Patents Issued in November 2, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170313131
    Abstract: A tire is provided with an external sidewall, said external sidewall comprising at least one elastomeric composition based on: (a) an elastomeric matrix comprising at least one diene elastomer, (b) a crosslinking system, and (c) at least one polymer incompatible with the elastomeric matrix. A process for the preparation of an elastomeric composition for an external sidewall is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicants: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, Michelin Recherche ET Technique S.A.
    Inventors: JEAN-MICHEL VACHERAND, ROMAIN LIBERT, MARC GREIVELDINGER
  • Publication number: 20170313132
    Abstract: A barrier layer assembly is useful as a barrier component in articles subjected to repeated deformations. The barrier layer assembly has a support layer and a film layer. The barrier layer assembly has a bi-directionally corrugated surface. The surface may be an external or internal surface and is defined by non-sulcate furrows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Edward W. Kresge, Peter W. Manders
  • Publication number: 20170313133
    Abstract: A tyre includes a carcass structure including at least one carcass ply, a belt structure applied in a radially outer position with respect to the carcass structure, and a tread band applied in a radially outer position with respect to the belt structure. The belt structure includes two main belt layers and first and second reinforcing strips incorporating a plurality of reinforcing elements arranged substantially in the circumferential direction. The reinforcing elements include at least one high-elongation metal cord including a plurality of intertwined strands, and each strand includes a plurality of filaments. Each filament has a diameter not greater than 0.175 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Pirelli Tyre S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alessandro Ascanelli, Alexandre Bregantim, Giuseppe Cereda, Guido Luigi Daghini
  • Publication number: 20170313134
    Abstract: A tire for an aeroplane with the tread (2) comprising two shoulder ribs (6) having an axial width LS, each shoulder rib (6) comprises cavities (8) that open onto the tread surface (3), forming an opening surface (81) inscribed in a circle of diameter D. These cavities (8) are distributed circumferentially at a circumferential spacing P and along a periodic curve (9) having a period T and an amplitude A. The circumferential spacing P between two consecutive cavities (8) is at most equal to 0.2 times the period T of the periodic curve (9), the period T of the periodic curve (9) is at most equal to the circumferential length LC of the contact patch (31), and the amplitude A of the periodic curve (9) is at most equal to 0.5 times the axial width LS of the shoulder rib (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Olivier FRANCOIS, Antoine CANZI
  • Publication number: 20170313135
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a narrow groove disposed on a vehicle outer side of a tire equator in the tread portion extending in the tire circumferential direction, wherein the narrow groove has a groove width of from 1 mm to 6 mm; and a plurality of lug grooves disposed in the tread portion that intersect with the narrow groove and include terminating ends on opposite sides, wherein the plurality of lug grooves are each curved toward one side in the tire circumferential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Akihiro Ichimura
  • Publication number: 20170313136
    Abstract: A pneumatic vehicle type for passenger vehicles or vans having at least one wide circumferential groove (1, 1?, 1?, 1??), which runs in the circumferential direction and is bounded on the tread periphery by two edge borders (1a, 1?a, 1?a, 1??a) which run parallel to one another and linearly, and has a groove base (13, 13?, 13?) as well as two groove edges (9, 10, 9?, 10?, 9?, 10?), wherein elements (11, 12, 11?12?, 11?, 12?) which project on the groove edges (9, 10, 9?, 10?, 9?, 10?) are formed alternately in the circumferential direction on one or other of the groove edges (9, 10, 9?, 10?, 9?, 10?), wherein each projecting element (11, 12, 11?, 12?, 11?, 12?) has a groove edge section (9a, 10a, 9?a, 10?a, 9?a, 10?a) lying opposite on the opposite groove edge (9, 10, 9?, 10?, 9?, 10?), which groove edge section (9a, 10a, 9?a, 10?a, 9?a, 10?a) runs least essentially in the radial direction starting at the edge border (1a, 1?a, 1?a, 1??a) as far as the groove base (13, 13?, 13?), wherein the groove base (13, 13
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Björn-Birk Gläser, Charles Henry Boston, Andreas Domscheit, Oliver Schürmann, Ulrich Behr
  • Publication number: 20170313137
    Abstract: The present technology provides a stud pin. When a lower flange of the stud pin is viewed in an extending direction of a trunk portion, an edge defining a peripheral shape of the lower flange has a first side of a shape protruding roundly toward an outer side of the lower flange, protruding in a first direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the trunk portion, and a second side provided on an opposite side to the first side with respect to a tip disposal position where the tip is provided. The second side extends in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and the extending direction, and is provided with a recess that is recessed toward an inner side of the lower flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Kenichi Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20170313138
    Abstract: A stud pin includes a tip including a tip end surface configured to come into contact with a road surface and a trunk portion that supports the tip and extends in one direction. The trunk portion includes an upper flange disposed at a first end of the trunk portion, the tip being fixed to the upper flange, and a lower flange disposed at a position to a side opposite the upper flange of the trunk portion. An upper end surface of the upper flange from which the tip protrudes includes a recessed surface, the recessed surface including a smooth inclined surface recessing in a curved manner or a linear manner toward the lower flange with advancement toward a protruding base portion of the tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Kenichi Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20170313139
    Abstract: A vibration absorbed tire is provided which has a laminated structure that contains dilantant layer causing reaction rate differences in the cross-sectional direction and thus functions without impairing the motion characteristics of the tire even with only a single or a few very thin layers, whereby the tire is easy to manufacture and has reduced cost. The tire has the laminated structure, which includes the dilantant layer which is a layer where particles and a bonding material thereof are arranged to act as dilantant, and in which the particles are arranged so that the distribution density of the particles decreases toward the upper and the lower surface from the central part of the layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: ACOUSTIC INNOVATIONS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sanford Elliot HAWKINS, Ippei SOMA
  • Publication number: 20170313140
    Abstract: The invention relates to an antenna for a receiver or transmitter in a motor vehicle, comprising an electrically conductive loop, which surrounds an area for the passage of electromagnetic waves, which interact with an electric current flow through the loop. The loop has a connection side, via which an electric current can be introduced into the loop or drawn from the loop inductively or by means at least one electrical connection. The antenna according to the invention is characterized in that the area surrounded by the loop is twisted over a twist axis that is perpendicular to or at an angle to the connection side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Christian Markert
  • Publication number: 20170313141
    Abstract: A tractor trailer coupling assist system includes a back-up sensor mountable to one of a rear surface of the tractor and a forward surface of the trailer. The back-up sensor is configured and disposed to determine a position of the tractor relative to the trailer. A driver feedback system is mountable to one of the tractor and the trailer. The driver feedback system is configured and disposed to provide visual feedback corresponding to the position to the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: James Casasanta
  • Publication number: 20170313142
    Abstract: A towing vehicle includes a vehicle body, a coupling device provided in a rear portion of the vehicle body, and an inching control switch located at a position in the rear portion of the vehicle body shifted from a center of the rear portion of the vehicle body in a vehicle width direction. The vehicle body has a mount surface provided adjacent to a rear corner thereof. The mount surface is exposed to the outside and the inching control switch projects from the mount surface to the outside of the vehicle. The mount surface extends at an angle with respect to the vehicle width direction. A part of the mount surface that is closest to the center of the rear portion in the vehicle width direction is located rearward of the other part of the mount surface that is most distant from the center of the rear portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Fumihiro FUKATSU, Tsuyoshi EHAMA
  • Publication number: 20170313143
    Abstract: A trailer hitch includes a cross-vehicle beam and a receiver welded to the cross-vehicle beam. The cross-vehicle beam extends from a first end to a second end. The cross-vehicle beam includes a middle section, a first round section, and a second round section. The middle section includes a flat. The first round section is integral with the middle section and extends from the middle section to the first end. The second round section is integral with the middle section and extends from the middle section to the second end. The receiver is welded directly to the flat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Michael McGuckin, Sampath Rengarajan
  • Publication number: 20170313144
    Abstract: A receiver pin lock for insertion into first and second sized opposed engaging apertures of first and second hitch receivers is shown and described. The receiver pin lock may include a stem, a first stepped portion extend from the stem, and a lock member selectively engageable with the stem, the lock member preventing removal of stem from either of the first and second hitch receivers. The receiver pin lock may also include a second stepped portion positioned on the lock member and extending from the stem, where the stem is configured to operatively engage the first sized engaging apertures of the first hitch receiver and the first and second stepped portions are configured to operatively engage the second sized engaging apertures of the second hitch receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Kawa-She-Quoen Okerlund
  • Publication number: 20170313145
    Abstract: A secure trailer coupler includes an adjustable plate that can be locked in a number of positions to thereby secure the trailer coupler when a trailer is disconnected from or connected to a vehicle. The adjustable plate can be integrated into the base of the trailer coupler such that no pry points are provided. The trailer coupler also includes a locking mechanism that is integrated inside the trailer coupler where it is inaccessible to any would-be thieves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Ryan D McDougal
  • Publication number: 20170313146
    Abstract: An assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a towing hook orifice covering plate (10) and a skin (20), wherein the towing hook orifice covering plate comprises a covering plate modeling surface (10a) facing the outside of a bumper and a covering plate structural surface (10b) facing the inside of the bumper. The covering plate structural surface has oppositely arranged rotary lugs (13a, 13b) that are perpendicular to the covering plate structural surface and extend therefrom, and the rotary lugs have arc surfaces (131a, 131b) away from the covering plate structural surface. The skin (2) has grooves (21a, 21 b) for accommodating the rotary lugs, and the grooves comprise first arc sections (211a, 211b), linear sections (212a, 212b) and second arc sections (213a, 213b), wherein the linear sections are located between the first arc sections and the second arc sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicants: COMPAGNIE PLASTIC OMNIUM, YANFENG PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTOMOTIVE EXTERIOR SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fang GU, Zhongyu MA
  • Publication number: 20170313147
    Abstract: An amphibious vehicle includes: an engine; at least one land traveling device; at least one water propelling device; a power distribution device configured to distribute power outputted from the engine between land travel power to be supplied to the at least one land traveling device and water propulsion power to be supplied to the at least one water propelling device; a slippage-amount detection device configured to detect a slippage amount of the at least one land traveling device relative to ground; and a controller configured to adjust at least the land travel power, of the land travel power and the water propulsion power, on the basis of the slippage amount detected by the slippage-amount detection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Ryo NAKAJIMA, Takashi MATSUNAGA, Katsumi TAKAGI, Keisuke YAMAMOTO, Masatsugu MONDE
  • Publication number: 20170313148
    Abstract: A pressure system of a suspension device for an amphibious vehicle includes: a pump configured to discharge a working fluid; a first control valve disposed in a first flow path extending between the pump and a first hydraulic chamber, the first control valve being configured to control supply of the working fluid from the pump to the first hydraulic chamber; a pilot check valve disposed in a portion of the first flow path which extends between the first hydraulic chamber and the first control valve, the pilot check valve being configured to open and close the first flow path in accordance with a pilot pressure; and a second control valve disposed in a pilot flow path extending between the pump and the pilot check valve, the second control valve being configured to control supply of the pilot pressure to the pilot check valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Koji IWASAKI
  • Publication number: 20170313149
    Abstract: A leaf spring device includes a main leaf made of a steel plate including an elastic section configured to generate elastic force when bent; and an eye section formed in an end portion of the elastic section, the elastic section and the eye section being tempered. There is also provided a method for manufacturing the leaf spring device. The eye section is formed by rolling the end of the elastic section into a circular form. The eye section is tempered at a higher temperature than the elastic section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Hidenori CHIHARA, Hiroto TSUJI, Shinichiro KUWATSUKA
  • Publication number: 20170313150
    Abstract: A vehicle leaf spring shackle includes pair of longitudinal plate members opposed to each other, pair of devices for connecting the pair of longitudinal plate members to each other at their opposite end portions with respective predetermined spacing distances, and between pair of longitudinal plate members, one pair of devices is coupled to a member of a vehicle body while other pair of devices is coupled to one end portion of a leaf spring device provided to suspend the vehicle body. At least one end portion of the pair of longitudinal plate members on the leaf spring device side including a thick-walled portion formed with thickness larger than other portions of the pair of longitudinal plate members, the thick-walled portion is formed by press-forming operation to press at least one end portions of the longitudinal plate members on the leaf spring device side, in direction of the end portion plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicants: HOSEI BRAKE INDUSTRY CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinji KATO, Tomonori ISHIGAKI, Mamoru SAITO
  • Publication number: 20170313151
    Abstract: A device for damping vibrations may comprise a hollow damper tube, a piston rod with a piston fastened thereto, at least one spring plate, and at least one securing element. The piston may be disposed within the damper tube, and the spring plate may be disposed outside the damper tube. To achieve a reliable connection between the spring plate and the damper tube in a cost-effective manner, the spring plate may be connected to the damper tube in both a force-fitting manner and a form-fitting manner. The present disclosure further concerns motor vehicles that employ such devices, as well as methods for fastening spring plates to damper tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicants: ThyssenKrupp Bilstein GmbH, ThyssenKrupp AG
    Inventors: Thilo REIMANN, Michael HONIG
  • Publication number: 20170313152
    Abstract: An apparatus for actively controlling stability of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a strut tower brace bar that is disposed in a lateral direction of a vehicle body and opposite ends of the strut tower brace bar are individually connected to upper portions of left and right shock absorbers. Additionally, an actuator is disposed at a predetermined position in a longitudinal direction of the strut tower brace bar. When torsional deformation of the strut tower brace bar occurs due to rolling of the vehicle body, the actuator is configured to restore the strut tower brace bar by receiving gas from the left and right shock absorbers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Tae Han Kang
  • Publication number: 20170313153
    Abstract: A suspension device includes: a damper that has an extension-side chamber and a contraction-side chamber; an extension-side passage connected to the extension-side chamber; a contraction-side passage connected to the contraction-side chamber; a switching device that connects one of the extension-side passage and the contraction-side passage to the supply passage and connecting the other of the extension-side passage and the contraction-side passage to the discharge passage selectively; an extension-side damping element provided in the extension-side passage; a contraction-side damping element provided in the contraction-side passage; a control valve capable of adjusting a pressure in the supply passage; an intake check valve provided midway in the intake passage; and a supply-side check valve provided in the supply passage between the control valve and the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: KYB Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuya MASAMURA
  • Publication number: 20170313154
    Abstract: A link arm member of the present invention is used in a vehicle for connecting a suspension and a stabilizer, and includes: a support bar that is sealed by plastically deforming a hollow metal pipe at both ends thereof; and a housing part made of resin that is arranged at each end of the support bar and has a receiving hole for receiving a ball part of a ball stud to which the suspension or the stabilizer is fixed, wherein the housing part is formed by insert molding with the support bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Shigeru Kuroda
  • Publication number: 20170313155
    Abstract: An HVAC module for a vehicle includes a cooling unit to cool air that passes through the cooling unit and a heating unit to warm air that passes through the heating unit. The HVAC module has a housing having a plurality of airflow paths to guide the air that passes through the cooling unit or the heating unit. An upper discharge outlet temperature is indeterminate based on a temperature detected by a single temperature sensor in one of the plurality of airflow paths and a blend setting. The HVAC module includes a temperature sensor to determine a reference temperature of the air at a sensor location. The reference temperature is offset from a floor outlet temperature by a floor offset function of the blend setting. The reference temperature is offset from the upper discharge outlet temperature by an upper offset function of the blend setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph J. Spryshak, German Bosherz, Joe Thompson, Steven B. Marshall, Andrew Eggebroten, Darshan Parikh
  • Publication number: 20170313156
    Abstract: An HVAC module for a vehicle includes a housing having a plurality of airflow paths to guide the air that passes through a cooling unit or a heating unit. An upper discharge outlet temperature is indeterminate based on a temperature of a single temperature sensor in one of the plurality of airflow paths and a blend setting. The HVAC module includes a temperature sensor to determine a reference temperature of the air at a sensor location. The reference temperature is offset from a floor outlet temperature by a floor offset function of the blend setting. The reference temperature is offset from the upper discharge outlet temperature by an upper offset function of the blend setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph J. Spryshak, German Bosherz, Joe Thompson, Steven B. Marshall, Andrew Eggebroten, Darshan Parikh
  • Publication number: 20170313157
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for efficiently replacing the coolant in a vehicle engine and for checking the integrity of the coolant system to identify leaks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Thong DAO
  • Publication number: 20170313158
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided for a traction battery of an electrified motor vehicle. That cooling system includes a cooling circuit, a refrigerant circuit, a plurality of flow control valves and a control system. That control system includes a controller configured to (a) control operation of the plurality of flow control valves and (b) prioritize cabin cooling over traction battery cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Angel Fernando Porras, Timothy Noah Blatchley, Mark G. Smith, Brett Allen Dunn
  • Publication number: 20170313159
    Abstract: The present invention aims to suppress a coolant from bypassing a non-cooling unit without lowering the productivity. The power converter according to the present invention includes: a power semiconductor module; and a flow path forming body having a flow path in which the power semiconductor module is disposed and an opening which is connected with the flow path, wherein the power semiconductor module includes a first fin formed on one surface and a second fin formed on another surface which faces the one surface so as to sandwich the semiconductor element, the flow path forming body has a first coolant control unit and a second coolant control unit which are arranged so as to sandwich the first fin, the first coolant control unit and the second coolant control unit are formed to be overlapped with a region of the power semiconductor module where the first fin is not formed, and a first flow path is formed along the first coolant control unit and the second coolant control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuke TAKAGI, Takahiro SHIMURA, Takashi KUBOKI, Akira MATSUSHITA
  • Publication number: 20170313160
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating device (10), in particular to an electric heating device for a motor vehicle, having a heat exchanger housing (12), heat exchanger core (14) which absorbs heat at a heat input face, and a printed circuit board (20) having electronic components (16, 18) for controlling the heating device (10), wherein the printed circuit board (20) is arranged on an outer side (22) of the heat exchanger housing (12), wherein a temperature sensor (24) is arranged on a side (26) of the printed circuit board (20) which faces the outer side (22) of the heat exchanger housing (12), wherein connecting means (28) are provided which connect the temperature sensor (24) in a heat conducting fashion to the outer side (22) of the heat exchanger housing (12), and wherein the heat input face of the heat exchanger core (14) is connected in a heat-conducting fashion to the heat exchanger housing (12), with the result that a continuous short heat bridge, running through the interior of the heat exchan
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Webasto SE
    Inventors: Daniel Eckert, Hans Rechberger, Stephan Buckl
  • Publication number: 20170313161
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heating, ventilation and/or air-conditioning device (1) for a motor vehicle, characterised in that it comprises at least one first air circulation channel (3), at least one second air circulation channel (4), and means (5, 6) for generating an air stream in the first air circulation channel (3) and/or in the second air circulation cannel (4), the device (1) also comprising means for the inflow of a cleaning product (13, 16) ending in the first air circulation channel (3) and/or in the second air circulation channel (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventors: Julien Brault, Stéphane Pernet
  • Publication number: 20170313162
    Abstract: A colorable sunshade system for an automobile includes a thin panel having a periphery shaped to fit within one of an automobile's windows or windshield. The panel has an outer surface for disposition outwardly against an inside surface of glass of the window or windshield, and an inner surface visible to occupants of the automobile when the outer surface is so disposed. One of the inner or outer surfaces is comprised of a white background with an image printed thereon, the image comprising one or more dark outlines surrounding white interiors for being filled with color. The system may also include means for temporarily affixing the panels into the windows or windshield, and means for filling the white interiors with color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Remington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnny Lamar Brown
  • Publication number: 20170313163
    Abstract: A sun visor retention system includes a vehicle that has at least one sun visor. The at least one sun visor has a support bar and a panel that is rotatably coupled to the support bar. A retainer is removably coupled to the at least one sun visor. The retainer selectively frictionally engages the support bar. The retainer engages the panel such that the retainer retains the panel at a selected angle of rotation about the support bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Watts, Eric Penn
  • Publication number: 20170313164
    Abstract: A rotation system for a vehicle sun visor that includes a rod coupled to the vehicle sun visor, wherein the rod is configured to couple to a vehicle to support the vehicle sun visor within an interior of the vehicle, and the rod is configured to facilitate rotation of the vehicle sun visor about the rod. The rotation system also includes a contact element non-rotatably coupled to the rod. The rotation system further includes a biasing element configured to urge a contact surface against the contact element to control rotation of the vehicle sun visor about the rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Phillip Allen Lehman, Todd Zandbergen, Stacy Grant Frye, Brent Donald Rockafellow
  • Publication number: 20170313165
    Abstract: A door assembly for a motor vehicle comprised of an outer door panel and an inner door panel interconnected to define a door panel structure having an internal door cavity. A collapsible carrier module is configured to be oriented in a collapsed arrangement to facilitate installation into the door cavity through an opening in the inner door panel. The collapsible carrier module can be moved from its collapsed arrangement into an expanded arrangement upon installation within the door cavity to facilitate subsequent mounting to the door panel structure. The collapsible carrier module includes a barrier configured to close off the opening in the inner panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Raymond Edward Fortin, Eric V. Kalliomaki, Amandeep Karla
  • Publication number: 20170313166
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle side portion structure including: front and rear side doors provided at a side portion of a vehicle that does not have a center pillar; a lock member provided at at least one side door among the front and rear side doors, the lock member being disposed at a vehicle vertical direction lower portion of the one side door on another side door side thereof and, when the one side door is closed, engaging with the other side door or the vehicle body to thereby lock the one side door; and a reinforcement member provided inside the one side door at the vehicle vertical direction lower portion thereof, with at least part of the reinforcement member being disposed on an upper side of the lock member so that the lock member is surrounded by the reinforcement member and a peripheral edge portion of the one side door as seen in a vehicle side view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuki SUGIE, Masanobu OHMI, Kosuke SAKAKIBARA
  • Publication number: 20170313167
    Abstract: A tailgate for a vehicle includes an outer skin and a grip recessed into the outer skin, which open towards the bottom when the tailgate in a closed position. A wall of the recessed grip is formed at least in part by a cover of an extendable mounting for a camera. The camera is positionable between a retracted position in which the cover conceals the camera and an extended position in which the camera provides a field of view behind the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael FUCHS, Friedrich HEIN
  • Publication number: 20170313168
    Abstract: The invention relates to a frame, comprising, on each of its two sides relative to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the roof, a respective longitudinal beam made of sheet metal and at least one transverse beam made of sheet metal and connecting the two longitudinal beams to each other. The longitudinal beams and the at least one transverse beam are connected to each other via joint lines made of polyurethane foam. Moreover, a method for producing the frame is proposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Dominik HOELZEL
  • Publication number: 20170313169
    Abstract: A locking device for a covering member to provide sealing in storage, cargo, and other personal applications is disclosed. The locking device comprises a pipe member having predetermined length is configured to have a transverse opening. The covering member is slidably attached to a bead insert positioned inside the pipe member via the transverse opening, wherein the covering member is configured to securely wrap the contents of a storage space. The locking device is configured to enable a climate controlled environment for the wrapped contents of the storage space. A locking assembly and method of using the same is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Marc K. Poehner
  • Publication number: 20170313170
    Abstract: A battery mounting structure having an enhanced rigidity against an impact load applied from the side is provided. Battery modules are juxtaposed to form arrays of the battery pack in a battery pack and the battery pack is disposed between the frame members. A load transmission member is disposed in a clearance between the battery modules adjacent to each other in a width direction of the vehicle. The load transmission member is crushed in the width direction by an impact load applied from the side of the vehicle to absorb collision energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Yasuhiro HARA, Seigo FUJISHIMA, Masayoshi ISHIKAWA, Masayuki KITAURA
  • Publication number: 20170313171
    Abstract: A semi-active engine mount for a vehicle is provided to improve the NVH performance and ride quality. An engine mount for a vehicle includes a rubber module with a rubber having a core therein, and a case that surrounds an exterior circumference of the rubber and a fluid module with a module case coupled to the rubber module to define an upper and lower chamber and having straight and a bypass flow paths, a closure configured to open or close the straight flow path, and a diaphragm installed on the module case to close the lower chamber. A coil module has a coil embedded in the fluid module and configured to open and close the closure when a power source is turned on or off. In particular, a high loss factor when the vehicle travels is reduced, and decreasing dynamic characteristics when the vehicle idles is decreased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Hyoung Jin Yoon
  • Publication number: 20170313172
    Abstract: A gearing device for a motor vehicle, which is equipped with an input shaft that can be operationally connected to a drive unit, as well as a first output shaft and a second output shaft, wherein the first output shaft is connected or can be connected via a first gear with a first partial shaft of a wheel axle and the second output shaft is operationally connected or can be operationally connected via a second gear with a second partial shaft of the wheel axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Christian MEIXNER
  • Publication number: 20170313173
    Abstract: Drive systems or powertrains including transmissions for electric and hybrid electric vehicles are provided. In some embodiments, dynamic, 2-position linear motor, one-way clutches are provided. In other embodiments, 3-position linear motor, 2-way clutches are provided. In a fixed speed ratio operating mode of an electric vehicle powertrain, torque values for two electric motors are determined by control logic to optimize overall efficiency of the motors. In a fixed torque ratio operating mode of the powertrain, speed values for the two motors are determined to optimize overall efficiency. A hybrid electric powertrain of at least one embodiment uses the optimized electric vehicle powertrain, an engine and the one-way and 2-way clutches to obtain a highly optimized hybrid powertrain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Philip B. Woodley
  • Publication number: 20170313174
    Abstract: A powertrain (12) for a vehicle (10) is disclosed. The power-train (12) comprises: a combustion engine (24), (ii) a drivetrain (14) having a torque converter (32) with a first state of operation in which the input (34) of the torque converter (32) is locked to the output (36) of the torque converter (32) and a second sate of operation in which the input (34) of the torque converter (32) is not locked to the output (36) of the torque converter (32) for allowing slippage. The drivetrain also has a final drive (44) for supplying torque to the drive wheel (16) from the torque converter (32), wherein the final drive (44) is coupled to the torque converter (32) at a fixed gear ratio. The powertrain (12) further comprises: (iii) a first electric motor (28) configured to supply torque to the drivetrain (14) on the output-side of the torque converter (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Christian von KOENIGSEGG
  • Publication number: 20170313175
    Abstract: Fluid containers to evacuate spilled fluid from the interior of an enclosure of the fluid container are disclosed. An example system includes an enclosure and a fluid container within the enclosure. The fluid container includes a fluid capture area at a top of the fluid container and a channel at a side of the fluid container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Nathan Joe Jochman
  • Publication number: 20170313176
    Abstract: A motor vehicle operating fluid container is made of thermoplastic. The container is composed of two shells forming a substantially closed hollow body. A first shell forms an upper base of the container, and a second shell forms a lower base of the container. The container includes at least one line which is designed as an integral part of a container wall over at least one sub-length, where the line is designed as a channel which runs in the container wall over said sub-length. The channel has an open trough-shaped profiled cross-section which forms a part of the line cross-section, and the channel is closed by at least one cover which complements the trough-shaped profiled cross-section so as to form a closed cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: KAUTEX TEXTRON GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Markus SCHULLER
  • Publication number: 20170313177
    Abstract: A misfuelling prevention device for preventing inappropriate fuel from being added to a vehicle utilizes a diameter difference between a gasoline gun and a diesel gun in order to prevent misfuelling. The misfuelling preventing device is constructed such that when the diesel gun having a relatively larger diameter is inserted, a locking button is not pressed while a flapper is opened, whereas when the gasoline gun having a relatively smaller diameter is inserted, the locking button is pressed while the flapper is not opened. As a result, misfuelling of the vehicle with inappropriate fuel is fundamentally prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Ji Hoon Woo, Bu Yeol Ryu
  • Publication number: 20170313178
    Abstract: A closing device for a filler port comprises an inlet box configured to form the filler port; a lid configured to rotate about a first rotating shaft that is fixed to the inlet box, such as to open and close a surface of the inlet box; and a fuel passage-forming portion configured to form a fuel passage. The lid includes a plate-like lid main body portion configured to rotate about the first rotating shaft, and an open-close mechanism provided on an inner side of the lid main body portion as a separate body from the lid main body portion and configured to be rotatable about the first rotating shaft such as to open and close an opening. When the lid is opened from a closed position, the lid main body portion and the open-close mechanism are opened integrally. This configuration suppresses dirt or the like adhering to a surface of the open-close mechanism for the filler port from entering a fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Hiroyuki HAGANO
  • Publication number: 20170313179
    Abstract: A fuel system for a vehicle is provided. The fuel system is configured to couple to a frame rail of the vehicle. A fuel system frame assembly of the fuel system is configured to couple with the frame rail directly or with another component that is coupled, directly or indirectly, with the frame rail. A cowling of the fuel system can include a fuel pressure vessel. The fuel pressure vessel configured to be placed within and supported by the fuel system frame assembly. The fuel system is configured to enhance component arrangement efficiency when mounted to a vehicle frame rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Todd F. Sloan, Chris Forsberg
  • Publication number: 20170313180
    Abstract: A drive assembly has a drive housing with a gear set and a wheel mount configured to rotate about a rotation axis on a wheel bearing assembly. A clutch component is mounted to a clutch hub and disposed between an input shaft and the gear set to selectively cause rotation of the wheel mount. A clutch actuation assembly moves the clutch component into energized and de-energized states with respect to the input shaft. The clutch actuation assembly has a spring to position the clutch component in one of the energized and de-energized states and a piston to position the clutch component in the other of the energized and de-energized states. The clutch actuation assembly has a reaction plate that is acted upon in a first axial direction by the spring and is acted upon by the piston in a second axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Steven R. Fliearman, Randall L. Long