Patents Issued in September 12, 2017
  • Patent number: 9758018
    Abstract: A control element (16) for an air vent (10) in a vehicle has a bearing portion which serves for the air-vent-side bearing of the control element (16) and includes a receptacle (22), in particular for a slat (12) of an air vent (10), and a spring element (34) which protrudes into the receptacle (22) of the bearing portion, wherein the spring element (34) is integrally molded to the control element (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Schlippe
  • Patent number: 9758019
    Abstract: An air conditioning system that includes a casing that has a flow channel connected to an inside of a vehicle to supply or discharge air. A motor is mounted on one side of the casing to generate a normal direction torque and a reverse direction torque and a first fan is disposed on one side of the flow channel to be connected to an output shaft of the motor and to be rotated. A second fan is disposed on one side of the first fan to be fixedly mounted in the shaft and to be rotated. Additionally, a variable connecting unit that connects the first fan to the shaft of the motor is rotated when the motor is rotated in a normal direction and has a torque of the shaft of the motor not to be transmitted to the first fan when the motor is rotated in a reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Kwangok Han, Young Chul Kim, Sunghae Park
  • Patent number: 9758020
    Abstract: The front movable louver (3) includes one central fin (7) and an upper auxiliary fin (8) and a lower auxiliary fin (9) storable in storing recesses (6a, 6b) inside an air outlet. The central fin (7) is axially supported turnably by pivots (7a) provided on both sides of the vicinity of the downstream side end portion. The upper auxiliary fin (8) and the lower auxiliary fin (9) are axially supported turnably so as to stick out their downstream side end portions to the passage (5) side by pivots provided on both sides of the vicinities of the upstream side end portions. A cam link mechanism (10) turns the upper auxiliary fin (8) and the lower auxiliary fin (9) so that the upper auxiliary fin (8) sticks out its downstream side end portion to the passage side, and the lower auxiliary fin (9) becomes parallel to and approaches the central fin (7) so that these fins function as one large fin when the central fin (7) is turned in the short-side direction of the air outlet (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Oe, Yoko Ishiguro
  • Patent number: 9758021
    Abstract: A composite pane for a motor vehicle, in particular the front pane, is formed from a first pane and a second pane, which are adhered to one another by way of a film. A coating reflecting infrared rays is applied to the film. The coating has at least one cut-out, within which a transponder is arranged between the two panes. A motor vehicle has a composite pane as described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Tobias Gansen, Marcus Neudecker, Daniel Pfaller
  • Patent number: 9758022
    Abstract: A vehicle curtain assembly has an axle tube, a reeling device, a curtain fabric, a rim board, and an auxiliary wheel mechanism. The axle tube has a side wall and a slot defined in the sidewall. The reeling device is mounted in the axle tube. The curtain fabric extends into the axle tube via the slot and is connected to and reeled around the reeling device. The rim board is connected to the curtain fabric. The auxiliary wheel mechanism is mounted on the side wall of the axle tube and is applied to abut a bottom of the curtain fabric, to rotate to push the curtain fabric to move toward the slot, and to abut a bottom of the rim board to position the rim board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: MACAUTO INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Paul Lin, Hung-Ming Yen
  • Patent number: 9758023
    Abstract: A spring for sun visors includes a torque application section that extends from a holding section and applies torque when a main section is rotating. The holding section has a flat section that receives torque from a shaft. The torque application section has a first spring piece extending from one end of the holding section and a second spring piece extending from the other end of the holding section and being bent so as to fold back. The first spring piece has a first tip section that includes overhanging sections that are narrower than the width of the holding section. The second spring piece has a second tip section that is arranged so as to overlap on the outside of the overhanging sections. The overhanging sections are provided in an area extending from the torque receiving section to the first tip section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: PIOLAX, INC.
    Inventors: Ryou Aoki, Moto Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 9758024
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roof frame component of a roof opening system of a vehicle, wherein, according to the invention, said roof frame component is made of at least one organic sheet or has at least one organic sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventors: Frank Kiesewetter, Dirk Legler, Martin Pollak
  • Patent number: 9758025
    Abstract: A sunroof apparatus includes: a movable panel adapted to open and close an opening formed in a vehicle roof; a guide rail provided in each edge portion of the opening in a lateral direction, and extending in a longitudinal direction; a support bracket including a front end portion supported by the guide rail, and supporting each edge portion of the movable panel; and a shoe member provided such that the shoe member can be moved along the guide rail, and engaged with the support bracket, wherein the movable panel is opened and closed along with movement of the shoe member, and the shoe member includes a limiting protrusion portion protruding in the lateral direction at a position higher than an upper surface of the guide rail, and is in contact with or is close to the upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Aisei Kawazu, Yusuke Kokubo
  • Patent number: 9758026
    Abstract: A deflector structure for a sunroof device includes: a thinned-cloth member (6) having a lower side connectedly fixed to a front frame (11), the thinned-cloth member being configured to be stretchedly developed to regulate a traveling air while a roof is opened and to be foldedly stored while the roof is closed; and a storage guide member (14) configured to guide folding motion of the thinned-cloth member (6). The storage guide member (14) includes: a front-side first upright wall (15) and a rear-side second upright wall (16) provided upright on the front frame (11) at the rear of a fixation portion of the front frame (11) and the thinned-cloth member (6); and a guide wall (17) formed on an upper holder (7) along a rear surface of an upper portion of the thinned-cloth member stretchedly developed. Thereby, a folded shape of the thinned-cloth member (6) is stabilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuya Takahashi, Keisuke Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 9758027
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a door lining assembly for use with a vehicle that defines a vehicle exterior and a vehicle passenger compartment. The door lining assembly can include a base assembly including an outboard base that defines a substantially planar upper surface that extends obliquely relative to a transverse direction of the vehicle so as to face upwardly toward the vehicle exterior. The base assembly can also include an inboard base that defines a substantially planar upper surface that extends obliquely relative to the upper surface of the outboard base downward toward the vehicle passenger compartment. The outboard and inboard bases can be joined together to form a peak that is the vertically highest portion of the base assembly. A unitary topcoat can cover the upper surfaces of the outboard and inboard bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Generoso Tan Sia, Jr., Jason Dilley
  • Patent number: 9758028
    Abstract: A vehicle panel structure that includes a first panel that is provided to a vehicle, the first panel being made from a fiber reinforced resin and including a plurality of first beads extending along one direction, and a second panel that is disposed so as to face the first panel and that includes a plurality of second beads extending along another direction intersecting with the first beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koki Ikeda, Kiyoshi Hokazono, Tomohiro Sakurai
  • Patent number: 9758029
    Abstract: A battery frame including: a battery frame main body made of resin that is disposed at a vehicle body lower side of a floor panel and that supports a battery; and a ductile member made of metal that is integrally provided to the battery frame main body, that is fastened and fixed to a lower face side of the floor panel, and to which the battery is fastened and fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Hokazono, Koki Ikeda, Shinya Kamimura
  • Patent number: 9758030
    Abstract: A removable battery assembly includes a battery pack having a plurality of electrical storage devices; and a latching mechanism for securing the battery pack to a frame structure of a vehicle. The latching mechanism has a first latch part configured to be attached to the frame structure and a second latch part on the battery pack. The second latch part is configured to receive at least a portion of the first latch part. The latching mechanism also has a biasing seal configured to bias the latching mechanism into a latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: NextEV USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Austin Lawrence Newman
  • Patent number: 9758031
    Abstract: A radiator grille arrangement for a vehicle is disclosed. The grille arrangement has at least one support frame surrounding a primary air inlet, a number of closure flaps which are mounted for rotation around a flap rotation axis between a closed position and an open position, where flap levers are molded or formed on the closure flaps, the flap levers being operatively connected to a sliding bolt, and an actuating drive for positioning the closure flaps. A flap frame is provided for receiving the closure flaps, the sliding bolt and the actuating drive, where the flap frame is formed in two parts and is able to be attached to the support frame of a radiator shield in a non-positive, positive and/or firmly bonded manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Stephen Edwards, Holger Jakobs, Heinz Mueller
  • Patent number: 9758032
    Abstract: An exhaust muffler for transverse installation in a vehicle includes a muffler housing (26) elongated in the direction of a housing longitudinal axis (G) with a housing jacket (28) and two front walls (30, 32). The two front walls (30, 32) are arranged at spaced locations from one another and define an interior (34) of the muffler with the housing jacket (28). At least one inlet pipe (36) leads into the interior (34) of the muffler and at least one outlet pipe (20) leads out of the interior (34) of the muffler. At least one front wall (30, 32) has at least one predetermined deformation area (50, 52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: EBERSPÄCHER EXHAUST TECHNOLOGY GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Arnulf Spieth, Daniel Mesghena, Joachim Müller, Mathias Rothfuβ, Michael Weiβ
  • Patent number: 9758033
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a mobile fueling system. The mobile fueling system includes a fueling lid configured to cover a fueling compartment opening, and a recessed fueling compartment having the fueling compartment opening. The recessed fueling compartment includes one or more compartment walls having at least one recessed wall portion that is recessed a predetermined distance away from the fueling compartment opening, with the one or more compartment walls defining an interior compartment volume. The recessed fueling compartment further includes a fueling port configured to couple the recessed fueling compartment to a fuel storage tank, and a gas inlet in at least one of the one or more compartment walls of the recessed fueling compartment. The gas inlet is configured to introduce a gas into the interior compartment volume. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: A3 LABS, LLC
    Inventor: David Haberman
  • Patent number: 9758034
    Abstract: A filler neck assembly including a main channel for supplying a liquid into a tank and an auxiliary channel for evacuating gas from the tank. The main channel includes a tubular main body including a first end receiving a filler spout and a second end discharging the liquid into the tank. The auxiliary channel includes a first section and a second section, the first section being a channel integrally molded with the tubular main body, and the second section being formed by a feature on an exterior of the main body cooperating with a separately formed part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Neall Patrick Booth, Damon Upton
  • Patent number: 9758035
    Abstract: A filler neck cap is adapted to mate with and close a filler neck. The filler neck cap includes a closure configured to engage the filler neck, an outer handle configured to be gripped by a consumer, and a torque-transmission member configured to transmit torque applied to the outer handle by the consumer to the closure to rotate the closure relative to the filler neck during installation of the cap in the filler neck and removal of the cap from the filler neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Stant USA Corp.
    Inventors: Louis T. Frank, Michael S. Brock
  • Patent number: 9758036
    Abstract: A drive device for all-wheel-drive motor vehicles, includes a primary axle driven by a drive unit via an axle differential and a secondary axle driven via the left and right output elements of the axle differential and via transmitting means. The transmitting means are formed by at least two switching elements, which are arranged coaxial to the axle differential of the primary axle and which act on the left and right drive shaft of the secondary axle via belt or chain transmissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Christian Meixner
  • Patent number: 9758037
    Abstract: Even in the case where it is difficult to increase an engine torque (Te) during switching when a running is switched to a 4WD running or a 2WD running during a 2WD_d running, an alternative control section suppresses a fluctuation in the driving force of a four-wheel drive vehicle, hence it is possible to suppress a switching shock and an unnatural feeling of deceleration occurring during the switching to the 4WD running or the 2WD running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohei Horiike, Kunihiro Iwatsuki
  • Patent number: 9758038
    Abstract: A clutch control device is provided for a four-wheel drive vehicle for transmitting drive force to the rear wheels. The clutch control device includes a dog clutch and a friction clutch, and a controller that controls the engagement and disengagement of the dog clutch and the friction clutch. In this clutch control device, the four-wheel drive hybrid vehicle includes a disconnected, two-wheel drive mode and a connected, four-wheel drive mode. When a driver's foot is lifted off an accelerator in a low-speed region when the connected, four-wheel drive mode is selected, the 4WD control unit maintains the connected, four-wheel drive mode while the brakes are not depressed, and shifts the mode to the disconnected, two-wheel drive mode when the brakes are depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Ogawa, Atsuhiro Mori, Shunichi Mitsuishi, Makoto Morita, Tetsu Takaishi
  • Patent number: 9758039
    Abstract: A system is disclosed to control operation of a vehicle based on a blood alcohol content of a driver. A detector includes a sensor configured to measure an alcohol content of air in a predetermined three-dimensional zone within a vehicle. The three-dimensional zone is proximal to a driver seat side of the vehicle. The sensor is configured to measure the alcohol content of the air independent of interaction of a driver with the detector. The sensor is configured to produce an electrical signal representative of a blood alcohol content of the driver. A controller is electrically coupled to the detector. The controller is configured to determine a tamper event. Optionally, the controller is configured to detect a presence of the driver within the vehicle. A method for preventing operation of a vehicle by an intoxicated person also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: DRIVING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Marwan Hannon
  • Patent number: 9758040
    Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a vehicle prime mover based on the engagement status of one or more safety restraints of the vehicle. In various implementations the method comprises monitoring, via a RPM controller of the vehicle, an operational status of vehicle, monitoring, via the RPM controller, the engagement status at least one passenger safety restraint of the vehicle, and limiting, via the RPM controller, a rotational speed, e.g., revolutions per minute (RPM) of one or more prime mover of the vehicle when the vehicle is in a On operational status and the at least one safety restraint is in a disengaged status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Shane Christopher Reid, John Lawrence Stocks, Matthew Lawrence O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 9758041
    Abstract: A driving force control system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an absolute bank angle detector configured to detect an absolute bank angle that is the absolute value of a vehicle's bank angle; a calculation circuit configured to calculate a relative bank angle that is the vehicle's relative angle with respect to a maximum absolute bank angle that is the maximum value of the absolute bank angle; and a controller configured to control driving force based on the relative bank angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuya Hieda
  • Patent number: 9758042
    Abstract: Disclosed are new methods and apparatus particularly suited for applications in a vehicle, to provide a wide range of information, and the safe input of data to a computer controlling the vehicle subsystems or “Telematic” communication using for example GM's “ONSTAR” or cellular based data sources. Preferred embodiments utilize new programmable forms of tactile touch screens and displays employing tactile physical selection or adjustment means which utilize direct optical data input. A revolutionary form of dashboard or instrument panel results which is stylistically attractive, lower in cost, customizable by the user, programmable in both the tactile and visual sense, and with the potential of enhancing interior safety and vehicle operation. Non-automotive applications of the invention are also disclosed, for example means for general computer input using touch screens and home automation systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy R. Pryor
  • Patent number: 9758043
    Abstract: A method for operating an energy supply unit for a motor vehicle electrical system, including at least one first subsystem and one second subsystem having different voltage levels, the energy supply unit including an electric machine which is connected via a converter circuit to the first subsystem and the second subsystem. In a first operating mode, a switchable switch element of the converter circuit which connects the converter circuit to the second subsystem is opened, the converter circuit is activated as an inverter circuit and the electric machine is motor or generator operated. In a second operating mode, the switchable switch element of the converter circuit is closed, the converter circuit is activated as a DC-DC converter and the DC-DC conversion takes place between the voltage levels of the first and the second subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Sebastian Jansen
  • Patent number: 9758044
    Abstract: Electrical bus isolation is detected for an electrified vehicle having a DC power source connected to positive and negative buses. The positive bus is connected to chassis ground, and a resulting first current is sensed that flows through a negative bus leakage resistance and a balanced leakage resistance. The negative bus is connected to chassis ground, and a resulting second current is sensed that flows through a negative bus leakage resistance and a balanced leakage resistance. The positive and negative bus leakage resistances are estimated in response to respective ratios of the first and second currents. An isolation value is compared to a threshold, wherein the isolation value is responsive to a voltage of the DC power source and a smaller one of the positive and negative bus leakage resistances. An atypical isolation is signaled when the isolation value is less than the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Allan R. Gale, Richard W. Kautz
  • Patent number: 9758045
    Abstract: A travelable distance calculation apparatus comprises: an update device 72 for recording a measured remaining fuel amount value, and also sequentially updating the recorded value; a calculation device 73 for calculating a travelable distance based on the remaining capacity of a battery and the recorded value; and a display device 80 for displaying at least the travelable distance. During a period when an engine 13 is stopped, the update device 72 holds, as the recorded value, a value recorded during operation of the engine 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA ENGINEERING KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Norifumi Iwaya, Tadashi Naruse
  • Patent number: 9758046
    Abstract: A smart charging system for charging a plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) includes an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) configured to supply electrical power to the PEV through a smart charging module coupled to the EVSE. The smart charging module comprises an electronic circuitry which includes a processor. The electronic circuitry includes electronic components structured to receive electrical power from the EVSE, and supply the electrical power to the PEV. The electronic circuitry is configured to measure a charging parameter of the PEV. The electronic circuitry is further structured to emulate a pulse width modulated signal generated by the EVSE. The smart charging module can also include a first coupler structured to be removably couple to the EVSE and a second coupler structured to be removably coupled to the PEV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: UCHICAGO ARGONNE, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Harper, Daniel S. Dobrzynski
  • Patent number: 9758047
    Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a dual-voltage charging system for electrified vehicles. In one example embodiment, the dual-voltage charging system comprises an integrated active filter auxiliary power module (AFAPM), the integrated AFAPM is applied as an active power filter (APF) to compensate low frequency harmonics in a high voltage (HV) battery charger when the HV battery is charging, and applied as a low voltage (LV) battery charger auxiliary power module (APM) when the HV battery stops the charging and starts to charge the LV battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: McMaster University
    Inventors: Ruoyu Hou, Ali Emadi
  • Patent number: 9758048
    Abstract: A vehicle power-supplying system that wirelessly supply power to a vehicle includes a power-supplying coil installed at a location at which the vehicle can be stopped, first and second positioning posts whose positional relationship with the power-supplying coil is fixed, a position-identifying means installed in the vehicle and configured to identify a positional relationship of the power-supplying coil with the vehicle by detecting the first and second positioning posts, and a traveling support means configured to support traveling of the vehicle to the power-supplying coil based on the positional relationship with the power-supplying coil identified by the position-identifying means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: IHI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akio Ueda
  • Patent number: 9758049
    Abstract: A charging system for autonomous transport vehicles including at least one charging contact disposed on each pick floor level of a storage and retrieval system, each of the at least one charging contact being located at a transfer station, at least one power supply configured to supply power to the at least one charging contact, and a controller in communication with the transfer station and being configured to communicate information relating to a transfer of items between the transfer station and a predetermined one of the autonomous transport vehicles and to apply power from the power supply to the at least one charging contact for charging the predetermined autonomous transport vehicle corresponding to the transfer and located at the transfer station, wherein the controller is configured to supply power to the charging contacts simultaneously with the predetermined autonomous transport vehicle exchanging items related to the transfer at the transfer station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Symbotic, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Sullivan, Dmitry Vasilyev
  • Patent number: 9758050
    Abstract: An SOC display displayed on a display includes a first region and a second region. The first region presents an SOC range capable of ensuring the minimum traveling performance. The SOC display displays an SOC within the first region. The second region presents an SOC range incapable of ensuring the minimum traveling performance. The boundary between the first region and the second region corresponds to an SOC lower limit value indicating the SOC lower limit capable of ensuring the minimum traveling performance. The SOC lower limit value is set based on the temperature of a power storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaya Yamamoto, Itaru Seta
  • Patent number: 9758051
    Abstract: A circuit for protecting a battery for an electric vehicle includes a high voltage battery configured to output a DC voltage, an inverter configured to selectively receive the DC voltage from the high voltage battery and invert the DC voltage into an AC voltage when the inverter receives the DC voltage, a relay disposed between the high voltage battery and the inverter and configured to selectively block the DC voltage from the high voltage battery to the inverter, and a battery management system including a microchip configured to output a main relay control signal for controlling the relay. The battery management system is configured to receive the DC voltage from the high voltage battery, and output a voltage relay control signal controlling the relay separately from the control by the microchip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Hee Sung Moon, Jun Seok Choi, Woo Jin Shin
  • Patent number: 9758052
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a processing device programmed to monitor a vehicle battery, predict a vehicle maneuver, and determine whether the vehicle battery has sufficient charge for a vehicle to execute the predicted maneuver. The processing device is further programmed to perform a preparatory action if the vehicle battery lacks sufficient charge for the vehicle to execute the predicted maneuver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bo Wu, Perry Robinson MacNeille
  • Patent number: 9758053
    Abstract: A system and method are provided which, when the battery pack is at a low charge level, selectively heat the battery or battery module with the lowest voltage, thereby decreasing the internal resistance and mitigating the magnitude of the voltage drop of the affected battery/battery module. As a result, termination of the battery pack's discharge cycle is delayed and the driving range of the vehicle is increased, thereby giving the driver a little more time and driving range to reach a charging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Atieva, Inc.
    Inventor: Jong Yon Kim
  • Patent number: 9758054
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to reducing formation of condensate in a battery compartment using a dehumidification chamber in which air is conditioned prior to entering the battery compartment. In one embodiment, a cooling system may be configured to produce a flow of coolant. The dehumidification chamber configured to receive a flow of ambient air from an environment. A heat transfer device may be in thermal communication with the dehumidification chamber and configured to receive the flow of coolant. The heat transfer device may produce a flow of conditioned air from a thermal interaction between the flow of coolant and the flow of ambient air. The battery compartment may house a battery and may receive the flow of conditioned air and the flow of coolant. In some embodiments, the flow of coolant may pass through the heat transfer device before the flow of coolant passes through the battery compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Boris Schilder
  • Patent number: 9758055
    Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, a rotary electric machine, a battery, a cooling fan configured to cool the battery, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine an operation of the cooling fan based on charged-discharged electric power of the battery and presence or absence of a charging request that is based on an intention of a user. The controller is configured to control the operation of the cooling fan such that the battery is cooled more in a case where the charging request is present than in a case where the charging request is absent with the same charged-discharged electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Junta Izumi
  • Patent number: 9758056
    Abstract: There is provided a fuel cell humidification device of a fuel cell motorcycle. When a fuel cell managing device demands to perform a humidification treatment for humidifying an electrolyte film of an air-cooled type solid polymer fuel cell or the humidification treatment is being performed, a humidification permission deciding portion decides whether an inclination of the fuel cell motorcycle is equal to or greater than an inclination threshold, and then permits to perform or continue to perform the humidification treatment if the inclination is not equal to or greater than the inclination threshold, and does not permit to perform or continue to perform the humidification treatment if the inclination is equal to or greater than the inclination threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomoharu Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9758057
    Abstract: A drain tube device of a muffler for a fuel cell vehicle includes: the muffler included in an exhaust pipe of the fuel cell vehicle and having a front end part to which blower air is introduced and a rear end part from which the blower air is discharged; a drain tube having a drain hole disposed between the front end part and the rear end part of the muffler to downwardly discharge the blower air; and a hole cover part mounted in the drain hole to block a hydrogen discharge of the blower air and discharge only condensate water. The drain tube device maintains functioning of the muffler while discharging the condensate water and smoothing a flow of the blower air through the hole cover part mounted in the drain hole upon starting the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Soo Il Jeon
  • Patent number: 9758058
    Abstract: An emergency start method for a fuel cell-powered vehicle includes starting the vehicle and detecting an abnormal state of a power supply system of an air blower upon the start of the vehicle. If the power supply system of the air blower is in the abnormal state, an air-check valve of a fuel cell opens. Hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell, and the air blower operates with power generated from the fuel cell and an emergency start system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Sung Gone Yoon, Kyu Il Lee, Kyung Won Suh, Seon Hak Kim
  • Patent number: 9758059
    Abstract: A seat actuation control system is disclosed. The seat actuation control system may permit multiple functions to be controlled by a single actuator. For example, a seat floor tracking function, and a seat pan track and swivel function may be individually controlled by a single actuator, such as a rotary actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: AMI INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Keith M. Ferguson, Douglas E. Hoover
  • Patent number: 9758060
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a seat for an automotive vehicle, including a seat bottom frame, a seat back frame rotatably coupled with the seat bottom frame and a limit switch assembly. The limit switch assembly comprises a limit switch configured to prevent rotation of the seat back when the limit switch is opened, a link moveable from a first position in which the limit switch is closed to a second position in which the limit switch is open, and a bias member configured to impart a bias force on the link in a direction toward the first position. The disclosure also provides a method of reclining the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuji Kubota, Carlington George Demetrius, Masaki Shimazu
  • Patent number: 9758061
    Abstract: A longitudinally adjustable vehicle seat (1) includes a lower rail (5) and a longitudinally displaceably guided upper rail. A lower rail mounted end stop (40, 40b) delimits a comfort adjustment region interacting with an upper rail mounted stop element (36). The upper stop element (36) can be displaced beyond the comfort adjustment region into an easy entry region and is part of a stop module (30) that is pivotable about a pivot axis (S). The stop module (30) includes a deflector element (34) that moves upwards, when the stop element (36) has not been shifted away, in the vertical direction upon contact with a screw head (22) that is located in the cavity between the upper rail (3) and the lower rail (5). The upper stop element (36) form-fittingly engages with the end stop (40, 40b) when the end stop (40, 40b) is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: JOHNSON CONTROLS COMPONENTS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Pluta, Thomas Dill, Christian Wolf, Thomas Christoffel
  • Patent number: 9758062
    Abstract: A rail for a vehicle seat, comprising first and second profiles (8, 9) that slide relative to one another, a lock (19) movably mounted inside the first profile, a spring blade (29) fixed to the first profile and comprising a control portion (31) designed to act on the lock so as to unlock it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Faurecia Sièges d'Automobile
    Inventor: Christian Couasnon
  • Patent number: 9758063
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat frame and a seat back pivotably attached to the seat frame. A spring cooperates with the seat back to oppose forward and rearward rotation of the seat back over at least a portion of the rotation range. An actuator is attached to and pivotable with the seat back, and it is configured to contact the spring at a first position during the forward rotation of the seat back and at a second position during the rearward rotation of the seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Adamik
  • Patent number: 9758064
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a vehicle desk operably coupled to a rear portion of a seatback. The vehicle desk is movable between at least a stowed position and a use position. A hinge assembly includes a finger-grip rotator knob assembly and a moveable element, such as a working surface or desk. The moveable element is operably coupled to, and rotatable with, the finger-grip rotator knob assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alan George Dry, Johnathan Andrew Line, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Kevin Wayne Preuss
  • Patent number: 9758065
    Abstract: A restricting structure that restricts an allowable adjustment range of a backrest angle of a seatback is formed by a surface abutment structure of a bracket provided on the seatback, and an additional stopper provided on a seat cushion. The additional stopper is joined to a lower arm in a state positioned by a positioning hole in the additional stopper being fit onto a positioning pin that is integrated with the lower arm. A plurality of arrangement positions of the additional stopper are able to be selected by providing the positioning pin in a plurality of locations with respect to the lower arm along a path of a specific location along which additional stopper moves with respect to the lower arm, when the backrest angle of the seatback is changed while the additional stopper is surface abutted against, and temporarily fixed to, the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masahide Kimura
  • Patent number: 9758066
    Abstract: A harness and restraint system for side facing seats, which is asymmetric and unique for each side of the vehicle. The absence of a leading shoulder strap minimizes neck and cervical injury in the event of impact from the front of the vehicle, such impact being the most likely direction of impact. The combination of internally mounted automatic locking restraint and fixed or automatic locking lap belt and asymmetric harness geometry captures the trailing shoulder reducing rotation and also provides restraint for the pelvis and torso during lateral impacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventors: Kevin Gallagher, Dan Sjoquist
  • Patent number: 9758067
    Abstract: The child safety seat provides a crotch belt assembly to allow the consumer to adjust the crotch belt's position and length without disassembling the child restraint. The positioner uses two tab-like abutting ends that can slide within the channels so that the positioner may be configured at different positions with respect to the seat section, allowing for quick adjustability from a rear position to a forward position and vice versa. The crotch belt runs through the positioner and is connected to the seat shell with the belt attachment. The rear position will be used for the smaller child and is locked into that position by the second abutting end. The second abutting end is depressed and the positioner is slid forward until the first abutting end engages. During this process, the length of the crotch belt will automatically adjust for proper fit for the larger child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventors: Bruce Williams, Gregory S. Sellers