Patents Issued in March 16, 2017
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Publication number: 20170072771Abstract: An automobile air conditioner allows two types of heating devices for air heating (a heater core 14 and a PTC heater 15) to be selectively mounted therein. A housing 2 of a HVAC unit 1 defines therein an air feed passage 3. Either of the heater core 14 and the PTC heater 15 is selectively mounted in the housing 2 through an insertion/ejection slot 32, which formed in a side surface the housing 2. The insertion/ejection slot 32 is formed so as to fit the heater core 14. The PTC heater 15 is housed in a frame 33 having an external dimension to fit into the insertion/ejection slot 32, and mounted in the housing 2 with the frame 33 interposed therebetween. The frame 33 has temperature sensor holders 34.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicants: Sanden Holdings Corporation, Keihin CorporationInventors: Masao WATANABE, Takahiro SETO
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Publication number: 20170072772Abstract: A vehicle having an air distribution system for moving air into a passenger compartment includes a front row of seats including a driver seat and a passenger seat, a second row of seats, and a console positioned therebetween. The console includes rearward facing vents and ducting directs air from the air distribution system through the vents and into the passenger compartment. An auxiliary duct has first and second telescoping portions. The first telescoping portion is pivotally attached to the console at a proximal end and in fluid communication with the ducting, and the second telescoping portion includes a vent positioned at a distal end. The auxiliary duct is positioned for pivotal movement within a plane defined by the console and a front row seat. A stop engages the auxiliary duct and limits a range of pivot between a stowed position and an active position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Jim J. Surman, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Annette Lynn Huebner
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Publication number: 20170072773Abstract: The present invention suppresses electromagnetic noise generated from a substrate on which a microcomputer and the like are mounted. An electric compressor control system has regions divided by a plurality of ground patterns formed on a substrate. On the substrate, a vehicle information obtaining line is formed so as to traverse the regions divided by the plurality of ground patterns, and the vehicle information obtaining line is connected to a microcomputer provided on the substrate. On the vehicle information obtaining line, a coil is provided at a location that traverses the region and the region divided by the different ground patterns. The coil reduces noise generated from the vehicle information obtaining line.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES AUTOMOTIVE THERMAL SYSTEMS CO., LTD.Inventor: Makoto HATTORI
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Publication number: 20170072774Abstract: A light filtering transparent or semitransparent visor intended to prevent flash blindness and other hazards associated with the adverse affects associated with bright lights impacting the eyesight of occupants of a vehicle. In the certain embodiments, the visor comprises a heavily tinted body intended to filter the bright rays of sun to enable safe viewing of the sun through the filter. Embodiments of the apparatus are designed to be repositioned directly in the line of sight between the viewer and the sun.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: Grey Matter Fusion, Inc.Inventors: Philos Kim, Stefan Toth
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Publication number: 20170072775Abstract: A vehicle side door structure is provided including: an outer panel that configures a portion at a vehicle width direction outer side of a side door and that extends along a vehicle up-down direction and a vehicle front-rear direction; an inner panel that configures a portion at a vehicle width direction inner side of the side door, that extends along the vehicle up-down direction and the vehicle front-rear direction, and that, together with the outer panel, forms an internal space; an impact beam having both length direction end portions fixed to the inner panel, that is configured in a straight tube shape extending along the vehicle front-rear direction, and that is disposed at an outer panel side in the internal space; and a sensing bracket that is provided at the impact beam and that juts out from the impact beam toward the outer panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tetsumasa KINDAICHI, Toshimitsu FUJITA
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Publication number: 20170072776Abstract: A foldable roof assembly having a soft panel top assembly for a vehicle in sealing engagement with a hard top portion of a roof. The soft panel top assembly has a fixed portion attached to the vehicle and a lightweight pivotal portion that folds back to provide the occupant a quick and easy open air effect. Two door rails of the soft panel top assembly are connected to the vehicle. Two side bows are attached to a first bow member, which is secured to a windshield frame when in a closed position, and are connected at a pivot point created with a bracket attached to the door rails to allow the pivotal portion to pivot to an open position. The soft panel top assembly includes a rear header that is a wireframe and engages with seals in the hard top roof portion to provide a weatherproof seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, George C. Stickles, Duane C. Junkin
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Publication number: 20170072777Abstract: A structure of an end part of a weather strip is for use on a space in which a flange breaks off. The flange is on a door of an automobile. The weather strip is formed by integrally molding a hollow part with an installation base member having a U-shaped cross section. The weather strip has an insert buried therein. The insert has a convex formed thereon. The convex extends in a longitudinal direction of the weather strip. A concave of the installation base member on the end part of the weather strip formed by extrusion molding is fit on the convex, and die molding material integrally connects the end part of the weather strip formed by extrusion molding and the insert.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Toshimichi KAWAGUCHI, Michihiko MATSUMOTO
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Publication number: 20170072778Abstract: A hydraulic hybrid powertrain for a vehicle is disclosed. The powertrain has an internal combustion engine selectively drivingly engaged with an input of a stepped-ratio transmission through a torque converter and through a speed direction changing device. An output of the stepped-ratio transmission is selectively drivingly engaged with a vehicle output. An intermediate gear set is drivingly engaged with the speed direction changing device and drivingly engaged with the input of the stepped-ratio transmission. A hydraulic machine in fluid communication with a hydraulic accumulator assembly, a transmission shaft of the hydraulic machine being drivingly engaged or selectively drivingly engaged with the intermediate gear set for providing energy to the intermediate gear set and for absorbing energy from the intermediate gear set. Also disclosed are methods of operating the hydraulic hybrid powertrain.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: DANA ITALIA SPAInventors: GIULIO ORNELLA, FABRIZIO ZENDRI, LORENZO SERRAO, ETTORE COSOLI
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Publication number: 20170072779Abstract: A series hydraulic hybrid driveline for a vehicle is described. The driveline has a power source, a hydraulic circuit having a first hydraulic displacement unit and a second hydraulic displacement unit, a hydraulic accumulator assembly with high pressure and low pressure hydraulic accumulators, at least one accumulator valve, at least one input device, and a control unit. The first hydraulic displacement unit is drivingly engaged with the power source. The accumulator assembly is selectively fluidly connected to the hydraulic circuit through the accumulator valve. The control unit is configured to compute a total power requested from the power source based on an input command from the input device, compare the computed total power to a threshold power, and control a valve state of the accumulator valve based upon the result of the comparison. A method of controlling the driveline is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: DANA ITALIA SPAInventors: GIULIO ORNELLA, FABRIZIO ZENDRI, ETTORE COSOLI, DONALD REMBOSKI, TIMOTHY MORSCHECK, LORENZO SERRAO
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Publication number: 20170072780Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle having a first axle driven by an internal combustion engine, and a second axle independently driven by an electric device includes determining if the accelerator pedal is disposed in a depressed position or in a non-depressed position, and determining if a brake pedal is disposed in a depressed position or in a non-depressed position. An axle control strategy for controlling energy regeneration of an energy storage device is selected based on the position of the accelerator pedal being in either the depressed position or the non-depressed position, and the position of the brake pedal being in either the depressed position or the non-depressed position. A control signal is communicated to at least one of the first axle or the second axle to implement the selected axle control strategy.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Marsella L. White, Michael G. Petrucci
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Publication number: 20170072781Abstract: A power train system for a hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine; a first motor operating as a motor for driving the vehicle; a first power transmission mechanism connected between the engine and the first motor; a second power transmission mechanism connected between the first motor and a driving shaft of traveling wheels and transmitting engine power transmitted to the first motor or the engine power and power from the first motor to the driving shaft of the traveling wheels; and a second motor connected to the second power transmission mechanism by a fourth power transmission mechanism to transmit power to the second power transmission mechanism and outputting power for driving the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Jun Hoi HUH, Seong Eun PARK, Kwang Min CHOI, Tae Sic PARK
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Publication number: 20170072782Abstract: A transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The transmission provides multiple powerpaths and can be combined with electrical components to provide motor/generator functionality, which reduces the overall size and complexity of the motor and transmission compared to when they are constructed separately. In one embodiment, rotatable components of a continuously variable transmission are coupled separately to an electrical rotor and to an electrical stator so that the rotor and stator rotate simultaneously in opposite directions relative to one another. In other embodiments, an electrical rotor is configured to transfer torque to or from a disc that is in contact with a plurality of speed adjusters, while an electrical stator is configured to transfer torque to a shaft that is operationally coupled to the speed adjusters via an idler.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventor: Donald C. Miller
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Publication number: 20170072783Abstract: An external active air flap apparatus of a vehicle is provided The external active air flap apparatus removes the gap between the air flaps disposed vertically after sealing an air passage of a radiator grill by the air flaps and minimizes the gap between the air flaps and the radiator grill, thereby improving aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. The external active air flap apparatus includes an air flap positioned at a rear of a radiator grill that rotates to open and close an air passage of the radiator grill. Further, a flap fixing mechanism is mounted on the radiator grill and the air flap contracts the air flap with the radiator grill by applying a wind pressure to the air flap operated to seal the air passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventor: Ji Min Jeong
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Publication number: 20170072784Abstract: An active air flap is provided. The active air flap includes a plurality of flaps and an elastic member bonding the plurality of flaps to form a preset angle with respect to each other. The elastic member is insert-molded between the respective flaps and a roller is coupled to the top of the active air flap with a connection member and the active air flap is wound there around by a restoring force of the elastic member. Additionally, a support bracket that rotatably supports the roller through pins protrudes from a plurality of ends of the roller, and has an aperture formed therein and the active air flap is configured to open or close the aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Gil-Sang Yoo, Jeong-Ho Lee, Young-lk Cho
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Publication number: 20170072785Abstract: An air duct for a vehicle is provided. The air duct includes a first duct component that is formed from a rigid material through which air external air is introduced. A second duct component is formed from a pliable material through which introduced air is discharged towards an air filter. The second duct component is formed integrally with the first duct component.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventor: Yoon Geun Cho
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Publication number: 20170072786Abstract: The working vehicle includes an engine installed in a front portion of a traveling machine body, and a post-processing device configured to purify exhaust gas from the engine. The post-processing device is mounted on an upper side of the engine. The engine and the post-processing device are covered with a hood. A hood shield plate is disposed on a rear surface side of the hood and covers at least the post-processing device from a rear surface. A heat insulating layer is formed between an operating seat 8 disposed on a rear side of the hood and the hood shield plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventor: Yoshiaki KUROKAWA
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Publication number: 20170072787Abstract: A valve device for a fuel tank has a housing having a valve chamber which is provided below a partition wall and a ventilation chamber which is provided above the partition wall; a recess having a first opening formed in the bottom section thereof and defining a part of the ventilation chamber; and a fuel vapor discharge opening formed in the inner periphery of the recess. The partition wall has a shelf-like wall section extending from the peripheral edge of a second opening and reaching the inner periphery of the recess. The shelf-like wall section has formed therein a first groove section extending from the second opening side and connecting to the recess. A ceiling wall is disposed above the shelf-like wall section with a gap therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2014Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicants: PIOLAX, INC., YACHIYO INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Kenta MIHARA, Kazunari NAKAYA, Masato SHINOZAKI, Masaru SAWANO
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Publication number: 20170072788Abstract: A fuel shutoff valve is attached to the upper portion of a fuel tank and shuts off the communication between the inside of the fuel tank and a canister by opening and closing a vapor passage for communicating between the fuel tank and the canister. The fuel shutoff valve is configured with a first valve mechanism having a coil disposed on the inner periphery of a cylindrical valve chamber and a movable core, which enables to communicate between the fuel tank and the canister by lowering the level of the movable core, and a second valve mechanism which enables to communicate between the fuel tank and the outside thereof by shifting the level of the valve body which is disposed inside the movable core due to the pressure from the inside of the fuel tank or the outside thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Naoki Ogiwara, Yusuke Sakaguchi, Hiroaki Watanabe
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Publication number: 20170072789Abstract: A fuel-tank filler apparatus includes a fuel-tank filler neck and a filler neck closure. A flapper door is provided to control access to a fuel-conducting passageway formed in the fuel-tank filler neck.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Louis T. Frank, Joshua L. Rude, Paul C. Wetzel, II
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Publication number: 20170072790Abstract: A fuel tank fill apparatus according to the present disclosure is adapted to conduct fuel toward the fuel tank of a vehicle. The fuel tank fill apparatus includes a fuel-tank filler neck for conducting fuel to the fuel tank and a capless closure assembly that couples to the fuel-tank filler neck in such a way so as to be removed for serviceability.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Louis T. Frank, Joshua L. Rude
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Publication number: 20170072791Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system to a vehicle. In some embodiments, the invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system comprising a fuel tank to a vehicle chassis using a bracket, which may be a multi-part bracket, and may be referred to as a “drop and go” bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Todd Sloan, Chris Forsberg
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Publication number: 20170072792Abstract: The present invention provides an electric vehicle including: a plurality of transmission shafts, wherein each transmission shaft is arranged along a lateral direction of the electric vehicle, the plurality of transmission shafts are spaced along the longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle, and each transmission shaft is used for driving wheels which are coaxially arranged and are located at opposite sides of the vehicle; at least two drive motors each of which is in transmission connection with at least one transmission shaft and is used for driving the at least one transmission shaft; wherein, at least one of the at least two drive motors is a single-shaft drive motor which is in transmission connection with only one transmission shaft to drive the only one transmission shaft. In the present invention, since the number of the drive motors is increased, the drive control of any transmission shaft can be realized.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicants: ZHEJIANG GEELY HOLDING GROUP CO., LTD, ZHEJIANG GEELY AUTOMOBILE RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO., LTDInventor: Shufu LI
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Publication number: 20170072793Abstract: A power take off unit includes an output gear having a hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic circuit is an internal hydraulic circuit that is in fluid communication with an internal clutch assembly. The hydraulic circuit includes a flow-restrictive passage that modulates the flow of hydraulic fluid in order to provide a soft start clutch engagement that reduces shock loads associated with loads produced when starting torque is applied to the attached equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: Parker-Hannifin CorporationInventor: James Blalock
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Publication number: 20170072794Abstract: A listing of wireless in-vehicle components installed to a vehicle may be maintained by the vehicle. The listing may include in-vehicle components that are factory-installed to the vehicle as well as add-on in-vehicle components that may be added or removed by a user. A wireless transceiver may scan for changes to the add-on in-vehicle components within the vehicle. A user interface may display a unified interface including both the factory-installed wireless in-vehicle components and the add-on wireless in-vehicle components. A user may review and adjust the configuration of the in-vehicle components of the in-vehicle components using the user interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Pietro Buttolo, Stephen Ronald Tokish, James Stewart Rankin, II, Stuart C. Salter, Gary Steven Strumolo
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Publication number: 20170072795Abstract: A vehicle door is provided with a pressure sensor within a cavity in the door. The pressure sensor is coupled to a processor and is configured to determine the air pressure within the cavity of the door. The vehicle also includes an atmospheric air pressure sensor coupled to the processor. When the door is closed with enough of a force, the air pressure changes within the cavity. During this time, the processor is programmed to receive air-pressure signals from the pressure sensor. The processor recognizes a fault in the pressure sensor if the pressure sensor does not detect a change in air pressure that varies from the atmospheric pressure by more than an expected amount when the door closes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Darren Lee, Roy Joseph Scott
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Publication number: 20170072796Abstract: A clustered instrument panel on a display of a dashboard in a transportation apparatus is disclosed. The clustered instrument panel may be used to combine multiple individual instrument panels, such as the odometer, tachometer, temperature meter, battery meter, navigation screen and any other instrument panels that are traditionally presented separate and independent from other instrument panels. The individual instrument panels may be layered on top of each other to form the clustered instrument panel, with gradual increase in size from the first instrument panel to the nth instrument panel. Information associated with a given instrument panel in the clustered instrument panel may be presented in the gap area between the given instrument panel and the neighbor instrument panel in the clustered instrument panel. In one embodiment, the clustered instrument panel is a triple-circle meter.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventor: Jia-Wei Ding
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Publication number: 20170072797Abstract: A vehicle includes a room mirror provided to be rotatable and providing a display mode, and a memory for storing an image capable of being displayed on the room mirror in the display mode, wherein, when the room mirror is rotated toward a front glass, the room mirror is converted into the display mode and displays the image stored in the memory.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventor: Seok Min OH
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Publication number: 20170072798Abstract: Contextual presentation of notifications within a transportation apparatus is disclosed. Driving information related to the driving of the transportation apparatus may be received. In some examples, the driving information includes speed, traffic, road condition, and/or environment condition information. Based on such driving information, a determination may be made with respect to presentation of a notification within the apparatus. For example, the notification may be determined not to be presented based on the driving information. In some examples, the determination may also include determining a format in which the notification will be presented within the transportation apparatus. In some examples, the format may include font size, color, type, blinking frequency, location on a dashboard screen and/or any other format information for presenting the notification within the transportation apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: Thunder Power Hong Kong Ltd.Inventors: Yong-Syuan Chen, Jen-Chieh Hsiao
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Publication number: 20170072799Abstract: An information display system for a hybrid electric vehicle configured to display one or more reasons an engine is on is provided. The information display system also indicates how close the engine is to turning on due to an engine on reason by displaying a proximity indicator representing a value associated with the engine on reason and a threshold demarcating values which cause the engine to be on.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Ryan J. Skaff, Derek Hartl, Paul Stephen Bryan, Angela L. Watson, David L. Watson
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Publication number: 20170072800Abstract: A display device includes an image display device that includes an image display surface that emits light polarized in one direction and displays an image; and a superimposing display device that includes a transparent light guide plate that is provided overlapping the image display surface, transmits the light emitted from the image display device, and also has grooves constituting a pattern formed thereon, includes a light source that irradiates an end surface of the transparent light guide plate with light, and is switched between display and non-display of the pattern based on lighting and non-lighting of the light source. A polarization direction of the image display device and an extending direction of the grooves intersect at an angle range of 75° to 105°. Accordingly, the display device can ensure proper visibility.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Sunao FUJITA
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Publication number: 20170072801Abstract: A clustered instrument panel on a display of a dashboard in a transportation apparatus is disclosed. The clustered instrument panel may be used to combine multiple individual instrument panels, such as the odometer, tachometer, temperature meter, battery meter, navigation screen and any other instrument panels that are traditionally presented separate and independent from other instrument panels. The individual instrument panels may be layered on top of each other to form the clustered instrument panel, with gradual increase in size from the first instrument panel to the nth instrument panel. Information associated with a given instrument panel in the clustered instrument panel may be presented in the gap area between the given instrument panel and the neighbor instrument panel in the clustered instrument panel. In one embodiment, the clustered instrument panel is a triple-circle meter.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventor: Jia-Wei Ding
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Publication number: 20170072802Abstract: A wrap around bus bar that provides battery power (also referred to as B+ power) to components within a power distribution device for a vehicle electrical system, such as a hybrid-type power distribution box (PDB). The power distribution device routes or distributes power throughout a vehicle electrical system and may include a lower cover, a wrap around bus bar, a relay block assembly, a module with a printed circuit board (PCB), an array of relays and fuses, and an upper cover. Battery power is provided from a vehicle battery and/or alternator to a terminal connection, from the terminal connection to the wrap around bus bar, and from the wrap around bus bar to the relay block assembly, the module and potentially other components within the power distribution device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventor: Akihiro Max Matsumura
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Publication number: 20170072803Abstract: A failure determination apparatus includes an electricity storage, a state sensor, a data accumulator, and a controller. The state sensor is to detect a state of the electricity storage as data. The data accumulator is to accumulate the data acquired by the state sensor as accumulated data. The controller is to determine, based on the accumulated data, whether a failure occurs in at least one of the electricity storage and the state sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Naoko MURAI, Hidehiro TSUBOKURA
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Publication number: 20170072804Abstract: The present invention relates to a smart energy management system for vehicles that are totally electric (1) or electro-hybrid (2), that prioritizes the regeneration of kinetic energy into electric energy, comprised by a main energy control unit (3) with adaptive control to improve the efficiency with subsequent travel on a specific route, embedded energy storage system (4), two-way charger for normal or occasional recharging of the vehicle (5), or for supplying electric energy to an external consumer, with converters for the auxiliary system (6), and remote operation control and servicing capability, use of a device with touch-sensitive screen (57) and with availability of on-board power sockets for recharging personal devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2014Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Paulo Emílio Valadão DE MIRANDA, Edvaldo da Silva CARREIRA
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Publication number: 20170072805Abstract: An apparatus and a method of controlling a motor are provided for reducing vibration of an electric vehicle that maximize regenerative energy by limiting a vibration reduction torque at a maximum regenerative braking torque region of a motor. The method includes comparing a battery state of charge (SOC) with a predetermined SOC when a regenerative braking of the electric vehicle is required and calculating a size of vibration component of the electric vehicle when the battery SOC is less than the predetermined SOC. Further, the size of vibration component is compared with a first predetermined value and a vibration reduction torque of a driving direction is limited when the size of vibration component is less than the first predetermined value.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventor: Woocheol Cho
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Publication number: 20170072806Abstract: A power electronic device includes at least one inductor configured to couple to a first capacitor and a second capacitor. The power electronic device includes a controller configured to control a first current conducting through the inductor and a second current conducting through the inductor. The first and second currents conduct in opposite directions with respect to each other, and the first and second currents interact with each other through the inductor such that a net direct current (DC) component through the inductor is approximately zero.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Pierluigi Tenca, Paolo Soldi, Fabio Carastro
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Publication number: 20170072807Abstract: A charging device for an electric vehicle includes a wireless power receiving device which receives high-frequency AC power in a non-contact state, a wired power receiving device connected to an external power source for low-frequency AC power, a rectifier which rectifies AC power, an electric power converter which is positioned at a rear part of the rectifier, and an power receiving device switching switch which switches electric power in such a way that any of electric power of both electric power receiving devices is outputted to the rectifier. A high-frequency filter, which removes a high-frequency component, is provided between the rectifier and the electric power converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Sadayuki MATSUMOTO, Takuya YABUMOTO, Takayoshi NAGAI, Yoshitaka ONISHI
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Publication number: 20170072808Abstract: The present invention may include a towable trailer being mechanically couplable to a vehicle, the towable trailer including an auxiliary battery housing unit, a wheel being rotatably connected to the towable trailer, an auxiliary battery disposed within the auxiliary battery housing unit of the towable trailer, the vehicle including a storage battery, the auxiliary battery of the towable trailer being electrically couplable with the storage battery of the vehicle via a bidirectional pathway, and a control system configured to control a transfer of electrical energy between the auxiliary battery of the towable trailer and the storage battery of the vehicle along the bidirectional pathway.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Kenneth G. Caldeira, Alistair K. Chan, Daniel B. Cook, William David Duncan, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, John Latham, Stephen H. Salter, Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Thomas Allan Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood
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Publication number: 20170072809Abstract: A charging system for autonomous transport vehicles including at least one charging contact disposed on each pick floor level of a storage and retrieval system, each of the at least one charging contact being located at a transfer station, at least one power supply configured to supply power to the at least one charging contact, and a controller in communication with the transfer station and being configured to communicate information relating to a transfer of items between the transfer station and a predetermined one of the autonomous transport vehicles and to apply power from the power supply to the at least one charging contact for charging the predetermined autonomous transport vehicle corresponding to the transfer and located at the transfer station, wherein the controller is configured to supply power to the charging contacts simultaneously with the predetermined autonomous transport vehicle exchanging items related to the transfer at the transfer station.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Robert Sullivan, Dmitry Vasilyev
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Publication number: 20170072810Abstract: A system and method of managing the operation of a remotely controllable control unit for an appliance in a building during peak power demand hours with an application on a mobile device further in communication with a vehicle having a rechargeable battery capable of providing power to a power grid is disclosed. The application determines a state-of-charge of the rechargeable battery in the vehicle, and determines a location of the vehicle and whether the vehicle is within a threshold distance to the building. The building is preconditioned using the appliance to a preferred state if the vehicle is within the threshold distance to the building. When the vehicle arrives at the building, it is electrically connected to the power grid to provide electricity from the rechargeable battery to the power grid to replace the power used during the preconditioning.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventor: David W. CUN
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Publication number: 20170072811Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring voltage of a battery pack for an electrified vehicle, such as an electric or hybrid vehicle, include a battery having internal circuits that measure pack voltage and individual cell voltages, an electric machine powered by the battery to propel the vehicle via an external circuit that measures the pack voltage, and a processor programmed to publish the pack voltage to a vehicle network based on a first internal circuit voltage in response to a voltage differential among the internal circuits being less than a threshold and based on the individual cell voltages otherwise. The published pack voltage may be used by one or more battery or vehicle controllers to control various battery and vehicle functions including engine starting in a hybrid vehicle and battery charging and discharging, for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Benjamin A. TABATOWSKI-BUSH, Michael Edward LOFTUS, Xu WANG
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Publication number: 20170072812Abstract: Methods, devices, and circuits are disclosed for managing a high energy density battery and a high power density battery during operational modes in an autonomous vehicle. A power input may be provided from a first battery to a power converter element. A first power output may be provided from the power converter element to power to a second battery and the autonomous vehicle during a first operational mode. A control input to the power converter element may be provided to reduce the first power output in response to determining that one or both of a maximum discharge current threshold and a minimum voltage threshold of the first battery have been exceeded. A second power output may be increased from the second battery to power the autonomous vehicle during a second one of the plurality of operational modes in response to the reduction of the first power output.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: William Henry Von Novak, Linda Stacey Irish
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Publication number: 20170072813Abstract: A includes a battery, an electric machine, an electrically powered cooling system, and a controller. The electric machine is configured to charge the battery with current generated from regenerative braking. The electrically powered cooling system is configured to cool the battery. The controller is programmed to, in response to a temperature of the battery being greater than a threshold, direct at least a portion of the current generated from regenerative braking to the cooling system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Douglas Raymond MARTIN, Thomas G. LEONE, Kenneth James MILLER
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Publication number: 20170072814Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a cooling fan of a battery of a vehicle are provided. The apparatus includes a motor controller that drives a cooling fan motor of the battery based on information regarding control conditions of the cooling fan motor, and requests a backup process of a control of the cooling fan motor when an error in CAN communication by a CAN communicator or an error of the vehicle occurs. A backup processor then compensates for an output signal of the cooling fan based on at least one of an air conditioner pressure transducer (APT) output value, a vehicle speed, and a cooled water temperature and transmits the compensated output signal of the cooling fan to the motor controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventor: Mun Soon Kwon
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Publication number: 20170072815Abstract: A system and method for controlling impact reduction of an electric vehicle can reduce the impact generated while releasing a P stage of a shift lever on a sloped road. The method and system utilize a motor as a power source, and the method includes: determining whether a torque applying condition is satisfied when a release of the P stage of the shift lever is required on a sloped road; calculating a torque for impact reduction when the torque applying condition is satisfied; applying the torque for impact reduction and controlling anti-jerk to change; stopping applying the torque for impact reduction when a vehicle speed is greater than or equal to a predetermined speed; and controlling anti-jerk to restore when the release of the P stage of the shift lever is completed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventor: Woocheol Cho
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Publication number: 20170072816Abstract: A method may be performed by a sensor arrangement and a controller. The method may include capturing, by the sensor arrangement, data indicative of anthropometric characteristics of an expected 3rd row passenger prior to the passenger entering a vehicle. The method may also include deploying, by a controller, a 3rd row seat and moving a 2nd row seat prior to the expected 3rd row passenger entering the vehicle to a riding position that is based on the characteristics and 2nd row passenger data. The sensor arrangement may include an optical sensor arrangement such as used in a blind-spot detection system for a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Mark Allan Lippman, Allan Roy Gale, Mangala A. Jayasuriya
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Publication number: 20170072817Abstract: A walk-in seat includes: a lower arm; an upper arm; a reclining mechanism; a shaft, which is rotatably provided to the lower arm; an operating lever, which is rotated with interlocking with the walk-in lever that is rotated by the walk-in operation; a rotation facilitating lever, which causes the shaft and the operating lever to further rotate with interlocking with a forward tilting operation of the upper arm; a stopper lever, which is held in the shaft with a play in a rotation direction and has a stopper portion; an insertion hole, through which the stopper portion being inserted; and a restriction portion, which is provided to the upper arm and abutted against the stopper portion to restrict a forward tilting operation of the upper arm to a predetermined amount.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Nobumasa HIGASHI, Munetomo KUMAMOTO
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Publication number: 20170072818Abstract: A seat reclining device includes a first bracket, a second bracket that is rotatable relative to the first bracket, a cam that is rotatable relative to the first bracket, and pawls moved in a radial direction of the first bracket and engaged with the second bracket by rotation of the cam. The first bracket includes a guide, which guides the pawls in the radial direction, and a restriction portion, which is provided in correspondence with at least one of the pawls and which restricts movement of the corresponding pawl in a circumferential direction. The pawl corresponding to the restriction portion includes a contact portion that contacts the restriction portion when the pawl moves. The contact portion is spaced apart by a gap from the restriction portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Mikihito NAGURA, Atsushi ABAKA
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Publication number: 20170072819Abstract: A child restraint includes a seat-support frame adapted to set on a passenger seat and retained on the passenger seat using an anchor belt. A juvenile seat included in the child restraint is configured to be mounted in a stationary position on the seat-support frame. The anchor belt can be a lap belt associated with the passenger seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Robert S. Anderson, David A. Lehman, Mei-Hui Lin
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Publication number: 20170072820Abstract: A head support system for a child seat that includes: a flat dome-shaped surface; support padding surrounding the flat surface; a series of slats along the flat surface; a head support bar at a top of the dome surface; and levers extending from the head support bar, where the levers are capable of extending around the chin of a child within the car seat. The head support system also includes a series of openings along each lever to provide a means to adjust the length and support of the levers across a child's chin. Three slots are provided along the back surface along the flat surface, where the support system is interchangeable between car seats to provide head support for a child user.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventor: Robert Moore