Patents Issued in April 20, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170106728
    Abstract: A sun visor system is provided for a motor vehicle. That sun visor system includes a first guide track carried on an A-pillar and a second guide track carried on the rearview mirror support. A retractable sun visor panel has a first end received in the first guide track and a second end received in the second guide track. The retractable sun visor panel is displaceable between a stowed position and a fully-deployed position wherein it provides protection from the sun's glare across the entire width of the windshield between the A-pillar and the rearview mirror support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: Adrian Nania
  • Publication number: 20170106729
    Abstract: A door structure for a vehicle that includes a door outer panel; a door inner panel including a first join-receiving portion protruding to the vehicle upper side relative to a vehicle upper side end of the door outer panel, and a second join-receiving portion protruding to the vehicle upper side relative to the vehicle upper side end of the door outer panel and being disposed to be spaced apart from the first join-receiving portion in a vehicle horizontal direction along the vehicle upper side end of the door outer panel; and a frame portion formed using a material with a different thermal expansion coefficient from the door inner panel, the frame portion including a first joining portion joined to the first join-receiving portion by a rivet and a second joining portion joined to the second join-receiving portion by a rivet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Minoru YOSHIDA
  • Publication number: 20170106730
    Abstract: Disclosed is a front-and-rear split door (9) and an electric vehicle having the split door (9), the front-and-rear split door (9) comprises a front compartment door (901) and a rear compartment door (902) configured to open or close a passenger compartment (101), wherein the front compartment door (901) and the rear compartment door (902) are provided above the passenger compartment (101); a front end of the front compartment door (901) is connected to a vehicle body (1) via a first hinge assembly (903), a rear end of the rear compartment door (902) is connected to the vehicle body (1) via a second hinge assembly (904); and the electric vehicle further comprises a first turning mechanism (905) configured to control the front compartment door (901) to turn outwardly about the first hinge assembly (903) and a second turning mechanism (906) configured to control the rear compartment door (902) to turn outwardly about the second hinge assembly (904).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Shugang GONG, Bo FU, Changliang LI, Yifeng HU, Yanqiang GUO
  • Publication number: 20170106731
    Abstract: A weather strip with a replaceable sealing component is provided. The weather strip includes a flange holding component that holds a body flange of a vehicle body, with a frame installed in the flange holding component, and a sealing component that has a convex curved shape and is connected at opposite edges thereof to the flange holding component. When a vehicle is manufactured, the sealing component is formed as an initial sealing component integrally formed with the flange holding component to be removable from the flange holding component. After removal of the initial sealing component from the flange holding component, opposite edges of a replacement sealing component having an outwardly convex shape are coupled to the respective opposite edges of the flange holding component. Accordingly, the replacement sealing component is substituted for the initial sealing component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Bum-Suk Kang, Seung-Hyun Baek
  • Publication number: 20170106732
    Abstract: A suppression assembly designed to suppress blunt impacts is provided. The suppression assembly includes a sheet of magnetic material having a thin profile defined by two opposing attachment surfaces, wherein the sheet of magnetic material is adapted to disperse blunt energy impact so that when place along a vehicular door, the suppression apparatus protects the parked vehicular door against collisions from neighboring automobile's doors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Todd Tyack
  • Publication number: 20170106733
    Abstract: In a rear structure for an electric vehicle including, at the rear of the vehicle body, an article storage unit supported on a rear frame, and a first lid configured to cover the article storage unit from above, the electric vehicle includes sub batteries serving as a drive source thereof, the sub batteries are stored in a battery storage unit disposed below the article storage unit, the article storage unit and the battery storage unit include an upper opening and a lower opening, respectively, which are open to the rear side of the vehicle, and a second lid configured to cover the upper opening and the lower opening is formed as a member different from the first lid. Such a rear structure for a vehicle is easy to use, and allows many articles be loaded on the article storage unit and be stored therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: Ayumu TSUJI
  • Publication number: 20170106734
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a right pillar, a left pillar, a high voltage equipment-accommodation portion, a high voltage equipment, and a high voltage equipment-protection cover. The right pillar is provided at a right end part. The left pillar is provided at a left end part. The high voltage equipment-accommodation portion is provided between the pillars. The high voltage equipment is provided in the high voltage equipment-accommodation portion and has a front face. The high voltage equipment-protection cover covers the high voltage equipment-accommodation portion to cover the front face. The high voltage equipment-protection cover includes a right extension portion and a left extension portion. Each of the extension portions has a groove portion or a bent portion. Each of the extension portions is bent toward front at the groove portion or the bent portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Manabu MITANI, Koichi TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20170106735
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an upper member, a lower member, and a high voltage equipment. The upper member is provided at a rear of a seat in a front-rear direction of the vehicle. The upper member extends in a vehicle width direction of the vehicle. The lower member extends in the vehicle width direction. The lower member is provided at the rear of the seat in the front-rear direction below the upper member in a vehicle height direction of the vehicle. The high voltage equipment is provided at the rear of the seat in the front-rear direction and connected to an upper connecting point of the upper member and a lower connecting point of the lower member. A virtual line connecting the upper connecting point and the lower connecting point passes through a center of gravity of the high voltage equipment viewed in the vehicle width direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Manabu MITANI, Koichi TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20170106736
    Abstract: A vehicle battery clamping device, which is mounted on a frame of a vehicle and used for clamping two identical batteries in the vehicle, having: a fixed beam provided on the frame; a handle rotary shaft provided on the fixed beam, a winding wheel train being provided on the handle rotary shaft; a steel wire rope wound around the winding wheel train; a front rotary shaft, with the upper end being rotationally connected to the fixed beam, and the lower end being provided with a front clamping plate; a rear rotary shaft, with the upper end being rotationally connected to the frame, and the lower end being provided with a rear clamping plate; a synchronous belt, with both ends being respectively wound around the front rotary shaft and the rear rotary shaft; and a guide wheel assembly provided on the fixed beam, wherein the steel wire rope passes through the guide wheel assembly and has its two ends respectively connected to the synchronous belt; and the two batteries are respectively clamped on each side of the
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Shugang GONG, Lei ZENG, Huilong YANG, Shaorong LIN, Liguang PENG
  • Publication number: 20170106737
    Abstract: The yoke module is including wherein an elongated USB power cable, one or more yoke module sections accommodating access for the USB power cable and wire connectors to be threaded through one or more slotted openings and to exit out the top yoke module section, a first connection method to connect with the drive motor's lead cable harness directly to the USB power cable, a method to conceal and protect the drive motor's lead cable harness and the USB power cable by means of a coupling enclosure and yoke sleeve enclosure achieved through the yoke module's fabrication process. The yoke module also comprises a method for USB power cable to provide electricity power to drive a motorized wheel. The yoke module system comprises a second connection method for the yoke module to plug into auxiliary components including; a battery, a computer control system, and sensors for motion stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: Carla R. Gillett
  • Publication number: 20170106738
    Abstract: A self-balancing robot system comprising artificial intelligence characterized in that the robot is comprising a humanoid body or comprising a vehicle body. The humanoid body is used for service comprises; an articulated head comprising a voice system for user interaction, and a logic controller for facial imaging via a LED system and LED display monitor. The robot body comprising; a neck, two electromechanical arms with actuating hands used to achieve gripping objects; a pivoting trunk containing a computer operating system, the electrical control system including a batter bank and a battery charger; the lower portion of the body utilizing uni-robotic omniwheel or utilizing legs coupled to the robotic omniwheels or coupled to omnidirectional track wheels which work like skates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: Carla R. Gillett
  • Publication number: 20170106739
    Abstract: A powered skateboard system comprising a skateboard deck having a top surface for supporting a rider of the inner-motorized omniwheel powered skateboard, a bottom surface configured to facilitate engagement with one or more inner-motorized omniwheel trucks, and a compartment adapted to store one of more components including a control system and wire connections disposed between the control device of the inner-motorized omniwheel powered skateboard; and one or more battery packs configured for a primary and a secondary back up power source and as well, a removable compartment cover configured to cover the opening formed by the compartment in the bottom portion of the powered skateboard deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: Carla R. Gillett
  • Publication number: 20170106740
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a core including a plurality of tubes and a plurality of air passages, an air inlet portion in fluid communication with the air passages, and an air outlet portion in fluid communication with the air passages. The tubes and the air passages are alternately arranged to be parallel with each other. The core extends along a core plane defined by the tubes and the air passages. The core is disposed such that the core plane is parallel to a vehicle horizontal plane. Outside air flows through the air passages in a first direction. Thermal medium flows through the tubes in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The air inlet portion is open at a front side of the vehicle or a lateral side of the vehicle. The air outlet portion is open at the front side of the vehicle or the lateral side of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Nicholas Ingarra, Jason Spenny, YuanPei Song, Sergio Pujols
  • Publication number: 20170106741
    Abstract: Active grille shutter. In an embodiment of a shutter system of the present disclosure, the shutter system comprises a plurality of moveable louvers, at least one lifter, the lifter including a lifter arm having a plurality of platforms and a plurality of spurs extending therefrom, a plurality of tensioners, and a drive mechanism connected to the lifter arm and structured to reversibly move the lifter arm and the plurality of platforms extending therefrom, wherein the movement of the lifter arm and platforms causes each louver to rotate about a pin extending therefrom, the pin adjacent and offset from the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Flex-N-Gate Advanced Product Development, LLC
    Inventors: David W. Shaw, Joaquin Hung, Wayne Doswell, II
  • Publication number: 20170106742
    Abstract: A tank filler tube includes a fill tube line which features, in the tank assembled state, an inlet end further from the tank, which is designed for temporary insertion of the fill nozzle into a closer-to-the-tank insertion region of the fill tube line, and with a closer-to-the-tank transit line end in the tank assembled state, which is designed for transit of liquid in a direction of the liquid transit line leading away from the inlet end, wherein the fill tube line is of multi-part design. At least one part of the ventilation line is for venting the gas displaced during a filling of a tank into the atmosphere. The fill tube line section featuring the transit line end extends into the insertion region further from the tank and is designed to accommodate at least one outlet end of a fill nozzle during a filling of a tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Röchling Automotive SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matteo D'AMATO, Andi RADU IONUT
  • Publication number: 20170106743
    Abstract: A vehicle floor lower structure includes: a floor panel configuring a floor of a vehicle and formed with a floor tunnel, that projects out toward a vehicle body upper side and extends along a vehicle body front-rear direction, the floor tunnel is disposed at a vehicle width direction center of the floor panel; a fuel tank that is disposed at a vehicle body lower side of the floor panel and that includes a main tank section disposed inside the floor tunnel and an extension tank section that is disposed inside the floor tunnel and that projects out from the main tank section toward a vehicle body front side or a vehicle body rear side; and an exhaust pipe that is routed so as to pass by inside the floor tunnel at a vehicle width direction outer side of the main tank section and the extension tank section,
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Satoshi AJISAKA
  • Publication number: 20170106744
    Abstract: A vehicle floor lower structure comprising a fuel tank that is disposed under a floor of a vehicle, and a battery pack that is disposed under the floor of the vehicle and at a vehicle body rear side of the fuel tank, and the battery pack is configured to be a power source to drive a traction motor installed in the vehicle
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Satoshi AJISAKA
  • Publication number: 20170106745
    Abstract: A work machine includes a machine body, a motor provided in a rear portion of the machine body, a bonnet which covers a rear of the motor and which is openable, a tank disposed between the motor and the bonnet, and a support member. The support member includes a bracket supporting the tank on the bonnet such that the tank is separated from the bonnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuji YAMASHITA, Ryohei SUMIYOSHI, Toyoaki YASUDA, Toshihiko TAKEMURA, Kunihiro SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20170106746
    Abstract: A refuse vehicle has a tailgate. The tailgate has a framework to secure CNG tanks. A cover overlays the frame work to provide an aesthetic appearance to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: Bobby Ray MCKINNEY
  • Publication number: 20170106747
    Abstract: A vehicle may include a CVT unit or a power source which requires ambient air. An air inlet for an air intake system coupled to the CVT unit or the power source which requires ambient air may be provided in a side of a cargo carrying portion of the vehicle. The vehicle may include a rear radius arm suspension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Safranski, Robbi L. Peterson, Richard L. Sunsdahl, Aaron D. Deckard, Louis J. Brady
  • Publication number: 20170106748
    Abstract: A lever device includes a single shaft for mounting a lever section to a housing. The lever section includes a shaft mounting section having an insertion hole. The lever support section of the shaft is disposed within the insertion hole and supports the lever section so that the lever section can move in the first direction and the second direction. A contact section is provided either to the housing and/or the lever section, or between the housing and the lever section. The contact section includes a curved surface which allows the lever section to move in the first direction and the second direction while the housing and the lever section are in contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Yohei NAKANO
  • Publication number: 20170106749
    Abstract: A method of providing one or more selectable vehicle tasks to one or more vehicles, comprising the steps of: receiving from each of a plurality of vehicle users at least one user-defined task to be carried out by the user's vehicle, wherein the user-defined task comprises at least one vehicle action and a conditional statement, wherein the conditional statement comprises of one or more vehicle conditions; grouping the received user-defined tasks into equivalency classes, wherein different user-defined tasks that have logically equivalent conditional statements and equivalent vehicle actions are grouped into the same equivalency class; analyzing the equivalency classes; selecting at least one vehicle task based on the analysis in step (c); and sending the selected vehicle task(s) to one or more vehicles for presentation to a user at the vehicle(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Nikola J. PUDAR, Mohan JAYARAMAN, Aqueel HUSAIN, Rejani D. SYAMALA, Rajesh S. PAUL
  • Publication number: 20170106750
    Abstract: A vehicular display control device includes: a display control unit for controlling a display device to superimpose an image on a surrounding view of the vehicle; and a sensor operation detecting unit for detecting whether an obstacle sensor detecting an obstacle around the vehicle is in operation. When the obstacle sensor is in operation, the display control unit: transforms a detection target area, which falls in a detection range of the obstacle sensor and expands from the vehicle to a periphery along a road surface, into a detection target image represented from a viewpoint of a driver of the vehicle; and displays a transformed image to be superimposed on the surrounding view of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makiko TAUCHI, Kimiaki TANAKA, Akira KAMIYA
  • Publication number: 20170106751
    Abstract: A surface structure of a glass panel is formed by deep-drawing the surface in the heated state of the glass panel to provide a touch-sensitive operating surface of an operating element for a motor vehicle. The surface structure has a wave-shaped design, and additionally at least one glass panel surface part which is completely touchable is formed with the surface structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Michael WACHINGER
  • Publication number: 20170106752
    Abstract: In order to provide a technology enabling efficient visual recognition of notification information by a user, provided is an information presentation device, including: a display adjustment unit configured to display, using processing information for displaying information based on a start condition, the information on a plurality of display areas; and a storage unit configured to store condition information associating a predetermined start condition with notification information being the information to be displayed when the predetermined start condition occurs, in which the display adjustment unit is configured to, when satisfaction of the predetermined start condition is detected: identify the display area for displaying the notification information that is associated with the predetermined start condition in the storage unit; cause display of the notification information on the display area; and restrict display on other display areas other than the display area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: CLARION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira SASAKI, Naokazu UCHIDA, Takashi MATSUBARA
  • Publication number: 20170106753
    Abstract: A system for protecting the output terminal of the on-board-charger (OBC) includes: the OBC configured to apply an output voltage equal to a voltage of a battery to the battery to perform charging of the battery, an output terminal protection apparatus configured to compare a voltage difference between the output voltage of the OBC and the voltage of the battery with a threshold, and an OBC relay configured to connect the OBC to the battery when the voltage difference is less than the threshold. The OBC performs the charging of the battery after the OBC is connected to the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Dong Jun Lee, Jee Heon Kim, Won Kyoung Choi, Mu Shin Kwak
  • Publication number: 20170106754
    Abstract: A device for monitoring an electrical insulation in the case of a vehicle electrical system of a vehicle, includes: a voltage source for generating direct voltages having a first and a second voltage value; a voltage-measuring unit between a positive and a negative power supply line of the vehicle electrical system for measuring a voltage between the positive and the negative power supply line; a current path between a positive current connection of the voltage source and the positive power supply line; a current-measuring unit in the current path for measuring a current flowing through the current path; a determining unit designed to determine an insulation resistance between the vehicle electrical system and an electrical ground from voltage measurement values of the voltage-measuring unit, current measurement values of the current-measuring unit, and the first and the second voltage value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Continental Automotive GMBH
    Inventor: Lars Schmelzer
  • Publication number: 20170106755
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes a controller configured to change a ratio between a regenerative braking force and a frictional braking force, in a specific wheel among wheels, such that the ratio in the specific wheel differs from the ratio between the regenerative braking force and the frictional braking force in each of the other wheels, when a command to generate the require braking force is issued and a vehicle motion control is executed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masatoshi NAKATSU
  • Publication number: 20170106756
    Abstract: A DC-DC converter for a vehicle includes a controller programmed to, in response to changes in an output voltage of the converter, adjust a control signal that controls an output voltage of the DC-DC converter to drive a ratio of a first error between a reference current and a current through the inductor to a second error between a voltage reference and the output voltage to a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Wei XU, Fazal Urrahman SYED
  • Publication number: 20170106757
    Abstract: An electronic controller includes a first electrical input, receiving electrical power of a first voltage for powering the electronic controller, and a second electrical input, receiving an electrical power line communication signal at a second voltage. The second voltage is different than the first voltage. The power line communication signal is received from a second electronic controller that is powered by electrical power of the second voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Weed, Daniel P. Zula, Timothy J. Frashure, Michael D. Tober
  • Publication number: 20170106758
    Abstract: A hybrid power source connects a secondary battery and an EDLC. A first switch connects the hybrid power source and a lead acid battery in parallel. A power source controlling portion controls power supply to the hybrid power source and the lead acid battery. The hybrid power source is connected to a starter for starting an engine for a vehicle, and also connected to an electric device except for the starter through the first switch, and the lead acid battery is connected to the electric device, and also connected to the starter through the first switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Toshihiro SAKATANI, Hiromasa SUGII, Makoto OCHI, Kazuki MORITA, Takumi YAMAGUCHI, Yohsuke MITANI
  • Publication number: 20170106759
    Abstract: A power transmission system transmits electric energy to a secondary resonator having a secondary resonator coil through an electromagnetic field of a predetermined frequency from a resonator having a resonator coil and reduces noise using two noise cancellation resonators with one predetermined frequency and its higher harmonic component set as noise reduction target frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicants: EQUOS RESEARCH CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyuki YAMAKAWA, Kenichiro SATO, Shinji ICHIKAWA, Naoki GORAI
  • Publication number: 20170106760
    Abstract: Vehicles that use electric power as a motive force may use accurate measurements of battery power for numerous purposes, e.g., battery characteristics, state of charge of the battery, travel distance remaining for the vehicle and the like. A traction battery measurement should be taken when the battery is fully relaxed, i.e., the battery is neither being charged nor providing power and a time period thereafter when the battery chemistry reaches a steady state. A controller or methods may determine if the battery is relaxed and if the battery is not relaxed, delay charging or discharging of the traction battery to allow accurate battery capacity determination. The controller may control a battery charger to ensure the battery is fully relaxed before sensing battery characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Xu WANG, Chuan HE, Xiaoguang CHANG
  • Publication number: 20170106761
    Abstract: Provided are an electric vehicle and a vehicle power feeding method capable of charging, at an ultra-high speed, an electricity storage device of the electric vehicle that travels on a trackless road. A control device of the electric vehicle executes a first charging control for controlling a voltage converter to limit the input current from a power feeding portion to an electricity storage device or the variation of the input current per unit time and allowing the voltage converter to charge the electricity storage device; and a second charging control for, for example, slopping the transforming operation of the voltage converter and allowing the voltage converter to charge the electricity storage device. Both charging controls are executed while moving the contact point between an electrical connection portion and the power feeding portion, and the execution time of the second charging control is longer than that of die first charging control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takamitsu Tajima
  • Publication number: 20170106762
    Abstract: A structure is provided. The structure may include an alignment mechanism used to align an electric vehicle in a parking lane of an electric vehicle charging station, and a coupler assembly including an arm and a charging coupler located in the parking lane and positioned beneath the electric vehicle, the charging coupler is positioned at one end of the arm, and is moveable in a vertical direction relative to the parking lane, and another end of the arm is pivotally mounted in the parking lane, where the charging coupler includes one or more electrical contacts in a shape of a right conical frustum extending from the charging coupler in the vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Eli M. Dow, James P. Gilchrist, Brendan C. Lewis, Khaalid P. McMillan, Christopher J. Nycz
  • Publication number: 20170106763
    Abstract: A structure is provided. The structure may include an alignment mechanism used to align an electric vehicle in a parking lane of an electric vehicle charging station, and a coupler assembly including an arm and a charging coupler located in the parking lane and positioned beneath the electric vehicle, the charging coupler is positioned at one end of the arm, and is moveable in a vertical direction relative to the parking lane, and another end of the arm is pivotally mounted in the parking lane, where the charging coupler includes one or more electrical contacts in a shape of a right conical frustum extending from the charging coupler in the vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Eli M. Dow, James P. Gilchrist, Brendan C. Lewis, Khaalid P. McMillan, Christopher J. Nycz
  • Publication number: 20170106764
    Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods are directed to a battery assisted charging station. A battery system comprising plurality of batteries and a battery management system software controlling the operations of the battery system, function together with a vehicle charging system that charges electric vehicles using one or both of stored power provided by a battery system, and power provided by a utility power grid. The battery system uses the power grid to charge the batteries therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Powin Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Virgil Lee BEASTON, Daniel Dee WILLIAMS, Patten Atwood EMMONS
  • Publication number: 20170106765
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting fusion of a relay are provided to more accurately diagnose fusion of a relay by adjusting relay OFF order when a vehicle engine is turned off using data regarding whether fusion of a relay was detected when the vehicle engine was turned on. The method includes detecting whether first and second relays have been fused when a vehicle engine was turned on and adjusting OFF order of the first and second relays when the vehicle engine is turned off based on whether the first and second relays have been fused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Kyung Ho Kim, Kyung In Min, Jae Hoon Choi, Dong Gun Kim, Do Kyoung Lim, Jin Wook Kim, Jun Ho Bang, Yoon Jun Lee, Hee Tae Yang, Yu Seok Kim, Hyo Sik Moon, Kyun Young Ahn, Suk Hyung Kim, Dong Il Kim
  • Publication number: 20170106766
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction battery and a controller. The controller is programmed to output an age value of the traction battery based on a ratio of a reference capacity value to an initial reference capacity. The reference capacity value is derived from a mean and a standard deviation of a plurality of historical battery capacity values and has a predetermined probability of being less than an actual battery capacity. The controller is programmed to adjust a battery control strategy based on the age value. The vehicle includes an instrument cluster that is configured to display the age value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Xiaohong Nina DUAN, Xu WANG
  • Publication number: 20170106767
    Abstract: Provided are an external power supply apparatus and a vehicle power supply method, whereby a power reception circuit of an electric vehicle can be projected or a configuration of the electric vehicle can be simplified. An external power supply apparatus is provided with a power supply unit, which is provided along a traveling path, and which supplies power to a power reception unit of an electric vehicle while the vehicle is traveling; and a voltage applying unit that applies a voltage to the power supply unit. The power supply unit includes a plurality of divided power supply units that are divided along the traveling path. The voltage applying unit applies the voltage such that the voltage to be applied to the divided power supply units becomes higher in the traveling direction of the electric vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takamitsu Tajima, Yasuji Shibahata, Wataru Noguchi, Tomohisa Aruga
  • Publication number: 20170106768
    Abstract: A vehicle occupancy alert device for alerting a vehicle operator to back seat occupancy includes housing that is configured to couple to a vehicle. A processor is coupled to and positioned in the housing. The processor is operationally coupled to the vehicle's 12 volt power supply, door sensors and speaker. A plurality of sensors is configured to couple to the back seats of the vehicle. The sensors are operationally coupled to the processor and the vehicle's 12 volt power supply. The plurality of sensors are positioned such that occupancy of one or more of the back seats will signal the processor to monitor the vehicle's door sensors upon the vehicle being turned off. Should the driver's door open and close, the processer will send a warning to the vehicle's speaker to alert the vehicle operator and others nearby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Curtis
  • Publication number: 20170106769
    Abstract: In a rear structure of a vehicle body, a rear bulkhead is erected from, a floor panel and the erected, rear bulkhead is coupled to a vehicle body to separate a passenger compartment from a cargo compartment. First seat anchors are coupled to the rear bulkhead using multiple rivets. Second seat anchors are coupled to the rear bulkhead using multiple rivets. The first seat anchors and the second seat anchors support a child seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shigeo Ishijima
  • Publication number: 20170106770
    Abstract: A connecting arrangement (1), for a linkage of a vehicle seat, includes a coupling rod (10) and a securing element (40) for securing the coupling rod (10) to a further component (20) of the vehicle seat. The linkage is a part of a lever mechanism for operating a component of the vehicle seat. The further component (20) is a pivotable lever. The coupling rod (10) is introduced into a bearing bush (30) which is connectable to the further component (20) and has a cavity (31), into which the securing element (40) is introduced. A vehicle seat is provided which has at least one such connecting arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Christian WOLF, Wolfgang PLUTA, Heinrich HAMMAN, Viktor ENNS, Thomas DILL
  • Publication number: 20170106771
    Abstract: An occupant support for a vehicle includes a vehicle seat and a foundation. The vehicle seat is configured to support an occupant of the vehicle above a floor of the vehicle. The foundation is configured to interconnect the vehicle seat to the floor to permit movement of the vehicle seat relative to the floor along a linear path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffery T. Bonk, Dale J. Frye
  • Publication number: 20170106772
    Abstract: A child safety seat includes a seat shell, and a first and a second belt restraining member respectively connected with the seat shell. The seat shell has a shell surface, and a first and a second opening for selective passage of an anchoring belt to attach the child safety seat on a vehicle seat in two different configurations, which include a rearward and a forward facing configuration. The first belt restraining member is independently operable to press against an anchoring belt passing through the first opening, and the second belt restraining member is independently operable to press against an anchoring belt passing through the second opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventors: Bruce L. WILLIAMS, Gregory S. SELLERS
  • Publication number: 20170106773
    Abstract: An integrated holder for a vehicle is provided, defined by at least one pivoting seat bottom, a restraint for maintaining the seat bottom in a substantially upright position, and at least one deployable side wall associated with the at least one pivoting seat bottom. A support member supports the deployable side wall. The restraint may be one or both of a vehicle seat belt and a deploying/dampening mechanism. In combination, the at least one pivoting seat bottom, at least one side wall, and restraint define defining the integrated holder when deployed. The integrated holder may further be provided with a removable top cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: Eduardo Arturo Aguilar Ruelas
  • Publication number: 20170106774
    Abstract: A vehicle seat suitable as a straddle-type seat for a two or three-wheeled vehicle is provided, the straddle-type seat being configured to be shifted between a tip-up state and a seated state by a rotation mechanism, wherein there is no interference between the rotation mechanism and the seat. The vehicle seat of the present disclosure has a bottom plate, a seating portion, and a side portion. The seating portion and the side portion are covered by a surface material. In this vehicle seat configured to be shifted between the seated state and the tip-up state by the rotation mechanism, a recessed portion for the rotation mechanism is provided at the side portion facing the rotation mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshimichi Tsuboi, Yuta Yaguchi, Tatsuya Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20170106775
    Abstract: To make it possible to improve a low-tone reproducing ability with a simple structure in an acoustic device including speakers in a headrest. The acoustic device includes a core material of a closed structure functioning as a core of a headrest main body, acoustic speakers 50, 50 disposed in the core material, and hollow headrest stays 15, 15 that pierce through the core material. The headrest stays 15, 15 circulate the air on the inside of the core material to the outer side via hollow sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicants: CLARION CO., LTD., TACHI-S CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki TAKADA, Fumiaki NAKASHIMA, Takao ISHIKAWA, Takahiko NAGASAWA, Yasuyuki ITO
  • Publication number: 20170106776
    Abstract: An infant car seat liner system for providing an effective means for protecting car seats and storing removable items (infant supplies and related articles) such that a parent may combine the function of a diaper bag and a car seat. The infant car seat liner system has a front surface, a back surface, and at least one pocket. The infant car seat liner is flexible and is structured and arranged such that an infant-user is able to be removed from a car seat without removing the infant car seat liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: Danielle Catherine Derby
  • Publication number: 20170106777
    Abstract: An automotive rear seat (1) includes a seat cushion (2) and a seat back (6). The seat back (6) includes a seat back main body portion (10) and a seat back side portion (20) disposed on one side of the seat back main body portion (10). The seat back side portion (20) is fixed to a vehicle body (body frame (FR)) or the seat cushion (2) via a first attachment portion (30) provided on a lower portion of the seat back side portion (20), and the seat back side portion (20) includes, at a position different from a position at which the first attachment portion (30) is provided, a rotation-restricting portion (40) configured to contact the vehicle body or the seat cushion (2) to restrict rotation of the seat back side portion (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Hiroshi IZAWA, Toshiaki SHIMADA, Yasuhiro TSUJI