Patents Issued in December 19, 2017
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Patent number: 9845056Abstract: The pivoting bar lock for truck bed cabinets is a device that is installed onto an existing truck, and which rotates about a direction of travel of a vehicle in order to enable access to or restrict access to truck bed cabinets of the vehicle. Truck bed cabinets are typically located on opposing exterior side surfaces of the vehicle. Moreover, the truck bed cabinets are provided on opposing exterior sides of the truck bed of a truck. The pivoting bar lock may include a frame that attaches to a rear truck bed surface as well as a front truck bed surface. Moreover, the frame extends vertically over top of the truck bed. The pivoting bar lock is further defined with a locking bar that is affixed to a first locking arm as well as a second locking arm.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Inventor: Joe Lovas
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Patent number: 9845057Abstract: An assembly for securing a bicycle to a vehicle having first and second fork prongs. The assembly includes an elongated skewer for mounting the first and second fork prongs of the bicycle thereon and has an end portion. A lever rotatably couples to the end portion of the elongated skewer and has a cam portion. A cam follower movably couples to the elongated skewer and engages the cam portion of the lever such that the cam follower moves along the elongated skewer as the lever rotates. The assembly also includes a lock assembly, separate from the lever and the cam follower, that locks the lever at a closed position and couples to the end portion of the elongated skewer such that the lock assembly is disposed around the end portion of the elongated skewer.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2017Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventor: Joseph Settelmayer
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Patent number: 9845058Abstract: A mount for an electronic device includes a ferromagnetic element securable to the electronic device, and a mount body including a face plate and at least one leg, the magnet secured in the face plate, and the at least one leg movable from a stored position to a support position. The stored position is flush with the face plate, and the support position is normal to the face plate. The magnet and ferromagnetic element combine with the leg in it support position to allow reliable mounting of heavy and/or oversized electronic devices.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Bracketron, Inc.Inventor: Andrew Chow
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Patent number: 9845059Abstract: A method of creating in situ an acoustic enclosure in a space that is between body panels of a motor vehicle, wherein the space defines an empty volume, the method comprising placing into the space between body panels a molding tool that comprises a solid barrier that divides the space between body panels into an interior portion on an inside of the molding tool and an exterior portion that is external to an outside of the molding tool, where the outside of the molding tool is exposed to the space between body panels, and while the molding tool is in the space between the panels, introducing a fluid material into the exterior portion of the space between the body panels, wherein the fluid material is configured to cure into a solid shell.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Bose CorporationInventors: Bradford Kyle Subat, Tobe Z. Barksdale, Charles E. Dunn, Jr., Lee Prager, Ben J. Feng
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Patent number: 9845060Abstract: A removable, easily disassembled, truck bed can be installed in place of rear seats in a Jeep Wrangler® or four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited® type vehicle. In one embodiment, this truck bed is constructed of sheet steel bolted together in various parts to allow for easy shipping and storage. In another embodiment, this truck bed is constructed of molded plastic or fiberglass to allow for water-resistance and light weight. This truck bed converts a Jeep Wrangler®-type vehicle to a small pick-up truck, which would be of use for hauling small loads of bulk or ‘loose fill’ material (sand, dirt, gravel, mulch). The truck bed is easily removable so that when load-hauling is not required it can be removed and the vehicle's rear seats reinstalled for carrying passengers.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Inventor: Steven R. Howell
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Patent number: 9845061Abstract: The invention concerns a fastener comprising a foot and a head comprising a plate to which said foot is linked, a wedge and a shank connecting said plate to said wedge, which comprises a back-plate, a rim and flexible arms connecting said rim to said back-plate, each arm comprises a first and a second curved section, and an elbow connecting them, said first section is connected to said back-plate by a first end of said arm and said second section is connected to said rim by a second end of said arm, said back-plate and each flexible arm are configured such that the distance between the center of said back-plate and said second section increases along said second section from said elbow to said rim.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Christian Courtin, Laurent Huet
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Patent number: 9845062Abstract: A nozzle is configured for interaction with a sewer inlet fitting. The sewer inlet fitting is configured for connection to a sewer inlet of a sewer system or sewage receptacle. The sewer inlet fitting includes a cover operable between open and closed conditions by action of the nozzle being inserted thereinto and withdrawn therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Douglas R. Swarts
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Patent number: 9845063Abstract: Motor vehicle is provided with a first onboard power supply with a first voltage source which provides a first onboard power supply voltage and with a second onboard power supply with a second voltage source which provides a second onboard power supply voltage different from the first onboard power supply voltage, wherein the two onboard power supply voltages are direct-current voltages, wherein at least one power supply isolating device connects a connection point of the first onboard power supply and a connection point of the second onboard power supply, wherein the power supply isolating device includes at least one semiconductor device, wherein the power supply isolating device has a reverse direction and a forward direction, and wherein the forward direction of the power supply isolating device is directed from the first onboard power supply into the second onboard power supply.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: AUDI AGInventor: Reinhold Rödel
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Patent number: 9845064Abstract: Provided is a steering-wheel power generation device that, when operating in-vehicle equipment wirelessly from an operation unit provided on a steering wheel, can supply power having high power generation efficiency and space efficiency in line with practical use. A ring-shaped rack and a gear power generator fitted to the rack are provided in the gripping portion of the steering wheel, and a guide groove portion is provided on an inner wall of the gripping portion, thereby enabling a guide portion to absorb shock other than the shock in the power generation direction, and enabling stable power supply even when the steering wheel is being rotated.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: ADAMANT CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomohide Aoyagi, Yasuhiro Hyakutake
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Patent number: 9845065Abstract: A knee bolster device for a vehicle is intended to enhance passenger safety performance by minimizing injury to passengers when a collision occurs. The knee bolster device is capable of preventing injury to passengers striking a lower crash pad panel and penetrating into an inner space of the lower crash pad panel because the lower crash pad panel is reinforced by a composite material and an impact energy absorbing structure installed in the inner space of the lower crash pad panel.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Coporation, LG Hausys, Ltd., Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jae Hyun An, Yong Han Kang, Sang Hyeon Park, Young Pyo Lee
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Patent number: 9845066Abstract: A side curtain airbag assembly for a motor vehicle has an airbag that includes a pair of deployable outwardly extending tongues. The tongues project are positioned so as to engage an upstanding structural member such as a “B” pillar when they are inflated/deployed so that the “B” pillar is sandwiched between the two tongues. The tongues act to resist longitudinal movement of the airbag thereby reducing outward bulging of the airbag if it is subject to an impact force from an interior of the motor vehicle. The tongues are inflated via respective tubes that receive inflation gasses from the airbag and conduct the gasses into the tongues. The inlet ends of the tubes are adjacent a lower end thereof to ensure that the tongues are not inflated until the airbag is fully deployed downward. The tubes may extend within the interior of the airbag or along the exterior.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Michal Jan Swiniarski
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Patent number: 9845067Abstract: An inflatable airbag system can be configured to be mounted to a frontal region of a vehicle. The inflatable airbag system includes an airbag base cushion and one or more pluralities of cushion portions. In response to a collision event, the base cushion and pluralities of cushion portions may transition from a compact state to a deployed and expanded state. The airbag may receive the head of a vehicle occupant. One or more inner cushion portions may deflate as they receive the head of the vehicle occupant. An outer plurality of cushion portions may be configured to maintain a fully expanded state as they receive the head of the vehicle occupant.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Christina Morris, Don Paxton, Michael Kutchey, Harry Park, Dion Kruse
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Patent number: 9845068Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a synthetic fiber which is for use in fabrics having uniform fiber density, permeability and the like, is appropriate for high-density, high-speed weaving, and exhibits excellent weft insertion stability. This synthetic fiber is characterized by having: a fiber density of 200-720 dtex; an average intermediate loading modulus of more than 75 cN/dtex and less than 150 cN/dtex; and a variation coefficient of the intermediate modulus of 5% or less.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2011Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: ASAHI KASEI FIBERS CORPORATIONInventors: Fumiaki Ise, Shingo Mizuno
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Patent number: 9845069Abstract: A restraint system in a vehicle includes a reaction surface, an airbag including an inflation chamber, and a tube in fluid communication with the inflation chamber. The airbag is inflatable from an undeployed state to a deployed state. The airbag is fixed relative to the reaction surface in the undeployed state and adjacent the reaction surface in the deployed state. The tube extends along the airbag between the airbag in the deployed state and the reaction surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Elizabeth G. Owen
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Patent number: 9845070Abstract: The present invention essentially relates to a communication system comprising a communication device mounted in a motor vehicle and at least one mobile device (SP, CID, smart watch), said communication system being intended for providing a data exchange between the communication device and the at least one mobile device (SP, CID, smart watch), characterized in that: the communication device comprises a low-frequency communication interface (BF) and a wireless communication interface (11) using the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol in “advertising” state; and in that the communication device is capable of communicating with said at least one mobile device either in low-frequency mode using the BLE protocol or using only the BLE protocol.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: VALEO COMFORT AND DRIVING ASSISTANCEInventors: Laurent Petel, Fabienne Masson, Frédéric Gehin
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Patent number: 9845071Abstract: A method of operating/renting keyless motor vehicles includes configuring a user's smartphone to wirelessly communicate with the security systems of at least a selected keyless vehicle, whereby the user's smartphone can transmit a digital key to the security system of a keyless vehicle to permit operation thereof. A digital key for a selected keyless vehicle is transmitted to the user's smartphone, and the user is provided with an authorization code that can be used to gain entry into the selected vehicle. The user enters the authorization code using the user input device of the selected keyless vehicle, and the user's smartphone then transmits the digital key to the security system of the selected keyless vehicle. The user can enter and operate the selected vehicle without receiving a conventional key and/or key fob.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Venkatesh Krishnan
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Patent number: 9845072Abstract: A containment area can be defined by a single cable carrying an asymmetric electromagnetic signal that generates a magnetic field comprising an asymmetric waveform. A single inductor circuit configured to detect a single axis of the magnetic field can detect the asymmetric waveform and determine which direction the inductor is traveling relative to the cable. A human-propelled cart can have a wheel that includes the single inductor circuit and detect whether the cart is being pushed from inside-to-outside the containment area (which may reflect the cart is being stolen or improperly used) or from outside-to-inside (which may reflect the cart is being returned). The cart can include an anti-theft system (e.g., a locking or braking wheel), which can be triggered if the cart is being moved from inside to outside the containment area. The single cable, single inductor system can be less expensive and more efficient than multi-cable, multi-inductor systems.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2017Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.Inventors: Scott J. Carter, James E. Chandler
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Patent number: 9845073Abstract: With a sensor device for recording moisture on a window pane with a transmitter and a receiver and an optical unit arranged between the transmitter and the receiver, wherein the optical unit includes an optical input unit facing the transmitter, an optical output unit facing the receiver and a coupling-in and coupling-out region on the side of the window pane, the coupling-in and coupling-out region is optically separated from the optical input unit and the optical output unit such that the electromagnetic waves emitted by the transmitter are refracted. A particularly compact constructional design is achieved thereby.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: HELLA KGAA HUECK & CO.Inventor: Alexander Gohmann
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Patent number: 9845074Abstract: A wiper blade suitable to three types of wiper arms. A connector assembly of the wiper blade is detachably connected to wiper arms having first to third coupling units at a distal end respectively. The connector assembly has an adaptor and a slide cover slidably joined to the adaptor. The slide cover is moved to the adaptor in a first movement direction to fix the first to third coupling units to the adaptor and is moved from the adaptor in a second movement direction opposite to the first movement direction to release fixation between the coupling units and the adaptor. The adaptor has a support protrusion supporting support surfaces of the first to third coupling units. The slide cover has a push surface contacting the contact surfaces of the first to third coupling units to push the first to third coupling units towards the support protrusion of the adaptor.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: THE KOREA DEVELOPMENT BANKInventors: In Kyu Kim, Kyung Su Kim, Kyung Jong Nam, Cheong Mo Yang, Jun Mo Lee
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Patent number: 9845075Abstract: A windscreen wiper device of the flat blade type, comprising a carrier element, as well as a wiper blade of a flexible material, wherein the wiper blade includes at least one longitudinal groove, in which groove at least one longitudinal strip of the carrier element is disposed, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein the connecting device is connected to the flexible material of the wiper blade by at least one pin of a first type and/or at least one pin of a second type, and wherein at least one of the pins is movable from a first position, wherein the pin in a premounted position is fixed to the connecting device, into a second position, and wherein the pin in a mounted position as a single constructional element is interconnecting the connecting device and the flexible material of the wiper blade.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2011Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Federal-Mogul S.A.Inventor: Olivier Boulanger
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Patent number: 9845076Abstract: The invention relates to a device for attaching a windshield wiper blade to a drive arm of a wiping system. The device comprises a connector attached to the blade and an adapter (9) for connecting the connector to the arm, said adapter (9) including holding means (20) for holding same in a nominal locking position on the arm. According to the invention, the connector and/or the adapter (9) comprise safety means (70) that allow the arm to be retained in the nominal locking position upon failure of the holding means (20), said safety means (70) being configured to allow the adapter (9) to be mounted on and/or removed from the arm during nominal operation. The invention also relates to such a connector and such an adapter, as well as to a wiping system comprising such an attachment device.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2012Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Valeo Systèmes d'EssuyageInventors: Gérald Caillot, Jean-Michel Jarasson
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Patent number: 9845077Abstract: Disclosed is a flat wiper blade that includes: a wiper strip 10 which wipes a wiping surface; at least one guide clip 20 which passes through and is fitted to the wiper strip 10 in a width direction of the wiper strip 10; and a guide spring 30 which is coupled to the wiper strip 10 and the guide clip 20 and supports the wiper strip 10.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: KBWS CorporationInventor: Tak Min Yi
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Patent number: 9845078Abstract: A system provided with a windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which wiper blade includes at least one longitudinal groove, in which groove a longitudinal strip of the carrier element is disposed, wherein ends of the wiper blade and/or of the longitudinal strip are interconnected by a respective connecting piece, the carrier element biasing the wiper blade in a curved position, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for pivotally connecting an oscillating wiper arm thereto; a holder for holding the windscreen wiper device; with the special feature that the holder comprises a stiff tightening profile engaging the windscreen wiper device at engaging locations on the connecting device for tightening the windscreen wiper device in a less curved position.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Federal-Mogul S.A.Inventor: Xavier Boland
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Patent number: 9845079Abstract: The windscreen wiper device includes a wiper element which is made of a flexible material and a carrier which operably supports the wiper element and biases the wiper element into a pre-curved position. A base is engaged with the carrier and at least one connector piece is releasably connectable with the base. The base includes a pair of holding elements which wrap around opposite lateral side edges of the carrier and a pair of laterally spaced side walls. The connector piece includes a pair of legs. A pair of projections are disposed in at least one of the side walls of the base and the legs of the connector piece and a pair of recesses are disposed on at least one of the side walls of the base and the legs of the connector piece for snappingly receiving the projections to releasably attach the connector piece with the base.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Federal-Mogul MotorpartsInventors: Mark Stump, William D. Young, III
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Patent number: 9845080Abstract: A vehicle treatment system for a vehicle wash system includes a frame portion in communication with a brush assembly for treating front and rear vehicle surfaces. The brush assembly is rotated about an axis of rotation such that its associated wash media elements rotate therewith. The brush assembly includes a support carrier that is moveable with respect to the frame portion. The brush assembly includes a biasing mechanism that switches the brush assembly axis of rotation from a vertical orientation to a non-vertical orientation. A control system communicates with the support carrier to move the brush assembly along the front surface of the vehicle in a substantially vertical position and along the rear surface of the vehicle in a non-vertical position.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: WashMe Properties, LLCInventors: Michael J. Belanger, David L. Tognetti
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Patent number: 9845081Abstract: A vehicle wash component includes a rotatable hub portion having an outer surface and an axis of rotation. The component includes a plurality of grooves formed in the outer surface of the rotatable hub with the plurality of grooves being spaced about the perimeter of the outer surface of the hub portion. Each of the plurality of grooves includes one or more media elements disposed therein. The outer surface of the rotatable hub includes a plurality of channels formed therein. The plurality of channels are spaced apart from the plurality of grooves such that each of the plurality of channels is visible when the plurality of media elements are disposed in the plurality of grooves. An illumination source disposed in each of the plurality of channels such that the illumination source in each of the plurality of channels can be seen between the plurality of media elements as the rotatable hub portion operates.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: WashMe Properties, LLCInventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, Curtis S. Prater, Michael S. Sayyae
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Patent number: 9845082Abstract: A lower aerodynamic screen of a front shield of a motor vehicle includes lateral air guides shaped to channel air passing under the aerodynamic screen towards front disc brakes of the vehicle, wherein each air guide is defined by two substantially vertical lateral walls and by an upper wall linked to upper edges of the lateral walls, the air guide being provided, downstream relative to a direction of flow of the air, with a window defined by rear edges of the lateral walls and the upper wall, from which the air emerges towards the disc brakes, the air guide further including a flap that is movable between a position in which it blocks the window and a position in which it is retracted from the window.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2013Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.Inventor: Gilles Pallu
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Patent number: 9845083Abstract: A parking brake control assembly having a brake actuator includes an engagement member, a retention member, a release actuator, and a biasing member. In a first position of brake actuator, the retention member is arranged to engage the engagement member upon movement of the brake actuator from a first position to a second position to hold the brake actuator in the second position. Movement of the brake actuator from the first to the second position causes the release actuator to move relative to the retention member such that the biasing member provides a force on the retention member tending to disengage the retention member from the engagement member so that upon movement of the brake actuator to return the brake actuator from the second position to the first position, the retention member disengages from the engagement member enabling the brake actuator to be returned to the first position.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Dura Operating, LLCInventors: Jeremy M. Henck, Brian E. Steakley
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Patent number: 9845084Abstract: A system includes a sensor and a controller. The sensor is configured to detect sliding of a wheel of a vehicle. The controller is configured to communicate with the sensor and a traction motor operatively connected to the wheel such that the traction motor selectively applies forces in at least one direction to the wheel during operation. The controller is further configured to direct the traction motor to apply a motoring slide reducing force to the wheel when the sensor detects sliding of the wheel resulting from a frictional braking force.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Bret Dwayne Worden, Glenn Lovercheck, Dharmdeo Singh, Jingjun Zhang, Jeremy McGarry
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Patent number: 9845085Abstract: A method and a brake system for providing haptic information for a driver of a motor vehicle equipped with a brake-by-wire brake system concerning an operational state of the brake system. The brake system has a main brake cylinder which can be actuated by a brake pedal, having at least one pressure chamber associated with at least one wheel brake, and a simulation device which co-operates with the main brake cylinder and gives the driver a brake pedal sensation in a brake-by-wire operating mode. When a predetermined operational state occurs in the brake-by-wire operating mode, a brake pedal reaction, as a change to the stiffness of the brake pedal sensed by the driver is carried out by means of a disengaging valve which is connected to the pressure chamber of the main brake cylinder and by which the action of the simulation device can be switched on and off.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO. OHGInventors: Marco Besier, Matthias Muntu, Georg Roll, Jen Jäger
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Patent number: 9845086Abstract: A brake booster includes an input element actuatable by a driver, an actuator for generating a support force, an output element to which an input or support force may be applied and via which an actuating force may be applied to a piston of a brake master cylinder, and a force transmission unit having elastic properties, situated between the input element and the actuator, and the output element, and transmitting the input and/or support forces to the output element. An air gap, which in idle mode is smaller or larger than a desired air gap, is provided between the input element and the force transmission unit. A method for operating the brake booster includes generating a support force prior to a braking intent to be anticipated or immediately after detection of a braking intent, in a time span before or immediately after detection of an actuation of the input element.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2011Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventor: Dirk Mahnkopf
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Patent number: 9845087Abstract: An object is to provide a vehicle control apparatus capable of enhancing fuel economy when coasting is performed by disconnecting a clutch disposed between an engine and drive wheels of the vehicle. A travel path and a travel pattern of a vehicle are predicted by a vehicle outside information collection device, such as a navigation system. Also, amounts of fuel consumption by normal traveling and coasting are predicted and compared, so that coasting control is performed in a case where an amount of fuel consumption can be reduced by performing the coasting control.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Yohei Akashi, Hideyuki Tanaka, Hiroyuki Saito
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Patent number: 9845088Abstract: The invention relates to a torque overlay device for use in a hybrid drive system for motor vehicles having an internal combustion engine, an electric motor and the torque overlay device, wherein a torque of the internal combustion engine and of the electric motor are overlaid using the torque overlay device. The torque overlay device is connected, on the output side, to a driven element of the vehicle, and includes a first and a second torque input and a torque output, as well as a first transmission device and a second transmission device. The electric motor can be coupled to the first torque input in a torque-resistant manner, and the internal combustion engine can be coupled to the second torque input in a torque resistant manner, where the first torque input is connected to the first transmission device and the second torque input is connected to the second transmission device, both in a torque-resistant manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Bernhard Hoess, Robert Huber, Simon Rogge, Falk Prignitz
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Patent number: 9845089Abstract: The control device for a hybrid vehicle includes: a mechanical power source; an electric motor to be used when the mechanical power source is started; a first clutch arranged between the mechanical power source and a first transmission mechanism including a plurality of gear shift stages; a second clutch arranged between the mechanical power source and a second transmission mechanism including a plurality of gear shift stages; an electrical power source coupled to an input shaft of the first transmission mechanism; and a control unit for controlling a torque of at least one of the second clutch or the electric motor so as to compensate a braking force decreased upon a gear shift in the electrical power source when a gear shift request for shifting the gear shift stage of the first transmission mechanism is made during a regeneration travel of the electrical power source.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2013Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Kotaro Nakano, Keiichi Enoki, Nobuhide Mori, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Yasufumi Ogawa
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Patent number: 9845090Abstract: If a vehicle speed is less than a predetermined value when a hybrid control mode is a series mode and a charge mode is selected (S10-S14), it is determined whether an SOC of a high voltage battery is less than a predetermined value or not (S16), and when the SOC of the high voltage battery is less than the predetermined value, ignition timing is corrected to be retarded (S18).Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Ken Makimura, Noriyuki Mihara, Hisashi Sakai
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Patent number: 9845091Abstract: A method and system for controlling temperatures in a driveline assembly of a vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes determining an operating temperature associated with the driveline assembly of the vehicle, the driveline assembly comprising forward and rear axles and a power transfer device configured to transmit power from a power source of the vehicle to the forward and rear axles. The method further includes computing a gain factor responsive to the operating temperature, adjusting a control parameter value of a traction control system of the vehicle responsive to the gain factor, and generating a control signal from the traction control system responsive to the control parameter value, the control signal configured to adjust at least one of an output torque of the power source and a braking force of a brake of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignees: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, KELSEY-HAYES COMPANYInventors: James J. Greene, Craig Mitchell
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Patent number: 9845092Abstract: A maneuvering assistance system for a vehicle determines a scalar field representing the probability of collision with an object at locations proximate to the vehicle with a controller located within the vehicle. The probability of collision is determined based on information received indicative of vehicle motion and the proximity of the object to the vehicle, and the field of collision probability is then communicated as a visual representation to an operator of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Graham Lanier Fletcher, Jeremy Jason McClain, David Leslie Agnew, Ibro Muharemovic
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Patent number: 9845093Abstract: A vehicle speed limiting apparatus includes an opening detection unit to detect an opening of an accelerator pedal of the vehicle; an estimation unit to estimate whether the vehicle starts a lane change; and an ECU to implement an upper-limit setting unit to set an upper-limit speed of the vehicle, a vehicle speed control unit to control the traveling speed so as not to exceed the upper-limit speed even when the opening of the accelerator pedal becomes great enough to make the traveling speed exceed the upper-limit speed, and a permissible speed setting unit to set a permissible speed higher than the upper-limit speed. When the estimation unit estimates that the vehicle starts the lane change, the vehicle speed control unit permits the traveling speed to exceed the upper-limit speed, and controls the traveling speed so as not to exceed the permissible speed.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Keiji Yamashita, Takashi Inoue, Tetsuya Taira, Takato Masuda, Nobuyuki Tomatsu, Sokfan Yee
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Patent number: 9845094Abstract: A method for controlling a line pressure of a hybrid vehicle includes applying, by a controller, a set current corresponding to a target pressure to a first solenoid valve controlling the line pressure, driving, by the controller, a second solenoid valve to open an engine clutch after the applying step, comparing, by the controller, a difference value between a real pressure of the engine clutch sensed by a pressure sensor and the target pressure with a preset pressure after the driving step, and as a result of performing the comparing step, if the difference value is equal to or greater than the preset pressure, controlling, by the controller, an increase of a revolution per minute (RPM) speed of the electric oil pump and an increase of a pressure of the first solenoid valve to be alternately generated.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Young Chul Kim, Jong Hyun Kim, June Ho Lee, Sang Hyun Jeong
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Patent number: 9845095Abstract: A vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle with a drive source, a friction transmission mechanism provided between the drive source and drive wheels and a fluid transmission mechanism provided between the friction transmission mechanism and the drive source includes a suppression unit configured to suppress a decrease of a speed ratio of the fluid transmission mechanism if the speed ratio becomes negative when the vehicle starts.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: JATCO LTDInventors: Seiji Kasahara, Hideshi Wakayama, Naohiro Hoshi
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Patent number: 9845096Abstract: A system includes an acquisition unit that acquires an operation amount or a duration count, and a switching unit that switches a driving state. The switching unit switches the driving state to the cooperative driving state when the operation amount is equal to or greater than an intervention threshold and less than a start threshold or the duration count is equal to or greater than a first threshold and less than a second threshold during the autonomous driving state, switches the driving state to the autonomous driving state when the operation amount is less than the intervention threshold or the duration count is less than the first threshold during the cooperative driving state, and switches the driving state to the manual driving state when the operation amount is equal to or greater than the start threshold or the duration count is equal to or greater than the second threshold.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiromitsu Urano, Kentaro Ichikawa, Taisuke Sugaiwa, Toshiki Kindo
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Patent number: 9845097Abstract: A driver evaluation system for a vehicle generates for display a parameter indicative of a driver's level of attention to driving the vehicle for a temporal period based on a complement of a weighted average of a plurality of counts. Some of the counts represent a number of interaction events between the driver and an infotainment system in the vehicle during the temporal period.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante, Hsin-hsiang Yang
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Patent number: 9845098Abstract: A railcar bogie includes: a bogie frame including a cross beam supporting a carbody of a railcar; a pair of axles respectively arranged at both sides of the cross beam in a car longitudinal direction and extending in a car width direction; bearings provided at both car width direction sides of each of the axles and rotatably supporting the axles; axle boxes respectively accommodating the bearings; and coupling devices coupling the axle boxes and the bogie frame to one another, each of the coupling devices including a first member projecting from the axle box to the bogie frame, a second member projecting from the bogie frame to the first member, and a coupling portion coupling the first member and the second member to each other, and the second member being formed separately from the bogie frame and positioned by contacting the bogie frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takehiro Nishimura, Shunichi Nakao
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Patent number: 9845099Abstract: System and computer-implemented methods and processes for data management of a plurality of target devices of a vehicle, the system including a portable computer device programmed for wireless connectivity to a network and data management activities and interaction with the target devices. The system and computer-implemented methods and processes are particularly useful in connection with trains having at least one locomotive, where the train includes multiple target devices, such as a train event recording system and the like.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies CorporationInventor: Brian E. Kurz
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Patent number: 9845100Abstract: A trolley as disclosed for manual transport of loads. The trolley comprises one or more wheels, an axle, a pair of handles which extend upwardly when the trolley is in an upright, non-travel position, a load carrying frame extending forward from the handles, and a pair of spaced support legs extending down from the load carrying frame and positioned either side of the one or more wheels. The support legs are adapted to support the load carrying frame substantially parallel to a support surface, such as the ground, when the trolley is in the upright, non-travel position.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2011Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Inventor: Paul James Kukulies
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Patent number: 9845101Abstract: A pushcart includes a left wheel, a right wheel, a left wheel driver, a right wheel driver, a control unit, a left wheel rotary encoder, and a right wheel rotary encoder. The left wheel driver rotates the left wheel. The right wheel driver rotates the right wheel. The left wheel rotary encoder detects a rotational angle of the left wheel. The right wheel rotary encoder detects a rotational angle of the right wheel. The pushcart performs feedback control on angular velocities of the left wheel and the right wheel at least using an integral operation. The control unit calculates a weighted average of an integral element with respect to the angular velocity of the left wheel and an integral element with respect to the angular velocity of the right wheel, and then separately controls the left wheel driver and the right wheel driver based on the weighted average.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2017Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takanori Hayashi
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Patent number: 9845102Abstract: In accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided a foldable stroller frame comprising a first side frame member, a second side frame member, a middle frame member, and a sliding mechanism configured to slide along the middle frame member. First and second cross frame members may connect the sliding mechanism to the first and second side frame members. In some examples, the first and second cross frame members may comprise a curved portion proximate the connection with the side frame members. The sliding member may comprise an upper portion and a lower portion. In some examples, spring-biased tongues disposed in the lower portion may bias the upper portion. In some examples third and fourth cross frame members may connect the first side frame member and the second side frame member to a foot pedal that may be disposed on the middle frame member.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: MONAHAN PRODUCTS, LLCInventors: Richard M. Bastien, Carl J. Sukeforth, Ward A. Fritz, Robert D. Monahan
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Patent number: 9845103Abstract: A steering arrangement provided with an autonomous vehicle includes a steering wheel. The steering wheel is selectively coupled to a steering shaft. The steering wheel is selectively switched between a rotatable condition and a non-rotatable condition by an advanced driver assist system. The steering wheel has a steering wheel body defining a receptacle and a convenience assembly that is movable between an open position and a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe
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Patent number: 9845104Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for tilting a steering column, capable of smoothly guiding tooth-on-tooth between a moving gear moved along with a tilt shaft when an operating lever is operated such that a steering column tilts up and down, and a fixing gear fixed to a vehicle body. Consequently, it is possible to resolve faulty operation and prevent the emotional quality of product from deteriorating.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: NAMYANG IND. CO., LTDInventors: Sung Jong Hong, Jeong Nam Lee
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Patent number: 9845105Abstract: An adjustment mounting bracket assembly for a steering column includes a mounting bracket mountable to a steering column mating element, the mounting bracket having a bracket aperture configured to receive a clamp bolt therethrough, the mounting bracket also having an arcuate slot. The bracket assembly also includes a spacer having a spacer aperture configured to receive the clamp bolt therethrough to align the spacer with the mounting bracket, the spacer having a first engaging feature disposed within the arcuate slot of the mounting bracket and a second engaging feature engageable with a recess of the steering column, disposal of the first engaging feature within the arcuate slot and disposal of the second engaging feature within the recess restricting the degree of freedom of the mounting bracket relative to the steering column.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Melvin L. Tinnin, Robert W. Dubay, Donald A. Buzzard, Matthew J. T. Vincent, Michael P. Anspaugh