Patents Issued in June 27, 2017
  • Patent number: 9688127
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a truck bed side panel, a top cover, a clamp, and a plug. The truck bed side panel has a top defining a stake pocket and an overhang extending from the top. The top cover has an upper surface defining an aperture. The clamp is secured to the top cover and engages the overhang to secure the top cover to the top of the side panel. The plug is disposed within the stake pocket and aperture to prevent slippage of the top cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Robert Hemphill, Jack Marchlewski
  • Patent number: 9688128
    Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a vehicle window is described. The sealing arrangement includes a retaining rail having a latching channel that is formed by a guide rail and a spring leg having a latch hook, the retaining rail being affixed to a window pane. The sealing arrangement further includes a cover having a guide channel that is formed by a positioning stop and by a latching rail having a locking element. The guide rail is arranged in the guide channel and the latching rail is arranged in the latching channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventor: Alwin Timmermann
  • Patent number: 9688129
    Abstract: A window shield cover for a vehicle has a cover member shaped to be place on top of and cover an exterior of a windshield of the vehicle. A first attachment strip is removably attached to the cover member. The first attachment strip extends past a first edge and a second edge of the cover member. A second attachment strip is removably attached to the cover member. The second attachment strip extends past the first edge and the second edge of the cover member. An element collector covers a front surface of the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Raul Mansueto
  • Patent number: 9688130
    Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle capable of preventing illegally access by using a tool to a piping fitting connecting fuel piping and a valve module to each other without increasing the number of components. The fuel cell vehicle includes an electric motor, a fuel cell supported by a frame to supply electric power to the electric motor, a fuel tank supported by the frame to store fuel to be supplied to the fuel cell, a valve module disposed below a cross member and behind the fuel tank, and a piping fitting connecting fuel piping to the valve module. The valve module includes a cut-out stepped portion provided in a side-face side of an upper portion of the valve module. The piping fitting is attached to the cut-out side face, the piping fitting being disposed between the cross member and the cut-out top face in a vehicle vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Hirota, Akihiro Fukunaga, Toru Eguchi
  • Patent number: 9688131
    Abstract: A powertrain of a hybrid vehicle may include a planetary gear set, a first motor unit and a second motor unit. The planetary gear set may include three rotary members in which one rotary member is connected to an engine and another rotary member is connected to a front driveshaft. The first motor unit is connected to the remaining rotary member in the three rotary members, and the second motor unit is connected to a rear driveshaft and supplying power to the rear driveshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Tae Sic Park, Seong Eun Park, Jun Hoi Huh, Kwang Min Choi
  • Patent number: 9688132
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle uses a first motor, a second motor and an engine as driving force sources and includes a gear transmission mechanism and an oil supply mechanism. The gear transmission mechanism transmits torque, output from the first motor, to a drive shaft side. The oil supply mechanism is driven by power other than power of the engine to supply oil to the gear transmission mechanism. When the hybrid vehicle is caused to travel by using the torque output from at least the first motor in a state where operation of the engine is stopped, and when an estimated amount of oil that is supplied from the oil supply mechanism to the gear transmission mechanism is smaller than or equal to a predetermined amount, an electronic control unit limits an operation state of the first motor such that load on the gear transmission mechanism decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akiko Nishimine, Yota Mizuno, Sohei Murata, Kensei Hata
  • Patent number: 9688133
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid electric vehicle, includes: a temperature detector configured to detect a motor temperature of the electric motor; a pressing speed detector configured to detect a pressing speed of an accelerator pedal; an electric current detector configured to detect a value of the electric current supplied to the electric motor from the battery; and an engine controller configured to allow, when the motor temperature detected by the temperature detector is equal to or lower than a threshold temperature, the engine to be started based on the pressing speed detected by the pressing speed detector, so that the generator generates the electric power, and configured to allow, when the motor temperature is higher than the threshold temperature, the engine to be started based on the value of the electric current detected by the electric current detector, so that the generator generates the electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yukihiro Nissato
  • Patent number: 9688134
    Abstract: A system includes a muffler coupled to a frame of the off-road vehicle and mounted in a substantially horizontal orientation and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) fluidly and mechanically coupled to the muffler. In certain embodiments, the DOC is mounted in a substantially vertical orientation rearward of the muffler relative to a primary direction of travel of the off-road vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: James Patrick Boeshans, Jason Keith Novacek, John Thomas Rasset, Jay Michael Larson, David Larry Tveito, Russell Victor Stoltman, Chad Bautz
  • Patent number: 9688135
    Abstract: A fuel cap includes a filler-neck closure adapted to mate with a filler neck to close a mouth opening into a fuel-conducting passageway formed in the filler neck. The filler-neck closure includes a vacuum-relief valve and a handle arranged to overlie the filler-neck closure and gripped by a user during removal of the fuel cap from the filler neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Stant USA Group
    Inventor: Gary L. Dunkle
  • Patent number: 9688136
    Abstract: A charging housing or filler neck housing for insertion into a body opening in a motor vehicle comprises a housing body with a passage opening. A plug-in charging connector or a tank filler pipe can be inserted into the passage opening, and a sealing ring is arranged on the passage opening. The sealing ring has an annular sealing body, from which a first elastic sealing lip and a second elastic sealing lip extend, wherein the first sealing lip is designed to bear against a plug-in charging connector or tank filler pipe inserted into the passage opening, and wherein the second sealing lip is designed to bear against a closure flap closing the filler neck housing or charging housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignees: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Roth, Christian Beck, Stephan Groβmann, Sebastian Pfenning
  • Patent number: 9688137
    Abstract: A charging lid device includes a lid that opens and closes a concave portion accommodating a charging inlet provided on a vehicle, and a support arm supporting the lid so that the lid is movable between a fully closing position and a fully opening position for closing and opening the concave portion. The support arm includes first and second swinging arms. One end side of the first swinging arm is attached inside the concave portion so as to swing. One end side of the second swinging arm is connected to the first swinging arm so as to swing and the other end side of the second swinging arm is attached to the lid so as to swing. The lid is arranged at a position displaced from the concave portion and along a surface of the vehicle when the lid is in the fully opening position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA ENGINEERING KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akira Takahashi, Shoichi Honda
  • Patent number: 9688138
    Abstract: A system for enabling securing devices configured to hold fuels, such as gas cylinders, to frames is provided. The system includes an isolator fastened to the device configured to hold fuel and a strap that is attached to the frame. The isolator includes barriers on either side that prevent longitudinal slipping of the strap and ridges disposed between the barriers, which create cushioning between the strap and the device configured to hold fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignees: Agility Fuel Systems, Inc., Douglas Acquisitions LLC
    Inventors: Todd Sloan, Chris Forsberg, Mark Warner, Hernan Henriquez
  • Patent number: 9688139
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle with a bypass mechanism is disclosed, the transaxle having a center section engaged to a housing, an axial piston pump disposed on the center section and driven by an input shaft, and an axial piston motor disposed on the center section having a cylinder block engaged to a motor output shaft. The pump is controlled by a swash plate having a pair of openings through which the input shaft and a bypass actuation rod pass. The bypass actuation rod has a cam formed on a first end that engages a block lift member. When the bypass actuation rod is rotated, the cam causes the block lift member to engage and lift the cylinder block of the axial piston motor off of the center section. A brake mechanism using brake puck disposed in a pocket formed in the center section is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Shane A. Deters
  • Patent number: 9688140
    Abstract: A drive force distribution device for an automobile is provided in which a hydraulic clutch includes an annular oil groove opposing a clutch piston in an inner wall face of a clutch oil chamber, and a hydraulic oil supply port and a hydraulic oil discharge port communicating with the oil groove. Since when the hydraulic oil supply port of the oil groove is a starting end and the hydraulic oil discharge port of the oil groove is a finishing end, a cross-sectional area of a longer oil groove section of the annular oil groove is set to be larger than a cross-sectional area of a shorter oil groove section, the flow path resistance of the oil groove sect of the respective hydraulic clutches made to be uniform. This enables smooth operation, improvement of the engagement responsiveness and uniformization of the engagement responsiveness of the hydraulic clutches to be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Daiki Saegusa, Sachi Fujinuma
  • Patent number: 9688141
    Abstract: A clutch control device is provided for a four-wheel drive vehicle. The clutch control device is able to suppress the elevation of the temperature of the oil supplied to a friction clutch during two-wheel drive travel when the friction clutch is released. The clutch control device includes a dog clutch and an electronic control coupling. The friction clutch is housed in a coupling case. When the dog clutch and the friction clutch are released, a two-wheel drive mode is selected. The coupling case has a passage opening that is closed to retain lubrication oil in an oil chamber with respect to a clutch chamber that houses the friction clutch. When oil stirring conditions are met thereafter, the passage opening is opened and the lubrication oil is allowed to flow into the clutch chamber from the oil chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsu Takaishi, Atsuhiro Mori, Shunichi Mitsuishi, Makoto Morita, Katsuyoshi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 9688142
    Abstract: A clutch control device is provided for a four-wheel drive vehicle for transmitting drive force to the rear wheels. The clutch control device includes a dog clutch and a friction clutch, and a controller that controls the dog clutch and the friction clutch. The controller starts the engagement of the dog clutch, after placing the dog clutch in a rotationally synchronized state by engaging the friction clutch and increasing an output rotation thereof, when there is a request to engage the dog clutch. In this clutch control device, the controller sets the engagement start timing of the friction clutch when a transition is made to the connected, four-wheel drive mode to an earlier timing compared to when a transition is made to the standby two-wheel drive mode, when there is a request to engage the dog clutch while in a state in which the disconnected, two-wheel drive mode is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Ogawa, Atsuhiro Mori, Shunichi Mitsuishi, Makoto Morita, Tetsu Takaishi
  • Patent number: 9688143
    Abstract: A vehicular safety system includes a vehicle, an electronic device and a case. The case has the electronic device being placed therein when the vehicle is utilized. The case is in electrical communication with the vehicle when the case is positioned within the vehicle. The case is in electrical communication with the electronic device such that the case determines a location of the electronic device with respect to the vehicle and the case. The case inhibits the vehicle from being driven when the case detects the electronic device is within the vehicle and the electronic device is not within the case. Thus, the case prevents the vehicle from being driven while the electronic device is available to be utilized. The case allows the vehicle to be driven when the case detects the electronic device is within the vehicle and the electronic device is within the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Brian Bryk
  • Patent number: 9688144
    Abstract: A display device for a motor vehicle includes: a display for displaying vehicle information; a computing device receiving vehicle data via a data bus, evaluating the received vehicle data, and causing an acoustic warning as a function of the evaluation of the vehicle data; and a connection between the display device and a loudspeaker for outputting of the acoustic warning, the connection to the loudspeaker being connected to an input of an evaluation device in such a way that, depending on a signal present at the connection of the loudspeaker, a malfunctioning or a functioning of the acoustic output is determined, and an optical warning display is provided for outputting an optical warning in the case of a malfunction of the acoustic output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Krespach
  • Patent number: 9688145
    Abstract: A terminal includes: a storage unit configured to store a plurality of pieces of software, each having a function restriction level and in which a plurality of functions are selectively restricted, and store a plurality of applications; a communication unit configured to receive driving information of a vehicle and external environment information; a control unit configured to identify a function restriction level corresponding to a driving condition of the vehicle based on the received driving information and external environment information, determine software corresponding to the identified function restriction level, and restrict and control a function of at least one application of the plurality of stored applications using the determined software; and an output unit configured to output execution information of the at least one application whose function is restricted and controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Ki Dong Kang
  • Patent number: 9688146
    Abstract: A vehicle having a display apparatus includes a main display part installed at a front surface of a center fascia of the vehicle to display an image, and a center panel that traverses the main display part in a width direction of the main display part, wherein the center panel is provided to move in an upper side and lower side direction so as to adjust a display area of the main display part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dong Uk Kim, Hyun Jin Park
  • Patent number: 9688147
    Abstract: An instrument cluster assembly is provided and includes a case assembly having a visor attached to a front side of the case assembly, the visor having at least one sound hole. The instrument cluster assembly also includes a dial sheet having at least one indicator. The instrument cluster assembly also includes a lens mounted to the visor such that the at least one indicator of the dial sheet is viewable through the lens. The instrument cluster assembly also includes a speaker that generates sound waves and a sound tube that directs the sound waves from the speaker to the at least one sound hole of the visor such that the sound waves generated by the speaker travel through the sound tube and exit the at least one sound hole of the visor without traveling through the dial sheet and the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignees: Denso International America, Inc., DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Koch, Ryo Kunitachi, Brandon Peterson, Joseph Falzon, Amol Deshmukh
  • Patent number: 9688148
    Abstract: A device for controlling a plurality of different functions of a motor vehicle has an operator control element with which in each case one of the plurality of different functions can be actuated, and a touch-sensitive field which has a plurality of sections, each of which is at least temporarily assigned one of the different functions and which are provided with symbols corresponding to the respective function. A function can be selected by selecting one of the sections. In each case the function which was selected from the touch-sensitive field can be actuated the operator control element. A display device, in which the respectively selected function can be displayed a symbol, is provided on the operator control element or in the direct vicinity of the operator control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Jacques Helot
  • Patent number: 9688149
    Abstract: A voltage stabilization apparatus (1) for a motor vehicle electrical system to stabilize at least one voltage-sensitive consumer (9) is proposed. The voltage stabilization apparatus is distinguished by a DC/DC converter circuit (3), an energy storage device (5) and a changeover switch (7), which are designed and arranged so that the energy storage device (5) is changeable by the DC/DC converter circuit (3) and the changeover switch (7) enables an electrical connection between the voltage-sensitive consumer (9) and the energy storage device (5) in such a way that the energy storage device (5) in case of need supplies a stabilization voltage (USTAB) at the consumer (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Flextronics International Kft.
    Inventors: Vit Kocur, Martin Gerhat
  • Patent number: 9688150
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an environmentally-friendly vehicle perform a safety function by blocking a high voltage output of a high voltage battery at the time of a rear-lateral side collision of the environmentally-friendly vehicle. The high voltage blocking function is smoothly performed at the time of the rear-lateral side collision accident by determining a rear-lateral side collision of the environmentally-friendly vehicle using a blind spot detection sensor, a lane change alert sensor, or a rear cross traffic alert sensor, along with a yaw rate sensor that detects a yaw rate, and turning off a relay of the high voltage battery at a moment when the rear-lateral side collision is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jae Yong Seong, Do Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 9688151
    Abstract: The vehicle brake device includes a hydraulic pressure brake device including a timing judging portion, a pressure increasing judging portion and a raising control portion for adding a raising amount of pressure selected and set from a first value relating to an allowable range, a second value relating to a response delay by filling a wheel cylinder with the operating fluid and a third value relating to a control delay relative to an electromagnetic valve which controls the hydraulic pressure braking force to the target pressure corresponding to a judgment result by the pressure increasing judging portion, when the timing judging portion judges that a time is the timing of raising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignees: ADVICS CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiro Okano, Masaki Ninoyu, Daisuke Nakata, Yusuke Kamiya
  • Patent number: 9688152
    Abstract: Advances in robot performance have been limited by a lack of advances in the mature field of battery technology. The focus of robotic power systems must expand from the use of single energy devices to the inclusion of multiple devices which can be optimized for a robotic platform. The challenge lies in the development of the hardware and control algorithms for a scalable power delivery architecture which satisfies the power and energy requirements of most unmanned ground vehicles. This invention is directed to an architecture which is easily scalable and facilitates the use of a wide variety of energy storage/generation devices, while focusing on the system control algorithm and its stability. The experimental results for an example system are presented demonstrating that the architecture functions properly when faced with real world robotic power demands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Karl Martin Reichard, Christopher Mark Rogan, Elisha M. Hughes, Nathaniel John Hobbs, Heath Fred Hofmann
  • Patent number: 9688153
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes: an engine which is disposed on a front side in the vehicle, and which is configured to drive rear wheels of the vehicle, the engine which includes a crank shaft that is extended in a front/back direction of the vehicle; and a drive motor which is arranged in line with the engine in a width direction of the vehicle, and which is disposed on an air intake side of the engine, the drive motor which is configured to drive front wheels of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA ENGINEERING KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takuya Yamamoto, Hidetoshi Ono, Eiji Akita, Naoki Kida, Tomoaki Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 9688154
    Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle includes a motor generator configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving torque to and from a driving shaft coupled to a driving wheel; a DC power supply including a power storage device; and an inverter for performing bidirectional DC/AC power conversion between the DC power supply and the motor generator. The MG-ECU controls a plurality of power semiconductor switching elements to be turned on/off in accordance with a torque command value and a state value of the motor generator. When an accelerator pedal is released, the MG-ECU controls the inverter to superimpose a DC current component on an AC current of each phase in the motor generator in accordance with the state of charge of the power storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto Nakamura, Ryoji Sato, Takaya Soma
  • Patent number: 9688155
    Abstract: A mobile device communicates with an authenticator affiliated with a recharging facility, to identify itself. To confirm that the mobile device is connected to the correct facility, the authenticator instructs the mobile device to draw electrical charge according to an identifiable pattern. Upon detecting a charge being drawn according to that pattern, the authenticator has confirmation that the identified device is connected to the facility, and permits the charging to proceed. The amount of electricity drawn during the charging procedure can be metered, and then billed to a party associated with the identified mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SILVER SPRING NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Eli Marlin, Cristina Seibert
  • Patent number: 9688156
    Abstract: A method for communicating between an electric vehicle and a charging station for electrically charging at least one energy storage device of the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle is connected to the charging station during the charging process by a lockable mechanical coupling between a terminal of charging cable connected to the vehicle and a terminal of the charging station. Charging current is fed from the charging station through the charging cable. Information is transferred in the course of the charging process based on a communication between the electric vehicle and the charging station. The information includes a signal transmitted from the electric vehicle to the charging station for locking and/or unlocking the mechanical coupling. The signal triggers the locking and/or unlocking of the mechanical coupling between the terminal of the charging cable and the terminal at the charging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joerg Heuer, Martin Winter
  • Patent number: 9688157
    Abstract: An arrangement for providing a vehicle with electric energy, wherein the arrangement includes a generating device for inducing an alternating electric current by magnetic induction in a corresponding receiving device, wherein the arrangement comprises a base to which the generating device is attached, the base defines a vehicle location an elevated region sideways of the vehicle location, wherein an upper surface of the elevated region is elevated compared to an upper surface of the base under the vehicle location, an elongated profile includes an electrically conducting material and/or a magnetizable material, wherein the elongated profile is attached to the elevated region and extends along an extension of the generating device in a longitudinal direction of the arrangement and wherein an elevated profile extends upwards towards a level of the upper surface of the elevated region and also extends towards the vehicle location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Czainski, Jeremie Desjardins, Marnix Lannoije, Jing Gao
  • Patent number: 9688158
    Abstract: A power driving system for an electric vehicle with a motor includes plural battery boxes, a first DC bus, a second DC bus and a power converter. The first DC bus is electrically connected with the battery boxes for selectively receiving electric energy from the battery boxes. The second DC bus is electrically connected with the battery boxes for selectively receiving electric energy from the battery boxes. The power converter is connected between first DC bus and the second DC bus. After the power driving system is changed from a steady state power mode to a driving voltage switching mode, a driving voltage switching process is performed. By the power converter, a voltage of one of the first DC bus and the second DC bus in a steady state is used to adjust a voltage of the other of the first DC bus and the second DC bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: ALEEES ECO ARK (CAYMAN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: An-Tao Anthony Yang, Gordon Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 9688159
    Abstract: Methods and systems for preventing over-temperature conditions in vehicle battery packs. In some implementations, such methods may comprise measuring a resistance within a contactor of an electric vehicle, estimating a temperature of the contactor using the measured resistance, and comparing the estimated temperature of the contactor with a threshold temperature. In some implementations, upon determining that the estimated temperature has exceeded the threshold temperature, the current delivered through the contactor may be limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Derek W. Fultz, Alessandro G. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 9688160
    Abstract: A method of operating an electric system of a motor vehicle, consisting of a fuel cell system, an accumulator and an electric driving motor is provided. Without implementing an electric voltage conversion and therefore without an electric voltage converter, as a function of the level of the electric voltage made available by the fuel cell system and by the accumulator and the electric power demanded by the electric motor, a first switching element in the connection between the fuel cell system and a node point electrically connected with the accumulator and the electric motor, as well as a second switching element in the connection between the accumulator and this node point are opened or closed as needed. This is done such that the power requirement of the electric motor is met primarily from the fuel cell system, and in an auxiliary fashion, additionally from the accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Georg Goetz, Sylvester Burckhardt, Michael Bauer, Andreas Buchner, Florian Pfattrisch
  • Patent number: 9688161
    Abstract: A slip control device for an electric vehicle which accurately determines slippage occurrence with only a rotation angle sensor for motor rotation control and perform rapid control to eliminate the slippage, is provided. A threshold calculation module (21) calculates a normal angular acceleration of a motor depending on a manipulation amount of an accelerator to obtain a threshold, and an angular acceleration calculator (22) differentiates a detection value from a rotation angle sensor (3a) twice to calculate an angular acceleration. A slip determination (23) determines whether a drive wheel (7) has slipped, and a torque limitation (25) limits a torque when a slippage has occurred. The determination (23) determines the angular acceleration and a threshold. The determination (23) counts a number of consecutive times it is determined that the threshold is exceeded, and determines that a slippage has occurred, if the number of consecutive times has reached a set value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yingjie Zhang, Koichi Okada, Naoyuki Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 9688162
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a modular vehicle seat control system including a plurality of control units direct mounted to one or more other control system units through a bus system. The modular construction obviates the need for additional wiring, and enables a manufacturer to install one or more of the control units in any suitable arrangement by engaging the control units through rigidly mounted bus connectors. Suitable control units can comprise manually actuated components for controlling any of a wide variety of vehicle seat functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Matthew J. Harden
  • Patent number: 9688163
    Abstract: Equipment and processes generate a seating solution by obtaining occupant data, calculating body dimensions from the occupant data, and calculating a best-fit body arrangement for an occupant. Occupant data may be obtained in various ways using available computational devices and software or by manually measuring the relevant dimensions on the occupant. A user interface for inputting occupant metrics and/or occupant measurements may be provided in a mobile terminal included in the vehicle or separate from the vehicle, thus giving users increased flexibility while maximizing simplicity and usability for the user or other personnel obtaining the data. Once an occupant's best-fit body arrangement is determined, it may be altered by changing the predetermined criteria to achieve optimum comfort, safety, and therapeutic benefit as well as used for providing improved comfort on a continuous basis and/or in response to detected or predicted vehicle, road, or atmospheric conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLC
    Inventors: James T Hotary, Samuel Baudu, Robert C Fitzpatrick, Dana R Lowell, Gregory Brncick
  • Patent number: 9688164
    Abstract: A freestanding vehicle seat assembly includes: a seat having a seat portion connected to a back portion; a monopost attached at a bottom of the seat portion such that the seat rests only on the monopost; and a track assembly attached at a bottom of the monopost, the track assembly configured for providing fore and aft movement of the freestanding vehicle seat assembly. The freestanding vehicle seat assembly can have a pitch mechanism on the monopost configured for pitching at least part of the seat forward and rearward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: TESLA, INC.
    Inventors: P Thomas Vikstrom, Tony Paschos, Jan Just, Franz Von Holzhausen
  • Patent number: 9688165
    Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle, in particular a public transport vehicle such as a bus or train, comprises a transversely positioned bench seat in front of which there is a wheelchair space. In front of the transversely positioned bench seat in the travel direction of the vehicle is arranged a barrier device comprising at least one barrier element and a rotation axis, about which the barrier element can be moved between a tilted-down position extending in front of the transversely positioned bench seat and a tilted-up position which leaves the wheelchair space free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Franz Kiel GMBH
    Inventor: Jürgen Mill
  • Patent number: 9688166
    Abstract: A system and method for articulating a vehicle child restraint anchor to which a child restraint seat (CRS) is attachable is disclosed, wherein one or more anchors individually or jointly articulate between at least a first and a second position about a pivotal axis, that axis and related hardware generally contained within a vehicle seat assembly or attached to a vehicle floor, package tray or alternative load bearing support structure located behind or above a vehicle seat such as a roof. One or more anchor positions may be fixable. The system may be operated manually or semi-automatically, incorporate springs and interlocks, and may be sensor or motor/solenoid-driven. Articulated anchor positions may include a position of enhanced visibility and accessibility to simplify consumer CRS to child restraint anchor connectivity or disengagement compared to alternative positions of generally limited anchor accessibility, partial or total concealment, stowed, alternative or secondary anchorage use positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Edward Ruthinowski, Dean M. Jaradi
  • Patent number: 9688167
    Abstract: A child safety seat includes a seat shell having one side provided with an elongated slot, an anchor strap portion restrictedly held with the seat shell, and a storage pocket provided on the side of the seat shell. The slot communicates with a first opening near a front of the seat shell, and a second opening near a rear of the seat shell. The anchor strap portion is connected with a fastener that is operable to attach with an anchor structure provided in a vehicle, the anchor strap portion being movable along the slot between a first position adjacent to the first opening, and a second position adjacent to the second opening. The storage pocket is sized to receive the fastener and the anchor strap portion for storage, the storage pocket being adjacent to the elongated slot and located between the first and second openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: BP Children's Products HK Co. Limited
    Inventors: James M. F. Hutchinson, Kyle S. Mason
  • Patent number: 9688168
    Abstract: An integrated folding seat and movable backrest includes a mounting frame for all of the elements of the assembly. A vertically movable backrest frame is slideably attached to the mounting frame and coupled to a pivot down seat frame by pivot arms. The pivot arms include a curved upper arm extending between the mounting frame and the seat frame, a lower arm extending between the mounting frame and the seat frame, and a lift arm having one end pivotally coupled to the lower arm at a position intermediate the ends of the lower arm, and an opposite end coupled to the backrest frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: S2 Yachts, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher M. Gratz
  • Patent number: 9688169
    Abstract: A split rear backrest is arranged between two side panels of a motor vehicle and has two backrests, which are provided with respective lower portions arranged side by side along a horizontal axis and are rotatable independently of each other about said horizontal axis; moreover, the backrest has a shaft, whose ends define respective fastening elements for being coupled to the side panels; the shaft has a segment axially protruding from one of the backrests and rotationally engaging a seat axially formed in the other backrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: FCA Italy S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alberto Contorbia, Daniele Tomasi, Tommaso Luchetti, Antonella Rigoli
  • Patent number: 9688170
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly having a seat bottom that includes first and second side frame members and a front cushion module. The front cushion module has a support member and a cushion. The support member has first and second ends that are disposed proximate the front end of the first and second side frame members, respectively. The cushion receives and is supported by the support member and has a front end. The vehicle seat assembly may have an actuator cooperable with the support member for tilting the front end of the cushion relative to the frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Krzysztof Wroblewski, Ashford Allen Galbreath, Wee Tzee Gam, Asad S. Ali, Terry O'Bannon
  • Patent number: 9688171
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes an armrest having a body provided with a recessed portion recessed toward a widthwise inward direction of the seat in such a manner as to surround a shaft member, and a hook member attached to a distal end of the shaft member and fitted in the recessed portion. The hook member includes a presser portion for pressing a skin layer of the armrest with the skin layer gripped between the presser portion and the body of the armrest, a baggage engagement portion extending from the presser portion in a widthwise outward direction of the seat for hooking engagement with the baggage, and a flange portion located at a distal end of the baggage engagement portion and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of the shaft member for preventing the baggage from displacing off the hook member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: TACHI-S CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Taichi Yokoyama, Tomonori Takahashi, Yozo Furuta
  • Patent number: 9688172
    Abstract: The invention relates to a foldable head rest assembly (1) for a vehicle comprising a bracket (3), an armature (5) for carrying a head rest, a locking mechanism (33) and a release mechanism, wherein the armature comprises a first arm, which is mounted to the bracket by an armature shaft (17) and pivotable with respect to the bracket about a first axis (18) between an upright position and a folded position, wherein the first axis is defined by the armature shaft, wherein the locking mechanism (33) prevents pivoting of the armature from the upright position to the folded position and wherein the release mechanism (49) can move the locking mechanism from a locked position to an unlocked position, characterized in that an abutment surface (34) of the first arm abuts a locking shaft (31) in the upright position, the locking shaft extending along a second axis that extends parallel to and spaced apart from the first axis, and the release mechanism is mounted to the locking shaft (31) and pivotable about the second
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: KONGSBERG AUTOMOTIVE AB
    Inventors: Erik Nilsson, Anders Kvarnström
  • Patent number: 9688173
    Abstract: Suspension system for vehicle seats, in particular for utility motor vehicle seats, comprising at least a first and a second part, the two parts being mounted oscillatorily movable and spring-loaded with respect to one another, wherein a closed hydropneumatic circuit is provided which comprises at least one control element, connected to at least one of the two parts, and at least one first hydropneumatic spring connected in series therewith, a hydraulic pressure of a hydraulic medium in the circuit being convertible into a force acting between the two parts by means of an action surface arranged in the control element, the pressure being dependent on a gas pressure in a gas volume of the first spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventors: Stephan Ulrich, Konstantin Krivenkov, Rainer Bruns, Erwin Haller, Jens Kolb
  • Patent number: 9688174
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly is provided that includes a seatback and a support layer coupled to a seat frame. The support layer includes a plurality of sealed support cells and defines a plurality of attachment points. The support cells have a first air pressure and a comfort layer positioned over the support layer. The comfort layer includes a plurality of sealed comfort cells having a second air pressure. The support layer, comfort layer, and cover stock are secured to the seat frame via the attachment points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alan George Dry, Joseph S. Talamonti
  • Patent number: 9688175
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a side frame of a seat cushion; a seat support member on a floor side; and a joining bracket that joins the side frame and the seat support member together. The seat support member has at least an upper surface and side surfaces and has a hat shape in cross section in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the seat support member. The joining bracket has a fastening surface portion that comes in surface contact with the upper surface of the seat support member and is fastened by a single fastening unit to the upper surface of the seat support member at the fastening surface portion. The joining bracket has at least one projecting portion capable of coming in contact with at least one of the side surfaces of the seat support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignees: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA, SHIROKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yushi Shinozaki
  • Patent number: 9688176
    Abstract: A self-loading post caster dolly for lifting and moving heavy objects. A fixed structural frame includes a vertical socket. A horizontal lifting bar includes a vertical post that is moved through the vertical socket then secured to hold the object with the lifting bar at a desired height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Paul Mason