Patents Issued in January 24, 2017
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Patent number: 9550444Abstract: A lift system that is attachable to a vehicle, such as a car, truck, van, and the like, for lifting and carrying heavy items, such as a motorcycle utilizing a platform connected to a lifting mechanism that is connected to the vehicle. The lifting mechanism has a pair of lift arm housings that are connected to the vehicle, a pair of lift arms connected to the platform that rises up and down within their respective lift arm housing, and an electric motor to raise and lower the lift arms. The platform can be removed from the lift arms and stored away or used as a tabletop by. Wheels may be provided to easily maneuver the platform on the ground. Elongated posts can be attached to the platform to function as braces to secure the item to the platform. The elongated posts can also be used as legs for the tabletop.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventor: Armando Ferreira
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Patent number: 9550445Abstract: A loading module is configured to accommodate at least two vehicles. The loading module comprises a lower loading plate, an upper loading plate and a front device which connects the two loading plates. Two hydraulic cylinders are provided at a respective side of the loading plates and are arranged to enable displacement of the upper loading plate between a lower position and an upper position. The two hydraulic cylinders extend in a direction which together with the lower loading plate forms an acute angle having the tip directed towards the forward end when the upper loading plate is located in the lower and the upper position.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: NJEH i Roslagen ABInventor: Nils Holmgren
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Patent number: 9550446Abstract: A device for engaging an elongated support for restraining cargo for use in a container having corrugated or flat walls. The device is securable selectively to a peak or a trough of the corrugated wall or to the flat wall. The device may be engageable selectively to an elongated support in the form of a 2×4 or an elongated support in the form of a 4×4.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: LOGISTICK, INC.Inventors: Nicholas Kanczuzewski, John E. Townsend
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Patent number: 9550447Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a front end module, an upper panel, and a fender covering the upper panel. The vehicle assembly also includes a housing, mounted to the front end module, having a first contour, and a bracket, having a second contour complementary with the first contour, attached with the housing. The bracket generally maintains a position of the headlamp assembly relative to the upper panel during a RCAR Low Speed Structural Crash Test Protocol (Issue 2.2).Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mustafa Ahmed, Ian Dupret, Thejaswi Prabhakar, William Moore Sherwood, Sara E. Veyo, Ray Hari Manala Rethinam
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Patent number: 9550448Abstract: The invention relates to a light distribution control method and a light distribution control device in which plural illumination regions are arranged in the left-right direction and illuminated by a headlamp in an ADB light distribution pattern, and vehicle positions of a vehicle ahead are detected and selected ones of the plural illumination regions are reduced in light quantity according to the detected vehicle positions. In this method and device, corrected vehicle positions are set that are obtained by adding margins to the detected vehicle positions in the left and right directions, respectively, and compared with the plural illumination regions. Illumination regions where the vehicle ahead exists are reduced in light quantity.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Hidetada Tanaka, Takeshi Masuda, Motohiro Komatsu, Takao Muramatsu
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Patent number: 9550449Abstract: A housing having an extrusion forming a first channel and a second channel; a lighting system in the first channel adapted to direct light away from the first channel; a mounting system in the second channel adapted to couple the extrusion to a vehicle; a first end cap including a first connector, the first end cap being coupled to a first end of the extrusion; a second end cap including a second connector, the second end cap being coupled to a second end of the extrusion; wherein the first connector and the second connector are electrically coupled to one another, and wherein the first connector and the second connector are electrically coupled to the lighting system.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Weekend Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Ryan T Paine, Ronald P Scott, Lyle P Scott, Dennis M Lusardi
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Patent number: 9550450Abstract: An exit warning system is provided for a motor vehicle having a sliding door. That exit warning system includes a sliding door status sensor, a projector and a warning signal. The warning signal is projected by the projector onto pavement laterally adjacent a motor vehicle when the sliding door is opened in order to warn oncoming drivers that someone could potentially be leaving the vehicle through the open sliding door.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Juan Manuel Galicia Badillo
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Patent number: 9550451Abstract: Ribs formed on two sides of a case are press-fitted into grooves formed in the holding faces of a holding member. Two case bodies constituting the case have rib divisions formed by dividing ribs in their longitudinal directions. Accordingly, the two case bodies are brought into contact with each other in a wide range on the divided surfaces of the rib divisions, the divided surfaces extending in the longitudinal directions. When the ribs are press-fitted into the grooves, the divided surfaces in contact with each other are brought into pressure-contact with each other in a wide range.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kikuchi, Shunji Araki, Toshihiro Chubachi
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Patent number: 9550452Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle includes a vehicle speed sensor configured to emit a periodic function with a parameter correlated to the speed of the vehicle, an acceleration monitoring system, a braking system engagement detector to detect a braking status of the vehicle, an alerting device capable of signaling other drivers of a deceleration condition of the vehicle, and a control device. The acceleration monitoring system is configured to compute the acceleration of the vehicle from variations in the parameter of the periodic function of the vehicle speed sensor and to output a deceleration status of the vehicle. The control device is coupled to the acceleration monitoring system, the braking system engagement detector, and the alerting device, wherein the acceleration monitoring system sends signals to the control device and the control device operates the alerting device in a manner dependent on the deceleration status of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Vision Works IP CorporationInventors: Alfred S. Braunberger, Beau M. Braunberger
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Patent number: 9550453Abstract: A light bar is described that is of a modular construction based on one or more large circuit boards that are populated with light beam assemblies and then fastened to an interior space of the light bar housing. Keys that automatically align the light beam assemblies on each of the boards precisely control placement of the assemblies on the board. In turn, each of the boards is keyed to the interior of the light bar housing so that when the board is fastened to the housing the light beam assemblies are automatically registered into alignment with the lenses in the housing so that the beams from the assemblies are properly oriented. The light bar is inexpensive to fabricate and can be assembled quickly and reliably, yet it provides for a high degree of customization, which is a requirement in the emergency vehicle lighting industry.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Federal Signal CorporationInventors: Paul M. Gergets, Vince S. Fleszewski, Allan J. Mostello
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Patent number: 9550454Abstract: Methods and systems for detection of removable vehicle seats may be used to indicate presence or absence of a child in the vehicle. In some examples, an alarm system includes a radio frequency (RF) transceiver and a removable seat magnetic coupling. Various actions are triggered when the parent (e.g., guardian) goes beyond a predefined range while the removable seat is within the vehicle, such as sounding an alarm on a mobile electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Horse Sense Shoes, LLCInventors: Roger Roisen, Michael McHugh, Ryan Borovansky, Christian Wilcock
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Patent number: 9550455Abstract: An imager system configured for a vehicle control system is provided that includes at least one imager configured to capture a multi-focus image having depth data, the imager comprising an image sensor comprising an array of pixels, and an optics assembly in optical communication with the image sensor, the optics assembly configured to capture light rays, wherein the optics assembly comprising a main lens assembly configured to substantially focus a scene on to a plane, a micro lens assembly in optical communication between the main lens and the image sensor to substantially focus on to same the plane as the main lens assembly extending out to infinity, and a controller in communication with the imager, wherein the controller is configured to output a signal for controlling a function of the vehicle, the signal based upon the depth data determined from the multi-focus image.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew M. Foley, Robert E. Roush, Jr., Henry A. Luten
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Patent number: 9550456Abstract: A device for adjusting rear view mirrors includes a vehicle-side first element and a movable second element. A reflecting surface is attached to the second element. One of the first or second elements has a concave surface, and the other element has a convex surface. The second element pivots about at least one axis that is fixed with respect to the first element. A joining slot is formed where the convex surface slides over the concave surface. One of the elements has a sealing lip that makes sliding contact with the other element and prevents foreign objects from entering the slot between the convex surface and the concave surface. The sealing lip annularly contacts either the convex surface or the concave surface. Alternatively, the concave surface is formed by a spherical shell, and the sealing lip slides over a second convex surface disposed on the shell opposite the concave surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Mekra Lang GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Sebastian Heger, Willi Felbinger, Albrecht Popp
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Patent number: 9550457Abstract: An electro-optic assembly is provided that includes a first substantially transparent substrate comprising: a first surface, a second surface, and a first peripheral edge, the second surface comprises a first electrically conductive layer and a first isolation area. The assembly further includes a second substrate comprising: a third surface, a fourth surface, and a second peripheral edge, the third surface comprises a second electrically conductive layer. The assembly also includes a primary seal between the second and third surfaces, wherein the seal and the second and third surfaces define a substantially hermetic cavity; an electro-optic medium at least partially disposed in the cavity; and an electrically conductive solder that is disposed on at least portions of at least one of the first and second peripheral edges in electrical contact with one of the first and second electrically conductive layers.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Kristopher R. Green, Joel A. Stray, William L. Tonar
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Patent number: 9550458Abstract: A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Nicholas Smith, Eric Charles Bajza, William Franklin Bibb, VI
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Patent number: 9550459Abstract: A clip may include an anchor made of a hard resinous material and having a pillar that is configured to be inserted into an attaching hole formed in a plate-shaped object member and elastic arms that are formed in the pillar and capable of flexing inward and outward with respect to the pillar, and cushions made of a soft resinous material. The elastic arms respectively have engagement claws respectively having engagement surfaces that are configured to engage an inner periphery of the attaching hole. The engagement surfaces are respectively covered by the cushions.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: DAIWA KASEI KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Makoto Kato, Atsutoshi Kaji
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Patent number: 9550460Abstract: Disclosed is a flat cable wiring structure allowed to be mounted to all automobiles and corresponding to various circuits. The flat cable wiring structure is provided with a flat cable winder including a case arranged at an end of the rail, and a rotating body accommodated in the case rotatably about a virtual central axis vertical to the car body floor and configured to wind the flat cable; and a flat cable housing extending in a longitudinal direction of the rail and including a pair of walls arranged along an outside surface of the rail and parallel to a side wall vertical to the rail, and a bottom wall connecting the pair of walls.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Akira Tsubaki
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Patent number: 9550461Abstract: A weight can be reduced, and a desired bent shape can be easily obtained with the shielded pipe of the present application. An electric wire that connects a battery and an inverter is inserted into a shielded pipe arranged underneath a floor of a vehicle. The shielded pipe has a pipe body that is made of a synthetic resin material and shaped into a predetermined shape. After the pipe body is shaped, a shielding portion is formed by spirally winding a ribbon-shaped metal foil around the outer circumferential surface of the pipe body. Furthermore, the shielding portion is inserted into a heat-shrinkable tube. The heat-shrinkable tube is heated and covers the outer circumferential surface of the shielding portion in a tight contact state, thus constituting a protective portion for protecting the shielding portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Hirokazu Nakai, Takeo Maruchi
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Patent number: 9550462Abstract: A support structure assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a side member extending in a generally longitudinal direction and having a forward end; a link member having a generally fixed shape and having outer and inner mounting portions with the inner portion being mounted to the side member via an inner hinged connection; and a bumper having a main bumper member and a bumper extension member forming an end portion of the bumper. The bumper extends generally transverse and lateral to the longitudinal direction of the side member, and the bumper extension member extends laterally across and beyond the forward end of the side member. The bumper extension member includes forward and rearward wall portions. The rearward wall portion is sandwiched between the main bumper member and the forward end of the side member.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Naipaul D. Ramoutar, Taichi Yamashita
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Patent number: 9550463Abstract: A vehicle body end section structure is obtained that enables a spacer member that transmits load to a framework member in a small overlap collision to be suppressed from impinging on a wheel in a minor collision. The vehicle body end section structure comprises a pair of left and right framework members, a bumper framework section connected to leading end portions of the pair of framework members, and a spacer member that projects out from a jutting-out portion of the bumper framework section toward a framework member side. The spacer member is disposed such that a rotation trajectory of the spacer member about a connection location between the bumper framework section and the framework member, the connection location is positioned on an opposite side in the vehicle width direction of the spacer member, does not impinge on a wheel in plan view.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yasuhiro Hara, Tetsuo Nuruki, Yoichi Tamura, Nobuhisa Ishiyama, Hiroshi Mizuo, Shintaro Kitakata, Hiroshi Kato, Yukio Oka
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Patent number: 9550464Abstract: An active leg engagement system for a vehicle includes a selectively deployable leg-engaging member containing an airbag or expandable energy absorber for protecting a pedestrian from collision with the vehicle. An alternative embodiment may include an expandable energy absorber within or behind a vehicle bumper.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.Inventors: Vidyakant C. Revankar, Larry M. Wilmot, Jay Z. Zhao, Ning Zhang
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Patent number: 9550465Abstract: An airbag system includes an inflator and an airbag in communication with the inflator. The airbag system includes a tether actuator and tethers extending from the tether actuator to the airbag. A controller is programmed to receive signals from an impact sensing system and a steering wheel angle sensor. The controller is programmed to instruct the tether actuator to release at least one of the tethers based at least on the signals from the steering wheel angle sensor and the impact sensing system.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Raed Essa EL-Jawahri, Jamel E. Belwafa, James Chih Cheng
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Patent number: 9550466Abstract: A morphing energy absorber system includes an energy absorbing structure and an actuator system within the energy absorbing structure to morph the energy absorbing structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Umesh N. Gandhi
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Patent number: 9550467Abstract: An apparatus comprises a vehicle door closeout panel. The closeout panel comprises a pelvis bolster having a plurality of load points. Each load point is determined based on a respective one of a plurality of vehicle seat track positions and is configured to receive a respective load determined according to the seat track position by which the load point was determined.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Zhibing Deng, Herbert Yang, Brian Pietila, Banyuga Pefok
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Patent number: 9550468Abstract: An airbag module (10) with a housing (11) accommodating a gas generator (12) and a folded airbag (13) whose deployment opening (14) is closed before activation of the airbag (10) by a cover (15) fixed on the housing (11) by at least one predetermined breaking point (18) and to secure the opened cover (15) on the housing (11). An arrester strap (20) is positioned in a displaceable manner between the cover (15) and the housing (11). The cover (15) bearing a manufacturer emblem (17) on its exterior is secured on the housing (11) by means of a hinge (19) and the arrester strap (20) is attached by its one end (22) to a part affixed to the housing and encloses at least an area of the cover (15) or the manufacturer emblem (17) in a loop (27).Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT ABInventor: Laurent Hellot
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Patent number: 9550469Abstract: An airbag device includes a main airbag unit with a main bag body that is inflated and deployed from a front side of a front seat when impact is input, and a supplemental airbag unit with a supplemental bag body that is inflated and deployed from a side portion of the main airbag unit when impact is input. The supplemental bag body comes into contact with the main bag body when inflated and deployed and restricts inflation and deployment of the main bag body.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Masahiro Sato, Kanichi Fukuda, Yuichi Amakasu
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Patent number: 9550470Abstract: Provided is a curtain airbag apparatus capable of preventing a head of an occupant from being moved forward and colliding with a structure of a vehicle at the time of an oblique collision of the vehicle. To this end, a curtain airbag apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a curtain airbag which is inflated when gas flows into the curtain airbag; and an auxiliary airbag which is coupled to the curtain airbag, and protrudes into the interior of a vehicle while being inflated when the gas flowing into the curtain airbag flows into the auxiliary airbag.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.Inventor: Dong Su Suk
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Patent number: 9550471Abstract: A gas generator is provided that contains a housing containing a base and a cap fixed to the base; a divider separating the housing into a first combustion chamber and a second combustion chamber, wherein the divider prevents sympathetic actuation of the second combustion chamber when the first combustion chamber is actuated; and an inner wall within the housing, the divider slidably engaged with the inner wall upon actuation of the first and second combustion chambers. Accordingly, a valve assembly of the present invention generally contains a movable divider that substantially seals an enclosure thereby defining a secondary combustion chamber within the gas generator.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.Inventor: Eduardo L. Quioc
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Patent number: 9550472Abstract: A personal protection arrangement in a vehicle includes a gas generator for fluid communication with a reservoir and a control unit. The control unit is arranged to activate the gas generator upon fulfillment of at least one predetermined criterion such that gas is released by the gas generator into the reservoir and the pressure in the reservoir is increased. The gas generator comprises at least one electrochemical cell which is arranged to generate gas when the electrical status of the electrochemical cell is changed from a first state to a second state by a state-changing action.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT ABInventors: Mats Johanson, David Sturk
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Patent number: 9550473Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper device, in particular a motor vehicle windshield wiper device, comprising a wiper strip unit (10), which comprises a wiper strip element (20) having a longitudinal guide channel (12) for guiding a carrier element (14). According to the invention, the longitudinal guide channel (12) comprises a longitudinal opening (16) which extends at least over the majority of the wiper strip element (20).Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2011Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Koen Bex, Dirk Herinckx, Helmut Depondt
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Patent number: 9550474Abstract: An integrated sensor apparatus of a vehicle is provided that includes a light emitter that is configured to emit a light having an area of a predetermined range or greater to a first region of a windshield. A light receiver is configured to receive the light emitted by the light emitter and reflected from the first region of the windshield and an external light incident from the exterior to the windshield. Further, a light guider is configured to be attached to the windshield to guide the light emitted by the light emitter to be reflected from the first region of the windshield and arrive at the light receiver. An image sensor is configured to sense a plurality of image patterns from the light reflected by the first region of the windshield and the external light incident into the windshield from the exterior.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Hyun Sub Kim, Dae Hwan Kim, Jin Hee Lee, Nak Kyoung Kong, Young Sub Oh
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Patent number: 9550475Abstract: An outrigger foot is configured to be disposed on an outrigger of a utility vehicle for detecting secure emplacement of the outrigger. The outrigger foot comprises a housing, a kingpin assembly, and a pad assembly. The housing is configured to be secured to the outrigger. The kingpin assembly is at least partially disposed within the housing. The kingpin assembly is adapted to be in a compressed position while the outrigger foot is securely in contact with the ground, and to be in an uncompressed position while the outrigger foot is free of secure contact with the ground. A proximity sensor is associated with the housing, such that the proximity sensor can detect a proximity of a portion of the kingpin assembly that is in the compressed position. The pad assembly is secured to the kingpin assembly for contacting the ground at various angles.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.Inventors: Elizabeth K. Walker, Benjamin G. Southern
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Patent number: 9550476Abstract: An overload protection in a drive unit for a steady or jack for a caravan comprises an electro-mechanical control system. A spindle is driven by a motor through a gearbox, wherein the motor is controlled through a power supply. A control device in the system comprises a movable part slidably seated on an output shaft of the gearbox, where the movable part is connected with the spindle. Movement between the shaft and the sliding part is counteracted by springs. The slidable part is provided with actuating points that may contact switches by axial movements. When a nut on the spindle reaches an end position, a reactive force in the spindle will cause the part to move against the force of springs, eventually actuating a switch and thereby causing interruption of the circuit, thereby protecting motor and engagement between nut and spindle from electric and mechanical overload.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Carman Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventors: Xian Wei Li, An Dong Chen, Jun Qiang Wang
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Patent number: 9550477Abstract: A vehicle pedal device includes a main bracket with a pair of side plates supporting a pedal and attached to a dash panel, and a sub-bracket coupling a main bracket rear end and reinforcement. Where both ends of a clinching pin inserted through coupling holes formed in side plate rear ends are inserted through insertion holes of sub-bracket side plate portions, the both ends are axially clinchingly compressed, whereby the rear ends are clinchingly attached to the portions to be overlapped, inner peripheral edges of the coupling and insertion holes having a non-circular shape, distances from their centers circumferentially varying, the portions being extended outward to be separated further away from the side plates toward the panel, and the insertion holes formed in the portions having an elongated hole shape whose length allows the both ends protruding from the side plates to pass therethrough where the portions are extended outward.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: TOYODA IRON WORKS CO., LTD.Inventor: Kazuaki Kitaguchi
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Patent number: 9550478Abstract: A control method for a hill start assistant control system may include determining that the vehicle is stopped and braked; receiving a current sensing value from an acceleration sensor on the vehicle which senses acceleration and periodically outputs a sensing value with the vehicle stopped and braked; determining whether a condition for stabilizing an output of the acceleration sensor is satisfied, using the current sensing value and a previous sensing value; finding an acceleration accumulation average by accumulating the current sensing value and averaging sensing values of the acceleration sensor which are accumulated up to a current time when the condition for stabilizing the output of the acceleration sensor is not satisfied; comparing the acceleration accumulation average with an accumulation reference value; and operating the hill start assistant control system, when the acceleration accumulation average is larger than the acceleration reference value.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Hyo Tae Kim
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Patent number: 9550479Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a brake of a tractor towing a trailer includes a trailer sensor for sensing whether or not the trailer is mounted at the tractor, an auxiliary brake driver for driving an auxiliary brake of the tractor, a main brake driver for driving main brakes of the tractor and the trailer, and a controller for setting a ratio of braking force of the auxiliary brake to a reference value with respect to a required braking force from a smart cruise control (SCC) system and allocating the remaining required braking force to the main brakes of the tractor and the trailer in the case in which the trailer sensor senses that the trailer is mounted at the tractor.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventor: Dong Hyuk Kim
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Patent number: 9550480Abstract: One embodiment provides a vehicle brake hydraulic controller including: an antilock braking controlling module configured to perform an antilock braking control in which a brake hydraulic pressure applied to wheel brakes is reduced under the condition that a slip-related amount has reached a pressure reduction threshold value; and a turning judging module configured to judge whether a vehicle is turning based on a steering angle, wherein, when the antilock braking control is performed and in the case that the turning judging module judges that the vehicle is turning, the antilock braking controlling module performs a turning pressure reduction control so as to: change the pressure reduction threshold values to be more easily reached by the slip-related amount than at the time of straight running; and change the pressure reduction amounts to be larger than that at the time of straight running.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: AUTOLIV NISSIN BRAKE SYSTEMS JAPAN CO., LTD.Inventor: Kiyonori Asano
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Patent number: 9550481Abstract: The present invention relates to a trailer with a trailer brake control device therein. The trailer brake control device of the present invention comprises: a sway detecting sensor arranged in the trailer for detecting the sway of the trailer; a signal sensor for detecting a brake signal generated by a brake switch of a vehicle which tows the trailer; and a processor, electrically connected to the sway detecting sensor, the signal sensor and the brake, for controlling the brake based on an output of the sway detecting sensor and/or an output of the signal sensor. According to the present invention, the trailer brake control device can independently control the brakes and/or diagnose the malfunction of a brake controller arranged in the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: TUSON (JIAXING) CORPORATIONInventors: Roger H. Tu, Wei Chih Chen
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Patent number: 9550482Abstract: A method for operating a braking system of a vehicle includes: establishing a first setpoint brake pressure to be set in a first wheel brake cylinder of a first brake circuit and a second setpoint brake pressure to be set in a second wheel brake cylinder of a second brake circuit; reducing first and second actual brake pressures by setting a master brake cylinder pressure to be no greater than a minimum of the first and second setpoint brake pressures, and controlling a first switchover valve of the first brake circuit and/or of the second brake circuit; and/or increasing the first and second actual brake pressures by setting the master brake cylinder pressure to be no smaller than a maximum of the first and second setpoint brake pressures, and activating a first wheel inlet valve of the first brake circuit and/or of the second brake circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Christoph Betz, Christian Koehler, Michael Reichert, Michael Bunk, Olaf Grotheer
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Patent number: 9550483Abstract: A brake fluid reservoir is connected to a master cylinder by a neck which is arranged in an upper chamber of the master cylinder. Holes extend through a surface of a piston, opening to a pressure chamber. The piston extends through a bore hole of the master cylinder. A drill hole extends through an interior wall of the master cylinder, opening into the bore hole, thereby providing communication between the fluid reservoir and the pressure chamber. A floating orifice plate is arranged within the upper chamber, between the neck of the brake fluid reservoir chamber and the drill hole, such that the orifice plate forms a baffle that limits a flow rate of liquid from the brake fluid reservoir chamber to the pressure chamber; and includes supports pressing against a surface of the interior wall of the master cylinder and arranged around the first side of the drill hole.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Laurent Lhuillier, Marc Rodriguez
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Patent number: 9550484Abstract: A system and method for determining an orientation of a vehicle are provided. The system and method determine (with a sensor assembly disposed onboard a first vehicle) a direction in which a fluid flows within the first vehicle. The first vehicle is included in a vehicle consist with a second vehicle. The orientation of the first vehicle relative to the second vehicle is determined based at least in part on the direction in which the fluid flows within the first vehicle. The fluid may be air in an air brake pipe of the vehicle consist.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Eugene Smith, David Peltz
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Patent number: 9550485Abstract: A plug for sealing an aperture in a brake actuator housing is provided that provides improvements in installation and retention of the plug and protection for sealing surfaces. The plug includes a retention member including a body defining an aperture configured for alignment with the actuator housing aperture along an axis extending through the apertures. The retention member further includes a plurality of alignment tabs extending radially from the body. The tabs are configured to be received within a plurality of notches formed in a retaining ring affixed to the housing when the retention member is disposed in an unlocked position and configured to be disposed on a first side of the retaining ring when the retention member is rotated about the axis to a locked position. The plug further includes a seal configured to be received within the aperture in the body. The seal closes the second aperture.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLCInventors: Timothy T. Spath, Will Roberts
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Patent number: 9550486Abstract: A system for detecting a stuck brake friction component of a motor vehicle may include a tire pressure monitoring system and a steering wheel angle sensor. The system may also include a controller configured to receive signals from the tire pressure monitoring system and the steering wheel angle sensor and to generate a notification if the signals indicate that one or more of the friction components of the vehicle's braking system is stuck in an engaged position.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Aed M. Dudar
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Patent number: 9550487Abstract: The present application relates to a braking system for a train that is configured to operate in combination with pneumatic systems. The braking system includes an electronic control board and an electronic control valve coupled to the brake pipe on a railcar. The braking system is located on one of a number of railcars dispersed throughout the train. The electronic control board monitors a brake signal from the locomotive and selectively transmits signal data to the electronic control valve to release air pressure within the brake pipe. The braking system provides one or more air release locations within the brake pipe so as to reduce braking stresses.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Tippey, Amanda Tippey, Darold Tippey
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Patent number: 9550488Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine, a torque converter and a controller. The torque converter includes an impeller and receives power from the engine and electric machine. The controller, in response to an absence of driver demanded torque and a difference between desired and estimated impeller speeds, adjusts a torque of the electric machine based on a difference between an estimated engine torque and a desired impeller torque in order to drive the impeller toward the desired impeller speed.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Rajit Johri, Francis Thomas Connolly, Jason Meyer, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Xiaoyong Wang, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Ming Lang Kuang
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Patent number: 9550489Abstract: A method for regulating an energy recovery in a pedal-driven vehicle having a crank drive, an electric auxiliary drive and a rechargeable energy source includes: detecting a direction of rotation of the crank drive, and recovery of energy and storage of energy in the energy source when the direction of rotation of the crank drive is directed backward.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2010Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Klaus Voigtlaender, Lars von Jakubowski
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Patent number: 9550490Abstract: A swash plate angle for a hydrostatic power unit of a continuously variable hydromechanical transmission is determined using a feedforward compensation term, to reduce reliance on closed loop control. The feedforward term is based on knowledge of the hydrostatic power unit determined as a function of knowledge of certain parameters, including, but not limited to, hydrostatic power unit pressure, swash plate angle, desired hydrostatic power unit ratio, and pump speed.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Haibo Guo, Peter J. Dix, Garth H. Bulgrien, Brian A. Hartman, Robert C. Prasse, Cecil A. Weeramantry, Brian E. Felsing
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Patent number: 9550491Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle control apparatus which can execute a start-up control for improving acceleration performance at the time of starting an internal combustion engine during the running of a hybrid vehicle. When a hybrid ECU determines that a predetermined time has not yet elapsed after termination of the start-up control of the engine, and that the hybrid vehicle is in a high speed, high load condition, but not in a warming-up state, the hybrid ECU sets a value Nupest2 larger than a value Nupest1, that is usually set as a maximum value Krmx of a rise rate of an engine rotational speed.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hideki Kamatani, Takeshi Kotani
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Patent number: 9550492Abstract: A control device of a vehicle includes an engine, an electric motor, and a first clutch connecting/disconnecting a power transmission path between the engine and the electric motor, and a second clutch configured to achieve a mechanically directly-coupled state of a power transmission path between the engine/the electric motor and drive wheels, the control device of a vehicle increasing a torque of the electric motor and causing the second clutch to slip-engage when the engine is started by controlling the first clutch toward engagement during motor running using only the electric motor as a drive force source for running with the first clutch released and the second clutch engaged, when the torque of the electric motor increased at the start of the engine relative to the torque of the electric motor during the motor running is larger, a slip amount of the second clutch being made larger as compared to when the torque is smaller.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yosuke Michikoshi, Shingo Eto, Yuji Inoue, Yukihiko Ideshio, Akihiro Sato
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Patent number: 9550493Abstract: A transporter vehicle includes: a vehicle; an object detection device which includes a detection area at a front side of the vehicle and detects an object at the front side of the vehicle; a process system capable of performing a process for reducing damage caused by a collision; a specific detection area setting unit which sets a specific detection area having a width of a first dimension in a width direction of the vehicle and a length of a second dimension in a traveling direction of the vehicle in the detection area; a collision determination unit which determines whether an object exists in the specific detection area based on a detection result of the object detection device; and a control unit which outputs a signal for reducing damage caused by the collision to the process system based on a determination result of the collision determination unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Shigeru Ohsugi, Shinji Mitsuta, Hiroyuki Watanabe