Patents Issued in March 30, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170088045
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle includes driving the vehicle in a direction of travel along a route. An object detection system of the vehicle senses an object disposed on the route and in the direction of travel of the vehicle. When the vehicle is within a pre-defined distance or travel time of the object, a warning system of the vehicle is automatically engaged by the object detection system to alert the object to the presence of the vehicle as the vehicle approaches the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Bradley M. Bezzina
  • Publication number: 20170088046
    Abstract: A system for reliable detection of an approaching train and warning the roadway workers in proximity of the track is described. The system comprises at least one train detector cone (TDC) deployed along a side of an active railroad track and one or more personnel warning cones (PWC) placed near the work site, the cones configured in a wireless mesh network to provide redundant communication links. Detection of a train by the train detector cone is transmitted to the personnel warning cones which provide audible and visual warnings to nearby roadway workers. The system also includes a remote server for centralized tracking and monitoring of the train detector cones and personnel warning cones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: MILLER FELPAX CORPORATION
    Inventors: JOSEPH M. DENNY, MUHAMMAD MOHSIN NASEER
  • Publication number: 20170088047
    Abstract: A vehicle emergency light beam system for the purpose of coupling to a disabled vehicle in order to warn oncoming motorists with indirect lighting. The rear facing light utilizes a programmable plurality of light fixtures each of which is directed using a light visor extension in a manner that avoids blinding an approaching driver. The device can emit various light colors and modes such as strobe, flashing, or constant light making it versatile in the event of a breakdown no matter what time of day it is. The device may be removably coupleable to a vehicle or alternately integrated into a vehicle's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: Kambiz Parvaresh
  • Publication number: 20170088048
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a gear selection indication for a vehicle that includes receiving an image of a gear shifting region of the vehicle from a vehicle camera system. The system and method also include processing the image of the gear shifting region into processed image data. Additionally, the system and method include determining a currently selected gear of a plurality of gears of a transmission unit of the vehicle based on the processed image data. The system and method further include outputting the currently selected gear of the plurality of gears. Outputting the determined currently selected gear includes at least one of: communicating the currently selected gear to a gear selection indicator that presents the determined currently selected gear, and communicating the currently selected gear to vehicle systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: Jun Iwamoto
  • Publication number: 20170088049
    Abstract: Systems, methods and vehicles for generating cues to drivers of vehicles are disclosed. A system for generating a cue to a driver of a vehicle including at least one processor, at least one memory module communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, at least one stop (S) stored in the at least one memory module and at least one object sensor communicatively coupled to the at least one processor. When executed by the at least one processor, the machine readable instructions cause the cue generating system to detect a presence of an object in front of the vehicle, determine a cue position (Pcue) for generating a cue based on the detected presence of the object and the stop (S), and generate the cue to a driver of the vehicle based on the first position and the cue position (Pcue).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Payne, Vincent E. Roa, Lincoln Morfin
  • Publication number: 20170088050
    Abstract: A following vehicle detection and alarm device comprises a tail camera for shooting an area behind a vehicle of interest at a predetermined frame rate, a frame quantity count unit for counting the number of frames after a following vehicle is shot in a shooting range of the tail camera until the following vehicle reaches a first position behind the vehicle of interest, an alarm instruction output unit for outputting an alarm instruction of notifying the driver of the vehicle of interest that the other vehicle is approaching at a timing set based on the number of frames counted by the frame quantity count unit, and an alarm processing unit for performing a predetermined alarm operation on the driver when the alarm instruction is output by the alarm instruction output unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Ryosuke Tatsumi, Kousuke Mitani, Tetsu Kanamori
  • Publication number: 20170088051
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing haptic effects are disclosed. One disclosed system comprises an actuator, a non-volatile memory configured to store a haptic effect profile, and a processor in communication with the actuator and the non-volatile memory. The processor may be configured to receive a sensor signal indicating a movement of a manipulandum, to identify an effect parameter associated with the sensor signal in the haptic effect profile, and to generate an output signal based, at least in part, on the effect parameter. The generated output signal may be configured to cause the actuator to output a haptic effect associated with the effect parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: Michael D. Levin
  • Publication number: 20170088052
    Abstract: A driving assistance system includes a drive detection component, a presence component, and a notification component. The drive detection component is configured to determine that a vehicle or driver is exiting or preparing to exit a parking location. The presence component is configured to determine, from a drive history database, whether a parking barrier is present in front of or behind the parking location. The notification component is configured to provide an indication that the parking barrier is present to a human driver or an automated driving system of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Venkatapathi Raju Nallapa, Harpreetsingh Banvait, Scott Vincent Myers, Ashley Elizabeth Micks
  • Publication number: 20170088053
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with multiple object-detecting devices, such as cameras and radar devices, that are configured to detect approaching vehicles from the rear. The object-detecting devices sense the relative distance and speed of the approaching vehicles relative to the vehicle. Based on the relative distance and speed, at least one controller is programmed to determine an anticipated collision time, indicating how long it would take for the upcoming vehicles to potentially collide with the vehicle. The controller can be programmed to illuminate a colored display on a rear-view mirror at a location where an approaching vehicle appears on the mirror, and change a color of the colored display based on the relative distance and relative speed of the approaching vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Fernando Mar ORELLANA, Oscar ANAYA, Jose Ramon MOLINA
  • Publication number: 20170088054
    Abstract: A foldable rear-view mirror assembly comprises a base member to be mounted on a motor vehicle, a mirror housing, a motor component, drive means comprising a ring gear assembly engaging the motor component with the base member for rotation of the mirror housing EP-CO-thereto between mirror operative and folded conditions, and a spring element positioned substantially tangential to the ring gear assembly to cooperate therewith such that in a first direction of rotation the mirror housing is allowed to rotate to the base member and in a second reverse direction of rotation the mirror housing is prevented from being rotated relative to the base member, where the spring element resiliently abuts a stop surface formed in the ring gear assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Juan Linares Casals, José Mendoza Vicioso
  • Publication number: 20170088055
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle is presented that includes a full display module and an electro-optic element that includes a first substantially transparent substrate having first and second surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof. The second surface includes a first electrically conductive layer. A second substantially transparent substrate has third and fourth surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof. The third surface includes a second electrically conductive layer. A primary seal is disposed between the first and second substrates. The seal and the first and second substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic medium is disposed in the cavity. The electro-optic medium is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic medium is operable between generally clear and darkened states. A first electrical connection and a second electrical connection are positioned on the same side of the electro-optic element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Cammenga, Joel A. Stray
  • Publication number: 20170088056
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a virtual tag display system. Generally, the virtual tag display system is configured to display one or more virtual tags stored in a memory of the vehicle such that the virtual tag(s) are viewable from outside the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: Rene Javier Padilla Haro
  • Publication number: 20170088057
    Abstract: A cargo cover assembly is provided. That cargo cover assembly includes a cargo area cover and a flipper panel. The flipper panel has a proximal end pivotally connected to the cargo area cover and a distal end carrying a roller for engaging a back of the seat that is located vehicle forward of the cargo area cover. The cargo area cover includes a housing, a cover-retracting mechanism held in the housing and a flexible cover displaceable between extended and retracted positions. One or more storage compartments may be provided in the flipper panel and storage hooks may be adjustably mounted to the housing of the cargo area cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: Leonard Gus Prezecki, II
  • Publication number: 20170088058
    Abstract: A package tray assembly is provided for a motor vehicle. The package tray assembly includes a package tray having a vehicle forward end, a vehicle rearward end and a storage device. The storage device is carried on the underside of the package tray and has an opening oriented toward the vehicle rearward end of the package tray. That opening is easily accessed and is presented to the user when the lift gate is opened and the package tray is pivoted upwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Venkatesh Krishnan, Kathleen M. Parlow
  • Publication number: 20170088059
    Abstract: A storage bin shell for a vehicle includes a main bin portion defining a storage bin having a latch opening and an integrated latch opening close-out member configured to provide a latch opening close-out. The integrated latch opening close-out member includes a hinged portion, which may be a living hinge. The hinged portion further includes a retainer for engaging a co-operating receiver defined in the main bin portion, whereby rotating or folding the hinged portion allows engaging the co-operating receiver by the retainer to define the latch opening close-out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Gregory Paul Thomas, Marie L. Hall
  • Publication number: 20170088060
    Abstract: A vehicle center console assembly includes a main body structure, a lid and a tray. The main body structure defines a storage compartment having a first tray supporting portion. The lid is attached to the main body structure for pivoting from a closed orientation completely covering the storage compartment to an open orientation exposing the storage compartment. The lid has a second tray supporting portion. The tray has a pair of projections that extend from opposite sides of the tray. The tray is movable to each of the following: a first orientation with the pair of projections supported by the first tray supporting portion within the storage compartment, a second orientation with the pair of projections inserted into the second tray supporting portion for movement with the lid, and a third orientation where the tray is completely removed and separated from the center console assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Jessica BUZA, Hsiao-Tung YANG, Thomas MALLY
  • Publication number: 20170088061
    Abstract: A load panel shelf assembly includes a shelf frame, at least one panel, a mounting rail, and a hinge assembly. The shelf frame is composed of a plurality of frame segments. The at least one panel is fitted within the shelf frame to form a shelf surface. The mounting rail is configured to attach to a sidewall of a transport vehicle and includes a shelf support configured to support a portion of the shelf frame. The mounting rail includes a mounting rail receiver and the at least one of the frame segments includes a frame segment receiver. The hinge assembly includes first and second hinge segments which are pivotally connectable by a pivot pin disposed through both the first and second hinge segments. The first hinge segment and the second hinge segment each have a cross-section profile that is configured to fit into the cross-section profiles of the mounting rail receiver and the frame segment receiver, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: GARRY BALTHES, MARY WETZEL, MARC LACOUNTE
  • Publication number: 20170088062
    Abstract: A structure for mounting a rear camera for a vehicle, may include a rear glass in which a mounting hole is perforated; a camera housing in which a camera module is embedded; and a wiper pivot which enters the mounting hole from an internal side of the rear glass, and has an end of an external side coupled with a wiper blade, in which the camera housing is mounted so that the wiper pivot passes through the camera housing, and is fixed between the wiper blade and the rear glass, in a manner that the camera housing is coupled so that the wiper pivot passes through an upper portion of the camera housing, and a camera module is located at a lower portion of the camera housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Yong-Hun LEE, Soo-Kyoung YANG, Yong LEE, Sang-Sul LEE, Tae-Yub KIM, Ju-Yong PARK, Yun-Seok OH, Yong-Woo LEE
  • Publication number: 20170088063
    Abstract: A panel assembly includes a first panel defining a surface, and a boom attenuation panel. The boom attenuation panel includes a circumferential edge, and a central portion. The boom attenuation panel is attached to the surface of the first panel, along the circumferential edge of the boom attenuation panel. The central portion of the boom attenuation panel is spaced from the surface of the first panel a gap distance to form a gas chamber between the surface of the first panel and the central portion of the boom attenuation panel. The gas chamber contains a gas that is moveable within the gas chamber in response to wave-like motion of the first panel. Movement of the gas increases the effective acoustic mass of the boom attenuation panel, and damped the wave-like motion of the first panel, which operates to reduce noise generated from the wave-like motion of the first panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Qijun Zhang, Mark A. Stebbins, Christopher A. Stirlen, Michael E. McGuire, Andrew J. Baines, John E. Howard, Joseph A. Schudt
  • Publication number: 20170088064
    Abstract: A vehicle floor arrangement comprises a vehicle floor as well as a sound insulating arrangement covering at least in part, preferentially entirely, the vehicle floor, wherein the sound insulating arrangement at least in sections, preferentially entirely, comprises a sound insulating component formed at least in sections, preferentially entirely, of a thermoplastically bonded fiber structure that is in part, preferentially entirely porous, as well as a second sound insulating component configured separately from the first sound insulating component, which second insulating component is arranged between the first sound insulating component and the vehicle floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Röchling Automotive SE & Co. KG
    Inventor: Klaus PFAFFELHUBER
  • Publication number: 20170088065
    Abstract: A motor vehicle license plate mounting bracket includes a substantially planar body defining an A surface and an opposite B surface and one or more resilient members disposed on the body B surface. The bracket body further includes a sidewall having one or more resiliency-imparting notches or grooves therein. Fascia assemblies including the license plate mounting bracket are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Swadad A. Carremm, Jayagopal Appukutty, Roy Joseph Scott
  • Publication number: 20170088066
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an interaction method, an interaction apparatus and a vehicle-mounted device. The interaction method comprises: determining a holding position of at least one first hand and a holding pressure of at least one second hand on a steering wheel of a vehicle; and at least according to the holding position of the at least one first hand and the holding pressure of the at least one second hand, determining a target relative position. The embodiments of the present invention provide an interaction solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: Zhengxiang Wang
  • Publication number: 20170088067
    Abstract: A force responsive transducer is disclosed. The force responsive transducer can include a force conductive cover, a pretensioner, and a force sensitive resistor. The pretensioner can be located between the force conductive cover and the force sensitive resistor. An apparatus can include a plurality of force responsive transducers, wherein a first transducer and a second transducer are configured to control a window. Processing circuitry in communication with the force responsive transducers can be configured to repeatedly zero calibrate the force responsive transducers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Jorge Alejandro Esteves, Sean Mehdi Stone
  • Publication number: 20170088068
    Abstract: A power track assembly is provided which may be used with an accessory base (454) therefore. The power track assembly includes a track housing (402) having at least one track (470) with first and second conductors (484, 485). The conductors provide power to the accessory base which may be connected to an accessory (32, 34, 36, 37) requiring power for operation. The accessory base (454) may also be used with power tracks in a roller tube awning assembly (20), a cassette awning assembly (120), or hardware assembly (328).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Brent Alan Taylor, Clayton Hendry Meyers, Kent A. Becker
  • Publication number: 20170088069
    Abstract: A multiply-redundant system that prevents a driver from starting and/or moving a vehicle if a compressed natural gas fill system is not correctly and completely disconnected from the vehicle. One or more sensors in combination with one or more optional microswitches combine to lock-out the vehicle's ignition or otherwise prevent it from starting and/or moving. For different levels of safety, different combinations of sensors can be used with the lowest level having a single proximity sensor sensing the presence or absence of a high-pressure fill hose. The highest level of safety being achieved by having separate proximity sensors on the fuel fill hose fitting, the gas cap cover and a manual safety valve along with a redundant microswitch. An optional override that may be restricted as to the number of times it can be used can allow starting with a faulty sensor in order to allow maintenance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel McNicholas
  • Publication number: 20170088070
    Abstract: A controller for controlling emission of an internal combustion engine, that is configured to: determine an aging parameter(s) of the engine over a period of time; control an operating parameter(s) of the engine, based on the aging parameter(s); and then maintain emissions from the engine at a substantially constant value, based on the controlling. Also method of controlling emissions of an engine comprises: over a time period, determining a change in operating hours of the engine; emissions of the engine; and/or quantity of a fuel being dispensed by a fuel nozzle; controlling an operating parameter(s) of the engine during the time period, based on the determining, thereby maintaining the emissions of the engine substantially at a constant level during the same time period. A system and non-transitory computer readable media for controlling emissions of an engine are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Lavertu, Venu Gummadavelli Gupta, Shishir Tiwari
  • Publication number: 20170088071
    Abstract: A battery management system for a vehicle is provided to prevent an additional discharge of a first battery and improve marketability of the vehicle by controlling an ignition of the vehicle during an over-discharge of the first battery. The battery management system includes a sensing unit that is configured to measure currents and voltages of first and second batteries. A first relay is connected between the first battery and electronic units of the vehicle and a second relay is connected between the second battery and the controller. Additionally, the controller is configured to receive data from the sensing unit to turn off the first relay or turn on the second relay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: Kyung In Min
  • Publication number: 20170088072
    Abstract: A method for power management for a retrofit sensor system for a vehicle, the retrofit sensor system including a sensor module that includes a sensor, an energy storage module, an energy harvester, and a wireless communication module. The method includes: determining a driving state predictive of a driving event; operating the sensor module in a mid-power mode; receiving a trigger; operating the sensor module in a high-power mode; wirelessly transmitting data at the sensor module; and operating the sensor module in a low-power mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Curtis, Saket Vora, Brian Sander, Joseph Fisher, Bryson Gardner, Tyler Mincey, Ryan Du Bois, Rishabh Bhargava, Patrick Carroll, Brian Sutton
  • Publication number: 20170088073
    Abstract: A vehicle body front structure includes a left power unit support section projecting out from a left front side frame toward a vehicle width direction inside, a battery support section that is disposed at a vehicle body front of the left power unit support section, and a battery base that is attached to the battery support section and to the left power unit support section. The battery support section extends toward the vehicle width direction inside in a state coupled to an inside wall and to an upper portion of the left front side frame. A battery is mounted on the battery base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tomoya Takeda
  • Publication number: 20170088074
    Abstract: An impact absorbing device may include a support beam with a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side may be designed to be closer to a passenger compartment of a vehicle than the second side. The support beam may also define a first aperture extending through the support beam from the first side to the second side. The impact absorbing device may also include an energy absorbing member associated with the second side of the support beam, which may defines a second aperture that is substantially aligned with the first aperture of the support beam. The first and second apertures may be configured to provide flow communication through the impact absorbing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Faraday&Future Inc.
    Inventor: Cory D. BORGHI
  • Publication number: 20170088075
    Abstract: A vehicular energy absorption structure includes a hollow tubular energy absorption body made from a fiber reinforced resin, an opposing face (e.g., an attachment plate) that is provided facing an axial direction end portion of the energy absorption body, and against which the energy absorption body is crushed from the axial direction end portion during a vehicle collision, and a guide section (e.g., peripheral wall, ribs) that projects from the opposing face and that is disposed in an interior of the energy absorption body. The guide section includes an abutting section (e.g., abutting walls) that contacts a wall of the energy absorption body from the inner side of the wall during the vehicle collision, the abutting section being separated from the opposing face by an opening in the axial direction of the energy absorption body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki HASHIMOTO, Toshihiro GOTO, Shintaro KITAKATA, Shigenori HASHIDA
  • Publication number: 20170088076
    Abstract: A vehicle front portion structure includes a front side member, a bumper portion, a bumper guard and an up-and-down extension portion. The front side member extends in a vehicle front-and-rear direction. The bumper portion is provided at the vehicle front side of the front side member and extends in the vehicle width direction. The bumper guard is formed in a pipe shape, and is provided at the vehicle upper side of the bumper portion. The up-and-down extension portion extends in a vehicle up-and-down direction. A lower portion of the up-and-down extension portion is joined to the bumper portion and is attached to the front side member via a crush box. An upper portion of the up-and-down extension portion protrudes upward of the bumper portion and is connected to the bumper guard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihide FUJIMOTO, Kenichi HIRAMATSU
  • Publication number: 20170088077
    Abstract: A sensor retaining assembly is provided to prevent changes in orientations of the sensors. The sensor retainer assembly comprises: a bumper reinforcement extending laterally in the vehicle; a frame member of a chassis; a rigid member integrated with the frame member; and a connection member on which sensors are installed while being adjacent to each other. One end of the connection member is fixed to the bumper reinforcement, and the other end of the connection member is fixed to the frame member or the rigid member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuichi KUMAI, Jun SATO, Tomoyuki KURIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20170088078
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection device includes an airbag module, an actuator, and a controller. The airbag module includes an airbag and an inflator that allows the airbag to develop. The actuator attaches the airbag module to a vehicle, to cause a change in relative positional relation between the vehicle and the airbag module. The controller determines a collision mode of the vehicle, on a basis of one or more of input information used in prediction of the collision mode, input information upon a collision of the vehicle, and input information on an internal situation of the vehicle, and controls the relative positional relation between the vehicle and the airbag module. The airbag module allows the airbag to be developed in a state in which the change in the relative positional relation between the vehicle and the airbag module is caused by the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Isamu NAGASAWA, Masaaki Kobayashi, Takeru Shoji, Yoshihiro Kamata, Masaya Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20170088079
    Abstract: A control unit for a restraint system in a vehicle, including an evaluation and control unit and at least one external ignition circuit interface to which a squib for activating the restraint system is connected via a go-line and a return line, the evaluation and control unit cyclically ascertaining, by measuring, an instantaneous ohmic loop resistance of the corresponding ignition circuit and comparing this with at least one stored threshold value. The evaluation and control unit determines an instantaneous temperature in the vehicle interior, close to the time for the measured value detection for ascertaining the ignition circuit loop resistance, the evaluation and control unit carrying out a temperature compensation of the ascertained ignition circuit loop resistance for the go-line and return line of the connected ignition circuit based on the instantaneous temperature in the vehicle interior, the go-line and return line being situated outside the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Hartmut Schumacher, Leonardo Kovacic, Rainer Gschwind-Schilling, Ruediger Karner
  • Publication number: 20170088080
    Abstract: An airbag is inflatable in such a manner as to separate a vehicle-side wall which is deployable towards a vehicle body structure and an occupant-side wall which is deployable towards an occupant for catching the occupant. The airbag is configured to be supported by the vehicle body structure on the vehicle-side wall when catching the occupant with the occupant-side wall. The airbag includes a recessed section on left and right sides of and in a vicinity of the center of the occupant-side wall and a tether that connects the bottom of the recessed section to the vehicle-side wall in order to form the recessed section. Opposing walls of the recessed section press each other in a separable fashion when the airbag is inflated. The tether allows gas communication between a central region of the airbag and a peripheral region of the airbag which surrounds the central region, inside the airbag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Masashi HOTTA, Takashi IIDA, Yuji SATO, Ikuo YAMADA, Mikine HAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20170088081
    Abstract: A knee-protection airbag device includes: an airbag being inflatable when an inflating gas flows thereinto; and a casing receiving the airbag in a folded state, wherein: the casing includes an attachment seat portion attached to an attachment bracket disposed to extend from a body; the casing includes an engagement portion engaging with a target engagement portion formed at the attachment bracket; when the engagement portion engages with the target engagement portion while the suspension portion is suspended on the target suspension portion, the airbag assembly is suppressed from rotating backward and deviating in a horizontal direction; and when the attachment seat portion contacts a rear face of a fixation seat portion, the attachment hole formed at the attachment seat portion matches an attachment hole formed at the fixation seat portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: Takahiro KOJIMA
  • Publication number: 20170088082
    Abstract: In a head protection airbag device equipped with an airbag, a boundary closing portion is disposed between a main inflation portion and an end-side inflation portion of the airbag at the time of completion of inflation so as to partition the main inflation portion and the end-side inflation portion; the boundary closing portion is provided with a distribution port that is configured to allow the inflating gas from the main inflation portion to flow to the end-side inflation portion, between the upper edge and the lower edge of the peripheral portion; and the boundary closing portion is equipped with a vertical closing portion disposed along a substantially vertical direction on the lower side, and an inclined closing portion that extends in an obliquely upward direction of the main inflation portion from the vicinity of the upper end of the vertical closing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Masaaki OKUHARA, Koji KAWAMURA, Yuji SATO, Takuya HIRAIWA
  • Publication number: 20170088083
    Abstract: An occupant protection apparatus is provided with a first airbag device having a window airbag that protects an occupant in a vehicle and a second airbag device having an adjacent airbag that completes inflation to contact the window airbag for which inflation is completed, thereby protecting the occupant. Where the internal pressure of an inflation chamber at the contact site during contact with the adjacent airbag by the window airbag is P1 and the internal pressure of the adjacent airbag is P2, P1<P2 is satisfied. The wrap amount of the inflation chamber with the adjacent airbag is set as a proportion of a calculated value or less of a predetermined numeric expression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Takuya HIRAIWA, Koji KAWAMURA, Yuji SATO, Masaaki OKUHARA
  • Publication number: 20170088084
    Abstract: In a folding completion body of an airbag, the airbag includes: an airbag body configured to be stored on an upper edge of a window on an inboard side of a vehicle; and a plurality of mounting pieces which extend from an upper edge of the airbag body and mount the airbag body to the upper edge of the window, the lower edge of the airbag body in a flatly deployed state is folded to be brought close to the upper edge so as to form a folded body; a folding-collapse preventing member is assembled to the folded body; and the mounting piece with the lug is folded and superimposed to the upper edge of the airbag body in the folded body, and the lug is interposed between the folding-collapse preventing member and a surface of the folded body so as to be fixed to the folded body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Koji KAWAMURA, Masaaki OKUHARA, Yuji SATO, Takuya HIRAIWA
  • Publication number: 20170088085
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection device includes a front airbag and a lateral airbag. The front airbag is provided in a vehicle body and deploys in front of an occupant boarding the vehicle body so that at least a head of the occupant hits against the front airbag. The lateral airbag is provided in the vehicle body so as to deploy at a lateral side of the occupant. The lateral airbag has a protrusion that deploys toward a middle of the vehicle body in a width direction. The protrusion is deployed together with the front airbag so that the head of the occupant hitting against the front airbag is supported from front and lateral sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: Mitsuharu Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20170088086
    Abstract: An airbag system includes an inflator and an airbag in communication with the inflator. The airbag system includes a tether actuator and tethers extending from the tether actuator to the airbag. A controller is programmed to receive signals from an impact sensing system and a steering wheel angle sensor. The controller is programmed to instruct the tether actuator to release at least one of the tethers based at least on the signals from the steering wheel angle sensor and the impact sensing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Raed Essa EL-Jawahri, Jamel E. Belwafa, James Chih Cheng
  • Publication number: 20170088087
    Abstract: Airbag assemblies and vents are disclosed. An airbag assembly includes an airbag cushion and a vent assembly including a vent, one or more sheer tethers, and a peel tether. The sheer tether(s) are configured to be drawn to a taut state by expansion of the airbag cushion to configure the vent in a first venting state. The sheer tether(s) are releasably coupled to the peel tether. The releasable coupling is configured to maintain the sheer tether(s) releasably coupled to the peel tether. The peel tether is configured to transition from a slack state to a taut state as the airbag cushion continues to expand. The peel tether drawn taut produces a peel force transverse to the sheer force. The peel force causes the releasable coupling to release and the peel tether to uncouple from the sheer tether(s), to transition the vent to a second state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: Jeffrey Daniel Williams
  • Publication number: 20170088088
    Abstract: An airbag assembly for a vehicle is provided. The airbag assembly comprises an airbag and an inflator to inflate the airbag when deployed. The airbag comprises one or more tethers. The one or more tethers are coupled to an outer wall of the airbag at a first end of the tethers. The tethers are configured to form one or more pleats in the outer wall of the airbag when the airbag is fully inflated. The one or more tethers are coupled to the outer wall at a location such that the one or more pleats at least partially unfold during an impact between an occupant of the vehicle and the airbag and reduce a tension in a portion of the outer wall of the airbag when inflated and during an initial period of an impact between an occupant of the vehicle and the airbag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Mark MARABLE, Allen Charles BOSIO, Robert William SLEATH
  • Publication number: 20170088089
    Abstract: An airbag main body is stored in a storage portion in a storage form and includes an elongated stacked portion. The stacked portion includes a first stacked section, which forms a lower part, and a second stacked section, which forms a part above the first stacked section and accommodates a gas generator. In the storage form, the first stacked section includes a plurality of bent sections arranged along a flowing direction of inflation gas. Among the bent sections, the bent section that is located at the most downstream position in the inflation gas flowing direction is a downstream bent section. Among the bent sections, at least the downstream bent section is arranged behind the second stacked section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Norio MIZUNO, Yuta OKAYAMA
  • Publication number: 20170088090
    Abstract: An inflator includes an inflator body that produces an inflation gas by burning a gas generating agent and a sensor that is mounted on the inflator body and is capable of detecting a degradation of the gas generating agent. The sensor is preferably composed of at least either one of a gas sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Makoto SATO, Yuji KURIYAMA, Yoshio ONO, Keisuke MORI, Shinichiro FUKI
  • Publication number: 20170088091
    Abstract: A frontal structure for a motor vehicle includes a deployable air dam movable from a stowed position to one or more deployed positions., wherein the. The frontal structure is configured such that when a collision event is detected, predicted or anticipated, the deployable air dam is deployed into a first deployed position in which an edge of the deployable air dam forms the lowest point of the frontal structure and the edge also extends to a point of the frontal structure that is at least as far forward as any other part of the frontal structure of the vehicle in the same vertical plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Maurice Ginn, Thomas Ma
  • Publication number: 20170088092
    Abstract: At a present through anchor, a through-hole is formed in a core metal. Due thereto, at the core metal, there is no metal portion of the core metal at a portion MF that is furthest from an outer peripheral portion of the core metal and a supporting hole and an insert-through hole. Accordingly, because there is no need for a heat treatment such as quenching or the like at the furthest portion MF and a periphery thereof, dispersion in mechanical characteristics at respective regions of the core metal after a heat treatment can be made to be small.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Masanori UKAI, Tomotaka SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20170088093
    Abstract: To provide an energy absorption apparatus, a seatbelt retractor, and a seatbelt apparatus that are capable of changing the energy absorption amount according to increases and decreases in the rotation speed between objects that rotate relative to each other and capable of improving endurance. The energy absorption apparatus includes a first plate connected to one of the objects and having a wave-shaped groove formed in an annular shape, a second plate connected to another one of the objects, disposed so as to be adjacent to the first plate, and having a plurality of radial grooves formed at locations that face the wave-shaped groove, a plurality of driving pins that are inserted, at one end, in the wave-shaped groove and inserted, at another end, in the radial grooves, and a plurality of follower bodies that are housed in the wave-shaped groove or the radial grooves and that slide along the wave-shaped groove as the driving pins move.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: TAKATA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hayato UCHIBORI, Daichi NEMOTO
  • Publication number: 20170088094
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement is disclosed for a safety belt of a rear seat row of a motor vehicle with a cross brace, which extends in the lateral direction. The fastening arrangement includes a tubular cross brace. The cross brace is provided with a mounting flange, on which a belt retractor is fastened and supported. The mounting flange is downwardly offset relative to an upper wall of the cross brace in the vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Klaas HILLMAN