Patents Issued in January 17, 2017
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Patent number: 9545809Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a decoloring apparatus comprises a processor, a decoloring section, a shift roller, a paper discharge section and a paper discharge roller. The processor determines whether or not to execute either a decoloring job or a non-decoloring job. The decoloring section decolors an image on paper formed with decolorable coloring agent. The shift roller moves paper for decoloring job or paper for non-decoloring job in a direction orthogonal to a paper discharge direction of the paper on a same plane for a given distance to sort it. The paper discharge section stacks discharged papers. The paper discharge roller discharges the paper sorted by the shift roller to the paper discharge section.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Isao Yahata
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Patent number: 9545810Abstract: The present disclosure provides low grammage recording media, and associated methods and systems. In one example, a low grammage recording medium can comprise a raw base paper having a basis weight of 65 gsm or less, the raw base paper comprising wood fiber and 2 wt % to 10 wt % filler including calcium carbonate. A surface treatment solution is applied to the raw base paper and comprises a surface sizing agent and 3 wt % to 15 wt % calcium carbonate.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2013Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Gracy Apprisiani Wingkono, John L. Stoffel, Thomas Roger Oswald
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Patent number: 9545811Abstract: An interactive greeting card with a multi-panel insert which can be unfurled over a portion of the greeting card. In one embodiment, there is a photo or drawing of a character or animal printed on the front cover. A tab is located to the left of and behind the photo or drawing. When a user grasps and moves the tab, a multi-panel paper construct unfurls around the photo or drawing and appears as a wig atop the head of the character or animal depicted in the photo or drawing. Audio replay may also triggered by moving the tab from its original position. In another embodiment, the panels of the multi-panel paper construct are each shaped like a different item or object which is complementary to the theme of the greeting card. Unfolding the multi-panel construct along an outside edge of the greeting card may initiate audio playback and may also activate a motor module which causes movement to at least one mobile object contained on the greeting card.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: American Greetings CorporationInventors: John Talbot, Sean Higgins, Melissa Flesher, Erin Dennis
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Patent number: 9545812Abstract: A binder clip includes a generally triangular clamp including a first side between a mouth and a first vertex, a second side between the mouth and a second vertex, a third side between the first vertex and the second vertex, a first wing extending away from the mouth to a first wing end, and a second wing extending away from the mouth to a second wing end such that the first wing and the second wing are substantially coplanar. The binder clip further includes a first arm pivotably connected to the wing at the first wing end, and a second arm pivotably connected to the wing at the second wing end, the first arm and the second arm cooperatively useable to open the mouth.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Inventor: Jeff Klein
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Patent number: 9545813Abstract: A ballpoint pen wherein an outer member (50) covering the outer circumference of a holder (21) covers a section that reaches as far as a narrowed section (23) of the holder (21) and has an outer member tip end portion (51). An ink spreads between the writing ball (30) and the contact section of the writing surface and between the outer member tip end portion (51) and the contact section of the writing surface, in which the writing ball (30) and the outer member tip end portion (51) are in contact with the writing surface at the same time. The relative position of the outer member (50) and the holder (21) can be changed from a holder protruding position to a holder retracted position wherein the writing ball (30) and the tip section of the outer member (50) can be in contact with the writing surface at the same time.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2013Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: MITSUBISHI PENCIL COMPANY, LIMITEDInventors: Takeo Fukumoto, Seiichi Maruyama, Kazuhiko Furukawa
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Patent number: 9545814Abstract: A method for decorating a given part is designed to print designs onto a coat layer deteriorating the coat layer on the surface of the given part. In the coat layer-forming process, in spreading the metallic-coating material containing aluminum flake onto the surface of the resin compact, the coat layer is formed on the surface of it. In a laser-printing process, a laser is irradiated on the condition of being able to maintain the same state of the coat layer before and after irradiating the laser, so as to reduce the aspect ratio of the micronized-metallic powder, which is the average value of the ratio of the maximum dimension of the micronized-metallic powder to the average value of the minimum dimension of the micronized-metallic powder, which laser irradiation eventually thermally deforms the first scale-shaped micronized-metallic powder into a spherical shape in the coat layer to print designs on the film.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: TRINITY INDUSTRIAL CORPORATIONInventor: Tokinobu Shimada
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Patent number: 9545815Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for the improved application, transportation, and storage of surface coating materials including: paints, stains, cleaners, and preservatives; the present method employs a carrying and storage container in conjunction with a sealing lid; with the lid in place liquid coating materials and wet tools can be stored for extended periods of time between coating application jobs without the need to empty the container or wash out the tools; both magnetic means and selective enclosure are taught by the present invention for effective wet tool storage, whereby eliminating washing up saves time and coating products, as well as conserving wash up supplies.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Inventor: Taras Kiceniuk
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Patent number: 9545816Abstract: A kit and method for assembling a frame supporting a stretched sheet includes a set of four stretcher bars, a set of braces, a stretching lever, and a sheet of material. A first stretcher bar can be initially attached to a first edge of the sheet. Remaining second, third, and fourth stretcher bars can be assembled with the first stretcher bar and corner braces to form a frame that rests upon the sheet. The stretching lever can be used to stretch the sheet between opposing stretcher bars just before the sheet is attached to a stretcher bar. The method of using a stretching lever as opposed to stretching pliers greatly reduces the time and difficulty of uniformly stretching the sheet.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Tara Materials, Inc.Inventors: James Pluth, David Twite
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Patent number: 9545817Abstract: A non frictional wheel enhancing assembly that utilizes bolts and lubricated joints to attach to a wheel, remains level and independent of the wheel as the wheel revolves, inhibits friction and heat between the wheel and a wheel cover, and aesthetically enhances the wheel without covering the perimeter of the wheel. The wheel assembly includes an attachment surface with three extending bolts that press outwardly, against an inner circumference of a wheel hub to create pressure and grip for attaching the wheel cover with the wheel. The wheel cover also secures to the wheel through numerous lubricated joints, adapters, and fasteners. The lubricated joints facilitate revolution of the wheel cover to minimize friction between the wheel and the wheel cover, and improve fuel efficiency for the vehicle. The wheel cover displays decorative indicia. A counterweight allows the wheel cover to remain level and revolve independently of the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2013Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Inventor: Andres Velez
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Patent number: 9545818Abstract: A dual-wheel differential system includes an in inner hub, an outer hub, and a differential assembly mechanically coupled between the inner hub and the outer hub to allow the inner hub and the outer hub to rotate at different angular speeds. A user-actuatable locking system is configured to mechanically lock the inner hub to the outer hub. The user-actuatable locking system may include at least one axially-translating or radially-translating locking pin configured to engage at least one of the inner hub and the outer hub. The locking system may be pneumatically, hydraulically, or electromechanically actuated.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: AXLETECH INTERNATIONAL IP HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Marius Frum, Dan Ursu, Barry Groves
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Patent number: 9545819Abstract: A vehicle wheel rim for use on a motor vehicle, having a wheel rim well (1, 29), having an inner wheel rim flange (7, 30) and having an outer wheel rim flange, wherein the wheel rim well (1, 29) is delimited at its axial end regions by in each case one of the wheel rim flanges (7, 30), wherein the wheel rim flanges (7, 30) are formed by a radially encircling wall, said walls extending in each case at a predefinable angle (5, 27) with respect to the wheel rim well (1, 29).Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2013Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Georg von Tardy-Tuch, Achim Schulz
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Patent number: 9545820Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a wheel including a spoke portion radially supporting a rim portion about a central axis, wherein the rim portion presents a radial outer surface relative to the central axis. A tire is mounted to the wheel and cooperates with the wheel to define a tire cavity between the radial outer surface of the rim portion and the tire. A foamed aluminum portion is supported by the wheel, and includes a plurality of pores arranged to define an open-cell foam. The plurality of pores of the foamed aluminum portion is disposed in fluid communication with the tire cavity to absorb noise from within the tire cavity. The foamed aluminum portion may be integrally cast with the wheel, or otherwise affixed to the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Alan V. Parrett, Christopher A. Stirlen, Jinshuo Zhu, Chong Wang
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Patent number: 9545821Abstract: A power transmission device includes: a spindle case that includes a central hole through which an axle shaft penetrates in a central portion and forms a brake chamber in a region around the axle shaft at a base end portion; a wheel hub that is rotatably supported by an outer circumference of the spindle case and includes a final chamber, between the final chamber and the brake chamber, oil can flow, by communicating with the brake chamber through the central hole of the spindle case; a wet type brake mechanism that is contained in the brake chamber and operates so as to apply braking on rotation of the axle shaft with respect to the spindle case; and a deceleration mechanism that is contained in the final chamber and decelerates the rotation of the axle shaft to transmit the rotation to the wheel hub.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2013Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Hironobu Ogahara, Gou Tanaka
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Patent number: 9545822Abstract: In summary, provided is a wheel bearing unit having a cover element which can be used as a pre-seal to a main seal and encloses the fastening elements of the wheel flange. The outstanding sealing effect has been favored in the past, however a disadvantage in terms of assembly and dismantling is produced which the invention seeks to eliminate. Therefore one or more openings are provided which are formed in the cover. The opening or openings enable the simple dismantling or assembly of the fastening elements on the wheel flange and can advantageously also be closed, such that both the sealing effect and an easy dismantling or assembly are possible.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2013Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Schaeffler Techologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Alexander Happ, Wilhelm Walter
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Patent number: 9545823Abstract: The invention relates to a tire having a rubber tread of a circumferentially zoned tread including stratified lateral tread zones and peripheral sidewall extensions. The tread zones are comprised of three circumferential load bearing zones, with each zone containing a portion of the running surface of the tread, comprised of an intermedial zone positioned between and two stratified lateral tread zones together and, in addition, peripheral sidewall extensions. The intermedial and stratified lateral zones are comprised of rubber compositions having differentiated 100° C. hot rebound physical properties. The intermedial rubber zone, or layer, overlays a tread base rubber layer and underlies the lateral tread layer zones. The lateral tread zones are stratified in a sense of being separated from each other and also separated from the from the tread base rubber layer by the intermedial rubber layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: Junling Zhao, Austin Gale Young, Roberto Cerrato Meza, Leandro Forciniti, Paulo Roberto Goncalves
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Patent number: 9545824Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes, on a tread surface (1) of the tire, at least two longitudinal grooves (2, 3) extending along a tire equator (C), a plurality of transverse grooves (4a to 4d) connecting the longitudinal grooves, and a block row (L5) formed by a plurality of blocks (5a to 5d) extending along the tire equator and defined by the longitudinal grooves and the transverse grooves. Each of the blocks (5a to 5d) includes a reduced thickness portion (6) in an overlapping region (R) where the blocks overlap in projection when the block row (L5) is projected in the circumferential direction, the reduced thickness portion (6) including at least two portions where the thickness of the block gradually decreases.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATIONInventor: Keiichi Hanami
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Patent number: 9545825Abstract: The invention controls irregular wear in the shoulder land portions and reduces the occurrence of cracking in the shoulder grooves of a pneumatic tire. To that end, the groove wall surface (17a) on the shoulder land portion (19) side of the shoulder groove (17) has an inclined surface consisting of a first inclined part (171) inclined toward the equatorial plane of the tire at an inclination angle ?1, which is constant along the circumference of the tire, and a second inclined part (172) further inclined from the first inclined part (171) toward the equatorial plane of the tire and reaching the groove bottom (17b) of the shoulder groove (17) at an angle ? with respect to the first inclined part (171), which varies along the circumference of the tire. Also, the inclination angles of the first and second inclined parts (171, 172) are set such that the maximum value ?max and the minimum value ?min of the angle ? satisfy (D?d) (tan ?max?tan ?min)?2.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2012Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha BridgestoneInventor: Daisuke Tamura
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Patent number: 9545826Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises at least one sidewall portion provided with a serration pattern on its outer surface, the serration pattern comprising a plurality of first groups being repeatedly arranged in the circumferential direction of the tire, each first group comprising a plurality of ridges which are arranged using gradually increasing pitches toward a first circumferential direction of the tire, wherein a region provided with the serration pattern on the outer surface of the sidewall portion has a radius of curvature in a range of not more than 70 mm in a cross section including a tire axis under a standard condition such that the tire is mounted on a standard rim and inflated to a standard pressure, but no tire load is loaded.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2013Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Tomoyuki Mukai
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Patent number: 9545827Abstract: A wheel suspension for a rear wheel of a two-track motor vehicle, includes a five-link assembly which has five individual links which are coupled to the vehicle body via body-side bearings and to the wheel carrier of the rear wheel via wheel-carrier-side bearings, which five-link assembly, as viewed in the direction of travel, has a front pair of links and a rear pair of links, wherein the front pair of links has a lower, front link, with respect to the axis of rotation of the wheel, and an upper, front link, and the rear pair of links has a lower, rear link, in particular track rod, and an upper, rear link. A lower spring link, on which a spring arrangement having a vibration damper and a supporting spring is supported, is arranged in the direction of travel between the front and rear pairs of links. The front pair of links with respect to the spring link is of softer design in the transverse direction of the vehicle than the rear pair of links.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Ruben Goldberg, Hans-Jürgen Langhoff, Dominik Mohrlock, Marco Isliker
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Patent number: 9545828Abstract: A ball joint for a vehicle, with a ball pin that has a joint ball, a joint housing that encloses the joint ball and is provided with a pin opening, in which the joint ball of the ball pin is fitted and able to move. The ball pin extends out of the joint housing through the pin opening. An actuator can press a pressure element, in an axial direction, against the joint housing in such a manner that pressure can be exerted by the joint housing and the pressure element onto the joint ball. The actuator acts upon a spring which acts upon the pressure element. The length of the spring can be measured by a displacement sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2013Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Bernd Grannemann, Martin Rechtien
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Patent number: 9545829Abstract: A dual-rate jounce bumper limits jounce travel between a first component and a second component of a vehicle. The second component is spaced from and moveable toward the first component along a jounce axis. The dual-rate jounce bumper includes a bumper and an outer member. The bumper has a first end for coupling to the first component and a second end spaced from the first end for contacting the second component as the second component moves along the jounce axis toward the first component. The bumper is compressible between the first and second components for limiting jounce travel. The bumper is also radially expandable as the bumper is compressed. The outer member is disposed about the bumper and is capable of limiting the radial expansion of the bumper as the bumper is compressed for increasing a stiffness of the bumper.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: BASF SEInventors: Sadiq Al-Dahhan, Stefan Dubenhorst, Stefan Haupt
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Patent number: 9545830Abstract: A suspension bearing device, comprising: a bearing, a lower cup and an upper cup centered on a central axis. The lower cup having a body including a tubular axial portion and an annular outward radial portion. The lower cup is provided with a damper pad including: an inner portion disposed against the annular outward radial portion of the body; an outer portion for bearing a suspension spring; and an annular recess for receiving a creep of material of the damper pad when the outer portion is constrained by the suspension spring. The suspension bearing device can be integrated into a motor vehicle. A method for manufacturing such a suspension bearing device.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKFInventors: Charles Bedeau, Sylvain Bussit, Francois De Lemps, Christophe Houdayer, Thomas Lepine, Jean-Marc Soudee, Desire Vidot
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Patent number: 9545831Abstract: An active damper system for damping high-frequency vibration excitation of the vehicle body, includes a damper bearing to support a vehicle chassis component on the vehicle body, wherein the damper bearing includes a first bearing element for fastening to the vehicle body and a second bearing element for fastening to the vehicle chassis component; an active actuating element connecting the first and second bearing elements; a first acceleration sensor for measuring an acceleration of the vehicle body; a control unit connected to the acceleration sensor and receiving a vertical acceleration of the vehicle body as input variable from the acceleration sensor, wherein the control unit influences the active actuation element. The active damper system includes a second acceleration sensor arranged on the second bearing element.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2013Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: AUDI AGInventor: Marco Willems
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Patent number: 9545832Abstract: A switchable locking torque strut assembly and associated method are provided. The strut assembly is interposed between an associated vehicle chassis and an associated vehicle powertrain to provide high elastomeric rate resistance during start-up and/or shutdown of an associated internal combustion engine (ICE) and low elastomeric rate resistance during idle and/or driving events. The strut assembly includes a housing and a shaft at least partially received in the housing and operatively mounted for selective relative movement relative to the housing. A locking assembly is interposed between the strut and the housing for selectively locking the strut relative to the housing in response to start-up and/or shutdown of the ICE.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2013Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INC.Inventors: Jeff Bradshaw, Steve Telando
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Patent number: 9545833Abstract: A method of controlling an air conditioning system can select several airflow modes with one air conditioner. The method includes a mode check step that checks whether the number of airflows of the air conditioner decreases, a state check step that checks whether a blower is selected to a minimum air amount mode, and a minimum operation step that operates a blower motor with a minimum torque smaller than a minimum start torque, if the number of airflows of the air conditioner decreases and the blower is selected to the minimum air amount mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Kia Motors Corp.Inventor: Yong Chul Kim
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Patent number: 9545834Abstract: A locking device for a vehicle sliding door comprises a rail mounted on the vehicle sliding door; a central support structure coupled to the rail and mounted on the vehicle body and configured to connect the vehicle sliding door to the vehicle body and to allow the vehicle sliding door to pivot and slide; and a hook disposed on the central support structure and configured to lock the central support structure with respect to the rail according to a movement of the vehicle sliding door.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, Kwangjin Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jae Hong Choi, YoungBae Gong
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Patent number: 9545835Abstract: A clamp for clamping a tonneau cover to a vehicle cargo box. The clamp can include a first member, a second member, a rod, and a driving member. The first member can have a proximal end pivotably coupled to the cover and a distal end pivotably coupled to a proximal end of the second member. The second member can have a distal end extending at an angle relative to its proximal end and toward the cover. The rod can be coupled to the first member's proximal end and can extend through an opening intermediate the second member's proximal and distal ends. The driving member can be mounted on the rod to engage the second member between its proximal and distal ends to drive the second member along the rod and to cause the first and second members to pivot relative to each other between unclamped and clamped positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Extang CorporationInventors: Jerome J. Facchinello, Charles A. Fabros, Brian P. Kozlowski
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Patent number: 9545836Abstract: A joint system for an automotive glazing unit, or a windshield, the system including: a profiled bead including a hollow part that is elongate and opened toward the top, the profiled bead exhibiting in cross section a left neck part and a right neck part, a core including a pin placed inside the hollow part and a gripping mechanism allowing the pin to be removed from the hollow part. In cross section, the gripping mechanism forms a loop and includes a base located between the pin and the hollow part portion and a ring placed above the core.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2013Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCEInventor: Laurent Silvestrini
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Patent number: 9545837Abstract: A device and method for protecting an automobile from dents and paint scratches caused by the opening of a door of an adjacent automobile. The protection device (cover) is formed from a plurality of rectangular pockets containing a high-density cushion material. An additional pocket includes a magnetic strip for securing the device to a metal car door or side panel. A suction cup and drawstring mechanism are attached to the top of the device for use on a window or non-metallic automobile body. The front surface of the cover is made of a ripstop material and the inner surface is made from a soft material that will not damage the automobile paint or finish.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: THE GARFIELD COMPANY, INC.Inventor: Henry W. Garfield
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Patent number: 9545838Abstract: A v-twin motorcycle engine, 100 to 140 cubic inches (1600 cc to 2300 cc) is mounted longitudinally in a tubular chassis behind dual seats. A chain drive is mounted to the crankshaft that further drives a clutch device. A transmission/transfer unit is mounted in front of and below the engine and receives a clutch output shaft. The transfer case has two output drive shafts, one to a front differential and the other to a rear differential located under the engine. The differentials each have two shafts that drive the four wheels. The wheels have disk brakes and typical independent suspension for driven wheels of such types of vehicles. The present invention provides an off road, sports utility vehicle having the power between an ATV and a 4 cylinder (VW) engine. Further an adjustable engine mount allows for the selection of different engines.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Inventor: David Hill
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Patent number: 9545839Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid electrical vehicle powertrain having an engine that is a source of power during forward drive and an electric motor that is a source of reverse driving power. A desired engine power during reverse drive is achieved by operating the engine at an increased speed that is greater than an optimum speed for a given engine power.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Shunsuke Okubo, Ming Lang Kuang, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Carol Louise Okubo, Shailesh Shrikant Kozarekar
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Patent number: 9545840Abstract: A hybrid-power driving system (HPDS) (110) includes an engine, a motor, and a transmission. The HPDS may include a single clutch and the transmission can provide at least six forward speed ratios and can provide for a reverse speed ratio. The transmission can include three synchronizers and multiple gearwheels that are used in multiple speed ratios. In addition to a pure engine driving mode and a pure motor driving mode, the HPDS can operate using a hybrid-power driving mode (HDM). In the HDM, the HPDS can provide for shifting of gears without power interruption to the half-axles and wheels of a vehicle. In the HDM, the continuous power being output can be achieved by keeping a synchronizer engaged to a gearwheel for two consecutive speed ratios.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: SAIC MOTOR CORPORATION LIMITEDInventors: Jun Zhu, Jian Wang, Hailong Ge, Zhenxing Fu, Sidong Luo
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Patent number: 9545841Abstract: A hybrid powertrain unit comprises an engine, and a gearbox device with a primary shaft connectable to a shaft of the engine via a clutch. The gearbox device comprises a secondary shaft with an output pinion meshing with a first crown wheel of a differential, the casing of which is rigidly connected to a casing of the gearbox device. An electric machine is configured to function as an electric motor and an electric generator, having a shaft connected by a transmission to a second crown wheel of the differential. In the transmission, arranged between the electric machine shaft and the second crown wheel is an engagement device that can be actuator driven. The electric machine shaft is connected to the engine shaft, on a side opposite to the gearbox device by a belt transmission that controls vehicle auxiliary devices, which are mounted coaxially with respect to the electric machine.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: C.R.F. Società Consortile per AzioniInventors: Andrea Piazza, Marco Garabello, Gianluigi Pregnolato, Fabio Pesola
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Patent number: 9545842Abstract: A power transmission apparatus for a vehicle is provided which is equipped with a power split device and a speed variator. The power transmission device is designed to set a speed ratio of speed of rotation of an output of a power source to speed of rotation of a driven wheel in a power circulation mode of a power split device to lie within one of a positive range in which a sign of the speed ratio is positive and a negative range in which a sign of the speed ratio is negative. This results in a decrease in degree of torque acting on the speed variator such as a continuously variable transmission, thus permitting a required degree of durability of the speed variator to be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignees: NIPPON SOKEN, INC., DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Koji Kawasaki, Takenori Matsue
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Patent number: 9545843Abstract: A control system and method for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain with mechanical and electro-mechanical power sources that use an intelligent controller adapted to reduce driveline oscillations while minimizing hybrid vehicle battery limit violations. Damping of driveline torque oscillations is accomplished and violations of battery power limits are avoided by filtering estimated engine power.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Fazal Urrahman Syed, Ming Lang Kuang, Carol Louise Okubo, Thomas Chrostowski, Matthew D. Smith
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Patent number: 9545844Abstract: A motor vehicle comprises a vehicle body, an engine compartment housing an engine, a bonnet movably coupled to the body and arranged to provide a closure member for the engine compartment, the bonnet being movable between open and closed conditions to allow access to the engine compartment, and an engine air intake duct having an orifice through which intake air may be drawn into the engine. The vehicle is provided with first and second air flaw paths whereby air may be supplied to the air intake duct. The first flow path comprises an air inlet aperture disposed at a front portion of the vehicle for receiving ram air and an air outlet aperture aft of the air inlet aperture, the air outlet aperture being provided in fluid communication with the air intake duct orifice. The second flow path is provided by a gap between a side edge of the bonnet and the body of the vehicle, whereby ambient air may be drawn through the gap to the air intake duct.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2013Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover LimitedInventors: Roger Forty, David White, Michael Powell, Simon Smith
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Patent number: 9545845Abstract: A fueling device comprises a resin passage-forming member configured to form a fuel path, a fuel path end member and a covering member. A resin sealing member constituting the fuel path end member is located on a filler port side of the fuel path and is welded to the passage-forming member about an axis of the fuel path to provide a seal against the passage-forming member by welding about the axis. The covering member is arranged to cover a welded part about the axis at which the sealing member is welded to the passage-forming member from outside of the fuel path with leaving a gap about the axis, which is formed between the welded part and the covering member and is divided into a plurality of sections. The covering member is protruded from an outer peripheral wall of the passage-forming member and is supported by the outer peripheral wall such as to form the gap.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroaki Kito, Yoshinari Hiramatsu
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Patent number: 9545846Abstract: Provided is a vehicular pedal device, wherein a master cylinder, which is connected to a clutch pedal via a piston, and which generates hydraulic pressure via a movement of the clutch pedal, is positioned further toward a passenger compartment side of a dash panel which separates a drive source mounting chamber from the passenger compartment, said vehicular pedal device comprising a pedal support bracket which supports the clutch pedal upon the dash panel. The pedal support bracket configures a cylinder part which houses operating oil of the master cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2013Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takuro Sasaki, Ayumu Yamaguchi, Shinji Oka
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Patent number: 9545847Abstract: Vehicle is configured to supply power to outside of a vehicle. Vehicle includes an engine, a battery, a first MG configured to generate power with use of motive power of the engine, a switching unit configured to switch power supplied to outside of the vehicle between power generated by the first MG and power stored in the battery, an ECU configured to control the switching unit, and a detection unit configured to allow the ECU to determine whether or not the vehicle is located indoors. When the ECU determines that the vehicle is located indoors based on an output from the detection unit, it controls the switching unit so that the power supplied to outside of the vehicle to be switched from power generated by the first MG to power stored in the battery.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomoaki Honda, Toshio Inoue, Shunsuke Fushiki, Keita Fukui, Hidekazu Nawata, Yuta Niwa, Taichi Osawa
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Patent number: 9545848Abstract: A power converter includes a capacitor, a case, and a filler. The case houses the capacitor and includes a metal plate and a partition wall. The filler is interposed between the case and the capacitor. The metal plate is positioned between the capacitor and another electronic component, inside the power converter. Also, the partition wall separates the capacitor from the metal plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2013Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYODA IRON WORKS CO., LTD.Inventors: Yohei Imai, Takashi Hamatani, Kunihiro Iwata
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Patent number: 9545849Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, controlling an electrified vehicle by increasing lift pedal regeneration in response to exceeding a system regeneration limit.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: William Paul Perkins, Douglas Raymond Martin, Kenneth James Miller
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Patent number: 9545850Abstract: This vehicle includes a vehicle-mounted component mounted below a rear floor panel and an electric power reception device mounted below the rear floor panel and including an electric power reception portion receiving electric power in a non-contact manner from an electric power transmission device including an externally provided electric power transmission portion, and the vehicle-mounted component is arranged flush with and around the electric power reception device.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2011Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shinji Ichikawa, Satoru Horiuchi
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Patent number: 9545851Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a bi-directional inverter of a vehicle. The bi-directional inverter may include an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) inverter configured to receive AC power from a power grid and generate DC power on a DC bus operatively coupled to a vehicle battery. The bi-directional inverter may also include a DC to AC inverter configured to receive DC power from the DC bus and generate AC power delivered to the power grid. The bi-directional inverter may also include an energy management system operatively coupled to the AC to DC inverter and the DC to AC inverter and configured to selectively operate the bi-directional inverter in a charging mode or a generation mode. Additionally, the bi-directional inverter may include a power line communications (PLC) coupler configured to transfer electronic data between the energy management system and a power plant network through the power grid.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North AmericaInventor: Jesus Manotas, Jr.
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Patent number: 9545852Abstract: A transportable ground station for a UAV includes a container in which the UAV may be transported and housed. The container includes a wireless or contact-based recharging station that recharges the UAV's batteries or other power sources after the UAV returns from a mission. The recharging station may be directly or indirectly connected to one or more solar panels that generate energy to power the recharging station. The ground station may be deployed virtually anywhere, from any vehicle (e.g., plane, train, boat, truck, etc.), and may operate over an extended period of time without human intervention.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: SWIFT ENGINEERING, INC.Inventor: Andrew Streett
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Patent number: 9545853Abstract: Methods, systems, charge units, computer readable media, and combinations thereof are provided, to enable color coding of charging units (CUs), to provide a visual indication to users of when a CU is available, unavailable, in progress, out of service, etc. The method also include logic for finding charge units and identifying discounts are the identified charge units. The discounts can, in some examples, be provided by merchants that may be proximate or local to a charge unit. The discount can be in the form of a discount for the charge purchased or obtained at the charge unit or discounts for goods or services offered a location of the merchant. The method executed by a processor at a charge unit or by a cloud processing logic, or by a server or servers or over the Internet, or combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Inventors: Angel A. Penilla, Albert S. Penilla
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Patent number: 9545854Abstract: A control system includes a controller and an energy management system. The controller is onboard a vehicle that includes motors and an onboard energy storage device that powers the motors. The energy management system calculates estimated electric loads of powering the motors over one or more segments of a trip according to designated operational settings of a trip plan. The energy management system also determines a demanded amount of electric energy for powering the vehicle based on the estimated electric loads. The demanded amount of electric energy is based on a stored amount of electric energy in the onboard storage device. The energy management system communicates the demanded amount of electric energy to one or more of plural wayside stations disposed along the route so that the wayside stations have sufficient electric energy to charge the onboard energy storage device with the electric energy to meet the estimated electric loads.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2012Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Wolfgang Daum, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Glenn Robert Shaffer
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Patent number: 9545855Abstract: A bicycle control apparatus is configured to control a drive unit having a motor that assist in manual driving. The bicycle control apparatus includes an operating unit and a control unit. The operating unit is configured to be operated in accordance with first and second operating methods that are different from each other. The control unit is configured to change a setting state of a function that is set in advance without driving the drive unit in response to the operating unit being operated in accordance with the first operating method. The control unit is configured to drive the drive unit in response to the operating unit being operated in accordance with the second operating method.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Ryuichiro Takamoto, Jun Gao, Ayumi Kato, Makoto Usui, Taihei Nishihara, Yasuhiro Tsuchizawa
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Patent number: 9545856Abstract: An alarm system can remind or alert an adult about the presence of a child in a vehicle. A child detector, such as a weight sensor or weight-activated circuit, can detect whether a child is occupying the child safety seat. The child detector may be integrated with or coupled to a child safety seat. The child detector can be used in coordination with a vehicle alarm system to remind or alert a driver that a child is occupying the child safety seat when a key is not in the ignition.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: JROD TEJAS, LLCInventors: Rhonda Borgne, Roy Ramirez, Jr.
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Patent number: 9545857Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat back is coupled to a seat base for movement between an upright position and a folded-forward position when a vehicle seat recliner is in an open configuration. The vehicle seat includes a recliner hold-open mechanism that locks the recliner in the open configuration even after a user releases a handle or otherwise disengages an actuator of the recliner. The seat back is thus free to move between the upright and folded-forward positions without the user being required to hold the actuator in any particular position during the movement. The hold-open mechanism may be configured to cooperate with a seat-base motion controller to free the vehicle seat for movement along a foundation frame while the seat back is between the upright and folded-forward positions.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2013Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLCInventor: Thomas J Cooley
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Patent number: 9545858Abstract: A rear seat assembly for a vehicle is disclosed in which the seat cushions and the seat backs may be positioned on top of one another from a flat usage position into a non-usage position. Folding the seat cushions on top of one another and, folding the seat backs on top of one another takes place in order to form the loading space in the region of the back seat arrangement. The seat cushions and the seat backs, respectively, are stowed in a compact manner in the region of the passenger car and provides sufficient space for forming the loading space in the region of the back seat arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Gian Luca Baccelli