Patents Issued in April 6, 2017
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Publication number: 20170096138Abstract: A controller for an autonomous vehicle receives audio signals from one or more microphones and identifies sounds. The controller further identifies an estimated location of the sound origin and the type of sound, i.e. whether the sound is a vehicle and/or the type of vehicle. The controller analyzes map data and attempts to identify a landmark within a tolerance from the estimated location. If a landmark is found corresponding to the estimated location and type of the sound origin, then the certainty is increased that the source of the sound is at that location and is that type of sound source. Collision avoidance is then performed with respect to the location of the sound origin and its type with the certainty as augmented using the map data. Collision avoidance may include automatically actuating brake, steering, and accelerator actuators in order to avoid the location of the sound origin.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Brielle Reiff, Madeline Jane Schrier, Nithika Sivashankar
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Publication number: 20170096139Abstract: A lane shift indicating system for indicating a potential lane shift of a vehicle supporting at least partly automated steering and vehicle speed control, when the vehicle is travelling along a first driving lane of a road having a second driving lane separated from the first driving lane by one or more lane markings. The lane shift indicating system determines a driving environment of the vehicle at an initial vehicle position, and determines that the driving environment indicates that the vehicle is in a driving situation where a lane shift from the first driving lane to the second driving lane is considered appropriate, and adjusts the steering prior to a potential automated vehicle speed adjustment pertinent the determined driving situation, such that the vehicle continues its travel laterally closer to the one or more lane markings along the first driving lane, as compared to the initial vehicle position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Applicant: VOLVO CAR CORPORATIONInventors: Claus Allan CHRISTENSEN, Christian HEDEGAARD, Thomas BOVE
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Publication number: 20170096140Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system comprising: a first, controller operable to assume an off state or one of one or more on states, in a first on state the first controller being configured to generate a first controller powertrain signal in order to cause a powertrain to develop drive torque and cause a vehicle to operate in accordance with a target speed value, the system being configured to cause the first controller to assume the first on state in dependence at least in part on receipt of a first input signal indicative that the controller is required to assume the first on state and a second signal indicative that a driver is maintaining a driver-operated brake control device in a brake-applied condition, being a condition in which a braking system of a vehicle is caused to apply a brake to one or more wheels.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventor: Jonathan WOODLEY
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Publication number: 20170096141Abstract: A method for preventing damage to a driving system in vehicles may include determining whether a 4-wheel drive vehicle turns based on a steering angle signal, determining, based on an accelerator opening rate signal of the vehicle, whether a maximum torque causing damage to front wheel driveshafts is produced, checking a bump stroke amount of the vehicle and determining whether the front wheel driveshafts are likely to be damaged by a maximum torque transferred to the front wheel driveshafts when the vehicle turns, and lowering, when the front wheel driveshafts are likely to be damaged, a maximum torque of a 4-wheel drive torque applied to the front wheel driveshafts.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Young Deok WON
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Publication number: 20170096142Abstract: A launch control method for a vehicle with a dry-type clutch includes: determining a target engine speed corresponding to an operation amount of an accelerator pedal of the vehicle when vehicle launch is started by operation of the accelerator pedal; calculating a feedforward component which is part of the torque to control the clutch using a rate of change over time of the target engine speed and a current engine torque; calculating a feedback component which is part of the torque to control the clutch based on a difference between the target engine speed and the current engine speed; calculating a compensation torque using a current engine torque and an estimated clutch torque which is estimated to be currently transferred by the clutch; and controlling a clutch actuator to drive the clutch with a sum of the feedforward component, the feedback component, and the compensation torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventor: Jin Sung Kim
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Publication number: 20170096143Abstract: A system that identifies road conditions associated with a road surface is provided. The system includes a first sensor recording a first motion amount related to a head of a rider and at least a second sensor recording at least a second motion amount of a portion of a vehicle. The system also includes a comparison manager determining a severity level based on a comparison between the first motion amount and the second motion amount. Also included is a notification manager providing recommendations to the rider based on the severity level. Additionally, an implementation manager may dynamically implement one or more actions based on the severity level.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Robert Wesley Murrish, Daniel Essindi Behrendt, Rahul Khanna, Dennis Patrick Clark
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Publication number: 20170096144Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one infrared source emitting light at first and second wavelengths corresponding to a water-absorption wavelength and an ice-absorption wavelength respectively. The vehicle further includes a plenoptic camera system configured to detect a backscatter intensity of the first and second wavelengths and generate a depth map that indicates water or ice on a road in response to the backscatter intensity associated with one of the wavelengths being less than a threshold intensity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Larry Dean ELIE, Allan Roy GALE
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Publication number: 20170096145Abstract: A driver assistance apparatus, in which a sensor is configured to measure an alcohol concentration from a driver, and output the measured alcohol concentration. The apparatus includes a processor configured to perform a first drunk-driving test based on a first alcohol concentration received from the sensor before starting the vehicle, and perform a second drunk-driving test based on a second alcohol concentration received from the sensor while the vehicle is operating.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventor: Jungsoo BAHN
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Publication number: 20170096146Abstract: A sobriety ignition interlock system including an engine control device and a method for managing available vehicle engine power using the sobriety ignition interlock system. The engine control device includes an engine control processor (ECP) that is electronically connected in between an engine control unit (ECU), an engine sensor assembly, and a sobriety processor. The sobriety processor determines a sobriety level of a vehicle driver and sends a corresponding sobriety signal to the ECP. The ECP intercepts an engine signal transmitted from the engine sensor assembly to the ECU and manipulates the engine signal according to the sobriety signal, in order to manage the available power of the vehicle engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventor: Daniel Jones
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Publication number: 20170096147Abstract: A system and method for mitigating unintended operation of a vehicle is described herein. The system and method analyze data and/or signals received from sensors to determine when the vehicle is experiencing changes the in the vehicle's direction, dynamic state and/or status. The analysis may be applied to data and/or signals from one or more sensors alone or in combination. Analysis of the data and/or signals may determine that one or more criterion are met and therefore the vehicle may be an identified state. When the vehicle is in an identified state, the system and method may disable, deaden or otherwise modify the response to one or more controls in order to mitigate unintended operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventor: Christopher Hutten-Czapski
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Publication number: 20170096148Abstract: An article transport vehicle includes a travel member capable of traveling along a travel path, a support member located below the travel member for supporting an article, and a connecting member which connects the travel member and the support member to each other. The connecting member includes a travel member side connecting portion connected to the travel member, a support member side connecting portion connected to the support member, and an elastic member which is elastically deformable. The travel member side connecting portion and the support member side connecting portion are connected to each other for relative movement along the vertical direction. An elastic member is interposed between the travel member side connecting portion and the support member side connecting portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventor: Daichi Tomida
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Publication number: 20170096149Abstract: A railcar truck and adapter pad system for placement between a roller bearing and side frame pedestal roof of a three-piece railcar truck. Many different features of the pad and/or the adapter-pad interface are configured to improve stiffness characteristics to satisfy both curving and high speed performance of the railcar truck.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Erik L. Gotlund, Jon R. Jeambey, F. Andrew Nibouar, James A. Pike, Jason C. Bryant, Jonathan A. Stull, William A. Kurtzhals, Roshan N. Manibharathi
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Publication number: 20170096150Abstract: A bogie frame for a rail vehicle that includes two longitudinal supports formed as open and closed hollow profiles, and at least one transverse support, wherein the hollow profile of the longitudinal support is formed by wall elements having a defined thickness, wherein in order to reduce the weight of bogie frames in comparison to conventional bogies frames and to save on production costs, the longitudinal supports, in the region at which the at least one transverse support engages, is respectively provided in a wall element with at least one area having a reduced thickness.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Markus HUBMANN, Radovan SEIFRIED
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Publication number: 20170096151Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a housing device for a magnet body for an electromagnetic rail brake for a rail vehicle. The housing device has a first cable feed-through opening for the feeding through of a first electrical connection cable into the magnet body. The housing device is characterized in that a first axial-extent axis of the first cable feed-through opening is arranged at an acute inclination angle to a main surface of the housing device adjacent to the first cable feed-through opening, wherein the first cable feed-through opening is arranged in the center of the rail brake within a tolerance range.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Applicant: KNORR-BREMSE GESELLSCHAFT MIT BESCHRANKTER HAFTUNGInventors: Marcin WIDLINSKI, Richard RATHAMMER, Volker JOERGL
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Publication number: 20170096152Abstract: A railway monitoring system for detecting degradations, anomalies, changes, and other states of the railway that may indicate an increased probability of derailment, the need for maintenance, or the impedance of railway operation. The railway monitoring system broadly includes a sensor, a data storage component, a data collection and processing component, and a location positioning component. The sensor and other equipment are mounted in a specially designed or modified rail car and cooperatively collect data representative of railway conditions or states and detect changes in the conditions or states by comparing the collected data to previously collected data points.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Applicant: R.J. Corman, Railroad Group, LLCInventors: Keith Warta, Doug Morrison, Chris Cobb, Korey Colyer, Craig King, Mike Wilson
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Publication number: 20170096153Abstract: A regenerative power-amount estimation device according to an embodiment includes a regenerative power-amount estimation model for each brake notch switching configured to include a transient response of an electric brake corresponding to a switching operation of a brake notch for each switching operation of the brake notch in an operation of railway vehicles. A regenerative power-amount estimation part is configured to estimate an expected amount of regenerative power acquired for a brake plan being temporal transition data of the brake notch, based on the regenerative power-amount estimation model for each brake notch switching.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Toru EZAWA, Akihiro ITAKURA, Takahiro NISHIZAWA, Kozo BANNO
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Publication number: 20170096154Abstract: A locomotive control signal generator includes emulation circuitry for emulating at least one operation of at least one locomotive control circuit. The emulation circuitry is programmed or configured to determine or receive user input and based at least partially on the user input, generate at least one control signal for controlling at least one of the following onboard locomotive subsystems: a propulsion system, a train line control system, an air brake system, a dynamic braking system, a head of train (HOT) system, an end of train telemetry (EOT) system, a 4-Aspect cab signaling system, a positive train control (PTC) system, an event recorder system, or any combination thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventor: Ryan Paul Hurst
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Publication number: 20170096155Abstract: A hand truck is convertible to assume an expanded use mode and a flat storage mode. The hand truck includes a rolling base and a base pusher. The rolling base is arranged to support goods and to roll on ground underlying the hand truck. The base pusher is mounted on the rolling base for pivotable movement about a base-pusher pivot axis from an upright hand-truck position to a storage position to rearrange the hand truck between the expanded use mode and the flat storage mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventor: William R Gibson
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Publication number: 20170096156Abstract: A transport device in the form of a cart or cargo hauler is foldable to permit the device to be used in transport applications with narrow or constrained parameters. The device may be loaded or unloaded when folded or unfolded, providing a flexible implementation that improves ease of transport. The device may include one or more wheels or skis depending on a desired application. Handles may be provided that telescope and/or fold to provide a compact folded configuration. The transport device may be folded compactly so as to be carried with a backpack or shoulder harness. The handles may be attached to waist belt or shoulder harness to permit hands-free transport. The device is suitable for use over rough back country terrain or sand.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventor: Michael McAleenan
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Publication number: 20170096157Abstract: A pushcart according to the present disclosure provides a warning on the basis of a first weight at a position outside a region between a shaft of front wheels and a shaft of rear wheels when viewed from the vertical direction and a predetermined weight. For example, the predetermined weight is the weight on a mounting portion located between the shaft of the front wheels and the shaft of the rear wheels when viewed from the vertical direction. When the first weight is larger than the predetermined weight, an informing unit can provide a warning by using a sound, light, and the like and enable a user to recognize that there is a possibility that the pushcart will turn over.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Masayuki KUBO, Yoshitaka Hane
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Publication number: 20170096158Abstract: A collapsible stroller includes a stroller frame, at least one hinge mechanism, a wheel, and a swivel mechanism. The stroller frame is moveable between a deployed position and a collapsed position. The hinge mechanism allows for movement of the stroller frame between the collapsed position and the deployed position. The swivel mechanism connects the wheel to the stroller frame. The swivel mechanism includes a vertical axle, a cam follower, and a cam. The vertical axle connects with the wheel and is rotatable with respect to the stroller frame about a vertical axis. The cam follower is fixed to the vertical axle. The cam includes a sloped cam surface at least partially surrounding the vertical axle. The sloped cam surface contacts the cam follower to move the cam follower along the sloped cam surface, which results in rotation of the vertical axle about the vertical axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Thomas C. Hanson, Tiffany C. Chen, Troy H. Phipps
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Publication number: 20170096159Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle may comprise a steering column jacket with a jacket surface having a retaining segment. The retaining segment may at least partially surround a bearing for rotatably mounting a steering spindle about an axis of rotation. The retaining segment may have at least one tab that secures the bearing in the steering column jacket in a direction of the axis of rotation. The tab may be connected to the retaining segment of the steering column jacket along a bending edge. The bending edge may form a projection angle of at maximum 45° with a projected axis of rotation. The free end of the tab is bent around the bending edge towards the axis of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Applicants: ThyssenKrupp Presta AG, ThyssenKrupp AGInventors: Hansjörg Sulser, Sebastian Forte, Richard Wiebe, Mathias Senn
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Publication number: 20170096160Abstract: A steering shaft 10 is constructed by an input shaft 11, an intermediate shaft 13 connected to the input shaft 11 through a first torsion bar 12 and an output shaft 15 connected to the intermediate shaft 13 through a second torsion bar 14, and around the input shaft 11, there is provided a first resolver 51 for detecting a rotation angle of the input shaft 11 and around the intermediate shaft 13, there is provided a second resolver 52 for detecting a rotation angle of the intermediate shaft 13, and the first and second resolvers 51 and 52 are arranged to constitute a torque sensor TS that detects a steering torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Applicant: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Toshiro YODA, Takuya ISHIHARA
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Publication number: 20170096161Abstract: A steering control apparatus, according to an embodiment, may include: a detecting unit configured to detect the angle of a pinion gear that is positioned in the front wheel, a column torque, and a motor current; a frequency estimating unit configured to estimate a road surface frequency that is generated by the road on which the vehicle travels based on at least one of the angle of the pinion gear, the column torque, or the motor current; a rack force estimating unit configured to estimate a rack force based on at least one of the angle of the pinion gear, the column torque, or the motor current; and a control unit configured to extract road surface information that is contained in the rack force based on the road surface frequency and configured to control a steering apparatus based on the road surface information and the rack force.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventor: Sang Jin KO
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Publication number: 20170096162Abstract: A steering gear having a gearwheel (2), a pinion shaft (3) which meshes with the former and is mounted such that it can be pivoted about a pivot axis which lies transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis (6) of the pinion shaft (3), wherein the pinion shaft (3) is loaded against the gearwheel (2) by means of a spring element which is integrated into a locating bearing (5) for the pinion shaft (3), which locating bearing (5) forms the pivot axis (7), and wherein the pinion shaft (3) is mounted in a floating bearing (8) such that is spaced apart axially from the pivot axis, which floating bearing (8) ensures mobility of the pinion shaft (3) which makes pivoting of the pinion shaft (3) about the pivot axis possible, wherein the floating bearing (8) comprises an outer part and an inner part which is arranged movably in a radial direction with respect to the outer part, is characterized by a stop element (24) which limits the radial mobility of the inner part and can be positioned differently with regard tType: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Dennis Fuechsel, Ekkehard Kneer, Jens Hafermalz, Marco Grau
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Publication number: 20170096163Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus with a good steering feeling that includes a function for getting out from restraint of a lateral flow or a one-sided flow, and enables acquisition of a better effect that a driver's load is reduced in the lateral flow or the one-sided flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Applicant: NSK Ltd.Inventor: Toru SAKAGUCHI
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Publication number: 20170096164Abstract: A humanized steering system for an automated vehicle includes one or more steering-wheels operable to steer a vehicle, an angle-sensor configured to determine a steering-angle of the steering-wheels, a hand-wheel used by an operator of the vehicle to influence the steering-angle and thereby manually steer the vehicle, a steering-actuator operable to influence the steering-angle thereby steer the vehicle when the operator does not manually steer the vehicle, a position-sensor operable to indicate a relative-position an object proximate to the vehicle, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive the steering-angle and the relative-position, determine, using deep-learning techniques, a steering-model based on the steering-angle and the relative-position, and operate the steering-actuator when the operator does not manually steer the vehicle to steer the vehicle in accordance with the steering-model, whereby the vehicle is steered in a manner similar to how the operator manually steers the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Ludong Sun, Michael H. Laur, Jonathan L. Wieskamp, Miao Yan
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Publication number: 20170096165Abstract: The present invention provides a rack assist type electric power steering apparatus that may include: a ball nut configured to be coupled to the outer circumferential side of a rack bar through balls that are coupled to a screw thread formed on the inner circumferential surface; a nut pulley configured to be coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the central portion of the ball nut in the axial direction; and a rotational support member configured to be coupled between the outer circumferential surface of the ball nut and the rack housing while supporting both side ends of the nut pulley.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Jae Hoon BAE, Dae Hee JUNG
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Publication number: 20170096166Abstract: A steering controller for controlling an electric power steering includes a load estimator estimating a road surface load, a pre-correction target determiner determining a pre-correction target steer torque based on the estimated road surface load, a steer angle detector detecting a steer angle, and a target corrector correcting the pre-correction target steer torque based on the steer angle, and the controller determines an assist torque instruction value based on the deviation between the target steer torque and a steer torque, thereby establishing a robust steering feel of an electric power steering system irrespective of the change of the mechanical friction of the power steering system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Motoaki Kataoka, Yosuke Hirate
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Publication number: 20170096167Abstract: A parking guidance apparatus includes: an image obtainer to capture an image around a vehicle; an image processor to generate an around view monitoring (AVM) image by using images obtained through the image obtainer; and a controller. When entering a parking guidance mode, the controller displays a parking position marker near a vehicle within the AVM image, determines a target parking slot using the parking position marker, displays a point marker for setting an initial movement position from which the vehicle may enter the target parking slot, guides movement of the vehicle to the initial movement position using the point marker, and guides the vehicle to enter the target parking slot when the vehicle reaches the initial movement position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Dae Joong YOON, Jin Wook CHOI
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Publication number: 20170096168Abstract: A parking assist system includes a parking slot searcher for searching a parking slot around a vehicle and obtaining parking environment information, a driver sensor for sensing a driver in the vehicle and obtaining driver information, a fellow passenger sensor for sensing a fellow passenger in the vehicle and obtaining fellow passenger information, and a controller for setting a parking complete criterion based on one or more of the parking environment information, the driver information and the fellow passenger information.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Dong Hun YANG, Jin Ho PARK
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Publication number: 20170096169Abstract: Front side frames and respective floor frames form upper horizontal portions, inclined portions, and lower horizontal portions. Each of the upper horizontal portions substantially horizontally extends. Each of the inclined portions is formed so as to extend rearward and so as to be inclined downward from a rear end of the upper horizontal portion. Each of the lower horizontal portions substantially horizontally extends rearward from a rear end of the inclined portion. A horizontal wall-shaped first reinforcing member extends rearward from the upper horizontal portion, and a vertical wall-shaped second reinforcing member extends from a rear end of the first reinforcing member to a bottom of the inclined portion. Front subframe supports that support the subframe are provided under triangular sectional portions formed by the inclined portion, the first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Tomoya Takeda
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Publication number: 20170096170Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vehicle frame structure including a front side member base portion in which a rear end portion of an outer-side side wall portion of a front side connecting portion that is joined to the front side member main body portion, and a front end flange portion of a rear side first connecting portion that is joined to a rocker, are connected by a first curved wall portion. Further, a rear end portion of an inner-side side wall portion of the front side connecting portion, and a front end portion of a rear side second connecting portion that is joined to a tunnel, are connected by a second curved wall portion. A minimum radius curvature at a curve of the first curved wall portion is set to be larger than a minimum radius curvature at a curve of the second curved wall portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Takashi SASAKI
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Publication number: 20170096171Abstract: Motor vehicle hybrid structural part, comprising a main structural part 2 and at least one reinforcement patch the main structural part 2 being embodied as a sheet-metal structural part made of a steel alloy or light metal alloy and the reinforcement patch being made of light metal, which is characterized in that the reinforcement patch is an extruded structural part with at least two wall thicknesses differing from one another in cross section.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Georg FROST, Jochem GREWE, Gero MUELLERS, Christian HANDING
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Publication number: 20170096172Abstract: An electrically driven vehicle comprises: a body frame arranged in a holding compartment formed in front of a passenger compartment; a suspension member fastened to the body frame in the holding compartment through a rear side fastening structure; and a fuel cell stack supported on the suspension member through a rear side mount at a position in front of the rear side fastening structure. When a serious collision occurs, the fuel cell stack moves rearward and strikes the fastening structure whereby the fastening structure breaks and thereby suspension member separates from the body frame and the fuel cell stack moves downward and heads toward the inside of the shelter space between the holding compartment and a road surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hideo NAGAOSA
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Publication number: 20170096173Abstract: An All-Terrain Vehicle with a frame comprising an arcuate shape. In one embodiment, the arcuate shape with an apex is located between a rear axis and a front axis such that there is additional clearance over a typical non arcuate frame or a flat frame for a given ride height. The frame may also provide for additional structural strength. The frame may also include the ability to attach periphery accessories such as an engine cage, a passenger cage, trailing arms, power train and transmission. In other embodiments the arcuate shape may be on a passenger compartment and the arcuate shape may be integrated with a window.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventor: Stephen Kariniemi
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Publication number: 20170096174Abstract: An All-Terrain Vehicle with a frame comprising an arcuate shape or an elevated portion with an apex. In one embodiment, the arcuate shape or elevated portion with an apex is located between a rear axis and a front axis such that there is additional clearance over a typical non arcuate frame or a flat frame for a given ride height. The arcuate shape may be a lateral arcuate shape. The frame may also provide for additional structural strength. The frame may also include the ability to attach periphery accessories such as an engine cage, a passenger cage, trailing arms, power train and transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventor: Stephen Kariniemi
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Publication number: 20170096175Abstract: A method for painting a complex or compound curved three-dimensional surface of a portion of an article. The method comprises providing a paint film; providing sheet metal having opposite major surfaces; laminating the paint film onto a major surface of the sheet metal to form a painted sheet metal laminate comprising a first portion and a second portion; permanently deforming the first portion of the painted sheet metal laminate into a formed portion of the article having a complex or compound curved three-dimensional shape; applying an initial force for securing the second portion of the painted sheet metal laminate during an initial stage of said permanently deforming step; and applying a later force for securing the second portion of the painted sheet metal laminate during a later stage of said permanently deforming step. The later applied force is greater than the initially applied force.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Kent E. Nielsen, Mukesh K. Jain, Mohamed Elnagmi, Moisei Bruhis
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Publication number: 20170096176Abstract: The present invention is, in a first aspect, a two-piece vehicular splash guard assembly including a splash guard body, having at least one slit, and a cover, having at least one tab corresponding to and registerable with the at least one slit. Removably securing the cover about an interior surface of the splash guard body, either before or after painting the splash guard body, ensures that no paint bleeds onto the inside surface of the splash guard body during the manufacturing process. In a second aspect, a method of painting said splash guard assembly is provided in order to create fine paint lines along the edges of the splash guard body. The cover may be attached either prior to or after painting and, thereafter, the combined cover and splash guard body may be attached to a vehicle or, alternatively, the splash guard body alone may be attached to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventor: Bill Iordanou
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Publication number: 20170096177Abstract: A movable platform system for a cargo bed of a pickup truck includes left and right parallel rail assemblies mountable in the bed and left and right platform supports carrying a plurality of roller bearings that engage two surfaces on each rail. A platform suspended from both platform supports is slidable between a forward and rearward position on the rail assemblies. A locking mechanism connected to the platform support allows the platform to be secured in a forward and rearward position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Albert R. Eddings, JR., Pete A. Eddings
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Publication number: 20170096178Abstract: An inflatable panel for use as an inflatable airfoil in aerodynamic fairing assemblies that uses a blower that provides a continuous airflow to the inflated panel to maintain it in the deployed position. The inflatable panel is constructed from sheets of PVC vinyl that are cut, assembled and sewn together. The sewn seams act as an air vent that allow air to bleed from the panel, thereby eliminate the need for a separate air vent to bleed off the continuous airflow from the blower. The inflatable panel includes a blower port with an internal vent end designed to prevent the port from becoming obstructed by the body of the panel collapsing on itself as the panel deflates. The inflatable panel also includes a retraction unit oriented so that the internal cable not only retracts the deflating panel uniformly into the panel housing but also laterally urges the panel slightly in one direction to ensure that the deflating panel does not splay outward creating a road hazard.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventor: Billy Russell Wall, II
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Publication number: 20170096179Abstract: The panel housing for an aerodynamic fairing assembly using inflatable panels that deploy from the panel housing where the panel housing uses “shaft-less” spring hinges to pivotally connect a pair of gates that partially enclose the deflated panels within the panel housing. The spring hinges are constructed from a wire rod of spring steel bent to a pair of axially aligned spring coils, a central U-shaped neck that bolts to the gate and a pair of end arms that bolt to the end plate of the panel housing. The spring hinges functions as both a hinge mechanism and a torsion spring to normally bias the gate towards its closed orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventor: Billy Russell Wall, II
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Publication number: 20170096180Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine generating exhaust gas flow and a vehicle body having a first body end facing oncoming ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion and an opposite second body end. A vehicle underbody section spans a distance between the first and second body ends. A diffuser disposed at the second body end controls an underbody airflow portion past the second body end. An exhaust duct discharges the exhaust gas via a duct outlet arranged between the underbody section and the diffuser. A first diffuser aperture aligns with the duct outlet for discharging the exhaust gas from the outlet to the ambient. A second diffuser aperture pulls at least a fraction of the underbody airflow over the duct outlet and through the first aperture. The first and second apertures accelerate the pulled underbody airflow to increase a downforce on the vehicle body at the second body end.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: David Dominguez, Jason D. Fahland, Joshua R. Auden
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Publication number: 20170096181Abstract: A track unit for ground work vehicle, which comprises a structure for supporting a driving wheel that transmits motion to a ground resting track; the track unit is designed to be mounted as an alternative to a wheel at the end of at least one axle of the work vehicle that is provided with a motor drive unit designed with such characteristics as to give the machine correct values of the transmission ratio, i.e., of the travel speed in the configuration in which wheels are mounted at the ends of the axle; the track unit further comprises a speed-increasing gear system interposed between a hub, designed to be connected to a flange of the axle of the work vehicle, and the driving wheel that moves the track.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Applicant: CAMSO MANUFACTURING ITALY S.R.L.Inventors: Riccardo CANOSSA, Giuseppe TRATTA
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Publication number: 20170096182Abstract: A drive sprocket for driving a track of a tracked vehicle is provided. The drive sprocket includes an interior ring, an exterior ring, and an intermediate ring situated between the interior ring and the exterior ring. The interior ring, exterior ring, and intermediate ring are oriented in a substantially spaced-apart manner, each of the rings have an outer peripheral surface. A plurality of rods is attached to the rings adjacent to the outer peripheral surface thereof. The interior, exterior, and intermediate rings have a substantially “U” or “J” shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Jimmy N. Eavenson, Peter Joseph Buchanan
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Publication number: 20170096183Abstract: A bicycle stabilizer device includes a first post attached to a handlebar stem of a bicycle and a second post attached to upper frame portion of the bicycle; and a stabilizer bar configured to be reversibly connected between the first and second posts. Stabilizing a bicycle includes providing a stabilizer bar comprising a front portion end and a rear portion, attaching the second end to an upper portion of a bicycle frame. A post is disposed along a handlebar stem of the bicycle. The first end of the bar is reversibly connected to the post, the reversibly connecting stabilizing a front wheel of the bicycle to remain in a forward position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventor: Jeffrey M. Bales
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Publication number: 20170096184Abstract: An electrical seatpost assembly comprises a first cylinder, a second cylinder, a positioning structure, an electrical actuator, and a power supply. The second cylinder is telescopically received in the first cylinder. The positioning structure is to adjustably position the second cylinder relative to the first cylinder in a telescopic direction. The electrical actuator is to actuate the positioning structure in accordance with an electrical signal. The power supply is to supply electrical power to the electrical actuator. The power supply and the electrical actuator are disposed in one of the first cylinder and the second cylinder to at least partly overlap with each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the telescopic direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Applicant: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Nobukatsu HARA, Toyoto SHIRAI
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Publication number: 20170096185Abstract: An electrical seatpost assembly comprises a first cylinder, a second cylinder, a guide member, a positioning structure, an electrical actuator, and an electrical device. The guide member is disposed between the first cylinder and the second cylinder to slidably guide the second cylinder with respect to the first cylinder. The positioning structure is to adjustably position the second cylinder relative to the first cylinder in a telescopic direction. The electrical actuator is to actuate the positioning structure in accordance with an electrical signal. The electrical device is mounted to the first cylinder. An upper end of the electrical device is disposed above a lower end of the guide member in the telescopic direction in a mounting state where the first cylinder is mounted to a bicycle frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Applicant: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Nobukatsu HARA, Toyoto SHIRAI, Yuta KUROKAWA
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Publication number: 20170096186Abstract: A height adjustment device for a bicycle saddle is provided and essentially includes a hydraulic cylinder, an adjustment disk, and a driving mechanism. An annular guiding groove is disposed on the adjustment disk and has a bottom whose height decreases from one end of the annular guiding groove to the other end of the annular guiding groove. When the adjustment disk is being driven by a motor, the annular guiding groove enables a relief valve of the hydraulic cylinder to turn on and turn off according to the level of the accumulated pressure, so as to fine-tune saddle height.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventor: SHANG-HUA LAI
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Publication number: 20170096187Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods of converting a bicycle frame from a mechanical gear-shifting configuration to an electronic gear-shifting configuration and vice versa. In a representative embodiment, a method of converting a bicycle frame from a mechanical gear-shifting configuration to an electronic gear-shifting configuration comprises removing a mechanical cable extending between a mechanical gear-shift actuator and a mechanical gear shifter via a cable stop of a removable bracket member secured to a down tube member of the bicycle frame, and removing the removable bracket member from the down tube member of the bicycle frame. The method further comprises mounting an electronically-actuated gear shifter to the bicycle frame in electrical communication with an electronic gear-shift actuator such that actuation of the electronic gear-shift actuator causes the electronically-actuated gear shifter to shift gears.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventor: David Rosen