Patents Issued in April 11, 2017
  • Patent number: 9616819
    Abstract: A vehicle article carrier is disclosed for use on a vehicle having a roof, where the roof has a pair of parallel extending ditch rails forming elongated recesses in the roof. The vehicle article carrier may incorporate a pair of tracks configured to rest within the ditch rails and to be fixedly secured within the ditch rails. A pair of cross bars may be removably securable to the tracks. Each cross bar may further be configured with a cross sectional shape to rest at least partially within an associated one of the ditch rails when placed in a stowed configuration. Each cross bar may further be securable to the tracks so as to extend perpendicularly between the tracks and above the roof when placed in an operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerard J. Kmita
  • Patent number: 9616820
    Abstract: A storage container removably securable to a hitch receiver of a vehicle. The storage container includes a bottom end, sidewalls, and an open upper end, defining an interior volume in which items can be stored. A lid is pivotally secured to the open upper end of the container by a hinge. The lid includes locking latches for securing the lid in a closed configuration. The storage container further includes a step on a lower end thereof that provides users with easy access to the bed of a pick-up truck when the storage container is secured to a pick-up truck. The storage container may further include one or more handles thereon. The storage container includes a pair of light assemblies that can be electrically connected to a vehicle's electrical system. The storage container further includes a hitch assembly for securing the storage container to the hitch receiver of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Patrick Raley
  • Patent number: 9616821
    Abstract: The subject matter discloses an apparatus for securing a mobile device to a steering wheel, comprising: a main flap connected to a rear surface of the mobile device, said main flap is made of a rigid material; a holder attached to the main flap, said holder secures the mobile device to the main flap; an elliptic unit extending from the main flap and surrounding the steering wheel. The apparatus may be part of a kit that also comprises a second holder attached to the rear surface of the mobile device, said second holder is in contact with the first holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: David Elharar
  • Patent number: 9616822
    Abstract: A mobile device attachment for a golf cart is provided. The mobile device attachment includes a plate and a mobile device mount. The plate includes an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A ridge is protruding from the upper surface near the first end. The ridge is sized to fit within a clip of a golf cart steering wheel. The plate further includes a first connector disposed near the second end. The mobile device mount includes a base having a second connector releasably securable by magnetic attraction to the first connector. The mobile device mount may further include a pair of jaws that releasably secures a mobile device therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventors: Leslie Ronald Hamilton, John Robert Carr
  • Patent number: 9616823
    Abstract: A badge is provided herein. The badge includes a housing defining a viewable portion having indicia. A first set of light sources is configured to emit light toward the viewable portion. A light guide extends between the viewable portion and the first set of light sources. A decorative layer and a diffusive layer are disposed between an upper surface of the light guide and viewable portion. A second set of light sources is configured to emit light toward the viewable portion. The first set of light sources illuminates a first region of the viewable portion and the second set of light sources illuminates a second region of the viewable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Michael A. Musleh
  • Patent number: 9616824
    Abstract: A dash silencer has a lamination structure of a first layer, an intermediate layer, and a second layer. The intermediate layer is formed as a non-air permeable thin-membrane layer. The second layer is formed as a perforated layer having a plurality of opening portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HOWA TEXTILE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinobu Fushiki, Takahiro Asai, Junichi Sato
  • Patent number: 9616825
    Abstract: A wire harness includes one or more conductive paths, and a conductive path protection member that covers the conductive path. The conductive path protection member is formed into a cylindrical shape by spirally winding a metal wire material and portions of the metal wire material positioned to be adjacent to each other contact with each other at side end faces opposed to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eiichi Toyama, Shigemi Hashizawa
  • Patent number: 9616826
    Abstract: Tubes are connected to each other by a tube connecting part such that a distance between respective ends of the tubes is an optional distance or such that the ends of the tubes abut each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichi Inao, Hideomi Adachi, Takeshi Ogue, Tatsuya Oga, Masaaki Suguro, Yoshiaki Ozaki, Hiroyuki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9616827
    Abstract: A wire harness includes a plurality of electrical pathways or a plurality of circuits of electrical pathways, and an exterior member into which the electrical pathways are inserted and which protects the electrical pathways. The exterior member is formed by being resin molded into a single pipe-like shape, and has at least one of irregular portions in a pipe axial direction. The irregular portion has a first irregular pipe pan, a second irregular pipe part which is different in shape from the first irregular pipe part and a shape converting part which links the first irregular pipe part and the second irregular pipe part. The shape converting part is formed as a part which extends a predetermined length in the pipe axial direction to straightly wire the wire harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Oga, Hideomi Adachi
  • Patent number: 9616828
    Abstract: A system for providing security to an in-vehicle communication network, the system comprising: a data monitoring and processing hub; and at least one module configured to monitor messages in communication traffic propagating in a vehicle's in-vehicle network, the network having a bus and at least one node connected to the bus, the module comprising: a communication interface configured to support communication with the hub; a memory having software comprising data characterizing messages that the at least one node transmits and receives during normal operation of the node; at least one communication port via which the module receives and transmits messages configured to be connected to a portion of the in-vehicle network; a processor that processes messages received via the port from the portion of the in-vehicle network responsive to the software in the memory to: identify an anomalous message in the received messages indicative of exposure of the in-vehicle network to damage from a cyber attack; determine a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Argus Cyber Security Ltd.
    Inventors: Ofer Ben Noon, Yaron Galula, Oron Lavi
  • Patent number: 9616829
    Abstract: An electrical center for distributing electrical power to an electrical system of a vehicle is provided. A housing of the electrical center includes a shroud that protrudes outward from a sidewall of the housing. A fuse assembly which is configured to fit into the housing includes a tab that protrudes outward from the sidewall. A sleeve is configured to engage the shroud and the tab such that a receptacle for a connector of the electrical system is formed on the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Stern, William J. Mosby, Theodore J. Borowicz
  • Patent number: 9616830
    Abstract: A transfer device for energy in a motor vehicle is designed for connection to a first vehicle electrical distribution system and a second vehicle electrical distribution system, which each comprise an associated energy store. In this case, the transfer device comprises a first sampling device for determining that the two energy stores have been filled sufficiently, a second sampling device for detecting an energy withdrawal from one of the vehicle electrical distribution systems, and a DC-to-DC converter for transferring energy between the vehicle electrical distribution systems. In addition, a control device is provided which is designed, in an automatic mode to control a transfer of energy from one of the vehicle electrical distribution systems into the other vehicle electrical distribution system on the basis of the signals of the sampling devices when energy is withdrawn from the other vehicle electrical distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: DR. ING. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Heinz Rebholz, Steffen Kehl
  • Patent number: 9616831
    Abstract: A bumper assembly includes a bumper upper member that is reinforced in a vehicle vertical direction against a bumper energy absorber structure. The bumper upper member includes a vertical rigidity flange that extends outwardly toward the bumper energy absorber that limits movement of the bumper upper member in response to a downward vertical force, which can improve static subjective rigidity, while maintaining pedestrian performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott L. Frederick, Manpreet Singh, Matthew A. Jansma
  • Patent number: 9616832
    Abstract: One bumper system for a vehicle includes a bumper bracket and a deformation element connected to the bumper bracket. The bumper bracket is composed of a metallic workpiece with an undulating form such that the bumper bracket has at least one undulation trough and at least two undulation peaks, and reinforcement zones are formed in regions of the undulation trough. Another bumper system for a vehicle includes a bumper bracket and a deformation element connected to the bumper bracket. The bumper bracket has an undulating form such that the bumper bracket has a plurality of undulation troughs and a plurality of undulation peaks, and reinforcement zones are formed in each undulation trough. In each system, a second deformation element may be connected to the bumper bracket, and at least one characteristic of the reinforcement zones may increase or decrease between the deformation elements and a middle of the bumper bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP STEEL EUROPE AG
    Inventors: Rolf Peter Röttger, Martin Kibben, Markus Zörnack
  • Patent number: 9616833
    Abstract: A crash box for a vehicle may include a front connection portion that is connected to both ends of a back beam of the vehicle, a rear connection portion that is connected to a side member of the vehicle, an intermediate connection portion for connecting the front connection portion and the rear connection portion, which is formed as a hollow box shape and through which a cut cross-section of a heptangular shape is formed in a vehicle width direction, and a plurality of reinforcement ribs formed at an inner space of the intermediate connection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventors: Jeong Ho Lee, Seung Mok Lee, Hyun Gyung Kim, Nam Cheol Kim, Dong Eun Cha
  • Patent number: 9616834
    Abstract: An apparatus for preserving spacing around a vehicle includes a load bearing member and a controller. The load bearing member has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. At least the first end portion of the load bearing member is movable to a predetermined position within a range that includes a fully retracted position and a fully extended position. The controller is configured to cause, for a parking operation, the first end portion of the load bearing member to be moved to the predetermined position based on a received instruction indicative of a preset parking scenario stored in a memory. For the parking operation, the predetermined position is one of a first preset position stored in the memory for a first parking scenario or a second preset position stored in the memory for a second parking scenario different from the first parking scenario.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventors: Jared Wilkof, John Kazeva
  • Patent number: 9616835
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted emergency report device having a function of transmitting an emergency report signal to a center device via a communication network when a vehicle has been determined to collide, includes a backup battery supplying an operating power when electric power supplied from a vehicle battery decreases, and a voltage detection unit detecting a voltage of the backup battery. Also, the vehicle-mounted emergency report device has a first determination unit determining whether the voltage detected is lower than a battery exhaustion warning threshold, a second determination unit determining whether a second order differential coefficient calculated by differentiating a battery voltage function twice by time is negative, and a warning unit refraining from warning when the voltage detected is lower than the threshold and the coefficient is not negative, and warning when the coefficient is negative. Thus, decrease of a discharge performance of the backup battery can be detected accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hidetaka Koya
  • Patent number: 9616836
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a sensor that outputs an impact signal and a processing device that is programmed to calculate an acceleration envelope from the impact signal, determine a number of times the impact signal crosses a predetermined threshold, and determine whether the impact signal represents a pedestrian impact. Whether the impact is a pedestrian impact is based at least in part on the acceleration envelope and the number of times the impact signal crosses the predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jialiang Le, Hubert Szawarski, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Yeruva Satya Reddy
  • Patent number: 9616837
    Abstract: A roll bar assembly includes an upper portion which is movably mounted at least indirectly to a vehicle frame. The upper portion is able to be secured in a raised position and is also able to fold forward to a folded-forward position for shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian Lee Nebel
  • Patent number: 9616838
    Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag module (10) for being arranged on an instrument panel (5) comprising a fastening portion (22) provided for being arranged on the instrument panel (5), an inflator (16), an airbag (12), a receiving portion (26) for the airbag (12) extending from the inflator (16) to the fastening portion (22) and a retaining portion (24) which is accessible from outside of the receiving portion (26) and serves for retaining the inflator (16). The invention also relates to a subassembly comprising an instrument panel (5) and an airbag module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the fastening portion (22) of the airbag module (10) being connected to the instrument panel (5) and a retainer (28) formed separately from the airbag module (10) being provided which is connected to the retaining portion (24) of the airbag module (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Juergen Schmid
  • Patent number: 9616839
    Abstract: A seat cushion airbag system includes an inflatable airbag with a boundary that bounds an inflatable area, the boundary positioned with respect to an H-point of an occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Emily Ann Khouphongsy
  • Patent number: 9616840
    Abstract: Curtain side airbag (CSA) systems are presented. The CSA systems can include a folded curtain configured to be inflated upon detection of an activation event. CSA systems can further include one or more components to protect the folded curtain, such as a sock and a protector. Windows can be defined in the sock and/or protector to allow inspection of a stored curtain airbag. In some arrangements, the protector window and the sock window can be substantially aligned to allow inspection access to at least one curtain feature through the substantially aligned protector window and sock window. Curtain features can include fold configurations of the curtain airbag or other visual or physical markings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Nora Arellano
  • Patent number: 9616841
    Abstract: A side airbag device includes an airbag which includes a first base fabric and a second base fabric constituting an inflatable envelope, and in the event of a lateral collision of a vehicle, the airbag is deployed between an occupant and a door. The airbag further includes a partition fabric between the first base fabric and the second base fabric. The partition fabric partitions the inflatable envelope into a first inflatable compartment corresponding to a shoulder of the occupant, and a second inflatable compartment. The partition fabric is provided with a valve mechanism which opens to connect the first inflatable compartment and the second inflatable compartment when the first inflatable compartment is fully inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takaaki Futai, Naoki Fujisawa, Shinya Nakamura, Hiroyuki Suzuki, Toshihide Nishimura
  • Patent number: 9616842
    Abstract: A vehicle hood structure including a hood outer panel and a hood inner panel, wherein the hood inner panel is made from a resin, is disposed at a hood lower side of the hood outer panel, is joined to the hood outer panel, and includes a general portion, plural ribs and a weakened portion, wherein: the general portion has a general face that faces the hood outer panel, the plural ribs project out from the general portion toward the hood outer panel side and extend along the general face, and are set at intervals in either a hood width direction or a hood front-rear direction, and the weakened portion is formed at the ribs and extends along an extension direction of the ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUHSIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koki Ikeda, Taichi Minei, Tatsuya Ayukawa
  • Patent number: 9616843
    Abstract: The embodiment described and claimed herein are improved barrier-type wheelchair securement systems. In particular, one embodiment of a barrier includes an integral shoulder belt assembly, two integral wheelchair restraint assemblies, and two integral lap belt assemblies. The wheelchair restraint and lap belt assemblies comprise retractors which can be mounted external or internal to the barrier. The integral shoulder belt assembly could be connected to a vertical telescoping member which is movable from a first position, wherein the telescoping member is housed inside of the barrier, to a second position, wherein the shoulder belt assembly is disposed at a proper height for a wheelchair passenger. Alternatively, the shoulder belt assembly could be rigidly mounted to the barrier in a fixed position, or could be adjustable to accommodate passengers of varying size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Valeda Company LLC
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Girardin, Eric Girardin, Joe Esteireiro
  • Patent number: 9616844
    Abstract: A seat belt assembly for a vehicle may be arranged to facilitate installation of a seat belt while improving the operation and feel during use. The vehicle may have a pair of left and right occupant seats on a vehicle body frame. A pair of left and right standing frames may be disposed on the outside of the seats, and the upper end parts of the pair of standing frames may be connected by a cross frame. A winding device of the belt may be supported on the frame so as to be positioned in back of the seat. A through-anchor into which the belt may be inserted may be supported on the upper part of the standing frame. Guide ribs may be provided on a back surface of the seat between the winding device and the through-anchor so as to guide the movement of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Karube, Takeshi Kamiyama, Makoto Hotozuka
  • Patent number: 9616845
    Abstract: A webbing take-up device is obtained capable of suppressing slight axial direction movement of a gear configuring a mechanism to release overload. A large gear portion of a two-step gear configuring an overload release mechanism of the webbing take-up device is sandwiched between a small gear portion end face of a small gear portion and a bottom portion of a rotor. This thereby enables rattling which is slight axial direction movement of the large gear portion to be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Atsushi Tatsuma, Takuhiro Saito, Yoshimichi Kaneko, Yuya Nagata
  • Patent number: 9616846
    Abstract: The invention relates to a belt retractor for a seat belt having a belt reel for winding up and unwinding the seat belt and a torsion bar which is arranged outside the belt reel and is connected at one bar end to a switchable fixing device. The switchable fixing device keeps the bar end rotationally fixed in one state and permits rotation of the bar end in another state. The switchable fixing device has a displaceable piston which, with a piston portion, in a locking position, can secure the bar end against rotation and, in a release position displaced in relation to the locking position, releases the bar end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: TAKATA AG
    Inventors: Oliver Gloeckler, Wolfgang Schrade, Peter Linde, Uwe Eisemann, Armin Toth
  • Patent number: 9616847
    Abstract: An ON/OFF detecting buckle switch includes: a case in a housing shape; a substrate fixing member equipped in an inner side face of the case; a slider insertion port equipped in an upper face of the case; a support portion equipped in an inner side face of the case; a first fixed terminal folded stepwise in a longitudinal direction of a strip shape to circumvent the substrate fixing member, having one end provided with a notched portion and the other end fixed to the inner side face of the case; a first movable terminal in a strip shape having one area fixed to the support portion; a slider provided with a terminal press portion that projects inside the case penetrating through the slider insertion port and the notched portion, and when pressed down, presses down an end of the first movable terminal; and a spring that biases the slider upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HOSIDEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenjiro Desaki, Hirofumi Koizumi, Takashi Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 9616848
    Abstract: A locking assembly for a vehicle steering column includes a shaft. Also included is a slip ring having a plurality of apertures defined by a plurality of aperture walls, each of the aperture walls having a corner, the slip ring surrounding at least a portion of the shaft. Further included is a lock sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the slip ring, at least one of the corners of the plurality of aperture walls frictionally engaging one of an outer surface of the shaft and an inner surface of the lock sleeve to establish a fixed interface on a first side of the slip ring, the slip ring having a second side that establishes a slip interface with one of the shaft and the lock sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jacob Allen Caverly
  • Patent number: 9616849
    Abstract: A system for providing driving insurance for an individual driver may comprise at least one subsystem implemented on one or more computing systems configured for electronically calculating a risk of insuring a driver for liability arising from a vehicle accident regardless of any specific vehicle driven by the driver during the accident, at least one subsystem implemented on one or more computing systems configured for electronically and automatically calculating an insurance premium rate based on the previously calculated risk, and at least one subsystem implemented on one or more computing systems configured for electronically preparing an insurance policy according to the calculated premium rate wherein the insurance policy provides liability vehicle insurance covering the driver regardless of any specific vehicle driven by the driver during an accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association
    Inventors: Robert Lance Tucker, Bradly Jay Billman
  • Patent number: 9616850
    Abstract: Vehicle cab windscreen air distribution system for a windscreen (1) provided with an external windscreen wiper (5) and a windscreen wiper motor (2a) mounted on the inside of the windscreen. The distribution system comprises an air distribution housing (3) which at least partially surrounds the wiper motor (2, 2a), the housing defining a passage (3a) for the supply of air onto the windscreen (1a) in the vicinity of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: AGCO International GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Geiss, Alexander Zeller, Andreas Stieglitz, Patrick Hoerting
  • Patent number: 9616851
    Abstract: A method for recognizing directional structures on a window pane of a vehicle is described. The method includes carrying out an assessment of image points of an image of the window pane, which image points are disposed along an evaluation path, a course of the evaluation path being dependent on an expected orientation of the directional structures on the window pane. The method further includes recognizing a directional structure based on the assessment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Jad Halimeh, Michael Huelsen, Roland Schmid, Werner Uhler, Annette Frederiksen, Stephan Simon
  • Patent number: 9616852
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a light source configured to emit light onto a glass; an image-capturing unit configured to capture light from an image-capturing region including reflection light of the emitted light from the glass; an object detection filter used to detect an object attached to the glass, light from a portion of the image-capturing region entering the object detection filter; an exposure control unit configured to determine a first exposure amount used in image capturing for a first region where the object detection filter does not exist and a second exposure amount used in image capturing for a second region where the object detection filter exists; and an image analysis unit configured to analyze a captured image obtained by the image-capturing unit. The image-capturing unit switches an exposure amount used in an image-capturing process for the image-capturing region between the first exposure amount and the second exposure amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Ryosuke Kasahara, Hideaki Hirai
  • Patent number: 9616853
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wiping device, in particular a wiping device for a motor vehicle pane, comprising a retaining unit (10a-10e) that has a retaining element (12a-12e) with a longitudinal guide channel (14a-14e) for guiding a spring element (16a-16e), and comprising a spoiler unit (22a-22e). According to the invention, the wiping device has at least one undercut (18a-18e, 20a-20e) that is provided in order to interlockingly connect the spoiler unit (22a-22e) to the retaining element (12a-12e) in a wiping direction (24a-24e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Koen Bex, Helmut Depondt, Dirk Herinckx
  • Patent number: 9616854
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting a wiper blade to a wiper arm includes an adaptor adapted to be mounted to the wiper blade, the adaptor including a base wall and a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from the base wall, and a plurality of hinge pins extending outwardly from the side walls, and a coupler for connection to the wiper arm, the coupler including a base wall, a plurality of side walls depending from the base wall, and a plurality of openings extending into the side walls to receive the hinge pins to allow the coupler and the adaptor to be connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Trico Products Corporation
    Inventor: Valentin Avasiloaie
  • Patent number: 9616855
    Abstract: The invention is based on a wiper blade adapter, in particular for a motor vehicle wiper device, with a coupling unit (10a; 10b). It is proposed that the coupling unit (10a; 10b) has at least one first and one second coupling element (12a, 14a; 12b, 14b), which coupling elements are provided for coupling at least two different types of wiper arm adapters (100a, 110a, 120a; 130b, 140b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Depondt
  • Patent number: 9616856
    Abstract: A turbidity degree calculating unit calculates a degree of the white turbidity U on a surface of the lens based on a brightness gradient g of an image I (x, y), and a lens cleaning control unit sets a lens cleaning mode for spraying at least one of the cleaning fluid and the compressed air, which is performed by the lens cleaning unit, based on the calculated turbidity degree U.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Clarion Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kota Irie, Shoji Muramatsu, Masayuki Takemura, Yasuhisa Hayakawa, Osamu Fukata, Akira Utagawa
  • Patent number: 9616857
    Abstract: An overhead snow moving device for moving snow positioned overhead includes a plurality of rods. Each rod has a first end and a second end, and comprises a plurality of nested sections. Supports are coupled to and extend between the rods proximate to top ends of the nested sections. A strut is coupled to and extends between the rods proximate to the first ends of the rods. First couplers are positioned proximate to the top ends of the nested sections. Second couplers, complimentary to the first couplers, are positioned proximate to bottom ends of the nested sections. Each of a plurality of extenders is angularly coupled to and extends from a respective second end of a rod. A plow is coupled to each of the extenders distally from the second ends of the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Rafael Amado
  • Patent number: 9616858
    Abstract: A jointed car wash gravity hose boom is provided. The jointed car wash gravity hose boom has a first frame unit and a second frame unit secured together at a joint and wherein the first frame unit has a lower support beam and an upper support beam wherein the lower support beam extends upward at approximately a ten to forty degree angle. A hose supplying air, water, soap, wax, foam, tire shine or other liquids for washing a car is secured to the second frame and extends downward at the distal end of the second frame. When the hose is pulled into place by a user, the first frame and second frame generally extend at the joint and allow the user to move the hose around a car wash bay. When relaxed, the jointed car wash gravity hose boom folds at the joint and automatically moves parallel to a wall by gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Troy Diskin
  • Patent number: 9616859
    Abstract: A system and method to level a vehicle. The method utilizes a reference current draw unique for each individual actuator that is measured and saved at measured temperature and actuator actuating duration times. The reference current draws are adjusted by a fixed predetermined compensation increment and by a variable predetermined time and temperature increment. During operating function steps, actual extend and retract current draws are measured, which may be at another temperature and duration time. The adjusted reference current draws are compared to the actual extend and retract current draws to determine when desired conditions such as ground contact or fully retracted condition are achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Garrett Maurer
  • Patent number: 9616860
    Abstract: A portable powered roller assembly configured to impart a motive force to a wheeled vehicle or structure consists of a roller mounted in a rolling support structure. The roller is rotationally driven by a battery-powered drive unit coupled through a torque multiplying transmission, and is configured for engagement with the circumferential surface of a vehicle wheel. Rotational movement of the roller in engagement with the circumferential surface of the vehicle wheel draws the powered roller assembly towards, and under, the curved circumferential surface of the vehicle wheel, imparting a force to the vehicle wheel which include both a lifting force perpendicular to the supporting surface on which the powered roller is resting, and a motive force parallel to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Craig A. Carroll
  • Patent number: 9616861
    Abstract: An electrical-mechanical brake apparatus includes a bracket and a pedal arm supported by the bracket. The bracket has a cam surface. An arm extends from the pivot arm to a follower. As the pedal arm moves toward the bracket, the follower moves along the cam surface, compressing the cam bias for simulating the feel of a purely mechanical brake system. In certain embodiments, the earn body rotates while in others the cam follower rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: KSR IP Holdings LLC.
    Inventors: Jarek Soltys, Nack J. Sung
  • Patent number: 9616862
    Abstract: An actuator for an electric parking brake system has an outer housing. A planetary gear train and an electric motor are disposed in the outer housing. At least one gear connects the motor to the planetary gear train. The planetary gear train comprises a multi-stage planetary gear mechanism. A gear housing accommodates the planetary gear mechanism. The planetary gear train further comprises a centering pin extending through the gear mechanism, such that the planetary gear mechanism rotates about the centering pin. Each stage has a sun gear, a ring gear, a plurality of planet gears meshed with the sun gear and ring gear, and a planet carrier rotatably supporting the planet gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson Electric S.A.
    Inventors: Fa Yun Qi, Li Nan Li, Jin An Nie, Rui Feng Qin
  • Patent number: 9616863
    Abstract: A park brake assembly includes a base. A park brake lever is pivotal about the base. A pawl is pivotal about a pawl pivot. The pawl is linked to the brake lever. A sector is attached to the base and the pawl releasably locks and unlocks relative to the sector. The pawl includes a pivot slot that receives the pawl pivot and wherein the pawl translates about the pawl pivot changing an angle of engagement of the pawl relative to the sector when subjected to a force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Dura Operating, LLC
    Inventor: Ryan M. Pereira
  • Patent number: 9616864
    Abstract: A method for operating a wheel braking device having an electrically motorized actuator, wherein the actuator comprises an electric motor and an actuator element that can be moved by means of the electric motor. The actuator element is moved into a brake application position to actuate the wheel braking device and moved into a brake release position to release the wheel braking device. A movement travel of the actuator element is monitored while releasing the wheel braking device. The electric motor is switched from a control operation into a free-running operation during a release process and a free-running voltage is determined and that a minimum duration of movement of the actuator element for achieving the release position is calculated based upon the determined free-running voltage and is compared with a measured duration of movement of the actuator element to perform a plausibility check of the movement travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Baehrle-Miller, Tobias Putzer
  • Patent number: 9616865
    Abstract: Based on a difference (?Fb) between a target value (Fbt) and an actual value (Fba) of a friction member force for pressing a brake disc, a feedback energization amount (Ipt) is calculated using a proportional gain smaller than an ultimate sensitivity gain. If ?Fb falls within a fluctuation range of torque ripple, a first compensation energization amount (Ibt) is calculated using a proportional gain larger than the ultimate sensitivity gain, and if ?Fb falls outside the fluctuation range, the first compensation energization amount (Ibt) is calculated to be constant. A second compensation energization amount (Ift) is calculated based on a calculation characteristic that is preset based on a torque fluctuation over a predetermined range of an electric motor position and based on an actual position of the electric motor. An indication energization amount calculated according to Fbt is adjusted by Ipt, Ibt, and Ift to calculate a target energization amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ADVICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Yasui, Hiroyuki Kodama, Naotoshi Satake
  • Patent number: 9616866
    Abstract: Inlet and outlet ports are in the top part of a base; a reservoir is in the bottom part of the base; pumps are between the inlet port and the reservoir; a pressure booster valve, a depressurizing valve, a cut valve, and a caliper pressure sensor are along the center axis of each pump; the pressure booster valve is above the center axis; the depressurizing valve is below the center axis; the cut valve is between the pressure booster valve and the depressurizing valve and is nearer the middle of the base than the pressure booster valve and the depressurizing valve; and a suction valve is between the depressurizing valves aligned nearer the end of the base than a vertical reference line passing through the rotational center axes of the pumps. The suction valve communicates with cut valves, and a master pressure sensor is on the reference line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Autoliv Nissin Brake Systems Japan Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masatoshi Iyatani
  • Patent number: 9616867
    Abstract: A line-locking brake system consists of a brake pressure generator which, in conjunction with a brake fluid solenoid isolates the front brake circuit from the master cylinder while maintaining a precise brake pressure in the front brake hydraulic system. The brake pressure generator consists of a pressure amplifier having a high pressure chamber located in the flow path from the master cylinder to the front brake cylinders and a low pressure chamber in fluid communication with a regulated gas pressure source. When activated, the brake pressure generator applies a pressure to the front brake circuit that is directly proportional to the pressure of the regulated gas and therefore is precisely controllable irrespective of wear on parts, driver fatigue or other variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Roger Allen Lamb
  • Patent number: 9616868
    Abstract: An internal gear pump, in particular a hydraulic pump for a slip-controlled vehicle braking system, is configured to be pre-assembled. The internal gear pump includes a cartridge configured as a casing, which is configured to be inserted in a receptacle in a hydraulic block of a vehicle braking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Speer, Rene Schepp, Edgar Kurz, Norbert Alaze