Patents Issued in October 3, 2017
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Patent number: 9776465Abstract: A trailer hitch cover assembly is provided. That trailer hitch cover assembly includes a roller and a flexible cover that is received on the roller. The flexible cover is displaceable between a retracted position wherein the flexible cover is wound onto the roller so as to provide access to a hitch receiver and a deployed position wherein the flexible cover extends from the roller so as to conceal the hitch receiver.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Carlos Emilio Merino Almeida, Jonatan Leff Yaffe, Jorge Manuel Rodriguez Vazquez
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Patent number: 9776466Abstract: A motor-vehicle wheel suspension includes a lower oscillating arm, a damper unit, an upper oscillating rod and a vertical articulated rod. The suspension includes a toe control oscillating rod having an inner end pivotally connected to a supporting structure and an outer end pivotally connected to a wheel support. An articulation of the outer end of the toe control rod to the wheel support and the upper end of the vertical rod includes an articulation axle connected to the vertical rod. An eccentric cylindrical member is rotatably mounted on the articulation axle within a cylindrical cavity in the support and has an axis eccentric relative to the articulation axle. The articulation axle is connected to an adjustment ring, whose rotation determines a variation in the position of the wheel support and a resulting variation of the wheel toe angle.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: FCA Italy S.p.A.Inventors: Gaetano Battaglia, Luca Dusini
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Patent number: 9776467Abstract: A systems and apparatus to decouple an axle and a leaf spring of a vehicle are disclosed herein. In some embodiment, the apparatus includes a spacer block. The spacer block has a main body having an upper surface and two opposing side surfaces with an opening formed in each of the two opposing side surfaces of the main body to form a passage through the main body. The spacer block allows the leaf spring to rotate independent of the axle.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2017Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Sean P. Gaw, Donald C. McWilliam
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Patent number: 9776468Abstract: A shock absorber includes at least one of an expansion-side sensitive unit and a contraction-side sensitive unit. The expansion-side sensitive unit has an expansion-side actuating chamber that communicates with an expansion-side chamber and a contraction-side chamber, an expansion-side free piston that partitions the expansion-side actuating chamber into a first expansion-side pressure chamber and a second expansion-side pressure chamber, and an expansion-side spring element configured to bias the expansion-side free piston to compress the first expansion-side pressure chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: KYB CorporationInventors: Takashi Teraoka, Tatsuya Masamura
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Patent number: 9776469Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a climate control system, a cabin, and a controller. The controller is programmed to, in response to the climate control system supplying heat to a vehicle cabin and receiving a request for an economy mode, decrease an engine coolant temperature engine start threshold. The controller is further programmed to, in response to the engine coolant temperature becoming less than the threshold, start the engine.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Mark G. Smith
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Patent number: 9776470Abstract: An automotive HVAC system includes upper and lower mode cases configured to discharge separate streams of temperature-conditioned air into front and rear passenger zones. The system separates the inlet air into separate mixing chambers, and a third stream through a heater core. Blend doors control hot and cold air streams entering their respective mixing chambers. Operation is controlled by reading requested temperature, blower rate and mode for system zone outlet, converting requests to a flowrate, calculating total flowrate as a summation of all requests, employing a math model to calculate total zonal flowrate as a summation of all zonal flowrates, calculating a blower control error as a function of the difference between total blower request and total zonal flowrate, modifying the operating state using the calculated control error, positioning and resetting the mode valves into defrost, heater and vent openings, and resetting the mode valves.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: MAHLE International GmbHInventors: Mingyu Wang, Prasad S. Kadle, Jeffrey C. Kinmartin, Debashis Ghosh, Charles A. Archibald
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Patent number: 9776471Abstract: HVAC unit has a single blower fan, an evaporator downstream of the blower and a heater downstream of the evaporator, wherein each zone outlet includes a temperature mixing door for controlling portions of hot and cold air and an output valve for controlling a zonal output flow rate. A method is devised to control the discharge of temperature-conditioned air from a plurality of zone outlets of an automotive HVAC system via such an HVAC unit by the steps of reading an operator-requested zonal discharge blower level for each of the zone outlets; converting each zonal discharge blower level request to a zonal flowrate request; calculating a total requested output flowrate as a summation of all zonal flowrate requests; and adjusting a blower voltage to a minimum voltage required for generating the total requested output flowrate.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: MAHLE International GmbHInventors: Wen Liu, Mingyu Wang, Yanping Xia, Prasad S. Kadle, Jeffrey C. Kinmartin
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Patent number: 9776472Abstract: A body vent protector assembly for a vehicle includes a venting port defined into a body underlying surface on the vehicle and a body vent protector disposed at the venting port for inhibiting undesirable matter from interfering with the venting port. The body vent protector includes a shroud disposed over at least a portion of the venting port and a blocking rib disposed at or adjacent a rear edge of the venting port for blocking the undesirable matter.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: David Bryant, Jerome Schafer, Andrew T. Goeppner, Keiji Maruyama
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Patent number: 9776473Abstract: Examples of an electrically powered transport refrigeration unit (TRU) are disclosed. In one example, the TRU may include a refrigeration circuit that includes an electrically powered compressor, an evaporator equipped with an electrically powered blower, and a gas cooler equipped with an electrically powered blower. The TRU may also include a control circuit and a power regulator unit. The power regulator unit may be configured to supply variable DC and/or AC outputs to power components of the refrigeration circuit, and the control circuit may be configured to regulate the variable DC and AC outputs of the power regulator unit so as to control the operation of the TRU. The electrically powered TRU may be configured to use R774 as refrigerant.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATIONInventors: Michal Kolda, Michal Hegar, Vladimir Kmoch, Vaclav Rajtmajer
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Patent number: 9776474Abstract: A water discharge device that collects and drains condensed water generated in an air conditioning device includes: a drainage path along which condensed water is able to be drained in a draining state in which condensed water is expelled; and an opening and closing member that is able to block and open the drainage path. The opening and closing member blocks the drainage path so as to limit movement of air due to dynamic pressure when in a non-draining state other than the draining state. The opening and closing member drains condensed water through the drainage path when in the draining state.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Makoto Kume, Toshio Tsuboko, Seiji Kamei, Tomohiro Kamiya, Syun Omori, Hirokazu Yamadaki, Shinichirou Hirai
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Patent number: 9776475Abstract: A glass support member is provided for fixing a glass plate to a body flange of a vehicle. The glass support member includes a base having a first surface and a second surface that face each other, a column that protrudes from the second surface of the base in a direction away from the base, and an inclined member that is arranged at a tip of the column and extends from the tip of the column toward the second surface of the base at an inclination angle with respect to an axis of the column. The tip of the column is configured to be capable of swaying with respect to the axis of the column within a plane including the axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: AGC Automotive Window Systems Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sachio Otani
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Patent number: 9776476Abstract: A security device for a cargo van comprises a sheet metal grill stamped or laser cut to exhibit a plurality of regularly spaced apertures therethrough and surrounded by a solid border having a plurality of notches formed inward of the border into which are fitted clamp members for securing the grill in place against a window of the cargo van to inhibit break-ins and theft of articles carried by the van. The clamp members include U-shaped sockets adapted to cooperate with the notches formed in the border and base members for secure attachment of the clamp members to a frame of the window using self-tapping screws.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: ROM ACQUISITION CORPORATIONInventor: Avraham Y. Levi
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Patent number: 9776477Abstract: A sunshade system for shading a display in a vehicle includes a vehicle that has a dashboard, a vent and a display. Each of the vent and the display re positioned on the dashboard. The vent is positioned above the display and the display may be observed. A shade is removably coupled to the vent. The shade may shade the display from sunlight thereby enhancing visibility of the display.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Inventor: Charles Erikson
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Patent number: 9776478Abstract: A sunscreen system includes a control unit and a sunscreen having a first nonplanar glass layer and a nonplanar display layer having a first side and an opposite second side. The first side is adhered to the glass layer. The display layer includes multiple display subareas covering the overall surface of the display layer. Each separate display subarea may be controlled by the control unit to change the subarea's transmittance. A nonplanar design allows integration in a vehicle body and multiple display subareas allows partial area-wise blocking of light. All electronic components can be provided in or adjacent to the sunscreen or be arranged at another location in the vehicle, leading to a flexible design which allows a larger area panoramic roof due to reduction of mechanical components in the roof structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventors: Joakim Dryselius, Daniel Olsson
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Patent number: 9776479Abstract: A vehicle door includes a window area and a hollow door body underneath the window area. A web divides the window area into a front and rear window, and extends into the door body. At least one of the windows has a movable pane, one edge of which engages into a groove of the web. A web holder is anchored on a wall of the door body, and plug connected with a lower end of the web in the longitudinal direction of the web.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Michael Alhof
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Patent number: 9776480Abstract: A door frame includes: a column, wherein the column includes: an outer member; and an inner member, which is attached to the outer member and of which at least a part is located at an inner side of the vehicle, wherein the outer member includes: a base portion; and a first bent portion that is bent at an end portion of the base portion and extends to the inner side of the vehicle, wherein the inner member includes: a side portion that has faces, which respectively face the base portion and the first bent portion, and wherein the first bent portion of the outer member is welded to the side portion of the inner member in a state where a gap is formed between the base portion of the outer member and the face of the side portion of the inner member, which faces the base portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: SHIROKI CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroaki Yamazaki, Katsumasa Muramatsu
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Patent number: 9776481Abstract: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Deckard, Andy T. Ives, Austin L. Houkom, Shawn D. Peterson, Gordon J. Steinmetz, Daniel L. Goffman
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Patent number: 9776482Abstract: An emergency exit door assembly for a vehicle. The door assembly comprises a main panel including an interior-facing surface and exterior-facing surface. The main panel is rotatably connected to the vehicle, such that the main panel is configured to selectively alternate between a closed position in which the interior-facing surface faces an interior of the vehicle and an open position in which the interior-facing surface faces an exterior of the vehicle. The door assembly additionally comprises one or more projection members extending from the interior-facing surface of the main panel. The projection members each include a first major surface configured to support articles within an interior of the vehicle while the main panel is in the closed position. The door assembly further comprises a support mechanism configured to support the main panel in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Allied Recreation Group, Inc.Inventor: Johann Eloff
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Patent number: 9776483Abstract: An electromechanical strut is provided for moving a pivotal closure member between an open position and a closed position relative to a motor vehicle body. The electromechanical strut includes a drive mechanism having a motor-gearbox assembly that is operable to drive a rotatable power screw. The drive mechanism converts rotary motion of the power screw into linear motion of an extensible member to move the extensible member between a retracted position corresponding to the closed position of the closure member and an extended position corresponding to the open position of the closure member. The motor-gearbox assembly includes a gearbox unit equipped with a dual-stage planetary geartrain that is operably disposed between a motor output and the power screw. The dual-stage planetary geartrain includes a first stage gearset and a second stage gearset sharing a common ring gear.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.Inventors: Borys M. Shchokin, Dan Cosmin, Joseph Scheuring
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Patent number: 9776484Abstract: A winding device for a roller blind arrangement, in particular for a vehicle, which has a winding element having a longitudinal axis. The winding element is constructed to be rotatably supported about the longitudinal axis on a vehicle and to wind and unwind a roller blind web. The winding device further has a coil spring having an axially extending hollow space, wherein the winding element is connected to the vehicle by means of the coil spring and the coil spring enables a rotational movement of the winding element relative to the vehicle. In addition, the winding device has a rod element which is arranged in the hollow space of the coil spring for guiding the coil spring, wherein the rod element is constructed in such a manner that the rod element radially tensions the coil spring.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: WEBASTO SEInventors: Thomas Sichart, Johann Hertel, Manfred Nowak
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Patent number: 9776485Abstract: A cover for a truck bed that can be horizontally traversed between expanded and collapsed positions is shown. Since the cover is horizontally traversed, the person manipulating the cover need not lift the cover vertically in order to reconfigure the cover between the expanded and collapsed positions. Women and elderly people who are generally not as strong as men can manipulate the cover.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2017Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
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Patent number: 9776486Abstract: A cover for a vehicle roof, which can be raised in its rear region by deployment means in order to open the opening. The deployment means may have a cover having a front edge and a rear edge, which lies opposite the front edge. The deployment means may have a sliding carriage which can be displaced in a guide rail in the vehicle longitudinal direction by a drive. The deployment means may also have a deployment lever that has a front end region, a rear end region and a coupling element arranged between the front end region and rear end region. The deployment means may have a slotted guide carriage arranged to be displaceable in the guide rail in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a control rod coupled to the sliding carriage and guided to be displaceable relative to the guide rail in the vehicle longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: WEBASTO SEInventor: Bernhard Wingen
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Patent number: 9776487Abstract: A vehicle roof which can be opened, comprising a cover that can be moved between a closed position and an open position in which the cover is raised at least at the rear edge of the cover and is at least partly moved over an adjoining roof portion. The cover is supported by means of a front bearing device, which can be moved by a drive device, such that the cover can be moved along a front guide rail and by means of a rear bearing device such that the cover can be raised over the adjoining roof portion and moved along a rear guide rail.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: WEBASTO SEInventors: Dominik Hölzel, Johann Minatti, Christian Lange
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Patent number: 9776488Abstract: A vehicle roof having a roof structure with a roof opening, which, by a roof opening mechanism, can be closed or at least partially uncovered as desired, said roof opening mechanism being designed as an interchangeable insert. Additionally, a roof opening mechanism is proposed, being designed as an interchangeable insert, for unlockable fixation at a roof structure of a vehicle roof, and comprising a frame, which can be placed upon an edge region of the roof structure, said edge region limiting a roof opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: WEBASTO-EDSCHA CABRIO GMBHInventor: Jason Bowles
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Patent number: 9776489Abstract: A deflector apparatus for a vehicle includes a deflector, a support member and a torsion spring. The deflector includes arm portions provided as a pair, and each of the arm portions includes a shaft portion and a cam protruding portion. The support member includes a support recessed portion in which the shaft portion is inserted, a cam recessed portion in which the cam protruding portion is inserted and a support protruding portion. The torsion spring includes a turning portion attached to the support protruding portion, and a first leg portion and a second leg portion each extended in the vehicle front and rear direction from the turning portion. The first leg portion includes a distal end portion which can be in slide contact with the arm portion and the second leg portion includes a distal end portion which can be in slide contact with the support member.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsumi Konishi, Kazuki Sawada
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Patent number: 9776490Abstract: In a window module including a molding molded along the peripheral part of a window panel in situ, the deformation of the molding due to the shrinkage following the molding process is controlled. The window module comprises a window panel and a molding molded on and attached to a peripheral part of the window panel. The molding comprises a base portion extending along and attached to the peripheral part and a projection projecting from and extending along the peripheral part, and the projection is provided with an easily deformable portion at least in a part of the projection located along a lengthwise direction of the peripheral part, the easily deformable portion being deformable in the lengthwise direction of the peripheral part more readily than a remaining part of the projection.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2013Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuhiro Fujiwara
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Patent number: 9776491Abstract: A retractable vehicle covering assembly includes a track that may be coupled to a rear side of a vehicle. A covering unit is removably coupled to the track and the covering unit may be manipulated. The covering unit is positioned in a deployed position. The covering unit extends over the vehicle and engages a front side of the vehicle. Thus, the covering unit may cover the vehicle. The covering unit is positioned in a stored position having the covering unit being folded along the track.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Inventor: Gaylord Williams
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Patent number: 9776492Abstract: An electric vehicle (1) includes a charging circuit (11), a battery (12) and a driving electric motor (13), and an air compressor (14), an air storage tank (15), a turbine (16) and a generator (17). Air is compressed and stored in the air storage tank when the air compressor starts up. The air storage tank is provided with a switch valve, and under the control of the switch valve the air stored in the air storage tank is fed to the turbine. By means of providing an air compressor, an air storage tank, a turbine and a generator, and using air energy to generate power and using the battery to supply power in parallel, the continuous mileage of the electric vehicle is increased. In addition, the service life of the battery is prolonged, because the battery is used in a low depth of charge/low depth of discharge manner.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2011Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: SHENZHEN SKD TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIAL LIMITEDInventor: Mingjun Chen
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Patent number: 9776493Abstract: A battery holding structure includes a battery tray for storing a battery therein. A battery holding rack is configured to store the battery tray with the battery stored therein and to allow the battery tray to be pulled out along widthwise directions of the vehicle. A ground wire has one end connected to a negative terminal of the battery and another end connected to a grounding member on a vehicle frame. A movement prevention member fixes the other end of the ground wire to the battery tray and prevents the battery tray from being pulled out to one side along the widthwise directions of the vehicle with the ground wire which is connected to the grounding member.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazuhiko Ono, Toru Hasegawa, Naoyuki Yamate, Kazuyuki Ochiai, Yoji Kanaoka, Hirotaka Sato, Teppei Oshima
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Patent number: 9776494Abstract: A motor vehicle body structure includes a frame rail and a bracket attached to the rail and adapted for attaching an engine mount. The bracket has a first portion secured to the frame rail beneath the engine mount and at least one cantilever portion projecting at one end beyond the first portion. The cantilever portion defines an anchoring point for attachment of the engine mount that is spaced from the frame rail so that the portion of the frame rail beneath the anchoring point may undergo controlled deformation in the event of a front end vehicle collision.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Matthew David George Shynn, Bradley Staines, Joerg Reim, Matthew Sykes, Jon Horseman, Peter Brook, Alan Thorpe, Raise Ahmed
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Patent number: 9776495Abstract: An active mounting system for a transfer case in a vehicle drivetrain is provided. The system includes a chassis movable between a first position and a second position. An engine is pivotally coupled to the chassis. A transmission is coupled to the engine. A prop-shaft is operably coupled to the transmission with a transfer case coupled in between. An active mount is operably coupled to selectively rotate the engine and transmission between a first orientation and a second orientation in response to the chassis being moved from the first position to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Robert M. Wojno
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Patent number: 9776496Abstract: The present invention relates to a work machine, in particular in the form of a dump truck or truck, comprising a traction drive unit and/or main work unit which can be driven by a drive apparatus comprising at least one electric motor. The invention further relates to a method for operating such a work machine, in accordance with the invention, the drive apparatus comprises at least one hydraulic motor supporting the electric motor, the hydraulic motor being switched in for starting the drive apparatus and being decoupled on an exceeding of a predefined speed.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Liebherr-Components Biberach GmbHInventors: Clemens Christ, Klaus Graner
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Patent number: 9776497Abstract: A vehicle driving system 1 includes a first motor/generator M/G1 which is mechanically connected to either of front wheels Wf and rear wheels Wr of a vehicle, a second motor/generator M/G2 which is electrically connected with the first motor/generator M/G1, and a flywheel FW which is mechanically connected with the second motor/generator M/G2 and which stores kinetic energy. The second motor/generator M/G2 is mechanically connected to the other of the front wheels Wf and the rear wheels Wr of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Takeshi Hori
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Patent number: 9776498Abstract: An assembly includes a transmission and an electric machine for a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle, and the transmission is a multi-stage standard transmission with first and second subtransmissions, each of which has a separate input shaft and shares an output shaft. Both input shafts are coupled to the shared output shaft via form locking shift elements of the subtransmissions. The assembly includes a first shiftable clutch which is allocated to a first input shaft such that the internal combustion engine is coupled to the first input shaft via the first shiftable clutch, and a second shiftable clutch which is allocated to the second input shaft such that the electric machine is coupled to the second input shaft via the second shiftable clutch. The electric machine is coupled to the internal combustion engine via a third shiftable clutch, and to the first input shaft via a fourth shiftable clutch.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Timo Wehlen, Michael Roske
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Patent number: 9776499Abstract: A cooling system for a vehicle may include at least two air ducts formed at both side of an exterior air intake port; a low temperature radiator to release heat of coolant into the air; a high temperature radiator to release heat of coolant into the air; an ancillary low temperature radiator to release heat of coolant into the air; an ancillary high temperature radiator disposed inside of another one of the at least two air duct to release heat of coolant into the air; a turbocharger; an intercooler cooling compressed air generated from the turbocharger by using coolant flowed via the low temperature radiator and the high temperature radiator; a compressor; a condenser cooling the compressed refrigerant generated from the compressor by using coolant flowed via the low temperature radiator; a high temperature coolant passage; and a low temperature coolant passage.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Jongwoo Nam, Hanshin Chung, Joonho Lee, Hyun Cho
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Patent number: 9776500Abstract: A side covering body for a motorcycle includes an under-the-seat covering for covering a vertical gap between a seat and a vehicle body frame from an outer side and a rear covering disposed rearwardly of the under-the-seat covering. The under-the-seat covering has a front portion formed with a shroud portion that covers an outer side of a radiator and guides the incoming wind towards the radiator. The under-the-seat covering and the rear covering are connected together via a joint portion, while having respective outer side surfaces held substantially in flush with each other. The joint portion has an upper end positioned rearwardly of an intermediate portion of the seat with respect to a forward and rearward direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yoshihiko Inagaki, Minoru Kobayashi
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Patent number: 9776501Abstract: Vehicle fluid conduit systems and protectors for such systems are presented. Fluid conduit systems can include a fuel fill system having a fuel filler tube, a re-circulation tube, and a protector. In some embodiments, the protector can include a protector bracket and a bolting plate that extend around the fuel filler tube and re-circulation tube. The protector can include a strap. The strap can extend between the fuel filler tube and re-circulation tube between two or more protector attachment locations.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Justin E. Dominic, Nobuhiro Nakano, Hiroki Ogasawara
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Patent number: 9776502Abstract: The invention relates to a filler neck for an operating-liquid tank (3) for a motor vehicle. The filler neck (1) comprises a mouth-hole neck (11), into which a nozzle can be inserted in order to fill the operating-liquid tank (3). A ventilation path is provided in the filler neck (1), which ventilation path allows a ventilation flow parallel and oppositely to the filling volumetric flow through the mouth-hole neck (11) during filling. The filler neck (1) according to the invention is characterized in that the ventilation path comprises at least one ventilation channel (18) provided in a wall arrangement (14) of the mouth-hole neck (11), which at least one ventilation channel is at least partially surrounded by an outer wall (14a) and an inner wall (14b) of the wall arrangement (14) along the longitudinal extent of the at least one ventilation channel.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: KAUTEX TEXTRON GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Ibrahim Koukan, Jaroslav Maglovski
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Patent number: 9776503Abstract: A fuel filler adapter has a hollow body having a base end with a flange extending outwardly therefrom, and a forward end, and has a length of between 0.5 inch and 2.5 inches. A bore extends through the body at an angle of between 2.5° and 15° so that the adapter can be fitted onto a fuel nozzle. Fueling spitback is prevented by a helical fuel path which does not block air from venting from a fuel tank. Air venting from the fuel tank exits through the fuel filler adapter via one or more venting channels.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2017Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Underway Marine LLCInventor: Robert A. Labbe
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Patent number: 9776504Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a sealing unit such a fuel tank cap for a tank unit of a motor vehicle. The sealing unit includes a cover element that can be arranged on or at least partially in an opening of a tank component of the motor vehicle such that it seals the opening of the tank component in an at least fluid-tight fashion. An actuator is arranged on an outer side of the cover element that faces away from the opening. In a non-actuated, normal position rests, flat against the outer side of the cover element. The actuator can be transferred into a gripping position, in which it at least partially extends oblique or transverse to the outer side of the cover element.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Heiko Betzen, Markus Frommann
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Patent number: 9776505Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel injection hole cap for preventing explosion due to static electricity which is characterized in that it is possible to prevent any fire due to an explosion of fuel evaporation gas in such a way to instantly discharge static electricity the instant that a user touches with a hand injection hole cap before the fuel injection hole cap is opened, without carrying any device with him which is configured to prevent the occurrence of static electricity. For this, at the fuel injection hole cap of a vehicle, there is provided a static electricity discharger which is configured to discharge static electricity and flash by the current of the discharging, thus informing the use of the discharging.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Inventor: Chang Hee Park
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Patent number: 9776506Abstract: Fuel fill apparatus for use with fuel tanks are described. An example fuel fill apparatus includes a body defining a fuel fill passageway, a first plurality of longitudinal ribs positioned in the fuel fill passageway, and a second plurality of longitudinal ribs positioned adjacent the first longitudinal ribs. The first and second longitudinal ribs position an end of a fuel nozzle in the fuel fill passageway. A deflector is positioned in the fuel fill passageway adjacent an end of the first and second plurality of ribs to direct fuel vapors away from an aspirator of the fuel nozzle when the fuel nozzle is inserted in the fuel fill passageway.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Sean Whelan, Anthony Slabaugh, Christopher Bostwick
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Patent number: 9776507Abstract: A vehicle fuel system for use in a vehicle having an engine. The system includes a fuel tank having a fuel pump module area and a bulk area, and a fuel pump mounted in the fuel pump module area, having an inlet and an outlet. A thermostatic valve has a fuel inlet connected to a return fuel line from the engine, a first outlet and a second outlet, with the valve directing fuel through the first outlet when the temperature is below a threshold and directing fuel through the second outlet when the temperature is above the threshold. A cold fuel line connects to the first outlet of the valve and directs fuel to the fuel pump inlet, and a warm fuel line connects to the second outlet of the valve and directs fuel into the bulk area of the fuel tank away from the fuel pump.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Mitchell E. Hart, Manoj Tummala, David R Parent
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Patent number: 9776508Abstract: An all-wheel drive vehicle driveline that includes a housing assembly with a housing structure and a cover. In one form, components of the driveline can be assembled to the housing structure and cover in such a way that an intermediate shaft, which is assembled to the cover, and an input shaft, which can be rotatably mounted to the housing structure, can be slidably engaged to one another. In another form, the cover defines a reservoir that is configured to feed fluid to a pump that is mounted to the cover.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Mario Amerla, Christopher D. Pump, Paul Reichert
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Patent number: 9776509Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for adaptive cruise control in a road vehicle, as well as a road vehicle including such an apparatus. One of four control regions is determined and a set of control parameters chosen in dependence of the detected control region. An acceleration command is provided, based on the chosen set of control parameters, using a sliding surface and a control law that ensures convergence to the sliding surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventors: Stefan Solyom, Oskar Nordin
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Patent number: 9776510Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adaptive display of information and interaction components on a display device of an aircraft. The method includes: receiving aircraft data from one or more aircraft components; determining context information from the aircraft data; determining a visual situation awareness indicator based on the context information; determining a situational awareness model based on the context information; determining a primary objective based on the situational awareness model; determining a task list based on the primary objective; determining situational awareness information based on a task of the task list; determining interactive components based on the task of the task list; and displaying the context information, the visual situation awareness indicator, the task list, the interactive components, and the situational awareness information on a user interface.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventor: Amit Nishikant Kawalkar
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Patent number: 9776511Abstract: Example vehicle alignment systems for use at loading docks are disclosed herein. An example vehicle alignment system includes a sensor system to detect a surface of a vehicle, where the sensor system obtains a feedback signal representative of a spatial orientation of the detected surface relative to a reference as the vehicle approaches a doorway of the loading dock. A controller detects a threshold deviation in the spatial orientation of the detected surface of the vehicle relative to the reference based on the feedback signal. A display varies an output signal in response to the detected deviation in the spatial orientation of the detected surface relative to the reference.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew Brooks, Bradley J. Stone, Jason Senfleben, Jeff Logic, Matthew Sveum
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Patent number: 9776512Abstract: The present invention includes methods, circuits, devices, systems and associated computer executable code for providing driver decision making support. According to some embodiments, there may be provided a driver decision support system, which may generate action recommendations to a commercial driver, such as a taxi driver, a cab driver, a limo driver or any other kind of driver who picks up and transports passengers or cargo on an ad hoc (or otherwise flexible/uncertain) basis.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: STREETSMART LTD.Inventor: Yuval Netzer
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Patent number: 9776513Abstract: A vehicle includes: an input device, and a controller configured to receive a signal from the input device and generate a predetermined control signal corresponding to the received signal. The input device includes: a rotation member provided with a first magnet disposed on a portion thereof; a fixation member provided with a plurality of second magnets disposed on a surface thereof; and a detection member generating a signal including information related to a relative position of the rotation member against the fixation member based on a variation of a magnetic field intensity. The second magnets have a different magnetic field intensity from each other according to a distribution position of the second magnets. The variation of magnetic field intensity is generated between the first magnet and the second magnets due to a position change of the first magnet when the rotation member is rotated.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: DongHyun Ha
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Patent number: 9776514Abstract: As an object of reducing a noise resulted from the mutual influences between circuit-configuring components, a DC-DC converter includes a high voltage circuit section that is electrically connected to a transformer, a low voltage circuit section that is electrically connected to the transformer, a housing in which the high voltage circuit section and the low voltage circuit section are accommodated, a control circuit board that controls the driving of the low voltage circuit section, and a frame that supports the control circuit board. The frame is arranged on a position facing a bottom surface of the housing while crossing the low voltage circuit section. The housing includes a first wall that separates a first space in which the high voltage circuit section is accommodated and a second space in which circuit components configuring the low voltage circuit section are accommodated. The frame forms a second wall that protrudes toward a direction approaching a leading end of the first wall.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2013Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Yuuji Sobu, Mikito Komatsu, Keisuke Fukumasu, Tatsuya Nakazawa