Patents Issued in September 14, 2017
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Publication number: 20170259696Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle comprising at least one electric machine as a driving device, said method involving the following steps: —verifying whether a current driving situation will allow the motor vehicle to reach a target position at a target speed by letting the motor vehicle coast; —displaying information to the driver of the motor vehicle if the target position can be reached by letting the motor vehicle coast; —measuring the time it takes the driver to react from the moment that the information is displayed to the moment that the driver initiates a coasting process; —actuating the electric machine as a generator in order to generate a deceleration moment if the reaction time exceeds a predefined maximum value.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2015Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Erik Herzhauser, Sebastian Auracher, Christoph Junker
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Publication number: 20170259697Abstract: A method for dynamic control of an electric vehicle operable based on a throttle value received from a throttle and a default throttle map correlating default output values with throttle values, the method including: determining a user parameter; detecting a condition indicative of perturbation; in response to detecting the condition indicative of perturbation, determining a replacement output value for a first throttle value based on the user parameter; and controlling vehicle operation to meet the replacement output value in response to receipt of the first throttle value.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Sanjay Dastoor, John Ulmen, Salomon Trujillo, Matthew Tran
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Publication number: 20170259698Abstract: A system for detecting that an occupant is present in a vehicle seat. The system includes a bladder disposed in the vehicle seat, a pressure sensor, and a fluid pump. A conduit provides a single line into the bladder, a first branch of the single line connected to the fluid pump, and a second branch connected to the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is communicatively coupled to a computing device. The computing device is programmed to detect that the occupant is present in the vehicle seat according to two or more data, including a first pressure value and a second pressure value that is detected at a time following detection of the first pressure value.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2016Publication date: September 14, 2017Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao
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Publication number: 20170259699Abstract: A vehicle compartment occupancy warning and safety system includes a vehicle including components comprising a car horn, a plurality of headlights, a climate control assembly, and a plurality of electric windows. A power supply is electrically coupled to each of the components and a control circuit is electrically coupled to the components. A temperature sensor is mounted within the vehicle and measures a temperature of an interior the vehicle. The temperature sensor is electrically coupled to the control circuit. A motion sensor is electrically coupled to the control circuit and is positioned within the interior of the vehicle. The motion sensor is configured to detect motion within the vehicle. The control circuit actuates at least one of the components when the vehicle is turned off, the temperature sensor detects a temperature greater than a threshold temperature within the interior and the motion sensor detects motion within the interior.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2016Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventor: Thien Lu
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Publication number: 20170259700Abstract: A rail and carrier system for first and second removable seats of a motor vehicle is described. The rail and carrier system includes two lower rails fixedly attached to and positioned laterally along a floor of the motor vehicle. Two upper rails are nested with and laterally slidable within each of the lower rails. The rail and carrier system further includes four cross brackets laterally spaced apart and arranged perpendicular to the upper rails, two connecting the left upper rails, and two connecting the right upper rails. Covers are connected to and extend between the cross brackets.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2016Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Peter A. SUPERNAVAGE, Fernando A. MONTIJO, Jeffrey H. SCHEURER, II, Tetsuya ISHIKAWA, Spyridon G. BLATSEAS, Jesus A. DIAZ GONZALEZ
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Publication number: 20170259701Abstract: A bracket for use in a rail and carrier system for a removable seat for a motor vehicle, the rail and carrier system having first and second lower rails, first and second upper rails nested within the first lower rail, third and fourth upper rails nested within the second lower rail, includes a generally U-shaped end that is substantially similar to a U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the first and second lower rails, the U-shaped end having a center portion and two upper portions, and a generally L-shaped extension extending from a bottom of the center portion, the L-shaped extension having a first portion that is attached to the one of the first and second lower rails and a second portion that extends upward from the first portion. The second portion blocks movement of one of the first, second, third, and fourth upper rails.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2016Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Peter A. SUPERNAVAGE, Tetsuya ISHIKAWA
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Publication number: 20170259702Abstract: A removable seat for a motor vehicle includes two hook fasteners for removably attaching the seat to front strikers that are rotatable about a lateral axis through the front strikers. A bar extends between the first hook fastener and the second hook fastener that is parallel to the lateral axis. The bar contacts the cover to prevent further rotation when the seat is rotated about the lateral axis to prevent over-rotation of the seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2016Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Peter A. SUPERNAVAGE, Tetsuya ISHIKAWA, Jeffrey H. SCHEURER, II
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Publication number: 20170259703Abstract: A rail and carrier system for first and second removable seats for a motor vehicle includes two lower rails fixedly attached to and positioned laterally along a floor of the motor vehicle. Two upper rails are nested with and laterally slidable within each of the first lower rails. Cross brackets are laterally spaced apart and arranged perpendicular to the upper rails. Covers are connected to and extend between the cross brackets. Spacers are located laterally between upper rails within the lower rails. The spacers include a first shoe located in the lower rail, a second shoe located in the lower rail, and a first bracket connecting the first shoe and second shoe. The first and second shoes prevent the upper rails from contacting each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2016Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Peter A. SUPERNAVAGE, Jeffrey H. SCHEURER, II, Tetsuya ISHIKAWA
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Publication number: 20170259704Abstract: A vehicle safety seat for protecting a vehicle occupant from injury due to impact and airborne debris, in the event of a collision. The vehicle safety seat includes a seat bottom, a backrest, and a headrest, wherein the seat is secured to a frame. The frame is pivotally secured to the floor and frame of a vehicle, wherein the seat can recline immediately in advance of a collision for absorbing impact forces. The safety seat further includes telescoping shields that are retractably secured to the lateral sides of the seat bottom, backrest, and headrest. The shields are projected from the safety seat, creating a protective cocoon around the seat occupant prior to a collision. The seat is operably connected to one or more sensors that can detect an imminent collision between the vehicle and another object, wherein a pneumatic system deploys the shields and an electro-mechanical system reclines the seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2016Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventor: Stephen Madaras
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Publication number: 20170259705Abstract: A rail and carrier system for a removable seat of a motor vehicle includes two lower rails fixedly attached laterally along a floor of the motor vehicle. a first upper rail is nested with and laterally slidable within the first lower rail, and a second upper rail is nested with and laterally slidable within the second lower rail. First and second cross brackets are laterally spaced apart and arranged perpendicular to the first and second upper rails are connected to the first and second upper rails. A cover is connected to and extends between the first and second cross brackets. A spring-loaded lock holds the first upper rail in place with the first lower rail, and a towel bar releases the lock, enabling the first and second upper rails to slide within the first and second lower rails.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2016Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Peter A. SUPERNAVAGE, Tetsuya ISHIKAWA, Jeffrey H. SCHEURER, II
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Publication number: 20170259706Abstract: A removable seat of a motor vehicle includes first and second cross brackets laterally spaced apart and arranged perpendicular to first and second upper rails located in a floor of the motor vehicle, the first and second cross brackets being connected to the first and second upper rails, a cover connected to and extending between the first and second cross brackets, a handle extending laterally outward from the cover, a spring-loaded lock that holds the first upper rail in place with one of a first lower rail and second lower rail the floor, and a towel bar that releases the lock, enabling the first and second upper rails to slide within the first and second lower rails.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2016Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Peter A. SUPERNAVAGE, Jeffrey H. SCHEURER, II, Spyridon G BLATSEAS, Tetsuya ISHIKAWA, Fernando A MONTIJO, Isao KASHIMA
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Publication number: 20170259707Abstract: A step garnish for a rail and carrier seat system for motor vehicle is disclosed. The rail and carrier seat system includes two rails fixedly attached to and positioned laterally along a floor of the motor vehicle, a carrier laterally slidable within the rails, a handle attached to a laterally exterior side of the carrier, and a seat attached to the carrier. The step garnish includes an inner step garnish portion, the inner step garnish portion being installed below the handle on the carrier, the inner step garnish having an exposed portion; and an outer step garnish portion, the outer step garnish portion including a cut out clearance shape for being installed from above the handle, the cut out clearance shape having a shape substantially similar to the exposed portion of the inner step garnish.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2016Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Andrew Edward BARROW, Jason R. DILLEY, Jeffrey H. SCHEURER, II, Renata Massone OKAWA
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Publication number: 20170259708Abstract: A driving device and a seat adjusting mechanism for vehicle are provided. The driving device includes a motor and a gearbox. The gearbox includes a worm and a worm gear. The worm is fixedly connected to an output shaft of the motor. The gearbox further includes first and second driving gears, and first and second driven gears. The first and second driving gears are coaxially fixed to the worm gear and located at two sides of the worm gear, respectively. The first and second driven gears are fixed coaxially with each other and engaged with the first and second driving gears, respectively. Two driving gears are arranged at the two sides of the worm gear symmetrically, and two driven gears are also arranged at the two sides of the worm gear symmetrically, which results in a compact structure and reduced volume of the driving device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Jing Ning TA, Yong Jun ZHAO, Qiu Mei LI
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Publication number: 20170259709Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a seat back; a seat cushion; an engagement portion having a U-shaped portion that is configured to engage with an attachment mechanism of a child safety seat; and a cover member adapted to cover at least a portion of the engagement portion. The engagement portion is disposed between a seat back and a seat cushion. The cover member includes: a flap having one end fixed to a cover of the vehicle seat and the other end serving as a free end; and a tab provided on an upper or lower surface of the flap, the tab projecting on an inner side of the U-shaped portion when the free end is inserted between the seat back and the cover member or between the seat cushion and the engagement portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Makoto Shibuya, Akira Shirai, So Iwakata, Yuma Oga
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Publication number: 20170259710Abstract: The seat device includes: wires (31), fixed at a car body frame, and adapted to fix a child seat; opening portions (33), disposed at a right seat (13A), and adapted to enable the child seat to be connected to the wires (31); and covering portions (35), a base end of each being mounted at the right seat (13A), a front end being a free end, and the covering portions (35) covering the opening portions (33). Each of the covering portions (35) includes a fixing portion (36). The fixing portion (36) is disposed at a front end of the covering portion (35), and is clamped between the right seat (13A) and a wire (31) so as to be fixed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Applicant: Honda Motor Co.,Ltd.Inventor: Yuma OGA
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Publication number: 20170259711Abstract: A seat for a motor vehicle includes a seatbelt integrated into a seat back of the seat and a seatbelt mechanism for providing access to the seatbelt. The seat further includes an extended base attached to the seat, a raised and curved section of the extended base for transitioning the seatbelt from a vertical orientation inside the seatback to a horizontal orientation for use, an arcuate slot atop the extended base, the seatbelt being threaded through the arcuate slot, the arcuate slot preventing the seatbelt from becoming tangled and misaligned, a garnish for covering the seatbelt mechanism, a fastener, and a cap for covering the fastener. The fastener fastens the garnish and the cap to the extended base.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2016Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Peter A. SUPERNAVAGE, Jesus A. DIAZ GONZALEZ, Jeffrey H. SCHEURER, II, Tetsuya ISHIKAWA
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Publication number: 20170259712Abstract: A seat for a motor vehicle includes a cap in the seat back for covering an ISOFIX bar. The cap includes a cap body and a grip portion. The grip portion includes a scoop portion in the cap body for receiving a hand and an indented portion longitudinally forward of the scoop. A second seat for a motor vehicle includes a frame and an inner cover on the frame. The inner cover being generally L-shaped and located on a laterally inward side of the frame. The inner cover includes a smooth lower external surface and a smooth and recessed external upper surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2016Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Peter A. SUPERNAVAGE, Tetsuya ISHIKAWA
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Publication number: 20170259713Abstract: A deformation element for a motor vehicle seat, which element is intended to be arranged on a subassembly of a motor vehicle seat, having a base member, a deformation portion which is formed on the base member and on which the deformation element can be deformed and/or destroyed under the action of an external force, and a force introduction region by means of which a structural element of a motor vehicle seat can be brought into operational connection with the deformation portion so that a force acting on that structural element can be introduced via the force introduction region into the deformation portion. The deformation portion is formed by means of partial deformation of the material of the deformation element and at the transition of the deformation portion to the base member of the deformation element there is a weakening region which defines at least one tear line.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2015Publication date: September 14, 2017Applicant: BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE GMBH & CO. KOMMANDITGESELLSCHAFT, COBURGInventor: Sergej KOSTIN
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Publication number: 20170259714Abstract: A sliding mechanism for a vehicle floor console is disclosed. The sliding mechanism comprises a base portion including a panel and a sliding groove, the sliding groove being positioned at the end of the panel and having an opening, and a guide portion including a guide rail disposed in the sliding groove and being slidable in the sliding groove. The sliding groove includes first and second surfaces positioned along the first direction, having angles with the first direction, connected to each other and enclosing a first sliding portion of the guide rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Mike Mao, Shin Wang, Mandy Jiang
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Publication number: 20170259715Abstract: The present invention relates to a headrest for a vehicle, the headrest comprising: a fixed elevating unit installed at the top end of a seat backrest and capable of being raised; a fixing shaft fixed to the fixed elevating unit and extending in a horizontal direction; a moving frame installed on the fixing shaft and including a guide rail and an automatic power transfer unit, so as to move linearly forward and backward and rotate upward and downward; a coupling main body coupled in a state enclosing the moving frame, and moving together with the moving frame; and a manually operated unit enabling the moving frame to be manually adjusted on the coupling main body. The manually operated unit is characterized by including an operating switch for electrical control so as to be capable of controlling a current flowing to the automatic power transfer unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2015Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventor: CHI YOUNG HEO
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Publication number: 20170259716Abstract: An air-conditioning system comprising a vehicle air-conditioner which uses a target blowing-out temperature as the basis to control an air outlet temperature in a cabin and a seat air-conditioning unit which sucks recirculated air into a seat and controls at least the seat air-conditioning air flow per unit time so as to perform seat air-conditioning, wherein the air-conditioning system increases the seat air-conditioning air flow when detecting that the vehicle speed is a predetermined value or less, calculates a correction amount for the target blowing-out temperature considered neutral in warmness sense level for the increased seat air-conditioning air flow, and uses the correction amount as the basis to correct the target blowing-out temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventor: Masafumi KAWASHIMA
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Publication number: 20170259717Abstract: A vehicle heating apparatus is a heating apparatus to be mounted on or built in a vehicle seat at a position below a sitting portion of the vehicle seat. The vehicle heating apparatus includes: a housing having an intake port, a blowing port, and an internal space serving as a flow path of air from the intake port to the blowing port; a fan provided in the internal space of the housing; and a heater provided in the internal space of the housing. In a usage state where the vehicle heating apparatus is mounted on or built in the vehicle seat, the blowing port is located above the intake port and opens downwardly with respect to a horizontal direction. Thereby, the amount of heating required for the heater is further reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Takehiko ISE, Yoshiaki KUROSAWA, Atsunori HASHIMOTO
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Publication number: 20170259718Abstract: The vehicle seat is structured by covering the pad surface with the surface layer provided with the beading, which prevents the beading formed on the vehicle seat from being rubbed and worn out by clothing of the occupant who is getting on or off the vehicle under pressure applied by the thigh or the back of the occupant, and further prevents dislocation of the beading on the seat under pulling force applied by the thigh of the occupant who is getting on or off the vehicle. The pad has a groove in which the beading is embedded. The beading is embedded in the groove famed in the pad, and the surface layer for enclosing the beading core of the beading is bonded and fixed to the bottom surface of the groove.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2015Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Ayaru SASAKI, Hideki KAMATA, Yasuyuki ITO
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Publication number: 20170259719Abstract: A seat for a vehicle is equipped with a seat frame comprising general steel pipes, cushioning bodies suspended by the seat frame, and a skin covering the cushioning bodies. The seat frame has on an outer side a frame member in which a side portion provided vertically and an upper portion provided horizontally on an upper side are bent into L-shape at a corner portion, and the corner portion is provided with a lock member to be locked to a vehicle body of said vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2014Publication date: September 14, 2017Applicant: Adient Luxembourg Holding S.À.R.LInventors: Yoshihisa HAMANO, Kunihiko MATANO
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Publication number: 20170259720Abstract: A child seat can include a seat bottom and seat back. The seat back can be fixedly, rotatably, and/or removably coupled to the seat bottom. The child seat can further include an adjustable cup holder that can be integrally formed with the seat bottom or positioned adjacent to the seat bottom. For example, the child seat can include one or more arm rests positioned adjacent the seat bottom and the adjustable cup holder can be provided in at least one of the arm rests. The adjustable cup holder can include a static cup holder section and a rotatable cup holder section. The rotatable cup holder section can rotate with respect to the static cup holder section from a stored configuration to a use configuration. The adjustable cup holder can include alignment tabs and corresponding recessed slots and/or bosses and corresponding boss receivers to assist in positioning the adjustable cup holder.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Nicholas James Lombardi, Zachary Rubin
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Publication number: 20170259721Abstract: An object is to restrain a hoist shaft and a bushing of a hoist cylinder from abrading. A haulage vehicle with a pivoting vessel has a telescoping hoist cylinder provided between the vessel and the vehicle. Supply of hydraulic oil to the hoist cylinder is controlled by a valve provided between the hydraulic power source and the hoist cylinder. The haulage vehicle is provided with a bushing at one end portion of the hoist cylinder; a hoist shaft is mounted in a through bore of the bushing; a lubricant supplier supplies lubricant to a clearance between a surface of the hoist shaft and an internal surface of the through bore of the bushing; and when the vessel is seated on the vehicle, a controller controls the valve to make the hoist cylinder contract and also supply lubricant to the clearance.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Akira OHNO, Hirokazu SHIMOMURA, Toshikazu MINOSHIMA
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Publication number: 20170259722Abstract: Sensor systems, methods and machine readable medium are provided for a cargo vehicle. A plurality of sensors are arranged about an opening associated with a door through which packages are unloaded from a vehicle or trailer. The plurality of sensors are configured to measure an unpacked depth of the vehicle or trailer. A processor is provided in communication with each of the plurality of sensors. The processor is configured to receive measured data generated by the plurality of sensors, determine an empty volume over time of the vehicle or trailer based on the measured data as packages are being unpacked from the vehicle or trailer, and generate instructions regarding loading packages in a subsequent vehicle or trailer based on the determined empty volume over time of the vehicle or trailer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Nicholaus Adam Jones, Aaron Vasgaard, Robert James Taylor, Matthew Allen Jones
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Publication number: 20170259723Abstract: A novel trailer securing and releasing mechanism for a boat is disclosed to facilitate the process when unloading and releasing a boat into the water as well as loading the boat back on the trailer via securing the boat's eye bolt, or ring. The invention device encompasses a spring- or hydraulically-activated mechanism normally attached to the trailer tongue. The boat loading mechanism operates by movement of a horizontal rod being forced in the direction toward the trailer resulting from contact by the boat ring. This contact and movement of the rod forward results in positioning the boat ring within an open claw-like device and, simultaneously, causes the open claw to slam shut wherein each claw arm lies with the boat ring and thereby affixing the boat to the trailer. As the rod arm is moved back within its housing by the forward motion of the boat the energy of said movement is captured and retained, either by a compression of a spring or of a fluid (gas or liquid) within a hydraulic mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2016Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Samuel Anderson, Dianne Jenkins
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Publication number: 20170259724Abstract: A step-and-guide apparatus that aids on centering a boat on a boat trailer and assists an operator in boarding and exiting the boat when on the water or on land is disclosed. The step-and-guide apparatus has guide mechanisms positioned on opposing sides of a trailer frame, and each apparatus includes a trailer mount assembly, a bracket arrangement, an arm having a first end and a second end, with a first end of the arm being rotatably coupled to the bracket arrangement, and a step-and-guide board affixed to the second end of the arm and that is oriented lengthwise along the boat. The arm and the step-and-guide board are rotatable between a first position and a second position defined by the bracket arrangement, with the step-and-guide board functioning as a step when in the first position and as a boat guide member when in the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventor: Gregg Donald Langenfeld
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Publication number: 20170259725Abstract: A structure such as a toy hauler recreational vehicle includes a bed lift that moves a bed vertically between a lowered position, a raised position, and an upright position. The bed is oriented horizontally and positioned to receive one or more persons to sleep on it in the lowered position. The bed is oriented horizontally and stowed adjacent to a ceiling of the vehicle in the raised position. At least a portion of the bed is oriented vertically and stowed adjacent to a wall of the structure when the bed is in the upright position. The bed lift can include a mounting member that: (a) moves between a first position where the bed is oriented horizontally and a second position where the bed is oriented vertically and/or (b) is vertically offset to allow the bed to be lowered below or adjacent to the bottom of the bed lift.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Applicant: LIPPERT COMPONENTS, INC.Inventors: Chad Johnson, Andrew Murray, Aaron Rasmussen
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Publication number: 20170259726Abstract: A tie-down that incorporates a specific design that can be fanciful or utilitarian (i.e., by conveying a message through its shape). The tie-down can be painted to improve both its functionality or fancifulness. In addition, words/phrases, including warnings or advertisements can also be painted on the tie-down.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2016Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventor: Daniel S. MILBY
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Publication number: 20170259727Abstract: A device for securing at least one object that is disposed on a load surface of a vehicle is provided. Said device having at least one securing element which by external power is adjustable at least from a loading position to a securing position, wherein in the loading position at least one object can be disposed on the load surface, and the at least one object in the securing position by way of the securing element is held in a location on the load surface in that the securing element in the securing position is in contact with the at least one object and a force that acts in the direction of the load surface is applied to the securing element in the securing position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2015Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Roland RIEDEL, Johannes MERK, Nick GROSSKOPF, Denis SCHMIDT, Thi-Thuy-Linh LE, Udo GETTA, Philipp Franz BLUM
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Publication number: 20170259728Abstract: A vehicle lighting system includes: a lighting device that emits a first light and a second light to a periphery of an own vehicle, the second light having a higher directivity than the first light; a camera to acquire image information; a detector to emit an electromagnetic wave and acquire a reflection wave; and an electronic control unit configured to detect a physical body using the image information, detect the physical body using information of the reflection wave, control the lighting device such that the first light is emitted to the physical body detected by the reflection wave, determine whether the physical body detected using the image information in a state where the first light is being emitted is an target object, and control the lighting device such that the lighting device emits the second light toward a predetermined range around the target object.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shinichi NAGATA, Shinya KAWAMATA, Kazuyuki FUJITA, Minami SATO
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Publication number: 20170259729Abstract: Systems and methods of providing a DOT Lighting monitor that automatically detects when any of the exterior lights on a commercial motor vehicle fails/burns out and that alerts the driver to which one(s) is affected is provided. Each required light is monitored, and a state of an indicator corresponding to that required light is changed to notify an operator of a failure thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Applicant: Spartan Motors, Inc.Inventor: Murali X. Balasundrum
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Publication number: 20170259730Abstract: Expandable light towers suitable for mounting to a mobile unit, and methods for their use. Such an expandable light tower includes a telescoping assembly comprising first and second telescoping units. The second telescoping unit is telescopically received in the first telescoping unit to configure the expandable light tower to have retracted and extended configurations. The light tower further includes a light-mounting assembly mounted to the second telescoping unit and a mounting assembly coupled to the first telescoping unit and adapted to mount the telescoping assembly to a hitch of a mobile unit. The mounting assembly enables the telescoping assembly to pivot about a transverse axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventor: Mark D. Carroll
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Publication number: 20170259731Abstract: The present disclosure provides an automotive lamp, and more particularly, to an automotive lamp capable of informing an ambient vehicle approaching from one side behind the vehicle of a vehicle state by irradiating light of a road pattern to indicate the vehicle state to an area behind the vehicle. The automotive lamp includes a lamp unit disposed in a rear lamp housing of a vehicle and a detection unit configured to detect whether a reverse shift stage is selected. The lamp unit is configured to irradiate a first light distribution pattern that forms a reversing light signal pattern in the rearward direction of the vehicle, and a second light distribution pattern that forms a road pattern on the rearward road surface of the vehicle. The first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern are formed simultaneously, when the reverse shift stage is selected.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Youngho Son, Byoungki Ji, Hyejin Han, Jinhee Yu
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Publication number: 20170259732Abstract: A mountable vehicle safety light system for conveying additional information regarding the motion of a vehicle. The mountable vehicle safety light system includes a housing having three rows of uniquely colored lights. The colors may include red, yellow and green. A first row indicates when a vehicle is braking, a second row indicates when a vehicle is neither braking nor accelerating, and a third row indicates when a vehicle is accelerating. Additionally, a first side member placed on a first side of the housing may indicate an upcoming right turn, while a second side member placed on an opposing second side of the housing indicates an upcoming left turn. A fastener is provided to secure the mountable vehicle safety light system to a flat surface, such as a rear windshield of a vehicle, in order to be easily visible to surrounding motorists and pedestrians.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventor: Henry Blevins
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Publication number: 20170259733Abstract: Disclosed is an automotive lamp and a method for controlling the same, and more particularly, to an automotive lamp capable of informing an ambient vehicle approaching from behind of a vehicle state by irradiating light forming a road pattern indicating the vehicle state to at least an area behind the vehicle, and a method for controlling the same. The automotive lamp includes a detection unit which detects a vehicle state; and lamp units, controlled by a control unit, which irradiates light forming a road pattern indicating the vehicle state to at least an area behind a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Youngho Son, Byoungki Ji
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Publication number: 20170259734Abstract: A rear-road surface illumination apparatus is provided which includes: an avoidance determiner 30 to determine whether to provide a display to induce a following vehicle to avoid a vehicle, on the basis of vehicle information; and a controller 9 to cause an illumination light 10 to illuminate a rear road surface with light having illumination information that induces the following vehicle to avoid the vehicle when the avoidance determiner 30 determines to provide a display to induce the following vehicle to avoid the vehicle. Therefore, the rear-road surface illumination apparatus can indicate the existence of the vehicle to the following vehicle, to give the existence of the vehicle prominence, and can also make it easy to notify the driver of the following vehicle about what the driver of the vehicle desires the driver of the following vehicle to do.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2014Publication date: September 14, 2017Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Akiko IMAISHI, Masami AIKAWA, Masato HIRAI, Reiko SAKATA, Hidebumi ARAI, Kei KASUGA, Yumiko OCHIAI
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Publication number: 20170259735Abstract: The lighting management device comprises a variable lighting system which includes: at least one exterior light sensor, that is capable of measuring the characteristics of the exterior light outside the vehicle, and at least one interior image capture device, that is capable of capturing images within the interior of the compartment; and a control unit for controlling the lighting system, configured so as to adjust the lighting in the compartment based on the brightness of the exterior light measured outside the vehicle and the images captured within the interior of the compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Jean-Luc TERRIER, Jean LE-BASTARD
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Publication number: 20170259736Abstract: An illumination system includes: a seat; a wall; and a sleep control light for controlling sleep, wherein the seat includes a backrest and a seating portion, and makes a transition between a seated state and a lying state when the backrest and the seating portion make a slide movement, the seated state being a state where a minor angle formed between the backrest and the seating portion is a first angle, the lying state being a state where the minor angle is a second angle greater than the first angle, an optical axis of the sleep control light is tilted downward with respect to the horizontal plane, the sleep control light is located behind or above the seat when the seat is in the seated state, and the optical axis of the sleep control light passes through the backrest when the seat is in the lying state.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Junichi HASEGAWA, Kazuhiro HATTA, Hiroki NOGUCHI
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Publication number: 20170259737Abstract: A method for providing sound tracking information includes detecting a sound occurred adjacent to a subject vehicle to generate a sound tracking result based at least on a sound data regarding detected sound; determining an angle of point having the maximum probability among at least one of peak points in the sound tracking result as a first vehicle angle; determining whether an angle of candidate point is a second vehicle angle, wherein the candidate point has the maximum probability among peak points included in a detection range except for the first vehicle angle; and generating at least one detection signal corresponding to the first and the second vehicle angles, when the angle of candidate point is the second vehicle angle, wherein the sound tracking result includes a probability of whether there is at least one another vehicle at each of angles in each of frames continued according to time.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2016Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Yoon Ho JANG, Jae Kwang KIM
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Publication number: 20170259738Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle includes a vehicle speed sensor configured to emit a periodic function with a parameter correlated to the speed of the vehicle, an acceleration monitoring system, a braking system engagement detector to detect a braking status of the vehicle, an alerting device capable of signaling other drivers of a deceleration condition of the vehicle, and a control device. The acceleration monitoring system is configured to compute the acceleration of the vehicle from variations in the parameter of the periodic function of the vehicle speed sensor and to output a deceleration status of the vehicle. The control device is coupled to the acceleration monitoring system, the braking system engagement detector, and the alerting device, wherein the acceleration monitoring system sends signals to the control device and the control device operates the alerting device in a manner dependent on the deceleration status of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Alfred S. Braunberger, Beau M. Braunberger
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Publication number: 20170259739Abstract: A vehicular driving assist system includes a data processor module that receives and processes image data provided by a plurality of video sensors and sensor data provided by a plurality of non-video sensors. The video sensors include at least five cameras disposed at respective locations of the vehicle and having respective fields of view exterior the vehicle. The data processor module communicates with other vehicle systems via a vehicle bus of the vehicle. Received image data and received sensor data are processed at the data processor module for at least one of (i) object tracking of objects present exterior of the vehicle, (ii) object identification of objects present exterior of the vehicle and (iii) object classification of objects present exterior of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to processing of image data and sensor data at the data processor module, a driving assistance system of the vehicle is controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Martha A. McMahon, Troy O. Cooprider
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Publication number: 20170259740Abstract: An electric drive vehicle is provided with first and second slider plates contacting a trolley line on the high-voltage side and on the ground side, respectively. A camera has a photographing range of the whole of the second slider plate held in contact with the trolley line on the ground side and a part of the trolley line residing around the second slider plate. A controller controls a display of a monitor, wherein the controller includes a relative distance calculation section that calculates a relative distance between the trolley line on the ground side and a reference position of the second slider plate, and a bird's eye view image data generation section that generates bird's eye view image data reflecting the relative distance calculated by the relative distance calculation section and that outputs the bird's eye view image data to the monitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Yoshiaki TSUTSUMI, Naoki TATSUZAWA
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Publication number: 20170259741Abstract: An in-out motor changes a field of view of vehicle surroundings for a vehicle occupant. When a predetermined condition is satisfied before a predetermined change condition for changing the field of view is satisfied, an ECU controls the in-out motor via a mirror surface operation driver so as to change the field of view to a predetermined preparatory field.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2015Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Juntaro KONDO, Takashi NAGAO, Shinichi MIYAZAKI, Fumikazu KOBAYASHI
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Publication number: 20170259742Abstract: A mirror assembly for a vehicle comprises a switchable reflective element that can change between a high reflection state and a low reflection state. The mirror assembly also includes a controller communicating with the switchable reflective element, the controller being able to change the switchable reflective element between a high reflection state and a low reflection state. The mirror assembly further includes a housing configured for attachment to the vehicle and housing at least the switchable reflective element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: David Gómez Timoneda, Frédéric Lorival, Robert López Galera, Oriol Biosca Yuste
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Publication number: 20170259743Abstract: An electronic mirror device includes: a display that is mounted on an installation position of a rear-view mirror in an interior of a vehicle; and a controller that controls the display. The display includes: a body case having an opening on a side of a driver seat of the vehicle; an image display unit that is mounted to the body case and displays the camera image; and a half mirror disposed at a side of the driver seat of the image display unit. The controller identifies an object moving in a direction toward the vehicle in the camera image, and displays a camera image in which a size of the identified object in a display image on the image display unit is magnified or reduced to a size of the object reflected in the half mirror viewed from the driver seat, on the image display unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2015Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: MOTONOBU UCHIMURA, HITOAKI AKAHORI, MASANOBU KANAYA
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Publication number: 20170259744Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a vehicle minor with an image display function including, in this order: an image display device; a circular polarization reflection layer; and a front surface plate made of glass or plastic, in which the circular polarization reflection layer includes a linear polarization reflection plate and a ¼ wavelength plate from the image display device side. The vehicle mirror with an image display function of the invention is capable of displaying a bright image.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Applicant: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Akihiro ANZAI, Kazuhiro OKI, Mitsuyoshi ICHIHASHI, Takao TAGUCHI
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Publication number: 20170259745Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a body with a luggage compartment for holding cargo and a movable luggage compartment floor providing a lower border for the luggage compartment to support cargo on the luggage compartment floor. The floor includes a loading floor carrier and a cover on the loading floor carrier. An attachment pivotably mounts and holds the luggage compartment floor at a front end region. The cover is formed on a partial elongated section before a front end of the loading floor carrier in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Thilo SCHAEFER