Patents Issued in October 3, 2017
  • Patent number: 9776515
    Abstract: A control device is provided for a hydraulic braking system of a vehicle, including an actuating device which is designed for outputting, at least temporarily, at least one first control signal and at least one second control signal in at least a first operating mode, taking into account at least one sensor signal. A known hydraulic braking system may be controlled with the aid of the control signals, output by the actuating device, in such a way that during an activation of a brake actuating element, at least one blending valve of a first brake circuit which is connected to the master brake cylinder via a first changeover valve is controlled into an at least partially open state in such a way that brake fluid is displaceable into at least one storage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Kunz, Ralf-Peter Jaime, Stefan Strengert
  • Patent number: 9776516
    Abstract: A device for the inductive transfer of electrical energy between a stationary coil, which can be installed in a roadway, and a secondary coil of a movable electrical load, in particular of an electrical vehicle, wherein a supply unit for supplying electrical energy is allocated to the coil. The problem of providing a maintenance-friendly, reliable, operationally secure device for inductive transfer of electrical energy, which is protected against penetration of water into the sensitive electronics, is solved in that the supply unit is arranged on a side of the coil facing away from the roadway in an installed state in a housing which is closed on top and laterally, having a housing opening open to the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: CONDUCTIX-WAMPFLER GMBH
    Inventor: Mathias Wechlin
  • Patent number: 9776517
    Abstract: A power supply device comprises a lead-acid battery disposing a plurality of cells in a battery case of a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a pair of facing walls and a pair of end surface walls at the circumference of a rectangular bottom surface plate, and a power storage device connected in parallel to the lead-acid battery. The power storage device has a larger storage capacity by regenerative braking than that of the lead-acid battery, and the power storage device has an external case having a heat radiation plate disposed in a thermally connected state to the facing wall of the lead-acid battery, and the heat radiation plate is thermally connected to the facing wall of the lead-acid battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideki Sakata, Nobuyuki Ohsumi, Kaoru Nakajima, Akinobu Tsunesada
  • Patent number: 9776518
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system (100) with a battery charging device (20) with output terminals and an vehicle electrical system power supply stage (10). The vehicle electrical system power supply stage has a step-up/step-down converter (12), which is designed to raise an input voltage of the vehicle electrical system power supply stage to an intermediate circuit voltage, a direct current intermediate circuit (13), which is coupled to the step-up/step-down converter (12) at intermediate circuit nodes (14a, 14b), and a vehicle electrical system d.c.-d.c. converter (11), which is coupled to the direct voltage intermediate circuit at the intermediate circuit nodes, and which is designed to convert the intermediate circuit voltage into a direct voltage for a vehicle electrical system (1, 2), the output terminals of the battery charging device (20) being coupled to the direct voltage intermediate circuit (13) via the intermediate circuit nodes (14a, 14b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Erik Weissenborn, Jochen Fassnacht
  • Patent number: 9776519
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling electric power in a plug-in vehicle, such as a pure electric vehicle or hybrid electric vehicle. The electric power is controlled from an external power source to one or more predetermined components in the plug-in vehicle. The power source is external to the vehicle and has a maximum power level. Electric power at a charging level from the external power source is received. Based on the charging level and the maximum power level, an available power level is determined. Based on the available power level, the electric power is controlled from the external power source to the predetermined components in the plug-in vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bala S. Chander, Allan Roy Gale
  • Patent number: 9776520
    Abstract: A method for aligning a vehicle at a charging station may include determining the distance between each sensor of the plurality of sensors and a target surface of the charging station. The method may further include aligning the vehicle at the charging station using the determined distance data, and charging the electric vehicle at the charging station. The method may further include using the determined distances to align the side of the vehicle substantially parallel to the target surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Proterra Inc.
    Inventor: Keyur M Shah
  • Patent number: 9776521
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a charging port configured to couple to a connector of an external power source in order to recharge a battery, a lock to secure the connector to the charging port, an electrical actuator configured to transition the lock between a locked condition and an unlocked condition when energized and maintain the locked or unlocked condition when de-energized, and a mechanical lock override configured to transition the lock to the unlocked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Juan Lopez, John Paul Gibeau, Nondo G. Basoukeas, Susan Curry
  • Patent number: 9776522
    Abstract: A wireless power supply system includes a power transmission device provided on a ground side and a power receiving device mounted on a vehicle, the power transmission device transmitting, to the power receiving device via a wireless connection, electric power controlled by an inverter circuit, wherein the power receiving device transmits a power supply command signal to the power transmission device in a first cycle by use of a radio signal. The power transmission device includes a power transmission coil current detection means for detecting a power transmission coil current flowing through a power transmission coil and controls an output voltage of the inverter circuit based on the power supply command signal and the power transmission coil current detected by the power transmission coil current detection means in a second cycle shorter than the first cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tomofumi Okamoto
  • Patent number: 9776523
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a charging process is provided. The apparatus comprises a first interface, a second interface, and a switch connected therebetween. The first interface may be electrically connectable to a charger to receive power, and the second interface may be electrically connectable to a device. The switch may receive a signal transmitted from the device and, in response to the signal, turn on/off the power provided from the first interface to the second interface. The apparatus is compatible with existing chargers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventors: Wei Yuan, Zhenling Wu, Jinliang Hou, Po Yuan
  • Patent number: 9776524
    Abstract: A method is described for operating a motor vehicle which is driven with the aid of an electric machine, the electric machine being supplied with electrical energy from an energy store which is charged by an external energy source. To ensure that the driver receives the information concerning readiness for continued travel of the vehicle at the point in time when sufficient energy is present in the energy store in order to reliably reach the intended destination or to cover a predetermined route, the motor vehicle is notified of a destination and/or a route, and the motor vehicle is connected to the external energy source for charging the energy store, the motor vehicle outputting information as to when the energy store has been charged with sufficient energy to reach the destination or to cover the route, and the driver stopping at a next charging station in particular after having reached the destination or having covered the route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Christoph Noack, Frank Beruscha, Michael Dambier, Tobias Altmueller
  • Patent number: 9776525
    Abstract: The Anti-idling System for Ambulances and Other Vehicles is a novel system for making electricity available to vehicles which idle curbside in urban and suburban environments. The invention comprises a pedestal with a specialized electricity plug, a cord and cord reel, an onboard microcontroller with GSM and RFID card reader which controls the flow of electricity and communicates with a cloud-based management system, and a cloud-based management system which controls user authentication. This enables an ambulance or other vehicle operator to approach the pedestal, access the plug and cord and turn on the flow of electricity using an RFID card or mobile phone, and use the pedestal to power their vehicle while in proximity to the pedestal. When the vehicle engine is started, the system detects the auto-ejection of the plug from the vehicle, turns off the flow of electricity, and automatically retracts the plug and cord into the pedestal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Move Systems International, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Dubrovsky, Cody Rickman, Azra Horowitz, Yelizaveta Kholodkova, Tome Rey Verissimo, Jeffrey Hoffman
  • Patent number: 9776526
    Abstract: A fuel cell system to be installed on a vehicle includes a fuel cell, a secondary battery, an SOC detector that detects a temperature and a state of charge of the secondary battery, an accelerator position detector that detects an accelerator depressed amount, and a controller that controls power to be generated by the fuel cell. The controller includes: a required generation power calculator that calculates required generation power based on the accelerator depressed amount and the temperature and the state of charge of the secondary battery; and a maximum required power calculator that calculates maximum required power based on the accelerator depressed amount and the temperature and the state of charge of the secondary battery. The maximum required power includes allowable charging power correlated with a maximum value of charging power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Kakeno, Mitsuhiro Nada, Kenji Umayahara, Yusuke Nishida
  • Patent number: 9776527
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle driveline includes connecting an electric motor to each of respective vehicle wheels, determining from driver input a magnitude of demanded wheel torque, determining speed of each wheel, using demanded wheel torque and the respective wheel speed to determine from a power loss map a current power loss for each motor, and transmitting power from the motor having the lowest current power loss to the respective vehicle wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Arnulf Sponheimer, Monika Derflinger, Roger Graaf, Marc Simon
  • Patent number: 9776528
    Abstract: Electric vehicle range prediction may include identifying vehicle transportation network information representing a vehicle transportation network, identifying expected departure temporal information, identifying a route from a first location to a second location in the vehicle transportation network using the vehicle transportation network information, identifying a predicted ambient temperature based on the first location and the expected departure temporal information, identifying vehicle state information for an electric vehicle, identifying an expected efficiency value for the electric vehicle based on the predicted ambient temperature, determining an expected operational range, such that, on a condition that the electric vehicle traverses the vehicle transportation network from the first location to the second location in accordance with the expected departure temporal information and the route, the expected operational range indicates an estimated operational range from the second location, and outputt
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Heather Konet, Eloi Taha
  • Patent number: 9776529
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling the operation of the electrical power supply to an electric motor vehicle comprising at least two energy storage modules connected in parallel, said modules being able to provide the motor with a delivered electrical power lying between a predetermined minimum power and a predetermined maximum power, noteworthy in that the method comprises the following steps: —detection (100, 110) of an operating anomaly of at least one defective module, —reduction (120, 130) of the maximum power that can be provided by the modules, —electrical disconnection (140) of each defective module, the disconnection step being implemented after the reduction of the maximum power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: BLUE SOLUTIONS
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Jestin, Jacques Colin
  • Patent number: 9776530
    Abstract: A suspension mat (14) for a vehicle seat comprises one or more suspension springs (16) for supporting a cushion (28), a support plate (18) attached to the one or more suspension springs, a mobile plate (34) coupled with the support plate, a flat spring (26) arranged between the support plate and the mobile plate and a switch element. The mobile plate is arranged movable between a first and a second position relative to the support plate. The flat spring biases the mobile plate toward the first position. The switch element is located between the support plate and the flat spring, in such a way that when the mobile plate moves against a bias of the flat spring toward the second position, the flat spring presses and actuates the switch element. The flat spring may e.g. comprise a washer spring, a plate spring, a dome-shaped flat spring and/or a cantilever flat spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: IEE International Electronics & Engineering S.A.
    Inventor: Philippe Boyer
  • Patent number: 9776531
    Abstract: A seat cushion extension apparatus for a vehicle seat includes an extension unit slidable from a front end portion of a seat frame in a vehicle to a position disposed forwards of the front end portion of the seat frame, locking units for locking the extension unit with respect to the seat frame at a locking position, and allowing the extension unit to be slidable such that the extension unit protrudes forwards of the seat frame at a release position, and a lever for controlling the locking units between the locking position and the release position. The extension unit is supported by guide shafts to be movable forwards and rearwards in housings fixed to the seat frame. The guide shafts are locked in the housings at the locking position and are movable with respect to the seat frame at the release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Daewon Precision Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bong Ku Kim, Sang Ho Kim, Young Bok Sung, Hyun Kyu Moon, Ju Hyun Kim, Da Eun Lee, Dong Il Lee, Woo Jae Jin
  • Patent number: 9776532
    Abstract: A seat adjuster may include an end stop bracket and an easy entry lever. An easy entry lever may be configured to rotate between a first position in which the easy entry lever engages the end stop bracket and prevents movement of a seat from a comfort range into an easy entry range, and a second position in which the easy entry lever does not prevent movement of the seat from the comfort range into the easy entry range. A cross member may be connected via one or more cables to one or more comfort lever activators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Stutika, Peter Jenco, Martin Kravcik
  • Patent number: 9776533
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly including a lower seatback. An upper seatback is operably coupled to the lower seatback. The upper seatback is pivotally mounted to the lower seatback at a pivot axis. An arcuate back support bar is disposed in the upper seatback and is configured to rotate the upper seatback between forward and rearward positions. The arcuate support bar includes first and second generally linear members and an arcuate intermediate portion disposed between the first and second generally linear members. An articulation assembly operably couples the lower seatback with the upper seatback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Carol Diane Casey, Nicholas Alphonse Billardello, Rodney Charles Brinker
  • Patent number: 9776534
    Abstract: A car safety seat includes a seat body, at least one knob and at least one safety belt. The seat body has at least one slot structure. The slot structure includes a plurality of first positioning slots and a plurality of guiding slots. Each of the first positioning slots is connected with another adjacent one of the first positioning slots through one of the guiding slots. The knob is movably disposed on the seat body and has a second positioning slot. The safety belt penetrates through the second positioning slot and the corresponding first positioning slot in sequence. The knob is adapted to rotate to drive the safety belt to enter the corresponding guiding slot, and the knob is adapted to move along the slot structure to drive the safety belt to pass through the guiding slot to arrive another adjacent one of the first positioning slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Chien Yang, Te-Hung Chen, Mao-Jiun Wang
  • Patent number: 9776535
    Abstract: An infant restraint system includes: a back rest portion; a seat portion connected to a lower portion of the back rest portion swingably between an in-use and storage position; upper side position regulating portions formed on a left and right portion of an upper portion of the back rest surface; lower side position regulating portions formed on a left portion and a right portion of the back rest surface at a position below the upper side position regulating portions; an upper body belt portion which includes the pair of shoulder belts and a pair of tongue plates attached to the pair of shoulder belts; a side guard portion respectively extending frontward from a left edge portion and a right edge portion of a lower portion of the back rest portion; and a crotch belt portion having a buckle body which is detachably engaged with the pair of tongue plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Nihon Ikuji Co., LTD
    Inventor: Ritsusou Ishisako
  • Patent number: 9776536
    Abstract: A cargo management system including a vehicle load floor having a cellulose-based core to compartmentalize a cargo area of the vehicle into an upper compartment and a covered lower compartment is provided. The floor has a wood grain finish. The load floor includes a compression-molded composite panel that includes first and second outer layers of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material, first and second sheets of thermoplastic adhesive and a core of cellulose-based material and positioned between the outer layers. The core has a cellular structure. The outer layers are bonded to the core by the first and second sheets and by press molding. The first outer layer having a top surface on which a multi-layer sheet is bonded by the press molding. The multi-layer sheet has a substantially planar upper support surface to support cargo in the upper compartment and to provide the load floor with the wood grain finish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: GLOBAL IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Darius J. Preisler, Christopher A. Heikkila, Steven A. Mitchell, Jeffrey P. Schmelzer
  • Patent number: 9776537
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a cushion assembly having a plurality of closed base cells disposed on a seat frame. A plurality of trim cells are disposed on the base cells. An adjustable seatback support panel is disposed behind the base cells. A static base is disposed behind the support panel. Side pivot cells are disposed between the seatback support panel and the base cells that allow for lateral flexibility of a seatback surface relative to the support panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Alan George Dry
  • Patent number: 9776538
    Abstract: A vehicle armrest assembly includes a seat frame. An armrest is attached to the seat frame for relative rotational movement about a pivot axis. The armrest includes a hinge that includes a hinge pass-through. The hinge pass-through is located around the pivot axis. The armrest includes an electronic module. A module line extends from the electronic module to a connector mounted on the seat frame. The module line is located partially within the hinge pass-through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peng Cheng, Wu XiaoZhong, Mao Zhengda, Wang YuLiang
  • Patent number: 9776539
    Abstract: A sliding armrest device for a vehicle may include a fixed armrest having a first oblique mounting surface formed on a top surface thereof and inclining along a width direction of a vehicle body, a sliding armrest having a second oblique mounting surface formed on an undersurface thereof and vertically matching the first oblique mounting surface, and a sliding rail device disposed between the first oblique mounting surface of the fixed armrest and the second oblique mounting surface of the sliding armrest and providing a forward and backward sliding force for the sliding armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Daejoo Precision Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwan Bo Lee, Jung Yoon Jang, Byung Jun Cho
  • Patent number: 9776540
    Abstract: A bearing including an annular substrate defining a first and a second opposite axial ends; and a plurality of sliding components attached to and extending radially from the annular substrate, each sliding component extending at least partially between the first and second opposite axial ends of the annular substrate. A head restraint assembly including a head restraint having a body and a first and second post extending from the body; a first guide sleeve having a first bearing for receiving the first post; and a second guide sleeve having a second bearing for receiving the second post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS PAMPUS GMBH
    Inventor: Oliver Otto
  • Patent number: 9776541
    Abstract: A vehicle seat capable of efficiently utilizing air delivered from an air conditioning device and thereby adjusting the temperature of heat generated by a seat heater is described. A vehicle seat comprises a seat heater between a cushion pad and a surface skin. A heater wire affixed to a seat base material of the seat heater is disposed at a position to partially overlap air passages formed on the cushion pad. Moreover, the heater wire is formed on the seat base material, is disposed at a position to partially overlap a plurality of through-holes having a greater width than the heater wire, and extends while avoiding center portions of the through-holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichiro Hoshi
  • Patent number: 9776542
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takehiko Ise, Yoshiaki Kurosawa, Atsunori Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 9776543
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly has a seat having a lower seat and a seatback extending upwardly from the lower seat. The lower seat comprises a cushion frame assembly connected to a vehicle floor and a cushion leg jounce bracket comprising a base and a paddle connected with the cushion frame assembly. The paddle extends upwardly and forwardly to form a vertical gap between a distal end of the paddle and a forward portion of the cushion frame assembly to provide independent and resilient support for an occupant's thighs. A cushion foam assembly is disposed above and is attached to the cushion frame, a forward portion of the cushion foam assembly being supported by the paddle of the cushion leg jounce bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marcos Silva Kondrad, David Frederick Lyons, Kevin Preuss, Daniel Ferretti, Christian J. Hosbach
  • Patent number: 9776544
    Abstract: A stowable seat system includes a seat base and a seat frame operationally engaged with the seat base. The seat base includes a vehicle engagement portion adapted for operational engagement with an associated vehicle, and a seat engagement portion movably engaged with the vehicle engagement portion at a first actuation region. The seat frame includes a bottom portion, and a back portion movably engaged with the bottom portion at a second actuation region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: NORCO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Alan Neterer
  • Patent number: 9776545
    Abstract: A seat attachment assembly for attaching components to a seat cushion is provided. A central base has at least one footing with an opening adapted for being encapsulated in the cushion. A cylindrical shaft extends generally perpendicular from the central base and defines a cylindrical opening therein. A retention clip has an extension portion sized to be received and retained in the cylindrical opening by an interference fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eric Lovasz
  • Patent number: 9776546
    Abstract: A tilting apparatus for a vehicle deck is provided. The tilting apparatus increases the efficiency of a loading and unloading workability by tilting the vehicle deck vertically or horizontally based on situations or conditions of construction fields or industrial fields. The tilting system includes a structure with vertical and horizontal tilting performed in a single system by joining a deck plate and a chassis frame of the deck with a ball joint structure of four locations (e.g., front, back, left, and right locations) and implementing a hydraulic system that may be tilted in two directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Ji Yong Song
  • Patent number: 9776547
    Abstract: A height adjustable loading ramp installed at a tail of a car, for loading or unloading goods, includes: a slope plane and a supporter. The two ends of the slope plane are respectively supported on the ground and the supporter. The supporter includes: two supporting legs adjustable in length, a beam horizontally provided between lower portions of the two supporting legs, wheels for making the loading ramp move conveniently, and a scissor jack for adjusting the height. The scissor jack includes: four scissor jack arms equal in length, and an adjusting-locking device for adjusting and locking the height of the height adjustable loading ramp. In addition, the supporting leg comprises an auxiliary fixing unit for fixing the relative position between the upper and the lower supporting legs and providing an extra security protection, in such a manner that the height of the height adjustable loading ramp is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Shanghai Cartec Industrial and Trading Co., LTD
    Inventor: Bin Lin
  • Patent number: 9776548
    Abstract: A vehicle tie down device includes a base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, the base plate defining at least two base plate bores therethrough, and a first bolt extending through a first of the base plate bores and a second bolt extending through a second of the base plate bores. The device further includes a first arm coupled to a lower end of the first bolt and a second arm coupled to a lower end of the second bolt, the arms configured to engage a T-slot, and a guide member extending from the lower surface of the base plate, the guide member disposed between the base plate bores. The device further includes a flange extending away from and substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the base plate, the flange configured to support a tow hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: CALSONIC KANSEI NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Brian Thomas Dziak
  • Patent number: 9776549
    Abstract: An apparatus for recovering large disabled off-highway vehicles. The apparatus utilizes a trailing axle structure configured to hook up and tow off-highway disabled vehicles. The apparatus includes a trailing axle in conjunction with a trailing structure that is raised and lowered with hydraulic cylinders in relation to the trailing axle so that the trailing structure can hook and unhook from disabled off-highway vehicles as well as hook and unhook from off-highway lowboy trailers either mid section on the trailing structure or at the rear of the trailing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: LeRoy G. Hagenbuch
  • Patent number: 9776550
    Abstract: A tensioning device uses two perpendicular gears so that common hand tool such as wrenches or socket wrenches can be used to drive the gears to rotate a barrel having two oppositely threaded apertures. Shafts having complementary threads inserted into the threaded apertures and means for connecting chain, wire rope, cable, or straps will be extended or retracted when tools rotate the driving gear. End effectors on the shafts include hooks or clevises for securing cargo, pads for use as a jack, and ball ends for use as an adjustable mechanical linkage such as the top link of a three-point agricultural hitch. Load locks can secure the threaded shafts from unwanted rotation while in transit or in other service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Jay Lawrence Mahaffey
  • Patent number: 9776551
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steering apparatus for a vehicle having a including a light element providing indication and warning light signals to the user of the vehicle. The light element can be associated with a PCB mounted to the steering wheel grip for controlling the operation of the light element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: TK Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Carl Lisseman, Valerie Dawn Gardner, Dwayne Van'tZelfde, Erick Paul Staszak, Norbert Hubert Mueller, David William Andrews
  • Patent number: 9776552
    Abstract: A light module for a motor vehicle comprising: a light guide with an input face and at least two branches each extending from the input face according to a specific length and a specific section; at least one light source arranged at the input face of the light guide, the input face being adapted to couple light rays emitted by the light source in the light guide; wherein the two branches are contiguous over a part of their length from the input face to a determined point of separation, the two sections of the branches overlapping over a zone of intersection which is present from the input face to the determined point of separation. The two sections are substantially constant along the branches from the input face over a length greater than or equal to the length of the branches between the input face and the determined point of separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Xavier Soenen, Sylvain Giraud, Jerome Chiron
  • Patent number: 9776553
    Abstract: A stepping motors includes a bracket including a first protruding line and a second protruding line formed on both sides, a stator and a rotor disposed on the bracket, a lead screw coupled with the rotor, and a moving member which moves back and forth according to a rotation of the lead screw, in which the moving member includes a first guide groove which slides on the first protruding line and a second guide groove which slides on the second protruding line, and the first guide groove and the second guide groove include first sections which have widths corresponding to the first protruding line and the second protruding line, respectively, and second sections which have greater widths than the first sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Su Hyoung Lee
  • Patent number: 9776554
    Abstract: A light-emitting device, notably a lighting and/or signaling device for a motor vehicle, including at least one first light source intended to emit a first modulated light beam coding information; at least one second light source intended to emit a second modulated light beam coding information; a control device adapted: to determine, on receiving information to be transmitted via the light-emitting device, if a first light beam intended to be emitted by the first source should be modulated to code the information to be transmitted and/or if a second beam intended to be emitted by the second source should be modulated to code the information to be transmitted, the determination depending on information relating to the local solar illumination; as a function of the determination, to modulate the first light beam and/or the energization second light beam to code the information to be transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: David Hue
  • Patent number: 9776555
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp includes a planar light emitting member having an organic EL light emitting portion at part of a substrate, and a reflecting member and a half mirror that are disposed so as to face each other so that light emitted from the organic EL light emitting portion is reflected repeatedly while allowing part of the light to be transmitted to the front.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kunio Fukai, Yukihiro Onoda, Masaya Shido, Haruhiko Iyoda, Asami Nakada
  • Patent number: 9776556
    Abstract: An exterior door handle assembly for a vehicle door includes a strap-handle portion pivotally movable to open the vehicle door. A self-contained elongated module includes (i) an elongated housing, (ii) an elongated light-transmitting cover and (iii) a light pipe. The strap-handle portion receives the self-contained elongated module. At least one light emitting diode is disposed proximate an end region of the strap-handle portion. With the door handle assembly mounted at a vehicle door and when the light emitting diode is electrically powered, light emitted by the light emitting diode passes along the light pipe and through the elongated light-transmitting cover so as to be viewable by a person viewing the exterior door handle assembly from outside of the vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: DONNELLY CORPORATION
    Inventors: David A. Dingman, Brett A. Gorby, Keith D. Foote
  • Patent number: 9776557
    Abstract: A light-producing assembly is provided herein and includes a first portion of LEDs biased to direct light in a first direction, a second portion of LEDs biased to direct light in a second direction that is different than the first direction, and a controller for selectively activating the first and/or second portions of LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Gregory James Grudzinski
  • Patent number: 9776558
    Abstract: A flasher interface module for a vehicle having factory or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) lights. The flasher interface module includes a plurality of input and output ports corresponding to the factory lights of the vehicle and a plurality of leads corresponding to each of the input and output ports. The flasher interface module is configured such that the input and output ports operate independently of the vehicle such that factory lights are independently controlled by the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Upfitters, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Amanda Marissa Piersing, Roger Bodie Bracken
  • Patent number: 9776559
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the vehicular display system, the drawing unit operates when the vehicle speed is within a predetermined low speed area, starts an operation thereof when the vehicle speed becomes above a lower limit of the low speed area, and stops the operation thereof when the vehicle speed exceeds an upper limit of the low speed area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Michihiko Hayakawa, Takao Muramatsu, Naoki Sugiura, Syouhei Yanagidu, Satoshi Kikuchi, Hiroaki Hara, Takayoshi Ishizuka, Hidetada Tanaka, Takeshi Masuda
  • Patent number: 9776560
    Abstract: A vehicle component includes a housing, a faceplate, an electrical device a photosensor, and a lighting system. The faceplate is attached to the housing, and has a first opening and a second opening. The electrical device is at least partially disposed within the housing so as to be accessible through the first opening, and having an electrical connection configured to receive electrical power from an electrical power supply. The photosensor is at least partially disposed within the housing and within the second opening. The lighting system is configured to be activated by the photosensor and powered by the electrical power supply of the electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Kenneth Brian O'Neal
  • Patent number: 9776561
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes: a substrate having a first surface; a light source that is disposed to the first surface of the substrate; a display plate that is disposed adjacent to the first surface of the substrate; and a light block body that surrounds the light source between the substrate and the display plate. The light source includes a light source body that emits light, a light source base material that has a mount surface, the light source body being mounted to the mount surface, and a mold portion that transmits the light and covers a circumference of the light source body on the mount surface of the light source base material. The mount surface is positioned closer to the display plate than an end face of the light block body, the end face being adjacent to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideki Ito, Kazumasa Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 9776562
    Abstract: A roll-up cover assembly includes a cover assembly comprising first and second side rails and front and rear bumpers, as well as a cover, wherein a lower portion of an inner side of the first side rail is provided with a slideway, an adjustment base, an adjustment screw, an adjustment knob, a receiver; the adjustment base is fixed inside the first side rail and can not be moved; the adjustment base is provided with the adjustment knob thereon, the adjustment screw passes through the adjustment base and the adjustment knob, and an end part of the adjustment screw is snap-fixed into a groove on the receiver; the receiver is a separated-type structure, wherein both of the upper and lower portions are fixed onto the slideway, and when the adjustment knob is turned, the adjustment screw produces a displacement and drives the receiver to slide within the slideway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Rugged Liners, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Williamson, David Kosinski, Michael Yang, Xichang Yan, Jianfeng Tong, Chengping Wei
  • Patent number: 9776563
    Abstract: A vehicle computer system, comprising a wireless transceiver configured to communicate with a mobile device. The vehicle computer system further comprises a processor configured to output an alert to a driver of a vehicle indicating a location of a hazardous area when the vehicle is in a pre-defined distance from a boundary of a geo-fence of the driver defining the hazardous area, and activate a vehicle function addressing the hazardous area based upon the vehicle entering a boundary of the geo-fence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tuan Anh Be, Nicholas Colella, Allen R. Murray
  • Patent number: 9776564
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle periphery monitoring device. An object identification unit comprises: a first identifier requiring a relatively low computation volume for an object identification process; and a second identifier requiring a relatively high computation volume for the object identification process. A region to be identified determination unit determines at least one region to be identified which is presented in the identification process by the second identifier, by carrying out a clustering process relating to location and/or scale, with respect to a plurality of region candidates which are extracted by the first identifier as wherein objects are present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keisuke Miyagawa