Patents Issued in January 24, 2017
  • Patent number: 9550394
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel includes a hub. The wheel also includes a fully asymmetric carbon fiber rim. The carbon fiber rim includes a curved sidewall and a straight sidewall, the straight sidewall being thicker than the curved sidewall. The wheel also includes a number of symmetric left and right spokes connecting the hub to the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: REYNOLDS CYCLING, LLC
    Inventor: Paul E. Lew
  • Patent number: 9550395
    Abstract: A wheel assembly is provided which includes a wheel, an axle, and an axle-engaging wheel hub for mounting the wheel to the axle. A wheel assembly is provided which includes a wheel, an axle, and a wheel hub which is adapted for use with a fastener for mounting the wheel to the axle. A wheel assembly is provided which includes a wheel that is adapted to receive either an axle-engaging wheel hub or a wheel hub which is adapted for use with a fastener for mounting the wheel to the axle depending upon the preference of the assembler. Wheeled containers and methods of assembly thereof are also provided for use with such wheel assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Toter, LLC
    Inventors: Smith Edward Trent, III, Todd Ernest Wright
  • Patent number: 9550396
    Abstract: A tread profile has a tread profile section which is in the center of the tire in the axial direction, and in each case one shoulder profile section. The central tread profile section is composed of profile belts, and the shoulder profile sections each have a second profile belt. A circumferential groove is arranged in each case between a first profile belt of the central section and the profile belt of the shoulder section. The groove is formed with a web which is radially raised from the groove base and which divides the groove into a narrow first and a wider second section which has, at the groove base, a linear section of extent which merges, with a curvature radius R3 and R2, with the edges of the profile belt or of the web, wherein R3>R2. The linear section of extent is at an angle of inclination >0°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Reifen Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Volkmar Fries, Michael Lehn, Alexander Rediger
  • Patent number: 9550397
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tire capable of effectively enhancing the visibility of marks. The tire is provided with a mark 3 on a surface of a side portion 1, in which the mark 3 is formed so as to vary at least one of the hue, brightness and saturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sotaro Iwabuchi, Takamitsu Nakamura, Dyta Itoi, Yasuo Himuro
  • Patent number: 9550398
    Abstract: A fifth wheel latching assembly is provided having first and second locking assemblies. The first locking assembly includes first and second jaw members, which are movable between open and locked configurations. In the locked configurations, at least one of the first and second jaw members locks a kingpin in place for towing. The second locking assembly includes a latch element which is movable between open and locked positions. In its closed position, the latch element locks a kingpin in place for towing. The first and second locking assemblies independently lock the kingpin in place. Kingpin insertion causes automatic locking of the first and second locking assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Dethmers Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Jason J. Kraai
  • Patent number: 9550399
    Abstract: A tow hitch that detects movement between a towing vehicle and a load and adjusts the braking forces of the load brakes proportionately to the movement, is disclosed. Said tow hitch comprising a load tow member selectively engaged with a vehicle tow member, a one or more sensors connected to the load tow member, and at least one of the one or more sensors is disposed between the vehicle tow member and the load tow member when the load tow member is engaged with the vehicle tow member. The at least one of the one or more sensors is in electronic communication with the load brakes, whereby the at least one of the one or more sensors senses movement between a load member and a vehicle member when the load tow member is engaged with the vehicle tow member and adjusts the braking forces of the load brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Intelli-Hitch, LLC
    Inventors: Dustin Jones, Bill Masten
  • Patent number: 9550400
    Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicles and methods for providing the same are disclosed. The unmanned aerial vehicles may have various configurations related to a support frame. The unmanned aerial vehicles may have various configurations with a continuous track for ground propulsion. The unmanned aerial vehicles may have various configurations related to payload clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventor: Donald Bolden Hutson
  • Patent number: 9550401
    Abstract: An Independent Front Suspension (IFS) assembly having a single lower control arm having an inboard end pivotally secured to a chassis support structure, an air spring supported by an air spring seat relative to the lower control arm, a strut having an upper end pivotally secured to the chassis support structure and a lower end coupled to the lower control arm outboard end, and a steering knuckle fixed to the strut lower end, the steering knuckle disposed below the lower air spring seat and whose rotative movement about the strut axis is unconfined by proximity between the steering knuckle and the lower air spring seat, whereby available wheel cut is maximized. Also an IFS module including right and left side IFS assemblies and adapted for installation into a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Reyco Granning, LLC
    Inventor: John A Hinz
  • Patent number: 9550402
    Abstract: An IFS assembly having a single lower control arm having an inboard end pivotally secured to a chassis support structure, an air spring supported by an air spring seat relative to the lower control arm, a strut having an upper end pivotally secured to the chassis support structure and a lower end coupled to the lower control arm outboard end, and a steering knuckle fixed to the strut lower end, the steering knuckle disposed below the lower air spring seat and whose rotative movement about the strut axis is unconfined by proximity between the steering knuckle and the lower air spring seat, whereby available wheel cut is maximized. Also an IFS module including right and left side IFS assemblies and adapted for installation into a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Reyco Granning, LLC
    Inventor: John A Hinz
  • Patent number: 9550403
    Abstract: A hydropneumatic suspension unit for a vehicle that includes an outer sleeve which defines a first chamber, and a damping piston which is arranged for sliding displacement in the first chamber. The first chamber contains gas mainly for providing spring action and liquid mainly for providing damping action. The gas is in direct contact with the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Stromsholmen AB
    Inventors: Jakob Axellson, Leif Lundahl
  • Patent number: 9550404
    Abstract: Various embodiments related to hydraulic actuators and active suspension systems as well as their methods of use are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Levant Power Corporation
    Inventors: Marco Giovanardi, Clive Tucker, Ross J. Wendell, Zackary Martin Anderson, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Vladimir Gorelik, Tyson David Sawyer, Jonathan R. Leehey, Johannes Schneider, Robert Driscoll, Patrick W. Neil, Shakeel Avadhany
  • Patent number: 9550405
    Abstract: A spring for a suspension is described. The spring includes: a spring chamber divided into at least a primary portion and a secondary portion, and a fluid flow path coupled with and between the primary portion and the secondary portion. The fluid flow path includes a bypass mechanism, wherein the bypass mechanism is configured for automatically providing resistance within the fluid flow path in response to a compressed condition of the suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventor: John Marking
  • Patent number: 9550406
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a thermal dissipation system of an electric vehicle that includes: a heat exchanger arranged at the front part of the electric vehicle for providing heating or cooling to an air conditioning system of the electric vehicle; a first heat sink and a second heat sink, which are respectively arranged at the two sides of the front part of the heat exchanger; a number of rotatable and adjustable air deflectors for changing the flow direction of the air flowing through the heat dissipation system. Temperature sensors are included within the thermal dissipation system for sensing the working temperatures and the environmental temperatures of a battery pack and a motor of the electric vehicle. Opening and closing states of the air deflectors are adjusted in accordance with data provided by the temperature sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: THUNDER POWER HONG KONG LTD.
    Inventors: Yong-Syuan Chen, Ming-Hui Ho, Jen-Chieh Hsiao
  • Patent number: 9550407
    Abstract: A roof for a cab of a machine includes a roof surface with a rearward incline having a front portion higher than a rear portion. The roof surface has a recessed portion at the rear portion that receives a Heating Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) unit. The recessed portion includes a rearward facing sidewall with a rearward incline, such that an upper end of the rearward facing sidewall is closer to the front portion than a lower end. The rearward facing sidewall has a lateral opening, a pair of lateral sidewalls, and a base with a rearward incline, such that a front end of the base is higher than a rear end. The base has an upright opening with a ridge protruding upward, defining a perimeter of the upright opening. The rearward facing sidewall, the pair of lateral sidewalls, and the base, define a contiguous peripheral portion of the recessed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Gielda, Jeffrey A. Zurinski, Alexa E. Davis, Aaron L. Dunaway, Christian D. Ritchie
  • Patent number: 9550408
    Abstract: A door frame for a vehicle having improved anti-corrosive performance, and a method of manufacturing the door frame may includes: a three-stage superimposed portion which has a structure in which an upper steel plate layer, an intermediate steel plate layer, and a lower steel plate layer are superimposed, and in which a sealer for anti-corrosive performance is applied between the upper steel plate layer and the intermediate steel plate layer; and a curved portion which is formed at an upper side of the intermediate steel plate layer at a first end of the three-stage superimposed portion to prevent the applied sealer from being exposed to the outside, thereby improving anti-corrosive performance, and a method of manufacturing the door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Min-Woo Cho
  • Patent number: 9550409
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle comprises an opening in a stationary roof part and a rollo assembly positioned below said roof opening intended for covering the roof opening. The rollo assembly comprises a rollo screen and a winding shaft for the rollo screen which is rotatable around a stationary axis of rotation, and the rollo screen, starting from the winding shaft, firstly extends in a first direction, next around a reversal member and finally back in an opposite second direction and ends at a rollo screen edge. The reversal member is movable in parallel to said first and second directions in correspondence with the amount of rollo screen being wound on or off said winding shaft. The rollo screen is provided with light emitting members which are activated through connections provided at the interface between said rollo screen edge and a stationary part of the open roof construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.V.
    Inventor: Suyanto Teri Wahiyu Ten-Jet-Foei
  • Patent number: 9550410
    Abstract: A sunroof apparatus includes: a movable panel that can open or close an opening formed in a roof of a vehicle; guide rails having a pair of rail-side holding portions provided side by side in a lateral direction, and respectively provided in both edge portions of the opening in the lateral direction; support brackets, front end portions of which are supported by the guide rails, having vertical walls, and each of which has bracket-side held portions; sliding members are provided so as to be able to move along the guide rails, and each of which has a connection wall; sliding member-side held portions, and sliding member-side holding portions; and an electric driving source driving the movement of the sliding members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shintaro Katsura
  • Patent number: 9550411
    Abstract: Automotive window glass to which a molding for sealing space between a car body and the window glass is to be attached, the window glass including, an attachment starting point mark indicating an attachment starting point of the molding, and at least one of a termination starting point mark and a termination last point mark in a specification range in which a termination of the molding, of which an attachment to the window glass being started from the attachment starting point, is to be placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Central Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Fujii, Takao Horie
  • Patent number: 9550412
    Abstract: A power generation system is disclosed. The power generation system includes an electrical converting device and a repowered portion connected to the electrical converting device. The repowered portion includes a reciprocating internal combustion engine and a gearbox. The reciprocating internal combustion engine is connected to the gearbox by a first connecting structure. The gearbox is connected to the electrical converting device by a second connecting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: MTU America Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Daniel Bowdich, Douglas Edwin Berry, Bruce Ernest Richard Wolff, Gerhard Kramer, Scott Daniel Woodruff, Ulrich Handel
  • Patent number: 9550413
    Abstract: A hybrid work machine includes: an engine; a generator motor; a storage battery; a motor; a transformer; a target engine speed calculation unit configured to calculate a target engine speed based on at least an engine load and an output state of the generator motor; a generation control unit configured to output a generator requesting minimum engine speed; an engine controlling target engine speed calculation unit configured to calculate and output an engine controlling target engine speed based on the target engine speed and the generator requesting minimum engine speed; an engine control unit configured to control an engine speed based on the engine controlling target engine speed; and an assist control unit configured to set the target engine speed to the generator controlling target engine speed and control engine assist based on the generator controlling target engine speed and the generator motor speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Take
  • Patent number: 9550414
    Abstract: A traveling drive device for a dump truck is provided with an axle housing mounted to a vehicle body, a wheel mounting tube rotatably provided on the outer periphery side of the axle housing, a disk holding cylinder provided on the axial outside of the wheel mounting tube, a brake disk mounted to the disk holding cylinder, and a brake device for applying braking to the brake disk. The disk holding cylinder is configured by a cylindrical body to be mounted to the wheel mounting tube and a plurality of disk mounting legs provided on the cylindrical body. A plurality of U-shaped projections are provided on the outer periphery side of the brake disk at positions corresponding to the respective disk mounting legs. A recessed groove which fits on the disk mounting leg so as to hold a distal end thereof is provided in each of the U-shaped projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keiji Kudo, Shinichirou Hagihara, Yasunori Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9550415
    Abstract: A method for operating a cooling fan of a vehicle including detecting at least one of a battery charge of a battery of the vehicle and a state of engagement of an air conditioning system of the vehicle and rotating the cooling fan in a direction to expel air from an engine compartment of the vehicle based on at least one of a detected battery charge of the battery or a detected state of engagement of the air conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nagahama, Nic Evans
  • Patent number: 9550416
    Abstract: A heavy-duty truck chassis has a frame assembly having a first rail spaced from a second rail to define a gap therebetween. A front axle is supported by the frame assembly and is positioned proximate a front portion of the frame assembly. A rear axle is supported by the frame assembly and is positioned proximate a rear portion of the frame assembly. A fuel tank is supported by the frame assembly and positioned in the gap and behind the rear axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Shem, LLC
    Inventors: Herman Edward Steyn, Shane Leppan, Francois Pierre Hough, Johann Christiaan Vorster
  • Patent number: 9550417
    Abstract: A saddle-riding type vehicle wherein an electric power transmission apparatus is rendered compact and a clearance is kept between a front wheel and a shift motor in a structure wherein a change mechanism and the shift motor are disposed in a forward direction of a power unit. A change mechanism for selectively establishing a gear stage of a transmission and a shift motor for supplying rotational power to the change mechanism are disposed in a forward direction of a power unit. A speed reducer gear mechanism for reducing the speed of the rotational power from the shift motor is disposed in a forward direction of a transmission compartment. The shift motor is disposed such that a main motor body thereof is positioned rearwardly of the speed reducer gear mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasushi Fujimoto, Kinya Mizuno, Hiroyuki Sugiura
  • Patent number: 9550418
    Abstract: A system and method for encouraging a user of a recreational vehicle to wear safety equipment is described. The helmet contains a microprocessor and sensors to determine if the helmet is worn. The helmet communicates with the vehicle and the vehicle either disables operation or allows limited operation if the helmet is not worn. On motorized vehicles, the motor operation is restricted. On human powered vehicles mechanical resistance may limit operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Twin Harbor Labs, LLC
    Inventors: James D Logan, Paul Hammerstrom, Richard A Baker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9550419
    Abstract: A method and system for providing an augmented reality vehicle interface. The method and system include providing an augmented reality user interface. The method and system additionally include receiving an image of a vehicle with an image capturing device. The method and system additionally include identifying a user classification category of the user that is capturing an image of the vehicle. Additionally, the method and system include presenting an augmented reality image of the vehicle by overlaying one or more virtual user interface objects on the points of interest. The method and system also includes controlling vehicle features via the one or more virtual user interface objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Habashima, Fuminobu Kurosawa, Arthur Alaniz, Michael Gleeson-May
  • Patent number: 9550420
    Abstract: A parking assistance system and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The parking assistance system includes a parking-mode input unit, a parking-associated functioning unit having a plurality of parking-associated systems, a setting unit for selecting parking-associated systems that are operated, and a controller configured to control the respective parking-associated systems by receiving an input signal through the parking-mode input unit. The method for controlling the parking assistance system includes transmitting a parking-mode input signal by turning on a parking-mode input unit, recognizing that a parking action is ready to be executed through the parking-mode input signal, and controlling a set of parking-associated functioning units according to a predetermined condition stored in a setting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Soo Ryun Kim, Jong Won Hwang
  • Patent number: 9550421
    Abstract: A DC-to-DC converter may be disposed in a vehicle for converting a high voltage from a power source to a low voltage. The DC-to-DC converter may include a primary converter, a secondary converter, and a DC-to-DC module. The DC-to-DC module may control the operation of the secondary converter based on a set-point threshold and a power output of the primary converter, where the set-point threshold may be variably set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignees: Denso International America, Inc., DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: James Harkins
  • Patent number: 9550422
    Abstract: A vehicle high voltage system may include switches (e.g., IGBTs, contactors, relays, etc.), wires, a traction battery, electrical components with electrical properties and at least one controller. The at least one controller may be programmed to modulate a switch to provide a testing voltage for the electrical components, which is less than an operating voltage of the battery, and in response to a current flow associated with the testing voltage being less than a predetermined threshold, stop current flow between the battery and electrical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Richard Luedtke, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Edward William Haran
  • Patent number: 9550423
    Abstract: An interlock switching circuit for protecting an electrical on-board power supply for an electrically drivable vehicle includes a conductor loop, a first current source, a first current mirror and a second current mirror. The first current source is configured to drive a current flowing out of an input of the first current mirror into an input of the second current mirror. The conductor loop is connected between an output of the first current mirror and an output of the second current mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignees: Robert Bosch GmbH, Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Stefan Butzmann
  • Patent number: 9550424
    Abstract: A mounting structure for supporting one or more pantographs in a machine is disclosed. The mounting structure includes a bottom support structure and a middle support structure removably mounted on the bottom support structure. The middle support structure includes a pair of secondary front legs removably coupled to the pair of primary front legs. The middle support structure includes reinforcement members for removably connecting the top portion of one of a secondary front leg and a rear leg with a deck. The mounting structure includes a top platform removably mounted on the middle support structure for supporting the pantographs. The top platform includes a first supporting member and a second supporting member. Each of the first supporting member and the second supporting member is supported along a first side arm and a second side arm of the deck, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nirmal Goldwin, Zachary R. Carter, Pathik Patel, Christopher A. Willey, Vipin Kalathil, Sai R. Rachakonda
  • Patent number: 9550425
    Abstract: An upper chamber and a lower chamber are provided in a housing of an electric storage device for vehicle deployment by a middle base plate. The lower chamber is sealed with respect to the upper chamber by the middle base plate. A battery module is disposed in the lower chamber. A control device, such as a cell controller, and electrical parts, such as a junction box and a service disconnect switch, are mounted in the upper chamber. Strong and weak current system wiring that connect the battery module and the electrical parts respectively penetrate strong and weak current system openings of the middle base plate, and are routed to the upper chamber. The openings, which are penetrated by the strong and the weak current system wiring, are each provided with a sealing member, and thus the lower chamber is sealed with respect to the upper chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuo Sugawara
  • Patent number: 9550426
    Abstract: A vehicle-side current transmission device (4) for the stationary charging of electrical energy stores of vehicles (7) at charging stations includes current-supplying contact surfaces (13, 14, 14) arranged above the vehicle (7), wherein a charge current collector (4) formed as an articulated arm system (4) is multi-pole and has, for making stationary contact with the current-supplying contact surfaces (13, 14, 15), at least two isolated electrical contact elements (1, 2, 3) that transmit different electrical phases. The collector enables electrical contacts by a single current collector, which transmit different electrical phases while grounding the vehicle. The articulated arm system allows for an especially compact design with low weight, and enables the vehicle driver to simply position the vehicle below the overhead charging station, coupled with a reliable contacting of the contact surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: SCHUNK BAHN- UND INDUSTRIETECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Josef Santner
  • Patent number: 9550427
    Abstract: A contactless power supply device supplying electric power in a contactless manner to a power receiving device mounted on a moving object includes: a bottom plate structuring an installation face; a power transmitting coil disposed on the bottom plate to supply electric power to a power receiving coil included in the power receiving device; and a cover attached to the bottom plate so as to cover the power transmitting coil disposed on the bottom plate. A layer of air is formed between the power transmitting coil and the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toyoaki Takeshita, Kazuo Kimura
  • Patent number: 9550428
    Abstract: A charging station for an electric vehicle having a charging blade may include a charge head configured to electrically connect with a charging blade of a vehicle to charge the vehicle, the charge head extending from a front end to a rear end along a longitudinal axis that extends along a direction of travel of the vehicle. The charge head may include a first housing and a second housing, wherein the first and second housings are (a) symmetrically positioned about the longitudinal axis and (b) separated by a channel that extends from the front end to the rear end of the charge head, the channel being dimensioned to position the charging blade therein. The charge head may further include one or more charging brushes located in each of the first housing and the second housing, wherein each of the one or more charging brushes in each housing is configured to extend into the channel towards the other housing to contact the charging blade positioned in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Proterra Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin William Ertel
  • Patent number: 9550429
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer-readable mediums for managing batteries of a fleet of vehicles. A computing device includes one or more processors configured to receive first battery data related to a first battery of a first vehicle, where the first vehicle is part of the fleet of vehicles, and compare the first battery data to fleet battery data related to one or more other batteries of vehicles in the fleet of vehicles. Based on the comparison a second vehicle in the fleet is determined in which to switch the first battery to improve battery life of the batteries of the fleet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Cummins, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahesh Madurai-Kumar, Morgan M. Andreae
  • Patent number: 9550430
    Abstract: The method for dynamic and forward management of the recharging of batteries with electric power includes retrieving at least one data record relating to a previous recharging of each battery in the form of a recharging time extending from a time of beginning of the power supply to a time of ending of the power supply. The method also includes determining a forward duration of recharging of each battery from a forward time of beginning of power supply to a forward time of ending of the supply and determining a schedule for recharging while sequencing the forward times of recharging determined for each battery. The durations follow each other and overlap at least partially over time, while applying each forward duration to the recharging, from forward time of beginning of power supply to forward time of ending of power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: PARKNPLUG
    Inventor: Pascal Toggenburger
  • Patent number: 9550431
    Abstract: An electric motor drives a drive target and generates electricity. A charge-discharge control circuit controls charging and discharging of a power storage device. A controller controls a charge-discharge control circuit. The controller obtains a calculation value of an internal resistance of the power storage device based on a measured value of an open circuit voltage of the power storage device, and a measured value of an inter-terminal voltage and a measured value of a charge-discharge current when the power storage device is charged and discharged, and obtains a correction value of the internal resistance by correcting the calculation value of the internal resistance based on the measured value of the open circuit voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Masanori Yumura
  • Patent number: 9550432
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle, the charging power of a power storage device can be generated through power generation by a motor generator by using an output of an engine. In response to operation of an SOC recovery switch, an ECU executes SOC recovery control for increasing an SOC of the power storage device to an SOC target value. The SOC target value in the SOC recovery control is set to be higher than an SOC control target when the SOC recovery control is not in execution. The ECU variably sets the SOC target value in the SOC recovery control based on a past driving history of the hybrid vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Taishi Hisano
  • Patent number: 9550433
    Abstract: An alternating-hibernation battery management and control method for a power structure of a large electric vehicle is provided. The power structure includes a vehicular computer with a sorting controller, plural configuration-variable series-type battery boxes in parallel connection and a driving device. Each configuration-variable series-type battery box includes plural battery modules in series connection. The method includes the following steps. Firstly, the vehicular computer calculates a required number of battery modules and a required number of configuration-variable series-type battery boxes. Then, the sorting controller calculates module scores of all battery modules, and generates a battery module sorting result. Then, the sorting controller enables the required number of battery modules according to the required number of battery modules and the battery module sorting result. Then, the sorting controller calculates a battery box score and generates a battery box sorting result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: ALEEES ECO ARK (CAYMAN) CO. LTD.
    Inventors: An-Tao Anthony Yang, Gordon Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 9550434
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy management system including a motor, an inverter electrically connected to the motor, a DC-DC converter electrically connected to the inverter, a first energy storage unit electrically connected to a DC link of the inverter through the DC-DC converter, a second energy storage unit coupled to the inverter, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to control the distribution of electrical power from the first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit to the inverter in dependence upon a predetermined power threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Dean King, Funian Xiao
  • Patent number: 9550435
    Abstract: An angular acceleration monitor may monitor whether or not an angular acceleration of a wheel detected by an angular acceleration detector is equal to or smaller than an acceptable angular acceleration (W) that is calculated with the following formula: W=k1×R×Tt/m/r2 where k1 is a constant, Tt is a total drive torque that is a sum of drive torques of all motor units that drive wheels of the vehicle, m is vehicle mass, r is tire radius, and R is reduction ratio of a reducer unit interposed between the motor unit and the wheel. A slip-responsive controller causes, if it is determined that the acceptable angular acceleration is exceeded, a motor controller to reduce a drive torque of the motor unit(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takayoshi Ozaki, Koichi Okada, Kenichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9550436
    Abstract: A track assembly for positioning and removably securing wheelchairs and transit seats in a vehicle, having a first rail having a frame, the frame having a top surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, and a longitudinal axis. The track assembly further includes a plurality of apertures having a shape, the apertures evenly distributed within the top surface along the longitudinal axis of the frame, a plurality of channels connecting the first and second side surfaces proximate the top surface, the channels evenly distributed along the longitudinal axis of the frame, and a second rail identical to and arranged in parallel with the first rail to form the track assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Fenton Mobility Products Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Ivan Fenton, Gerald James Hildom
  • Patent number: 9550437
    Abstract: In a seat (1) for a driver of a construction machine, in particular for a road roller, featuring a movable seating carriage (8) with seat adjustment in no less than one shifting direction via a drive motor (12) which is coupled to the seating carriage (8) via a transmission element (14), and featuring a control device (16) for the seat adjustment, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: for mechanical adjustment of the seating carriage (8), the drive motor (12) and/or the seating carriage (8) is decouplable from the transmission element (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Hamm AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Mahler, Axel Roemer
  • Patent number: 9550438
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may include a vehicle seat having a seatback and a headrest. The headrest has a first headrest portion, a second headrest portion and a headrest cover. The first headrest portion is connected to the seatback. The second headrest portion is provided nearer to a user seated in the seat than the first headrest portion. The second headrest portion is provided on the first headrest portion so as to be vertically movable. The headrest cover covers the first headrest portion and the second headrest portion. The headrest cover includes an elastic region. When the second headrest portion moves vertically with respect to the first headrest portion, the elastic region is deformed so as to allow movement of the second headrest portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroshi Mizobata
  • Patent number: 9550439
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seatback having a coverstock defining a seat surface with a flexible lower region and a flexible upper region. The seatback further has a compressible upper bladder beneath the coverstock upper region and a compressible inflation bladder positioned beneath the coverstock lower region and in fluidic communication with the upper bladder. A first fixed quantity of a flowable medium is contained in and is partially transferrable between the upper bladder and the inflation bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Alan George Dry
  • Patent number: 9550440
    Abstract: A conveyance seat includes a seat frame; a seat pad; and a support body disposed based on a center portion of a distribution of a sitting pressure applied by a seated occupant to the seat pad. The support body is supported with respect to the seat frame such that a front end portion thereof is rotatable in a right-left direction about a straight line tilted upward in a direction from a front side toward a rear side, and a rear end portion thereof is movable in the right-left direction. The seat pad includes a fixed portion that is supported at a fixed position by the seat frame, and a movable portion that is supported by the support body such that the movable portion is movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignees: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hidetaka Nagayasu, Kohshi Katoh, Eishi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 9550441
    Abstract: In this clip for mounting a component, a first plate portion includes first engaging pawls, and a second plate portion second engaging pawls, are linked by a linking-side plate portion in the rear end region on a side having either one of the plate portions, and first and second side plate portions which bend and extend from the first and second plate portions are in contact on the side having the other plate portion. The linking-side plate portion and the first and second side plate portions cut through a gap portion formed as an opening in the rear of the first and second plate portions of the clip, and gap portions formed as openings in both sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignees: TOPY FASTENERS, LTD., KUMI KASEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Aoyama, Koichi Maruyama, Yasuo Horiuchi, Naoyasu Asano, Yoshihiko Takeda, Hiroshi Kawai
  • Patent number: 9550442
    Abstract: A loading apparatus having a base frame mounted to a vehicle. The loading apparatus has a first frame system connected to the base frame and a second frame system having a carriage slidably connected to the first frame system and a pivot frame connected to the carriage. The loading apparatus has a cable assembly having a stationary pulley mounted to the carriage and a pulley bracket mounted to the pivot frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Howard H. Hanson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9550443
    Abstract: A system of the present disclosure has a housing that has at least two female indentations, and each indentation has tapered walls that form a cavity. The system further has a trailer that has at least two protrusions, including a first protrusion on a first leg of the trailer and a second protrusion on a second leg of the trailer, and the protrusions are arranged to mate with the at least two female indentations when the housing is placed on the trailer. Each protrusion has a lock slat slidably moveable in a slot formed in a side of the protrusion and the lock slats are adapted to engage one of the tapered walls of the protrusions thereby retaining the housing on the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Bike Box, LLC
    Inventor: Chad S. McElhiney