Patents Issued in August 1, 2017
  • Patent number: 9718372
    Abstract: An ECU sets a voltage of an inverter side in an external supply mode to be less than a voltage of the inverter side when a first MG supplies the electric power equal to the electric power in the external supply mode in a traveling generation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ryuta Teraya
  • Patent number: 9718373
    Abstract: A discharging apparatus for an electric vehicle and an electric vehicle are provided. The discharging apparatus comprises: an AC charging interface; a charging connection device, having a first terminal connected with the AC charging interface and a second terminal connected with an exterior equipment, and configured to transmit an AC output from the AC charging interface to the exterior equipment; an instrument, configured to send a discharging preparation instruction; a controller, configured to detect whether the charging connection device is connected with the AC charging interface, and if yes, to switch to an external discharging mode; a battery manager, configured to control an external discharging circuit in a high-voltage distribution box of the electric vehicle to be connected after the controller switches to the external discharging mode; a power battery, connected with the high-voltage distribution box and configured to provide a DC via the external discharging circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: SHENZHEN BYD R&D COMPANY LIMITED, BYD COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Wei Wang, Hongjun Wang, Zhen Li, Hong Jiang
  • Patent number: 9718374
    Abstract: A charging system for an electric vehicle and an electric vehicle are provided. The charging system comprises: a power battery; a charge-discharge socket; a bidirectional DC/DC module having a first DC terminal connected with a first terminal of the power battery and a second DC terminal connected with a second terminal of the power battery; a bidirectional DC/AC module having a first DC terminal connected with the second terminal of the power battery and a second DC terminal connected with the first terminal of the power battery; a charge-discharge control module having a first terminal connected with the AC terminal of the bidirectional DC/AC module and a second terminal connected with the charge-discharge socket; and a controller module connected with the charge-discharge control module, and configured to control the charge-discharge control module according to a current operation mode of the charging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: SHENZHEN BYD AUTO R&D COMPANY LIMITED, BYD COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Zheqing Tang, Zhiyong Du, Fu Tang, Jun Zhao, Qiyuan Liang
  • Patent number: 9718375
    Abstract: A 12 volt automotive battery system includes a first battery directly coupled to an electrical system, in which the first battery includes a first battery chemistry, and a second battery coupled in parallel with the first battery and directly coupled to the electrical system, in which the second battery includes a second battery chemistry with a higher coulombic efficiency than the first battery chemistry. The first battery and the second battery are non-voltage matched such that a voltage range of the second battery is higher than a voltage range of the first battery. The first battery steers power generated during regenerative braking to the second battery using internal resistance of the first battery to enable the second battery to capture a majority of the power generated during regenerative braking, and the second battery provides power to the electrical system due to the higher voltage range of the second battery when the second battery has a positive state of charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Daniel B. Le, Perry M. Wyatt, Ryan S. Mascarenhas, Brian C. Sisk
  • Patent number: 9718376
    Abstract: An electricity supply system having double power-storage devices which is suitable for implementation in an electric or hybrid motor vehicle. The supply system is intended for being connected to a power network of the vehicle. The supply system is of the type that includes a first power-storage device, having a first specific energy, a first specific power and a first operating voltage (Ue), and a second power-storage device, having a second specific energy that is lower than the first specific energy, a second specific power that is higher than the first specific power and a second operating voltage (Up) that is higher than the first operating voltage (Ue). The first and second power-storage devices are electrically coupled by a bidirectional DC-DC converter controlled in accordance with the operating states of the vehicle. The DC-DC converter includes a floating capacitor connected in series between the first and second power-storage devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur
    Inventors: Michael Chemin, Philippe Baudesson
  • Patent number: 9718377
    Abstract: An electrically driven vehicle includes a vehicle frame, an electrical unit, a first fixing member, and a second fixing member. The vehicle frame includes a lower frame and an upper frame. The electrical unit is connected to the lower frame and the upper frame. A lower portion of the electrical unit is connected to the lower frame with a first holding force in a vehicle up-down direction via a first fixing member. An upper portion of the electrical unit is connected to the upper frame with a second holding force in a vehicle front-rear direction via a second fixing member. The second holding force is smaller than the first holding force. The second fixing member is provided at a position in which a load applied in the vehicle front-rear direction is exerted to the second fixing member more than to the first fixing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Murase
  • Patent number: 9718378
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a longitudinally adjustable and rotatable vehicle seat with upper rails guided in lower rails, motors for respectively driving the upper rails and a seat shell. An aligned displacement of the upper rails relative to the lower rails displaces the seat shell in a straight line. A displacement of the first upper rail relative to the second upper rail rotates the seat shell about a vertical axis. An initial position is stored. The seat shell is moved in a straight line out of the initial position into a starting position. From the starting position the seat shell is rotated by a first angle into an intermediate position. The seat shell is moved in a straight line in the direction of travel into a first central position. The seat shell is rotated by a second angle into an end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jens Schulz, Thomas Christoffel
  • Patent number: 9718379
    Abstract: A bracket (2) is provided for fastening to a bodyshell structure (6) of a motor vehicle. The bracket (2) is a bar that is bent to define first and second end sections (10, 28), first and second arcuate sections (11, 19) and a central section (18). The first end section (10) merges into the first arcuate section (11), the first arcuate section (11) merges into the central section (18), the central section (18) merges into the second arcuate section (19), and the second arcuate section (19) merges into a second end section (28). The end sections (10, 28) are parallel, and the central section (18) is perpendicular to the end sections (10, 28). Each arcuate section (11, 19) has plural partially arcuate sections (12, 14, 16, 20, 22, 24, 26), including one that is parallel to the central section (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Michael Wagner, Thomas Dittus
  • Patent number: 9718380
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a back rest and a seat cushion that may be reconfigurable to alternatively form a forward facing adult seating surface and child seat mounting surface. The back rest may be provided in a substantially horizontal orientation to offer an extended lower leg support surface for a child's lower legs and feet while seated in a rear facing child seat. The vehicle seat assembly may include a support mechanism to interconnect the seat cushion to a vehicle, enabling selective longitudinal repositioning of the vehicle seat assembly with respect to fixed adjacent interior vehicle structure to establish a variable longitudinal clearance there-between. A rear facing child seat forming back rest and seat cushion portions may be carried by the child seat mounting surface of the vehicle seat assembly. The back rest may be removable from the vehicle seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Lauren M. Abro, Angela Piculi
  • Patent number: 9718381
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a power headrest apparatus capable of automatically adjusting vertical and forward-backward movement of a headrest using motors, and of sufficiently securing an amount of forward-backward movement of the headrest using a pair of link members, which are arranged to intersect with each other in an X form, while a width of the headrest in forward and backward directions thereof is maintained below a certain level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD
    Inventor: Hong Chun Yoo
  • Patent number: 9718382
    Abstract: A seat support mechanism that is adapted to constrain motion of a bottom of a seat relative to a floor as the seat bottom moves up and down relative to the floor, where the seat has a seat back, and where the seat is constructed and arranged to support an occupant thereof above the floor, wherein the seat bottom has a front edge, and wherein the seat bottom supports the occupant's thighs with the knees in front of the front edge of the seat bottom. The seat support mechanism is constructed and arranged such that as the seat bottom is moved up and down, the seat support mechanism causes the seat bottom to pivot about a virtual lateral horizontal pivot axis located farther from the front edge of the seat bottom than the occupant's knees. The seat support mechanism is further constructed and arranged such that the back of the seat remains at a relatively constant angle to the floor as the seat bottom moves up and down and pivots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Preston Parker, Steven N. Brown
  • Patent number: 9718383
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a spring member mounting structure, which is a structure for mounting a spring member on a cushion frame connecting side frames by use of a rear pipe. The spring member has rear clipping portions engaged with the rear pipe. Cover members, which are provided at seat central sides of connecting portions of the side frames and the rear pipe, have extension portions extending toward the seat central sides. The rear clipping portions abut on ends of the seat central sides of the extension portions, and are mounted to the rear pipe by width direction positioning of the spring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hayato Matsui
  • Patent number: 9718384
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising a seat part and a backrest, the backrest comprising at least one left-hand backrest longitudinal support extending in the vertical direction of the backrest and at least one right-hand backrest longitudinal support extending in the vertical direction of the backrest, the backrest longitudinal supports being attached to the seat part and/or a seat-part frame in a lower end region and comprising at least one cushion element, wherein the length of a distance between the backrest longitudinal supports can be adjusted by means of at least one elongate backrest cross strut arranged in the upper region of the backrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: GRAMMER AG
    Inventor: Erwin Haller
  • Patent number: 9718385
    Abstract: There is provided a vehicle seat including a seatback frame including: a first base member formed of a thin plate member made of resin; a second base member formed of a thin plate member made of resin and disposed facing the first base member; a pass-through portion that is formed to at least one of the first base member or the second base member, and that enables insertion of an injection nozzle for injecting a foaming liquid for a foamed body; and a core section that is configured by the foamed body, that is disposed between the first base member and the second base member, and that is adhered to the first base member and the second base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kenzo Yasuda
  • Patent number: 9718386
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a side frame of a seat cushion having a side frame opposing portion extending in a front-rear direction of the seat cushion, and a bracket member disposed below the side frame having a bracket opposing portion extending in the front-rear direction and opposing the side frame opposing portion. The side frame opposing portion and the bracket opposing portion are provided such that the side frame opposing portion and the bracket opposing portion come in contact with each other in a state in which the seat cushion sinks rearward and downward when a load acted on the vehicle seat from behind is transmitted to the seat cushion from the seat back via a connection part. An arrangement interval between the bracket opposing portion and the side frame opposing portion is smaller in a front side than in a rear side in the front-rear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA, SHIROKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroaki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9718387
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback frame and a seat frame defining a seating frame. A plurality of distinct assembly modules are configured for attachment with the seating frame. The plurality of distinct assembly modules include a back cushion module, a hard back module, a headrest module, and a seat cushion module. The seat cushion module includes a composite cushion pan having a rearward support defining an intermediate open area. A forward support is pivotally coupled to the rearward support. A suspension assembly is disposed in the intermediate open area. A cushion extends over the composite cushion pan. A coverstock covers the cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Llne, Marc Silva Kondrad, Brett E. Ronzi, Christian J. Hosbach, Rodney Charles Brinker, Keith Allen Godin
  • Patent number: 9718388
    Abstract: This invention includes a type of portable trash receptacle that can be used by automobile passengers and drivers to dispose of garbage when in an automobile. The trash receptacle is designed to take up unused space next to the driver's seat or passenger seats. The trash receptacle also contains a removable liner, which makes it easier to empty and clean. Furthermore, the trash receptacle is designed to be opened and closed easily, and includes safety features so that it will not disturb the vehicle occupants. The receptacle's shape and location play a role in its ease of use. The invention also includes a method for vehicle occupants to dispose of trash. A variation of this invention can be used on airplanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Eddie Lawrence Cressy
  • Patent number: 9718389
    Abstract: Provided is a container holder (1, 70) comprising a body member (3) defining a recess (2) with a bottom, a roller (5) supported by the body member such that at least a part of the roller projects into the recess to engage a container (60) received in the recess, and a biasing member (6) for urging the roller into the recess, wherein the roller is supported by the body member in such a manner that a rotational center line (B) of the roller extends in a tangential direction of a circle centered around a central axial line (A) of the recess, and the roller is enabled to slide in a radial direction of the recess and to tilt around an axial line in parallel with the central axial line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., NIFCO INC.
    Inventors: Kei Inoue, Kozo Kobayashi, Masamitsu Shiono, Taku Hirama
  • Patent number: 9718390
    Abstract: The aircraft transport trailer enables the loading, transporting, and unloading of a helicopter. The transport trailer comprises a wheeled trailer having a power unit, a height adjustable roller platform having a first position for loading or unloading the helicopter and a second position for transporting the helicopter, and a winch for moving the helicopter, the winch being power driven, the winch pulling the helicopter forward and releasing backward, a strap assembly being connected to the winch, and a pair of micro-switches positioned upon the trailer in cooperative engagement with the winch. Each micro-switch is positioned upon the trailer proximate to a cushioned bumper and to a towing position for the helicopter. The pair of micro-switches cut the power to the winch as the helicopter skids or wheels touch the micro-switch thereby properly positioning the helicopter upon the platform of trailer for when the trailer is raised to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventors: William Wade Hadley, Laurie J. Hadley, Charles Lee Phy
  • Patent number: 9718391
    Abstract: A pair of ladder rack assemblies each attachable to the bed of the truck. The pair of ladder rack assemblies are positioned apart from each other along a longitudinal length of the bed of the truck to support opposing ends of the ladder. Each ladder rack assembly comprises of a first support member attachable to the side of the truck. A first swing arm pivotally attached to the first support member, a second swing arm pivotally attached to the first swing arm. The first swing arm can move between a first position in the bed of the truck and a second position extending upward from the bed of the truck. The second swing arm can move between a first position substantially parallel with the first swing arm and a second position substantially perpendicular to the first swing arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventors: Randall Oxley, Neal L. Oxley
  • Patent number: 9718392
    Abstract: A fastening device to facilitate the secure and flexible placement of attachment points along a container's structural rails and any points facilitated by a combination of these fasteners, as well as placement adjustments as required during setup or necessitated by after-thought design changes without requiring any modifications to the original container construction or causing any penetrations in the sealed envelope of the container and is therefore removable without leaving any alteration or lasting damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Ries Ignatius Wytenburg
  • Patent number: 9718393
    Abstract: In a vehicle lamp, light emitting diodes that emit light are disposed on an inner side of a transparent surface cover. A conductive reflector that reflects the light emitted from the light emitting diodes toward the surface cover is provided between the light emitting diodes and the surface cover. The reflector is disposed so as to be in proximity to the light emitting diodes. A grounding connection terminal is provided on the reflector. The grounding connection terminal is connected to a vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Sazuka
  • Patent number: 9718394
    Abstract: A headlight-affixing structure for affixing a headlight positioned above a front bumper to a vehicle by using a headlight bracket. When viewed from the front, the headlight bracket is substantially formed into an L-shape and comprises a horizontal section extending in the vehicle-width direction along the lower edge of the headlight, and an upright section extending upward from an end of the horizontal section on the inside thereof in the vehicle-width direction. The upright section of the headlight bracket is provided with an upper affixing part for affixing the upper section of the headlight by using a downward-facing fastening member. The middle-outside section of the horizontal section is provided with a lower affixing part for affixing the lower section of the headlight by using an upward-facing fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Kawamura, Keiichiro Tsuji
  • Patent number: 9718395
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a vehicle light having an adjustable light output are provided. An apparatus includes a processor configured to receive sensor data from a sensor module having a number of sensors. The processor is further able to determine a light output mode for the vehicle light in accordance with the sensor data. The sensor data indicates a vehicle or environment condition. A method of using an apparatus for controlling a vehicle light with adjustable light output is provided that includes receiving sensor data from one or more sensors in a vehicle, determining a light output mode in accordance with the sensor data, and sending to the vehicle light appropriate commands for adjusting the light output in accordance with the determined light output mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Feniex Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hamza Deyaf, Nicholas Mazzanti, Kyle Hale
  • Patent number: 9718396
    Abstract: An illuminated running board for a vehicle includes a light guide plate, a panel, and a luminous module. A plurality of convex portions is formed on a top surface of the light guide plate, and a plurality of optic pattern portions is formed on a bottom surface of the light guide plate. A groove is formed in the bottom surface of the light guide plate and spaced from the optic pattern portions. The panel mounted on the top surface of the light guide plate has a plurality of through-holes, each of which is penetrated by one of the convex portions. The luminous module installed in the groove includes a plurality of luminous elements which are not opposite to the convex portions. Light rays from the luminous elements are conducted into the light guide plate, reflected to the optic pattern portions, and projected upward from the convex portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Desity Traffic Ind Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Chieh Wang
  • Patent number: 9718397
    Abstract: A system and method for configuring an indication device is described. An on-demand service system arranges a transport service for a user to be provided by a driver. The system determines whether the user has specified an output configuration for an indication device in an account of the user. In response to determining that the user has specified an output configuration for the indication device, the system identifies data corresponding to the output configuration and transmits the data to a driver device of the driver to enable the driver device to control the indication device of the driver based on the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Uber Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Kalanick, Shalin Amin
  • Patent number: 9718398
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a closure panel, a sill protector mounted adjacent to the closure panel, an energy harvesting device configured to convert ambient energy to electrical energy, a storage device electrically connected to the energy harvesting device to store the electrical energy, an illumination member electrically connected to the storage device and configured to be powered by electrical energy supplied from the storage device, and a sensor connected to the sill protector and power the illumination member when movement of the closure panel is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Randall Johnson, Bhargav Sura
  • Patent number: 9718399
    Abstract: A light guide device that performs uniform brightness transmitted light illumination regardless of a distance from an incident portion is provided. Light that is emitted from a light source, and enters from an incident portion of a light guide member (light guide body) made of a translucent member formed along an outer edge portion of a decorated portion, travels in the light guide portion while repeating total reflection by an inner surface of the light guide member. In the light-guiding portion, the light is guided in the decorated portion made of a translucent member from the inside of the light guide member, and is emitted outside by being scattered by the inside of the decorated portion, and in the non-light-guiding portion, the light that travels in the light guide member is prevented from traveling in the decorated portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Nirei
  • Patent number: 9718400
    Abstract: A multi-sensory attention alert device for a vehicle includes a sensor arrangement, a warning signal emission arrangement for emitting haptic, acoustic and optical warning signals to the vehicle driver, and a control unit for analyzing and assessing the recorded measurement values and for controlling the warning signal emission arrangement. The direction of a potential source of danger can be indicated by emitting warning signals that address multiple sensory organs of the driver, and the direction of an interface can be indicated whose operation, by the driver, constitutes a counter measure for avoiding the dangerous situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Knobl, Hans-Wilhelm Rühl
  • Patent number: 9718401
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a foldable emergency road sign which includes a bar-shaped handle, a hollow shaft connected to the bar-shaped handle, a spring pipe, the spring pipe having a hole through which the hollow shaft is inserted, a plurality of bodies connected to the spring pipe, wherein the plurality of bodies can be folded or unfolded to have a triangular pyramid shape or a quadrangular pyramid shape, and a light emitting unit attached at regular intervals to one side of the plurality of bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Tae Won Kim
  • Patent number: 9718402
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus includes a controller coupled to a first sensor positioned on a first object external to a vehicle and configured to receive first information indicative of a height of the first object from the first sensor via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and store second information corresponding to a height of the vehicle. The controller is further configured to receive third information corresponding to a height of overhead obstacle positioned external to the vehicle and to compare at least one of the first information and the second information to the third information. The controller is further configured to generate an alert based on the comparison of the at least one of the first information and the second information to the third information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cameron Smyth, Thomas Lee Miller, Eric L. Reed, Robert Bruce Kleve, Jacob Lucero
  • Patent number: 9718403
    Abstract: An approach is provided for selecting variable message signs (VMS). More particularly, this disclosure relates to personalized VMS delivered to a driver of a vehicle via an on-board display. The approach monitors driver behavior to form a driver behavior history and an analytic analysis is applied to the driver behavior history to determine characteristics of the driver. When a wireless notification is received from an external data provider, the notification is modified based on the determined driver characteristics, and the modified notification is displayed to the driver on a display device visible within the vehicle that is being operated by the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Vinod A. Bijlani, Pamela A. Nesbitt
  • Patent number: 9718404
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses are disclosed for assessing whether a vehicle will make contact with an obstacle. The systems, methods, and apparatuses may include an obstacle sensing component configured to determine a location and a dimension of an obstacle, a vehicle sensing component configured to determine a height of a point of the vehicle relative to the ground, and a notification component configured to provide an indication of a presence of the obstacle to assist a human driver or an automated driving system in parking the vehicle without making contact with the obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCS
    Inventors: Venkatapathi Raju Nallapa, Harpreetsingh Banvait, Scott Vincent Myers, Ashley Elizabeth Micks
  • Patent number: 9718405
    Abstract: A collision avoidance and/or pedestrian detection system for a large passenger vehicle such as commuter bus, which includes one or more exterior and/or interior sensing devices positioned strategically around the exterior and interior of the vehicle for recording data, method for avoiding collisions and/or detecting pedestrians, and features/articles of manufacture for improving same, is described herein in various embodiments. The sensing devices may be responsive to one or more situational sensors, and may be connected to one or more interior and/or exterior warning systems configured to alert a driver inside the vehicle and/or a pedestrian outside the vehicle that a collision may be possible and/or imminent based on a path of the vehicle and/or a position of the pedestrian as detected by one or more sensing devices and/or situational sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Rosco, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Englander, Julian Serer
  • Patent number: 9718406
    Abstract: A driver information system in a vehicle encompasses a viewing direction recognition unit and an indicating unit for indicating a critical event for the case in which the deviation between the driver's viewing direction and the critical event exceeds a limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Benoit Mangin
  • Patent number: 9718407
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly having a mounting portion mountable at a side of a vehicle and a mirror head portion pivotally adjustable relative to the mounting portion. The mirror assembly includes an actuator operable to impart pivotal movement of the mirror head portion relative to said mounting portion. The actuator includes a first motor and a second motor that are operable in tandem to cooperatively cause a common drive gear of a gear system to be driven to pivot the mirror head portion relative to the mounting portion. Operation of the first and second motors is synchronized and causes the common drive gear to rotate. A shutoff circuit is operable to determine a stalled condition and, responsive to such determination, is operable to deactivate driving of the common drive gear by the at least two motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Justin E. Sobecki, Eric S. Deuel
  • Patent number: 9718408
    Abstract: In a vehicle door mirror device, a first cord and a second cord are arranged passing through a storing mechanism in an up-down direction. A first connector of the first cord is electrically connected to a mirror face adjustment device through an assembly hole of a visor body. Moreover, a second connector of the second cord is electrically connected to a turn signal lamp. The first cord and the second cord are disposed at a vehicle rear side of the storing mechanism, and pass between the storing mechanism and the visor body. This thereby enables the first cord and the second cord to be made shorter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Sawada, Mutsumi Shiohara, Noriyoshi Kimata, Tomotaka Nishio
  • Patent number: 9718409
    Abstract: A rearview mirror for a vehicle includes a housing defining an interior cavity and an open side, a substrate coupled within the open side of the housing and having a reflective surface thereon, and an actuation mechanism coupled within the housing. The actuation mechanism has a mounting plate rotatably coupled within the cavity of the housing at a first end thereof, a spring plate coupled with the mounting plate and having a resiliently deformable spring arm extending away from the mounting plate, and a socket body rotatably coupled within the interior cavity of the housing, the spring arm of the spring plate being operably coupled with the socket body at a coupling axis therebetween. A motor is coupled within the interior cavity of the housing and is operably coupled with the socket body to drive rotation thereof by a reduction mechanism including a worm gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ulrich A. Kuester, Danny L. Minikey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9718410
    Abstract: An assembly for releasably connecting a roof bar to a roof of a vehicle. The assembly includes a body which is affixed to the roof bar, a base which is affixed to the roof and has a receiving portion for receiving a portion of the body, a locking pin slidably engaged with the body and the base, and slidable along an axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking in engages the body and the base. In the unlocked position, the locking pin engages the body or the base. The assembly also has an actuator movable along the axis to slide the locking pin between the locked position and the unlocked position, thereby selectively engaging the body with the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Rhino Rack Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Richard Oswald Cropley, Christopher John Murty, Michael John Laybourne Hort
  • Patent number: 9718411
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a tailgating assembly configured to attach to a receiving hitch on a vehicle. The assembly may include a cargo basket with a lid, the cargo basket configured to attach to a hitch on a vehicle; a mast removably attached to the cargo basket, the mast extending upward from the cargo basket; a table removably attached to the mast; optionally a wine rack, TV mount and sign assembly also removably attached to the mast; and a side table optionally removably attached to the cargo basket. The lid may be configured to be positioned in two configurations: first as a cover to close the cargo basket, and second as an additional table attached to an end of the cargo basket. The tailgating assembly may be sized to break down and fit within the cargo basket when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Richard Doak Field, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9718412
    Abstract: Adjustable portable device holder systems and methods are herein disclosed. According to one embodiment, an adjustable portable device holder includes an adjustable clamping element and a rotatable mounting element attached to the adjustable clamping element for removably securing a portable device to the adjustable portable device holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: KENU, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth Y. Minn, David E. Yao
  • Patent number: 9718413
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vehicle upper back panel structure including: an upper back panel, provided at a rear section of a vehicle, that is formed in a rectangular plate shape with a length direction along a vehicle width direction in vehicle plan view, that is fixed to a vehicle body at end portions on both vehicle width direction sides by respective fixing portions, and that includes a horizontal wall section disposed horizontally between the fixing portions; and a front-rear direction bead that is formed continuously along a vehicle front-rear direction from a front end portion to a rear end portion of the horizontal wall section of the upper back panel, at a position including a central portion in the vehicle width direction between one of the fixing portions and the other of the fixing portions of the upper back panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 9718414
    Abstract: An assembly for deploying a device from a cavity. The assembly includes a translatable cover and a mounting surface defining an opening sized to receive the translatable cover thereover. The device is received in the cavity beneath the mounting surface and is actuatable between a first device position and a second device position. A plurality of linkages are positioned within the cavity. At least one of the plurality of linkages is coupled to a power source for actuating the plurality of linkages and at least one of the plurality of linkages is coupled to the translatable cover and to the device. Thus, when the power source actuates the plurality of linkages, the translatable cover is translated relative to the mounting surface from a first cover position to a second cover position and the device is actuated from the first device position to the second device position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Huf North America Automotive Parts Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Lynn D. Da Deppo, Ehab Kamal, Steve Bauer, Douglas Carson, David Newkirk
  • Patent number: 9718415
    Abstract: A tool box housing is configured to be removably installed upon a combination rail system and mounting board, which itself is configured to mount within the cargo area of a vehicle, such as an SUV or pickup truck. The tool box housing and rail system with mounting board are configured to provide a separate, readily accessible and protected storage area for electrical units, or other items, which may be conveniently accessed using trays that slide relative to the tool box housing. The tool box housing is configured to mount to the rail system using quick release fasteners/receptacles or convention bolt/nut pairs, so that the tool box housing may quickly/easily be removed and interchangeably replaced with a flat floorboard housing, which protects the rails when the tool box housing is not utilized, and furthermore restores the floor of the vehicle to a more storage friendly state for transporting larger items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Squicciarini
  • Patent number: 9718416
    Abstract: A replacement locator tab is provided for a headliner. That replacement locator tab includes a locator portion and a headliner mounting portion. An adhesive film is provided on a face of the headliner mounting portion. A removable protective film overlies the adhesive film. A headliner incorporating the locator tab is also disclosed as is a method of repairing a headliner in a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Marc David Nedelman
  • Patent number: 9718417
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a pedal and a vehicle floor. The vehicle floor has a driver's side footwell area over which the pedal is positioned and a driver's seat area, and includes a rigid floor structure and a floor covering for the floor structure. The floor covering has a heel point for the pedal at the driver's side footwell area, and includes a sound attenuating silencer overlying the floor structure and carpeting overlying the silencer. The silencer's top surface slopes upward in the driver's side footwell area from the heel point to the driver's seat area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Dilpreet Singh
  • Patent number: 9718418
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle (1) comprising: a multiplexed communication bus (2); an engine control unit (4) connected to the communication bus (2); a secure element (6) hosted in the vehicle and configured to communicate through the communication bus, the secure element securely storing (64) security data related to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: GEMALTO SA
    Inventors: Yvon Gressus, Pascal Leroy
  • Patent number: 9718419
    Abstract: A motor vehicle having a jump-start device is equipped with an internal combustion engine with a starter motor, and at least two on-board electrical power subsystems which are coupled together via an electric coupling element. Each on-board electrical power subsystem has at least one rechargeable electrical energy storage device. The motor vehicle has a jump-start support terminal, wherein the jump-starting device has a multi-stage jump-start switch. The on-board electrical power subsystems and the jump-starting support terminal are galvanically isolated when a first switching stage of the jump-start switch is selected, and the on-board electrical power subsystems and the jump-starting support terminal are galvanically connected when a second switching stage of the jump-start switch is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hartmut Proebstle
  • Patent number: 9718420
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated power electronic device for electric vehicles, including an integrated box, a high-voltage cable distribution module, and an intelligent monitoring module. The high-voltage cable distribution module includes a substrate and a multiple channels of high-voltage component connection branches provided on the substrate. The intelligent monitoring module includes a CAN communication circuit provided on the substrate, an auxiliary contact detecting circuit for detecting a working state of the main contactor, an open-box detection circuit for detecting a sealing state of the integrated box, and an isolation detection circuit for detecting insulativity of an electric vehicle. The CAN communication circuit is connected, through a detection data collector, to the auxiliary contact detecting circuit, the open-box detection circuit, the isolation detection circuit, and a vehicle bus, separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: BORDRIN MOTOR CORPORATION, INC.
    Inventor: Xiaobo Sun
  • Patent number: 9718421
    Abstract: A fender bracket of a motor vehicle, which includes seatings for attaching a fender, a point for anchoring with a structural element of the vehicle, and an area for attaching a hinge of the bonnet, the area for attaching the hinge being separated from the anchoring point, and the attachment seatings and the attachment area being shaped such as to ensure a predetermined relative positioning between the fender and the bonnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Marcel Boksebeld, Laurent Martin