Patents Issued in July 25, 2017
  • Patent number: 9713933
    Abstract: A post-processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes an adhesive binding unit that binds a plurality of sheets into a bundle. A controller sets an allowable binding number X of sheets capable of being subject to binding at one time in the adhesive binding apparatus. The controller sets a predetermined remaining number N of sheets. The controller receives a number A of the sheets instructed to be bound in the adhesive binding unit. The controller calculates a remaining number n of sheets, where n=A?X. The controller determines whether n>N or n?N. The adhesive binding unit binds the A number of the sheets into a single bundle when it is determined that n?N.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Keita Umeda
  • Patent number: 9713934
    Abstract: A photograph album (10) with a square spine comprises a cover (12) having a first sheet (17), a second sheet (18), and a central square spine (19) which connects the first sheet (17) to the second sheet, and a plurality of pages (13, 14, 15) bound reciprocally in correspondence to a first side (16a) to define a book body (11), characterized in that the last of said pages (14) is partly connected to the internal surface of said second sheet (18), having a first surface portion (21) solidly associated to the internal surface of said second sheet (18), to define the only connection between said cover (12) and said book body (11), and a second surface portion (22) free and not connected to the internal surface of said second sheet (18), said first surface portion (21) being a part of the last of said pages (14) disposed in proximity to a second side (16b) of said last page (14), opposite said first side (16a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: ITALIAN CREATIVE BOOK SRL
    Inventor: Tiziano Frison
  • Patent number: 9713935
    Abstract: A laminated printed matter is provided which is less likely to cause apparently white-tinged images and capable of restraining a decrease in image quality of the printed matter. The laminated printed matter includes a printed matter and an anti-reflection film. The anti-reflection film is attached to a viewing side surface of the printed matter. The laminated printed matter is provided with a frame-like region having a lower light transmittance than an anti-reflection surface of the anti-reflection film on an outer edge. Preferably, the anti-reflection film has, on a viewing side surface thereof, an anti-reflection structure with multiple protrusions disposed at a pitch not greater than the visible light wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hisashi Watanabe, Akiko Miyazaki, Kiyoshi Minoura
  • Patent number: 9713936
    Abstract: An improved mailpiece fabrication system assembles finished mailpieces from content materials and from wrapping materials. The wrapping materials include printed cut quality marks at predetermined positions relative to cut lines. Content materials are placed on the continuous web. The continuous web is then folded and sealed around the content materials to form a continuous tube enclosing the content materials. A cutter downstream of the conveyance deck cuts individual envelopes from the continuous tube of folded wrapping material. A downstream imaging device captures image data indicative of a cut quality mark on the individual envelopes. A controller receives the captured image data from the imaging device and compares an actual dimension of an imaged cut quality mark with an expected dimension of a cut quality mark. An error signal is produced if the difference is not within a predetermined tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Xavier Padros
  • Patent number: 9713937
    Abstract: A glue bottle with flow regulation comprises a bottle body, a bottle cap, and a liquid outlet cap engaged with the bottle cap through thread. The bottle cap is partially contained in the liquid outlet cap. A cavity is formed between the inner wall of the liquid outlet cap and the outer wall of the bottle cap. and is provided with a first opening and a second opening. A seal body is arranged on the top part of the bottle cap, and is positioned inside of the cavity. The position of the seal body in the cavity is adjusted by rotating the liquid outlet cap relative to the bottle cap. The closer the seal body is to the second opening, the smaller the gap is between the liquid outlet cap and the bottle cap. The glue bottle is capable of precisely controlling the quantity of the glue flowing out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Hangzhou Great Star Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yueming Li
  • Patent number: 9713938
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a novel artwork surface and, in particular, to an ultra lightweight dispersed solid artwork surface and methods of creating artwork structures. Techniques are described herein that are capable of creating an innovative artwork structure. For example, a method of preparing a dispersed solid artwork surface, applying said medium to said dispersed solid artwork surface, finishing said dispersed artwork surface to create an artwork structure, and displaying said artwork structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Inventor: Mary A Baker
  • Patent number: 9713939
    Abstract: Carbon fiber bicycle wheels are formed from parts cut from carbon fiber cloth and then joined together to form a rim, sidewalls, spokes, flanges and a center tunnel on which the flanges are mounted. The parts are then assembled, bonded together, and cured to form a wheel. During assembly, the spokes and the wheel are placed in tension by moving the flanges outwardly on the center tunnel after assembly and then bonding them in place to stiffen and strengthen the wheel. The spokes of the drive side of the rear wheel are specially shaped to accommodate torque transfer forces generated by pedaling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Cayucos Cowboys, LLC
    Inventors: Max U. Kismarton, Eric Hjertberg, G. Kyle Lobisser
  • Patent number: 9713940
    Abstract: Provided is a non-pneumatic tire including an attachment body attached to an axle, a ring-shaped body (13) configured to surround the attachment body from the outside in the tire radial direction, and a plurality of connecting members disposed between an exterior body (12) and the ring-shaped body (13) in a tire circumferential direction and configured to connect the exterior body (12) and the ring-shaped body (13) in a relatively displaceable manner, wherein, when the tire comes in contact with the ground, the connecting members are deformed by a compressive load in the tire radial direction, and the exterior body (12) and the ring-shaped body (13) are relatively displaced in the tire radial direction, among the plurality of connecting members, the connecting members disposed between the ground surface (G), with which the tire comes in contact, and the exterior body (12) abut other connecting members neighboring in the tire circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masashi Nishida, Akihiko Abe
  • Patent number: 9713941
    Abstract: A tire of which the tread contains at least two layers of blended elastomeric compounds that are radially superposed and have a voids ratio that is lower in the central part than at the axially outer parts. A first layer of blended elastomeric compounds of the tread is made up of a first blended elastomeric compound forming a part extending at least into the region of the equatorial plane and of at least two axially outer parts formed of a second blended elastomeric compound, the first blended elastomeric compound having a Z-value higher than 55 and a tan(?)max value lower than 0.120, the second blended elastomeric compound having a Z-value higher than 50 and a tan(?)max value lower than 0.100, and the complex modulus G*1% at 100° C. of the second blended elastomeric compound having a value at least 5% higher than that of the modulus G*1% at 100° C. of the first blended elastomeric compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche El-Technique, S.A.
    Inventors: Lucien Bondu, Jr., Francois Harle, Olivier Goncalves, Cecile Belin
  • Patent number: 9713942
    Abstract: A tire with a radial carcass reinforcement, having a crown reinforcement, itself capped radially by a tread connected to two beads by two sidewalls, the tread having at least two layers of blended elastomeric compounds that are radially superposed and have a voids ratio that is lower in the central part than at the axially outer parts. A first layer of blended elastomeric compounds of the tread is made up of a first blended elastomeric compound forming a part extending at least into the region of the equatorial plane and of at least two axially outer parts formed of a second blended elastomeric compound, the first blended elastomeric compound having a macro dispersion Z-value higher than 65 and a maximum tan(?) value, denoted tan(?)max, lower than 0.150, and the second blended elastomeric compound having a maximum tan(?) value, denoted tan(?)max, lower than 0.130.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche Et Technique, S.A.
    Inventors: Lucien Bondu, Francois Harle, Olivier Goncalves, Cecile Belin
  • Patent number: 9713943
    Abstract: A middle land portion includes middle sipes and middle lateral grooves. A shoulder land portion includes shoulder lateral grooves and shoulder sipes. A ratio Ems/Ema is smaller than a ratio Ess/Esa. Ems denotes a total of elements of edge lengths of the middle sipes in an axial direction of the tire. Ema denotes a total of elements of edge lengths of the middle sipes and the middle lateral grooves in the axial direction. Ess denotes a total of elements of edge lengths of the shoulder sipes in the axial direction. Esa denotes a total of elements of edge lengths of the shoulder sipes and the shoulder lateral grooves in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Kujime
  • Patent number: 9713944
    Abstract: Data representing a ground contact time of a tire is transmitted from a tire side device, and received by a vehicle side device to calculate the ground contact time of the tire, to thereby calculate a ground contact length of the tire at that time. In a situation where a tire air pressure may change such as a tire exchange, the ground contact length at that time is set as a reference ground contact length, and a determination reference value is set on the basis of the reference ground contact length. As a result, the relative determination reference value corresponding to the tire type can be set, and a variation of the reduction rate of the tire air pressure when it is determined that the tire air pressure is reduced can be reduced. As a result, the reduction in the tire air pressure can be detected with high precision regardless of the tire type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Youichirou Suzuki, Akira Takaoka, Takashi Saitou, Nobuya Watabe, Masashi Mori, Takatoshi Sekizawa
  • Patent number: 9713945
    Abstract: Single adjustable air suspension shocks with built-in damper device and coil assist, apparatus, system and method for motor vehicles, such as automobiles, vans, trucks, off the road vehicles, and the like. Air suspension systems, devices, apparatus, and methods for allowing motor vehicle drivers to increase and decrease compressed air supplies in air suspension devices. Deflating interior air springs/airbags (bladders) inside the devices allows for springs and pistons on shock absorbers in the devices to expand outward separating lower front and rear frame portions which effectively lowers the motor vehicle to the ground surface and for the driver to have a firmer ride. Inflating the air springs/airbags (bladders) allows for the springs and the pistons on the shock absorbers in the devices to retract into the devices so that the devices have a more shock absorbing effect giving the driver and passenger(s) a smoother ride, which also raises the motor vehicles above the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Arnott T&P Holding, LLC
    Inventors: Adam M. Arnott, Matt Edward Kirar
  • Patent number: 9713946
    Abstract: A strut-type suspension includes a compression coil spring, a lower spring seat, an upper spring seat, and a shock absorber. The compression coil spring is disposed at a position offset to the outer side of a vehicle with respect to the shock absorber. The compression coil spring is mounted in a vehicle body in such a state that it is compressed between spring seats. The compression coil spring includes a large-diameter wire portion and a small-diameter wire portion. The large-diameter wire portion is provided in a vehicle inner-side portion of the compression coil spring. The small-diameter wire portion is provided in a vehicle outer-side portion. A wire diameter of the large-diameter wire portion is greater than a wire diameter of the small-diameter wire portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Yamamotoya, Hideto Enomoto, Ken Takahashi, Toshiaki Sato, Mitsuhiro Sugiyama, Yoshio Kobayashi, Taichi Inage, Tomotake Kato, Akihiko Nishikawa, Masahiro Umezawa, Michihiko Ayada, Suguru Kajigaya
  • Patent number: 9713947
    Abstract: A system is configured to control aerodynamics of a vehicle. The vehicle includes a vehicle body having a front end facing an ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion relative to a road surface. The system includes an adjustable aerodynamic-aid element mounted to the vehicle body. The system also includes a mechanism configured to vary a position of the adjustable aerodynamic-aid element relative to the vehicle body and thereby control movement of the airflow. The system additionally includes a sensor configured to detect a height of the vehicle body relative to a predetermined reference frame and a controller configured to receive a signal from the sensor indicative of the detected vehicle body height. The controller is also configured to determine a ride-height of the vehicle using the detected vehicle body height and to regulate the mechanism in response to the determined ride-height to control aerodynamics of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Irwin, Edward T. Heil, Jason D. Fahland, Joshua R. Auden, Steven A. Opiteck, David Dominguez, Chris Morgan
  • Patent number: 9713948
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle having a support structure attached to the front of the vehicle in which is mounted a windshield. The windshield comprises a hinge and a top mount allowing the windshield to fold up for improved upper body safety and improved air circulation. The windshield comprises an upper windshield portion, a bottom windshield portion connected to the upper windshield portion, and a rotatable device attaching the upper portion to the bottom portion where the upper windshield portion is an upper fixed windshield portion and the bottom windshield portion is a bottom movable windshield portion. The upper windshield portion is a fixed portion and is comprised of clips or clamps configured to latch the bottom windshield portion in a folded position over the upper fixed windshield portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Inventor: Fitz Woodrow
  • Patent number: 9713949
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a frame structure portion configured to define an opening; the frame structure portion including a first panel having a first joint portion, a second panel having a second joint portion, and a first adhesive portion that adheres to the first joint portion and the second joint portion; a windowpane that is provided on a vehicle outside of the opening and that covers the opening; and a second adhesive portion that adheres to the first panel, the second panel, and the windowpane, wherein at least one of the first panel and the second panel is made of resin, the second adhesive portion is arranged closing off or covering an open end of a gap in a joint between the first panel and the second panel, and the first adhesive portion is arranged within the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinya Kamimura, Tatsuya Ayukawa
  • Patent number: 9713950
    Abstract: A convertible sidewall extender to truck bed cover assembly includes a pair of panels that each has an outside edge. Each outside edge is hingedly coupled to a respective side rail of a truck bed. Each of a plurality of doors is hingedly coupled to a respective panel, such that the door is positioned to cover a respective opening in the respective panel. The doors are configured to allow access to the truck bed. Each of a plurality of support rods is positionable between the pair of panels proximate to inside edges of the pair of panels. The support rods are positionable to support the pair of panels in an open configuration where the pair of panels is in substantial parallelism with the side rails of the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Inventor: David Stoddard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9713951
    Abstract: A window trim is used with a fixed window of a vehicle. The fixed window is fixed to the vehicle and has interior and exterior surfaces and a window edge. The window trim includes a trim body having a first section having a substantially linear configuration and a second section having an at least partially arcuate configuration defining a bend such that the second section extends back toward the first section and presents a contact surface engaging the window edge. The first section extends beyond the contact surface and along the interior surface. The window trim includes a reinforcement element having first and second reinforcement portions configured to correspond to the substantially linear and at least partially arcuate configurations of the trim body, respectively. The first and second reinforcement portions continuously extend as a single unit within the first and second portions, to support the trim body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignees: AGC AUTOMOTIVE AMERICAS R&D, INC., AGC FLAT GLASS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Muhsin Al-Kahwati
  • Patent number: 9713952
    Abstract: A vehicle side protection device prevents damage to the side of a vehicle. The device includes a housing for coupling to a vehicle. A slot extends through a top side of the housing into an interior space of the housing. Each of a pair of rails is coupled to and extends from the housing coplanar with the roller wherein the rails are configured for being positioned on the side of the vehicle. A cover has a bottom end coupled to a roller in the housing such that rotation of the roller extends and retracts the cover relative to the housing. The cover comprises slats coupled to a layer of fabric positioned between the slats and the side of the vehicle. The slats are stiff and parallel to each other and the roller wherein the cover is pivotable along edges of the slats to facilitate wrapping the cover around the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher Brueggeman
  • Patent number: 9713953
    Abstract: A powertrain mount assembly configured to connect a powertrain to a side rail of a vehicle frame structure, wherein the powertrain mount assembly comprises: a mounting bracket comprising a first side wall and a second side wall spaced apart from the first side wall, the mounting bracket being configured to receive a resilient member and a bracket arm between the first and second side walls, the bracket arm being connectable to the powertrain; and a first support bracket connectable to a surface of the side rail, wherein the first side wall of the mounting bracket is fastenable to the first support bracket and wherein the first support bracket is configured to be connected to the side rail at a location between the first and second side walls of the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jon Horseman, Matthew David George Shynn, Peter Brook, Alan Thorpe, Michael Ross, Matt Sykes
  • Patent number: 9713954
    Abstract: An electronic indirect by-pass type semi-active mount may include a primary diaphragm dividing a lower fluid chamber, where a fluid in an upper fluid chamber to which an exciting force as external force is applied is circulated, into a primary lower fluid chamber where the fluid is circulated, a secondary diaphragm dividing the lower fluid chamber into a secondary lower fluid chamber where the fluid is circulated, a secondary diaphragm bracket blocking an atmospheric pressure formation peripheral space in which atmospheric pressure acts beneath the primary diaphragm and forming an atmospheric pressure formation central space in which atmospheric pressure acts beneath secondary diaphragm, and by-pass channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Seung-Won Kim
  • Patent number: 9713955
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus (TM) for a hybrid vehicle includes a power split mechanism (4), a transmission gear mechanism (17) and a support (118). The power split mechanism (4) includes a differential device provided with a first/second/third rotation elements. The power split mechanism (4) splits and transmits dynamic power to a drive force source and the drive shaft (126). The transmission gear mechanism (17) changes speed of an engine (1) and transmits a torque to the first rotation element (8), and the elements are arranged in an order of the transmission gear mechanism (17), a rotary machine (2), and the power split mechanism (4) from a side closer to the engine (1). The support (118) is arranged between the transmission gear mechanism (17) and the rotary machine (2), supporting a rotating shaft (2a) of the rotary machine (2), and configured to allow lubricant to enter (118b) the rotary machine side from the transmission gear mechanism side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshiki Kanada, Ryuji Ibaraki, Yuji Yasuda, Atsushi Tabata, Tatsuya Imamura
  • Patent number: 9713956
    Abstract: A vehicle-to-vehicle communication system providing a spatiotemporal look ahead and method thereof is provided. A trailing vehicle having a look ahead capability can communicate with a preceding vehicle. The preceding vehicle can measure a distance to a leading vehicle and provide that information through vehicle-to-vehicle communications to the trailing vehicle. The trailing vehicle can then display an augmented reality indicator above the vehicle through its head-up display indicating how far the leading vehicle is in front of the preceding vehicle. An icon representing the leading vehicle can be displayed within the augmented reality indicator representing the leading vehicle. Braking actions by the leading vehicle can be communicated to the trailing vehicle through the augmented reality indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Karlin Bark, Victor Ng-Thow-Hing, Cuong Tran
  • Patent number: 9713957
    Abstract: A method for displaying at least one parameter concerning the operation of a vehicle in the vehicle by a display device with a display surface wherein, in a first display mode of the display device, the display surface generates a display element with a first boundary and an area lying within the first boundary. The area is divided into at least a first sub-area and a second sub-area and the first sub-area includes a scale by which a state variable of the vehicle is displayed. The current value of the state variable is displayed in the first display mode by a graphical element which extends from the second sub-area in the first sub-area to the scale. Also disclosed is a device for displaying at least one parameter concerning the operation of a vehicle in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AG
    Inventors: Volkmar Wagner, Mi-Ran Jun, Sönke Petersen, David Schriever, Matthias Peukert, Tobias Brandt, Jens Geissler, Martin Hofmann, Christian Burghoff
  • Patent number: 9713958
    Abstract: A non-rail-bound vehicle, in particular a truck, includes a current collector for supplying electric energy from a two-pole overhead conductor. A rocker can be vertically lifted or lowered by a rocking movement of a support extension arm about horizontal tilting axes of lower hinge assemblies and can be laterally displaced by a tilting movement of a support extension arm about vertical pivot axes of the lower hinge assemblies. The lower hinge assemblies are supported on a lifting device which is connected to a vehicle frame of the vehicle and through which the current collector can be vertically moved between a lower parked position and an upper operating position. In this manner, overhead conductors with an extended height range can be contacted without the current collector influencing the entire length of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Florian Buehs, Juergen Francke, Frank Gerstenberg, Goeran Keil, Holger Schererz
  • Patent number: 9713959
    Abstract: Motor vehicle having a hybrid drive which includes at least one wheel which can be driven by an electric machine, wherein a recuperation device is provided which permits recuperation of energy in a recuperation phase during a braking process, wherein a brake system is provided with a pedal, at least one master brake cylinder and at least one wheel brake which fluidically activates the wheel brake on the basis of a movement of the pedal by a brake pressure, wherein a pressure-reducing valve device is provided which reduces the brake pressure in the recuperation phase, and wherein a compensator is provided for compensating a hydraulic effect of the pressure-reducing valve device, wherein in the effective range of the pressure-reducing valve device two master brake cylinders are provided whose pistons are rigidly coupled to one another via a connecting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Frank Poppe
  • Patent number: 9713960
    Abstract: A power supply system and method for providing uninterrupted low voltage electrical power to control circuitry in an electric or hybrid-electric vehicle. A transformer includes a first primary side configured to receive a low voltage input from a vehicle battery and a second primary side configured to receive a rectified AC high voltage input. A first controller coupled to the low voltage input is operational to drive a first switching device to regulate a low voltage output using energy from the low voltage input when the rectified AC high voltage input is absent. A second controller connectable to the rectified AC high voltage input is operational to drive a second switching device to regulate the low voltage output using energy from the rectified AC high voltage input and deactivate or activate the first controller using a switching signal when the rectified AC high voltage input is present or absent, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Zhonghui Bing
  • Patent number: 9713961
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling one or more contactors of a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) includes adjusting, via a controller, the respective actuating power provided to a respective one or more of the contactors, where adjusting of the actuating power is defined by the energized or non-energized condition of the vehicle and at least one parameter affecting holding and opening forces exerted on the respective contactor. In an example, the controller is configured to use feed forward factors defined by the at least one parameter and to adjust the dynamic actuating current by modulating the dynamic actuating current at a pulse width modulation (PWM) frequency defined by a feed forward window. The system may be configured as a plug-in electric vehicle including the rechargeable energy storage system and the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Yue Fan, Andrew J. Namou, Andres V. Mituta
  • Patent number: 9713962
    Abstract: A system for cost-effective charge planning for a battery of a vehicle includes a battery having a SOC corresponding to an amount of energy stored by the battery. The system also includes an internal electric vehicle charger capable of receiving energy from a charging station and transferring the energy to the battery to increase the SOC. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) that can predict a route set including a first destination and a second destination and an amount of time spent at each. The ECU can determine charge planning data including an amount of energy required to reach the first and second destinations and a cost of energy at the first and second destinations. The ECU can determine how much to charge the battery at the first destination and at the second destination based on the predicted route set and the determined charge planning data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Payne, Craig Cauthen
  • Patent number: 9713963
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to send likelihood-of-success request, including vehicle state information. The processor is further configured to receive information representing likelihood of reaching route points, utilizing a current vehicle charge, along with effects on the likelihood based on one or more power utilization changes. The processor is also configured to interactively display the received information and receive power utilization change selection. Also, the processor is configured to calculate a new likelihood of reaching the points based on the selection and display updated information based on the calculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yimin Liu, Perry Robinson MacNeille, Michael Edward Loftus
  • Patent number: 9713964
    Abstract: In a drive control system for a fuel cell-equipped vehicle including a rotating electrical machine, a control unit includes a rapid warm-up processing module for performing rapid warm-up by the low-efficiency power generation of a fuel cell, a torque command value limiting module 68 for limiting the torque command value in accordance with the change of a system voltage caused by rapid warm-up processing, and an FC output command value calculating module for calculating the output command value of the fuel cell in accordance with the limited torque command value. In a storage device connected to the control unit, a system voltage characteristic map which shows the torque-rotation speed characteristics of the rotating electrical machine corresponding to the system voltage is stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Michio Yoshida, Atsushi Imai
  • Patent number: 9713965
    Abstract: An example method includes intentionally precharging a powertrain of an electric vehicle for an first time period that is different than a second precharge time period. An example electric vehicle assembly includes a precharge contactor transitionable back and forth between an open state and a closed state, a first main contactor, a second main contactor, and a controller configured to selectively close the second main contactor after the precharge contactor has been closed for a first time period that is different than a second precharge time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wesley Edward Burkman, Ryan J. Skaff, Karin Lovett, Bryan Michael Bolger
  • Patent number: 9713966
    Abstract: An electrical power supply system for an electrically propelled vehicle provided with a traction unit and an electrical connector and moving along a circulation rail includes an external power supply zone having a supply line extending along the circulation rail for connection with the electrical connector, and an autonomous power supply zone, located after the external power supply zone along the circulation rail. The supply line includes a main section. The supply line includes a terminal section, extending along the circulation rail in the external power supply zone at least between a first end of the main section and the autonomous power supply zone, for connection with the electrical connector, and a diode, electrically connecting the first end of the main section and a second end of the terminal section and designed to let an electrical current pass through from the main section to the terminal section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Davide Barlini, Michele Losito
  • Patent number: 9713967
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back coupled to the seat bottom to extend upwardly away from the seat bottom and move relative to the seat bottom. The vehicle seat is coupled to a vehicle floor for movement relative to the vehicle floor between a use arrangement and a storage arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery T Bonk, Dale J Frye, Timothy L Moulton, Jared A Judson
  • Patent number: 9713968
    Abstract: A five-point harness system is disclosed including a right side strap, a left side strap, a right buckle connected to the right side strap, a left buckle connected to the left side strap, a center strap with a center buckle configured to receive and retain the right buckle and the left buckle. The five-point harness may also include a right side elastic strip having a right front portion coupled to the right side strap, a left side elastic strip having a left front portion coupled to the left side strap, and a center elastic strip having a center front portion coupled to the center strap. The right and the left side elastic strips may be tensioned to pull the harness straps away from each other. The center elastic strip may be tensioned to pull the center strap away from the other straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: DREAMBIZ LLC
    Inventors: Chad Richardson, Craig Richardson
  • Patent number: 9713969
    Abstract: A folding passenger seat and a corresponding passenger seating system for means of passenger transport are provided. The folding passenger seat comprises a seat frame, on which a front seat leg having a first fastening element and a rear seat leg having a second fastening element are arranged. The first fastening element and the second fastening element are configured to be connected to rails on a cabin floor of the means of passenger transport and to be displaced in the rails. A first joint element is arranged between the first fastening element and the second fastening element such that a spacing between the first fastening element and the second fastening element is variable. In particular, the first joint element may be arranged between the front seat leg and the seat frame or between the rear seat leg and the seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Lars Schomacker, Frank Quatmann
  • Patent number: 9713970
    Abstract: A seat for a motor vehicle includes a base, a seat cushion on top of the base having a top surface and rear surface, a seat back having a forward surface, a rear surface, and a bottom surface, and a handle attached to the bottom surface of the seat back located between the bottom surface of the seat back and the top surface of the seat cushion when the seat back is upright. The handle and bottom surface of the seat back being exposed when the seat back is folded down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H Scheurer, II, Tetsuya Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9713971
    Abstract: A tether hook bracket for a vehicle subjectable to an external force event, followed by a rebound event, and having a body structure and a child seat connectable to the body structure via a tether having a tether hook includes a body structure attachment portion, a tether hook connection portion, and a tether hook rebound blocker portion. The body structure attachment portion is configured to be attachable to the body structure. The tether hook connection portion is configured to receive the tether hook, such that the tether hook is connected to the tether hook bracket. The tether hook rebound blocker portion is disposed between the body structure attachment portion and the tether hook connection portion and is configured to maintain the connection of the tether hook to the tether hook bracket when the vehicle is subjected to the rebound event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Matthew P. Simonin, Charles E. Jensen, Robert N. Saje, Jonathan E. Rich
  • Patent number: 9713972
    Abstract: A console for a vehicle interior comprises a structure comprising a storage volume and an armrest comprising a tambour door and configured for adjustment from a first position to a second position. The tambour door of the armrest is configured for movement to uncover the storage volume. The vehicle interior component comprises a base and an armrest assembly. The armrest assembly is configured for movement between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the base. The cover of the armrest assembly is configured to move from a closed position to an open position while the armrest assembly is in the raised position and in the lowered position. The console assembly comprises a base and a cover assembly comprising a housing and providing a cover. The cover is configured for movement relative to the base and the housing and movement between a raised position and a lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Inventors: Ronald A. Bozio, Jason M. Hipshier, Kenneth Daniel Sherburn, Chris J. Harmelink, Rick A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 9713973
    Abstract: Provided is a headrest that is capable of improving the rigidity of a headrest frame and preventing the leakage of a foaming agent upon integral foam formation of the headrest. The headrest, which is disposed on the upper part of a seatback and includes a headrest frame inside the headrest, includes a retaining portion of a headrest stay guide in the headrest frame. Further, the headrest is configured in a manner that a headrest skin is sandwiched between the headrest stay guide and the headrest frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichi Tachikawa, Shigeru Adachi, Hiroshi Izawa
  • Patent number: 9713974
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat base, a backrest, a head restraint, and a pump. The backrest is coupled to the seat base. The head restraint includes a rigid backing member, a padding, an inflatable bladder, and a cover. The backing member is coupled to the backrest. The padding is coupled to the backing member and disposed at least along a forward face of an upper portion of the backing member. The inflatable bladder is coupled to the backing member and disposed along a forward face of a lower portion of the backing member. The padding and the inflatable bladder are disposed between the backing member and the cover. The pump is coupled for fluid communication with the inflatable bladder. The bladder is selectively inflated or deflated to improve the comfort of the head restraint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Edward F Mussi, James W Finck
  • Patent number: 9713975
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly for a motor vehicle has raised seatback that includes a permeable foam layer having a plurality of spaced apertures. A distribution system having airflow passages is juxtaposed against the permeable foam layer, such that the airflow passages of the distribution system are in fluid communication with the apertures in the permeable foam layer. A carrier assembly is juxtaposed against the distribution system and has an upper portion having a central annual member supported by a plurality of flexible radial arms, to which is attached a blower in fluid communication with the airflow passages of the distribution system and the apertures in the permeable foam layer. Warm air from the permeable foam layer is displaced away from the permeable foam layer and is circulated through the raised seatback by operation of the blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: S. M. Akbar Berry, Johnathan Andrew Line, Nicholas Alphonse Billardello, Richard Joseph Soyka, Marcos Silva Kondrad
  • Patent number: 9713976
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground-engaging members, a frame, a powertrain assembly, a front suspension assembly, and a rear suspension assembly. A cargo bed may be supported by the frame at the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes an operator seat and at least one passenger seat positioned within an operator area. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes doors to enclose the operator area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Miller, Daniel S. Weber, Richard D. Ripley, Tracy S. Kofstad
  • Patent number: 9713977
    Abstract: A cargo handling device is disclosed for a vehicle. The cargo handling device comprises a base and a lower track. A traveler and a storage unit slidably engage the lower track between a proximal end and a distal end. A linear actuator displaces the traveler between the proximal end and the distal end. A telescoping actuator is pivotably coupled to the traveler and the storage unit. A contracted length in the telescoping actuator maintains the traveler abutting the storage unit during displacement of the traveler between the proximal end and the distal end. An extended length in the telescoping actuator displaces the storage unit from the traveler upon the traveler positioned at the distal end. The extended length defines a horizontal displacement and a vertical displacement of the storage unit from the traveler for positioning the storage unit adjacent the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Inventor: Bryant D. Neal
  • Patent number: 9713978
    Abstract: A headache rack system for a truck includes a truck bed and a removable and vertically adjustable headache rack. The truck bed is adapted to be attached to a truck frame and includes a floor and a side panel connected to the floor. The side panel includes a first flange and a second flange. The removable headache rack includes a first side support, a second side support, a top support connected to an upper end of the first side support and an upper end of the second side support, and a panel connected to a lower end of the first side support and a lower end of the second side support. The first and second flanges, respectively, may extend beyond a leading edge of the floor and wrap around a portion of the front of the truck bed to define a slot configured for receiving the lower ends of the first and second side supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Trailboss Equipment, LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan Petru
  • Patent number: 9713979
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp apparatus includes: a headlamp that illuminates ahead of a vehicle; light distribution pattern switching means for switching light distribution pattern of the headlamp between a plurality of light distribution patterns which include, at least, a high beam and a low beam; detecting means for detecting a forward vehicle present in front of the vehicle; controlling means for controlling the light distribution pattern switching means based on a detection result of the detecting means; and turning radius acquiring means for acquiring a turning radius of the own vehicle during running. Moreover, when the turning radius of the own vehicle acquired by the turning radius acquiring means is less than a predetermined value, the controlling means inhibits the switching of the light distribution pattern of the headlamp to a higher side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Imaeda, Hajime Kasai, Kiyotaka Mochizuki, Tatsuya Takagaki
  • Patent number: 9713980
    Abstract: A vehicle is equipped with a spotlight. The spotlight has a rod that passes through a pillar of the vehicle, such as the A-pillar. The A-pillar includes one or more beams. The beam is provided with an aperture or a through-hole for the rod to pass through. One or more sleeves are provided with a tubular body and a flange. The flange is secured to the beam and is oriented such that the tubular body passes at least partially through the aperture or through-hole. The sleeve provides an engagement surface that surrounds the rod of the spotlight while improving structural rigidity of that portion of the pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Henry W. Hausler, Michael James Freeman
  • Patent number: 9713981
    Abstract: A sound collecting unit (10) mounted on a vehicle is configured to collect sounds, a frequency resolution unit (21c) is configured to perform frequency analysis on the collected sound information, and when an object around the vehicle is detected based on a frequency characteristic of the sound information, a traveling sound detecting unit (21d) is configured to perform object detection such that object detection using a predetermined frequency band when a sound pressure of the predetermined frequency band is high in a frequency characteristic of a sound reproduced from a reproduction unit (11) mounted on the vehicle is more suppressed than object detection using a predetermined frequency band when a sound pressure of the predetermined frequency band is low in the frequency characteristic of the sound reproduced from a reproduction unit (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryuji Funayama, Jun Sato, Hideo Fukamachi
  • Patent number: 9713982
    Abstract: Data streams from multiple image sensors may be combined in order to form, for example, an interleaved video stream. The video stream may be encoded using a motion estimation encoder. Output of the video encoder may be processed (e.g., parsed) in order to extract motion information present in the encoded video. The motion information may be utilized in order to determine a depth of visual scene, such as by using binocular disparity between two or more images by an adaptive controller in order to detect one or more objects salient to a given task. In one variant, depth information is utilized during control and operation of mobile robotic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Brain Corporation
    Inventors: Marius Buibas, Micah Richert