Patents Issued in February 16, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170043629
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire comprising a radially outer circumferential rubber tread disposed on a supporting carcass, an inner liner rubber layer radially inwardly disposed on the supporting carcass, and a sealant layer adhered to and disposed inwardly of the rubber inner liner layer as a radially inner surface of the tire, wherein the sealant layer comprises 100 parts by weight of elastomer comprising 5 to 10 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of elastomer (phr) of butyl rubber, 10 to 25 phr of bromobutyl rubber, and 65 to 85 phr of polybutene: and from 0.05 to 2 phr of a polymeric amine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Gabor KASZAS, Gregory Daniel ZARTMAN, Andreas FRANTZEN
  • Publication number: 20170043630
    Abstract: An air maintenance tire assembly includes a tire having a tire cavity bounded by first and second sidewalls extending to a tire tread region, air pumping means for generating pressurized air for maintaining air pressure within the tire cavity at a preset pressure level, the tire having an elongate valve stem projecting outward from the tire cavity and having an internal valve stem air passageway in communication with the tire cavity and operative to direct pressurized air into the cavity, and a valve housing disposed adjacent an outward end of the valve stem and operative to selectively open and close pressurized air flow from the valve stem internal passageway into the tire cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Cheng-Hsiung LIN, Arun Kumar Byatarayanapura GOPALA
  • Publication number: 20170043631
    Abstract: A tire assembly includes: a tire having a pneumatic cavity; first and second sidewalls extending respectively from first and second tire bead regions to a tire tread region, the first sidewall having at least one bending region operatively bending when circumferentially adjacent a rolling tire footprint; a sidewall groove defined by groove sidewalls positioned within the bending region of the first tire sidewall, the groove deforming segment by segment between a non-deformed state and a deformed, constricted state in response to the bending of the first sidewall bending region circumferentially adjacent the rolling tire footprint; an air passageway resiliently deforming segment by segment between an expanded condition and an at least partially collapsed condition in response to respective segment by segment deformation of the sidewall groove when circumferentially adjacent the rolling tire footprint; and an assembly mounted to the first sidewall the tire, the assembly including a pressure regulator with an el
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Leon BENEDICT, Robin LAMGADAY, Cheng-Hsiung LIN
  • Publication number: 20170043632
    Abstract: A vehicle warning includes a tire pressure monitoring device disposed in each tire of the vehicle. Each tire pressure monitoring device obtains information regarding pressure within the associated tire and communicated the tire pressure information in a wireless manner. A receiver receives the communicated tire pressure information from each tire pressure monitoring device. A processor circuit, associated with the receiver, determines if the communicated tire pressure information from at least one of the tire pressure monitoring devices is significantly less than a tire pressure determined to be safe for vehicle operation and, if so, to generate a warning signal. A body control module, upon receiving the warning signal, automatically activates the hazard lights without driver input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: David Cruz Mendez, Ernesto Amezcua Maciel, Ignacio Padilla Rabadan, Carlos Alfonso Rodriguez Gomez
  • Publication number: 20170043633
    Abstract: The disclosure provides an apparatus for monitoring the pressure of a bicycle tire, the apparatus including a housing, a pressure sensor, and a communication interface, wherein: the housing is sleeved on an air valve component of the tire, and spirally connected with the air valve component, and a protruding structure is arranged in the housing to extend into the air valve component, and to push away a valve in the air valve component; and a vent hole is arranged on the protruding structure to conduct the air in the tire into the housing; the pressure sensor is arranged in the housing and configured to monitor the pressure of the air in the tire conducted away by the vent hole; and the communication interface is configured to transmit a result of monitoring the pressure to a tire pressure output component for displaying and/or playing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventor: Dalong LI
  • Publication number: 20170043634
    Abstract: An air maintenance tire assembly includes a tire having a tire cavity bounded by first and second sidewalls extending to a tire tread region and air pumping means for generating pressurized air for maintaining air pressure within the tire cavity at a preset pressure level. The air pumping means includes an upper mounting plate fixed to a vehicle rim, a lower mounting plate fixed to the rim and diametrically opposed to the upper mounting plate, a dynamic mass pivotally attached to the upper mounting plate at a first end of the dynamic mass, and a pump fixed to the lower mounting plate and pivotally attached to a second end of the dynamic mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Jin-Shy Steve GAU, Cheng-Hsiung LIN
  • Publication number: 20170043635
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to various devices, systems and methods relating to a locking bead separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: John Scott, Rick Sackett
  • Publication number: 20170043636
    Abstract: A valve for air chambers includes a fixed body and a mobile selector body, wherein the mobile selector body is disposed coaxially in the fixed body. The mobile selector body is configured to slide with respect to the fixed body. The mobile selector body has a first position of use, associated during use to at least a first outlet, and a second position of use, associated during use to at least a second outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Applicant: RECORD S.P.A.
    Inventors: Claudio VETTORE, Marco MICHELI, Alfredo ROTTOLI
  • Publication number: 20170043637
    Abstract: A vehicle (20) consisting of a frame (22) with a pair of paddles (72) extending longitudinally and rotatably supported by the frame (22) in pendulum fashion for swinging movement between an extended position engaging the surface and a retracted position moved vertically out of engagement with the surface. A pair of foot platforms (74) are operatively connected to the paddles (72). A pair of depressors (84) interconnects the foot platforms (74) and the paddles (72) to rotate the paddles (72) between the extended position and the retracted position. The paddles (72) include a propulsion bar (86) and an oar (88) connected by a lost-motion connection to slide relative to one another between the extended position and the retracted position. The oars (88) have a fin-shape to propel the vehicle (20) over water and include a striker (90) to propel the vehicle (20) over land. The vehicle (20) allows movement over a surface of water and land using an elliptical motion similar to the natural motion of walking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventor: Andrew Raymond DOVEL
  • Publication number: 20170043638
    Abstract: A leaf spring for a vehicle. The vehicle has a drivetrain that generates a high frequency vibration that is transmitted into an interior compartment of the vehicle and has a volume that can be heard by a driver and/or passenger. The leaf spring has a primary leaf and a secondary leaf that extends along and underneath the primary leaf. The leaf spring also has a high frequency dampener that is located between the primary and secondary leafs and is spaced apart from a tip liner insert. The high frequency dampener reduces the volume of a high frequency vibration that is present in the interior of the vehicle to a value less than an objectionable level to an occupant during operation of the vehicle. Therefore, the high frequency vibration is not heard by the driver and/or occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Dale K. Dyer, Aria Kashani
  • Publication number: 20170043639
    Abstract: A vibration damper of a vehicle wheel is supported on a vehicle body by a damper mount having an elastic body. The vibration damper includes a fluid-filled cylinder, a piston guided in the cylinder, and a piston rod. A wherein a damper chamber is formed in the cylinder on each side of the piston. The damper mount includes a hydraulic pressure chamber connected via a fluid-conducting connection to the damper chambers, whose volumes are respectively reduced when the vehicle wheel is deflected in relation to the vehicle body. In addition, a throttle valve is provided in the fluid-conducting connection, wherein the throttle value comprises a valve body that is displaceable in relation to a valve seat counter to a spring force, and a throttle bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventor: Roland SCHMIDT
  • Publication number: 20170043640
    Abstract: A vibration damper, assigned to a wheel of a vehicle, includes a damper cylinder, a damper piston with a piston rod configured to be guided in the damper cylinder, and a damper chamber, formed in the damper chamber on each side of the damper piston. The vibration damper further includes a pressure accumulator, in the form of a gas pressure cushion, connected to the damper chamber lying opposite the piston rod. The vibration damper is mounted on the vehicle body by a damper mount with a rubber-elastic body that is deformable in a shifting direction of the damper piston. A hydraulic pressure chamber is formed in the damper mount, and is connected via a fluid-conducting connection to the damper chambers whose volumes are respectively reduced when the wheel is deflected in relation to the vehicle body. The damper chambers are connected hydraulically to one another via a hydraulic pump driven by a motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventor: Roland SCHMIDT
  • Publication number: 20170043641
    Abstract: A stabilizer bar with rubber bush includes a stabilizer bar (2), and at least one rubber bush (6) adhesively fixed to at least a portion of the stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bar (2) and the rubber bush (6) are adhesively fixed to each other with an adhesive agent layer (3). The adhesive agent layer (3) includes a primer agent layer (4) formed on a surface of the stabilizer bar (2) and having a dry film thickness of 3 ?m or more and 13 ?m or less; and a first top coat agent layer (5) formed on the primer agent layer (4) and having a dry film thickness of 5 ?m or more and less than 13 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Applicant: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeru KURODA, Kenji KATSUNO
  • Publication number: 20170043642
    Abstract: A hollow stabilizer (1) according to the invention is formed in a hollow shape and includes a bent portion (1c1, 1c2, m1-m5). With a thickness of an inner side of the bent portion (1c1, 1c2, m1-m5) being larger than a thickness of an outer side of the bent portion (1c1, 1c2, m1-m5), a hardness of the outer side of the bent portion (1c1, 1c2, m1-m5) is higher than a hardness of the inner side of the bent portion (1c1, 1c2, m1-m5) through quenching by cooling down after heating by electrical heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Applicant: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shigeru KURODA
  • Publication number: 20170043643
    Abstract: The vehicle includes: a chassis which includes a front cross-member and a rear cross-member; a nacelle receiving a person or a load, pivotally mounted relative to the central part of the cross-members about a substantially longitudinal hinge axis, the center of gravity of the nacelle being situated below said hinge axis; a front train and a rear train, each including two movement supports on the ground, each movement support being connected to the end part of the corresponding cross-member by a connecting system; the cross-members, situated in the upper part of the nacelle, being separate pieces linked together only by the nacelle, via the hinge axis, so as to be able to pivot about the hinge axis independently of one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventor: Pascal RAMBAUD
  • Publication number: 20170043644
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an aerodynamic mechanism for a vehicle including a body and a wheel. The aerodynamic mechanism includes a wing and a coupling assembly. The wing is configured to be arranged to intersect and airflow such that the airflow circulates about the wing and generates downforce. The coupling assembly is operatively connected to the wing and configured to be operatively connected to the body. The coupling assembly is configured to be selectively coupled to the wheel such that downforce generated by the wing is transmitted through the coupling assembly, directly to the wheel. The coupling assembly is configured to be selectively decoupled from the wheel such that downforce generated by the wing is transmitted through the coupling assembly, directly to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Mosher
  • Publication number: 20170043645
    Abstract: A vehicle heating and cooling system includes a compressor(s) for compressing a fluid in a cycle including at least two compressions, and a control module for controlling the compressor dependent upon an ambient condition. The module controls a power of the compressor by adjusting a motor speed driving the compressor and/or a pressure drop of the fluid moving through expansion devices. The pressure drop is controlled by changing a size of an opening in the expansion devices. A related method includes compressing a fluid in a first and a second compression cycle, determining an ambient temperature, sensing a temperature of the fluid outlet from a first heat exchanger, sensing a temperature and a pressure of the fluid outlet from a second heat exchanger, calculating a desired power of the compressor based thereon, and adjusting a parameter of the compressor dependent upon the calculated desired power of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Jing He, Debasish Dhar, William Stewart Johnston, Loren John Lohmeyer, III
  • Publication number: 20170043646
    Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioning system for a vehicle which includes a cold air passageway having a heat exchanger for cooling and a warm air passageway having a heat exchanger for heating inside an air-conditioning case to carry out cooling and heating and which controls to inhale indoor air inside the vehicle, pass the air through the heat exchanger for cooling and discharge the air outside the vehicle in a specific mode, thereby preventing frosting of the heat exchanger for cooling because supplying air of high temperature dehumidified inside the interior of the vehicle to the heat exchanger for cooling, and enhancing heating performance by rising refrigerant pressure and temperature in the refrigerant cycle without needing additional components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Sung Je LEE, Yun Jin KIM, Jae Chun RYU, Tae Yong PARK, Se Min LEE, Yong Nam AHN, Dae Bok KEON
  • Publication number: 20170043647
    Abstract: A vehicular cooling system is provided which includes a water tank, a cooling unit, a vent unit, a closed loop conduit assembly, and a water pump. The cooling unit includes an evaporative media in the shape of a closed loop structure having a center hole. The evaporative media is gas porous and preferably made of bactericidal wood shavings. The water pump pumps water from the water tank to saturate the evaporative media to provide water-saturated-air. The cooling unit includes an air pump for sucking air through the evaporative media into a vehicle's interior. Advantageously, the vehicular cooling system requires minimal modification of a vehicle structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventor: Fernando Celso Sodre Vergamini
  • Publication number: 20170043648
    Abstract: To provide a grill installation structure that is capable of firmly supporting an air outlet of a grill body of an air-conditioning grill to a grill installation part of an installation member even when the grill installation part of the installation member is designed to have a notched shape. A finisher of the grill installation part is formed in a notched shape such that an air-conditioning grill unit is insertable in a direction (grill insertion direction Ig) orthogonal to an opening direction of the air outlet, and the finisher includes a grill fixing part on the back. The air-conditioning grill unit includes an outer peripheral flange disposed frontward to a front surface side of the finisher, and the air-conditioning grill unit includes a grill holding plate that is installed in the grill fixing part from a back thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventor: Hiroyuki HIROTA
  • Publication number: 20170043649
    Abstract: A retaining system for a motor vehicle includes a vehicle body having a door opening with a frame disposed therearound. A door is mounted adjacent the door opening and includes a vertically moveable frameless window. An actuator is coupled to the frame and further coupled to a retainer member. The retainer member is moveable between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the frameless window as powered by the actuator. A controller is configured for determining whether an instantaneous vehicle condition is met or present, and moving the retainer member to the engaged position to retain the frameless window against the frame or vehicle body when the vehicle condition is detected. The vehicle condition may include a predetermined vehicle speed, an aerodynamic pressure reading, a direct aerodynamic pressure or vacuum, a door lock activation, or other like condition for detection by the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Paul L. Heirtzler, Donald P. Iacovoni
  • Publication number: 20170043650
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having a roof opening in a fixed roof part, comprises a first panel and a second panel for at least closing first and second portions of the roof opening. The first panel is movably supported by an operating mechanism guided in a guide rail. A rear support member partly moves alongside the second panel when the first panel moves above the second panel. The seal of the second panel and/or of the fixed roof part being such that the rear support member is enabled to pass between the second panel and the fixed roof part. The seal for the second panel extends, in lateral sense, more inwardly than the seal of the first panel at the rear thereof when in the closed position, the rear support member passing between the seal on the holding member and the second panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventor: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Publication number: 20170043651
    Abstract: A cover for a truck bed that can be horizontally traversed between expanded and collapsed positions is shown. Since the cover is horizontally traversed, the person manipulating the cover need not lift the cover vertically in order to reconfigure the cover between the expanded and collapsed positions. Women and elderly people who are generally not as strong as men can manipulate the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Publication number: 20170043652
    Abstract: A retractable trailer enclosure system includes a flexible cover, rotatable winding spindle moveable by way of a spindle guide assembly. The spindle guide assembly includes a drive assembly actuable to rotate the spindle, a shuttle assembly mounting a spindle end and a guide track assembly which guides the shuttle assembly in reciprocal movement along both a vertical cover deployment/retraction path, and laterally along a spindle storage path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventor: Philip POYNTZ
  • Publication number: 20170043653
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle having a displaceable top and a top storage space, which can be closed using a storage space cover, as well as a wind deflector, which is displaceable between a retracted stowage position and at least one erected function position and can have an inner frame on which a wind deflector function element is spanned. The wind deflector can have an outer frame, to which the inner frame is pivotably mounted and which is pivotably mounted to the storage space cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Georg KOPP, Franz HABERL, Richard SEIDL
  • Publication number: 20170043654
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a protecting device; for protecting a battery effectively by absorbing an impact energy which can be received from a lateral direction of an electrical automobile; and for preventing a secondary damage due to the breakage of the battery, and the present disclosure relates to the battery protecting device of the electrical automobile including: a frame (10) for forming a body of a floor (30) positioned in a lower portion of the electrical automobile (100); and at least one protecting bar (20) positioned inside the frame (10), and the vertical cross-section of the protecting bar (20) is a shape including: a pair of closed spaces (21); and a brim (22) for forming the pair of closed spaces (21), in which the brim (22) is connected between the pair of closed spaces (21) so as to make the pair of closed spaces (21) separated by a predetermined distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Hyun Soo LIM, Dong Min KIM
  • Publication number: 20170043655
    Abstract: A compressor, an intercooler, and a fuel cell stack are housed in a housing compartment. The compressor and the intercooler are connected with each other by upstream side piping, and the intercooler and the fuel cell stack are connected with each other by downstream side piping. The upstream side piping is formed from upstream side first and second pipe parts, and the downstream side piping is formed from downstream side first and second pipe parts. Movement of the compressor and fuel cell stack relative to the intercooler at the time of a heavy collision of the vehicle causes disconnection of the upstream side first and second pipe parts and disconnection of the downstream side first and second pipe parts, to thereby cause communication of the upstream side piping and the downstream side piping with an internal space of the housing compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuji AISHIMA, Shigeaki MURATA, Hiroyoshi MATSUMOTO
  • Publication number: 20170043656
    Abstract: A power transmission unit that can prevent an entrance of excessive torque to the powertrain is provided. The power transmission unit includes a transmission that transmits torque between an engine and drive wheels; a locking device that selectively halts a rotation of an output shaft of the engine; a transmission case holding a first motor, a second motor, the transmission, and the locking device; a first torque limiter disposed between the engine and the locking device to restrict torque transmitted between the drive wheels and the engine; and a second torque limiter held in the transmission case to restrict torque transmitted between the drive wheels and the locking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: HIROTO HASHIMOTO, TOMOHITO ONO, HIROAKI KIMURA
  • Publication number: 20170043657
    Abstract: Drive module (14) for a powertrain (10) of a hybrid vehicle, comprising a housing (20), a friction clutch (18) with a pressure plate (62) which is axially displaceable by means of an actuating arrangement (60), a clutch plate (66) and with a clutch disk arrangement (74) positioned therebetween, a hub (84), wherein this hub (84) is fixedly connected to the clutch disk arrangement (74), and an electric machine (16) which has a rotor (22) with a rotor carrier (24) and a stator (32) which is fixed at a stator carrier (34). The axial arrangement or alignment of the clutch disk arrangement (74) relative to the pressure plate (62) and clutch plate (66) is determined by an adjusting arrangement (92), wherein the adjusting arrangement (92) is functionally arranged between the hub (84) and a supporting element (90) which is axially fixed to the housing (20) of the drive module (14). In addition, a method for the assembly of a drive module (14) of this type is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Guido SCHMITT, Sven LUDSTECK, Florian MODEL
  • Publication number: 20170043658
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a motor, and a belt stepless speed changer device having a driving rotary body, a driven rotary body, a first shaft member supporting the driving rotary body with allowing rotation thereof in unison, a second shaft member supporting the driven rotary body with allowing rotation thereof in unison, and an endless belt wound around the driving rotary body and the driven rotary body. The vehicle further includes a transmission case configured to receive the powers from the engine and the motor via the belt stepless speed changer device and a centrifugal clutch incorporated in a power transmission line extending form the engine to the first shaft member. The motor is disposed on the side opposite the engine across the driving rotary body, and the driving power of the motor is inputted to the first shaft member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Sumio Yagyu, Go Takaki, Shinichi Kawabata, Shigeki Hayashi, Shohei Nakai, Hiroki Bessho
  • Publication number: 20170043659
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air guide for a motor vehicle comprising at least one downstream main duct (7) intended to be positioned in front of a heat exchange device (5) of the motor vehicle (2) and at least one air inlet upstream duct (8, 9) intended to be connected to an air inlet (10, 11), the at least one air inlet upstream duct (8, 9) being connected to the downstream main duct (7) to guide the air from the air inlet (10, 11) toward the heat exchange device (5), characterized in that the air guide is made as a single piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Applicant: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventors: Frédéric Vacca, Jean-Louis Lanard
  • Publication number: 20170043660
    Abstract: In a lid device opening and closing a fuel lid of a vehicle by a push-push mechanism, a common push lifter can be applied in both cases with and without a mechanism for locking the fuel lid at a closed position. The lid device (20) indirectly locks the fuel lid (10) at the closed position by controlling a displacement of a push rod (22) protruding and retracting from a push lifter unit (24). In order to control the displacement of the push rod (22), an engagement member (56) engaging the push rod (22) is movably supported in a housing (54) of a drive unit (26), and the push lifter (24) and the drive unit (26) are formed as separate members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Junpei HORIKAWA, Young-gook LEE
  • Publication number: 20170043661
    Abstract: A power take-off (PTO) system for a motor vehicle includes a PTO housing. The PTO housing is mounted to a transmission case. A disconnect clutch assembly is positioned within the PTO housing acting when supplied with a first volume of a pressurized oil from the transmission case to engage an output shaft member. A controlled lube oil circuit is isolated from the first volume of the pressurized oil. The controlled lube oil circuit supplies a second volume of the pressurized oil directly to the disconnect clutch assembly to lubricate the disconnect clutch assembly. A lube oil drain return is connected to the PTO housing. The lube oil drain return receives oil that collects inside the PTO housing to be returned to the transmission case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Timothy J. REINHART, Addison T. Solak, Chi Teck Lee
  • Publication number: 20170043662
    Abstract: A pedal box for a vehicle comprising at least one of a brake assembly, a clutch assembly and a throttle assembly each mounted on an axis supported by a frame and a first mounting plate; a master cylinder operatively connected to each said brake assembly and clutch assembly; characterised in that said pedal box assembly includes at least one articulating mounting member which allows the pedal box assembly to accommodate a variety of vehicle floor geometries. The pedal box may further include a throttle response adjustment assembly for altering response during pedal travel, and a pedal whose attitude is vertically and rotationally adjustable relative to a pedal supporting strut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventor: Daryl PERUSIC
  • Publication number: 20170043663
    Abstract: A power transmitting component having a actuator with a lead screw, which is driven by a motor and a transmission, a pusher assembly driven by the lead screw, and a clutch fork. Translation of the pusher coordinates movement of the clutch fork along its axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventor: James P. Downs
  • Publication number: 20170043664
    Abstract: A method is for presenting information to passengers within a vehicle having at least one sheet of transparent material associated with a passenger compartment of the vehicle. A first priority level is assigned to first infotainment content. The first infotainment content is displayed in association with the sheet of transparent material. A second priority level is assigned to second infotainment content. It is determined whether the second priority level is higher than the first priority level. If the second priority level is higher than the first priority level, then the displaying of the first infotainment content is ceased, and displaying of the second infotainment content in association with the sheet of transparent material is initiated. If the second priority level is not higher than the first priority level, then the displaying of the first infotainment content is continued.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventor: SHANTHA KUMARI RAJENDRAN
  • Publication number: 20170043665
    Abstract: Methods for improving operation of a stop-start system of a vehicle include controlling an electrical load delivered to an electrically heated windshield (HWS) subsystem of the vehicle prior to a stop cycle or a start cycle of the stop-start system. The methods include steps of discontinuing the electrical load delivered to the HWS subsystem for a predetermined time period prior to a determined predicted stop cycle of the stop-start system. The methods further include differently apportioning the electrical load delivered to a passenger's side and a driver's side of the HWS subsystem. The differently apportioning may be according to a determined ambient temperature value, and further may include steps of differently apportioning the electrical load for predetermined time periods determined according to the ambient temperature value. Vehicle stop-start systems and vehicles implementing the methods are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Hafiz Shafeek Khafagy, Kirk Pebley, Alan Douglas Wallington, William Joseph Wamsley, James C Rollinson
  • Publication number: 20170043666
    Abstract: An ECU executes a program including: a step of setting a threshold ? as a shutdown threshold when, during a power supply operation, a duration of a power supply stoppage exceeds a first time; a step of stopping an operation of an engine or prohibiting the engine from operating; and a step of executing system shutdown processing when an SOC of a storage apparatus falls to or below the shutdown threshold or the duration of the power supply stoppage exceeds a second time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: NORITAKE MITSUTANI
  • Publication number: 20170043667
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for controlling a cycling equipment, and a bicycle so as to improve the utilization ratio of energy. The system and method for controlling a cycling equipment includes: an energy converting module configured to convert mechanical energy into electric energy; and a controller connected with the energy converting module, configured to determine an uphill or downhill traveling state of the cycling equipment, and to control the energy converting module to or not to convert the mechanical energy generated by the cycling equipment into the electric energy, according to the determined uphill or downhill traveling state of the cycling equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventor: Dalong LI
  • Publication number: 20170043668
    Abstract: A wireless power supply system is a wireless power supply system provided with a travel lane for wirelessly transmitting power to a moving body and includes a power transmitting coil that is disposed such that the axial direction of the coil is substantially parallel to the width direction of the travel lane, and electromagnetic shielding walls that are disposed on the respective sides of the travel lane in the extension direction of the travel lane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Applicant: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noritaka CHIYO, Yasuhiro TERASAKI, Mitsunari SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20170043669
    Abstract: A charging device for an eco-friendly vehicle includes a charger having an electronic switching element which reduces an excessive current instantaneously flowing when an external AC power source outside the vehicle is connected to the charger; and a controller configured to control an operation of the electronic switching element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Sang Kyu LEE, Jae Hwa JEON, Jeong Bin YIM, Dae Woong HAN
  • Publication number: 20170043670
    Abstract: An exemplary aspect of the present disclosure relates to an electrified vehicle including, among other things, a vehicle-mounted battery and a modular battery. The modular battery is selectively removable from the vehicle, and is configured to be charged at a location remote from the vehicle. The vehicle is selectively powered by at least one of the modular battery and the vehicle-mounted battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas Zenner, Mazen Hammoud, Steve F. Chorian
  • Publication number: 20170043671
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a control system for monitoring an electric vehicle service network which comprises a plurality of service stations providing electric energy reload to a fleet of electric vehicles. The control system is configured and operable for communication with the electric vehicles via a communication network, and comprises: a processing unit configured for aggregating vehicle route planning information associated with at least some of the electric vehicles to build forecast data of the flow of electric vehicles to the service stations over time; and a service time estimation unit configured and operable for utilizing the forecast data and evaluating the service duration for servicing a given electric vehicle at a given service station and at a given service time based on said forecast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel Campbell
  • Publication number: 20170043672
    Abstract: A foreign-matter-removing device for a coil device includes a liquid-jetting unit that washes away a foreign matter, which is present in an area through which a magnetic field generated in wireless supply of power using magnetic coupling of a receiving-side pad and a transmitting-side pad passes, by a jet of liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Applicant: IHI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jun ARAKI, Motonao NIIZUMA, Susumu TOKURA
  • Publication number: 20170043673
    Abstract: A charging device for a vehicle is provided to charge a vehicle battery by power supplied from electric vehicle supply equipment (ESVE). The device includes a built-in circuit for embodying a scheduled charging function. Particularly, a circuit controls a power supply of a first controller turning the charger on and off based on a property of a CP signal applied when connected to the EVSE to reduce regular current consumption of the charger. In other words, the circuit detects a control pilot (CP) signal and performs a scheduled charging to allow the charger to adjust the power supply of a charger controller to be turned on/off based on a property of the CP signal and a scheduled charging function is performed, thereby reducing regular current consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Jae Won Lee, Young Kook Lee, Dong Jun Lee
  • Publication number: 20170043674
    Abstract: An electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) charging system includes an EVSE charging station that is configured to be coupled to an electric vehicle (EV). The charging system further includes an EVSE cloud server coupled to the EVSE charging station optionally via a charge management network. The EVSE cloud server may automatically determine a charging routine for the EV based on historic rate and charge data of the EV and enable a user to interactively modify the charging routine in real-time. The charging routine may provide one or more charging options to the user based on a desired trade-off between different charging cost structures and the required time to charge the EV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventor: John R. DeBoer, III
  • Publication number: 20170043675
    Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of a system includes a plurality of device chargers configured to charge a power source of a portable electronic device. At least one transmitter is associated with a portable electronic device. A plurality of detectors are configured to be supported on a vehicle. The plurality of detectors detect a wireless signal from the transmitter. A controller utilizes information from the detectors regarding a detected wireless signal and determines a location of the transmitter relative to the plurality of device chargers. The controller controls at least a selected one of the device chargers to operate in the charging mode based on a proximity between the determined location of the at least one transmitter and the predetermined location of the selected one of the device chargers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Matt JONES, Paul WHELLER
  • Publication number: 20170043676
    Abstract: A vehicle charging station for use in transmitting charging power to an electric vehicle for use in charging the vehicle is configured to communicatively couple to the electric vehicle via a network connection to a wireless network provider and electrically couple to the electric vehicle via a connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventor: Nathan Bowman Littrell
  • Publication number: 20170043677
    Abstract: A method for reducing vibration of a drive shaft of an eco-friendly vehicle includes calculating a model velocity of the drive shaft, obtaining a vibration component based on a deviation between an actual velocity of the drive shaft and the calculated model velocity, and generating a vibration reduction compensation torque for reduction in vibration of the drive shaft from the vibration component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Young Kwan KO, Tae Young CHUNG
  • Publication number: 20170043678
    Abstract: A system includes at least one application device, a control unit, and at least one processor. The at least one application device is conductively or inductively coupled with at least one of a first conductive track or a second conductive track. The control unit is configured to control supply of electric current from a power source to the at least one application device to electrically inject at least one examination signal into the conductive tracks. The at least one processor is configured to monitor the one or more electrical characteristics of at least one of the first or second conductive tracks, and to identify a construction feature of the route based on the one or more electrical characteristics, wherein the construction feature corresponds to a man-made aspect of the route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph Forrest NOFFSINGER, Jeffrey Michael FRIES