Patents Issued in November 29, 2016
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Patent number: 9505296Abstract: A clutch device having an actuating device, especially for a drive train of a motor vehicle which includes an internal combustion engine, an electrical machine with a stator and a rotor, and a transmission device. The clutch device can be arranged in the drive train between the internal combustion engine on the one side and the electrical machine and the transmission device on the other side. The clutch device and the actuating device are integrated into the rotor of the electrical machine and the actuating device includes an electrical eddy-current brake with a brake stator and a brake rotor, the brake rotor having at least one electromagnet with a coil and a core, the coil and the core being arranged concentrically in relation to each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2013Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Florian Vogel, Daniel Helmer
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Patent number: 9505297Abstract: A drive train for a hybrid motor vehicle has an internal combustion engine (12) with a motor shaft (18) for providing a torque for driving the hybrid motor vehicle, and an electric machine (30) for providing a torque for driving the hybrid motor vehicle. The motor shaft (18) can be coupled via a transmission clutch (14) to a motor vehicle transmission (16) to shift transmission gears (1 to 8), and the motor vehicle transmission (16) has a transmission output shaft (28). A ring gear of a differential gear mechanism (29) of the hybrid motor vehicle can be driven by the transmission output shaft (28). The electric machine (30) can be coupled by a clutch (K3) to a drive shaft (60) and the ring gear (62) can be driven by the drive shaft (60).Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Sebastian Wachter, Falk Heilfort
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Patent number: 9505298Abstract: A drive system (1) for a vehicle includes an electric motor (12) and a gas turbine assembly (28). The electric motor (12) includes a rotor (16) coupled to a drive shaft (14). The gas turbine assembly (28) includes a turbine (30) including a turbine wheel (34) mounted on the drive shaft (14), a burner (70) that burns fuel and provides exhaust gas to drive the turbine wheel (34), and a compressor (50) that provides compressed air to the burner (70). The gas turbine assembly (28) is coupled to the drive shaft (14) of the electric motor (12). The drive system (1) also includes gear train unit (90) that has the drive shaft (14) as an input shaft, has an output shaft (94) connected to vehicle wheels (100), and transmits power from one of the electric motor (12) or gas turbine assembly (28) to the wheels (100).Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Brock Fraser, Philip J Mott
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Patent number: 9505299Abstract: A drive arrangement includes a housing having two chambers and a partition defining an annular space within the housing. A disk is mounted on a shaft of the drive arrangement and includes an annular portion disposed within the annular space. A face of the annular portion is axially spaced from the partition by a gap clearance. An axial dimension of the gap clearance is such that rotation of the disk generates a negative pressure gradient for drawing fluid from the first chamber through the gap clearance in a radial direction toward the rotation axis. The fluid then moves along the face of the disk in a radial direction away from the rotation axis under centrifugal action of the rotating disk. The outer periphery of the disk is spaced from the housing to permit fluid to pass, by centrifugal action, from the outer periphery toward a second chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Briton T. Eastman
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Patent number: 9505300Abstract: A cooling assembly for a motor vehicle provided with a liquid-cooled internal combustion engine. The assembly has a radiator intended to be supplied with a flow of a liquid coolant coming from the engine, a condenser for use in an air-conditioning system of the vehicle, mounted facing the radiator, and a ventilation assembly. The ventilation assembly includes a plate-like shroud mounted facing the condenser, on a side remote from the radiator, and carrying a motor-driven fan capable of inducing a flow of air through the radiator and the condenser. The ventilation assembly is connected directly to the radiator, and the condenser is directly connected to the ventilation assembly and/or the radiator such that it is separately detachable and extractable, and possibly mountable again, leaving the ventilation assembly and the radiator in place.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Gate S.R.LInventors: Bruno Grasso, Carlo Canuto
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Patent number: 9505301Abstract: An engine device in which a first case and a second case can be installed in a compact manner while preventing a decrease of temperature of the first case and the second case due to cooling air for an engine. The engine device is equipped with the first case for removing particulate matter in exhaust gas of the engine, and the second case for removing nitrogen oxide in the exhaust gas of the engine. The first case and the second case are disposed on the upper surface side of the engine at a position higher than an air flow path of a cooling fan of the engine. The second case is disposed at a position higher than the first case.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2013Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshiyuki Sandou
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Patent number: 9505302Abstract: A misfueling preventing apparatus discriminates a fuel filler nozzle based on an outer diameter of the fuel filler nozzle. The misfueling preventing apparatus includes a base, a first link arm, a second link arm, a flapper and a stopper. The first link arm has a first trigger projection. The second link arm has a second trigger projection. If the fuel filler nozzle of light diesel oil pushes the first trigger projection and the second trigger projection, the first link arm and second link arm swing to a direction to which the first link arm and second link arm open to, placing the flapper in an openable state.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: ASTEER CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiromitsu Yoshida, Takami Ono
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Patent number: 9505303Abstract: A hydraulic apparatus including a machine shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, adapted to drive a cylinder block. A clutch having a clutch shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a plurality of friction discs linked to the distal end of the clutch shaft and a plurality of friction discs linked to the proximal end of the machine shaft for selectively engaging the clutch shaft with the machine shaft. The friction discs are disposed radially around the machine shaft. The distal end of the clutch shaft is bell-shaped so as to surround the proximal end of the machine shaft. The bell shape defines an inner space where the proximal end of the machine shaft and the friction discs linked to the clutch shaft are located.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2013Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: POCLAIN HYDRAULICS INDUSTRIEInventors: Philippe Raymond Lucienne, Bohdan Hornacek, Viktor Kuban, Jean A. Heren, Christophe Gouzou
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Patent number: 9505304Abstract: A drive system for a vehicle having a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels is disclosed having a rear drive assembly having a first pair of axles extending from opposite sides of the vehicle, each axle of the first pair of axles drivingly engaged to one of the pair of rear wheels, a prime mover drivingly engaged to the rear drive assembly, a power source disposed on the vehicle, a front drive assembly in selective electrical communication with the power source and having a second pair of axles extending from opposite sides of the vehicle, each axle of the second pair of axles is drivingly engaged to one of the pair of front wheels and has a pivotable segment along its length, a steering mechanism in communication with the pivotable segment of each of the second pair of axles, an accelerator mechanism in communication with the rear drive assembly and the front drive assembly, a selector switch having a first position which prevents electrical communication between the front drive assembly and the powType: GrantFiled: April 28, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: K. Mike McCoy, Christopher K. Wyatt
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Patent number: 9505305Abstract: A vehicle device includes a controller configured to: receive a signal indicative of a travelling environment of the vehicle; and output a display signal to a display device to instruct the display device to display a mark at a position in the vehicle where safety should be confirmed by a driver of the vehicle, the display signal being output in accordance with the travelling environment. Accordingly, it is possible to prompt a user to confirm the safety at suitable positions and at proper timing.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: FUJITSU TEN LIMITEDInventors: Masashi Tsuyunashi, Toshitaka Yamato
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Patent number: 9505306Abstract: A vehicle orientation indicator comprises a sensor and a controller. The sensor is configured to sense a force magnitude imposed on a vehicle during movement of the vehicle. The force magnitude includes an acceleration force component generated by the movement of the vehicle and a gravitational force component. The controller is configured to determine a value of the acceleration force component based on an acceleration of the vehicle with respect to a fixed plane, calculate a modified force magnitude by removing the value of the acceleration force component from the force magnitude, determine an orientation of the vehicle with respect to the fixed plane based on the modified force magnitude and control an indicator device to provide a representation of the orientation of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Matthew Zimmerman, Sarah Witting, Petar Vucelic
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Patent number: 9505307Abstract: A solar-thermal powered recreational vehicle featuring a solar-thermal air conditioning system integrated with a solar clean energy system to provide a recreational vehicle having improved energy efficiency. In an embodiment employing the principles of the present invention, the solar-thermal powered recreational vehicle can comprise a clean energy system for providing electrical power to the recreational vehicle, whereby the clean energy system features one or more solar photovoltaic panels, a batter bank, and a generator operatively coupled to a hybrid inverter. The solar-thermal air conditioning system is powered by the clean energy system, with the solar-thermal air conditioning system featuring a solar-thermal collector panel functioning to superheat compressed refrigerant prior to the compressed refrigerant being transmitted to the condenser.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Hollywood Trucks, LLCInventors: Andre Champagne, Roger Timoteo, Sean Bernard
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Patent number: 9505308Abstract: The disclosure is related to a battery management of an electric vehicle. Particularly, the disclosure relates to performing the battery management according to a ‘state of charge’ (SOC) management condition predetermined for an electric vehicle battery.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: KT CORPORATIONInventor: Jin-Soo Kyoung
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Patent number: 9505309Abstract: An electric vehicle control device includes a calculation unit that calculates a regenerative-brake-torque load factor when a braking command is detected. The calculation unit includes a brake-torque load-factor determination unit that determines the regenerative-brake-torque load factor according to vehicle speed information that is a detection value of vehicle speed; and a brake-torque load-factor correction unit that corrects the regenerative-brake-torque load factor determined by the brake-torque load-factor determination unit using element temperature information that is temperature information of a switching element included in an inverter.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2013Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Hirokazu Takabayashi, Yukio Nakashima
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Patent number: 9505310Abstract: A drivable exercise machine may include an electric vehicle with human power input provided by a high output, variable-resistancepedal-driven generator. The vehicle may include a computing device with a user interface that mimics an electric exercise bicycle. Using one or more program modes, a user may activate pre-set, custom and dynamic terrain-based exercise program profiles while commuting.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: RahtMobile, LLCInventors: Richard Kronfeld, Lyon Smith, Russell Bockin, Steve Castellotti
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Patent number: 9505311Abstract: Vehicles that are capable of connecting to the AC grid are described that comprise a prime mover and at least one motor generator. In one embodiment, a vehicle may be constructed as a plug-in hybrid system and using the powertrain under controller instruction to either place power on an AC power line (to service AC grids) or to draw power from the AC power line to add electrical energy to the batteries on the vehicle. In some aspects, vehicles may test whether the power needed to service the AC power line may be satisfied by the on-vehicle batteries or, if not, whether and how much power to extract from the prime mover. In some aspects, vehicles may have a thermal management system on board to dynamically supply desired heat dissipation for the powertrain, if the powertrain is using the prime mover to supply power to the AC grid.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Efficient Drivetrains, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Frank, Chan-Chiao Lin, Patrick Kaufman, Sean Fountain, Bram Bonsen
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Patent number: 9505312Abstract: The invention relates to a locking apparatus (10) for locking and unlocking a charging cable plug (22) of a charging cable, in particular for a vehicle, to a charging cable socket having at least one moving locking means (15), in particular in the form of a locking pin, which serves to mechanically lock the charging cable plug (22) to the charging cable socket, wherein the locking means (15) has at least a locking position (II), in which the charging cable plug (22) can be locked by the locking means (15), and an unlocking position (I), in which the charging cable plug (22) can be released by the locking means (15), and having an electromechanical drive (13), which drives the locking means (15), as a result of which it is possible to generate a changeover between the locking position (II) and the unlocking position (I).Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2012Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: HUF HULSBECK & FURST GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Igor Alexander Gorenzweig, Stefan Mönig
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Patent number: 9505313Abstract: A vehicle-side connector (10) is provided for connection to a battery mounted in a vehicle. The vehicle-side connector (10) includes a housing (20) configured so that a charging connector (90) is connected thereto. Vehicle-side terminals (40) individually are accommodated in cavities (28) in the housing (20) and are configured to be connected individually to charging terminals (93) in the charging connector (90) when the housing (20) and a charging connector (90) are connected. A retainer (50) is configured to retain the vehicle-side terminals (40) in the cavities (28). A resistance circuit unit (70) is assembled into the retainer (50) and has a relay terminal (73) arranged on a left side connected to a vehicle-side signal terminal (40B) and a relay terminal (73) arranged on a right side is connected to a vehicle-side ground terminal (40C) out of the vehicle-side terminals (40).Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2013Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventor: Tooru Shimizu
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Patent number: 9505314Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for communicating between a charging station and an electric vehicle. In one aspect, a method of pairing a charging station with an electric vehicle is provided, including providing wireless power via a magnetic field having a first intensity level that is sufficient to charge or power the electric vehicle, providing an information signal via the magnetic field when the magnetic field is set at a second intensity level that is lower than the first intensity level, the information signal uniquely identifying the charging station from a plurality of charging stations, communicating with the electric vehicle via a communication link that is different from the magnetic field, communicating comprising communicating with the electric vehicle parking guidance information to the location of the charging station, and establishing the communication link based at least in part on the information signal provided via the magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventor: Hanspeter Widmer
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Patent number: 9505315Abstract: A wireless power transfer system for selectively disabling a transmit antenna of a plurality of transmit antennas when a foreign object is detected is described. The system comprises a first transmit antenna configured to charge an electric vehicle positioned over a charging region via a first area of the charging region and also comprises a second transmit antenna configured to charge via a second area of the charging region. The system further comprises a controller circuit configured to selectively disable the first transmit antenna when a foreign object is detected in a first space that affects charging via the first area of the charging region. The controller circuit is further configured to selectively maintain activation of the second transmit antenna while the electric vehicle is positioned to receive power from the second transmit antenna via the second area when the foreign object is detected in the first space.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Alberto Garcia Briz, Grzegorz Ombach
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Patent number: 9505317Abstract: A vehicle charging station for use in transmitting charging power to an electric vehicle for use in charging the vehicle is configured to communicatively couple to the electric vehicle via a network connection to a wireless network provider and electrically couple to the electric vehicle via a connector. Vehicle charging station is further configured to receive a unique identifier from the electric vehicle via the network connection, deliver a quantity of electrical charging power to the electric vehicle via the connector, and meter the quantity of electrical charging power delivered to the electric vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Nathan Bowman Littrell
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Patent number: 9505318Abstract: An electric vehicle charging system comprises one or more system power and control modules (SPCM) and vehicle charging stations (VCS); wherein the SPCM distributes power from a power source to the VCS, and the VCS distributes power to one or more electric vehicles. Another electric vehicle charging system comprises an SPCM, VCS, a fleet management system (FMS) for monitoring and controlling the charging system, and a communications network for sharing information. A system for managing a plurality of electric vehicles comprises a plug-in module configured to collect and store information from an on-board diagnostics system of at least one of the plurality of electric vehicles, management software, a communications network, and a smart device software application for displaying system information. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for supporting a management system for a plurality of electric vehicles to extract, organize, and display information from the management system.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2012Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Sierra Smart Systems, LLCInventors: Walter M. Hendrix, Scott B. Hendrix
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Patent number: 9505319Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided which has a rear seat row, wherein the rear seat row can be changed such that at least three child seats can be arranged on the rear seat row. Two seat surfaces can be displaced from a lowered position into a raised position and back, and two optionally present lateral support members can be moved from a raised position into a lowered position. A middle seat surface portion can be moved from a raised position into a lowered position. The upwardly directed outer surfaces of the side members, the upwardly directed outer surfaces of the seat surfaces and the upwardly directed outer surface of the middle seat surface portion form a flat bench seat surface of the rear seat row.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Hans-Heiner Bruns
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Patent number: 9505320Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for adjusting a seat height, including: a fixed member fixedly installed at a seat cushion, the fixed member including a plurality of first stoppers at predetermined radial positions from a center of an axial direction; an input member rotatably installed on an axis concentric with the fixed member, the input member having hook parts formed to protrude at radial positions facing the first stoppers; an output member rotatably and concentrically installed with respect to the input member, the output member having a friction flange part formed to protrude along a circumferential direction at a predetermined radial position facing an inner circumferential surface of the input member; and a frictional rotation means rotatably installed between the inner circumferential surface of the input member and an outer circumferential surface of the friction flange part to be flexibly rotated along the circumferential direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Hyundai Dymos IncorporatedInventors: Young Sun Lee, Eom Seok Yoo
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Patent number: 9505321Abstract: A baby safety car seat convertible into a rollable baby seat includes right and left pairs of front and rear legs, a locking arrangement, and wheels. The seat has an intermediate mode in which a first leg of each pair is in its operational position while a second leg of that pair is in a different intermediate position. The locking arrangement locks the first leg in its operational position to the seat's support portion while allowing movement of the second leg between intermediate and operational positions. Alternatively/additionally, when a first leg is in its operational position, a second leg is movable between its intermediate and operational position, and the locking arrangement locks the front and rear legs of each pair to each other during movement between storage and intermediate states, and unlocks the legs from each other to allow movement of the second leg between intermediate and operational positions.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: DOONA HOLDINGS LTD.Inventor: Yoav Mazar
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Patent number: 9505322Abstract: A pump assembly for a vehicle seatback includes a plurality of air bladders defining a lumbar support. A valve body has an inlet and a plurality of outlets that are coupled with the associated plurality of air bladders. A selection device is operably coupled with the valve body for engaging a select one of the plurality of air bladders with the inlet. A manually compressible air chamber is coupled with the inlet for inflating the select one.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2013Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christian J. Hosbach, Adam Sachs, Marc Kondrad, Johnathan Andrew Line, Jason Nisbett, Mandeep Singh Sidhu
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Patent number: 9505323Abstract: Adjustable boat seat handles are described. A described apparatus comprises a handle including a first portion rotatably coupled to a second portion via a pin disposed through corresponding bores of the first and second portions, where the first portion includes a hand grip, and the second portion is operatively coupled to an adjustment mechanism, where the first portion rotates in a first direction to fold relative to the second portion and the first and second portions rotate together in a second direction to operate the adjustment mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2016Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventor: Kevin Downey
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Patent number: 9505324Abstract: A bolster assembly for a seat includes a fixed frame and a housing coupled to the fixed frame. The housing includes a track and a bracket moveable along at least a portion the track between a first position and a second position. A paddle is moveably coupled to the bracket and a drive shaft is configured for rotation about a drive axis. Rotation of the drive shaft about the drive axis moves the bracket between the first position and the second position.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: LEGGETT & PLATT CANADA CO.Inventors: Robert J. McMillen, Larry Janzen, Paul Tindall, Jacob Friesen, Corina Alionte
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Patent number: 9505325Abstract: A vehicular armrest assembly includes a laterally collapsible substrate having a gap defined between inner and outer substrate portions. A tunable stiffening feature is disposed on the collapsible substrate and has an aperture positioned over the gap, and engagement tabs that engage the inner and outer substrate portions. The stiffening feature provides lateral support to the collapsible substrate to selectively allow the inner and outer substrate portions to deflect toward each other after a predetermined lateral load is placed on the collapsible substrate and an elastic bed disposed on the tunable stiffening feature and covering the aperture. The elastic bed vertically supports a cover member at the aperture and the lateral support provided to the collapsible substrate is solely provided by the stiffening feature.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Linh Doan, Kenneth S. Laird, Krishnakanth E. Aekbote, Yudong Zhou, Nitesh Chandrakant Jadhav
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Patent number: 9505326Abstract: The invention relates to, among others, a headrest-assembly method for securing at least two support rods (12a, 12b) in a headrest to the backrest on a vehicle seat, where each support rod (12a, 12b) is held a guide formation (16a, 16b) of the head box (11). The special feature is that cross bar (13) is engaged in the head box (11) such that it passes through at least one slot (19a, 19b, 19c) of the head box (11), and the cross rod (13) is fastened at its ends (31, 32) ends (27) of the support rods (12a, 12b).Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: GRAMMER AGInventors: Reinhold Groenninger, Bernhard Klar, Willibald Ries
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Patent number: 9505327Abstract: A sanitary headrest cover includes a sheet treated with a disinfecting agent having an adhesive strip on a rear surface. The sheet is secured to the upper end of a passenger seat to protect a passenger from bacteria and other contaminants on the headrest.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Inventor: B. Alex Badie
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Patent number: 9505328Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising a seat portion and a backrest connected to the seat portion by a hinge mechanism. A seat element selected from among the backrest and the seat portion comprises a shell, which is made of a plastic material and the side edges of which are overmolded onto composite reinforcement inserts. Each of the inserts comprises a core perpendicular to the medium plane of the seat element, and two side flanges parallel to the medium plane of the seat element. The insert is formed by assembling two composite parts having an L-shaped cross-section and forming a portion of the core and one of the side flanges of the insert.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2010Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: FAURECIA SIEGES D'AUTOMOBILEInventors: Thierrry Renault, Amit Kulkarni
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Patent number: 9505329Abstract: A vehicle seat and a seat back board are obtained in which a seat cover can easily be anchored to a resin spring. In a seat back board, clips attached on a cover side are engaged with vertical clip engagement portions of the seat back board, thereby enabling the cover to be anchored to a back spring section of the seat back board. An anchoring operation of the cover to the back spring section can accordingly be made easier than in conventional anchoring structures employing for example hog rings. Moreover, since only pairs of openings are formed to the back spring section of the seat back board in order to provide the vertical clip engagement portions, any detriment to the moldability of the back spring section can be avoided.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2011Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hisaya Mori, Shinji Awata, Hideki Kobayashi
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Patent number: 9505330Abstract: An entry aid for a rail vehicle or a motor vehicle have a step, which is movably supported on rolling elements and/or sliding surfaces, and a drive, which is coupled to the step for extending and retracting the step. The rolling elements/sliding surfaces are positioned in exactly three support regions at a distance from one another and arranged in a triangle. Alternatively the rolling elements/sliding surfaces can be arranged on rockers, and bearing points of the rockers can be positioned in exactly three support regions at a distance from one another and arranged in a triangle.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE GESELLSCHAFT MIT BESCHRÄNKTER HAFTUNGInventors: Andreas Hirtenlehner, Johann Wilflinger
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Patent number: 9505331Abstract: A number of variations may include a container handling system for an automotive vehicle having a generally horizontal cargo bed area including a container for holding cargo. The container may have an alignment surface. A power unit for imparting vertical and horizontal movement to the container may also be provided. The power unit may be connected on the vehicle. A latching mechanism connecting the power unit with the container may be provided. A guide structure connected on the vehicle may guide vertical and horizontal movement of the container by interacting with the container alignment surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2013Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Jussi A. Timonen
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Patent number: 9505332Abstract: A vehicle recovery tool is used to tow disabled vehicles. The recovery tool includes a structural member that is mounted on an axle assembly including wheels. The structural member is configured to be coupled to or engage a vehicle to be towed that is positioned behind the recovery tool and to be coupled to or engage a towing vehicle positioned in front of the vehicle. A linear actuator is used to lift the structural member as well as the vehicle to be towed to a raised position. With the structural member in the raised position, the linear actuator further positions the structural member into a locked position in which the load of the vehicle being towed is supported by a control linkage against a stop, preferably on the axle assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Inventor: LeRoy G. Hagenbuch
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Patent number: 9505333Abstract: The invention is generally directed to a motorcycle rack for a pickup truck. The motorcycle rack includes a frame with a long, narrow slot for receipt of a generally horizontal tongue of a curved wheel wedge. The frame is removably installed in the truck bed by anchoring fasteners on opposing sides of the frame to provide proper fit in the truck bed. The slot has a plurality of spaced apertures to allow for optional positioning of the wheel wedge. The tongue of the wheel wedge is slidably secured within the slot to distribute the weight of the motorcycle laterally across the width of the truck bed. The tire of the motorcycle is held by the wheel wedge, and can be secured by strap(s) and clip(s) attached to the motorcycle rack.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Inventor: Tracy Hutch Jobe
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Patent number: 9505334Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a reusable valve in which a seal portion is co-molded with and overmolded to the valve stem to provide a secure mechanical bond therebetween. In one embodiment, the valve includes a snap fit between the valve stem and a retaining cap to provide easy assembly of the valve as well as an efficient and compact retention mechanism for a biasing spring and the valve stem in relation to the valve housing. In one embodiment, the valve includes an easy-to-use opening and closing mechanism that provides tactile feedback to the user when moving the valve stem to an open position and to a closed position to inflate, deflate, or maintain air or gas pressure in the inflatable article. The present disclosure also provides a dunnage bag with such valve.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Signode Industrial Group LLCInventors: Jeffrey A. Maness, Thomas A. Ketzer, Anthony K. Beard, James S. Zielinski, Mark Breining
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Patent number: 9505335Abstract: An anchor and an attachment base assembly comprises a base having at least one base aperture, and an anchor selectively operatively connected to the base. The anchor is selectively inserted at least partially into the at least one base aperture and optionally into an aperture of an accessory. The anchor has a base part movable between a locked position where the anchor is secured to the base and an unlocked position where the anchor is free from the base. An accessory part is operatively connected to the base part. The accessory part is adapted to selectively connect at least partially to a brim of the aperture of the accessory for bracing at least partially the accessory to the base when the anchor is in the locked position. The anchor has other features. A vehicle having an anchor and an attachment base assembly is also presented.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Alain Massicotte, Ivan Brousseau, Thierry Cotnoir, Francois Chenevert
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Patent number: 9505336Abstract: An automatic lock affixed to a cargo container for interconnecting two stacked containers, and for automatically locking and unlocking without reliance upon the overcoming of a friction force to release the device.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Peck & Hale, L.L.C.Inventor: Joseph Royt
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Patent number: 9505337Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable decking system for use within a cargo container. The system comprises vertical mounting posts that include a plurality of spaced openings and a slider track with obliquely angled guide channels. Decking beams are selectively adjustable in height along the posts by engaging the openings with end assemblies slidably disposed within the ends of the beams. In a preferred embodiment the end assemblies comprise coupled plates that fit directly into the openings and a swivel latched to provide a retaining force.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2016Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: B2B Casuals, Inc.Inventor: Jerrell P. Squyres
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Patent number: 9505338Abstract: There is provided a vehicle driving environment recognition apparatus. When an onboard camera does not recognize a vehicle ahead during when a vehicle runs at night, an exposure amount of the onboard camera is set to a first exposure amount mode. When the vehicle ahead is not recognized, or only a light source of an oncoming vehicle is recognized, the exposure amount of the onboard camera is set to a second exposure amount mode. In the first exposure amount mode, a low-luminance detection exposure amount and a high-luminance detection exposure amount are alternately switched for each frame, and an image is captured with the switched exposure amount. In the second exposure amount mode, the exposure amount is fixed to the low-luminance detection exposure amount.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2013Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Toyokazu Ogasawara
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Patent number: 9505339Abstract: A method for activating at least one headlight of a vehicle has: a step of ascertaining a traffic density from an item of information about road users in the surroundings of the vehicle; a step of determining a control parameter for controlling an emission characteristic of the headlight using the ascertained traffic density; and a step of providing the control command for controlling an emission characteristic of the headlight using the control parameter.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2012Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Tobias Ehlgen, Stefan Nordbruch, Johannes Foltin, Robert Meisner
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Patent number: 9505340Abstract: A method for adapting a headlight beam boundary of a light cone of at least one headlight of a vehicle includes the following steps: detecting at least one area of a roadway, the area being situated in the travel direction of the vehicle; determining a topography of the at least one area of the roadway; and providing a control signal for adapting the headlight beam boundary as a function of the topography.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2013Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Johannes Foltin
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Patent number: 9505341Abstract: A method for changing at least one light emission parameter of a headlamp system or a vehicle headlamp of a motor vehicle based on changing ambient light conditions. The light emission parameters of the headlamp system are stored in a memory of a computer at the factory. The ambient light conditions in the driving direction of the motor vehicle are detected by a sensor and forwarded to the computer. Actual light emission parameters of the headlamp system and the ambient light condition are compared and a change of at least one of the light emission parameters of the headlamp system or the vehicle headlamp in accordance with the ambient light conditions forwarded is determined that a predefined or predefinable threshold value or limiting value of the current actual light emission parameters is exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ingolf Schneider, Philipp Roeckl, Rouven Haberkorn
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Patent number: 9505342Abstract: A multifunction lighthead for mounting to a vehicle includes several groups of LEDs arranged to provide distinct light emission patterns. Each group of LEDs and associated optics are selected and positioned to produce light emission patterns needed to meet lighting standards applicable to the vehicle. Such standards may require wide angle light emission, which is enhanced by supporting groups of LEDs that project away from the vehicle body, enhancing visibility of the lighthead from directions close to a plane defined by the body panel. The projecting support for the LEDs and optics for a wide angle light emission pattern may be employed to support LEDs arranged for ground illumination. Other groups of LEDs in the same lighthead may be arranged with optics to provide area illumination in support of arrest, search, triage or other emergency functions.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.Inventor: Tony Gerardo
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Patent number: 9505343Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes: an automatic control for controlling an operation of the vehicle; and a lever having a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the lever is selectively operable to turn the automatic control from an off state to an on state; wherein when the automatic control is in the off state, manual control is required for the operation of the vehicle; and wherein when the automatic control is in the on state, the automatic control is configured to control the operation of the vehicle on behalf of a driver of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2016Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Inventors: Anita Au, Gerald Chan
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Patent number: 9505344Abstract: An illuminated circuit print seat cover assembly for synchronizing the lighting up of tape arranged in a pattern on the seat cover with the playing of music in the vehicle. The illuminated circuit print seat cover assembly includes a seat cover including a front sheet of material and a back sheet of material attached to one another; and a lighting assembly attached to the seat cover for displaying flashing and pulsating light with varying degrees of brightness and intensity.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Inventors: Demetris A. Bobo, Adrian A. Stevens
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Patent number: 9505345Abstract: A vehicle ambient lighting system enables a user to define a personalized ambient lighting color. The ambient lighting system includes a camera capturing image color information from a colored surface forming the user defined ambient lighting color selection. An image processor creates RGB color values representing the color of the colored surface and a generates an LED activation scheme using the RGB color values. A plurality of RGB LEDs are activated in accordance with the LED activation scheme to produce vehicle ambient lighting having a color matching the user defined ambient lighting color selection.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Brian K. Lickfelt
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Patent number: 9505346Abstract: A system for warning of potential hazards when driving a vehicle has a sensor coupled to the vehicle capturing data of objects located around the vehicle. A control unit is coupled to the sensor processing the data captured by the sensor and generating graphical representations of the objects captured by the sensor and warning indicators alerting a diver of the vehicle to the objects. The control unit calculates projected paths of the objects and a projected travel path of the vehicle. The warning indicators generated when a specified projected path of a specified object and the projected travel path intersect. A heads-up display (HUD) displays the graphical representations of the objects and the warning indicators. The warning indicators are positioned on the HUD in directions toward each associated object.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Hajime Yamada