Patents Issued in November 1, 2016
-
Patent number: 9481212Abstract: On the tread surface, land portions are defined by a pair of circumferential main grooves and divided, by circumferential narrow grooves 3 and multiple lateral grooves 4 connecting between the circumferential main groove and the circumferential narrow groove or between the circumferential narrow grooves, into block rows L each of which including polygonal blocks arranged in a tire circumferential direction, wherein a block arrangement having the polygonal blocks 5 arranged in a line-symmetric manner with respect to the tire equator as an axis of symmetry includes side regions R1, R2 facing each other across the tire equator C and displaced from each other in the tire circumferential direction by a phase difference of 0.2 to 0.4 times of a repetition pitch of a pattern of the block row.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATIONInventor: Tatsuo Takahashi
-
Patent number: 9481213Abstract: A tire inflation system that includes a seal. The seal may have an annular mounting portion and an annular lip portion. The annular lip portion may have a sealing side and a non-sealing side. Leakage of pressurized gas may be inhibited when the sealing side faces away from the annular mounting portion. Leakage of pressurized gas may be enabled when the annular lip portion is rolled such that at least a portion of the sealing side faces toward the annular mounting portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventors: Christopher Keeney, Nicholas S. Lakin
-
Patent number: 9481214Abstract: A vehicle hub unit that supports a wheel that attaches to a pneumatic tire and is attached to a joint and an air pressure adjusting device that has this vehicle hub unit, provided with a first air passage that is formed with a first opening in at least one location on a surface that attaches to the wheel, is attached to pneumatic piping of the joint that supplies air, and supplies air from the first opening to the wheel; and a second air passage that is formed with a second opening in at least one location on a surface that attaches to the wheel, is attached to pneumatic piping of the joint that exhausts air of the joint, and collects air of the wheel from the second opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.Inventor: Atsushi Tanno
-
Patent number: 9481215Abstract: A system for controlling bicycle tire air pressure on the go is provided. The system has a wheel mounted portion and a control unit in communication with one another. The wheel mounted portion attached to each wheel has a gas source, manifold, regulator to control air flow into and out of the tire, and a communication device. The control unit monitors air pressure in each tire, and has a user interface allowing input of a higher or lower tire pressure. Based on user input, the control unit instructs operation of the wheel mounted portion, controlling pressure within the tire.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2016Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Inventor: Brian Reiss
-
Patent number: 9481216Abstract: The tire pressure sensor module contains a casing, a nozzle, a sleeve element, a fastening element, and a two-way tire information transmission and sensory system inside the casing. The casing has a trough and an air opening. The nozzle contains a nozzle mouth and a nozzle base. The nozzle base is joined to the casing, and the mouth is threaded through the sleeve element. The nozzle and the sleeve element are secured to the casing by the fastening element through the trough. The two-way tire information transmission and sensory system contains a battery, a micro-controller circuit, a low-power-consumption Bluetooth wireless transceiver circuit, a boosting/regulating circuit, a pressure sensor, an operation amplifier, a gravity sensor, a temperature sensor, and an antenna.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: SYSGRATION LTD.Inventors: Tsaichiang Chow, Shihchin Cho, Shihyao Lin, Tzu-Wen Ko, Chi-Hung Chen
-
Patent number: 9481217Abstract: In a computerized method for generating a finite element model of a pneumatic tire provided in the tread portion with a zero-degree band, a 2D tire model is firstly generated based on the finished tire shape in a tire vulcanization mold, where the 2D tire model includes a 2D model of a band ply. Secondary, a residual stress is computed and defined on each element of the band ply model. Then, a deformation calculation is made on the 2D tire model to obtain the deformed 2D tire model. Finally, a 3D tire model is generated by duplicating the 2D tire model around the tire rotational axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventor: Naoaki Iwasaki
-
Patent number: 9481218Abstract: The dual trailer system adapted to be towed by a pick-up truck having a fifth wheel on a bed thereof, the dual trailer system comprising: a lead trailer having a wheeled frame with a gooseneck-mounted kingpin at a front end thereof, for coupling to the fifth wheel of the pick-up truck, and a lead trailer fifth wheel at the rear of the lead trailer; a tail trailer having a wheeled frame with a tail trailer kingpin at a front end thereof, the primary trailer hitch having a kingpin matching the lead trailer fifth wheel for attachment thereto. The lead trailer can have an extendible portion at the rear to allow selectively extending and retracting the fifth wheel for use together with or independently from the tail trailer, and the tail trailer can also be usable independently from the lead trailer such as by way of an additional coupler which can also be provided on an extendible frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: 9306-6801 QUÉBEC INC.Inventors: Sylvain Harvey, Christian Pichette
-
Patent number: 9481219Abstract: A vehicle (20) consisting of a frame (22) with a pair of paddles (72) extending longitudinally and rotatably supported by the frame (22) in pendulum fashion for swinging movement between an extended position engaging the surface and a retracted position moved vertically out of engagement with the surface. A pair of foot platforms (74) are operatively connected to the paddles (72). A pair of depressors (84) interconnects the foot platforms (74) and the paddles (72) to rotate the paddles (72) between the extended position and the retracted position. The paddles (72) include a propulsion bar (86) and an oar (88) connected by a lost-motion connection to slide relative to one another between the extended position and the retracted position. The oars (88) have a fin-shape to propel the vehicle (20) over water and include a striker (90) to propel the vehicle (20) over land. The vehicle (20) allows movement over a surface of water and land using an elliptical motion similar to the natural motion of walking.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2016Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Inventor: Andrew Raymond Dovel
-
Patent number: 9481220Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for producing a transverse member having a securable ball joint receiving member from a transverse member having an integral ball joint receiving member. The transverse member is the kind used for connecting a vehicle wheel to a vehicle structure. The method comprises providing a transverse member having an integral ball joint receiving member, separating the integral ball joint receiving member from the transverse member, and connecting a securable ball joint receiving member to the transverse member to replace the removed integral ball joint receiving member. This method may be performed to correct the position and orientation of a ball joint as provided by the integral ball joint receiving member or to further utilize a production tool that already produces a transverse member with an integral ball joint receiving member.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christoph Meier, Theo Kueppers
-
Patent number: 9481221Abstract: A hydraulic actuator includes a shock absorber and a control system that is separate from the shock absorber and which generates damping loads for the hydraulic actuator. The control system generates the damping load by using a pair of variable valves, a pair of check valves, an accumulator, a pump/motor and a flow controller. The forces are generated in all four quadrants of compression/rebound and active/passive. A device which recuperates the energy generated by the hydraulic actuator can be incorporated into the hydraulic actuator to generate energy in the form of electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventor: Koenraad Reybrouck
-
Patent number: 9481222Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning device is provided that makes it possible to avoid the occurrence of condensation at a heat exchanger, and to avoid decreases in the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger caused by uneven temperature distribution in the heat exchanger itself. This vehicle air-conditioning device employs a configuration comprising: a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between air passing through a first flow path and air flowing through a second flow path; and a switching means that alternately switches either the first flow path or the second flow path from a discharge path that discharges the air inside the vehicle toward the outside of the vehicle to an intake path that guides air from outside of the vehicle into the vehicle, and switches the other flow path from the intake path to the discharge path.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventor: Satoshi Nakaya
-
Patent number: 9481223Abstract: A cabin for a work vehicle comprises: a driver's seat positioned within the cabin; cabin frames including at least a transverse frame located in a rear region of the cabin; a roof supported by at least some of the cabin frames; at least one air-conditioning duct located within the roof; an air-conditioning unit located rearwardly with respect to a rearward end of a seat portion of the driver's seat and adjacent the transverse frame for conditioning air and for feeding air-conditioned air into the at least one air-conditioning duct.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventor: Nobushige Ichikawa
-
Patent number: 9481224Abstract: An active airflow outlet for a vehicle and method for facilitating airflow through an active airflow outlet are provided. The active airflow outlet may operate in one of a static mode and an active mode. The active airflow outlet may include a motor, a gear assembly, a plurality of vent blades, and at least one control mechanism. The gear assembly may be operatively connected to the motor and the plurality of vent blades. The plurality of vent blades may be capable of occupying one of an open position and a closed position. The at least one control mechanism may be configured to signal the plurality of vent blades to rotate from the closed position to the open position and signal the motor to rotate the gear assembly and the plurality of vent blades in the active mode to facilitate additional airflow through the active airflow outlet.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Gerard Brinas
-
Patent number: 9481225Abstract: A modular vehicle air-conditioning unit for heating and cooling air includes a housing having at least one blower and a plurality of flaps for setting air flow paths and a refrigerant circuit in fluid communication with the housing. The refrigerant circuit includes a condenser, an evaporator, a compressor, and an expansion device. An evaporator air flow path through the evaporator and a condenser air flow path through the condenser are formed in the housing. At least one of the evaporator air flow path and the condenser air flow path receives air from at least one of an environment, a passenger compartment of a vehicle, and any mixture of thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Hanon SystemsInventors: Gerald Richter, Marc Graaf, Florian Wieschollek
-
Patent number: 9481226Abstract: A vehicular air-conditioning system includes: a vehicle interior air-conditioning apparatus which includes a device cooling circuit of a heat generating device mounted in a vehicle, and a refrigeration cycle circuit; and an intermediate heat exchanger for heat exchange between a device cooling medium of the device cooling circuit and an air-conditioning cooling medium of the refrigeration cycle circuit. A vehicle control apparatus is configured to determine a temperature of the cooling medium, and select a shorter control cycle timing of the vehicular air-conditioning system when the temperature of the cooling medium is greater than a predetermined temperature.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.Inventors: Tadashi Osaka, Hiroaki Matsushima, Sachio Sekiya, Riichi Uchida, Yuki Akiyama
-
Patent number: 9481227Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus includes an air conditioning housing and a mode door. The air conditioning housing has a discharge chamber through which conditioned air is discharged out of the air conditioning housing. The discharge chamber includes a defrost vent, a main vent, floor vents and a rear seat vent. The floor vents are formed on opposite sides of a rear portion of the air conditioning housing. The rear seat vent is formed between the floor vents. The mode door has a front opening hole which is formed in a front portion of the mode door, a pair of main opening holes which are formed in a rear portion of the mode door at positions spaced apart from each other, and a rear-end opening hole which is formed behind a first portion provided between the main opening holes.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, Halla Visteon Climate Control Corp.Inventors: Myung Hoe Kim, Jae Min Yang, Seung Wook Kim, Jong Heon Lee, Hyung Joo Kim, Sang Chul Byon
-
Patent number: 9481228Abstract: There is provided a vehicle windshield which can decrease chances of a fogging to occur by having an antifogging property, and under a situation that a fogging occurs, it is able to allow a driver to easily and surely recognize an occurrence state of the fogging in its initial state without adversely affecting visibility. The vehicle windshield has a window glass, a strip-shaped black ceramic layer, and a water absorbing antifogging film, wherein the water absorbing antifogging film has a thin-film area located outside a visual field area where a visual field of a driver is ensured in the vehicle windshield and inside an area where the black ceramic layer is formed, the thin-film area having a maximum film thickness in a range of 30% to 70% of a minimum film thickness in the visual field area and having a size recognizable by the driver when a fogging occurs.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: ASAHI GLASS COMPANY, LIMITEDInventor: Hideki Ishioka
-
Patent number: 9481229Abstract: A protection device for a vehicle interior having a flexible planar formation movable between stored rest and tensioned protection positions. The formation is provided at a front end region in a tensioning direction with a dimensionally stable draw-out profile member guided between the rest and protection positions by at least one guide arrangement. The draw-out profile member includes a longitudinal compensator to compensate for deviations between movement directions of the guide arrangement and the draw-out profile member. The guide arrangement has at least one linearly guided carrier element, and the draw-out profile member includes an undercut compensation groove which extends in the longitudinal direction of the draw-out profile member and which is open towards the carrier. The carrier comprises a longitudinally displaceable sliding or rolling element which is retained in a positive-locking manner in the receiving groove in the opening direction of the compensation groove.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: BOS GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Martin Fischer, Christoph Beutel, Danja Sperr, Nina Roeschinger, Darren Ketteringham
-
Patent number: 9481230Abstract: A sunvisor with for a vehicle, including a sunvisor body having a front surface and a rear surface, a hinging arrangement for hinging the sunvisor body to a roof structure of a vehicle body, the hinging arrangement including a hook member located above an upper side portion of the sunvisor body, an upper rod unrotatably connected to the sunvisor body, a detent member rotatably coupled to a lateral end portion of the upper rod outside the sunvisor body and to the roof structure and includes pivot means to swing the sunvisor body between a first screening position and a second screening position.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GRUPO ANTOLIN-INGENIERIA, S.AInventors: Ignacio Marcos Primo, Vincent Bernard
-
Patent number: 9481231Abstract: A method includes providing a vehicle door having an inner panel, an outer panel, and a bracket assembly. The inner panel and the outer panel cooperate to define a door cavity and a window opening. The bracket assembly is mounted with respect to the inner panel inside the door cavity. The method further includes inserting the division post into the door cavity through the window opening, and engaging the division post with the bracket assembly such that the bracket assembly secures the division post to the inner panel. A corresponding door assembly is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Terrence P. Costigan, James K. Platt, James C. O'Kane, Matthew M. Kunz
-
Patent number: 9481232Abstract: A folding type awning board for electrically driven scooter, including: a frame fixed to the electrically driven scooter in which both side armrests are folded; and an awning screen installed at least one of the front, rear, left, right sides and a ceiling of the frame. The frame includes a ceiling frame; a seat fixing section which is hinge combined to the ceiling frame; and first and second armrest fixing rods, the upper end portions of which are hinge connected to said ceiling frame at a portion of said ceiling frame in the front of said seat fixing section, and the lower end portions of which are connected to the armrests of the electrically driven scooter. First and second armrest fixing rods and the ceiling frame are folded together so as to be erected or laid down when the armrests are folded.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Inventor: Chun Bok Lee
-
Patent number: 9481233Abstract: A sheet winding apparatus has a sheet, a winding axis to which one end of the sheet is fixed and having a cylindrical shape, a spring that is arranged in the winding axis and gives a biasing force to the winding axis in an opposite direction of drawing-out direction of the sheet, and a soundproof tube that is arranged between an outer periphery of the spring and inside the winding axis. The soundproof tube has first projected portions projecting outward from an outer periphery of the soundproof tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: HAYASHI TELEMPU Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenichi Nakatsuka, Kenji Yamada, Makoto Oguri, Koichi Ogawa
-
Patent number: 9481234Abstract: A vehicle driving system includes an engine, an electric motor, a clutch, a torque converter, a transmission, a front module, and a housing. The clutch is configured to selectively connect or interrupt a power transmission path between the engine and the electric motor. The front module includes the clutch and the electric motor. The housing has an accommodation space that accommodates the front module and an accommodation space that accommodates the torque converter. The housing is a single member. The engine, the electric motor, the clutch, the torque converter and the transmission are arranged in series with one another.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukihiko Ideshio, Shinji Matsumoto, Daiki Suyama, Katsuhiko Hattori
-
Patent number: 9481235Abstract: A control device performs a control process such that when there is a request in a series/parallel mode to switch the current mode to a parallel mode, and the current speed ratio also has a value faster than a Lo rotation synchronization speed ratio, the control device performs the step of switching the running mode to the parallel mode via a series mode with asynchronous switching, whereas when the current speed ratio has a value slower than the Lo rotation synchronization speed ratio, the control device performs the step of switching the running mode to the parallel mode via the series mode with synchronous switching.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2016Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hidehiko Banshoya, Atsushi Tabata, Toshiki Kanada, Haruhisa Suzuki, Atsushi Kawamoto, Tatsuya Imamura, Kiyonori Takagi
-
Patent number: 9481236Abstract: A powertrain is disclosed. A ring gear is attached to a first distal end of a crankshaft such that the ring gear and the crankshaft are rotatable in unison about a longitudinal axis. A motor-generator includes a motor/generator shaft rotatable about a first axis spaced from the longitudinal axis. A starter mechanism includes a first starter gear coupleable to the motor/generator shaft and rotatable about a second axis spaced from the longitudinal axis. The first and second axes are spaced and substantially parallel to each other. The first starter gear is movable along the second axis between a first position engaging the ring gear such that torque is transferred from the motor/generator shaft through the first starter gear and the ring gear to the crankshaft to start the engine, and a second position disengaged from the ring gear to rotatably disconnect the starter mechanism from the ring gear.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Alan G. Holmes, Michael G. Reynolds, Alexandru Rajala, Chandra S. Namuduri
-
Patent number: 9481237Abstract: A system for controlling an air flow in a vehicle may include a front air introduction apparatus mounted in front of an engine, a condenser provided to the front air introduction apparatus, an intercooler provided behind the condenser, a radiator provided between the intercooler and the engine, an active air flap for controlling air flow being introduced to the front air introduction apparatus, a side air introduction apparatus mounted to a side of an engine compartment for forwarding air to the engine, a connection line connected between the side air introduction apparatus and the front air introduction apparatus, a control valve for controlling air flow through the connection line, a plurality of sensors for measuring an operation state of the vehicle, and a control unit for determining an operation state of the vehicle based on a plurality of sensor signals, and controlling operation of the control valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Jongwoo Nam, Hyun Cho, Joonho Lee, Hanshin Chung
-
Patent number: 9481238Abstract: A crash-tolerant system arrangement in an engine compartment situated in the front end region of a motor vehicle includes an exhaust emission control system having an essentially cylindrical first catalytic converter housing situated in front of the exhaust gas turbocharger in the travel direction. The exhaust gas turbocharger is mechanically connected to an exhaust gas manifold via a first fastening device, and to an engine block via a second fastening device, the first and the second fastening devices being designed in such a way that a detachment of the connection of the exhaust gas turbocharger to the exhaust gas manifold and/or a detachment of the connection of the exhaust gas turbocharger to the engine block take(s) place within a predefined upper value range for the pressure force.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Gerd Tiefenbacher, Roland Huss, Stefan Schaible, Peter Raitschev, Johannes Kipp, Georg Georgs, Gerd Duerr
-
Patent number: 9481239Abstract: A misfuelling prevention apparatus for vehicles can prevent a diesel vehicle from being filled with a wrong fuel. The apparatus for vehicles may include an upper housing at an entrance of a filler neck, an internal housing located at a bottom of the upper housing while being supported by an interior of the filler neck, a stopper and a stopper spring, and a flapper and a flapper spring. The stopper may be at one side of the internal housing to be rotated around a pin by a contact with an oil gun. One end of the flapper may be rotatably installed in a pin structure at an opposite side of the internal housing with respect to the stopper and the other end of the flapper may be caught in a recess of the stopper. The flapper is to be pushed and selectively opened by the oil gun.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Bu Yeol Ryu, Pil Seon Choi, Bo Sung Lee
-
Patent number: 9481240Abstract: A cover assembly for a filling port of a vehicle includes a hinge structure and a cover portion. The hinge structure includes an interface portion having a plurality of retention tabs. Each of the plurality of retention tabs include an inboard surface that is spaced from an outboard surface of the interface portion. The cover portion includes a plurality of cover tabs. Each of the cover tabs include an outboard surface that is spaced from an inboard surface of the cover portion. The cover portion is disposed adjacent the outboard surface of the interface portion. Each of the retention tabs is engaged with one of the cover tabs in interlocking engagement. Each of the cover tabs is disposed between one of the retention tabs and the interface portion. Each of the retention tabs is disposed between one of the cover tabs and the cover portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Matthew M. Stack, Robin L. Champion
-
Patent number: 9481241Abstract: A vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes an engine, a vehicle body panel, a photovoltaic unit attached to the vehicle body panel, and a cooling arrangement. The cooling arrangement includes a heat exchanger and a first cooling loop configured to accept heat from the engine and reject heat through the heat exchanger. The cooling arrangement also includes a second cooling loop configured to accept heat from the photovoltaic unit and reject heat through the heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Kenneth J. Jackson
-
Patent number: 9481242Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a suspension system coupled to a main frame of ride-on equipment including a subframe coupled to the main frame with a pivot including a pivot axis. Some embodiments include a transaxle assembly supported on the subframe coupled to a drive wheel, and a power source supported on the main frame coupled to the transaxle assembly. A rider can control the transaxle assembly with a compensated control linkage assembly that can compensate for movement of the subframe. Some embodiments include driven pulleys, idler pulleys and backside idler pulleys supported by the subframe coupled to the power source not supported by the subframe. In some embodiments, the pivot axis resides between the power source and the transaxle assembly. In some embodiments, the drive wheel can be driven by an electric motor supported by the subframe and the power source can be a battery.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATIONInventors: Mark J. Melone, James F. Marshall, Richard Smith, Mark Lynch, Travis Rasch, Erik Slegelis, Steven J. Weber, Denis Oswald
-
Patent number: 9481243Abstract: A method controls a powertrain that directs power from an engine and a transmission to all four wheels or to just front wheels or to just rear wheels. The method includes monitoring information transmitted over a communications network. The method determines whether one or more components of the powertrain are in an active condition or in an inactive condition. The one or more components of the powertrain are in the inactive condition when not connected to the transmission and not connected to the front wheels or the rear wheels. The one or more components of the powertrain are in the active condition when connected to the transmission and connected to the front wheels and the rear wheels. The method switches the one or more components of the powertrain between the inactive condition and the active condition based at least in part on visual data provided by an on-board camera system.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.Inventors: Bradley R. Larkin, Johannes Quehenberger
-
Patent number: 9481244Abstract: A utility machine including a frame, a prime mover supported by the frame, a pair of wheels rotatably coupled to the frame, a drive disk coupled to the prime mover to be driven by the prime mover, and a friction disk assembly. The friction disk assembly includes a friction disk in engagement with the drive disk for transmitting rotation of the drive disk to the pair of wheels, and a carrier disk coupled to the friction disk for rotation therewith. The utility machine also includes a shifter mechanism including a bearing disposed directly between the friction disk and the carrier disk. The shifter mechanism is operable to move the friction disk assembly with respect to the drive disk to selectively vary a drive speed of the pair of wheels.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Ariens CompanyInventors: Scot A. Koehler, Kyle T. Roggenkamp, Perry L. Prochnow
-
Patent number: 9481245Abstract: A vehicle sobriety interlock system including a sobriety testing apparatus for testing a driver of a vehicle for intoxication and an interlock system responsive to test results from the sobriety testing apparatus for controlling ignition of an engine of the vehicle. The interlock system, in response to a test result indicating that the driver is sober, allows the driver to start the engine of the vehicle. During a vehicle warm-up time period of a predetermined length following start of the engine and before a transmission of the vehicle has been engaged for putting the vehicle in motion, the interlock system delays a retest of the driver with the sobriety testing system for intoxication.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: 1A Smart Start LLCInventor: Aaron Theodore Nelson
-
Patent number: 9481246Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle control apparatus and a control method thereof, and the vehicle control apparatus may include a body portion comprising an outer frame constituting an external appearance of a vehicle and an inner frame formed to allow a user to get on, a sensing unit configured to sense a user's input from at least one sensing region formed on the body portion, and a controller configured to drive at least one of functions that can be executed in the vehicle based on at least one of a location of the sensing region at which the user's input is sensed and the user's input to the sensing region.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seonghwan Kim, Hyunsun Lyu, Minah Han
-
Patent number: 9481247Abstract: A vehicular display apparatus includes a meter main body, and a translucent window held in the meter main body. The translucent window has a translucent glass main body portion, a first extension portion extending in a display direction from an outer edge portion of the main body portion, a second extension portion extending in a backward direction from a leading end portion of the first extension portion, and an engaging tab extending in the backward direction from the second extension portion to be engaged with a catch portion. In the configuration, a warp length that is required for the engaging tab can be ensured by cooperation between the engaging tab and the second extension portion. Therefore, even when the position of the engaging tab is moved in the display direction to ensure a space between a vehicle component and an attachment structure, the attachment structure can be implemented.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Minoru Sumiya
-
Patent number: 9481248Abstract: An embodiment provides a method, including: receiving input via a sensor positioned within a vehicle; determining, using the sensor input, a passenger is within the vehicle; and analyzing the input received via the sensor to selectively disable a feature of an information handling device within the vehicle. In some embodiments, different sets of instruments or features thereof may be selectively disabled depending on the presence of a driver and/or passenger. Other aspects are described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: John Scott Crowe, Nathan J. Peterson, Amy Leigh Rose, Jennifer Lee-Baron
-
Patent number: 9481249Abstract: An electric vehicle equipped with an automotive battery. The automotive battery has a charging unit on the left side surface, discharging units on the right side surface, and a battery-side power supply terminal on the lower surface. The automotive battery drives an electric motor when the vehicle is moving, supplies power to external electrical products when the vehicle is not moving, and is configured so as to be usable at all times.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Takayuki Yamazaki
-
Patent number: 9481250Abstract: A mining vehicle includes electric components, devices or machines operating at alternating voltage and having a specific nominal voltage. Power is fed to the mining vehicle from an alternating current network with a specific voltage level. The mining vehicle further includes a transformer arranged to transform the voltage level of the alternating current network into the nominal voltage. When a voltage higher than the nominal voltage is fed to the transformer, the transformer lowers this higher voltage to the nominal voltage. When a voltage lower than the nominal voltage is fed to the transformer, the transformer raises the voltage to the nominal voltage. The transformer is arranged to feed the electric component, device or machine both when a voltage lower than the nominal voltage is fed to the transformer and when a voltage higher than the nominal voltage is fed to the transformer.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: SANDVIK MINING AND CONTRUCTION OYInventors: Jukka Osara, Samuli Kouhia
-
Patent number: 9481251Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling regenerative braking of a hybrid electric vehicle are provided and that adjust a regenerative braking torque by classifying as at least two or more regenerative braking modes and applying different regenerative braking slopes to each mode. The apparatus includes a motor controller that is configured to adjust a driving torque of a motor and a brake controller that is configured to adjust hydraulic pressure supplied to a brake cylinder of a wheel by calculating a braking torque. A hybrid controller is configured to adjust a regenerative braking torque by classifying as at least two or more regenerative braking modes and applying different regenerative braking slopes based on each mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Jee Wook Huh, Kyoung Cheol Oh
-
Patent number: 9481252Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for reducing engine fuel consumption during regenerative braking. According to certain embodiments, the regenerative braking system has an engine, a generator, a rectifier, a first inverter, a traction motor, and a reverse recovery unit. The generator is configured to be driven by the engine to produce AC electrical power. The rectifier is configured to receive AC electrical power from the generator and convert the AC power to DC power. The first inverter is configured to receive the DC power and convert the DC power to AC power. The traction motor is configured to be driven by the AC power in a traction mode, and to produce regenerated power when rotated in reverse in a regenerative braking mode. The reverse recovery unit has a second inverter and a filter.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Baojun Si, Dustin C. Selvey, William J. Tate, Mary Jill Trumper, Alexander Cameron Crosman, III
-
Patent number: 9481253Abstract: An energy storage system for connection to a traction power supply that provides power to an electric vehicle. The energy storage system includes a power controller that controls a DC-DC converter to transfer electrical energy from the traction power supply to electrical energy storage when the train is braking. The power controller also controls the converter to transfer electrical energy from the electrical energy storage to the traction power supply when the train is accelerating. The controller slows the rate of energy transfer when upper and lower voltage boundary limits of the electrical energy storage are approached, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: ABB Inc.Inventors: Brian Inniss, Omar Messas
-
Patent number: 9481254Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for improving acceleration performance of an electric vehicle that includes an electric motor for propulsion. An exemplary system may include an inverter configured to drive the electric motor. The inverter may include at least one power electronic device. The system may also include a torque capability controller. The torque capability controller may be configured to receive information indicative of a selection between a first mode and a second mode. The second mode may correspond to a higher torque to be output by the electric motor than the first mode. The torque capability controller may also be configured to apply a switching frequency to the at least one power electronic device. The switching frequency may have a lower value when the received information indicates the selection of the second mode than when the received information indicates the selection of the first mode.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2016Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: FARADAY&FUTURE INC.Inventors: Steven E. Schulz, Silva Hiti
-
Patent number: 9481255Abstract: A method for controlling an on-board charger (OBC) of an eco-friendly vehicle can widen the range of an AC input power frequency at which the charging operation of the OBC is possible without increasing the capacity of a power factor correction (PFC) capacitor. According to the method, an increase in output voltage ripple of the PFC capacitor is suppressed by sensing an AC input voltage frequency and then performing variable control of decreasing output power of the OBC based on the sensed frequency, i.e., a variable control of decreasing the output power of the OBC as the AC input voltage frequency decreases, so that the range of the AC input power frequency at which the charging operation of the OBC is possible can be extended without increasing the capacity of a PFC power element.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Jeong Bin Yim, Jae Hwa Jeon, Dae Woong Han, Sang Kyu Lee
-
Patent number: 9481256Abstract: An electric vehicle utilizes an internal combustion engine to drive the vehicle's main electric drive system in the regeneration mode and to charge the battery when the vehicle is stopped. The electric vehicle's main drive controller and motor are used as the generator to recharge the battery when the vehicle is stopped via a clutch mechanism allowing the motor to act as a generator while the vehicle is at rest. As the vehicle proceeds throughout the drive cycle, the vehicle is powered by the electric motor from the battery. The battery is recharged to a specified state of charge when the vehicle is parked. The internal combustion engine only operates to charge the battery, and the electric motor is used to propel the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: AMP Electric Vehicles Inc.Inventors: Alan J. Arkus, Stephen S. Burns, Donald L. Wires
-
Patent number: 9481257Abstract: An electric vehicle battery charging device includes: a series resonance part, which receives a rectified voltage, and which includes a transformer, a resonant inductor, and a resonant capacitor; a rectifying part, of which a first input end is connected with one end of a secondary winding of the transformer, a second input end is connected with the other end of the secondary winding of the transformer, and an output end is connected with an electric vehicle battery; and a switching part, of which one end is connected with one end of the secondary winding of the transformer and the first input end of the rectifying part, and the other end is connected with the other end of the secondary winding of the transformer and the second input end of the rectifying part, where the switching part controls the current from the secondary winding of the transformer to the rectifying part.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Myongji University Industry and Academia Cooperation FoundationInventors: Jun-Young Lee, Gwang-Min Yoo, Seung-Hee Park
-
Patent number: 9481258Abstract: A vehicle (3, 3A) is provided with: a power receiving coil (3a) that is provided so as to face a ground power supply coil (2a) and that receives electric power from the ground power supply coil (2a); a storage battery (3d) that stores the electric power received by the power receiving coil (3a); and a power supply coil (3f) that supplies the electric power received by the power receiving coil (3a) to the outside. A transporting system is provided with: a plurality of travel tracks (1A, 1B) along which the plurality of vehicles (3, 3A) travel; and power transfer areas (Ka, Kb) where a vehicle (3, 3A) traveling along a travel track (1A) and a vehicle (3, 3A) traveling along another travel track (1B) are able to mutually transfer electric power to each other.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: IHI CORPORATIONInventor: Motonao Niizuma
-
Patent number: 9481259Abstract: Disclosed is a charging apparatus to supply a power to a battery of an electric vehicle. The charging apparatus includes a bidirectional power conversion unit including three pairs of switching device groups and having one end connected to a power system and an opposite end; an energy storage unit connected to the opposite end of the bidirectional power conversion unit to store the DC power output through the opposite end of the bidirectional power conversion unit; a multi-DC power output unit to output the DC power to an outside in the first inverse operation mode; and a charging control unit to detect a charging condition of the charging apparatus. The switching device groups serve as buck-converters, respectively, in the first inverse operation mode to convert the DC power into another DC power having a level different from a level of the DC power.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: LSIS CO., LTDInventors: Heon Soo Choi, Gi Hyun Kwon
-
Patent number: 9481260Abstract: An industrial vehicle includes a battery that includes battery cells including a battery liquid and connected in series, an battery liquid shortage detection unit detecting a shortage of the battery liquid by detecting a voltage value between the battery cells, an battery liquid-shortage time calculation unit calculating a battery liquid-shortage time, which is a cumulative time of the shortage of the electrolyte detected by the battery liquid shortage detection unit, a memory storing the battery liquid-shortage time calculated by the battery liquid-shortage time calculation unit, and a communication controller attaching time information to the battery liquid-shortage time stored in the memory and outputting the battery liquid-shortage time with the time information to a management server, at a predetermined timing.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventor: Feng Hua
-
Patent number: 9481262Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric motor, a direct current power source, and an inverter operatively connected to the direct current power source and the electric motor. The inverter is configured to convert direct current from the power source to alternating current and to transmit the alternating current to the electric motor. The inverter is characterized by an on status and an off status. A controller is operatively connected to the inverter and is configured to control whether the inverter is on or off. The controller is configured to selectively cause the inverter to enter a mode of operation in which the inverter cycles between being on and off.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Min-Joong Kim, Jinming Liu, Sean W. McGrogan