Patents Issued in October 25, 2016
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Patent number: 9475423Abstract: A lamp assembly is provided for installation in an opening of a vehicle body. The lamp assembly includes a lamp container having first and second sides, each of the first and second sides integrally including first and second stops, and at least one clip assembly including a clip, a threaded bolt, and a nut. The clip has a connecting wall with respective first and second side walls extending from the connecting wall, and first and second tabs extending inwardly respectively from the first and second side walls, the threaded bolt being inserted through an opening in the connecting wall of the clip, and the nut being threaded onto the bolt. When the lamp assembly is in a pre-compressed position, the nut is spaced away from the stops, and, when the lamp assembly is in a compressed position, at least one of the nut and the connecting wall contacts the stops.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John Urban Kowalczyk, Albert Ekladyous, Gary Edward Henige, Sleiman N. Abdelnour, Kelley Maria Adams-Campos
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Patent number: 9475424Abstract: An electronics device is configured for installation in the brake light circuitry of a vehicle braking system. The electronics device is particularly configured to provide a flashing or pulsing appearance for a brake light, such as an automobile CHMSL. The pulsing is accomplished in a precise manner and that provides additional operational safety features than standard automotive brake lights. The electronics device is configured to avoid over-triggering of the pulsating lights due to multiple application of the automobile's brakes in a short time frame. The electronics device is further configured to function correctly even if the automobile is equipped with sophisticated computer systems that analyze the brake light circuitry, and is configured to avoid detection as a problem by the vehicle's diagnostic systems. At the same time, the electronics device will still allow the vehicle's diagnostic scans to detect any actual problems with the brake light system without hindrance.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: KINETECH LLCInventors: Mark Olson, Todd Utley, David Seal
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Patent number: 9475425Abstract: A device and a method for controlling the electrical power supply of a plurality of light sources, preferably of light-emitting diodes, or LEDs. The plurality of light sources is divided into at least two groups of light sources. The invention is noteworthy in that it allows the use of a multiphase step-up voltage converter for all the groups of light sources, whereas the measurements of the input currents for each of the phases of the converter give a reliable indication of the level of power required by one of the groups being powered.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Valeo VisionInventors: Sebastian Krick, Patrick Wacheux, Huy-Cuong Nguyen, Marc Duarte, Dominique Bodzianny, Olivier-Sebastien Lesaffre
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Patent number: 9475426Abstract: An illuminable vehicle floor mat assembly for synchronizing the lighting up of tape disposed in recessed portions in the transparent floor mat with the playing of music in the vehicle. The illuminable vehicle floor mat assembly includes a transparent floor adapted to rest upon the floor of a vehicle; and a lighting assembly attached to the transparent floor mat for displaying flashing and pulsating light with varying degrees of brightness and intensity.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Inventors: Demetris A. Bobo, Adrian A. Stevens
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Patent number: 9475427Abstract: A vehicle lighting device includes a light source, a light source housing, and a covering member. The light source housing holds the light source therein and has an opening. The covering member is attached to the light source housing so as to cover the opening of the light source housing and configured to pass light emitted by the light source therethrough. The covering member includes a transparent sheet portion and a cover portion. The sheet portion includes an electrode layer. The cover portion is welded to one of surfaces of the sheet portion by insert molding and arranged on the light source housing to cover the opening of the light source housing and a light exit surface of the light source such that a surface of the cover portion without the sheet portion faces the light source.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroyasu Tahara, Kenji Kiyosawa
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Patent number: 9475428Abstract: A steering wheel assembly including a support element having at least one click-stop element, and at least one guide bush for connection to an airbag module. The guide bush is connected to the click-stop element by a click-stop connection. The click-stop connection has play so that the guide bush is movable relative to the click-stop element in the vertical direction. The support element includes at least one first contact sheet and the guide bush includes at least one second contact sheet. The first contact sheet is arranged in its mounting position beneath the guide bush so that the second contact sheet is made to contact the first contact sheet by movement of the guide bush.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Dalphi Metal Espana S.A.Inventor: Manuel Angel Celada Yebenes
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Patent number: 9475429Abstract: To detect parked vehicles at night, the present invention discloses night-detection device and method. The night-detection device comprises a moving-vehicle sensor and a parked-vehicle sensor. It uses the light beam from a passing-by vehicle to detect parked vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignees: ChengDu HaiCun IP Technology LLCInventors: Guobiao Zhang, Andrew T. Shih, Allison P. Shih
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Patent number: 9475430Abstract: A vehicle image processing apparatus includes: a group of cameras; a drawing unit that converts a captured image into an image viewed along a line of sight running from a predetermined position in a predetermined direction; a viewing-line-of-sight changing unit that detects whether a first line of sight is switched to a second line of sight; and a viewing-line-of-sight generation/updating unit that acquires parameters concerning the first and second lines of sight after detecting the switching and generates a parameter which is gradually changed from the parameter of the first line of sight to the parameter of the second line of sight. Moreover, the drawing unit generates, on the basis of the gradually changed parameter, an image which is gradually changed from an image viewed along the first line of sight to an image viewed along the second line of sight.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2010Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventors: Asako Kitaura, Seiya Shimizu, Hiroshi Yamada
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Patent number: 9475431Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element, a front mirror casing portion configured to receive the mirror reflective element, a rear mirror casing and a mirror backplate. The mirror backplate includes a generally planar attachment portion for attaching at a rear surface of the mirror reflective element and includes a perimeter flange circumscribing a perimeter of the generally planar attachment portion. The perimeter flange is partially received in the rear mirror casing portion and partially received in the front mirror casing portion, and the perimeter flange couples the front and rear mirror casing portions to the mirror backplate.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2012Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Mark R. Brummel, Darryl P. De Wind, Gregory A. Huizen
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Patent number: 9475432Abstract: A motor vehicle accessory mounts temporarily to a motor vehicle door hinge. The integral mount of the accessory includes a metal sleeve lined with a non-scratching non-metallic material.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Steinjager, Inc.Inventor: Mark C. Rauschert
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Patent number: 9475433Abstract: An automated, interchangeable vehicle grill includes a plurality of reversible motors, each mounted near an existing grill opening on the front end of a vehicle. Each motor rotates a drive shaft having a grill block mounted thereon. The grill block includes two adjacent sides, each having a unique, discrete grill configuration. For example, a first side is configured to resemble a standard, factory-installed grill, while a second side is configured to resemble a billet or other non-standard, aftermarket grill. Accordingly, a user can automatically switch between two different grill configurations by simply operating a switch within the passenger compartment.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Inventor: Joseph Mallory, III
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Patent number: 9475434Abstract: A technique for providing localized stiffening of a vehicle trim panel, especially for high curvature areas. The vehicle trim panel includes an outer panel having an outer show surface and an inner surface. A plurality of discrete reinforcement elements are bonded to the inner surface of the outer panel at locations where localized stiffening is desired. The discrete elements can come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, where the combination of elements and the number of elements is selected for a particular trim panel stiffness.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nilesh D. Mankame, Mark O. Vann, Julien P. Mourou, Steven C. Lang
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Patent number: 9475435Abstract: A vehicle exterior component includes a honeycomb structure having an inner plate portion arranged in the vicinity of an engine compartment, an outer plate portion arranged at an outer side of the inner plate portion, and a honeycomb portion held between the plate portions. The honeycomb portion includes a plurality of partition walls and a plurality of cells, which are separated from one another by the partition walls. Each of the partition walls of each cell has communication holes, to allow communication between the engine compartment and the interior space of the cell. Each partition wall has an absorbing portion. When external force acting inward is applied to the partition wall, the absorbing portion absorbs energy produced by the external force through deformation of the partition wall at positions corresponding to the peripheries of the communication holes, of the partition wall.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshikazu Hirose, Shigeru Yabuya, Yoshihiro Kurosaki, Shohei Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9475436Abstract: A number of variations may include a grille cover which may attach to a grille.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Wayne R. Witkop
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Patent number: 9475437Abstract: The invention relates to a system (2) for high-voltage disconnection in a vehicle having at least two high-voltage carrying components (10, 12a, b, 14, 16, 18, 20), each component having a housing (11), at least one connecting element for a data bus (4) and at least one connecting element for a high-voltage supply (9), each high-voltage carrying component (10, 12a, b, 14, 16, 18, 20) being designed to detect locally an event which is intended to trigger a high-voltage disconnection, wherein said system is characterized in that each high-voltage carrying component (10, 12a, b, 14, 16, 18, 20) is designed locally to trigger a high-voltage disconnection of the high-voltage carrying component (10, 12a, b, 14, 16, 18, 20) as a reaction to the detection of the event. As an advantageous development, access to components having a hazardous voltage is possible only after the connecting element of the data bus has been removed, the removal or disruption of which leads to rapid disconnection of the electric system.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2011Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Jochen Fassnacht
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Patent number: 9475438Abstract: Vehicle including a seat on which an occupant sits, a set of at least one electric field antenna arranged in the seat, and a control unit coupled to the antenna set and configured to direct one or more antennas to transmit an oscillating electric field at a frequency that enables the electric field to be conducted through the seated occupant. An electrical circuit is coupled to a vehicular component and has a conductive surface in a position accessible by the occupant's finger. Proximity of the occupant's finger to or contact with the conductive surface, when an antenna is transmitting an oscillating electric field conducted through the occupant, causes a capacitive coupling to develop between the occupant and the conductive surface and completion of the circuit. This enables control of the component by the occupant's finger, which may be adjustment or change in the state, condition or operation of the component.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Intelligent Technologies International, Inc.Inventors: David S Breed, Wendell C Johnson, Wilbur E DuVall
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Patent number: 9475439Abstract: A battery system for a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine includes at least one starting circuit, a low-voltage on-board supply system, and an on-board supply system with an increased voltage. The starting circuit has a first battery and a starter that is configured to be connected to the first battery. The low-voltage supply system has at least one electrical consumer and a second battery configured to produce a first voltage. The supply system with increased voltage has an electrical generator and a third battery configured to produce a second voltage that is higher than the first voltage. The electric generator is configured to produce a third voltage that is higher than the second voltage. A first coupling connects the supply system with increased voltage to the low-voltage supply system and transfers energy therebetween. A second coupling connects the low-voltage on-board supply system to the starter circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Joachim Fetzer, Stefan Butzmann, Holger Fink
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Patent number: 9475440Abstract: Electrical connection console for a motor vehicle on-board electrical system comprising a cable 2 having a metallic conductor 4 and an electrical tap 12 connected to the conductor 4 electrically and mechanically. A decentral on-board electrical system structure is facilitated by the tap 12 being formed from a metallic flat part 20 and a metallic connection bolt 12 formed with the flat part 20 in a material bond, and by the flat part 20 being materially bonded to the conductor 4 in a connection region 10 of the conductor 4, wherein the connection region 10 is arranged between the ends of the cable 2.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Auto-Kabel Management GmbHInventors: Heinz-Georg Gottschlich, Martin Schloms
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Patent number: 9475441Abstract: An energy absorber assembly for a motor vehicle includes a first deformable energy absorbing component and at least one deformable second energy absorbing component associated with a grille assembly of the motor vehicle. The first energy absorbing component defines at least one receiver for engaging a corresponding portion of the at least one second energy absorbing component whereby the receiver and the mating surface remain engaged on receiving an impact. The first energy absorbing component is carried on a bumper assembly or attached to a fascia assembly of the motor vehicle, and the second energy absorbing component is included in a grille carrier component of the motor vehicle grille assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Juan Moises Calleja, Rabin Bhojan, Irfan Sharif
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Patent number: 9475442Abstract: A method for triggering a passenger protection unit of a vehicle includes: reading in a first and a second sensor signal value of a first sensor, which is situated at a first location in the vehicle; reading in a third and a fourth sensor signal value of a second sensor, which is situated at a second location in the vehicle which is different from the first location; and activating the passenger protection unit using the first, second, third and fourth sensor signal values. The first and third sensor signal values represent a physical variable detected in a first sensor direction, and the second and fourth sensor signal values represent a second physical value detected in a second sensor direction which is different from the first sensor direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventor: Gunther Lang
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Patent number: 9475443Abstract: An aspect provides a method, including: capturing, using a sensor, positional information relating to a driver; determining, using a processor, a driver position with respect to an airbag containing component based on the positional information; and adjusting deployment of the airbag based on the determined driver position. Other aspects are described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Nathan J. Peterson, Arnold S. Weksler, Russell Speight VanBlon, John Carl Mese, Rod D. Waltermann
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Patent number: 9475444Abstract: A roof module for a vehicle roof of a passenger vehicle is disclosed. The roof module has at least one covering element which is adjustable in a guided manner along lateral guiding elements which are spaced apart from one another in the vehicle transverse direction between a closed position which covers a roof opening and an open position which releases the roof opening at least in a partial region. At least one of the guiding elements is formed at least in an absorption region as an energy absorption element which is deformable, thereby absorbing energy, in the case of an at least indirect impact of the head of a vehicle occupant with the energy absorption element.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Oguz Berberoglu, Achim Demmer, Stefan Doeffinger, Peer-Olaf Kober, Juergen Schrader
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Patent number: 9475445Abstract: An airbag includes a primary portion and a secondary portion. The primary portion defines a first chamber and the secondary portion defines a second chamber fluidly connected to the first chamber. The primary portion further defines a center axis and the secondary portion is disposed at least partially along the center axis. In its unexpanded state, the airbag may be disposed under an instrument cluster.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Pardeep Kumar Jindal, Djamal Eddine Midoun, Edward Joseph Abramoski, Rahul Makwana
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Patent number: 9475446Abstract: An airbag is stored in a storage portion provided in a side of the seat back of a car seat and fixed to a side frame portion. The airbag is deployed and inflated by inflation gas that is supplied in response to an impact from a side of the seat back. The airbag displaces a cover main body of a cover sideways from the seat back with a hinge portion function as a pivot, so that the storage portion is opened. The airbag includes an upstream inflation portion, which forms a rear part and receives inflation gas, and a downstream inflation portion, which is located forward of the upstream inflation portion. The downstream inflation portion receives inflation gas via the upstream inflation portion. The upstream inflation portion has a front end that is located forward of a front end of the cover when the upstream inflation portion is inflated.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventors: Masashi Hotta, Yuji Sato, Eiji Sato, Masao Kino
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Patent number: 9475447Abstract: A seat back includes a frame and a deployable device mounted to the frame. The deployable device includes a back panel, a front panel opposite the back panel, and a cavity between the back panel and the front panel. An inflator is in communication with the cavity. A clip is fixed to the back panel and is engaged with the frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Michael James Whitens, Mohammed Omar Faruque, Dean M. Jaradi, Iskander Farooq
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Patent number: 9475448Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a motor vehicle airbag occupant restraint system fastener includes a metal clip, a first thermoplastic connector, a second thermoplastic connector, and a thermoplastic tether. The thermoplastic tether extends between the first and second thermoplastic connectors. Opposing ends of the thermoplastic tether are seamlessly integrated into the first and second thermoplastic connectors, respectively. The first and second thermoplastic connectors are formed of a first material and the thermoplastic tether is formed of a second material that is different from the first.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: NEWFREY LLCInventor: Steven Michael Benedetti
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Patent number: 9475449Abstract: Headliner assemblies may include multiple support structures operatively connected to portions of a headliner. The support structures may include one or more stiffeners. Assemblies may include a tether configured to engage two portions of the stiffeners. In some examples, a headliner assembly may include a moon roof stiffener and a side rail stiffener with a tether that engages portions of each. The tether may provide retention forces in the event of an airbag deployment or headliner impact to retain portions of the stiffeners that may fracture or break.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: James M. Thomas, Jr.
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Patent number: 9475450Abstract: An airbag main body is divided into a first inflation chamber, a second inflation chamber, and a third inflation chamber. The third inflation chamber is inflated beside the lumbar region of an occupant. The vertical partition has a communication hole that connects the first inflation chamber and the second inflation chamber to each other. The airbag main body has a gas passage, which extends in the up-down direction and surrounds at least the gas outlet of an inflator. The gas passage bridges the first inflation chamber and the third inflation chamber. The gas passage has an upper opening, which faces a part of the first inflation chamber that is inflated beside the shoulder region of the occupant. The gas passage also has a lower opening, which faces the third inflation chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventors: Takuya Hiraiwa, Yuji Sato, Takashi Iida, Masashi Hotta
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Patent number: 9475451Abstract: Disclosed is and airbag apparatus including an inflator which generates gas; an airbag which has a first expandable portion that is coupled to the inflator and inflated when gas flows into the first expandable portion, and a second expandable portion that is inflated by gas discharged from the first expandable portion; and a partition wall which is disposed in the airbag to divide the airbag in a left and right direction into the first expandable portion and the second expandable portion, and has a communicating hole through which gas in the first expandable portion is discharged into the second expandable portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.Inventor: Hae Wook Kwon
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Patent number: 9475452Abstract: A hinge arrangement for a bonnet of a vehicle comprises a hinge portion adapted to be attached to a body of the vehicle, a bonnet portion adapted to be attached to the bonnet, and a rear deployment guiding element adapted to control transition of the hinge arrangement between a normal position and a deployed position. The hinge portion comprises one or more hinge pivot axes providing a hinged connection between the bonnet and the body of the vehicle allowing opening of the bonnet. The bonnet portion is arranged to be in a fixed position relative to an upper portion of the hinge portion during opening of the bonnet. The bonnet portion as a whole is arranged to be translationally displaced at least upwards in relation to the upper portion of the hinge portion during a transition of the hinge arrangement between the normal position and the deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATIONInventors: Peter Lindmark, Carin Stenmark, Cihan Tekin
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Patent number: 9475453Abstract: A seat belt arrangement includes a seat belt having a first end portion secured to the seat at a first lower attachment point, and a second end portion mounted on a reel secured to the vehicle frame; a lower deflection member slidably attached to the seat belt and equipped with a locking element intended to be removably locked in a second lower attachment point on the seat; an upper deflection system attached to the seat belt between the lower deflection member and the reel, and in which the seat belt may slide. The upper deflection system is arranged on a pivotal arm mounted on the vehicle frame so as to be able to automatically pivot about a pivot axis relative to the vehicle frame when the seat moves vertically, in order to keep the length of the torso portion of the seat belt, between the upper deflection system and the lower deflection member, and the seat belt tension substantially constant.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Volvo Truck CorporationInventor: Paolo Ballarin
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Patent number: 9475454Abstract: The invention relates to a belt tensioner (10) for a seat belt system comprising a belt shaft housing (18), a belt shaft (12) pivoted about an axis (A) in the belt shaft housing (18) as well as a belt shaft inserting element (20) at which one end (14) of the webbing (16) is fixed, wherein the belt shaft (12) includes a recess (22) for receiving the belt shaft inserting element (20) and wherein the belt shaft inserting element (20) is adapted to be introduced substantially radially into the recess (22).Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2012Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbHInventors: Hans-Peter Betz, Dominik Seitzer, Karl Ruediger
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Patent number: 9475455Abstract: A pretensioner assembly for motor vehicle belt restraint systems is provided. The pretensioner assembly includes a tube in fluid communication with a gas generator and a polymer rod disposed therein that travels in a first direction in response to actuation of the gas generator. The polymer rod is plastically deformable and engages a sprocket to rotate the sprocket in response to the travel of the rod, where rotation of the sprocket causes pretensioning. The rod has a non-constant cross-section along its length. The rod becomes locked after actuation to prevent travel in an opposite direction. The system further includes a seal member and slug member disposed between the rod and the gas generator, where the seal member is relatively flexible and the slug member is relatively hard.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.Inventors: Mark F. Gray, Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer
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Patent number: 9475456Abstract: A battery system for a motor vehicle includes at least one starting circuit, a low-voltage on-board supply system, and an on-board supply system with an increased voltage. The on-board supply system with increased voltage is connected to the low-voltage on-board supply system by a first coupling unit used to draw electrical energy from the on-board supply system with increased voltage and to supply said energy to the low-voltage on-board supply system. The low-voltage supply system is connected to the starter circuit by a second coupling unit used to draw electrical energy from the low-voltage on-board supply system and to supply said energy to the starter circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Joachim Fetzer, Stefan Butzmann, Holger Fink
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Patent number: 9475457Abstract: A locking system for a golf cart and the like vehicle having a brake pedal and a speed control pedal located at a floor area is disclosed which comprises a moveable locking device adapted for installation at said floor area of said vehicle having a lock position and an unlock position. The locking device has a locking rod for maintaining the brake pedal down in a braking position, and which maintains the control pedal up in an inoperable position in the locked position, when installed, to disable the operation of the golf cart. The locking rod can be moved to the unlocked position when installed allowing said brake pedal to rise and become operable, and said control pedal to be moved downward rendering the vehicle operable. The vehicle is disabled in the locked position to prevent unauthorized use and theft of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Inventor: David Baynard
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Patent number: 9475458Abstract: A locking device for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel column has a housing, a worm wheel cover, a blocking bolt that locks a steering wheel shaft in the steering wheel column, wherein the blocking bolt is movable between a first and a second position, a drive that moves the blocking bolt from the first position to the second position, a latching element that latches the blocking bolt, a mechanical activation mechanism that activates the latching element, and that has a trigger element, and a pushing element. In the first position, the blocking bolt is in blocking engagement with the steering wheel shaft. In the second position, the blocking bolt is disengaged from the steering wheel shaft. The latching element comprises a pin, and an opening is disposed in the blocking bolt for engagement with the pin.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Thilo Marx, Damien Vagney, Kenjirou Hayashi
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Patent number: 9475459Abstract: A self-powered wireless fuse switch is disclosed that is a plug-in replacement for a fuse found in the electrical system of vehicles. The self-powered wireless fuse adds remote-controlled switching capabilities for short and long-range control of power to subsystems of a vehicle electrical system. The wireless fuse switch includes an internal transceiver that receives commands from a remote control unit and controls the position of an internal relay. The wireless control module interfaces with a fuse socket of the vehicle to selectively allow or interrupt power from the vehicle to the subsystem of the vehicle electrical system. The wireless fuse switch includes either a two-blade or three-blade harness assembly that allows the wireless fuse switch to be received within the fuse socket of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Tieman Vehicle Technologies LLCInventor: Craig A. Tieman
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Patent number: 9475460Abstract: A gear locking lever device having a gear lever locking device mounting base and a gear lever locking member mounted and attached to the gear lever locking device mounting base is provided. The gear lever locking member includes a base plate located above the gear lever locking device mounting base. The lateral side of the base plate is provided with engaging leg extending laterally toward both sides. An intermediate portion of the base plate is provided with a pin engaging hole. A lower portion of the base plate is provided with a ball bearing pocket with a ball bearing mounted inside the ball bearing pocket.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Inventors: Kamol Kantajaraniti, Suwat Petcharapirat
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Patent number: 9475461Abstract: A system for silently communicating a horn-signal between vehicles is provided. The system includes a sending-vehicle equipped with a horn-button operable by a horn-operator, a transmitter configured to transmit, using electromagnetic-energy, a horn-signal in response to the horn-operator operating the horn-button, and a first location-device configured to determine a send-location of the sending-vehicle. The transmitter is configured to incorporate the send-location into the horn-signal. The system may also include a receiving-vehicle different from the sending-vehicle. The receiving-vehicle is equipped with a receiver configured to detect the horn-signal, and a second location-device configured to determine, based on the horn-signal, a relative-location of the sending-vehicle relative to the receiving-vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Devaiah A. Pudiyathanda, Pavithra Vempalli Narayana, Sowmya Katikala, Rashmi Ramachandra
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Patent number: 9475462Abstract: A system for monitoring an interior of a vehicle, comprising an identification device adapted to be carried by an individual, a vehicular unit adapted for mounting within the vehicle, and a controller adapted for remote wireless communication with the unit. The unit will activate a camera and a microphone when a person is detected within the vehicle. The unit will search for the identification device and, if the identification device is not detected, the unit will activate an alarm. If the identification device is detected, the unit will compare an access code from the identification device with authorized access codes. If the access code is not found within the authorized access codes, the unit will activate an alarm. The controller is operable to display images, broadcast sounds, and display the alarm status from the unit to a user in possession of the controller.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Inventors: Grant W. Crider, Erik D. Arendall, Kenneth M. Bush
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Patent number: 9475463Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner, even in a case where an air outlet mode is set in which an air outlet switching damper opens a defroster opening so as to blow air from the defroster opening toward an inner surface of a window glass of a vehicle, the air outlet switching damper is controlled to close the defroster opening when a target air temperature TAO is lower than an outside air temperature TAM. Thus, the vehicle air conditioner prevents a fogging of an outer surface of the window glass without decreasing a temperature comfort in a vehicle compartment.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2012Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masashi Watanabe, Kouichi Tabei
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Patent number: 9475464Abstract: A system and method is provided for determining if a windshield wiper of a vehicle should be automatically activated. The system and method may include a sensor system that receives at least one distance signal indicative of a distance between an object and a front windshield of the vehicle. The sensor system may further receive a relative velocity of the object using the at least one distance signal, the relative velocity being indicative of a velocity between the object and the front windshield of the vehicle. The sensor system may determine whether a windshield wiper should be automatically activated in response to the distance signal being within a distance activation range and the relative velocity being within a velocity activation range or the relative velocity exceeding a maximum velocity threshold.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Wilford Trent Yopp, Peter Gyumyeong Joh, Wangdong Luo
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Patent number: 9475465Abstract: A windscreen wiper device of the flat blade type comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material having one groove, in which groove a longitudinal strip of the carrier element is disposed. Free ends of the wiper blade are connected to a respective connecting piece. The wiper blade is provided with a spoiler and at least one connecting piece having an internal reinforcement rib connecting lateral sides of the connecting piece. The spoiler is removed along a portion of the length of the wiper blade at a free end of the wiper blade facing the connecting piece. In the mounted position the internal transverse reinforcement rib; abuts the spoiler.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2011Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Federal-Mogul S.A.Inventor: Xavier Boland
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Patent number: 9475466Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically removing snow and/or ice from a portion of a vehicle exterior surface are provided. The automatic removal is in response to a determined driving distance or driving time to a destination. The systems include a vehicle navigation unit in communication with a snow removal element. When the navigation unit determines that the current driving distance or driving time to a destination is less than a pre-determined activation point, the frozen precipitate removal element is activated. The systems and methods of the present disclosure can have the benefit of removing snow or ice from a vehicle exterior surface before the vehicle arrives at a destination such as a storage garage, thereby minimizing the deposition of snow or ice at the destination.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Christopher L. Kowalk
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Patent number: 9475467Abstract: A vehicle conveyor for conveying a wheeled vehicle along a track using a roller may include a track with an opening for passage of a roller from a surface to an underside of the track. The conveyor may also include a door that is pivotable, about a pivot that is below track level, between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the door may cover the opening. In the open position, the door may uncover the opening. The conveyor may further include a gap in the track, adjacent to the opening, for accommodating the door when pivoted to the open position. A flexible cover may cover the gap and may be free to ride up and onto at least a portion of the door that extends above a surface of the track as the door pivots from the closed position to the open position.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Ryko Canada, Inc.Inventors: Daniel J. MacNeil, Ereth McKnight-MacNeil
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Patent number: 9475468Abstract: Caliper bodies are provided for disc brakes suitable for being arranged astride of a disc for a disc brake, which include an attachment side portion, a non-attachment side portion and at least one bridge, said bridge being suitable for connecting such side portions and for being arranged astride of the disc, wherein the caliper body includes at least one portion made from thermoplastic material, reinforced with carbon fibres, with resistance to a temperature of at least 200° C. Disc brakes which incorporate such caliper bodies are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2011Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Petroceramics S.p.A.Inventors: Massimiliano Valle, Niccolo′ Ignazio Maria Pini
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Patent number: 9475469Abstract: An electric brake system includes a linear motion mechanism for converting the rotation of a rotary shaft to a linear motion of an outer ring member, and configured such that the friction pad is pressed against the brake disk by the outer ring member. The brake system further includes a reaction force receiving member adapted to receive an axially rearward reaction force generated when the friction pad is moved axially forwardly and pressed against the brake disk, and a stationary member provided axially rearward of the reaction force receiving member. A magnetic pole row is mounted to the reaction force receiving member, while the magnetic sensor is mounted to the stationary member.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2012Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: NTN CORPORATIONInventors: Toru Takahashi, Yui Masuda
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Patent number: 9475470Abstract: A trailer brake control method that includes determining, based on information from a vehicle speed sensor, a current vehicle speed of a vehicle; and regardless of the current vehicle speed, determining, using a processing unit, a minimum trailer brake control value (MTBCV) based on the equation MTBCV=R1?Cth root(the current vehicle speed)/R2, wherein the minimum trailer brake control value corresponds to a minimum braking force at the current vehicle speed, R1 is a real number less than 1.0, C is an integer greater than 2, and R2 is a real number greater than 1.0. The method also includes determining, using the processing unit, a trailer brake command signal based on the minimum trailer brake control value; and operating brakes of a trailer connected to the vehicle at or above the minimum braking force by transmitting the trailer brake command signal from the vehicle to a trailer.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Daniel Sigfus Maitlen
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Patent number: 9475471Abstract: Based on a difference between target and actual values of a friction member force pressing a brake disc, feedback control over the pressing force is executed. As the actual value, a “limit pressing force (Fbs) obtained by placing a limitation on a temporal change amount of the Fba based on a limit value (Lmt)” is used. The limit value (Lmt) is set based on an electric motor speed (dMkt, dMka), a wheel speed (Vwa), and a temporal change amount (?Tmp) of the friction member temperature. The Lmt is set to increase as the dMkt (dMka) increases and the temporal change amount (?Tmp) of the temperature increases, and to also increase as the wheel speed (Vwa) decreases. Thus, even when a rotating member (brake disc) is deformed, braking torque control can be appropriately executed without accelerating a fluctuation of a braking torque on the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2012Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: ADVICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshiyuki Yasui, Hiroyuki Kodama, Naotoshi Satake
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Patent number: 9475472Abstract: A brake system includes a brake apparatus. This brake apparatus is configured to keep a vehicle braked by an electric mechanism in response to a parking brake request signal, and brake the vehicle by supply of a hydraulic pressure from a hydraulic source in response to an operation performed on a brake pedal. The brake system further includes a controller configured to drive the electric mechanism until a target pressing force is acquired to establish a brake holding state in response to the parking brake request signal. The controller is configured to change the target pressing force according to a change in a hydraulic pressure in the brake apparatus after starting driving the electric mechanism in response to the parking brake request signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Takayasu Sakashita, Hirotaka Oikawa, Kimio Nishino