method includes detecting a variation value corresponding to an amount of charge of the electric storage device, determining whether the detected variation value is equal to or lower than an opening threshold, the opening threshold being larger than an engine activation low-threshold by a predetermined value, the engine activation low-threshold being a lowest level of the amount of charge at which the engine is able to be started, and shutting down the power supply route in the electric storage apparatus, which connects the electric storage device to the output terminal, if the variation value is equal to or lower than the opening threshold.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2015Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: GS YUASA INTERNATIONAL LTD.Inventors: Takeshi Nakamoto, Takeyuki Shiraishi
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Patent number: 9463700Abstract: A method is provided for optimizing the charging protocol used when charging the battery pack of an electric vehicle, where optimization is based, in part, on the user's intended departure time and intended travel distance. Based on the user's travel information the process determines (i) an optimal charge level that maximizes the battery pack's lifetime while assuring that there is sufficient energy for the vehicle to travel the intended distance and (ii) an optimal charging rate that maximizes the battery pack's lifetime while assuring that the battery pack is charged to the optimal charge level prior to the intended time of departure. Safety margins may be added to the user's travel information, thus insuring that the car is charged and ready for use if the user decides to leave earlier than expected, or if the travel takes a larger charge than expected.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2014Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: ATIEVA, INC.Inventor: Albert Liu
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Patent number: 9463701Abstract: An exemplary assembly includes a cord and a lockable charger housing, which has a surface that is shaped to correspond with a shape of a portion of an electrified vehicle. An exemplary method includes positioning a surface of a lockable charger housing against a portion of an electrified vehicle. The surface has a shape corresponding to a shape of a portion of the electrified vehicle. The method includes securing the lockable charger housing relative to the portion after the positioning.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2014Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mohannad Hakeem, Eid Farha
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Patent number: 9463702Abstract: A charging inlet device (1, 2, 3) includes: an inlet housing (10) fixed to a vehicle body panel (P) with a charging port (11A) open towards an outer side of a vehicle body; a terminal (20) arranged in the charging port (11A); and a rear connector (50) mounted to the inlet housing (10) on an opposite side from the charging port (11A) and having a wire lead-out terminal (52) connecting the terminal (20) and an electrical wire (W) routed through the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2013Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventors: Hirotaka Fukushima, Daisuke Sugiyama, Tsutomu Sawada
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Patent number: 9463703Abstract: The cigarette lighter adaptor includes a housing having a first end and a second end. The first end of the device is a conventional plug that is adapted to plug into a power outlet disposed on a vehicle's dashboard. The first end of the device has a pair of exposed electrical contacts to complete the circuit to the automobile's 12 V DC electrical power source, thereby providing the present invention with power. The second end of the present invention comprises a DC cigarette lighter and a power outlet.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2015Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Inventor: Sandra Timblin
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Patent number: 9463704Abstract: A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically tracking employment information at least in part associated with one or more employees as users of one or more electric vehicles and at least in part related to wireless electrical energy storage charging for vehicular propulsion of 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: GrantFiled: December 31, 2013Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Elwha LLCInventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Richard T. Lord, Robert W. Lord, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood
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Patent number: 9463705Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method for adaptive charging compliance control are disclosed. A charging station wirelessly charges a vehicle in compliance with emissions regulations. A controller in the charging station obtains information regarding the characteristics of an incoming vehicle and accesses a maximum regulation-compliant power level database based on the vehicle information obtained and determines conditions of the vehicle parked at the charging station. The controller determines and delivers the maximum power level to wirelessly charge the vehicle while maintaining the level of field emissions no greater than the regulatory limit.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2014Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: QUALCOMM INCORPORATEDInventors: Simon Grabar, Michael Werner, Leandro Alberto Percebon
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Patent number: 9463706Abstract: A charging system for charging a vehicle includes a charging station and a vehicle. The charging station includes a wireless charging coil, an infrared receiver oriented to receive infrared signals generated proximate the coil, and a first wireless communications device. The vehicle includes a charge plate, a first emitter configured to generate a first infrared signal, a second wireless communications device in communication with the first wireless communication device, an in-vehicle display, and at least one controller. The vehicle can include a second emitter to emit a second infrared signal. The controller is configured to present positional information via the display. The positional information corresponds to a vehicle position detected in response to the first infrared signal being received by the infrared receiver.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2014Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christopher W. Bell, Allen Joseph Gilbert, Richard Kai Wong
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Patent number: 9463707Abstract: A method includes: estimating a position of a driver's eyes in a vehicle during a parking event in a parking spot that includes a wireless charging assembly in which a primary coil is installed, projecting an image onto an interior surface of the vehicle at a location based on the estimated position of the driver's eyes to assist the driver in aligning the vehicle with the wireless charging assembly, transmitting signals from the vehicle toward a reference object located at a rear area of the parking spot and detecting echoed signals at the vehicle caused by the transmitted signals reflecting from a surface of the reference object, and listening for an alignment confirmation signal at the vehicle from the wireless charging assembly indicating that the vehicle is satisfactorily aligned with the wireless charging assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2014Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignees: Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc., Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Allan Lewis
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Patent number: 9463708Abstract: A method for operating an electric traction drive system includes monitoring each of battery modules during operation for satisfactory functioning to detect a technical fault. The method further includes bypassing at least one battery module if a technical fault of the at least one battery module is detected. The method further includes operating the traction drive system in a traction state where an electric motor is supplied and actuated by connected battery modules to the battery module line to enable a currently generated torque to remain unchanged. The electric motor and the battery are positioned to generate an adjustable output voltage of the battery. The battery is configured to supply the electric motor. The battery includes a battery module line and the battery modules. The battery modules are configured to be connected in series with the battery module line or bypassed in the battery module line.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2013Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignees: Robert Bosch GmbH, Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Holger Fink
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Patent number: 9463709Abstract: A vehicle includes a controller. When a brake operation amount has increased, the controller calculates an estimated input value at the time when a main battery is charged in response to an increase in the brake operation amount, on the basis of a current speed and an amount of increase in brake operation amount. The controller discharges the main battery for charging an auxiliary battery at a current value that is calculated on the basis of the estimated input value by controlling an operation of a DC-DC converter before charging the main battery in response to an increase in the brake operation amount. Thus, it is possible to cancel a bias of salt concentration that is developed during charging by a bias of salt concentration that is developed during discharging, so, after the main battery has been charged, it is possible to suppress development of a bias of the salt concentration and suppress an increase in the internal resistance value of the main battery.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2015Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kazuhisa Takeda, Hiroki Tashiro, Hideaki Oka, Shuji Tomura
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Patent number: 9463710Abstract: A method and system of balancing battery cells are provided that use a data map that includes a balancing duty ratio based on an environment temperature of a battery and the number of balancing target-cells. The method includes measuring, by a temperature sensor, the environment temperature of a battery. In addition, a controller is configured to identify the number of the balancing target-cells and calculate a balancing duty ratio by substituting the environment temperature and the number of the balancing-target cells to the data map. A balancing time is deducted by the controller based on the calculated duty ratio and the corresponding battery cells are balanced by the controller with the calculated duty ratio for the balancing time.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2013Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Beom Gyu Kim
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Patent number: 9463711Abstract: A power system of an electric vehicle, an electric vehicle comprising the same and a method for heating a battery group of the electric vehicle are provided. The power system comprises: a battery group; a battery heater, in which the battery heater comprises a output power adjusting module configure to adjust a heating power of the battery heater by adjusting a charge current and/or a discharge current; a battery management device configured to control the output power adjusting module to adjust the heating power of the battery heater to heat the battery group according to a temperature of the battery group when the temperature of the battery group is lower than a first heating threshold and a residual electric quantity of the battery group is larger than a parking electric quantity threshold; a motor controller connected with a motor and an electric distribution box respectively; and an isolation inductor.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2013Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: BYD COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Xingchi Wu, Hongjun Wang, Shibin Xie
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Patent number: 9463712Abstract: A method controlling a powertrain fitted in an automobile and including an electric motor including a rotor and stator, the method including: regulation of currents of the rotor and the stator via control signals from the electric motor, wherein the currents and control signals are expressed in a rotating coordinate system and include a plurality of axes, the control signals resulting from a first transformation including a change of variable that enables dynamic decoupling between the control signals, along each of the axes of the plurality of axes; saturation of the control signals resulting from the first transformation to satisfy constraints of a battery fitted in the automobile and connected to the electric motor; and blockage of at least some of the current reference values of the regulation if the control signals are saturated.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2012Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.Inventors: Ludovic Merienne, Abdelmalek Maloum
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Patent number: 9463713Abstract: A system and method for controlling a rotating E-machine and for correcting a rotational position signal output by an angular position sensor operatively connected to the E-machine in conjunction with a sensor digital converter is disclosed. For each angular operating speed of interest, a set of signals as a function of position is taken such that the harmonics (or sub-harmonics) related to the position sensor may be determined and isolated from errors due to an associated digital converter. From this information, the magnitude and phase of the position sensor harmonics is determined. The effects of the sensor digital converter (or other signal processing equipment) are then determined and accounted for, allowing the control system to apply the total position error signal to the position sensor output signal to determine a corrected position sensor signal for use in controlling the E-machine.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2016Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventors: James E. Walters, Ronald J. Krefta
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Patent number: 9463714Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension mat (10) comprises one or more suspension springs (16) for supporting a seat cushion (22) and an occupancy sensor module (24) supported by at least one suspension spring. The module includes a first plate (26) having a switch element (38) arranged thereon and a second plate (28) mounted in a cantilevered manner to the first plate, in such a way that the first and second plates form together a pair of jaws, which the switch element is arranged between. The first and second plates are configured so as to move closer together against their resiliency in response to compressive forces acting on the first and second plates.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2013Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: IEE International Electronics and Engineering S.A.Inventor: Guenter Goedert
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Patent number: 9463715Abstract: A method of positioning a vehicle seat is provided that allows a vehicle passenger seat, preferably a rear passenger seat mounted within the rear portion of the passenger cabin, to move laterally (i.e., side-to-side), fore-aft (i.e., forwards-backwards), and rotationally. As a result, an occupant of the passenger seat can optimize their seat position for the task at hand, e.g., relaxing, obtaining additional leg and/or shoulder room, rotating inwards during a conversation with others in the car, rotating outwards to aid vehicle egress, etc.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2015Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: ATIEVA, INC.Inventors: Peter Dore Rawlinson, Daniel Jefferson Muir
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Patent number: 9463716Abstract: A vehicle slide rail device in which a rear portion of the front locking section and a front portion of the rear locking section each contact inner surfaces of corresponding lock grooves; and a forward/rearward distance between a front surface of the front locking section and a front surface of a corresponding said forward/rearward movement restriction groove, and a forward/rearward distance between a rear surface of the rear locking section and a rear surface of a corresponding said forward/rearward movement restriction groove, are narrower than a forward/rearward distance between a rear surface of the front locking section and a rear surface of a corresponding said forward/rearward movement restriction groove, and a forward/rearward distance between a front surface of the rear locking section and a front surface of a corresponding said forward/rearward movement restriction groove.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2013Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: SHIROKI CORPORATIONInventor: Naoki Hayashi