Patents Issued in July 4, 2017
  • Patent number: 9694702
    Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement of an electric vehicle, in particular a circuit arrangement of an electric vehicle for inductive power transfer to the vehicle, and a method of operating the named circuit arrangement. The circuit arrangement includes an impedance and at least one rectifier for rectifying an AC voltage. An AC part of the circuit arrangement includes the impedance. The rectifier connects the AC part to a DC part of the circuit arrangement. The circuit arrangement further includes at least one current control means for controlling a current flow in the AC part vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbH
    Inventor: Alireza Safaee
  • Patent number: 9694703
    Abstract: A charging device includes: a housing; a heat radiation member storage room to which a part of electric parts in a power conversion unit is attached, and which houses a heat sink including fins; an electric parts storage room housing other electric parts of the power conversion unit and a control unit; a first suction port introducing a gas into the heat radiation member storage room and a first exhaust port discharging the gas; a second suction port introducing the gas into the electric parts storage room and a second exhaust port discharging the gas; a first fan introducing the gas into the heat radiation member storage room and a second fan introducing the gas into the electric parts storage room; a suction-side waterproof cover that covers the first and second ports; and an exhaust-side waterproof cover covering the first and second exhaust ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Youhei Shinada
  • Patent number: 9694704
    Abstract: A peak cut power calculation unit calculates peak cut power transmittable to an overhead wire as power exhibiting monotonic non-increase with respect to a resistance value of the overhead wire between a vehicle and a substation. In addition, a peak cut unit controls electrical charging/discharging of a rechargeable battery with power of a difference between load power and transmission peak cut power when the load power is equal to or more than the peak cut power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuaki Morita, Shunsuke Kamei, Takayuki Kono, Kazuyuki Wakasugi
  • Patent number: 9694705
    Abstract: A vehicle charger is provided that receives power from electric vehicle supply equipment to charge a battery mounted within an electric. The charger includes a charging controller that is configured to execute a charging mode of the vehicle charger and a main power supplier that is configured to supply main power to the charging controller. In addition, an auxiliary power supplier is configured to supply battery power as auxiliary power when receiving a control pilot signal generated from the electric vehicle supply equipment. A power controller is configured to detect the control pilot signal and turn the main power supply and the auxiliary power supply on and off based on state information regarding the detected control pilot signal and a charging mode control signal output from the charging controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jae Won Lee, Dong Jun Lee, Young Kook Lee, Hun Kong
  • Patent number: 9694706
    Abstract: A system for reprogramming a vehicle controller includes: a plurality of controllers equipped in a vehicle; a battery configured to provide operation power to the plurality of controllers; and a charging control device configured to sense a connection with a charger providing charging power from an external power source to the battery, request latest software version information corresponding to each of the plurality of controllers from the charger through power-line communication (PLC) while the charging power is provided from the charger to the battery, confirm the requested latest software version information, receive upgrade data from the charger, and transmit the received upgrade data to the plurality of controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sung Joon Park
  • Patent number: 9694707
    Abstract: Systems and methods for electric vehicle battery systems with replaceable parallel electric vehicle battery modules are described herein. The electric vehicle battery system includes a plurality of electric vehicle battery modules connected in parallel. Each electric vehicle battery module includes a battery. Each electric vehicle battery module can also include a balancing circuit in electrical communication with a current path from the battery to an electric vehicle battery module output node. Each electric vehicle battery module also may have a current sensor in electromagnetic communication with the current path between the battery and the balancing circuit. The current sensor can be configured to sense a current level between the battery and the balancing circuit. The balancing circuit can be configured to balance the current level sensed by the current sensor of each electric vehicle battery module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ample Inc.
    Inventor: Louis J. Shrinkle
  • Patent number: 9694708
    Abstract: A battery assembly mounted on a hybrid electric vehicle is provided that prevents thermal runaway caused by overcharging. The battery assembly includes a battery having a plurality of cells and a protection switch disposed opposite to the battery. A relay is configured to turn on or off according to an operation of the protection switch and a PRA (power relay assembly) is connected between the relay and the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Yooncheol Jeon, Jeong Hun Seo, Yongjin Lee, Hae Kyu Lim, Jin Ho Park, Jun Seok Choi, Jun Ho Bang
  • Patent number: 9694709
    Abstract: A safe hovering skate board unit capable of being driven by a user is disclosed. The hovering skateboard includes a first board to receive the user, one or more first magnetic source, configured with the first board, to emit magnetic field, a second board magnetically coupled with the first board, one or more second magnetic source configured with the second board to repel the magnetic field and facilitate the first board to hover over the second board. Further, the unit includes the ground engaging wheels attached to the second board moves in the direction driven by the user. Furthermore, the unit may include a specialized safety system for ensuring safety of the user by controlling one or more components corresponding to the hovering skateboard unit based on one or more factors corresponding to the user. Further, a corresponding method of operating the hovering skate board unit is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Ron Konchitsky
  • Patent number: 9694710
    Abstract: A vehicle control device controls torque of a drive motor such that rotation of the drive motor is transferred to rear drive wheels of a vehicle via a drive unit that includes a speed reducer including a plurality of gears rotatably supported by bearings. The vehicle control device sets different values as torque restriction values for torque to be generated by the drive motor when the vehicle is driven forward and when the vehicle is driven rearward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryohei Shigeta, Yoshinao Iwase, Keita Nomura, Ryouichi Kubo
  • Patent number: 9694711
    Abstract: A controlling apparatus is provided for controlling a vehicle including a motor for traveling and an inverter for driving the motor. The controlling apparatus includes: an obtainer acquiring information on a front of the vehicle; a determiner judging whether the vehicle is in a coasting state in a regeneration prohibited mode in which a regenerative brake is disabled or not; an estimator forming, if the determiner judges that the vehicle is in the coasting state in the regeneration prohibited mode, an estimate of whether the coasting state in the regeneration prohibited mode is to last for at shortest a predetermined period or not on a basis of the information acquired by the obtainer; and a controller shutting down the inverter if the estimator estimates that the coasting state in the regeneration prohibited mode is to last for at shortest the predetermined period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hidetaka Mitsuoka
  • Patent number: 9694712
    Abstract: A power control system may include at least one of batteries, a motor, and a data logic analyzer that can interpret certain variable conditions of a transport, such as a tractor trailer, moving along a road or highway. The data can be used to determine when to apply supplemental power to the wheels of a trailer to reduce fuel usage. One example device may include at least one of: a power creation module that generates electrical power, a battery which store the electrical power, a motor affixed to a trailer axle of a trailer which provides a turning force to the trailer axle when enabled to operate from the stored electrical power of the battery, and a motor controller configured to initiate the motor to operate according to a predefined sensor condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: HYLIION INC.
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Healy
  • Patent number: 9694713
    Abstract: An electric motorcycle includes an electric motor, a manual transmission, a shift drum potentiometer, and an ECU. When it is determined based on an input from the shift drum potentiometer that a transmission manipulation has been performed, the ECU executes a first control operation when switching from a power transmission state to a power cut state and executes a second control operation when returning from the power cut state to the power transmission state. In the first control operation, the ECU controls an operation of the electric motor to facilitate disengagement of an engagement mechanism from a gear train of the manual transmission. In the second control operation, for facilitating engagement of the engagement mechanism with a different gear train, the ECU controls the operation of the electric motor to make a revolving speed of the different gear train close to the revolving speed of the engagement mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Daisuke Kawai
  • Patent number: 9694714
    Abstract: An apparatus for classifying a passenger in a vehicle includes a seat cushion for a seat in the vehicle, the seat cushion having an adult detection area and a child detection area. A first chamber is disposed in the adult detection area and a second chamber is disposed in the child detection area. A margin improvement unit includes a pressure sensor configured to measure a first pressure based on a first weight applied to the first chamber and a second pressure based on a second weight applied to the second chamber. The margin improvement unit is configured to output a first adjusted pressure value based on the first pressure and a second adjusted pressure value based on the second pressure. The first adjusted pressure value is greater than the second adjusted pressure value when the first weight is substantially equal to the second weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Pyoung Sik Shin, Jong Young Yoon, Nam Gyun Kim
  • Patent number: 9694715
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a removable vehicle seat having a front latch, a rear latch, and a seat mounting bracket adapted to be coupled to a vehicle floor. The front latch includes a striker receiving slot having a slot width, and the seat mounting bracket includes a front and rear striker, where the front striker is configured to be received in the receiving slot. The front striker includes an engagement portion having a flat, angled engagement surface in cross-section. In an installation position of the seat, the front latch receives the engagement portion with the engagement surface being substantially parallel to the receiving slot thereby providing for a clearance fit. In an installed position of the seat, the receiving slot is angled relative to the engagement surface such that the front striker engages opposing walls of the receiving slot thereby establishing an interference fit between the striker and front latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Michael P Gebauer, Jason Bahlman, Sumit Mathur
  • Patent number: 9694716
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a front tilt mechanism including a front panel that is bridged between left and right side frames of a seat cushion and connected with the left and right side frames at connection points, the front panel being configured to pivot about the connection points in a height direction to adjust an angle of a seating surface of a front portion of the seat cushion; and an air conditioner mounted to the seat cushion, the air conditioner including: a slide mechanism that allows to change a distance between a front pivot-mounting part and a rear pivot-mounting part with a slide movement, wherein the air conditioner is bridged between the lower surface of the front panel and the cylindrical pipe and configured to allow the front panel of the front tilt mechanism to pivot about the connection points with a slide movement of the slide mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hideo Masuda
  • Patent number: 9694717
    Abstract: A system for adjusting a position of a wheelchair occupant includes a sensor configured to generate sensor data based on the position of the occupant, an adjustment system coupled to a support point on the wheelchair and configured to be coupled to a support point on the occupant's clothing, and a processing circuit. The adjustment system is configured to extend and retract at least one adjustment element to adjust the position of the occupant, and the processing circuit is configured to determine the position of the occupant in the wheelchair based on the sensor data and adjust the adjustment element based on the determined position of the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Richard T. Lord, Robert W. Lord, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9694718
    Abstract: A vehicle seat including: a seat cushion, a cushion frame; and a pair of slide rails on which the cushion frame is mounted and which is configured to support the cushion frame to be slidable relative to a floor, each slide rail including an upper rail, wherein two engaging portions are respectively provided to the upper rails, wherein four fitting portions which abut against and fit into the engaging portions are provided to the cushion frame, wherein each of the fitting portions includes at least two wall portions extending in a vertical direction, and wherein guide portions are provided at lower sides of the wall portions, the guide portions being configured to guide the fitting portions to be fitted into the engaging portions when the cushion frame comes close from above to the upper rails mounted on the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keisuke Yamamoto, Taiyo Otsuka
  • Patent number: 9694719
    Abstract: A slide rail by which a conveyance seat is slidably coupled to a floor of a conveyance includes: a lower rail attached on the floor; an upper rail slidably assembled to the lower rail and attached to the conveyance seat; and a locking spring supported by the upper rail and having a locking piece that is inserted into a locking slit formed in the lower rail to prohibit the upper rail and the lower rail from sliding relative to each other. The locking piece extends in a direction along a cross-section (the width direction) of the upper rail from a position in the locking spring, at which the locking spring is supported by the upper rail. The locking piece is inserted into the locking slit by deflection deformation of the locking piece in an in-plane direction of the cross-section (the height direction) of the upper rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kouji Takiya, Hiroshi Mizobata
  • Patent number: 9694720
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a Taumel-type reclining device and provides a reclining device in which clattering does not occur. On either the inner side or the outer side of a first wedge-shaped member 71 and a second wedge-shaped member 73, a driving ring 75 is disposed. A abutting portion of the driving ring 75 is formed such that, in a case where the internal gear 61 and the external gear 63 are in a locked state, a force to move the first wedge-shaped member 71 and the second wedge-shaped member 73 in a direction in which engagement of the inner teeth 61c of the internal gear 61 and the outer teeth 63a of the external gear 63 becomes deeper can be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: SHIROKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomohiro Enokijima
  • Patent number: 9694721
    Abstract: A vehicle child safety seat alert system for alerting a caregiver if a child has been left behind in a vehicle. The vehicle child safety seat alert system includes a seat component configured to determine whether a child is sitting on the seat component, identify a Bluetooth signal from the target vehicle and use that signal to determine when the vehicle is turned off, and duplicate an RF signal that actuates the vehicle's sensory alarm system so as to be able to selectively actuate the vehicle's sensory alarm system. In use, with the seat component placed under a child's seat, whenever the vehicle has been turned off, if a child is still on top of the seat component, the seat component will wirelessly actuate the vehicle sensory alarm system after a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: John Delay
  • Patent number: 9694722
    Abstract: A protective shield for an infant seat includes a transparent enclosure having a top wall, two spaced, opposing sidewalls and an inclined front wall. The front wall includes an audiovisual system for playing video and/or audio recordings to entertain the child. The enclosure is attached to a child seat with a swiveling clamp that allows the enclosure to be pivoted onto and away from a seated child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Tijuana L Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9694723
    Abstract: A seat backrest includes right and left side frame segments, a pressure receiving member disposed between the side frame segments movably in a front-back direction, and a cushion pad covering the front of the side frame segments and pressure receiving member. The pressure receiving member includes a main body part, and extending parts extending laterally from both sides of the main body part. The cushion pad includes a back receiving part covering the front of the main body part, and bank parts disposed on both sides of the back receiving part, protruding forward from both sides, and covering the front of the extending parts and side frame segments. A recess is formed at an area, facing a corresponding extending part of the extending parts, of a rear surface of each bank part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shuichi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9694724
    Abstract: A vehicular seat slide device, includes: a first rail fixed to one of a vehicular floor and a seat; a second rail fixed to the other one of the floor and the seat, and linked to be movable relative to the first rail; a screw rod supported by the second rail to be rotatable around an axial line which extends in a moving direction; a metal case fixed to the first rail, and through which the screw rod is inserted; a resin nut housed in the metal case in a state of being unmovable in the moving direction with respect to the metal case, and screwed to the screw rod; and a metal nut housed in the metal case in a state of not being in contact with the resin nut in the moving direction, and screwed to the screw rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshiaki Nagata, Hiroyuki Okazaki, Kenji Tatewaki, Yuki Kuroda
  • Patent number: 9694725
    Abstract: A system for pairing a personal electronic device of a passenger with a passenger seat in a vehicle, and for allowing the personal electronic device to control passenger in-seat functions and features such as entertainment systems in vehicles. The system comprises an on-board management system for installation in a vehicle. The on-board management system is configured to receive pairing information from the personal electronic device via a wireless communication link. The on-board management system can then pair the personal electronic device to the passenger seat and authorize the personal electronic device to control one or more passenger seat functions associated with the passenger seat. A device pairing software application is stored on a non-transitory carrier and is configured to program the personal electronic device to transmit the pairing information to the on-board management system, and transmit a command or control instruction to control one or more passenger seat functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC AVIONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Philip Watson, Steven Bates, Sanjiv Sitaram Pimple
  • Patent number: 9694726
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for controlling air cells of a seat. The apparatus includes: air cells provided on opposing sides of the seat to support a portion of the body of the passenger seated on the seat; pressure sensors to measure internal pressures of the air cells; and a control unit to receive the measured pressures of the air cells. Then, the control unit compares and stores the pressures of the air cells when a startup of the vehicle is off. When the startup is on, the control unit controls expansion of the air cells according to any one of the pressures of the air cells which are compared and stored in the control unit when the startup is off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI DYMOS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Deuk Kyu Byun, Chang Won Lee
  • Patent number: 9694727
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for damping an upper suspension part in at least one spatial direction with respect to a lower suspension part movable relative thereto, wherein a spring apparatus which acts between the upper suspension part and the lower suspension part is provided for damping, wherein an actuating element is provided by way of which a force can be introduced into the device bidirectionally in the operating direction of the spring apparatus, wherein the actuating element is actuable via a control apparatus, wherein the actuating element comprises a drive, preferably in the form of a rotary field magnet, and a coupling rod, drivable by the drive and in the form of a shaft, in such a way that a distance between the lower suspension part and upper suspension part can be varied as a result of the coupling rod rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Grammar AG
    Inventors: Erwin Haller, Jens Kolb
  • Patent number: 9694728
    Abstract: A vehicle heating apparatus is a heating apparatus to be mounted on or built in a vehicle seat at a position below a sitting portion of the vehicle seat. The vehicle heating apparatus includes: a housing having an intake port, a blowing port, and an internal space serving as a flow path of air from the intake port to the blowing port; a fan provided in the internal space of the housing; and a heater provided in the internal space of the housing. In a usage state where the vehicle heating apparatus is mounted on or built in the vehicle seat, the blowing port is located above the intake port and opens downwardly with respect to a horizontal direction. Thereby, the amount of heating required for the heater is further reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO, LTD.
    Inventors: Takehiko Ise, Yoshiaki Kurosawa, Atsunori Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 9694729
    Abstract: A seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle includes a frame assembly for supporting a seat occupant in the vehicle, a foam pad supported by the frame assembly, and a trim cover covering the foam pad. A noise reduction coating is applied to the foam pad between the foam pad and the frame assembly to reduce noise from movement therebetween. The noise reduction coating includes a fluorescent additive from the group consisting of: vitamin A, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B-12, gypsum, talc, opal, agate, quartz, amber, chlorophyll, quinine, n-propanol, n-butanol, diacetone alcohol, xylene, and cresol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Magna Seating Inc.
    Inventor: Devin J Sutherland
  • Patent number: 9694730
    Abstract: Paired mounting portions to which holders are attached are each formed as a notch or a through hole extending in an up-down direction of an upper frame, so that the paired mounting portions are disposed across a central position of the upper frame in a seat-width direction, and the holders are attached to the paired mounting portions, respectively, and then fixed to an upper face portion and a lower face portion of the upper frame at a seat rearward position relative to a seating face portion of the upper frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignees: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hidekazu Kitou
  • Patent number: 9694731
    Abstract: A vehicle interior storage compartment is disclosed. The vehicle interior storage compartment is configured to store a beverage container. The vehicle interior storage compartment includes a substrate and a foam liner having a skin secured to the substrate during a forming process. The liner includes at least one protrusion configured to deform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventors: Jason M. Hipshier, David John McCarthy
  • Patent number: 9694732
    Abstract: A valve assembly for mounting a pump to a storage tank of a vehicle includes an upper flange, a lower flange, and a wall extending axially between the upper flange and the lower flange, the lower flange being offset by the wall relative to the upper flange to facilitate installation of the pump on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: MARSHALL EXCELSIOR CO.
    Inventors: Frederick W. Blanchard, Alex L. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 9694733
    Abstract: A slide-out or retractable room for a mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, is provided with actuating assemblies mounted on opposite side walls of the slide-out room and the adjacent wall of the main living area. The actuating assemblies include a pair of parallel gear racks mounted on the side wall, which are engaged by pinions rotated by torque shafts mounted on the main living quarters. Each torque shaft is rotated by a separate motor. A roller engages a bearing surface on the lower portion of the gear racks. Accordingly, the slide-out room is extended and retracted by rotating the torque shafts to cause the gear racks and the attached slide-out room to extend and retract. The weight of the slide-out room is supported by the rollers, thereby supporting the slide-out room off of the floor of the main living quarters as it extends and retracts. A synchronizing control operates the motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: LIPPERT COMPONENTS MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Schwindaman, Thomas J. Rogers, Michael W. Howard
  • Patent number: 9694734
    Abstract: A retaining apparatus includes a base member having a backing portion engaging a first side of a fixed plate and a cleat engaging a second side of the fixed plate. A neck portion connects the backing portion to the cleat and slidingly engages a keyway hole in the fixed plate. The retaining apparatus also includes a locking member coupled to the base member by a hinge. The locking member defines a disengaged position spaced from the fixed plate and is pivotable to an engaged position to secure the apparatus to the fixed plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Gerard Fortin, Danny John Wilyard, Gary Speck
  • Patent number: 9694735
    Abstract: A system, device and method for opening an electromechanical system of a vehicle. The system includes a capacitive emblem switch and a transponder, where the transponder includes an identifier of the vehicle. The capacitive emblem switch is activated when the user is in proximity of the vehicle with the transponder. The electromechanical system, such as a rear hatch of the vehicle opens when the user motions in front of the activated capacitive emblem switch. In embodiments, the capacitive emblem switch may be incorporated into a vehicle logo or a vehicle model number. In an embodiment, LED lights are used to indicate activation of the capacitive emblem switch. The LED lights may change color to indicate a completion of the method. The capacitive emblem switch may be transparent. The transponder may be a key fob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Flextronics International USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun Sheehan, Kevin Roman Buermann, Bruce D. Olson
  • Patent number: 9694736
    Abstract: A vehicle state indication system includes a light indicator and a controller. The light indicator includes a first on mode and second on mode, and is disposed on a vehicle so as to be capable of selectively externally indicating a first state of the vehicle and a second state of the vehicle at least in a forward direction of the vehicle. The controller is programmed to determine whether the vehicle intends to enter the first state or the second state, and to activate the first on mode while the vehicle intends to enter the first state and the second on mode while vehicle intends to enter the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Blair Williams, Melissa Cefkin
  • Patent number: 9694737
    Abstract: A vehicle headlight control system includes a headlight, a positioning system, a receiver, and a controller. The positioning system is configured to generate host vehicle information including a host vehicle location and a host vehicle trajectory. The receiver is configured to receive remote vehicle information including a remote vehicle location and a remote vehicle trajectory. The controller is configured to calculate a remote vehicle distance from the host vehicle location based on the remote vehicle information and the host vehicle information, determine whether the remote vehicle distance is less than a predetermined distance, and automatically operate the headlight in a first setting while the remote vehicle distance is determined to be less than the predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy Chambers, Roy Goudy, Neal Probert, Andy Christensen
  • Patent number: 9694738
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a license-plate-sized enclosure that includes translucent and opaque films with personalized images and a printed circuit board. The license plate enclosure may incorporate shaped-arrays of LEDs that are substantially conformed to the shape of the translucent portions of the films and are used to illuminate the translucent portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Glen Goeloe
  • Patent number: 9694739
    Abstract: A vehicle handle assembly is provided that includes a light-producing-assembly with a first light source and a second light source. The first and second light sources are configured to emit light of different wavelengths. A photoluminescent structure is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by light emitted by the first light source and a phosphorescent structure is configured to phosphoresce in response to excitation by light emitted by the second light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, James J. Surman, Bhavani Thota
  • Patent number: 9694740
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a vehicle window (e.g., sunroof). Side-firing LEDs are provided between first and second substantially parallel substrates and emit light towards central regions of the window. A liquid-crystal inclusive switchable film is provided between the first and second substrates. The liquid crystals are sized such that light received from the LEDs is redirected in a direction substantially normal to major surfaces of the first and second substrates. The switchable film is operable in at least first and second modes, with the window in the first mode having a visible transmission of less than 1%, and with the window in the second mode having a visible transmission of 7-15%. The switchable film and the LEDs are operable independently of one another in connection with the LEDs emitting light and the switchable film controlling visible transmission therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Frey, Robert A. Vandal
  • Patent number: 9694741
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat having a base including peripheral side ledges disposed on first and second sides of the seat. A seat cushion is disposed on the base and includes first and second independent thigh supports that extend forwardly over the base and define a forward ledge. A seatback is operably coupled to the seat and includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion includes a seatback cushion and a seatback support. A peripheral seatback cavity is located on first and second sides of the lower portion between the seatback cushion and the seatback support. At least one light source is disposed proximate the peripheral side ledges, the forward ledge, and the peripheral seatback cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • Patent number: 9694742
    Abstract: A vehicle panel assembly comprises a trim assembly, a light and a sensor. The trim assembly defines a recessed storage area. The light is disposed on the trim assembly and configured to emit visible light toward the recessed storage area. The sensor is disposed on the trim assembly proximate to the recessed storage area and configured to activate the light to emit the visible light upon the sensor sensing a presence of an object entering an area proximate to the sensor that includes the recessed storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Constance Newbound, Nelson Phan, William Weber
  • Patent number: 9694743
    Abstract: A dual purpose lighting assembly for a vehicle is provided herein. The dual purpose lighting assembly includes a puddle lamp assembly disposed proximate a doorway and operable to emit light by luminescence to illuminate a ground area outside the vehicle and a dome lamp assembly disposed next to the puddle lamp assembly and operable to emit light by luminescence to illuminate a vehicle cabin area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman
  • Patent number: 9694744
    Abstract: A flexible lighting system includes a printed circuit board, a flexible multiple electrical conductor strip, a light source, and a flexible light conductor. The light source is mounted on the flexible multiple electrical conductor strip and is electrically connected to the printed circuit board by the flexible multiple electrical conductor strip. The flexible light conductor is mounted on the flexible multiple electrical conductor strip to conduct light from the light source. A component, such as, a gauge can have a display with a graphical element that is illuminated or backlit by the flexible light conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Maria Nohemi Bravo Solis, Monica Abigail Aceves Mendoza, Humberto Merchand Alvarado
  • Patent number: 9694745
    Abstract: A vehicle approach alert device includes: a first output sound voltage waveform signal generator having a first output sound generator that generates a first signal corresponding to output sound data read out from a memory device, and a first sound volume variable device that controls a voltage level of the first signal; a second output sound voltage waveform signal generator having a second output sound generator that generates a second signal corresponding to the output sound data read out from the memory device, and a second sound volume variable device that controls a voltage level of the second signal; a mixer circuit that mixes the first signal and the second signal; and an amplifier that outputs a vehicle approach alert sound with flowing current, which corresponds to a voltage of a mixed signal, through a sound output body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: ANDEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Haruyuki Tsuzuki, Chikara Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9694746
    Abstract: A user may freely generate a vehicle driving sound using a mounted mobile terminal so as to generate various types of driving sounds through a speaker. A vehicle includes a setting unit configured to set response characteristics of a vehicle driving sound for at least one of a plurality of pieces of vehicle state information and set a section-specific volume of the vehicle driving sound for at least one of a plurality of set response characteristics including revolutions per minute (RPM) and a controller configured to control an output of the vehicle driving sound generated according to a setting of the setting unit and control sound transfer characteristics unique to the vehicle to be reflected when the vehicle driving sound is generated and output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Enusoo Jo, Ju In Kim, Taekun Yun, Kyoung Jin Chang, Seonghyeon Kim, Doyoung Park, Dong Chul Park, Seok Gwan Hong, Ki Woong Jeong
  • Patent number: 9694747
    Abstract: An approach is provided for generating a collision alert based on the stopping distance associated with a vehicle based on an identifying characteristic. The approach includes detecting an identifying characteristic of a first vehicle traveling in front of a second vehicle. The approach also includes querying for a stopping distance associated with the first vehicle based on the identifying characteristic. The approach further includes determining an approach speed at which the second vehicle is approaching the first vehicle; and generating a collision alert based on the stopping distance and the approach speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING INC.
    Inventor: Manikandan Palanimuthu
  • Patent number: 9694748
    Abstract: The invention regards a system of command and control and of aiming and firing for a military land vehicle equipped with at least one weapon. This system of command and control and of aiming and firing comprises: an external vision system for aiming and firing operationally associated with a weapon of the military vehicle; an external vision system for command and control; an aiming and firing user interface configured to control both the external vision system for aiming and firing and the associated weapon, and the external vision system for command and control; and a command and control user interface configured to control both the external vision system for command and control and the external vision system for aiming and firing and the associated weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: SELEX ES S.P.A.
    Inventors: Claudio Liberace, Alessandro Elefante
  • Patent number: 9694749
    Abstract: A tow hitching aid system for a vehicle having a hitching ball for connecting to a hitching receiver of a trailer includes a camera disposed at the vehicle and having a field of view that encompasses the hitching ball of the vehicle. The system also includes a plurality of distance measuring sensors disposed at the vehicle. A display screen is disposed in the vehicle and is viewable by a driver of the vehicle when the driver is normally operating the vehicle. A control receives input from the camera and input from the distance measuring sensors. During a tow hitching maneuver, the display screen displays video images captured by the camera, and at least one graphic overlay is superimposed over the displayed video images to assist the driver during the tow hitching maneuver to connect the hitching ball of the vehicle with the hitching receiver of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, John O. Lindahl
  • Patent number: 9694750
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior sideview mirror assembly includes a main mirror element having a first primary field of view rearward of the vehicle and an auxiliary curved mirror element having a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the vehicle. The main mirror element and the auxiliary mirror element are adjacently disposed at a mirror backing plate element in a side-by-side relationship. The first primary field of view of the main mirror element may overlap the second auxiliary field of view of the auxiliary mirror element by between about 2 degrees and about 20 degrees. When used in an exterior sideview mirror assembly of a vehicle, the main mirror element may have a rearward field of view that subtends an angle of less than about 20 degrees relative to the side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 9694751
    Abstract: A rearview assembly having an electro-optic element. A front substrate defines a first surface and a second surface. A front side edge is disposed between the first surface and the second surface. A rear substrate is operably coupled with the front substrate and spaced a predetermined distance therefrom. The rear substrate defines a third surface and a fourth surface. A rear side edge is disposed between the third surface and the fourth surface. A perimeter of the rear substrate is larger than a perimeter of the front substrate, such that an outer portion of the third surface is exposed, thereby defining a peripheral step between the front side edge and the rear side edge. An electro-optic material is disposed between the front substrate and the rear substrate. A bezel is configured to extend around the rear substrate, over the outer portion of the third surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric S. Lundy, Jr., William L. Tonar, Michael J. VanAst, Christopher J. Van Huis, Brian J. Barksdale, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Joel A. Stray, Mark R. Roth