Patents Issued in October 3, 2017
  • Patent number: 9776565
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for recognizing a lane-changing vehicle through recognition of an adjacent lane, the apparatus including: an image acquisition unit configured to photograph front and surrounding images of an ego-vehicle; a travel lane recognition unit configured to recognize a travel lane of the ego-vehicle; an adjacent lane recognition unit configured to recognize an adjacent lane; a vehicle information database configured to classify and store vehicle data and non-vehicle data; a vehicle recognition unit configured to extract a lane candidate group by recognizing a vertical edge and a horizontal edge, to train vehicle data and non-vehicle data, and then to recognize whether the extracted lane candidate group corresponds to a vehicle or a non-vehicle; and a control unit configured to warn a collision danger when a counterpart vehicle approaches a lane to which the ego-vehicle is to make a change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yun Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 9776566
    Abstract: A plurality of images captured by a plurality of cameras respectively to create a plurality of upper viewpoint images. Display images are extracted from the upper viewpoint images, and the extracted display images are synthesized to create an overhead image or bird's eye view image of surroundings, which has an image corresponding to an operating machine at a center of the bird's eye view image. When extracting each of the display images, a region of the display image extracted from the upper viewpoint image is expanded beyond the size of a standard extraction region on the basis of the set height of a mating face. Each of the extracted display images is adjusted to the size of the standard extraction region, and synthesized. Thus, any three-dimensional object (obstacle) present near the boundary between display images constituting the bird's eye view image is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hidefumi Ishimoto, Yoichi Kowatari, Yoshihiro Inanobe
  • Patent number: 9776567
    Abstract: A display control device includes an obtainer and a controller. The obtainer obtains a detection accuracy of an object that exists in surroundings of a movable body. When the obtainer obtains a first detection accuracy, the controller controls an image generator so as to generate a first predetermined image that shows a first graphic having a predetermined shape and divided into n regions (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2). When the obtainer obtains a second detection accuracy that is lower than the first detection accuracy, the controller controls the image generator so as to generate a second predetermined image that shows a second graphic having a predetermined shape and undivided or divided into m regions (m is an integer that is greater than or equal to 1 and that is smaller than n).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Mochizuki, Koichi Emura
  • Patent number: 9776568
    Abstract: There is disclosed a viewing system coupled to a motor vehicle having a frame having a roof, at least one support, and a body with the at least one support supporting the roof over the body. The system can comprise at least one camera, at least one screen coupled to the support. In addition each camera is coupled to the at least one support and wherein said at least one screen is in communication with the first set of cameras, wherein said at least one screen displays images presented by the first set of cameras. This device can provide additional view in the blind spot of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Serge B. Hoyda
  • Patent number: 9776569
    Abstract: A mirror reflective element assembly for an exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a reflective element and a heater pad. The heater pad includes a heater pad substrate having a plurality of electrically conductive traces established thereat. The heater pad substrate is disposed at a rear surface of the reflective element. The electrically conductive traces may include (i) a heating trace that, (ii) first and second electro-optic control traces and/or (iii) accessory control traces. The electrically conductive traces terminate at a connector region of the heater pad substrate. An electrical connector is established at the connector region and has terminals electrically conductively connected at respective terminals of the electrically conductive traces. The electrical connector is formed as part of a back plate of the mirror reflective element assembly and is configured to electrically connect to a single wiring harness of the exterior rearview mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Craig Kendall
  • Patent number: 9776570
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a work vehicle with which convenience during boarding/alighting can be improved. Accordingly, provided is a tractor, i.e. a work vehicle, having a step used for boarding/alighting provided in front of a rear wheel thereof. The step is configured from: a receiving part which engages with a foot of an operator; a front support part for supporting a front of the receiving part; and a rear support part for supporting a rear of the receiving part. One end of the front support part is coupled to a cabin frame. Another end of the front support part is coupled to a tractor side end surface of the receiving part. One end of the rear support part is coupled to a front-side end part of a fender of the rear wheel. Another end of the rear support part is coupled to a rear-side end surface of the receiving part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: YANMAR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinya Kawashiri, Kiyoyuki Okuyama
  • Patent number: 9776571
    Abstract: A vehicle retractable step assembly includes a support member, a support arm, a step member and a restricting assembly. The support member is configured to attach to a vehicle body structure. The support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end is supported to the support member for pivoting movement with respect to the support member. The step member is attached to the second end of the support arm for pivotal movement relative to the second end of the support arm between a retracted orientation where the step member is located adjacent to the support member and an extended orientation where the step member is spaced apart from the support member. The restricting assembly is releasably attached to the support member and positioned to prevent pivoting movement of the support arm relative to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugo Fortin, Asaad Agis, Ruben Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9776572
    Abstract: A console device provided lateral to a vehicle seat on a vehicle floor, the console device includes a console box provided with a container portion having an open top and a lid provided on the console box to open and close the container portion. A clearance allowing conditioned air to flow out toward a person sitting on the seat is provided between an upper end of a lateral surface of the console box and a lateral end of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi Mizobata, Yasuhiro Kato, Fumitoshi Akaike
  • Patent number: 9776573
    Abstract: A storage assembly is usable with a vehicle seat assembly having a seat frame and a seat bottom. The storage assembly includes an upper ring configured for attachment to the seat frame. The upper ring facilitates travel through the opening of the seat frame, and defines a hollow interior with open upper and lower ends. A lower receptacle having an upper opening is configured for attachment to the upper ring, such that the upper opening is contiguous with the hollow interior of the upper ring. The lower receptacle includes an interior storage space that is defined by sides and a bottom, the lower receptacle being larger in size than the upper ring such that the lower receptacle is impeded from travel through the opening of the seat frame. The lower receptacle is configured to be insertable into the open space of the vehicle upon removal of the vehicle body panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Matthew J. Wiley
  • Patent number: 9776574
    Abstract: A watersport equipment carrier configured to be mounted on a vehicle includes an elongate base having an upper surface configured to receive watersport equipment and a locking portion. A securement strap having an anchor end and a free end and the anchor end is coupled to the base at an anchoring point. A locking mechanism is coupled to the locking portion of the base and configured to secure the free end of the strap to the base such that the free end of the strap passes through the locking mechanism in a locked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Kevin Bogoslofski, James Stevens, Greg Weaver, John Laverack
  • Patent number: 9776575
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier includes a main shaft having a spacer, two upper stands mounted on the main shaft and abutting the spacer, two carrying racks mounted on the main shaft and respectively abutting the upper stands, two lower stands mounted on the main shaft and respectively abutting the carrying racks, and two end caps mounted on the main shaft and respectively abutting the lower stands. The spacer has two ends each provided with a first ratchet ring. Each of the upper stands has a first mounting ring which has two ends each provided with a second ratchet ring. Each of the carrying racks has a second mounting ring which has two ends each provided with a third ratchet ring. Each of the lower stands has a third mounting ring which has two ends each provided with a fourth ratchet ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Yao-Huang Liu
  • Patent number: 9776576
    Abstract: A system and kit with curved upright arms that can be configured into different configurations for supporting a chair or a hammock, where the support can be either from a vehicle hitch or a porch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventors: Scott D. McDermott, Robert D. McDermott
  • Patent number: 9776577
    Abstract: A modular device mounting platform apparatus having interchangeable jaw members for accommodating different devices. The device mounting platform apparatus includes a frame member capable of being mounted, by example and without limitation, in a vehicle and having a device mounting surface facing generally upward. A telescoping clamp member is slidably interconnected to frame member along a first direction. A biasing mechanism is coupled between frame and clamp members for urging a jaw member of the clamp member along first direction away from the frame member. A plurality of different jaw members are interchangeably coupleable to the frame and clamp members in an opposing relationship across the device mounting surface of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 9776578
    Abstract: The clip includes a first engagement hook and a second engagement hook. The first engagement hook engages the body when the clip is in a normal fitting with the body. The second engagement hook prevents the clip from being disengaged from the body when the first engagement hook has been disengaged from the body. When the first engagement hook is disengaged from the body, a member is lifted away from surrounding members to such an extent as can be recognized by sight. Therefore, a state that the clip is not in the normal fitting state with the body is noticeable. Even if the clip is coupled to the body in the non-fitting state or half-fitting state, the second engagement hook prevents the clip from being disengaged from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuhito Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9776579
    Abstract: A hood air extractor includes a support defining a first passageway. A first flap is carried on the support. The first flap is displaceable between a first position closing the first passageway to water passage in a first direction and a second position opening the first passageway to air passage in a second direction. A hood assembly incorporating one or more hood air extractors is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Delaney, Joseph Ovalles Quinones, Thomas Joseph Ciccone, Joshua Walters, Andrew Thomas Cunningham, Peter Thai
  • Patent number: 9776580
    Abstract: A wire harness is provided with an electrically conductive path, a tubular sheath member which accommodates the electrically conductive path in an inner part, and a sheet member positioned between at least a part of a circumferential direction of the electrically conductive path and an inner peripheral surface of the sheath member. The sheet member may be wound on the electrically conductive path so as to cover an entire area in the circumferential direction. The sheet member may be intermittently arranged in an axial direction of a tube of the sheath member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Inao, Tatsuya Oga, Hideomi Adachi
  • Patent number: 9776581
    Abstract: An attachment structure between an exterior member and a posterior attaching component to be attached to the exterior member includes: the exterior member that has a tube body shape and is included in a wire harness that has one or a plurality of conductive paths, the exterior member covering the conductive path. The exterior member includes a straight tube section that has a straight shape and is an attachment target section of the posterior attaching component. Multiple protrusions are formed on an outer surface of the straight tube section and include a plurality of protrusion groups arranged in rows, each of the plurality of protrusion groups includes the protrusions arranged at predetermined pitches in a tube axial direction, and the multiple protrusions are configured to be inserted into an annular wall of the posterior attaching component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsuya Oga, Hideomi Adachi, Ryutaro Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9776582
    Abstract: A wiring structure of a door harness is wired so that the door harness is extended over a vehicle body and a door of a vehicle. A part of the door harness is passed through a first through hole in a door inner panel of the door and a second through hole in the door at a vicinity of the hinge. The door harness includes a door harness body and a grommet. The grommet includes a grommet body disposed in an opening/closing space of the door and a contained portion continuously provided to the grommet body and contained in an internal space of the door inner panel. A first engagement portion and a second engagement portion are provided at both ends of the contained portion. Both of a bending allowing portion and a restoring force generating portion are provided between the first and second engagement portions of the contained portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masayoshi Kamenoue, Hiroomi Nakata, Akihiko Kaneko, Norimasa Yabase
  • Patent number: 9776583
    Abstract: An aircraft electrical network including a first starter generator mechanically coupled to a first shaft of an aircraft main engine. The first starter generator is configured to turn the first shaft of the main engine in a starting mode, and to generate electricity from the first shaft of the gas turbine engine in a generating mode. The network further includes a DC electrical bus electrical coupled to one or more electrical loads and an AC electrical bus electrically coupled to the first starter generator. The DC electrical bus is electrically coupled to the AC electrical bus via a bi-directional AC/DC converter, which is configured to provide AC electrical power from the DC electrical bus to power the first starter generator when the first starter generator is in a starting mode, and DC electrical power to the DC electrical bus when the first starter generator is in a generating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Huw Edwards
  • Patent number: 9776584
    Abstract: A magnetic repulsion system including a front electromagnet at a front, and a rear electromagnet at a rear, of a primary vehicle. A communication module is configured to determine whether a secondary vehicle directly adjacent to the primary vehicle is equipped with a secondary magnetic repulsion system. A sensor module of the primary vehicle is configured to identify when a collision between the primary vehicle and the secondary vehicle directly adjacent to the primary vehicle is imminent. A control module of the primary vehicle is configured to activate the front or rear electromagnet of the primary vehicle that is opposite to the secondary vehicle when both the sensor module identifies that a collision between the primary vehicle and the secondary vehicle directly adjacent to the primary vehicle is imminent, and the communication module receives notification that the secondary vehicle is equipped with the secondary magnetic repulsion system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Denso International America, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Sute
  • Patent number: 9776585
    Abstract: A bracket stiffening assembly for a vehicle grille includes a body member configured to be mounted to a central portion of the vehicle grille and first and second mounting members configured to be mounted to a perimeter portion of the vehicle grille. A first stiffening arm extends in a first direction between the first mounting member and the body member. A second stiffening arm extends in a second direction between the second mounting member and the body member. A third stiffening arm extends in the first direction between the first mounting member and the body member. The third stiffening arm is vertically spaced from the first stiffening arm. A fourth stiffening arm extends in the second direction between the second mounting member and the body member. The fourth stiffening arm is vertically spaced from the second stiffening arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Chiray Wey, Alfredo Dimichele, Christopher Prisby
  • Patent number: 9776586
    Abstract: An attachment bracket for attaching electrical components is provided in a vehicle. The attachment bracket can have a deformable tab configured to be operatively connected to vehicle structure, such as a floor panel. The deformable tab can include an attachment portion and a connector portion. The attachment portion can have one or more attachment features, such as an aperture, to operatively connect the deformable tab to the vehicle structure. The connector can include different shapes, sizes, and/or configurations to control and/or influence the deformation of the deformable tab under an application of force. The attachment bracket can be used to operatively connect an electrical component to a vehicle structure. For example, the attachment bracket can retain an vehicle airbag ECU to a vehicle floor panel during impacts of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerritt Benjamin Meyers, John A. Scheick, Tyler E. Schnug
  • Patent number: 9776587
    Abstract: An approach for causing a change in an action of a vehicle based on real-time information associated with vehicles is described. A vehicle safety platform may determine at least one distance between a user device and at least another user device based, at least in part, on sensor information associated with at least one of the user device and the at least another user device. The vehicle safety platform may further cause, at least in part, a change in an action of at least one of the user device and the at least another user device, wherein the change in the action is based, at least in part, on the at least one distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventor: Marko Tapio Tuukkanen
  • Patent number: 9776588
    Abstract: A control device for an object coupling device of a vehicle is configured to actuate a dampening device of the object coupling device such that an object moved by an inertial force from a fixing position along a specified target route to a target impact component of the vehicle can be delayed. The control device is additionally configured to determine a target operating mode of the dampening device from at least two executable operating modes of the dampening device having a different time difference between an exit time of the object from the fixing position and an insert time of a delay of the object to be executed by the dampening device and to control the dampening device into the target operating mode via the at least one control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Maja Wolkenstein, Gian Antonio D'Addetta, Josef Kolatschek
  • Patent number: 9776589
    Abstract: A vehicle control system and a method for prolonging or extending the availability of certain safety-related features after an ignition unit has switched off or otherwise become inactive. The method can provide some safety-related features following an unintended ignition event, such as the type that can occur when the vehicle is involved in a multiple collision accident and the force of the initial impact unintentionally jars or switches the ignition unit off. In one example, the method uses a prolongation timer to temporarily power an airbag control module so that it is capable of sensing a crash and deploying an airbag for a period of time following the ignition being switched off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Vipul A. Modi, John R. Dolan, James M. Churchwell, Christian G. Ott
  • Patent number: 9776590
    Abstract: A personal protection assembly for protection in a side impact collision includes a first pad that is resilient. The first pad is substantially complementary to a seatbelt pulley and a portion of an adjacent column of a vehicle to which the seatbelt pulley is coupled. The first pad is configured to couple to the adjacent column to cover the seatbelt pulley. The first pad is positioned to couple to the adjacent column to cover the seatbelt pulley and is configured to provide impact protection, in the event of a side impact collision, to a head of a user positioned in a seat fitted with a seatbelt coupled to the seatbelt pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Nathan Foser
  • Patent number: 9776591
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator subassembly for a vehicle safety system having a pin release actuator unit and a cradle bracket for holding the actuator unit and attaching to an airbag module. Further the invention relates to an airbag module with said actuator subassembly and a method of mounting a releasable tether on an airbag module by means of said actuator subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Sik Jeong, Chang-Hwan Ju, Bryan Thomas, Ho-Won Lee, K. S. Lee, Jae-Ik Hwang
  • Patent number: 9776592
    Abstract: A high strength dual-swaged airbag inflator vessel comprising a high strength metal material, such as low carbon steel, has a swaged terminal end defining two distinct swaged portions. A reduction of diameter within one of the swaged portions is restricted to be less than or equal to about 30% and in certain variations, less than or equal to about 16% to minimize cold work strain hardening and to reduce loss of ductility. In certain aspects, a second swaged portion within the swaged terminal end has a length of less than or equal to about 10 mm. Methods for making such a dual-swaged airbag inflator vessel are likewise provided. Such dual swage designs have improved reliability and performance in high pressure inflator applications, as well as reduced manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn Lang, Ken Clark
  • Patent number: 9776593
    Abstract: Disclosed is a curtain airbag which has at least one expandable portion formed at a front side thereof; and a tether panel which is coupled to the curtain airbag so as to be disposed on one surface of the curtain airbag, and tightened as the curtain airbag is inflated, so as to allow the at least one expandable portion to protrude toward the other surface that is directed toward the inside of an interior of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hyung Ho Je
  • Patent number: 9776594
    Abstract: Airbag cushion assemblies comprising tether release functionality. Some embodiments may comprise an airbag housing comprising an airbag housing opening configured to receive a squib. An airbag cushion may be coupled with the airbag housing and a tether comprising a tether opening may be coupled with at least a portion of the airbag cushion. A squib may be positioned to extend through the tether opening and positioned within the airbag housing opening. The squib may be configured to, upon actuation, separate to release the tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventor: Kurt L. Gammill
  • Patent number: 9776595
    Abstract: A vehicle safety belt webbing and tongue/latch plate stowage assembly includes a safety belt webbing retractor disposed in a compartment and a pocket disposed adjacent to the compartment and configured for receiving the safety belt tongue/latch plate therein. The pocket is defined by at least a divider and a door configured for translation between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The closed configuration defines a gap between the wall and the door sufficient for passage therethrough of a safety belt webbing. A damper controls the rate of translation of the door between the open configuration and the closed configuration, providing a soft touch opening/closing feature. The door may be configured for pivoting between the open and closed configurations, or for sliding between the open and closed configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Robert Taylor, Paul Tuomisto, Christopher Donald Schop, Benjamin Yilma, Travis Justin Raines
  • Patent number: 9776596
    Abstract: A seat belt for a vehicle comprises a first tongue coupled to a first webbing, the first webbing configured to cover portions of a shoulder, a chest, and an abdomen of a passenger; a first buckle coupled to the first tongue; a second tongue coupled to a second webbing, the second webbing configured to cover portions of the abdomen of the passenger; a second buckle coupled to the second tongue; and an actuator configured to upwardly pull the first tongue and the first buckle, wherein the first buckle is coupled to the second buckle; and upon a collision of the vehicle, the actuator operates to separate the first buckle from the second buckle, and the first webbing moves upward, restricting a movement of an upper body of the passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Chang Bin Jung
  • Patent number: 9776597
    Abstract: In an embodiment of a vehicle, the vehicle comprises: a vehicle network bus; one or more electronic control units coupled to the bus. One electronic control unit comprises: a processor; a memory; an interface to the vehicle network bus; and an intrusion detection program stored in the memory and executable by the processor. The processor utilizes the interface to monitor data on the vehicle network bus and utilizes the intrusion detection program to detect one or more anomalies in the monitored data. The electronic control unit generates an alert upon detection of one or more anomalies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Douglas S Moeller, Ronald W Pashby, Daniel J Obrien, John M Merritt, Stephan A Tarnutzer
  • Patent number: 9776598
    Abstract: A vehicle alarm device has a control unit, provided with a transponder presence detector, and a mobile transponder; the control unit is connected to the electric system of the vehicle and is provided with a means for the interruption of a service of the electric system when the transponder presence detector does not detect the presence of the transponder when the transponder is moved away from the control unit. The service interruption means blocks the central locking of the doors and of the hatch of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Salvatore Guarneri
  • Patent number: 9776599
    Abstract: A vehicle sediment tracking control device includes: a plurality of tread deformation stages, wherein the tread deformation stages are separated from each other by a plurality of thru slats; wherein each of the plurality of tread deformations stages comprise a base section and a pitched surface that defines a continuous cleat, the pitched surface having a peak that includes a serrated edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel G. Watkins
  • Patent number: 9776600
    Abstract: A vehicle wash component for a vehicle wash system including a base portion, a rotatable stem portion in communication with the base portion, and a backing member in communication with the rotatable stem portion, which is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The backing member is linearly moveable with respect to the base portion between a first position away from a vehicle treatment area and a second position adjacent a vehicle treatment area. A plurality of media elements are secured to the backing member and configured to engage an exterior surface of a vehicle as the stem portion rotates. The plurality of media elements are constructed of a foam material that is configured to contact an exterior surface of a vehicle. The backing member is configured to linearly reciprocate with respect to the vehicle exterior during the vehicle wash process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: WashMe Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, David L. Tognetti, Mark D. Morin
  • Patent number: 9776601
    Abstract: There is provided a loading station. An exemplary loading station comprises a storage medium for use as a source of energy for vehicles. The exemplary loading station also comprises a device that controls a loading and/or unloading process of the storage medium and for identifying the storage medium. A transponder for wireless data transmission is connected to the storage medium. The loading station further comprises a detection device for the transponder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Deutsche Post AG
    Inventor: Adrian Bercovici
  • Patent number: 9776602
    Abstract: A speed limited wheel includes a wheel main body defining a cavity, a urethane wheel outer overmolded to the cavity, a brake hub and a plurality of brake elements. The brake hub is disposed in the cavity and includes a cylindrical flange. The wheel main body is rotatable relative to the brake hub about a wheel rotational axis. The plurality of brake elements is disposed in the cavity and is circumferentially surrounded by the cylindrical flange of the brake hub. Each brake element is pivotally mounted to the wheel main body for pivoting between a first position spaced apart from a cylindrical flange of the brake hub and a second position engaging the cylindrical flange of the brake hub for generating friction to reduce a rotational speed of the wheel. The speed limited wheel may be a caster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: BG HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventor: Brad Groenwold
  • Patent number: 9776603
    Abstract: A brake system includes a brake disc, rotary movable around a disc axis, and a brake mechanism. The brake mechanism includes a brake pad, movable in a first direction, a cylinder having a piston movable in a second direction, a lever rotary movable around a lever axis, the lever being connected to the piston, a cam element, arranged to convert a rotary motion of the lever around the lever axis, into a translation motion in the first direction, and a rod, expanding between the brake pad and the cam element. The lever, the cam element and the rod are housed in a housing. Considering a plane including the disc axis and the first direction, the lever axis is inclined relative to the plane, at an angle different from 90°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Sébastien Carle, Nicolas Dessaintjean
  • Patent number: 9776604
    Abstract: An integrated brake device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a master cylinder that generates a hydraulic pressure based on the operation of a pedal, a pedal simulator that provides a pedal stepping force to the pedal based on the hydraulic pressure, a motor that is driven based on displacement of the pedal, a pump that applies a braking pressure to wheels of the vehicle based on the driving of the motor, and a gear unit that converts rotational power of the motor into a linear motion of a piston included in the pump, wherein a rotating shaft of the motor is parallel to a direction of the linear motion of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chanhui Lee, Dong Yo Ryu
  • Patent number: 9776605
    Abstract: A brake control device includes a pilot-type pressure-increasing device. A pilot unit of the pressure-increasing device is connected to a power hydraulic pressure generating device via a pilot input passage. A linear control valve that is also used for adjusting a hydraulic pressure of a wheel cylinder is provided on the pilot input passage. A brake ECU checks whether the pressure-increasing device is normally activated or not based on a hydraulic pressure outputted from the pressure-increasing device when the linear control valve is energized for an activation check. Thus, the brake ECU can perform the activation check of the pressure-increasing device without requiring a driver's operation on a brake pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuya Miyazaki, Kazunori Nimura
  • Patent number: 9776606
    Abstract: A wireless tension adjusting system of a hand parking brake includes: a nut runner fastened to an that adjusts nut adjusting tension which is present in a parking brake cable, the nut runner being configured to apply rotational force to the adjusting nut; an external force measuring jig configured to measure external force of a parking brake lever caused by the rotational force applied to the adjusting nut from the nut runner; and a controlling unit configured to transmit an operation stop signal to the nut runner based on the external force which is measured by the external force measuring jig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Tae Hyeong Kim
  • Patent number: 9776607
    Abstract: A brake system for a motor vehicle comprises a first brake set and second brake set. A first hydraulic brake circuit is connected to the first brake set and a second hydraulic brake circuit is connected to the second brake set. Further, a first control module is coupled to the first hydraulic brake circuit and the second hydraulic brake circuit. The first control module is configured to control fluid pressure within both the first hydraulic brake circuit and the second hydraulic brake circuit. A second control module is also coupled to the first hydraulic brake circuit and the second hydraulic brake circuit. The second control module is configured to control fluid pressure within both the first hydraulic brake circuit and the second hydraulic brake circuit independent of the first control module. The first control module is disposed in series with the second control module in the first and the second hydraulic brake circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Brenn, Geoffrey Burke Bauer, Jeremy J McClain
  • Patent number: 9776608
    Abstract: A regenerative braking control method. An illustrative embodiment of the method includes selecting a vehicle speed at onset of transition from regenerative braking to friction braking of a vehicle, comparing the vehicle speed to a threshold value, applying a delayed regenerative braking torque ramp out to a hybrid powertrain and sending an undelayed regenerative braking torque ramp-out signal to a vehicle brake controller without at onset of transition from regenerative braking to friction braking of the vehicle if the vehicle speed falls below the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kerem Bayar, Dale Scott Crombez, Jinkoo Lee, John Phillip McCormick
  • Patent number: 9776609
    Abstract: A pressure supply device is provided for a hydraulic braking system of a vehicle including a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber, which are delimited by at least one piston of the pressure supply device, a motor and a gear unit, with the aid of which the at least one piston is displaceable at least in a first direction with the aid of an operation of the motor, an exceeding of a predefined maximum pressure difference between a chamber pressure present in the first pressure chamber and a reservoir pressure present in the brake fluid reservoir being preventable with the aid of a reservoir isolating valve, which is connectable to a brake fluid reservoir of the braking system, hydraulically connected to the first pressure chamber via an opening of the reservoir isolating valve. Also described here is a hydraulic braking system for a vehicle. In addition, a method is provided for operating a hydraulic braking system of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Matthias Kistner
  • Patent number: 9776610
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular leakage protection device for a fluid container of a vehicle brake system. The modular leakage protection device comprises a housing which attaches the modular leakage protection device to a fluid discharge opening of the fluid container. The modular leak protection device further includes a switching element, which can be moved between an open position, in which a fluid passage in the housing is released, and a closed position, in which the fluid passage is closed. The switching element is preloaded into the closed position by means of at least one to preloading means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Lucas Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Lemke, Daniel Noll, Martin Sakalla, Lothar Zeuner
  • Patent number: 9776611
    Abstract: The application discloses a method for controlling a pneumatic brake system of a vehicle. The method includes the step of modulating a pilot-control brake pressure by means of an electropneumatic pilot-control valve in venting phases and bleeding phases. The method also includes the step of feeding in the pilot-control pressure via a pilot-control line for outputting a brake pressure to wheel brakes of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Lenz, Gerd Roters
  • Patent number: 9776612
    Abstract: A method for checking a functional state of an automatic parking brake system having a control unit and an actuator configured to generate an electromagnetic braking force includes actuating the actuator, using the control unit, at a first frequency higher than a second frequency. The second frequency is able to cause a rotation of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Oliver Leibfried
  • Patent number: 9776613
    Abstract: An abnormal detecting system for a pneumatic brake includes a pedal stroke sensor, a front chamber pressure sensor, a rear chamber pressure sensor, a storage unit pressure sensor, a parking brake switch and an abnormal detecting circuit. A pedal stroke signal, a front chamber pressure signal, a rear chamber pressure signal, an air storage unit pressure and a parking brake control signal are output. The abnormal detecting circuit receives the pedal stroke signal, the front chamber pressure signal, the rear chamber pressure signal, the air storage unit pressure signal and the parking brake control signal. The abnormal detecting circuit compares the pedal stroke signal with the front chamber pressure signal or the rear chamber pressure signal and then outputs a first abnormal signal; and the abnormal detecting circuit compares the parking brake control signal and then outputs a second abnormal signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Automotive Research & Testing Center
    Inventors: Liang-Cheng Chang, Jiun-Jie Chen, Hsien-Yu Kuo
  • Patent number: 9776614
    Abstract: A method of monitoring passenger buses includes generating host vehicle information with a navigation unit, the host vehicle information including a host vehicle location and a host vehicle heading, receiving passenger bus information with a receiver, the passenger bus information including an passenger bus status, a passenger bus location and a passenger bus heading, determining with a controller a distance between the host vehicle location and the passenger bus location, determining with the controller whether the distance between host vehicle location and the passenger bus location is decreasing, and performing a mitigation operation, when the distance between host vehicle location and the passenger bus location is decreasing, and the distance between host vehicle location and the passenger bus location is a threshold distance or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Roy Goudy, Neal Probert, Jeremy Chambers, Andy Christensen