Patents Issued in March 7, 2017
  • Patent number: 9586439
    Abstract: An enhanced static runflat system is disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least one predefined structural stopper provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical section of the wheel rim, whereby at least one predefined structural stopper secures, an inner circumference of the annular static runflat to an outer circumference of the wheel for arresting a movement of the static runflat over the wheel rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Vishweshwarrao Japala
  • Patent number: 9586440
    Abstract: An improved wheel system that can be connected to existing wheels of a container to provide additional stability and/or ease of use during the movement of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Process4, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis P. Taylor, Matthew G. Hanson
  • Patent number: 9586441
    Abstract: An obstacle traversing wheel assembly can include at least one primary wheel member mounted with a primary axis of rotation and capable of rolling engagement with a supporting surface, and at least one secondary wheel member mounted with a secondary axis of rotation. The secondary wheel member can have a plurality of surface engaging protrusions which enable the wheel assembly to traverse an obstacle by imparting climbing movement to the primary wheel member in response to engagement with the obstacle. The surface engaging protrusions can be defined by rolling wheel members. The obstacle traversing wheel assembly can be incorporated on a wide variety of wheel-bearing devices, such as wheelchairs, personal transportation devices, and intravenous fluid support racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ktech Concepts LLC
    Inventor: Kenan Wollborg
  • Patent number: 9586442
    Abstract: A retractable caster assembly includes a frame and a caster wheel assembly. The caster wheel assembly has a wheel and two guide members. The assembly is configured with the guide members movable along slots within the frame so that when the caster wheel assembly is at a first end of the slots the wheel is in a retracted position substantially within the cavity, and so that when the caster wheel assembly is at a second end of the slots the wheel is in an extended position extending from the cavity. A package may have at least one cavity, each cavity for receiving a retractable caster wheel assembly to make a wheeled package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Staunton Capital Incorporated
    Inventor: Chad Lee Trickle
  • Patent number: 9586443
    Abstract: A segmented tire apparatus includes generally arcuate tire segments each including a radial tread extending along an outer circumference of the respective tire segment. Each tire segment further includes a first group of semi-transverse treads extending from at least adjacent to the radial tread in a first direction and a second group of semi-transverse treads extending from at least adjacent to the radial tread in a second direction. Each one of the second group of semi-transverse treads is positioned in an offset but substantially aligned orientation relative to an associated one of the first group of semi-transverse treads. In an alternative embodiment, a segmented tire apparatus includes a plurality of tire segments mountable onto a rim, with a plate positioned between a first one of the plurality of tire segments and a second one of the plurality of tire segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Scennco, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric R. MacPherson
  • Patent number: 9586444
    Abstract: A tread portion of a pneumatic tire includes inner land portions between outer circumferential main grooves disposed most on tread ground-contact end sides and at least one inner circumferential main groove on the inner side thereof. The inner land portions are divided into inner blocks by inner lateral grooves inclined at an angle ? of 10 to 40°. The inner lateral grooves consist of first inner lateral grooves and second inner lateral grooves which are alternately arranged in a circumferential direction. The first inner lateral grooves include a wide-width part connecting to the outer circumferential main groove and a narrow-width part connecting to the inner circumferential main groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Takuya Oji
  • Patent number: 9586445
    Abstract: In a pneumatic tire 1, a side surface (101), on a buttress portion (14) side, of a land portion block (100) is inclined to the inside of the land portion block (100). The length (Lb1), in a tread width direction, of an and portion (100B) of the land portion block (100) is smaller than the length (La1), in the tread width direction, of an end portion (100A). The end portion (100B) is located at a rear side in a rotational direction (R) in which the pneumatic tire (1) installed on a vehicle rotates when the vehicle moves forward, and the end portion (100A) is located at a front side in the rotational direction (R).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shun Oogane
  • Patent number: 9586446
    Abstract: A ballistic resilient run-flat tire device, kit and method for manufacturing the same are presented for providing a vehicle a capability of traveling for at least 30 miles at 30 miles per hour, after the device has been compromised as of result of exposure due to ballistic ordinance rifle shots such as 7.62×39 mm and 7.62×54R or air loss from road hazard punctures. The device includes a tire carcass and a polyurethane inner coating inside the tire carcass that defines an inflatable hollow chamber within the ballistic resilient run-flat tire. The tire carcass has an annular tread, sidewalls, and beads. The polyurethane inner coating inside the tire carcass defining a hollow chamber provides additional protection along the sidewalls and tread of the tire carcass. The kit includes the un-interconnected elements of the device. The method includes the steps of curing, discharging, filling, injecting, introducing, mounting, obtaining, and preparing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: ACCELLA POLYURETHANE SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Robert P. Rose, Larry R. Carapellotti, Joseph M. Campo
  • Patent number: 9586447
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle tire comprising a tread portion and a package of reinforcement layers arranged underneath the tread portion. The tread portion comprises a tread base layer arranged underneath the tread layer, and at least one rubber member that extends in the radial direction of the tire from the ground contacting surface to the reinforcement package. The tread layer rubber composition has an electrical resistivity at room temperature of more than 108 ohm-cm, the tread base layer rubber composition of between 106 ohm-cm and 108 ohm-cm, the member rubber composition of less than 106 ohm-cm; and the rubber composition of at least one layer of the reinforcement package has a electrical resistivity at room temperature of less than 106 ohm-cm. The vehicle tire combines a low rolling resistance with improved conductivity to avoid build-up of static electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Apollo Tyres Global R&D B.V.
    Inventors: Evert-Jan Jitse Van Der Meulen, Peter Jaap Snel, Walter Johannes Maria Roerdink, Harmen Hepkema
  • Patent number: 9586448
    Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system includes a plurality of tire pressure monitoring sensors including low frequency wireless receivers and high frequency wireless transmitters. The system further includes a plurality of low frequency transmitters each being disposed proximate one of the plurality of tire pressure monitoring sensors. The system further includes a control module in communication with the plurality of tire pressure monitoring sensors through the plurality of low frequency transmitters. In a first phase of operation the control module causes the low frequency transmitters to transmit low frequency wireless signals to the tire pressure monitoring sensors causing the tire pressure monitoring sensors to transmit data to the control module at a rate. In a second phase or operation the tire pressure monitoring sensors transmit data to the control module at a second rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. McIntyre, Jean-Christophe Deniau, Brian J. Farrell, Yasser Gad
  • Patent number: 9586449
    Abstract: A tire heating system for includes a wheel that may be attached to a vehicle. A tire is attached to the wheel and a charging unit is attached to the wheel. The charging unit produces an electrical current when the wheel is rotated. A heating unit is attached to the tire and the heating unit is electrically coupled to the charging unit. The heating unit heating the tire and the heating unit prevents ice formation on the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Aldera Love
  • Patent number: 9586450
    Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly sized and shaped to fit within a trailer hitch receptacle, wherein the trailer hitch assembly includes a first tubular element and a second tubular element. Each tubular element has an angled end, wherein the angled ends of the first tubular element and the second tubular element are complementary to each other. The trailer hitch assembly may further include at least one guide to assist in aligning the first tubular element with the second tubular element along the angled ends. The trailer hitch assembly may further include an actuator configured to engage both the first tubular element and the second tubular element and to diagonally displace the first tubular element relative to the second tubular element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Dixon Ford
  • Patent number: 9586451
    Abstract: An amphibious vehicle, in particular military, amphibious vehicle, includes a first end region (2) and a second end region (3) opposite the latter in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The first end region (2) is designed as a land driving front and the second end region (3) is designed as a ship's bow for water travel. In a method for operating an amphibious vehicle (1), the main travel direction of the amphibious vehicle (1) is reversed upon transfer between land travel and water travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: KRAUSS-MAFFEI WEGMANN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Rudiger Baus, Harald Bachmann
  • Patent number: 9586452
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chassis component having a mount which is produced from a formable basic material and includes at least one slot for receiving a connection bolt for connecting a steering arm and at least one stop for an eccentric disc which is or can be connected in a torsionally stiff sense to the connection bolt. In order for it to be possible to produce the stop for the eccentric disc in a reliable and cost-effective manner without the risk of crack formation, the invention provides for a recess to be molded into the basic material, which recess defines a peripheral edge region and a base enclosed by the edge region, the base including the slot and the edge region including two oblong surfaces extending in parallel with one another which act as the stop for the eccentric disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Autotech Engineering Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Denis Klaassen, Mario Krolo, David Montejo
  • Patent number: 9586453
    Abstract: A spring restraining clip mounts the axial terminus of a coil spring on the chassis via a spring seat. At least two of three spring restraining members that are circumferentially spaced on the spring restraining clip are the open type of spring restraining member so configured as to clasp and hold coil springs inserted in the axial direction, and one of the spring restraining members is a closed spring restraining member that receives the tip of a coil spring when the coil spring is rotated in the circumferential direction after having been inserted in the open type spring restraining members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignees: Newfrey LLC, Showa Corporation
    Inventors: Suguru Mizukoshi, Seiya Endo
  • Patent number: 9586454
    Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle, includes (a) a shock absorber disposed between a sprung portion and an unsprung portion and having a damping-force changing mechanism, the shock absorber being configured to generate a damping force with respect to a relative movement of the sprung portion and the unsprung portion such that the magnitude of the damping force is changeable, and (b) a controller configured to control the damping-force changing mechanism. The controller includes a target sprung-speed determining portion configured to determine, as a target sprung speed, a speed of the sprung portion in a behavior of a body of the vehicle that matches an operation input to the vehicle by a driver, for permitting the behavior to match the operation input, the controller being configured to control the damping force such that the speed of the sprung portion becomes equal to the target sprung speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ippei Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9586455
    Abstract: A camera takes an image or images of a region including a vehicle (vehicle-in-front) running in front of a driver's own vehicle. A wheel information acquiring unit acquires the positional information of a wheel or wheels of the vehicle-in-front in the image taken by the camera. More specifically, the boundary between the wheels of the vehicle-in-front and the road surface. The processing for detecting the boundary is done by use of the difference in the brightness between the wheels and the road surface of the vehicle-in-front. A camera attitude correcting unit corrects the detected boundary by use of a self-calibration function, and a road surface condition estimating unit estimates the conditions of the road surface on which the vehicle-in-front is traveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Haruhiko Sugai, Tomoyuki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9586456
    Abstract: An automobile includes an active suspension system and a leveling system. The leveling system receives high pressure fluid from the active suspension system in order to change static vehicle height and compensate for static load changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventor: Koen Reybrouck
  • Patent number: 9586457
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an active rotary stabilizer and a stabilizer bar link assembly for a vehicle, which particularly may increase a degree of design freedom for a lower side of a vehicle body, improve ride comfort for a passenger, enhance durability of an actuator, and reduce the occurrence of noise caused by a backlash when the actuator is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin Moo Jeon, Jun Sung Park
  • Patent number: 9586458
    Abstract: A refrigeration trailer (reefer) truck power unit controller employs a plurality of power sources including a propulsion vehicle source driven mechanically by a diesel engine of the vehicle, and having an enhanced alternator having a pulley ratio for increasing idle speed power generation, and a passive vehicle source including a bank of solar panels disposed on the vehicle. The controller is configured for refrigerating a payload area of the vehicle utilizing power from the power sources, and employs a voltage converter for augmenting the power from the propulsion vehicle source for use with a native vehicle charging//starting system, and a transport load transformer for converting power from the power sources for powering the refrigeration system. A bank of batteries stores power from the sources for subsequent dispersal to the refrigeration unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: ENOW, INC.
    Inventors: Gerald Larson, Jeffrey C. Flath, Robert W. Doane, Philip R. Pierce, Stephen Lasher
  • Patent number: 9586459
    Abstract: A method for climate control for an interior of a motor vehicle includes acquiring climatically relevant data of the interior and/or surroundings of the vehicle, creating a thermodynamic model of a vehicle climate system, the model including at least one of a first thermal capacity of the interior and a first heat loss of the interior, introducing into the interior a quantity of air having a temperature different from an existing interior temperature, calculating at least one of a second thermal capacity of the interior and a second heat loss of the interior existing after the air quantity is introduced into the interior, and adapting the thermodynamic model to include at least one the second thermal capacity and the second heat loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technolgies, LLC
    Inventors: Markus Markowitz, Dietmar Fischer, Walter Mayer
  • Patent number: 9586460
    Abstract: An air purification device for a vehicle comprises an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air conduction volume between the air inlet and the air outlet. At least one reaction surface element is provided in the air conduction volume. At least one light source for ultraviolet light is arranged in the air conduction volume. A surface of the at least one reaction surface element comprises a catalytic material, and the at least on reaction surface element is arranged substantially in the entire air conduction volume or occupies at least 50% of the inner surface of the air purification device. The air purification device comprises a base element and a cover element. The at least one reaction surface element is integrally connected to the base element or to the cover element and comprises surface-coated rod-shaped elements protruding into the air conduction volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Bernd Gross, Hans-Georg Werner, Joshua Hesterberg, Man Loong Leong
  • Patent number: 9586461
    Abstract: In a light-adjusting-panel structure, a light-adjusting sheet is bonded, using a first adhesive, to the back surface of a first transparent panel. In this light-adjusting-panel structure, the end section of the light-adjusting sheet is drawn out to a position closer to the end section of the first transparent panel than the end surface of the first adhesive, in a direction along the panel surface of the first transparent panel. Further, the light-adjusting-panel structure covers the drawn-out end section and the end surface of the first adhesive, the light-adjusting-panel structure being provided with a seal material having lower moisture permeability than the first adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuichiro Okuda
  • Patent number: 9586462
    Abstract: The reinforcement bracket provides structural integrity for the trunk handle of an automobile, in particular the Scion tC. The bracket includes first fastening interface, a second fastening interface, a handle support structure, a first planar brace, a second planar brace, and a web. The handle support structure includes a planar body and a grasping hole. The grasping hole traverses through the planar body to facilitate the placement of the lock actuator. The first planar brace and second planar brace are oriented parallel and offset to each other as well as being positioned adjacent and normal to the planar body. The web is connected between the two planar braces and provides additional structural rigidity. The bracket is attached to the trunk handle and trunk through the two fastening interfaces. The first and second fastening interface is connected adjacent and normal to the first and second planar brace, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 9586463
    Abstract: A top for an openable vehicle roof, includes a front section constructed coupleable to a windshield cross member of a vehicle, a rear section configured pivotal and/or lowerable, a flexible section arranged between the front section and the rear section, wherein at least one of the front section and the flexible section is configured shiftable, and a self-supporting pushing- and/or pulling device for moving the flexible section, wherein during an opening process of the top the flexible section is foldable above the rear section so that an outer surface of the flexible section faces an outer surface of the front section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Andreas Dillinger
  • Patent number: 9586464
    Abstract: A sunroof wind deflector for a vehicle includes a leading edge, a trailing edge and an outer surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The outer surface has a radius of curvature that changes along a length thereof so as to attenuate shear layer spreading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignees: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC., NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD., SINHATECH
    Inventors: Sumon Sinha, Farokh Kavarana, Dan Williams, Kazuya Asao
  • Patent number: 9586465
    Abstract: A connecting structure includes: a molding having a fixed portion that is fixed on an inner surface of a lower edge of a windshield glass, and a fitting portion that receives an engagement rib that protrudes downward from a location near an upper edge of a cowl louver, wherein the engagement rib and the fitting portion include slip-out prevention projections that prevent the engagement rib from slipping out. On both sides of the engagement rib are provided elastic lips and that are supported by the fitting portion, and these elastic lips extend in the extending direction of the engagement rib and press on the engagement rib at a side closer to a tip of the engagement rib than the slip-out prevention projections, these elastic lips press each other in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Sanada, Koji Usui, Eiji Nishikawa, Yasuhiko Fukuzumi, Kentaro Nakashima
  • Patent number: 9586466
    Abstract: A cradle assembly includes a body having a front end, a rear end, a first side, a second side, and a length defined between its front end and rear end. The body has a first elongated member disposed along the first side of the body between its front and rear ends and a second elongated member disposed along the second side of the body between its front and rear ends. The body has a pump mount positioned at the front end and coupled between the first member and the second member. A flywheel cover is coupled between the first member and the second member at a location between the front end and rear end. The body also has a coupling mechanism disposed at its rear end and coupled between the first member and the second member, the coupling mechanism adapted to be coupled to a chassis of a work machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Brett S. Graham, Mohamed Mustafa
  • Patent number: 9586467
    Abstract: A coreless engine mount, and a method for manufacturing a coreless engine mount, may include a mount bracket that has at least one bolting hole for bolting and houses a mounting bush, and combines with the mounting bush, and a coreless support bracket that has an extension integrally extending from the mounting bush and is formed of an aluminum material, the extension being integrally formed with the mounting bush by curing, and the extension having at least one bolting hole for bolting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Seungwon Kim, Yongjin Kim, Yongjoo Kim
  • Patent number: 9586468
    Abstract: A hybrid drive device that includes an input member drivably coupled to an internal combustion engine; a speed change device; a rotary electric machine disposed side by side with the speed change device in an axial direction and including a rotary shaft coupled to an input shaft of the speed change device; a case that houses the rotary electric machine and the speed change device; an intermediate support member disposed between the rotary electric machine and the speed change device in the axial direction and configured to rotatably support the rotary shaft and the input shaft; and a fastening bolt that fixes the intermediate support member to the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Rikiya Kubo, Katsutoshi Shimizu, Ryuta Horie, Masaki Yoshida, Yusuke Kojima
  • Patent number: 9586469
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle control device is provided for controlling a drive system in a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle control device is provided with a hybrid control module that begins engagement of a clutch, and cranks a transverse engine using a motor/generator as a drive source, when a request is made to start an engine in an EV mode. The hybrid control module has a “normal start mode” and a “sound and vibration prioritizing startup mode” as engine startup modes. The “normal start mode” prioritizes drive force response performance. The “sound and vibration prioritizing startup mode” prioritizes sound and vibration reduction performance. If a drive range is selected and the vehicle is stopped when an engine startup request is made, then the “sound and vibration prioritizing startup mode” is selected, and the transverse engine is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuichi Orita
  • Patent number: 9586470
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle powertrain may include input shafts, clutches, output shafts, a transmission path selector, a planetary gear unit, and a gear stage forming mechanism. The transmission path selector may bring engagement of a first input shaft with second or third input shaft. The planetary gear unit may have three rotary elements, with motor power or engine power being input via a first or second rotary element and being output with any one of two transmission gear ratios under the control of first or third rotary element in response to engagement of first and second engaging units. The gear stage forming mechanism may be formed by engagement of gear pairs having different transmission gear ratios with second and third input shafts and a first output shaft, and function to transmit the power from the second or third input shaft to the first output shaft while changing a speed by selecting a gear pair in accordance with a vehicle running speed using a gear pair selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jong Yun Park, Jae Young Choi, Kyung Ha Kim, Ki Nam Kim, Eui Cheol Chung
  • Patent number: 9586471
    Abstract: A robotic omniwheel system for motion comprising various components such as in wheel motor assemblies with brake, supportive hub and axle assemblies, strut and yoke assemblies for suspension, a motor device having controller for steering motion, a motorized universal joint for rocking motion, an active transmission rod to uniquely engage lift and expansion which are managed by a drive logic system comprising status control system and sensor array, laser radar, GPS, and as well as manual navigational control system including wireless remote control for communication and monitoring motion states for transport and to monitor power levels therein. As well, an electrical system includes battery array to furnish power for the robotic omniwheel array assemblies and to the electrical components via power cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Carla R. Gillett
  • Patent number: 9586472
    Abstract: A motorcycle comprising a frame with a side structure supporting a liquid-cooled engine, comprising at least one engine-coolant radiator, characterized in that said engine-coolant radiator is positioned behind the steering column and extends laterally on either side of the median longitudinal vertical plane of the motorcycle, the upper edge of said radiator being positioned above a horizontal plane passing through a point located in the upper two thirds of the axis of the steering column, said frame with a side structure having a housing for receiving the upper portion of said engine-coolant radiator, the engine-coolant radiator being positioned substantially vertical, the median plane of the radiator forming an angle of ?20° to +20° relative to the vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: RDMO
    Inventor: Olivier Midy
  • Patent number: 9586473
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a cooling fan that selectively and/or periodically runs in reverse in order to discharge accumulated dirt or debris from one or more coolers. The reverse activation of the fan is prevented from initiating when the operator of the running vehicle is outside the operator cab in the vicinity of the coolers. In an exemplary embodiment, activation of a parking brake interrupts or prevents reverse activation of the fan, though a fuel door sensor may also be used. A minimum engine speed may be specified to ensure adequate power for maximum fan power during the reverse operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Kevin L. Pfohl, John M. Chesterman, Michael R. Gratton
  • Patent number: 9586474
    Abstract: An air duct for a vehicle may include a front duct formed forward to take in an exterior air in front of the vehicle, a rear duct formed relatively rearward from the front duct such that the exterior air flowing via the front duct passes therein, and a duct outlet flowing out the exterior air flowed via the rear duct, wherein the air duct may be disposed at both sides of an exterior air intake port taking in the exterior air in front of the vehicle into an engine compartment, and wherein both front ducts may be formed to be bent such that extension lines thereof form a streamlined shape in front of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: JongWoo Nam, Hyun Cho, JoonHo Lee, HanShin Chung
  • Patent number: 9586475
    Abstract: A fuel tank connector includes an upper chamber provided with a first communication portion relative to a ventilation flow path; and a lower chamber provided with a third communication portion relative to the upper chamber. A bowl-shaped portion narrowing downward is formed in a bottom portion of the upper chamber, and the third communication portion is formed in a bottom of the bowl-shaped portion. A cover body having a container shape, including a top portion and a side portion and opening at a lower face is supported directly above the third communication portion with a ventilation interval between the open edge and the third communication portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: NIFCO INC.
    Inventors: Itsuo Honda, Shunpei Nabeya
  • Patent number: 9586476
    Abstract: A vehicle with connectable four-wheel drive. The vehicle includes an engine with a drive shaft; a pair of main drive wheels; a main transmission line which permanently connects the drive shaft to the main drive wheels, the main transmission line including a main gearbox and a main differential; a pair of normally driven secondary drive wheels; and a connectable secondary transmission line for connecting the drive shaft also to the secondary drive wheels and having a geared transmission, at least one secondary clutch which on one side is connected to the drive shaft upstream of the main gearbox and on the other side is connected to the secondary drive wheels, and a continuously variable transmission which is controlled electronically to vary its transmission ratio in a continuous manner between two limit values without ever interrupting the transmission of the driving torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Cimatti
  • Patent number: 9586477
    Abstract: An arrangement of a vehicle is provided having normal transverse engine/transmission normal two-wheel drive operation which can be selectively placed into four-wheel drive operation wherein a pump which powers the coupling or uncoupling can be positioned downstream of a power takeoff unit without utilization of an electrically powered pump or transmission powered pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Rode, Jeremy L. Cradit, Magnus F. Persson
  • Patent number: 9586478
    Abstract: An engine rotational speed display device includes: an engagement state determination module that determines an engagement state of a lock-up clutch; a target rotational speed setting module that sets a target turbine rotational speed according to a selected gear stage; a rotational speed for display selection unit that selects an engine rotational speed as a rotational speed for display when the lock-up clutch is not engaged and selects the target turbine rotational speed as the rotational speed for display when the lock-up clutch is engaged; a time measuring module that measures an elapsed time since a gear shift operation is received; and a rotational speed for display limiting module that limits a variation in the rotational speed for display per unit of time according to the elapsed time when the target turbine rotational speed is selected as the rotational speed for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinya Yasunaga, Keisuke Ajimoto
  • Patent number: 9586479
    Abstract: Disclosed is an interlocking system between content player devices. The interlocking system includes: a first mobile device; a second mobile device, in which an interlocking program is installed, interlocked with the first mobile device, and configured to receive and execute one or more contents executed by the first mobile device, and a vehicle head unit, in which an interlocking program is installed, interlocked with the second mobile device, and configured to receive and execute the contents executed by the second mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD
    Inventor: Il Seok Han
  • Patent number: 9586480
    Abstract: Automobiles, automobile instruments, and user interfaces for controlling automobile equipment are provided. A user interface for controlling automobile equipment includes a circuit board accommodating an encoder circuit. Further, the user interface includes a dial mounted independent of the circuit board. The dial is moveable in response to manipulation by a user of the automobile equipment. The dial communicates electronically with the encoder circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. Jablonski, Fred W. Huntzicker
  • Patent number: 9586481
    Abstract: A device, vehicle, method and computer program for deactivating high-voltage components of a vehicle. The device for deactivating high-voltage components of a vehicle carries out an error analysis of the high-voltage components after detecting a vibration and deactivates the high-voltage components if an error in the high-voltage components results in the error analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Andreas Deyda, Rainer Kröger, Matthias Ullrich
  • Patent number: 9586482
    Abstract: An advancing unit for positioning a current collector unit having at least one extension, which is guided in a fastening unit so that the extension can be moved linearly and which has a cavity, open on a longitudinal side extending in the advancing direction and the inner surface of which forms a contact surface for guiding elements arranged on the fastening unit. A flexible band is arranged on the extension. One section of the flexible band at least partially covers the open longitudinal side of the cavity along a section protruding from the fastening device, and another section of the flexible band is located in a reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: CONDUCTIX-WAMPFLER GMBH
    Inventor: Jörg Müller
  • Patent number: 9586483
    Abstract: An electrical power supply system with assistance with the making of electrical contact, of a type having a power supply arm mounted on a post positioned alongside the road, entering into electrical contact with a longitudinal conductor rail carried on the vehicle, is characterized in that the arm has—at its end—a means of rolling or sliding that enters into moving contact with an adjacent lane alongside the conductor rail at the beginning of its length. This invention concerns the domain of electrically-propelled vehicles carrying at least one longitudinal power supply rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: NewTL
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Andre
  • Patent number: 9586484
    Abstract: A control device for an electric vehicle which is able to accurately control a traction motor of the electric vehicle without any delay in control timing during rapid acceleration or rapid deceleration of the motor, is provided. The control device for the electric vehicle includes an ECU and an inverter device including a motor control module. A rotation angle sensor configured to detect a rotation angle of a motor is provided, and the motor control module is provided with a rotation angle correction section configured to correct a rotation angle of a rotor of the motor which is used for vector control, by using an angular speed of an electrical angle which is the rotation angle detected by the rotation angle sensor and a differential value of the angular speed of the electrical angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Guodong Li
  • Patent number: 9586485
    Abstract: An exemplary electrified vehicle assembly includes a coolant circuit and a controller configured to selectively direct energy into at least one component of the coolant circuit to provide a negative wheel torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Justin Reuel Badger, Christopher Michael Kava, Mark Anthony Rockwell, Donald Mitchem
  • Patent number: 9586486
    Abstract: A control device for a recuperative braking system of a vehicle includes: an actuating device configured to (i) select the maximum value of a front axle generator braking torque and of a rear axle generator braking torque, taking into account at least one provided default variable concerning a setpoint total braking torque which is predefined by a driver, (ii) control an electric motor, and (iii) control a hydraulic front axle brake circuit component and a hydraulic rear axle brake circuit component in such a way that a front axle brake pressure and a rear axle brake pressure are settable in such a way that a difference between a predefined setpoint braking torque distribution and an actual braking torque distribution present between the front axle and the rear axle is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Kunz, Stefan Strengert
  • Patent number: 9586487
    Abstract: The invention relates to a technique for operating a regenerative electrohydraulic motor vehicle brake system comprising a master cylinder that can be supplied with a hydraulic fluid from a reservoir, an electromechanical actuator for actuating a piston accommodated in the master cylinder and a stop valve provided between the master cylinder and the reservoir. According to an aspect of this technique, the method comprises the step of controlling the electromechanical actuator when the stop valve is closed to generate a hydraulic pressure on a wheel brake that is fluidically connected to the master cylinder. The method further comprises the step of activating a regenerative brake operation and of controlling the stop valve to open, the master cylinder remaining fluidically connected to the wheel brake and the electromechanical actuator being controlled to maintain the hydraulic pressure on the wheel brake at least to some extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Lucas Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Knechtges
  • Patent number: 9586488
    Abstract: A first ECU estimates whether the operation of a second actuator has been started, based on the variation of the hydraulic pressure with respect to the flow rate of hydraulic fluid outputted from a first actuator. Even in a case where the operation information of the second actuator is not received, the first ECU sets the control mode to a simultaneous operation mode, when it is estimated that the operation of the second actuator has been started. In the simultaneous operation mode, a controlled parameter of linear control valves on assumption that the second actuator is operating is set up, and a stop instruction of regenerative braking is transmitted to a hybrid ECU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nakaoka, Kei Sato, Kazunori Nimura, Kentaro Oya, Takeshi Ishida, Masaki Nanahara, Tsuyoshi Yamasaki, Yoshito Tanaka, Masayasu Ohkubo