Patents Issued in November 15, 2016
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Patent number: 9493159Abstract: A lane centering fusion system including a primary controller determining whether a vehicle is centered within a lane of travel. The primary controller includes a primary lane fusion unit for fusing lane sensed data for identifying a lane center position. A secondary controller determines whether a vehicle is centered within a lane of travel. The secondary controller includes a secondary lane fusion unit for fusing lane sensed data for identifying the lane center position. The primary controller and secondary controller are asynchronous controllers. A lane centering control unit maintains the vehicle centered within the lane of travel. The lane centering control unit utilizes fusion data output from the primary controller for maintaining lane centering control. The lane centering control unit utilizes fusion data output from the secondary controller in response to a detection of a fault with respect to the primary controller.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Shige Wang, Shuqing Zeng, Xiaofeng Song
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Patent number: 9493160Abstract: A vehicle speed control system for a vehicle having a plurality of wheels, the vehicle speed control system comprising one or more electronic control units configured to carry out a method that includes applying torque to at least one of the plurality of wheels, detecting a slip event between any one or more of the wheels and the ground over which the vehicle is travelling when the vehicle is in motion and providing a slip detection output signal in the event thereof. The method carried out by the one or more electronic control units further includes receiving a user input of a target speed at which the vehicle is intended to travel and maintaining the vehicle at the target speed independently of the slip detection output signal by adjusting the amount of torque applied to the at least one of the plurality of wheels.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover LimitedInventors: James Kelly, Andrew Fairgrieve, Daniel Woolliscroft
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Patent number: 9493161Abstract: A system for governing a reference speed vref_dhsc for a downhill speed control system in a vehicle in connection with a downhill gradient. A simulation unit simulates at least one future speed profile vsim for an actual vehicle speed over a section of road in front of the vehicle, based on topographic information. An establishing unit establishes whether the reference speed vref_dhsc is to be allocated an increased reference speed vref_dhsc_schwung. This establishing is based on a comparison of the simulated future speed profile vsim with a permitted magnitude of the increased reference speed vref_dhsc_schwung and/or with an infringement speed vsl. An allocation unit allocates the value of the increased reference speed vref_dhsc_schwung to the reference speed vref_dhsc if this has been established.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: SCANIA CV ABInventors: Oskar Johansson, Mikael Ögren, Fredrik Swartling
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Patent number: 9493162Abstract: When an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal are being simultaneously operated, an electronic control unit executes a driving power limiting process, in which the driving power is set less than that when only the accelerator pedal is operated. The electronic control unit executes the driving power limiting process after a predetermined time has elapsed from when simultaneous operation of the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal is performed. If the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal are simultaneously operated, the electronic control unit sets a target deceleration of the vehicle based on the vehicle speed before the start of the driving power limiting process and the operation amount of the brake pedal and then controls the driving power during execution of the driving power limiting process such that the deceleration of the vehicle matches the target deceleration.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hideaki Yaguchi
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Patent number: 9493163Abstract: When an oncoming vehicle in an oncoming lane is detected in the case where a vehicle equipped with a driving support apparatus moves to a position across a portion of a boundary between an original traveling lane of the vehicle and the oncoming lane in order to pass a preceding vehicle, passing control is interrupted. When the departure of the oncoming vehicle from the oncoming lane is confirmed, the interruption of the passing control is canceled and the passing is performed. When the oncoming vehicle does not depart, or when it the oncoming vehicle is determined to depart but a vehicle following the oncoming vehicle is detected, the interruption of the passing control is maintained and the vehicle is returned to behind the preceding vehicle in the original traveling lane.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shiro Ezoe, Takayuki Nagase, Osamu Takahashi, Koji Matsuno, Harunobu Horiguchi, Masato Mizoguchi, Yasushi Takaso, Hajime Oyama
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Patent number: 9493164Abstract: Methods and systems for providing vacuum to a vehicle are described. In one example, a method adjusts an application force of a transmission clutch in response to a request for additional vacuum.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
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Patent number: 9493165Abstract: A drive force control method for a vehicle, the vehicle having an accelerator pedal, a motive force source that outputs a driving force in the form of a rotation according to an accelerator opening of the accelerator pedal, a drive wheel, and a transmission that transmits the rotation output from the motive force source to the drive wheel after changing a rotation speed thereof, the method including detecting the accelerator opening, detecting a vehicle running condition, calculating a target vehicle drive force based on the accelerator opening, calculating a target input rotation speed of the transmission based on the target vehicle drive force, calculating a target input torque of the transmission based on the target vehicle drive force, and calculating a target vehicle drive force in a vehicle deceleration state that is a variable value depending on the vehicle running condition.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Yoshino, Masahiro Iriyama
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Patent number: 9493166Abstract: A method and system for measuring driver reaction times is provided. The method includes identifying a driver of a vehicle and determining reaction times associated with a set of driving functions executed by the driver during a first driving process. The driver is determined to be currently driving the vehicle and currently executed driving functions are monitored. Current reaction times associated with the currently executed driving functions are identified and compared to the reaction times. Differences between the current reaction times and the reaction times are determined and logged. The differences indicate that the driver is currently executing a first driving distraction event and in response specified functions associated with the currently executed driving functions and/or the first driving distraction event are executed.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Gregory J. Boss, Andrew R. Jones, Kevin C. McConnell, John E. Moore, Jr.
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Patent number: 9493167Abstract: Before a communication control device ECU falls into a sleep state or a power-off state, a substitution request is transmitted to an ECU, among substitute candidate devices ECU to ECU, that is determined by a substitute transmission acceptability determining unit as being capable of taking over the communication control device. A substitution-capable processing load quantity, a substitution-capable process importance level, or a failure determination result of each of the ECUs is used as determination criteria when the substitute transmission acceptability determining unit of the ECU determines a substitute device, and the determination is carried out in an order that takes into consideration the process importance level of each of the ECUs during travelling or at a standstill, to prevent failures in a network or abnormal behaviors of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Okuyama, Toru Morita, Toshinori Matsui, Madoka Baba, Kiyohiro Morita
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Patent number: 9493168Abstract: A powertrain system is described, including a method for controlling a control variable for an element thereof. The method includes determining an initial state transition threshold and an associated hysteresis band for an operating parameter related to the control variable. The hysteresis band is decayed based upon operation in a present state of the control variable for powertrain element, and a preferred control variable for the powertrain element is selected based upon a comparison of the operating parameter and the initial state transition threshold accounting for the decayed hysteresis band for the operating parameter. The element of the powertrain system is controlled to the preferred state for the control variable.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Kee Yong Kim, Anthony H. Heap, Jeremy Wise
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Patent number: 9493169Abstract: A method and control system for operating a motor vehicle, sense a gesture directed at an object from a vehicle occupant using a gesture recognition unit, interpret the gesture and identify of the object using a data processing unit and generate a corresponding control command on the basis of the interpreted gesture and the identified object. An assistance system of the motor vehicle is actuated in accordance with the control command using the data processing unit. A voice command, uttered by the vehicle occupant is sensed before, during or after the sensing of the gesture, using a voice recognition unit. A combined interpretation of the gesture, the identified object and the voice command is performed, and the control command is generated on the basis of the combined interpretation, using the data processing unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: AUDI AGInventor: André Ebner
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Patent number: 9493170Abstract: A collision avoidance system for a vehicle is disclosed that includes at least one sensor mounted to a vehicle to measure the vehicle's environment in the reverse driving direction, a controller which creates a feature vector based on relationships among data provided by at least one sensor, and a non-volatile memory which stores feature vectors and related object configurations for a number of different environments. The system utilizes a comparison between the current feature vector and previously stored feature vectors to match the current environment with a previously observed environment, and then loads a previously stored object configuration which can improve collision detection performance to reduce the number of unnecessary system interventions.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventor: Graham Lanier Fletcher
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Patent number: 9493171Abstract: A vehicle may include a driver interface and at least one controller operatively arranged with the interface. The at least one controller may be configured to determine a speed and acceleration of the vehicle, to predict a time until a future speed of the vehicle exceeds a predefined speed based on the predefined speed and the speed and acceleration of the vehicle, and to issue an alert via the interface if the time is less than a predefined time.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dimitar Petrov Filev, Jianbo Lu, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Fling Tseng
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Patent number: 9493172Abstract: An outlet gate assembly with a body, a discharge conduit having opposite ends defining discharge openings, an air flow conduit having an air flow opening adjacent each of the discharge openings and removable covers, each enclosing one of the discharge openings, and the adjacent air flow opening of the air flow conduit. The covers define a flow path between the discharge opening and adjacent air flow opening. In another form the air flow conduit from each air flow opening comprises a separate tube. Also a cover is disclosed for the discharge tube of an outlet gate for a railroad car that is vented to atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: SALCO PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: James M. McLaughlin, David A. Oestermeyer, Alex V. Degutis, Joshua J. Chesser, Clayton J. Strand, Matthew C. Huang, William R. Borowski
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Patent number: 9493173Abstract: A railcar includes an underframe and an energy absorber provided at the underframe. The underframe includes a first end beam, a second end beam, and a sliding center sill connecting the first end beam and the second end beam with each other. The sliding center sill includes a first beam member connected to the first end beam, a second beam member connected to the second end beam, and a coupling member coupling the first beam member to the second beam member. The first beam member slides relative to the second beam member when the coupling member breaks by application of an impact load higher than a predetermined load. The sliding center sill and the energy absorber are arranged in a region located between the first end beam and the second end beam.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toshiyuki Hirashima, Shirou Honma, Hitoshi Nagahara
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Patent number: 9493174Abstract: A railcar bogie includes a cross beam to support a carbody of a railcar, a pair of front and rear axles between which the cross beam is located and arranged, respectively, in front of and behind the cross beam in a railcar longitudinal direction and extending in a railcar width direction, bearings provided at both railcar width direction sides of the axles to rotatably support the axles, axle boxes to respectively accommodate the bearings, and a plate spring extending in the railcar longitudinal direction to support one of both railcar width direction end portions of the cross beam and including both longitudinal direction end portions supported by the axle boxes. The plate spring unit includes a plurality of plate springs to elastically deform in an upper-lower thickness direction. The plate springs are arranged in a line in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takehiro Nishimura, Shunichi Nakao, Masayuki Enomoto
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Patent number: 9493175Abstract: A control system including a measurement module configured to receive motor measurements that represent operating parameters of plural traction motors of a common vehicle system as the vehicle system propels along a route. The control system also includes an analysis module configured to compare the motor measurements to an expected measurement. The expected measurement corresponds to a designated motor type. The analysis module is configured to determine that at least one of the traction motors is different from the designated motor type based on comparing the motor measurements to the expected measurement.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Wolfgang Daum
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Patent number: 9493176Abstract: A method operates a railway safety system having at least one trackside device while taking into account a measured velocity value recorded when the rail vehicle drives into a switch-on section of the railway safety system. In order to minimize the closing times for a level crossing by such a method, the measured velocity value is used as the basis for checking whether a correction time for forwarding a signal from the one trackside device to an associated railway safety assembly is to be set according to the measured velocity value when the rail vehicle drives into the switch-on section. Thereafter, a set correction time is checked to determine if the set correction time should remain effective according to at least one further influencing variable of the rail vehicle that determines the travel time. A railway safety system for carrying out the method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Robert Busse, Thomas Kohlmeyer, Christoph Kutschera, Dominik Lüthe, Jens-Harro Oechsner, Thomas Schmidt, Michael Schulze, Wolfgang Windolf
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Patent number: 9493177Abstract: A takedown utility cart includes four corner members each including joining apertures; four rectangular interconnecting members each shaped as a groove having two bent ends, each interconnecting member including two joining apertures at two sides respectively wherein a retainer is driven through the joining apertures to fasten the corner member and the interconnecting member together; two side walls each including a rectangular panel, two joining members at front and rear ends of the panel respectively, and two joining apertures on the joining member wherein a retainer is driven through the joining apertures to fasten the corner member and the side wall together; a rectangular platform disposed on the bent ends; a rectangular rear panel including four joining apertures at respective corners thereof wherein a retainer is driven through the joining apertures to fasten the corner member and the rear panel together; and at least one drawer.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: E-MAKE CO., LTDInventors: Kung-Cheng Chen, Lung-Chuan Huang
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Patent number: 9493178Abstract: A foldable child support apparatus including a seat with a seat back pivotal relative to a seat base between at least one open condition for seating a child when the apparatus is unfolded and a closed condition when the apparatus is folded. A frame is provided including a handle member and front and rear leg members, which pivot about at least one frame pivot between an unfolded condition in which the handle member and the front leg members extend on generally opposite sides of the pivot and a folded condition in which the frame members are located on the same side of the pivot with the front leg members located between the handle member and rear leg members. The frame is arranged to transfer the seat between a forward facing unfolded position and a forward facing folded position and vice versa.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Mamas & Papas (Holdings) Ltd.Inventors: Peter Smith, Nichola Hargreaves, Stephen Redfern
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Patent number: 9493179Abstract: The invention comprises a trolley with an frame (1) with wheels (10, 11) and at least one handle (5), which is characterized in that the frame (1) comprises: a main supporting rod (2), equipped with the handle (5) at the upper end, and at least one wheel (11) at the lower end; a sub-supporting rod (7), fastened at its upper end to the main supporting rod (2) between the extreme ends of the main supporting rod, and equipped with at least one wheel (10) at the lower end; and wherein the wheels (11) are fastened to the main supporting rod via a first crosspiece (4) and/or where the wheels (10) are fastened to the sub-supporting rod via a second crosspiece (9).Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2002Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Stokke ASInventor: Bjørn Refsum
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Patent number: 9493180Abstract: A traveling vehicle includes: a traveling machine body supported by a pair of left and right driving wheels; a pair of left motor and the right motor configured to independently drive the driving wheels; a riding part disposed behind the traveling machine body and connected to the traveling machine body, and configured to enable riding of a worker; a handle connected to the traveling machine body so as to be swingable left and right with respect to the traveling machine body; a plurality of load sensors for detecting a forward and backward weight shift of the worker who is riding on the riding part; a rotation angle sensor for detecting a leftward and rightward swinging operation amount of the handle; and a controller for controlling operation of the left and right motors based on detection values by the plurality of load sensors and the rotation angle sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATIONInventors: Hirokazu Ito, Kazuo Koike, Yoshikazu Togoshi
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Patent number: 9493182Abstract: Disclosed are a system and a method for compensating friction due to rack bending in a motor driven power steering system. The system for compensating friction may include a rack bending signal processor and a friction compensation controller. The rack bending signal processor may determine whether a rack bar bends when a lateral force is transmitted to the rack bar in turn of a vehicle. The friction compensation controller may calculates a friction compensation torque by adding a counter-rack bending torque according to a bending displacement of the rack bar to a basic steering torque of a motor and control a current supplied to the motor to apply the friction compensation torque if it is determined that the rack bar bends.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Jae Hyung Kim
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Patent number: 9493183Abstract: A friction compensation logic of an MDPS (motor driven power steering) system to receive and to process a column torque signal and to output a friction compensation torque comprises: an accumulation speed adjusting portion to adjust an accumulation speed of a compensation section information set in the column torque signal; and a compensation amount adjusting portion in accordance with a vehicle speed to control so that the accumulation speed adjusting portion adjusts the accumulation speed of the compensation section information fast or slow in accordance with the vehicle speed, to adjust a compensation amount gain small or large in accordance with the vehicle speed, and to output a friction compensation torque.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.Inventor: Seung Hoon Yang
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Patent number: 9493184Abstract: A materials handling vehicle implements a steer maneuver to hug an object. A controller on the vehicle receives sensor data from at least one sensing device and detects that a selected object is in an environment proximate the vehicle using the received sensor data. The controller performs a steer maneuver by causing the vehicle to steer such that the vehicle is substantially maintained at a desired distance from the selected object as the vehicle travels on a desired heading.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: Anthony T. Castaneda, William W. McCroskey, James F. Schloemer, Mark E. Schumacher, Vernon W. Siefring, Timothy A. Wellman
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Patent number: 9493185Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention teaches the use of two or more “floating pivot points” in a trailing/leading arm suspension system. A complimentary steering system is also described herein. The present invention eliminates a number of significant shortcomings of the traditional trailing/leading arm suspension type, thereby offering substantial performance improvements.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Tempus Motor Works LLCInventors: Winthrop Dada, Cameron Carlson, Aaron Prichard, Max Sluiter, Lydia Bostrom-Dada
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Patent number: 9493186Abstract: A gear assembly with two inputs and two outputs which can be used on zero turn riding mowers or similar vehicles. The first input is a propelling input and the second input is a steering input. The assembly contains a planet carrier, a first planetary gear assembly, and a second planetary gear assembly. The propelling input is engaged with the planet carrier. The first and second planetary gear assemblies contain a ring gear. The steering input is engaged with the ring gears. The steering input is either a helical bevel gear, straight bevel gear, or a gear train. In another version, the gear assembly can have two planet carriers connected externally to the planetary gear assemblies. In this instance, a central gear is used in between the first planetary gear assembly and the second planetary gear assembly to connect the sun gears.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2016Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Inventor: Gale Edward Maddy
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Patent number: 9493187Abstract: In one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, a trailer backup assist system includes a sensor that senses a measured hitch angle between a vehicle and a trailer. The system also provides an input module that receives a desired curvature of the trailer. A controller of the system includes a curvature regulator determining a desired hitch angle based on the desired curvature and a steering angle of the vehicle. In addition, the controller of the system includes a hitch angle regulator generating a steering angle command based on the desired hitch angle and the measured hitch angle. In this embodiment, the controller is configured to operate the trailer backup assist system irrespective of the attached trailer having a conventional tongue or a gooseneck tongue.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Edward Pilutti, Roger Arnold Trombley, Michael Hafner, Matthew Y. Rupp, Douglas Scott Rhode, Darrel Alan Recker
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Patent number: 9493188Abstract: A vehicle lower portion structure has: a tunnel portion disposed at a vehicle transverse direction central portion of a floor portion; a front side member whose rear portion is disposed at a vehicle lower side of the floor portion and a vehicle transverse direction outer side of the tunnel portion; a first member including a first horizontal wall that extends from the rear portion toward a vehicle transverse direction inner side, and a first vertical wall bent toward a vehicle upper side from the first horizontal wall; and a second member spanning an opening portion of the tunnel portion. The second member includes a second horizontal wall joined to the first horizontal wall, and a second vertical wall that is bent toward the vehicle upper side from the second horizontal wall, is disposed parallel to the first vertical wall, and is joined to the first vertical wall.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hyuga Atsumi, Susumu Takenaka, Kunihiko Yoshioka, Tetsuo Nuruki
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Patent number: 9493189Abstract: A chassis assembly of a vehicle includes a frame, an underbody supported by the frame, and a subframe connected to the underbody. A connection connects the subframe and the underbody. A lever extends from the subframe to the frame. During a frontal impact of the vehicle, the lever leverages against the frame to detach the connection from the underbody. This movement of the subframe relative to the frame and the detachment of the connection from the underbody absorbs energy during the frontal impact and results in a softer pulse and a reduced Vehicle Pulse Index.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Saied Nusier, Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Saeed David Barbat, Jamel E. Belwafa
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Patent number: 9493190Abstract: A vehicle sill reinforcement includes a first elongate member and a second elongate member. Each of the first elongate member and the second elongate member includes steps and walls disposed in alternating arrangement along an axis. The walls of the first elongate member are fixed to the walls of the second elongate member. The steps of the first elongate member and the steps of the second elongate member are aligned along the axis and define cavities therebetween. The steps and walls of the sill reinforcement resist buckling in response to both vertical and horizontal components of impact force applied to the sill reinforcement.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jamil M. Alwan, Abdelmonaam Sassi, Thiag Subbian, Djamal Eddine Midoun
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Patent number: 9493191Abstract: An all-terrain 4 wheeled vehicle with a frame comprising an arcuate shape. In one embodiment, the arcuate shape extends from a rear axis to a front axis such that there is additional clearance over a typical non arcuate frame at a given ride height. The arcuate frame may also provide for additional structural strength. The frame may also include the ability to attach periphery accessories such as an engine cage, a passenger cage, trailing arms, power train and transmission.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Inventor: Stephen Kariniemi
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Patent number: 9493192Abstract: The present invention relates to a dashboard crossmember (1) for a vehicle, including a crossbar (2) as well as at least one connection flange (3) designed to enable said crossbar to be attached to the body of said vehicle, said crossmember being characterized in that said crossbar (2) includes a bearing web (10) made of a fiber-reinforced composite material including continuous libers (7) arranged within a matrix (8), and preferably results from the assembly of a plurality of preformed basic parts (13, 14, 15) each produced by bending a composite material lap piece (11) about a single direction of the space so as to avoid overstretching or dislocating the network of fibers (7) of each of said laps.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignees: Faurecia Interieur Industrie, Peugeot Citroën Automobiles SAInventors: Laurent Baudard, Mickael Trannoy, Jean Michel Appasamy
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Patent number: 9493193Abstract: A locking mechanism having a lock and a locking bolt for the detachable fixing of a tiltable driver's cab on the chassis of a military motor vehicle. A shared joint (knee) of a knee lever, which has two one-armed lever arms of different lengths, is used as the locking element of the lock, the joint engaging with a corresponding recess of the locking bolt in the locked position of the locking mechanism. The short lever arm of the knee lever is pivotably supported on its end facing away from the knee in a fixed bearing, and the long lever arm of the knee lever is pivotably supported by its end facing away from the knee with the first lever arm of a reversing lever pivotable around a pivot axis. The second lever arm of the reversing lever is connected to a drive for pivoting the reversing lever, so that a pivot motion of the reversing lever induces a motion of the knee of the knee lever into or out of the recess of the locking bolt.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Oesterreich GesmbHInventors: Michael Deimel, Heinz Milchrahm, Rudolf Pertlik, Martin Leitner, Martin Lang
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Patent number: 9493194Abstract: A truck bed extender including an elongated support tube having a first and a second end whereby the first end is adapted for securement in a trailer hitch mounted on a truck, and two support arms pivotally mounted at the second end of the elongated support tube, for pivotal rotation from a collapsed position generally alongside the elongated support tube, to an angled position extending upwardly away from the elongated support tube. The support arms, when rotated upward rest on two rectangular shaped cam adjusters that are pivotally mounted on the sides of the elongated support tube at the second end, just behind the support arms. The support arm height is adjusted by rotating the cam adjusters. A crossbar is removed from its stored position inside the hollow, elongated support tube and mounted with a removable lock pin perpendicular and on top of the support arms.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Inventor: Tony Sleiman
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Patent number: 9493195Abstract: A system, machine, device, and/or manufacture that is configured for, relates to, and/or results from, and/or a method for activities that can comprise and/or relate to, extending a floor, such as a floor of deck, patio, platform, and/or a vehicle, such as a trailer and/or truck from a compressed arrangement to an extended arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Inventor: Matthew Alan Willis
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Patent number: 9493196Abstract: The present embodiments provide a wake convergence device that allows for the increase in pressure of the low pressure region created behind the “square-shaped” trailing edge of a trailer. The present embodiments also reduce the effect of the trailing edge tip vortices and re-streamlines the flow shedding off the sides and top of the semi-trailer. The wake convergence device mounts to an existing trailer with aerodynamic brackets and hinges in a manner that will not impede a trailer's current practical function for loading and unloading of its payload. The wake convergence device efficiently manages the trailer's trailing edge flow because of its positioning that allows a gap between the wake convergence device and the trailer sides or top.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Auto Research Center, LLCInventor: Michael W. Camosy
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Patent number: 9493197Abstract: A tractor-trailer wind fairing panel assembly includes two side and one top fairing panels that mount to a truck tractor and aerodynamically bridge the air gap to any fifth-wheel utility trailer being pulled by the tractor. Such fairing panels are hinged on their leading edges so their distal trailing edges can swing a bit to accommodate twisting and turning of the utility trailer during use. The hinges all mount to a cab adapter collar that helps fit the whole to the contoured surfaces of the rear of a typical truck tractor cab. The distal ends of the trailing edges are fitted with inward directed wind seals. Rows of ball bearing pucks are arranged in the crowns of the inward directed wind seals to reduce friction and wear as the fairing panels swing to accommodate the twisting and turning of the utility trailer.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2016Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Inventor: Nikolai Logounov
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Patent number: 9493198Abstract: A sealing assembly is disposed so as to provide a sealing function between two parts of a track that are movable relative to each other. The sealing assembly includes an elastic ring having a radially-encircling sealing lip that fixedly and sealingly abuts on a first part of the track. The sealing assembly also includes a support ring that is rotatable relative to a sealing ring having a sealing edge. The support ring has a slip surface, on which the sealing edge sealingly abuts.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKFInventor: Hans-Joachim Vom Stein
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Patent number: 9493199Abstract: A master link mating surface cover is disclosed. The master link mating surface cover includes a first inclined portion for covering a corresponding first inclined portion of a master link mating surface, a second inclined portion for covering a corresponding second inclined portion of a master link mating surface, and a third inclined portion for covering a corresponding third inclined portion of a master link mating surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Gerry L Horton, Dennis Roberts, Stan R. Parrott
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Patent number: 9493200Abstract: A drive unit couples to a steering unit for a multi-axle vehicle for conveying a passenger. The drive unit includes a chassis configured as a supporting structure of the drive unit, a drive module with a motor and a first axle with wheels for driving the vehicle, a coupling device for coupling the drive unit to the steering unit, an operating element for operating the drive module, and a seat arrangement for supporting the passenger. The drive unit is also configured such that a total center of mass of the drive unit is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in front of the first axle. A corresponding steering unit and a vehicle comprising a corresponding drive unit and a steering unit are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: IEM Schwenk GmbHInventors: Peter Schwenk, Ludwig Thalhofer
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Patent number: 9493201Abstract: A vehicle body positioning and locking devices for use in assembling a vehicle body positioned on a movable vehicle support positioned at a vehicle build station. The locking device includes a remote vehicle locking device for selectively securing and locking a vehicle body to a support pallet. The support pallet is accurately and precisely positioned at a build station through alignment and inserting engagement of locating pads in at least one four-way and at least one two way receiver mounted to a build station foundation. A compliant body clamp design is included to provide a desired clamping force between the pallet and a vehicle body across a range of motion of the body clamp to accommodate vehicle build variances.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Comau, Inc.Inventors: Velibor Kilibarda, Michael R. Dugas
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Patent number: 9493202Abstract: The invention relates to an overhead conveying device (01) for integration in an assembly plant for transporting vehicle components, having a supporting framework (03) and at least one conveying device, wherein the supporting framework (03) has a length of more than 5 m and a width of more than 2 m and comprises longitudinally and/or transversely oriented and/or diagonal interconnected supporting beam elements (04, 05, 07), wherein the conveying device is mounted on the supporting framework (03) and can implement transport of vehicle components, wherein the supporting framework (03) has bearing means (08.5, 08.6) for bearing the overhead conveying device (01) in the assembly plant, wherein the supporting framework (03) is designed to be self-supporting and can be transported in preassembled form from the place of manufacture to the place of use.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Inventor: Torsten Hösker
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Patent number: 9493203Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a bicycle rider. The apparatus comprises an elongate central member and first and second independently biased members each located to a lateral side of the central member. The method comprises providing an elongate central member and biasing first and second members to lateral sides of the central member.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Inventor: Lyle Portz
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Patent number: 9493204Abstract: An adjustable saddle for motorcycles including a padded upper portion which constitutes the seat for the rider and/or the passenger of the motorcycle, and a substantially rigid bottom portion suitable for resting and attaching the saddle to the chassis or to the frame of the motorcycle. The bottom portion of the saddle at least one aperture is made for access to a respective compartment made inside the padded upper portion and is destined to receive one or more inserts or devices suitable for varying the height of the seat and/or the level of comfort for the rider and/or the passenger of the motorcycle. The aperture is made at the seat of the rider and/or passenger and is provided with a removable cover plate.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: PIAGGIO & C. S.P.A.Inventor: Maurizio Baruzzo
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Patent number: 9493205Abstract: A tricycle with foldable double wheel assembly comprises: a frame, a single-wheel assembly and a double-wheel assembly respectively disposed at front end and rear end of the frame, and a handlebar assembly matching with the single-wheel assembly to control steering, the double-wheel assembly comprising a supporting beam and two wheels disposed on the supporting beam, wherein the supporting beam comprises two branches of same structures, the two wheels being respectively disposed on the two branches, the supporting beam having a first stable state where the two branches are open, and a second stable state where the two branches are put together side by side. The supporting beam in the double-wheel assembly of the present utility model is foldable so that it is not necessary to occupy a relatively large space to carry/store the tricycle and the usage convenience of the tricycle is thus improved.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: SMART TRIKE MNF PTE LTD.Inventor: Ilan Ben Meir
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Patent number: 9493206Abstract: A transformable folding electric scooter comprises a motor engine, a connecting frame, and a boarding plate. The connecting frame comprises a handle frame disposed upright and having a handle at a top portion thereof, a front frame extending forward from a lower portion of the handle frame and connected to the motor engine foldably at a first folding position provided on the motor engine, and a rear frame extending rearward from the lower portion of the handle frame. The boarding plate comprises a front plate portion connected to a lower portion of the rear frame fixedly, and a rear plate portion connected to the front plate portion foldably at a second folding position provided between the front plate portion and the rear plate portion of the connecting frame. The rear plate portion is folded upward with respect to the front plate portion at the second folding position.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Inventor: Steve Oh
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Patent number: 9493207Abstract: A motorcycle comprises a front wheel; a rear wheel; a seat; a vehicle body frame; a swing arm which supports the rear wheel such that the swing arm is vertically pivotable around a location at which the swing arm is connected to a front frame; and a rear suspension which connects the vehicle body frame to the swing arm via a link mechanism, wherein a seat frame includes a pair of rail sections having rear end portions which are placed to be spaced apart from each other on both sides in a vehicle width direction relative to the rear wheel and located above an axle of the rear wheel, and wherein the rear suspension is placed on one side in the vehicle width direction relative to a vehicle body center line extending in a forward and rearward direction and extends in the forward and rearward direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hideaki Kawai
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Patent number: 9493208Abstract: A vehicle prevents interference of a right lamp and a left lamp with a link mechanism without increasing the size of the vehicle in its width direction. A right link side portion of a right lamp is located on the right of a locus along which a link mechanism extends when an upper cross portion turns when looking at the vehicle from the front of an upper middle axis. At least a portion of the right link side portion is located on the left of a right end portion of a body cover, above the upper middle axis, and below an upper end portion of the link mechanism that results when the upper cross portion turns clockwise to a maximum extent relative to a body frame, when looking at the vehicle from the front of the upper middle axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kaoru Sasaki, Yosuke Hirayama, Kazuhisa Takano, Toshio Iizuka, Hirotoshi Noguchi
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Patent number: 9493209Abstract: A bicycle pedal is detachable and engageable with a cleat that can be attached to shoes. The bicycle pedal basically includes a pedal shaft having a rotational center axis, a pedal main body and a clamp part. The pedal main body includes a first surface and a second surface. The second surface is on the opposite side of the first surface. The pedal main body is rotatably supported by the pedal shaft around the rotational center axis. The clamp part has at least three cleat clamping portions that detachably retain the cleat on at least the first surface of the pedal main body.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Atsushi Sakaue