Patents Issued in January 31, 2017
  • Patent number: 9555698
    Abstract: A retractable top covering system has a top covering configured to cover an open top area of a container having sides that define an interior space. The top covering is connected to a retractable top drive mechanism that selectively retracts and deploys the retractable top covering. A track is supported along an upper edge of the container around a portion of the open top area. The track supports at least one trolley for relative movement along the upper edge of the container. A support bow is connected the trolley and supports the retractable top covering. A cable, connected between the retractable top drive mechanism and the trolley, moves the trolley along the track in response to retraction and deployment action of the retractable top drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Tarpstop, LLC
    Inventors: Everest Damsi, Kenneth R. Weschke, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9555699
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle may include first and second input shafts, first and second shifting output units, a reverse speed idle unit and an electric driving force unit. Each input shaft may include a plurality of input gears having different numbers of gear teeth. The second input shaft may be hollow and disposed at a front side of the first input shaft without any rotational interference with the first input shaft. Each shifting output unit may include an output shaft, shift rotational driving force transferred through shifting gears selectively outer-engaging with corresponding input gears by a synchronizing unit and output the shifted rotational driving force through an output gear. The reverse speed idle unit may regulate reverse speed shifting. The electric driving force unit may selectively transfer rotational driving force of a motor/generator to the first input shaft or the second shifting output unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Junhoi Huh, Kwangmin Choi, Taesic Park, Baekyu Kim, Seongeun Park, Chulmin Ahn, Sunggon Byun, Kumlim Choi, Keunseok Lee
  • Patent number: 9555700
    Abstract: A tank ventilation system for a motor vehicle has a fuel tank, a fuel vapor store which is connected to a fuel tank, and a ventilating device which is connected to the fuel vapor store, in order to ventilate the latter. The ventilating device has an aeration line which opens in an interior space of the motor vehicle, which interior space is delimited on all sides by vehicle body parts from the surroundings of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Gerd Kalauch
  • Patent number: 9555701
    Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises a plurality of ground engaging members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members. The utility vehicle includes a front seating area and a rear seating area. A rear cargo bed is reconfigurable from a configuration where it is rearward of the rear seating area to a second configuration where it includes the rear seating area space. The vehicle includes a transmission having a final drive portion and a plurality of transmission shafts housed in a common housing, the final drive portion being forward of an end of the plurality of transmission shafts. The vehicle also includes a front suspension and a rear suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Eicher Polaris Private Limited
    Inventors: David J. Borowicz, Jeremy T. Hulst
  • Patent number: 9555702
    Abstract: A vehicle has a frame, a motor, two front wheels, a first driveshaft operatively connected to the motor, and a first gear assembly operatively connected to the first driveshaft. The first gear assembly includes a first bevel gear operatively connected to the first driveshaft, a second bevel gear meshed with the first bevel gear, and a third bevel gear meshed with the second bevel gear. Two intermediate wheels are operatively connected to the second bevel gear. A second driveshaft is operatively connected to the third bevel gear. A second gear assembly is operatively connected to the second driveshaft. Two rear wheels are operatively connected to the second gear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: Jukka Olli
  • Patent number: 9555703
    Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for blending between torque maps of a source of propulsion of a vehicle. Embodiments of the present invention are particularly applicable to automatic selection of an alternative torque map in response to a change of vehicle operating condition, for example a change of terrain. Blending according to embodiments of the present invention may substantially avoid a step change in response of the source of propulsion as accelerator position is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Paul Darnell, Elliot Hemes, Stephen Stacey
  • Patent number: 9555704
    Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, inhibiting operation of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle based on a proximity of the vehicle to a fueling location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Stanek, Lisa Scott, Jeffrey Alan Palic, Mark Davison, John A Lockwood, Donald Charles Franks
  • Patent number: 9555705
    Abstract: An ECU includes a collision determination unit, a condition determination unit, and an output suppression unit. The collision determination unit monitors an acceleration detected by a collision sensor, and determines that a vehicle collision has occurred when the acceleration is greater than a predetermined value. The condition determination unit determines whether or not a vehicular speed absolute value is smaller than a threshold vehicular speed in a determination period lasting from the determination of collision for a predetermined time. The output suppression unit suppresses an output of a vehicle driving force when the vehicular speed absolute value is smaller than the threshold vehicular speed in the determination period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keiji Kaita, Takeshi Hoshiba, Takahiko Hirasawa
  • Patent number: 9555706
    Abstract: A traction control system configured to limit slip by a machine having a work implement including a machine motion sensor configured to determine a motion of the machine, a work implement unit configured to determine whether the work implement is in an operational state, a powertrain motion sensor configured to determine a motion of a powertrain component, and a machine powertrain controller configured to determine slip by comparing the motion of the machine to the motion of the powertrain component, wherein the machine powertrain controller is configured to command a torque reduction to the powertrain component when slip is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Mitchell, Norval Thomson
  • Patent number: 9555707
    Abstract: An in-vehicle input system includes: a display device for displaying screen images having selection items; a selection operation device for moving a cursor from a first selection item to a second selection item to select and input the second selection item; a first image switching device for switching from a current level screen image to a lower level screen image when the selected second selection item is input; a second image switching device for switching from the current level screen image to an upper level screen image when the selection operation device selects and inputs a level return item of the selected second selection item disposed on a nearest screen edge side of the selected second selection item; and a level return item display device for emphasizing a display of the level return item when the second selection item is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kunihiro Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 9555708
    Abstract: In a method for controlling the display of information on a display area, the information is structured hierarchically in objects, in which an object and a path, which leads to the object in the hierarchical structure, are displayed. The path is divided into individual path elements, the path elements belonging to different hierarchy levels of the path leading to the object, and the path elements being selectable buttons, and the information display jumping to the hierarchy level of the selected path element when a path element is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AG
    Inventors: Frank Hauschild, Mathias Kuhn, Rainer Dehmann
  • Patent number: 9555709
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating an AVN (Audio, Video and Navigation) monitor for a vehicle may include a belt guider which is installed in an accommodation space of a dashboard and around which a belt, moving in a longitudinal direction of the belt guider, is wound, a guide rail fixed to the belt guider and extending in the longitudinal direction of the belt guider, a monitor hinge connected to the belt and engaged to the guide rail and an end of a connection bracket so as to move along the guide rail, wherein the connection bracket is connected to the AVN monitor, and a driving force transmission gear engaged with the belt to move the belt in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp., Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Ju Lee, Min Young Lee, Jong Hyup Kim, Bock Cheol Lee, Yong Soo Chang, Chan Woong Jung, Kyung Ho Lee, Min Geun Oh
  • Patent number: 9555710
    Abstract: A system for filtering data according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a data module configured to access vehicle data in a database according to a query input, a display module configured to display the vehicle data in an environment, and a query module configured to generate the query input according to an interactive list of filter statements. Each filter statement in the interactive list of filter statements is selectable from a group of filter types. The group of filter types is configured to dynamically update in response to at least one selection from the group of filter types. A method of filtering data is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Berenbaum, Jessica L. Bergeron
  • Patent number: 9555711
    Abstract: A power converter includes a first set of transistors electrically connected in series, a second set of transistors electrically connected in series, and an AC link. The second set of transistors is electrically connected in parallel with the first set of transistors to form an H-bridge. The AC link is electrically connected between the first and second sets of transistors. A plurality of H-bridges are connected in parallel and a three-wire DC bus is electrically connected to the H-bridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Adam M. White, Mustansir Kheraluwala, Richard A. Himmelmann
  • Patent number: 9555712
    Abstract: A vehicle system is provided and includes a 12 volt alternator and a 24 volt wound rotor configured for acceptance in the 12 volt alternator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: REMY TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kirk Neet
  • Patent number: 9555713
    Abstract: A contactless power transmission device includes a power receiver, a power feeder configured to contactlessly feed power to the power receiver, the power feeder including a primary coil configured to generate magnetic flux by an input alternating current voltage, and a cover configured to cover the primary coil, and a capacitive sensor configured to supply an alternating current voltage to an electrode to measure a capacitance occurring between the electrode and foreign matter present around the cover and thereby detect the foreign matter. The frequency of the alternating current voltage of the capacitive sensor is set to be higher than the frequency of the magnetic flux generated by the primary coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Fujita, Yoshihiro Sakamoto, Yoshiharu Omori, Hideki Sadakata, Takashi Kashimoto, Hiroaki Kurihara
  • Patent number: 9555714
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle can travel using outputs from an engine and a second motor-generator. A first motor-generator can generate electric power for charging a plurality of DC power supplies using the output from the engine during vehicle traveling or during a vehicle stop. A power supply system includes a power converter connected across the DC power supplies and an electric power line connected in common to the first and second motor-generators. A control device generates operation commands for the first and second motor-generators and the engine so as to ensure driving request power based on a vehicle traveling condition and charging/discharging request power for the DC power supplies as a whole. The setting of the charging/discharging request power is switched in accordance with an operation mode of the power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shuji Tomura, Masanori Ishigaki, Naoki Yanagizawa, Masaki Okamura
  • Patent number: 9555715
    Abstract: Example embodiments of rapid charging power supply systems are disclosed herein. One example rapid charging power supply system comprises: a stationary rapid charger (11); a power supply switch (11m) for switching and supplying DC power from the stationary rapid charger (11) to either a first charging circuit (20A) for supplying the DC power to a first electric moving vehicle (50) or a second charging circuit (20B) for supplying the DC power to a second electric moving body (53); a stationary electric storage unit (15) capable of storing DC power from the first charging circuit (20A) and used for being directly supplied to at least the first electric moving body (50); and a power feeding controller (12) for stopping power supply to the stationary electric storage unit (15) when charging an on-vehicle electric storage unit (85) of the first electric moving body (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Institute for Energy Application Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomio Sugano
  • Patent number: 9555716
    Abstract: A vehicle charging system includes a base plate having an inclined surface defining at least a portion of a recess, and an arm arrangement having a base end portion movably attached to the base plate, a vehicle end portion, a spring-loaded element attached to the base end portion and in contact with the base plate, and a primary charge pad attached to the vehicle end portion. The arm arrangement has a retracted position in which at least a portion of the primary charge pad is disposed within the recess and an extended position in which the primary charge pad is spaced away from the base plate. The spring-loaded element is arranged to move along the inclined surface as the arm arrangement moves between the retracted and extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, William David Treharne
  • Patent number: 9555717
    Abstract: The present invention serves to reduce the costs associated with the overall life cycle of storage batteries by performing support so that a plurality of batteries are transferred between and used at a plurality of facilities. This storage battery transfer support device comprises: a collection unit that collects battery information representing the status of each battery used at a plurality of facilities; a battery information storage unit that stores the battery information collected by the collection unit; and a deterioration prediction unit that, on the basis of the battery information stored in the battery information storage unit, predicts deterioration of storage batteries that have been transferred between and used at a plurality of facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Satoshi Nakaya
  • Patent number: 9555718
    Abstract: A hybrid or electric vehicle includes a traction battery to store and provide energy for the vehicle. The traction battery includes a number of battery cells. For effective operation of the traction battery, operating parameters, such as state of charge and battery power limits, may need to be known. The operating parameters may be a function of battery cell voltage and impedance parameters. A parameter estimation scheme may use measured cell voltages and a measured traction battery current as inputs. A current measurement bias may be modeled that incorporates measurement bias caused by asynchronous current and voltage measurements. The current measurement bias may be estimated for each cell and the value may differ between cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yonghua Li, Richard Dyche Anderson
  • Patent number: 9555719
    Abstract: A hybrid system including a hybrid control module for operating the hybrid system to as to have its energy storage device meet a predetermined service life metric is disclosed. The hybrid control module stores experimental information indicative of the impact of certain usage parameters on the service life of the energy storage device, monitors the actual usage parameters observed during operation of the hybrid system, and dynamically determines a maximum operating temperature for the energy storage device in order to increase or decrease its utilization by the hybrid system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen T. West, Jeffrey K. Runde, Aaron Rues
  • Patent number: 9555720
    Abstract: The transport device for conveying products has several symmetrically configured, movable carriages having inverted U-shape, each carriage having permanent magnets, also has an endless guide rail for guiding the carriages and a linear-motor drive device to drive the carriages. Each symmetric half of each carriage has three running rollers projecting inwardly from sidepieces of the carriage. The three running rollers of the first half rest on first and second guide surfaces on a first side wall of the guide rail, and the three running rollers of the second half rest on first and second guide surfaces on the second side wall of the guide rail. Each guide surface is arranged at an acute angle to a longitudinal center plane of the transport device, and the two guide surfaces of each side wall are at an angle of 80° to 100° to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Uhlmann Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Aumann, Joerg Riekenbrauck, Wolfgang Krahl, Roberto Linke
  • Patent number: 9555721
    Abstract: A slip control device for an electric automobile includes a maximum rotation frequency calculator to calculate a drive wheel maximum rotation frequency Nmax on the basis of a rotation frequency N1 of a driven wheel and an ideal slip ratio ?min according to the formula (Nmax?N1)/N1=?min. It is determined whether a drive wheel rotation frequency N2 exceeds the frequency Nmax. If it is determined that the frequency N2 exceeds the frequency Nmax, a torque command value to a motor unit is made to be zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yingjie Zhang, Junichi Hirata
  • Patent number: 9555722
    Abstract: A seat occupancy determination apparatus includes a seat belt attachment detection portion, a first and a second load detection sensors, a front-rear load sum computing portion, a front-rear load difference computing portion, a memory portion, an adult possibility determination portion, and a child safety seat determination portion determining a vehicle seat determined as possibly occupied by an adult is occupied by a child safety seat in a case where a first predetermined amount increase condition satisfies by a front-rear load difference value within a time range between a time of engagement and a first time point increases by a first predetermined amount or more from the value at the first time point or earlier and a second predetermined amount decrease condition satisfies by the front-rear load difference value decreases by a second predetermined amount or more within a time range between the time of engagement and a second time point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Fujii
  • Patent number: 9555723
    Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) has a turning device (10), including a base part (14), a seat part support (16) rotatable relative to the base part about an axis of rotation (12) and at least one catching device (20), preventing the seat part support (16) from being ripped out of the base part (14) in the event of a crash, including an insertion element (24) and a receiving element (26) into which the insertion element (24) can be inserted. The receiving element (26) has at least one spring element (40) which undergoes a deformation by contact with the inserted insertion element (24). The spring element (40) is designed such that, when the insertion element (24) is inserted, a spring resistance is approximately the same as when the insertion element (24) is not inserted. The spring resistance of the spring element increases upon a further deformation by the insertion element (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: JOHNSON CONTROLS GMBH
    Inventors: Alexander Gilmann, Andreas Golinski
  • Patent number: 9555724
    Abstract: A favorable appearance can be achieved using a simple configuration, even when the configuration is provided with a back shell that moves up and down relative to a back frame. In a vehicle seat 10, the back of a seated person is adapted to be supported by a movable back shell 42 that is supported so as to be capable of moving in an up-down direction relative to a back frame 30. A non-movable back shell 46 that is attached so as to be incapable of displacement relative to the back frame 30 is disposed on a back face side of the movable back shell 42, and the back frame 30 is covered by the non-movable back shell 46.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Uehara, Tadanori Hisamoto, Masumi Yoda, Tsunekazu Kanno
  • Patent number: 9555725
    Abstract: An adjustable vehicle seat (1) includes a seat part (2) and a backrest (3) which is pivotable relative to the seat part via a backrest adjustment fitting (5) and is lockable in a plurality of angular positions. A locking device (90) locks the seat part to a vehicle structure. An unlocking lever (30) transmits an unlocking movement to the locking device. A first interlock element (54), with the fitting unlocked, prevents a movement of the unlocking lever for unlocking the locking device and with the locking device unlocked, prevents an unlocking of the backrest adjustment fitting. The first interlock element, as a blocking lever, is connected to a transmission rod (60) for rotation therewith, to unlock the fitting. The unlocking lever has or interacts with a blocking element (36, 37) which, when the locking device; is unlocked, prevents a movement of the blocking lever for unlocking the backrest adjustment fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Rothstein, Michael Fahl
  • Patent number: 9555726
    Abstract: Described are video monitor assemblies (10) including a bezel assembly (16) coupled to a passenger seatback (12), wherein the bezel assembly includes a monitor (30) and a bezel (28), the monitor coupled to the bezel via low load fasteners (44) and high load fasteners (46), wherein the low load fasteners (44) are configured to fail or shear from a force applied to the monitor (30) during a head impact, and the high load fasteners (46) are configured to withstand the force applied to the monitor during the head impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Aamir Jafri, Roberto Cervantes, David Tripp
  • Patent number: 9555727
    Abstract: The invention relates to a headrest that is retained on a vehicle seat by at least one support rod (12) and that has at least one adjustment part (13) that can be moved relative to the back rest by at least one drive mechanism (14, 15, 16, 22) having at least one first drive (14, 15) that is fixed to the adjustment part and a second drive (16, 22) that is fixed to the back rest. The special feature is that the drive (14, 15, 16, 22) has an overload safety device (17) that can be moved from a starting position into a release position when a maximum force acting on the adjustment part (13) is exceeded, and, in the release position, the drive (14, 15, 16, 22) is at least partially relieved of the force acting on the adjustment part (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: GRAMMER AG
    Inventor: Maximilian Kotz
  • Patent number: 9555728
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly is provided with a structural member adapted to be mounted within a vehicle to provide support to an occupant. The structural member has at least one channel formed therein. A cushion member is provided adjacent to the structural layer. The cushion member has at least one channel formed therethrough. A trim member is secured over the cushion member to form a seating surface. At least one attachment member is mounted to the trim member extending through the at least one channel of the cushion member. The at least one attachment member extends into the at least one channel of the structural member such that at least one of the trim material and the cushion layer is retained on the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ashford A. Galbreath, Thomas S. Hicks, Ronald L. Miotto, Asad S. Ali, Mark A. Folkert, William Paruszkiewicz, Paul Severinski, James B. Clauser, Thomas A. Welch, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9555729
    Abstract: Disclosed is a car seat for protecting vertebral column, comprising: a backrest and a seat, wherein there is disposed with a troughed recess at a central portion of each of the backrest and the seat, so that when the backrest and the seat are subject to external impact, the impact damage incurred by the backrest and the seat onto a human vertebral column may be avoided, and in this way the human vertebral column can therefore be protected; in an embodiment of the present invention, there further comprises a plurality of viscous elastomers disposed inside the backrest and the seat, these viscous elastomers are set up in a corresponding arrangement on two sides of a human vertebral column, so as to assist in biasing the muscle on the two sides of the vertebral column to cause less direct impact by the external force, and to provide a cushioning effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: FORSOUND CORP.
    Inventor: Fu-Chieng Chen
  • Patent number: 9555730
    Abstract: A self-unloading bulk material bed with a discharge opening is provided. An apparatus for discharging materials from the self-unloading bulk material bed includes a first and second tapered fin on either surface of the discharge opening. The tapered fins direct materials moving through the discharge opening down so that they do not build up around the discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Trinity Trailer Mfg, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Lynn Hobbs, Wayde Johnson
  • Patent number: 9555731
    Abstract: One variation may include a truck body having one or more cargo pod lift systems around the perimeter of a truck's center aisle which may be lifted or lowered to load/unload one or more cargo pods and a method for doing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Konchan, Ian S. Buckley
  • Patent number: 9555732
    Abstract: Disclosed are hinged and non-hinged bunk board cover systems for mating over a bunk board component of a watercraft trailer. An exemplary hinged embodiment includes a main contact surface component sized to substantially cover a top surface of the bunk board component and a pair of side fastener surface components connected to the main contact surface component via a pair of hinge components. The main contact surface component, hinge components and side fastener surface components may be co-extruded into a single, “cut to length” ribbon that can be formed into a bulk roll. It is envisioned that certain embodiments may be constructed from thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastomers, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: REESE ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Dennis Harms, Jr., Robert Ellingson
  • Patent number: 9555733
    Abstract: A side puller apparatus includes a frame assembly adapted for mounting to a recovery vehicle, the frame assembly having first and second leg members inclined to approximately form an “A” shape and an upper member extending across tops of the leg members, first and second retractable arm assemblies respectively extendable from opposite ends of the upper member, first and second retractable leg assemblies respectively extendable from lower ends of the first and second leg members, and first and second winch assemblies respectively mounted on the first and second leg members, each winch assembly having a cable routed to a respective one of the arm assemblies, so as to be separately routable from the side puller apparatus during recovery operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: DUAL-TECH, INC.
    Inventor: Donald Roberts
  • Patent number: 9555734
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an above-ground mobile storage tank that can be used in a variety of different commercial applications. In one embodiment, the storage tank may comprise a tank shell, wherein the tank shell further comprises at least one floor wall, at least one top wall, and at least four side walls. The side walls may each be affixed to the floor wall and the top wall to from an interior tank space. Each of the wall panels may comprise a copolymer polypropylene material. The storage tank may also comprise a plurality of steel reinforcements, wherein each reinforcement is configured to encapsulate the tank shell. Each reinforcement may be affixed to a trailer, which is configured to transport the tank shell. The storage tank may also comprise a plurality of slip plates located on the trailer to enable the tank shell to “float” above the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: James Cleveland Hamm
  • Patent number: 9555735
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo box tonneau cover device includes two or more hard panels formed of thin-walled, friction welded polypropylene material hermetically enclosing extruded support beams. Each panel forms an upper surface falling on a common plane when in a deployed position. Adjacent panels are joined along their common edges by a multi-pin hinge disposed entirely below the upper surface to provide a flat overall appearance. The hinge has a first flange carried by a first panel, a second flange carried by an adjacent second panel, and an elongated free-moving link mounted to the first flange for relative rotation about a first axis and mounted to the second flange for relative rotation about a second axis. The two axes are spaced from and parallel to one another, whereby the hinge enables 180° freedom of rotation between the adjacent panels when transitioning between a planer deployed position and a folded retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman C. Kerr, III
  • Patent number: 9555736
    Abstract: A driver assistance system of a vehicle includes a forward viewing sensor disposed at the vehicle and having a field of sensing forward of the vehicle. A processor is operable to process data captured by the forward sensing sensor to determine the presence of another vehicle. A receiver is disposed at the subject vehicle and operable to receive a wireless communication of information pertaining to other vehicles or traffic participants in the vicinity of the subject vehicle. A control, responsive to determination via processing of captured data that another vehicle is present ahead of the subject vehicle, is operable to adjust a headlamp beam setting of the equipped vehicle, and the control, responsive to determination via received information that another traffic participant is present in the vicinity of the subject vehicle, is operable to adjust the headlamp beam setting of the subject vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Martin Solar, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Patent number: 9555737
    Abstract: A stop light and turn signal lights which are incorporated into large vehicles such as a tractor trailer. A mating rear prong which is plugged into the electronics on the back of the vehicle which in turn is connected to the turn signal device usually on the steering wheel of the vehicle. The lights will first be lit on the first column of lights, then immediately the second column of lights, then immediately the third column of lights, then immediately the fourth column of lights and finally the fifth column of lights so that the device signals in a pattern from left to right that the vehicle is making a right turn or signals from right to left that the vehicle is making a left turn. When all lights are lit, it indicates a stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Grand General Accesories Manufacturing
    Inventor: Nan Huang Huang
  • Patent number: 9555738
    Abstract: A control system and method for a vehicle having a warning function are provided. The system includes a control device that is configured to determine whether an amplifier is installed within the vehicle based on an occurrence of an alert situation. The control device is configured to transmit an alarm sound to an amplifier when the amplifier is installed therein and transmit the alarm sound to a cluster speaker when the amplifier is not installed within the vehicle. The amplifier is configured to transmit amplifier installation information to the control device and output an alarm sound received from the control device and the cluster speaker is configured to output the alarm sound received from the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Se Min Oh
  • Patent number: 9555739
    Abstract: A vehicle safety belt bypass warning system involves, a video camera, at least one processor, face detection software, a safety belt, and a safety belt engagement sensor circuit. The processor detects that a human face is present and associated with an individual seat. An infrared (IR) emitter output is positioned on the safety belt and transmits individually coded light pulses unique to the occupied seat. At least one IR receiver receives individually coded light pulses from occupied seat IR emitters and, in response, will output coded electrical signals indicative of which occupied seat(s) the individually coded light pulses were received from. The at least one processor will wait for receipt of the coded electrical signals from the IR receiver. If the processor does not receive an indication for a particular occupied seat, the processor will trigger a safety belt bypass warning indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Randy S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9555740
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for cross-validating a second sensor with a first sensor. Cross-validating the second sensor may include obtaining sensor readings from the first sensor and comparing the sensor readings from the first sensor with sensor readings obtained from the second sensor. In particular, the comparison of the sensor readings may include comparing state information about a vehicle detected by the first sensor and the second sensor. In addition, comparing the sensor readings may include obtaining a first image from the first sensor, obtaining a second image from the second sensor, and then comparing various characteristics of the images. One characteristic that may be compared are object labels applied to the vehicle detected by the first and second sensor. The first and second sensors may be different types of sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Jiajun Zhu, Dmitri A. Dolgov, Christopher Paul Urmson
  • Patent number: 9555741
    Abstract: A pivot mechanism for a vehicle external rear view mirror assembly is disclosed. The mechanism includes: a base frame portion and a case frame portion mounted to the base frame portion for rotation about a pivot axis. A detent operable between the base frame portion and the case frame portion is provided. The detent has an engaged position and a disengaged position, the disengaged position allowing the rotation about the pivot axis. A spring mechanism clamps the case frame portion to the base frame portion and a first set of detent features to a second set of detent features. A support arm having an attachment end and a floating end is provided. An attachment end is fixed to, and is fixed against rotation with respect to the case frame portion, and the second set of detent features is fixed against rotation with respect to the base frame portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Nathan Di Giusto, Simon Orme, Simon Belcher, Daniel Flynn
  • Patent number: 9555742
    Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a mirror element and a main support arm having a first end and a second end. The mirror element is connected to the first end of the main support arm. The second end of the main support arm is mountable to the vehicle. A pair of brackets are configured to conform to an engine bay side wall of the vehicle. Each bracket has a center portion and two laterally extending flanges that extend at an angle from the center portion in opposite directions. One of the flanges of each bracket is connectable to the bulkhead of the vehicle in the engine bay. A first additional support arm has a first end connected to a first one of the brackets and a second end connected to the main support arm. A second additional support arm has a first end connected to the main support arm and a second end connectable to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: ROSCO, INC.
    Inventor: Benjamin Englander
  • Patent number: 9555743
    Abstract: A driver lift device lifts a driver to enter an elevated cab on farm equipment or the like. The device includes an elongated post vertically mounted to a vehicle proximate an entry into a cab of the vehicle. Each of a top end and a bottom end of an elongated pole is coupled to the post such that the pole is positioned in parallel spaced relationship to the post. The pole extends through the tube wherein the tube is slidable along the pole. A foot support coupled to the tube. A winch is coupled to the top end of the pole and a cable is coupled to and extends between the winch and the tube such that operation of the winch elevates and lowers the foot support on the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Roy A. Schut
  • Patent number: 9555744
    Abstract: A bicycle rack for a vehicle is disclosed herein. In one or more embodiments, the bicycle rack includes: (i) a central support assembly; (ii) a rail member coupled to the central support assembly, the rail member having an elongate groove formed therein for receiving a portion of a first wheel of a bicycle; (iii) a support arm coupled to the central support assembly, the support arm including a cavity for receiving a portion of a second wheel of the bicycle; and (iv) at least one pedal support assembly coupled to the central support assembly, the at least one pedal support assembly configured to structurally engage a pedal of the bicycle in a supporting relationship. Also, in one or more embodiments, the bicycle rack may further include a bicycle locking assembly configured to secure the bicycle to the bicycle rack so as to inhibit a theft of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Allfab, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell William Roth
  • Patent number: 9555746
    Abstract: A vehicle accessory hitch assembly for attaching an accessory to a vehicle. The vehicle may include a frame and a bed mounted to the frame. First and second base rails may be disposed on the bed and coupled to the frame of the vehicle, and the vehicle may include a vehicle trailer hitch with a receiver for accepting a shank. In one embodiment, the vehicle accessory hitch assembly may be mechanically connected to each of the first and second base rails and the vehicle trailer hitch such that the vehicle accessory hitch assembly is immovable or stationary relative to the first and second base rails and the vehicle trailer hitch. In another embodiment, the vehicle accessory hitch assembly may be adaptable to connect to differently-configured base rails and vehicle trailer hitch constructions, including different horizontal and vertical spacing between the base rails and the vehicle trailer hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Hurricane, Inc.
    Inventor: Ricky A. Weihl
  • Patent number: 9555747
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an internal trim part for a vehicle, comprising at least two layers. A decorative skin (1) forms an upper layer and has a depression (3), in which a decorative element (8) is arranged. The decorative element (8) is connected to the decorative skin (1) by means of a bonded connection, such as a weld seam, in particular an ultrasonic weld seam (16). The invention further relates to a method for producing an internal trim part and to a device for performing said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Maxime Musy, Andreas Meyer, Martin Schulz
  • Patent number: 9555748
    Abstract: A vehicle-use resin cover including: a resin cover main body configured including an opening, and anchoring portions formed at locations running along a peripheral edge of the opening; a resin cap member, which is mounted in the opening and is configured including a cap main body that covers the opening, and anchored portions, which are provided to an outer peripheral portion of the cap main body so as to correspond to the anchoring portions and are anchored by the anchoring portions; a recessed portion, which is formed at the peripheral edge of the opening and is in communication with the opening at the cap member side of the recessed portion, and through which a leading end of a tool for removing the cap member is insertable; and a marker portion provided to the outer peripheral portion of the cap main body at a position facing the recessed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Shirai, Taisuke Matsuzaki, Yuta Takagi