Patents Issued in August 1, 2017
  • Patent number: 9718322
    Abstract: A shock absorber having an inner assembly, a composite base assembly formed of a composite material and a closure insert formed of a metal material is disclosed. The inner assembly includes a pressure tube extending between first and second ends, a rod guide disposed adjacent to the first end, a compression valve disposed adjacent to the second end, a piston assembly disposed between the rod guide and the compression valve, and a rod operatively attached to the piston assembly and supported by the rod guide. The metal closure insert is operatively attached to the composite base assembly adjacent the rod guide such that the metal closure insert is at least partially connected to the composite base assembly. The metal closure insert supports at least one of the pressure tube and the rod guide with respect to the composite base assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE OPERATING COMPANY INC.
    Inventor: Julien Wilkin
  • Patent number: 9718323
    Abstract: In a method for operating a wheel suspension system of a motor vehicle, a sensor checks the ground for the presence of an obstacle, as identified by a control device, and predicts for the obstacle a first value for an amount of electrical energy, which is to be converted from mechanical energy by an electrical machine, when a damping ratio is set with a defined recuperation value for a damper connecting a wheel to a chassis. The control device predicts a second value for a ride comfort and determines a third value for a decision criterion, which is a function of the first and second values. The identified obstacle is to be driven over with the recuperation value set for the damping ratio of the damper, when the value for the decision criterion corresponds to a target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Andreas Unger
  • Patent number: 9718324
    Abstract: A damper control device includes a speed conversion unit configured to convert a damper speed to a control damper speed, and if the damper is accelerating, the damper speed is converted so that signs of the control damper speed and the damper speed accord with each other and an absolute value of the control damper speed becomes an absolute value of the damper speed or more, and if the damper is decelerating, the damper speed is converted so that the signs of the control damper speed and the damper speed accord with each other and the absolute value of the control damper speed becomes the absolute value of the damper speed or less, and a damping force of the damper is controlled by using the control damper speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: KYB Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoo Kubota, Masatoshi Okumura
  • Patent number: 9718325
    Abstract: A lateral stabilization assembly includes a chassis and a stabilizer bar coupled to the chassis. The stabilizer bar includes a central bar portion extending along a bar axis. The lateral stabilization assembly also includes first and second bearings coupled to the chassis. The lateral stabilization assembly also includes a first and second flanges fixed to the central bar portion. The first flange and the second flange are configured to allow a transfer of lateral loads between the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the chassis through the first bearing, the stabilizer bar, and the second bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joseph K. Moore, Balbir S. Sangha, Norman Parker
  • Patent number: 9718326
    Abstract: A device comprising a first storage compartment, an inlet pipe connected to the storage compartment, the inlet pipe adapted to deliver conditioned air from a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a motor vehicle to the storage compartment, a first outlet pipe connected to the storage compartment for directing the conditioned air back into the HVAC system, a second storage compartment, and a second outlet pipe connected to the second storage compartment for directing the conditioned air into the second storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Cheng-Shung Wang
  • Patent number: 9718327
    Abstract: A flow control baffle apparatus for a vehicle heater is provided. The flow control baffle apparatus implements a flow control function of a fluid passing through the interior of a heater and improves the heat transfer performance of the heater. The flow control baffle apparatus for a vehicle heater includes a plurality of heater pipes that are disposed within the interior of a heater and a baffle pivotably disposed at both sides of the heater pipe to adjust the flow of a fluid. Wherein the baffle adjusts the flow rate of a fluid passing through the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Su Dong Han, Hun Woo Park, Hyung Kook Kim, Sung Wook Na
  • Patent number: 9718328
    Abstract: A control apparatus is applied to a system including an engine and a compressor for air-conditioning, and adjusts an operating point of the engine when the engine is operated. The control apparatus determines whether or not to allow increase in engine output to drive a compressor based on an air-conditioning request, based on the operating point of the engine before driving of the compressor in relation to a predetermined high-efficiency region including a maximum efficiency point in an efficiency characteristics of the engine, when the compressor is driven in response to the air-conditioning request. The control apparatus controls the engine output such that the operating point of the engine is in the high-efficiency region, if the increase in engine output is determined to be allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazunari Izumi, Kazutoshi Kuwayama, Takuya Gotou
  • Patent number: 9718329
    Abstract: An airflow outlet assembly and a passenger compartment for a vehicle includes a housing defining an aperture extending along a central axis. The housing includes a central support disposed in the aperture proximal to the central axis. First and second outlet components are at least partially disposed in the aperture of the housing. The first outlet component includes a first plate and a first vane extending outwardly from the first plate toward the central axis. The second outlet component includes a second plate and a second vane extending outwardly from the second plate toward the central axis. The first and second outlet components are rotatable concurrently with each other to change the position of the first and second plates and the first and second vanes relative to the housing such that the first and second plates selectively close and open the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Gerard A. Brinas
  • Patent number: 9718330
    Abstract: A vehicle side door structure is provided including: an outer panel that configures a portion at a vehicle width direction outer side of a side door and that extends along a vehicle up-down direction and a vehicle front-rear direction; an inner panel that configures a portion at a vehicle width direction inner side of the side door, that extends along the vehicle up-down direction and the vehicle front-rear direction, and that, together with the outer panel, forms an internal space; an impact beam having both length direction end portions fixed to the inner panel, that is configured in a straight tube shape extending along the vehicle front-rear direction, and that is disposed at an outer panel side in the internal space; and a sensing bracket that is provided at the impact beam and that juts out from the impact beam toward the outer panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsumasa Kindaichi, Toshimitsu Fujita
  • Patent number: 9718331
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle door structure that enables manufacturing cost reduction and weight reduction. A vehicle door structure 1 includes a lock mechanism 40. The lock mechanism 40 locks sliding of a slide door 6 in a fully closed position in which the slide door 6 closes a door opening portion 4 and in a fully open position in which the slide door 6 fully opens the door opening portion 4. The lock mechanism 40 includes the portion to be locked 50 provided to the guided body 18 and the locking portions 60 and 70 provided to the slide rail 17. The portion to be locked 50 protrudes toward the locking portions 60 and 70 and is locked by the locking portions 60 and 70 in the fully closed position or the fully open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Katsuya Maruyama, Hiroshi Kuno
  • Patent number: 9718332
    Abstract: A frame structure for a vehicle door and a method of manufacture thereof is disclosed. In particular, a tailgate includes at least two tubular parts which are flexurally deformed in the direction of their longitudinal extension and connected to each other to form a ring structure. The ring structure is incorporated into a structural unit with the frame structure in a tailgate of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Udo Mildner, Lothar Teske
  • Patent number: 9718333
    Abstract: Provided is a water discharge structure for a sunroof device, the water discharge structure being capable of suitably preventing rainwater, etc. from penetrating a stationary roof. A water discharge structure for a sunroof device is configured so as to comprise: a panel body for closing an opening formed in the stationary roof of a vehicle; frame members arranged along edges of the stationary roof and provided with water discharge grooves; brackets mounted to the frame members and supporting the panel body; and water discharge guide plates disposed between the panel body and the brackets and conducting rainwater etc., which have entered along the seal surfaces between the panel body and the edges of the stationary roof, to the water discharge grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: YACHIYO INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hajime Katayama, Kanehiro Otani
  • Patent number: 9718334
    Abstract: A solar panel support assembly (12) for movably supporting a solar panel (10) relative to a surface (22) of a vehicle (624) comprises a fixed support member (14), a movable support member (16), and a locking assembly (20). The fixed support member (14) is fixedly coupled to the surface (22). The movable support member (16) is configured to retain the solar panel (10), the movable support member (16) being movably coupled to the fixed support member (14). The locking assembly (20) is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the locking assembly (20) is in the locked position, the movable support member (16) is substantially inhibited from moving relative to the fixed support member (14). The solar panel support assembly (12) can further comprise a mover assembly (18) that moves the movable support member (16) relative to the fixed support member (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Kevin Paul Means
  • Patent number: 9718335
    Abstract: A top of a convertible vehicle includes a top linkage adjustable between a closed position and a storage position. The top linkage is stored in a rear-side top storage space, which is closable by a storage space lid, which is pivotably mounted on a vehicle-fixed single-part or multipart main bearing via a link mechanism on each of its two sides with respect to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the top. The top linkage has a linkage mechanism on each of its two sides with respect to the vertical longitudinal center plane of the top. Each linkage mechanism is pivotably mounted on the respective vehicle-fixed main bearing driven by a main drive arranged on the main bearing. The link mechanisms of the storage space lid are arranged on both sides and driven by the main drive arranged on the respective main bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: WEBASTO-EDSCHA CABRIO GMBH
    Inventors: Georg Kopp, Franz Haberl
  • Patent number: 9718336
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an adhesive tape includes a film and an adhesive layer. The film includes polytetrafluoroethylene and a carbon filler. The adhesive layer is provided on a surface of the film, and includes a silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Chukoh Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kentaro Tanaka, Masayuki Sueishi
  • Patent number: 9718337
    Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a movable window pane in a vehicle door provides a rain channel. The sealing arrangement including a base body which has a receiving region for an edge region of the window pane including projections which oppose one another in the receiving region and having a first projection which extends from the outer projection of the opposing projections from a connecting point into the receiving region and in the closed state of the window pane bears against an outer face of the window pane. A second projection on the outer projection of the opposing projections extends outwardly from the connecting point in order to form a rain channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan
  • Patent number: 9718338
    Abstract: A vehicle door molding structure includes: a variable molding formed integrally along an upper edge of a vehicle door, where a width of the variable molding varies along a length thereof; and an insert molded part connected to an upper part of the variable molding along a height of a vehicle, where a lower part of the variable molding along the height of the vehicle is attached to the vehicle door with adhesion tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Yong Hyun Nam
  • Patent number: 9718339
    Abstract: A molded pocket of a cover for a transportation vehicle is provided including a body having a complementary upper portion and lower portion configured to define a cavity. A feature of the transportation vehicle is received within the cavity. The lower portion of the body is affixed to the cover. A coupling mechanism is configured to selectively couple at least a part of the upper portion and the lower portion of the body to transform the body between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: COMMERCIAL SEWING, INC.
    Inventors: Michael E. Hissong, David J. Mazzarelli
  • Patent number: 9718340
    Abstract: An underfloor unit (10) for protecting components of a motor vehicle, in particular a traction battery for electrically driving the motor vehicle, from ground impacts is provided. The underfloor unit (10) has a floor panel (12) for covering the motor vehicle component on the ground side and a plurality of separate impact protection tiles (16) connected to the floor panel (12) and intended for taking up ground impacts. As a result of the multiplicity of impact protection tiles (16), only individual impact protection tiles (16) need be exchanged on being subjected to a hard absorbed ground impact, thus making it possible to have a motor vehicle with low maintenance and/or repair costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Dennis Berger, Michael Werner
  • Patent number: 9718341
    Abstract: Power systems, heat exchanger systems, electrical regeneration systems and air drag reduction systems for a wheeled vehicle are provided. The systems comprise a vehicle that includes a compressed air system and electrical system. The power and drag reduction system also comprises a plurality of pneumatic motors, one each connected to each wheel, the pneumatic motors using compressed air to drive each wheel. The electrical system supports vehicle braking and regenerates electricity for vehicle batteries. A heat exchanger heats expanding air and is configured to substantially evenly distribute said heated air to the pneumatic motors. Air from a front grill is diverted to impellers that turn electric generators to regenerate power and reduce drag. A drag reducing arrangement blending mirrors with camera into the vehicle body is included as is a plug-in 120-volt trickle charge system and a quick charge (DC) system for battery charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventors: Craig Antrobus, Ibrahim Dincer, Reza Mohammadali zadeh, Calin Zamfirescu
  • Patent number: 9718342
    Abstract: Hybrid drive for a vehicle, with a combustion engine and with at least one additional drive means, wherein an exhaust gas system with an exhaust gas post-treatment device and a turbine of an exhaust gas turbo-charger is provided for discharging the exhaust gases of the combustion engine and wherein the exhaust gas post-treatment device is arranged in the exhaust gas system in flow direction of the exhaust gases in front of the turbine, as well as a method for operating a hybrid drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: FEV Europe GmbH
    Inventor: Christopher Severin
  • Patent number: 9718343
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided comprising a flywheel (112) for storing kinetic energy and an electrical machine (190) mechanically coupled to the flywheel and arranged for conversion between mechanical and electrical energy. The apparatus is arranged for transferring energy between the flywheel and a vehicle transmission via a variable ratio transmission (182). The electrical machine is coupled to the flywheel via a disconnect clutch which comprises a magnetic coupling (116).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Ricardo UK Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Farquhar Atkins, Simon Shepherd, Jonathan Davis
  • Patent number: 9718344
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle powertrain includes an internal combustion engine, an electric traction motor and a transmission. A first flexible coupling drivingly connects the internal combustion engine to the transmission, and a second flexible coupling drivingly connects the electric traction motor to the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventor: David Wardle
  • Patent number: 9718345
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dump truck or to a truck, comprising a diesel electric traction drive and a cooling system, wherein two radiator fans and/or cooler blowers of the cooling system are hydraulically driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Liebherr-Mining Equipment Colmar SAS
    Inventors: Sebastien Nicolas Hoffmann, Kai Kugelstadt, Burkhard Richthammer, Klaus Graner
  • Patent number: 9718346
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an operating fluid container (1) composed of thermoplastic for a motor vehicle, comprising a reinforcing element (10; 11, 12), which is arranged between two container walls (2, 3) of the operating fluid container (1) and is at least indirectly joined to the container walls (2, 3). The operating fluid container (1) according to the invention is characterized by the fact that the container walls (2, 3) are joined to one another indirectly via the reinforcing element (10; 11, 12) by means of at least one joining element (20; 21-25). In this arrangement, the joining element (20; 21-25) comprises at least two material layers (21-25) joined to one another, wherein a joining force joining the two material layers (21, 22) to one another is less than a joining force between the joining elements (20; 21-25) and the container wall (2, 3) and/or between the joining element (20; 21-25) and the reinforcing element (10; 11, 12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ulrich Karsch
  • Patent number: 9718347
    Abstract: A fueling device comprises a passage-forming member, an opening-forming member configured to form an opening, a filler port open-close mechanism that includes an open-close member configured to open and close the opening, a screwing mechanism that includes an outer circumferential threaded section and an inner circumferential threaded section and a gasket placed between the opening-forming member and the passage-forming member to seal between the opening-forming member and the passage-forming member, wherein the outer circumferential threaded section is provided on outer periphery of the passage-forming member, the inner circumferential threaded section is provided on the opening-forming member and screwed to the outer circumferential threaded section, the opening-forming member is attached to the passage-forming member by screwing the outer circumferential threaded section to the inner circumferential threaded section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kito, Yoshinari Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 9718348
    Abstract: A method of producing a deflector device for a fuel tank system comprising producing a deflector device prototype from prefabricated components of a construction kit, performing fuel-refilling tests using the deflector device prototype, optionally modifying the deflector device prototype, creating a construction model for the deflector device prototype, producing a deflector device according to the construction model, optionally performing fuel-refilling tests with the deflector device produced according to the construction model and optionally producing the deflector device according to the construction model. The disclosure further provides a construction kit with prefabricated components for producing the prototype of the deflector device for the fuel tank system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Simon Aubreville
  • Patent number: 9718349
    Abstract: The problem to be solved is to provide a fuel feeding device for vehicles that is stably secured to a vehicle body. In the fuel feeding device for vehicles having an inlet filler pipe 1 and a fixing member 4, a flexible element 5 is provided that relatively presses the inlet filler pipe 1 toward the fixing member 4. With the flexible element 5 causing the inlet filler pipe 1 and the fixing member 4 to make pressure contact with each other, there can hardly be any gap created between the inlet filler pipe 1 and the fixing member 4 irrespective of the difference in linear expansion coefficient between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kito, Yoshinari Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 9718350
    Abstract: A structure of a fuel door is provided. The fuel door includes a sector-shaped gear that uses a rotating shaft in conjunction with a hinge of fuel door, a first spring having a first end coupled to a housing and a second end coupled to the gear. The first spring applies an elastic force and rotates the gear in a direction that opens the fuel door. A latch is rotatably coupled to the housing by a hinge component having one end of the latch parallel to the rotating shaft of the gear. The latch has a first surface in contact with an exterior circumferential surface of the gear to restrict rotation of the gear and a second spring having a first end coupled to the housing, and a second end in contact with a second surface of the latch, the second spring translates the latch toward the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Seong-Muk Lee
  • Patent number: 9718351
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground-engaging members, a frame supported by the ground-engaging members, and a powertrain assembly. The powertrain assembly includes an engine, a shiftable transmission, a continuously variable transmission, and a charger. Additionally, the utility vehicle may include a cooling assembly fluidly coupled to at least the engine and the charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Ripley, Stephen L. Nelson
  • Patent number: 9718352
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to a system. The system includes a first vehicle, a second vehicle, and an interface between the first vehicle and the second vehicle. The interface is configured to enable the transfer of mechanical power from the second vehicle to the first vehicle when the first vehicle and the second vehicle are stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Timothy Richter, Herman Wiegman, Irene Berry
  • Patent number: 9718353
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel chassis design that is functionally similar to the chassis associated with the suspension system, drivetrain, and steering system disclosed in prior applications. Based on a ladder-type structure, the novel chassis includes a frame that is constructed with a low slung middle section and high arched front and rear sections. This way, the powertrain is located in the middle section at the same level as are the suspension control link frame mounting points. In contrast the chassis associated with the prior applications is planar, the powertrain being located within the frame above the suspension control link frame mounting points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Ronald Scott Bandy
  • Patent number: 9718354
    Abstract: A disconnect system for an all-wheel drive vehicle drive train is provided. The disconnect system includes a first torque transmitter, a second torque transmitter and a clutch selectively connecting the first torque transmitter and the second torque transmitter. The clutch includes an engagement section and an inner race and an outer race supporting the engagement section. The inner race is arranged to be forced against the engagement section to lock the clutch and moved away from the engagement section to unlock the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Brian Lee, Carsten Ohr, Jeffrey Hemphill
  • Patent number: 9718355
    Abstract: A vehicle having a four-wheel-drive system including an auxiliary portion that has an auxiliary driveshaft and drive means between the auxiliary driveshaft arranged to releasably connect a second group of wheels to the driveline via a releasable torque transmitting device. The releasable torque transmitting device is operable to allow slippage of the input portion with respect to the output portions, thereby to vary an amount of torque that is transmitted to the second group of wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Russell Osborn, Ian Beverley, Brett Hallam, Mark Rathbone, Steve Mullane, Shaun Wick
  • Patent number: 9718356
    Abstract: Provided is a mounting structure including an electronic control unit, a plurality of support brackets, a transaxle case, an intermediate bracket protruding from the transaxle case toward a rear side of the vehicle, and an engaging projection. The engaging projection is a projection that is provided to at least one of an upper surface of the intermediate bracket or a bottom surface of the electronic control unit in a region where the intermediate bracket is in surface contact with a mounting surface of the transaxle case, the engaging projection protruding in a direction toward the upper surface of the intermediate bracket and the bottom surface of the electronic control unit. The engaging projection presses the intermediate bracket against the mounting surface of the transaxle case responding to displacement of the electronic control unit at the time of vehicle collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akihiko Ikeda, Teppei Yamashita, Fumiaki Shigematsu
  • Patent number: 9718357
    Abstract: A vehicular accessory system includes an attachment element adhered at an interior surface of a windshield of a vehicle and an accessory assembly attached to the attachment element. The accessory assembly includes circuitry disposed in the housing, the circuitry including a video camera. The video camera, when the accessory assembly is attached to the attachment element, has a field of view into the interior of the vehicle that encompasses the head of a potential driver of the vehicle. The video camera captures an image of the face of the potential driver and, responsive to image processing by image recognition software of the vehicular accessory system, the vehicular accessory system determines that the potential driver is an authorized driver who is authorized to operate the vehicle and, responsive to this determination, enables the ignition system to allow the motor of the vehicle be started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Roger L. Veldman, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 9718358
    Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for performing vehicle control. Multiple target rotation rates for a vehicle shaft may be identified. A first actual rotation rate may be determined to exceed a first target rotation rate. In response, a computing system may send a first signal in order to cause a first component of a vehicle to limit the rate of rotation of the vehicle shaft. A second actual rotation rate may be determined to be below a second target rotation rate. In response, the computing system may send a second signal in order to cause the first component of the vehicle or a second component of the vehicle to increase the rate of rotation of the vehicle shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Davis Intellectual Properties LLC
    Inventor: Shannon R. Davis
  • Patent number: 9718359
    Abstract: A vehicle information display may include a split braking gauge for conveying information relating to braking operation and efficiency to assist drivers in maximizing energy capture during braking in vehicle with regenerative braking systems. The split braking gauge may incorporate a side-by-side or stacked configuration for conveying both regenerative braking and friction braking values. The split braking gauge may include fixed thresholds or boundaries associated with dynamic threshold values that can change based on current vehicle operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Scott Crombez, Ryan Skaff, Derek Hartl
  • Patent number: 9718360
    Abstract: A vehicle, a vehicle display device, and a method for controlling the vehicle display device are disclosed. The vehicle display device includes a display unit and a controller. The display unit displays a wide screen that is divided into a main display region and an auxiliary display region. The controller displays a first visual interface on the main display region, decides the second visual interface for performing a process different from that of the first visual interface according to the first visual interface, and displays auxiliary information related to the second visual interface on the auxiliary display region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hyun Seung Yang
  • Patent number: 9718361
    Abstract: A power supply system includes an electric storage device, a connecting terminal area, a main energization line, a sub-energization line, a first energization switching unit for switching between an energized state and a non-energized state of an energization line of the main energization line connecting the electric storage device and a loading apparatus, a second energization switching unit for switching between an energized state and a non-energized state of an energization line of the main energization line connecting a branched part and the connecting terminal area, a third energization switching unit for switching between an energized state and a non-energized state of an energization line of the main energization line connecting the second energization switching unit and the connecting terminal area, and a control device that detects switching states of the first, second and third energization switching units and that controls their switching operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gentaro Omura, Takahiro Chuman, Kenji Nakajima
  • Patent number: 9718362
    Abstract: An electric vehicle disclosed by the present specification, includes an inverter arranged outside frame members in a vehicle width direction, in a front compartment. An inner side of the inverter in the vehicle width direction is fixed to one of the frame members. An outer side of the inverter in the vehicle width direction is fixed to a cabin outer plate. Furthermore, a fixation strength of the inner side of the inverter is lower than a fixation strength of the outer side of the inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenshi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 9718363
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising: a number of wheels; a brake system having hydraulically actuatable brakes corresponding to each wheel; at least one brake circuit via which the brakes can be actuated; a brake booster via which the brake circuit can be operated, said brake booster being actuatable via a brake pedal to be actuated by the driver; and at least one pressure generation device and/or pressure accumulator device, which can be controlled by a control device, and via which the hydraulic pressure inside the brake circuit can be modulated. At least one electric motor (9) is provided, which motor is used in the event of a detected failure inside the brake system (2) to generate a deceleration torque by automatically switching into a generator operation, in order to brake the vehicle (1) until same has reached a standstill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Martin Stemmer
  • Patent number: 9718364
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a drive system for an electric vehicle, comprising an electric motor, a traction battery for supplying the electric motor, an asynchronous machine, and a combustion engine for driving the asynchronous machine, wherein the asynchronous machine is arrange for charging the traction battery upon a control signal to extend the range of the electric vehicle. The traction battery has a plurality of a battery lines having adjustable output voltage for generating voltage progressions which are phase-shifted relative to one another, and each battery pack line is not only provided for supplying one of the phase connections of the electric motor but is also connected to a phase connection of the asynchronous machine. The disclosure further relates to a corresponding method for charging a traction battery having a plurality of battery lines by means of an asynchronous machine and a combustion engine disposed in series therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: Robert Bosch GmbH, Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joachim Fetzer, Stefan Butzmann
  • Patent number: 9718365
    Abstract: A wire harness includes first to third electric wires; a braid shield that covers the first to third electric wires; a tube-shaped electromagnetic wave absorber having a through hole that allows the first to third electric wires to be inserted therethrough, the electromagnetic wave absorber absorbing electromagnetic waves emitted from the first to third electric wires; and a resin tape and fasteners that fix the positions of the electromagnetic wave absorber and the braid shield relative to each other. The electromagnetic wave absorber is movable in an axial direction of the first to third electric wires relative to the first to third electric wires as a result of extension and contraction of the braid shield in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Imahori, Yoshikazu Hayakawa, Takahiro Futatsumori
  • Patent number: 9718366
    Abstract: An electric vehicle comprises an electric motor for generating driving power for moving a vehicle body of the electric vehicle; a battery unit for supplying electric power to the electric motor; a charging connector connected to an outside electric power supply for supplying the electric power to be charged; a main controller for controlling switching between a first connection state in which the battery unit is connected to the electric motor and a second connection state in which the battery unit is connected to the charging connector; and a relay for opening and closing a power supply path from the low-voltage battery to the main controller; wherein a relay opens the power supply path to cut off electric power supply to the main controller for a specified time, when the relay switches one of the first connection state and the second connection state to the other connection state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshimoto Matsuda
  • Patent number: 9718367
    Abstract: A vehicle charging system comprises a plurality of retractable conductor bars in a housing of a vehicle. The plurality of conductor bars includes a positive conductor bar and a negative conductor bar. Individual conductor bars of the plurality are electrically isolated from one another. The vehicle charging system further comprises a charging system having a receiver mounted on a support structure. The receiver comprises a plurality of electrical contact members in electrical communication with a power source. The receiver is configured to bring individual conductor bars of the plurality in contact with the electrical contact members for charging an energy storage device of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Proterra Inc.
    Inventors: Seamus McGrath, Keyur Shah, Marc Gottschalk, Michael C. Walker
  • Patent number: 9718368
    Abstract: There is provided a charging device for a vehicle, which carries out timer charging in which the charging device, is set in a standby state without charging until charging start time comes when the charging start time is set. The charging device includes a charger that charges an electrical storage device of the vehicle with electric power supplied from a device outside the vehicle, a cable lock mechanism (260) that locks a charging cable in a state where the charging cable is connected to an inlet, and an electronic control unit (170) that determines whether to carry out timer charging or carry out instant charging without carrying out the timer charging on the basis of a state of a switch associated with operation of the cable lock mechanism (260).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomokazu Masuda
  • Patent number: 9718369
    Abstract: An electric power supply device includes a first battery electrically connected to each of a plurality of load instruments mounted on a vehicle and supplying electric power to each of the load instruments, a second battery electrically connected to the first battery and each of the load instruments via a switch and capable of supplying electric power to each of the load instruments, and an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to cut off electrical connection between the second battery and each of the load instruments by turning OFF the switch under a condition that when a high-load instrument included in the load instruments is not in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroshi Nate
  • Patent number: 9718370
    Abstract: Systems and methods for charging an electric battery of a vehicle are provided. The vehicle includes a battery for powering an electric motor of the vehicle. A controller of the vehicle is provided to interface with a battery and to enable control of charging of the battery. The vehicle includes a communications interface for enabling wireless communication with a server, and the server is configured to manage a plurality of user accounts for users. The server is one of a plurality of servers, and the servers providing access to cloud services regarding vehicle use and metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventors: Angel A. Penilla, Albert S. Penilla
  • Patent number: 9718371
    Abstract: A computer program product for recharging a number of battery electric vehicles includes computer usable program code. The computer usable program code is configured to receive, from the number of battery electric vehicles that are to recharge at a number of recharging stations, usage data. The usage data includes a current charge level, a current location, and a planned itinerary that includes a destination. The computer usable program code is configured to determine anticipated electrical loads in the number of sectors of the electrical grid system based on the usage data of the number of battery electric vehicles. The computer usable program code is configured to redistribute the electrical supply on the electrical grid system to at least one recharging station of the number of recharging stations based on the anticipated electrical loads, prior to actual usage defined by the usage data by the number of battery electrical vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Howard N. Anglin, Irgelkha Mejia, Nicholas J. Ruegger, Yvonne M. Young