Patents Issued in November 1, 2016
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Patent number: 9481263Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle which has at least one steered axle and at least one driven axle, wherein at least the driven axle has at least two wheel-hub electric motors that are integrated in the respective drive wheel. In addition, an electronic control unit (BLDC controller module 1, BLDC controller module 2) is provided for the wheel-hub motors (wheel-hub motor 1, wheel hub motor 2) forming an electronic differential. Sensors detect signals (Hall signals) that correspond to the driving defaults. Correction factors for default values for controlling the wheel-hub motors are determined from the sensor signals (speed), the position of the accelerator pedal (gas pedal) or accelerator throttle and the steering angle (steering angle generator) by an interface module and the factors are forwarded to the relevant motor control units (BLDC controller module 1, BLDC controller module 2).Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Inventors: Klaus Ebert, Stefan Meyer
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Patent number: 9481264Abstract: A device and method for suspending or holding down an overhead contact wire used for supplying power to electrical railway vehicles and trolley buses at the crest or trough of a vertical curve where the contact wire has an abrupt change in line angle. The device smoothes out the abrupt angle into a curve; parabolic in form and of a radius that is smooth for trouble-free operation of current collectors while maintaining elastic suspension. Contact wire uplift continues while passing through the device so that there is an avoidance of hard spots which cause uneven and accelerated contact wire wear. The device can further be used at the crest and/or trough of a vertical curve to maintain contact wire alignment where a horizontal curve with curve pull is encountered concurrently.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Inventor: Paul F. White
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Patent number: 9481265Abstract: A convertible golf cart seat assembly is disclosed. The convertible golf cart seat assembly includes a main seat frame attached to the existing golf cart structure, a plastic stationary cargo board supported by the main seat frame, a plastic flip board rotatably hinged to the main seat frame, and a seat with a plastic backer board attached to the flip board. The hinge between the flip board and the main seat frame includes flip board flanges on the flip board and cargo board flanges on the stationary cargo board that abut each other and provide strength to the cargo bed created by the stationary cargo board and the flip board.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Nivel Parts & Manufacturing Co., LLCInventors: Brent Moore, John R. Jordan
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Patent number: 9481266Abstract: The present disclosure provides a locking device which includes a fixed rail, a moving rail sliding relative to the fixed rail, locking pins arranged along the moving rail, locking springs disposed around the locking pins, and an unlocking lever rotating around a shaft fixed to the moving rail so as to relieve the locking pins from a locked state where the locking pins are inserted into the holes. The present disclosure thereby provides the locking device for a seat rail having a compact configuration.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: HYUNDAI DYMOS INCORPORATEDInventors: Hyun Soo Kim, Sang Nam Park, Sung Kon Moon
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Patent number: 9481267Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a reclining mechanism that is provided to make the angle of a seat back relative to a seat cushion adjustable; a biasing member that biases the seat back in such a direction as to decrease the angle of the seat back relative to the seat cushion; and an assist member that applies a force in a direction opposite to the biasing force of the biasing member to the seat back, and generates a force that is smaller than the total of the weight of the seat back and the biasing force of the biasing member when the seat back is lifted up from a forwardly folded position in which the seat back has a small angle relative to the seat cushion toward a sitting position.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kenji Furukawa, Yoshiyuki Kumazaki
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Patent number: 9481268Abstract: A vehicle seat has a first member and a second member bonded to each other with an adhesive agent is provided with a projecting portion that projects from an adhering surface of the first member toward the second member with one end to the other end in a protruding direction of the projecting parts held on the inner side of an outer edge of the adhering surface. An adhesive agent layer formed by the adhesive agent interposed between the first member and the second member surrounds the projecting portion while in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the projecting portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masaya Furuta
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Patent number: 9481269Abstract: Disclosed herein is a recliner for a vehicle seat including an external gear bracket having an external gear, an internal gear bracket which has an internal gear and is formed with a central protrusion, a socket which is formed with a socket protrusion and has an operation protrusion, and a pair of wedge blocks configured to surround the central protrusion. The socket includes a lubrication pocket for supplying a lubricating substance to the central protrusion of the internal gear bracket or the bush, and thus may improve durability of each component by constantly supplying the lubricating substance between the central protrusion of the internal gear bracket and the operation protrusion of the socket, between the operation protrusion of the socket and the bush, and between the bush and the wedge blocks.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: DAS CO., LTD.Inventors: Sung-Chul Kim, Jae-Ho Kim
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Patent number: 9481270Abstract: A vehicle seat fitting has a fitting parts (11, 12) have a sprocket (17) and guide segments (14), a bar (16) guided by the guide segments between a locked and unlocked state that interact with the sprocket. The bar has bar cams (16a, 16b). An eccentric (27) is rotatably mounted around a rotation axis (A) and in a transition from unlocked to the locked, engages the bar with a force for clamping the bar against the sprocket. The eccentric has eccentric cams (28, 128) interacting with the bar cams. The first eccentric cam has a cam section (28.2) which runs in the peripheral direction concentrically around the axis. The cam section is arranged upstream in the closing direction of a further cam section (28.4) that has a cam contour running radially outwards downstream in the closing direction relative to the concentrically peripheral contour for clamping the bar against the sprocket.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Johnson Controls Components GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Christoph Peters, Ulrich Lehmann
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Patent number: 9481271Abstract: A child seat includes a seat shell, a retractor assembly connected with the seat shell, two anchor strap portions extending outward from a rear of the seat shell, and an adjustment strap extending outside the seat shell. Each of the two anchor straps is provided with a fastener operable to attach with an anchor structure of a vehicle. The two anchor strap portions extend outward from a rear of the seat shell, and are provided with two fasteners operable to attach with an anchor structure of a vehicle, the anchor strap portions being connected with the retractor assembly. The adjustment strap is operable to actuate the retractor assembly to retract the anchor strap portions toward an interior of the seat shell.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company LimitedInventors: Curtis M. Hartenstine, Michael H. Gillett, Sharon A. Gillett
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Patent number: 9481272Abstract: A seat assembly having a latch assembly includes a seat cushion defining a transverse axis along a side-to-side direction of the seat cushion. The seat cushion is pivotally attached to the vehicle, and the latch assembly is attached to the seat cushion. The latch assembly includes a latch that has a latch position attaching the seat cushion to the vehicle at the latch assembly, and a release position releasing the seat cushion from the vehicle at the latch assembly. The latch assembly also includes a slider arrangement configured to facilitate pivotal movement of at least a portion of the latch assembly inboard toward a center line of the seat cushion and generally along the transverse axis. Such movement automatically occurs when the latch releases the seat cushion from the vehicle at the latch assembly and the seat assembly is pivoted forward about the riser.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Andrzej Dlugokecki
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Patent number: 9481273Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a device for maintaining a cable in place or otherwise securing, capping, shielding, or guarding a cable. In one embodiment, the cable retention unit is used to secure or guard a cable in place in a seat actuator or other cable-containing component.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLCInventor: Clifton Ellis
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Patent number: 9481274Abstract: A vehicle armrest includes an inner armrest substrate having at least one buckling member extending to an outer armrest substrate. A gap is defined by the inner and outer armrest substrates and the at least one buckling member. A fabric member extends across the gap and is attached to the inner and outer armrest substrates. A cover member extends over and is vertically supported by the fabric member.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kenneth S. Laird, Linh Doan, Yudong Zhou
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Patent number: 9481275Abstract: Armrest device having an armrest part swivellably movable between an armrest position and a not-in-use position, having a base part arranged fixed in the vehicle and on which the armrest part is mounted swivellably movable about a swivel axis, and having a locking device for supporting the armrest part in at least one swivel position relative to the base part. The swivel axis is axially split into a base axis section and an armrest axis section, and the locking device includes a wrap spring brake which interacts with the base axis section and the armrest axis section in order to release the armrest part during a swivel movement in the direction of the not-in-use position and to lock it during a reverse swivel movement.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: BOS GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Hartmut Bohlke, Juergen Salewski, Wolfgang Sitzler, Wolfram Zummack, Bogdan Tutelea, Andreas Goebbels
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Patent number: 9481276Abstract: A vehicle armrest assembly for a door and console includes a linear actuator extending vertically through at least a portion of an armrest substrate and having a pin at an upper end, a support plate positioned above the armrest substrate and having a slot, wherein the pin slidably engages the slot to allow the support plate to operate laterally along the slot and rotationally about the pin between a plurality of lateral and rotational positions, respectively. The linear actuator vertically operates the support plate between a plurality of vertical positions and a cover member is disposed over the support plate.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Iskander Farooq, Mohammed Omar Faruque, Scott H. Dunham
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Patent number: 9481277Abstract: A headrest assembly includes a centrally disposed headrest bun having an upper portion and an adjustable lower portion. The adjustable lower portion is configured to move between extended and retracted positions relative to the upper portion. First and second side supports are operably coupled to the headrest bun on opposite sides of the headrest bun. The first and second side supports are operable between upright and deployed positions relative to the headrest bun. The adjustable components of the headrest assembly make for a headrest assembly that is operable between neutral and surround configurations.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Eduardo Arturo Aguilar Ruelas
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Patent number: 9481278Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may include a frame structure for a vehicle seat having two frames, a pile portion, and a section modulus reducing configuration. The two frames extend in a specific direction. At the pile portion, the two frames abut each other in a direction perpendicular to the specific direction and connected to each other. The section modulus reducing configuration is formed at an edge portion in the specific direction of the pile portion, and is configured to achieve a reduction in section modulus.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Atsutaka Mitsuhashi
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Patent number: 9481279Abstract: A seat hack frame (100) for a vehicle made of a fiber-reinforced composite material containing a thermoplastic resin matrix and a reinforcing fiber, the seat back frame (100) including a seat back frame body (1), a metal plate (3) welded to the seat back frame body (1) at a reclining device (2) attaching position, and a metal reclining device (2) weld joined to the metal plate (3).Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2011Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignees: Johnson Controls Technology Company, Teijin LimitedInventors: Atsushi Sano, Yutaka Yagi
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Patent number: 9481280Abstract: A seat back suspension assembly for a vehicle, disposed in a seat back frame inside a vehicle seat, may include a main wire including side wires extending in a vertical direction at left and right side thereof; at least one first support wire extending in a horizontal direction between the side wires at both sides thereof to allow both ends thereof to contact the side wires; at least one second support wire disposed to be spaced from the first support wire and extending in a horizontal direction between the side wires at both sides thereof to allow both ends thereof to contact the side wires; and a side guide injection-molded to cover the side wire and end portions of the first and second support wires contacting the side wire.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Daechang Seat Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tae Jo Kim, Myung Soo Lee, Hyo Jeong Kwon
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Patent number: 9481281Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system for controlling dispersal of a granular material from a transport assembly. In an implementation, a system includes a transport assembly including a transport storage receptacle configured to receive granular material, and a payload deposit assembly coupled to transport storage receptacle. The payload assembly configured to disperse the granular material. A location-determining device coupled to the transport assembly. The location-determining device is configured to determine a position of the transport assembly with respect to a storage receptacle. A control mechanism is coupled to the transport storage receptacle, and the control mechanism is configured to control dispersal of the granular material. An electronic device is operatively coupled to the control mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: DP Techlink, LLCInventors: Neil Johnson, Jay Ragsdale
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Patent number: 9481282Abstract: A liftgate for loading and unloading cargo from a vehicle. The liftgate includes a moveable load platform having a proximal deck section and a distal deck section pivotally coupled to the proximal deck section. A side ramp is pivotally coupled to the distal deck section to facilitate unobstructed side loading and unloading of the distal deck section of the load platform.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Anthony Lifegates, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Walker
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Patent number: 9481283Abstract: Methods and apparatus for advertising, promoting, marketing and/or selling products and services. The inventions include a mobile vehicle and moving showroom for advertising, promotion, marketing, and sales of products and services. The products and services may be promoted for direct sale from the moving showroom, or for sale from other outlets, such as retail stores and internet sales.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Bobcar Media, LLCInventors: Benjamin Cohen, David Hazan
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Patent number: 9481284Abstract: A system includes a strap assembly positioned on a portion of a tire of a vehicle and configured to be coupled to a deck of a transport, and a mandrel assembly operable to be coupled to the strap assembly. The system also includes a winch assembly configured to be coupled to the deck of the transport including a winch assembly axel configured to be coupled to the mandrel assembly. The winch assembly is configured to engage the winch assembly axel to prevent rotation of the mandrel assembly in a first rotational direction to produce a tension force to secure the strap assembly around the portion of the tire. The system further includes a tightening assembly configured to rotate the mandrel assembly in a second rotational direction to produce a tightening force to tighten the strap assembly around the portion of the tire. The system additionally includes a release mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.Inventors: Robert James Cencer, Jerry W. Vande Sande
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Patent number: 9481285Abstract: A protective hook cover configured for use in association with a hook member having a base and a leg joined together about a bend region so as to define a retention channel therebetween. The protective hook cover comprises a base region cover portion, a leg region cover portion and a connecting cover portion therebetween. The connecting cover portion including a plurality of nub bumper members extending outwardly from the outer base surface. A combination protective hook cover and hook member is also disclosed, as is the inclusion of a strap member.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Inventor: Samuel Lindberg
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Patent number: 9481286Abstract: A cargo support device comprises an inner tube and an outer tube enclosing the inner tube. The inner tube can partially stretch out from the outer tube. A handle is hinged on the outer tube. There is a strip-shaped groove designed on the inner tube in the axial direction. A long toothed rack is embedded into the groove. There is a ratchet at the end of the handle, which meshes with the teeth on long toothed rack. The cargo support device can also comprise a locator which can lock the handle when the ratchet meshes with the teeth. The teeth on the cargo support device are not directly punched on the inner tube, but set on a separate long toothed rack embedded in the groove of the inner groove. This will properly increase the depth of the teeth.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Zhejiang Topsun Logistic Control Co., Ltd.Inventors: Zhaoyin Xiao, Zhengzhong Zhu
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Patent number: 9481287Abstract: A roadway projection system integrated into a vehicle is configured to identify a specific driving scenario encountered by a driver of the vehicle, and to then project an image onto a roadway along which the vehicle travels based on that scenario. The image is intended to provide guidance to the driver in negotiating the identified scenario and/or to visualize potential driving actions of the driver for the benefit of others. The image could be, for example, and without limitation, an indicator that the driver should follow to perform a specific driving or navigation action, or a preference that the driver wishes to share with other drivers. In addition, the roadway projection system may detect images projected by other roadway projection systems in other vehicles and to determine mutual preferences shared between drivers. When a shared preference is violated, the roadway projection system may alert the driver of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Stefan Marti, Davide Di Censo, Ajay Juneja
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Patent number: 9481288Abstract: A system of providing vehicle information and alerts to a vehicle operator or other user includes a device that removably attaches to the vehicle data port. The device communicates through the data port with a vehicle electronic control module. The device incorporates a set of vehicle operating parameters, communications settings and commands. The device monitors vehicle operating parameters and alerts a vehicle operator or other user if a monitored vehicle operating parameter exceeds a predetermined or configured limit. The vehicle operator or other user may configure custom calculations, formulas, or algorithms to generate new data based on existing vehicle or peripheral input data and then may use this new data as the configured limit to alert the vehicle operator or other user.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Inventor: Brian Palmer
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Patent number: 9481289Abstract: A discharge path circuit, the circuit providing a discharge path for an input terminal of an IC (Integrated Circuit) formed with a power input port connected to a first input and an operation mode selection port connected to a second port, the circuit comprising: an LC filter unit interconnected between the power input port and the first input to filter a noise in power; a first resistor interconnected between the first input and the second input; and a second resistor interconnected between the second input and a ground to provide a discharge path.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2011Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventor: Young Wuk Lee
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Patent number: 9481290Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustment device for light modules of a vehicle, by which the light module is arranged pivotal about a horizontal or vertical axis in reference to a housing, with an actuator arranged articulate along a direction of adjustment, which is connected via a link to a support frame carrying the light module, with the link comprising on the one hand a spherical link and on the other hand a cup-shaped link part accepting the former, with the cup-shaped link part comprising a laminar support section for the laminar contact at a fastening part of the support frame, with the laminar support section being supported at the fastening part in a manner displaceable perpendicular in reference to the direction of adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: HELLA KGAA HUECK & CO.Inventor: Franz-Georg Willeke
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Patent number: 9481291Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a light source, a projection lens through which at least a portion of light emitted from the light source passes, and an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a reference position of an optical axis of the projection lens. The adjustment mechanism includes a first member having a movement axis, a second member holding the first member, a first screw arranged to adjust the reference position in a first direction, and a second screw arranged to adjust the reference position in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first member is arranged such that the movement axis is positioned on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis and including a focal point of the projection lens. An action by a rotation of the first screw and an action by a rotation of the second screw are applied to one of the first and second members.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroki Shibata, Masashi Tatsukawa
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Patent number: 9481292Abstract: A method for influencing a lighting scene ahead of a vehicle is described, the method including a step of reading in information regarding a position of at least one recognized object and regarding a class of the recognized object. Furthermore, the method includes a step of assigning a lighting area, related to the position of the object, having a lighting intensity related to the class of the object for the lighting area. The method also includes a step of adapting the lighting scene, taking into account the lighting area and the associated lighting intensity.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Petko Faber, Gregor Schwarzenberg
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Patent number: 9481293Abstract: It is provided a LED light (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising several LED fields (14), wherein each LED field (14) comprises at least one LED (L1, L2, L3, L4), a housing (34) for supporting the LED fields (14) and a circuit board (12) comprising a driving electronics for operating the LED fields (14), wherein the LED fields (14) are connected in series by the driving electronics and the driving electronics is adapted to switch on and off each LED field (14) according to its position in the series in dependence of a signal, wherein the circuit board (12) is connectable to an outside of the LED light (10) located current source (16) for applying an electrical current to the LED fields (14), and wherein the circuit board (12) is integrated into the housing (34).Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Shin'ichi Honma, Josef A. Schug
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Patent number: 9481294Abstract: A planter monitor system and method that provides an operator with near real-time data concerning yield robbing events and the economic cost associated with such yield robbing events so as to motivate the operator to take prompt corrective action.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Precision Plating LLCInventors: Gregg A. Sauder, Justin L. Koch
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Patent number: 9481295Abstract: Improved vehicle emergency lighting control may be implemented in a vehicle computer. Data may be collected related to a pursuit of a second vehicle. The collected data can be used to determine at least one of an action of the first vehicle and an action of the second vehicle. An emergency light in the first vehicle can be controlled based on the at least one determined action.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Brian Bennie, Brad Alan Ignaczak, Randy Michael Freiburger, Thomas Lee Miller
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Patent number: 9481296Abstract: An illuminated emblem assembly is provided that includes a power source, a backing member, and a light-producing assembly coupled to the power source and supported by the backing member. The light-producing assembly includes a plurality of light-emitting diode sources. The light-producing assembly may also include a plurality of micro-sized, dispersed light-emitting diode sources. The illuminated emblem assembly further includes a translucent base region over the light sources, a chromatic layer over the translucent base region and a UV-stable translucent sealing structure over the chromatic layer that seals the backing member, the light producing assembly, and the chromatic layer. The sealing structure may be UV-stable and/or include a design feature. The illuminated emblem assembly exhibits a chrome- or mirror-like finish when viewed under ambient lighting conditions. Further, the illuminated emblem assembly possesses a glowing appearance when activated under low light or nighttime conditions.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Richard J. Roberts, LaRon Michelle Brown, Cornel Lewis Gardner
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Patent number: 9481297Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle steering assembly is provided herein. The lighting system includes a steering wheel having a central hub and a rim connected to the hub through a spoke. A light source is disposed on the rim. A first photoluminescent structure is disposed on the steering wheel and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by at least a portion of the light source. In some embodiments, the light source may implement a thin design, thereby helping to fit the light source into small package spaces of the vehicle where traditional light sources may not be practicable.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Pietro Buttolo, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Annette Lynn Huebner
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Patent number: 9481298Abstract: A reporting system has a first handheld device that locks and unlocks a door of a vehicle, and a second handheld device that communicates with the first handheld device. The first handheld device has an inside/outside determination unit that carries out wireless communication with the vehicle and acquires, with the vehicle, information of inside/outside determination on whether the first handheld device is inside the vehicle or outside the vehicle, and a transmitting unit that transmits the result of the inside/outside determination. The second handheld device has a receiving unit that receives the result of the determination from the first handheld device.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: OMRON AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Yosuke Tomita, Manabu Sakai, Takahiro Inaguma, Koji Takizawa
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Patent number: 9481299Abstract: When a warning is generated for a driver of a host vehicle based on approach information about a moving object, a selection between a first warning method and a second warning method is determined in accordance with the moving direction of the moving object with respect to the host vehicle. In the first warning method, a predicted collision time, which is the predicted amount of time before the moving object will collide with the host vehicle, is calculated based on the approach information, and the driver is warned only when the predicted collision time is less than a threshold value. In the second warning method, the distance between the moving object and the host vehicle is obtained as the approach information, and the driver is warned only when that distance is a value that corresponds to a value within a warning range.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tetsuya Komoguchi, Yoshihiko Takahashi
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Patent number: 9481300Abstract: A proximity alert system includes a vehicle that may be driven on a roadway. A proximity alert is coupled to the vehicle and the proximity alert detects obstacles around the vehicle when the vehicle is driven on the roadway. The proximity alert is electrically coupled to the turn signal such that the proximity alert is turned on when the turn signal is actuated. The proximity alert generates an alarm sequence when the turn signal is actuated and the proximity alert detects the obstacle. Thus, the proximity alert alerts a driver of the vehicle to the presence of the obstacles when the vehicle changes lanes on the roadway. The proximity alert generates an all clear sequence when the turn signal is actuated and the proximity alert does not detect the obstacle. Thus, the proximity alert facilitates the driver to safely change lanes on the roadway.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Inventor: Christopher A. Lutawan
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Patent number: 9481301Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes an image sensor and an image processor. The image sensor is disposed at a vehicle and has an exterior field of view. The image sensor is operable to capture image data. The image processor is operable to process captured image data. The vision system is operable to automatically synchronize the image sensor to an ECU reference timing. The vision system may power on the image sensor synchronous to the ECU reference timing, and the vision system may regulate the timing of the image sensor synchronous to the ECU reference timing. The vision system may regulate the timing of the image sensor between a fast mode and a slow mode to synchronize the timing of the image sensor to the ECU reference timing.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Michael Schaffner
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Patent number: 9481302Abstract: Provided is a mirror for checking blind spot that achieves further thickness reduction while being provided with flame resistance. A single double-sided adhesive tape 2 in which both surfaces of a base sheet 7 are coated with adhesives 8, 9 is attached to a back surface of a Fresnel mirror 1 formed of a planar transparent resin plate 3. The base sheet 7 is formed of a resin into which a flame retardant is blended.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2010Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Komy Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sakae Komiyama, Yoshinori Koyama, Hisanaga Takeda, Yoshiyuki Iwata
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Patent number: 9481303Abstract: A method of making a mirror substrate for an interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes providing a glass substrate having a generally planar front surface, a generally planar rear surface and a circumferential perimeter edge about a periphery of said glass substrate and extending between the front and rear surfaces. A grinding wheel is moved around the periphery of a front perimeter portion of the glass substrate while rotating the grinding wheel to establish a ground generally rounded surface about and around the glass substrate periphery. A polishing wheel is moved around the glass substrate periphery while rotating the polishing wheel to establish a polished generally rounded surface about and around the glass substrate periphery. The polished generally rounded surface provides a smooth transition between the generally planar front surface of the glass substrate and a rear portion of the circumferential perimeter edge of the glass substrate.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Darryl P. De Wind, Michael J. Baur, Timothy G. Perkins
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Patent number: 9481304Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror system suitable for use on a vehicle includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly, a mirror heating element and a control. The mirror assembly includes a mirror head portion mountable to a side of a vehicle and a reflective element supported at the mirror head portion. The mirror heating element is disposed at a rear side of the reflective element and operable to heat the reflective element. The control is operable to power the mirror heating element to heat the reflective element. The control controls heating of the mirror heating element responsive at least in part to a signal indicative of air flow at or around the exterior rearview mirror assembly and the reflective element of the equipped vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2011Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Robert J. Dykhouse
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Patent number: 9481305Abstract: The size of an anti-glare mirror in which an electrochromic layer to which voltage can be applied is disposed on a back surface side of a glass substrate serving as a mirror surface can be reduced, and the mirror surface thereof can be used widely. [Solution] A transparent electrode film 19 and an electrochromic layer 20 having a cut portion 25A for exposing a part of the transparent electrode film 19 are sequentially stacked on a back surface of a glass substrate 18, an electrode/reflecting film 21A is stacked on a back surface of the electrochromic layer 20 in an area excluding the cut portion 25A, a first terminal 28 is electrically connected to the electrode/reflecting film 21A, and a second terminal 29 is electrically connected to the transparent electrode 19 within the cut portion 25A.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA HONDA LOCKInventor: Tomoyuki Kukita
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Patent number: 9481306Abstract: An automotive communication system for a vehicle includes a multi-pixel reconfigurable display device disposed at an interior portion of a vehicle. Data is wirelessly communicated to and is received by electronic circuitry of the vehicle from a mobile accessory that is a personal accessory of an occupant of the vehicle. The data is at least in part customized to the geographic location of the vehicle as determined by a global positioning system operable to determine a geographical location. Information derived at least in part from the data is displayed by the display device and is viewable by a driver of the vehicle. The automotive communication system includes voice input and the automotive communication system includes voice generation. The data is from a data provider located external of and remote from the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: Kevin C. McCarthy, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 9481307Abstract: A locking mechanism associated with a handrail is provided. A pair of slots is provided on opposite side surfaces of the housing. Each of the side surfaces is adjacent to the side open end. A bracket is affixed to any one of the side surface of the housing. A locking member is pivotally coupled to the bracket. The first arm of the locking member is configured to selectively engage with the pair of slots to retain the handrail in the upright position. On exerting a force in a downward direction on a second arm of the locking member the first arm is selectively released from the pair of slots to allow the handrail to move from an upright position to a collapsed position.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: CATERPILLAR UNDERGROUD MINING PTY. LTD.Inventor: Sunil Koshy
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Patent number: 9481308Abstract: A grille-step assembly mounted on a vehicle includes a vehicle having a vehicle frame and a grille-step assembly secured to the frame. The grille-step assembly includes a grille frame secured to the vehicle frame. The grille frame has opposed grille brackets with at least one bar connecting the opposed grille brackets to one another and a step assembly. The step assembly includes opposed step brackets having a bottom crossbar and a step crossbar that connect the opposed step brackets to one another. The assembly is releasably mounted so that in a closed position both the bottom crossbar and the step crossbar are positioned between the opposed grille brackets, and in an open position one of the bottom crossbar and step crossbar is positioned away from the opposed grille brackets.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: All Sales Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Steven A. Dringenberg, Timothy D. Manning, Sr., Timothy D. Manning, Jr.
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Patent number: 9481309Abstract: A vehicle seat retention system includes a vehicle seating assembly having a seat, which includes a seating surface and a seatback having seatback surface. A continuous peripheral rim is disposed on a first side, a second side, and a front of the vehicle seat, below the seating surface of the vehicle seating assembly. A first telescoping extension is disposed at a forward corner defined between the first side and the front of the vehicle seat. A second telescoping extension is disposed at a forward corner defined between the second side and the front of the vehicle seat. A deployable net is disposed between the seat and the peripheral rim. The deployable net is configured to be concealed within a seat base disposed below the seating surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Artur Sakarian, Annette Lynn Huebner, Ryan Welch, Kristin Ann Hellman
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Patent number: 9481310Abstract: A vehicle storage structure has a box structure with a cargo compartment, a lid and a locking mechanism. The lid is movable between a lowered orientation covering the cargo compartment and a raised orientation exposing the cargo compartment. The lid has a first section and a second section connected to one another via a hinge. The second section is pivotally movable such that with the first section in the lowered orientation, the second section pivots between a retracted position overlaying the first section and an extended position defining a flat cargo receiving surface. The locking mechanism is fixedly attached to the first section of the lid and is configured to releasably lock the lid in the lowered orientation.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventors: Michael Chawlk, Brian Shepard, Kelly Schlotterer
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Patent number: 9481311Abstract: An accessory mounting structure to a vehicle dashboard, the structure includes: a dashboard extending in a vehicle width direction at a front portion of a riding space and provided with an accessory location opening for locating an accessory; and an accessory mount panel detachably provided to the dashboard and closing the accessory location opening. The accessory mount panel has an accessory mount portion for mounting the accessory that is located through the accessory location opening.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hideyoshi Kosuge, Chad Enger
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Patent number: 9481312Abstract: A weapon lock apparatus having a magnetic lock system activated by a control module for releasably securing an article, such as a weapon, to deter unauthorized removal and use of the article secured by the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Assembled Products CorporationInventor: Kelly Irwin