Patents Issued in December 21, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170361690
    Abstract: This roller shade device is provided with: a shade; a shade take-up roller for taking up the shade; wires which are attached to the shade; wire take-up rollers which are disposed with the axial centers thereof offset from the shade take-up roller and which are used for taking up the wires; reversal pulleys for reversing the direction of the wires; tension imparting means for imparting tension to the shade and the wires by application of bias such that the shade take-up roller and the wire take-up rollers are separated from the reversal pulleys; and interlocking rotating means for rotating the shade take-up roller and the wire take-up rollers in an interlocked manner. According to this roller shade device, a large width can be secured for the shade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: YACHIYO INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Higuchi, Moto Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20170361691
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cover for protecting the contents of the bed of a pickup truck. In some examples, the cover is designed for use in any standard pickup truck without the need for after-market modifications to the truck. In some examples, the truck bed cover comprises a panel system that is easily installed using the existing stake holes of the truck. In some further examples, the cover includes ability to convert the panels to sidewalls to protect taller cargo. In still further examples, the cover includes retaining cables, support bars, moisture protection, and a locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Steve Fuller, Mark Little, Richard Kaye
  • Publication number: 20170361692
    Abstract: A latch assembly for clamping a pickup truck cover to a truck bed is disclosed. The assembly includes a base mount fixed to the cover side rail, a cam assembly having first and second cam surfaces, and a handle assembly rotatably attached to the mount. The handle assembly is movable between stowed and clamping positions and includes a lever rotatably mounted to the mount, a grip slidably mounted on the lever, and a pivotable locking arm associated with the cam surfaces. The arm includes a grip for clamping against the bed. The first cam surface has a stowing cam profile for moving the arm to its stowed position. The second cam surface has a locking cam profile for moving the arm to its clamping position. The arm includes a follower for engagement with the cam surfaces. The base mount includes a grip-engaging feature. The grip includes a base mount-engaging feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: American Specialty Cars
    Inventors: George Albert Corder, Paul Finch, Joseph Orlando, Steven Laurain, David Brooks
  • Publication number: 20170361693
    Abstract: A glass run for an automobile door is provided with an enhanced look of a design portion thereof, allowing the glass run to be deformed easily along the curved shape of a window frame during assembly to the window frame, thereby improving ease of assembly. The glass run includes a glass run body 21 including upper and lower planar portions 23a and 23c, and a design portion 29 forming part of appearance design of an automobile. A material forming the upper and lower planar portions 23a and 23c and a material forming the design portion 29 respectively contain a resin as a main ingredient. The material forming the design portion 29 is less rigid than the material forming the upper and lower planar portions 23a and 23c.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Tomonori Miyata, Kenji Shimosako
  • Publication number: 20170361694
    Abstract: A plasma generator comprises a radio frequency power source, a coaxial cavity resonator assembly, and a direct current power source. The radio frequency power source provides a voltage supply of radio frequency power having a first ratio of power over voltage. The resonator assembly includes a center conductor coupled to the radio frequency power source, and also includes a virtual short circuit. The direct current power source is connected to the center conductor at the virtual short circuit, and provides a voltage supply of direct current power having a second ratio of power over voltage that is less than the first ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Michael J. Spencer, Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20170361695
    Abstract: A pair of bracket fastening parts (7, 12, 91, 92, 121, 122, 161, 162) are provided on a side of the main body in an adjoining relationship, each bracket fastening part including a plurality of bosses (32 to 35, 72 to 75, 102 to 106, 132 to 137) arranged in a convex polygonal pattern and a plurality of ribs (37 to 42, 60, 80 to 84, 110 to 115, 140 to 146) connecting the bosses in a prescribed pattern. At least two of the bosses of one of the bracket fastening parts are shared by an adjoining one of the bracket fastening parts. Thereby, the engine can be adapted for multiple applications while minimizing an increase in the weight of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Koichiro Asame
  • Publication number: 20170361696
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-speed transmission (10, 110), comprising a power split device (11; 111), an input shaft (12, 112) of the transmission (10, 110) being connected or connectable to prime mover (18, 118), an output shaft (13; 113), two shiftable sub-transmissions (14, 114; 15, 115), each providing a plurality of different gear ratios, and at least one rotating electric machine (16; 116, 116a), connected to said power split device (11; 111), wherein the two sub-transmissions (14, 114; 15, 115) can be connected alternatively to the output shaft (13, 113), and a control system (26; 126, 126a), connecting said electric machine (16; 116, 116a) with an electric battery (27; 127) and auxiliary electrical consumers (31, 131).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: AVL LIST GMBH
    Inventors: Vitaly Davydov, Peter-Juergen Nissen, Marco De Bei
  • Publication number: 20170361697
    Abstract: An electric drive for driving a motor vehicle comprises a housing assembly; an electric motor having a motor shaft provided in the form of a hollow shaft which is rotatingly drivable around a rotational axis A and which is connected to a drive gear; a transmission unit having at least one transmission shaft which is rotatingly drivable by the drive gear and having at least one output shaft, the output shaft extending through the hollow shaft; wherein between the hollow shaft and the output shaft an annular channel is formed, having a first opening facing the transmission unit and a second opening facing away from the transmission unit; wherein the housing assembly comprises a lubricant-guiding geometry that is configured to guide lubricant into a mouth region of the first opening of the annular channel, so that the lubricant can flow through the annular channel to the second opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Jan Haupt, Marc Absenger, Jochen Manger, Manuel Aprath, Colin Zaers, Oliver Bartz
  • Publication number: 20170361698
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating a cooling demand of a vehicle powertrain component and selecting a mode of operation of a vehicle cooling system based on the estimated cooling demands of the vehicle powertrain component and the energy usage of the cooling system components. Based on the selected operating mode, each of a radiator fan speed, a coolant system pump output, a vehicle grille shutter opening, and an opening of vents coupled to a powertrain component insulating enclosure may be concurrently adjusted to minimize the cooling parasitic losses while satisfying the cooling requirements of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Quazi Ehtesham Hussain
  • Publication number: 20170361699
    Abstract: A radiator shutter for a motor vehicle includes a carrier, which has a cross-sectional surface, through which air can flow, at least one lamella, which is arranged on the carrier, and which has a longitudinally extended flexible and elastic bending rod and at least one planar segment, wherein the planar segment is connected to the bending rod along a side edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Thomas WIECH, Fabian FUERST
  • Publication number: 20170361700
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle is shown which includes an air cooling system having radiators for cooling an engine of the vehicle, and an auxiliary radiator for cooling an auxiliary system of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes an air cooling system for cooling an engine compartment of the vehicle having intake and exhaust ducts which are fan driven to move ambient air into and heated air out of the engine compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Eric Borud, Brian M. Safranski, Bradley A. Bracht
  • Publication number: 20170361701
    Abstract: A shutter system for controlling a flow of an incident airstream through a grille opening in a vehicle includes a track arranged transverse to the airstream. The shutter system also includes a plurality of louvers configured to shift along the track and be guided thereby. The shutter system additionally includes a mechanism configured to select a position for the shutter system between and inclusive of fully-opened and fully-closed to regulate the flow of the incident airstream through the grille opening by shifting the plurality of louvers along the track. Each of the plurality of louvers is arranged along a plane transverse to the incident airstream and remains therein as the position of the shutter system is selected between and inclusive of fully-opened and fully-closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brian C. Dunty, Timothy M. McIntyre
  • Publication number: 20170361702
    Abstract: A dual-fuel tank houses one or more compressed natural gas (CNG) vessels and one or more diesel fuel vessels. The diesel fuel vessels are generally disposed laterally outwardly from the CNG vessels to provide a buffer that protects the CNG vessels from side impacts. The dual-fuel tank may be retrofit onto a diesel locomotive in place of the locomotive's diesel fuel tank to convert the locomotive into a dual-fuel locomotive. The dual-fuel tank may be provided in a ship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: David I. Scott, Pedro T. Santos
  • Publication number: 20170361703
    Abstract: A system for a motor vehicle, the system including a container having a side made of a plastic material, and a component sealingly attached to the container side. The component has at least one portion provided with microgrooves that form a sealing area between the component and the container side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: Plastic Omnium Advanced Innovation and Research
    Inventor: Bjorn CRIEL
  • Publication number: 20170361704
    Abstract: A fuel filler structure of a fuel feeding pipe prevents efficiency of sucking volatile fuel from being decreased during refueling even if a drain hole is formed, and includes: a cylinder that includes an opening and a connecting port; a first flap mechanism that is arranged near the opening of the cylinder and opens the opening when a nozzle is inserted; a drain hole that is formed in the cylinder and communicates inside the cylinder with outside; and a drain hole switching valve that opens and closes the drain hole, wherein the drain hole switching valve has a closing mechanism including a valve body that is pressed by the nozzle when the nozzle is inserted through the opening, so that the drain hole is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Yusuke MIURA
  • Publication number: 20170361705
    Abstract: A power take-off unit includes a housing portion, an input mechanism mounted at least partially within the housing and configured for attachment to a source of rotational energy, and an output mechanism is configured for attachment to a driven accessory. The power take-off unit also includes a clutch assembly configured to selectively connect the output mechanism to the input mechanism. A pneumatic valve manifold is attached to the housing portion and is configured to provide pressurized air to the clutch assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: John William Burrell, Gregory Friend
  • Publication number: 20170361706
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for a gearbox which comprises a main shaft, a counter shaft, a plurality of gearwheel pairs each comprises a primary gearwheel arranged on the counter shaft and a secondary gearwheel arranged on the main shaft and a PTO shaft. The device comprises a switch mechanism movably arranged to a first position in which the PTO shaft is disconnected from the counter shaft in a non-rotatable state, to a second position in which the PTO shaft is rotationally fixedly connected to the counter shaft, and to a neutral position in which the PTO shaft is in a rotatable state and disconnected from the counter shaft. The device comprises further a clutch mechanism able to provide a clutching connection between the counter shaft and the PTO shaft when the switch mechanism is in the first position and in the neutral position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel HÄGGSTRÖM, Peer NORBERG
  • Publication number: 20170361707
    Abstract: A wheel suspension system and a method for controlling the system. The wheel suspension system includes a first axle provided with wheels and a second axle provided with wheels. The first axle is connected to a first driveshaft portion via a first differential 6a and the second axle is connected to a second driveshaft portion via a second differential 6b. The system further includes angular speed sensors designed to detect the rotational speed of the axles, and/or the rotational speed of the respective wheels. The angular speed sensors are connected to an electronic control unit (ECU) which is designed to calculate a difference between the angular speed of the first and second axles, and/or a difference between the angular speed of the respective wheels by the use of input data from the angular speed sensors. The speed difference can be used as an indication of different wheel radius of the wheels. The system includes a coupling, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anders FLOGÅRD, Mat FAGERGREN, Lena LARSSON, Jan ÖBERG
  • Publication number: 20170361708
    Abstract: A system and method for guiding an implement on a machine to a target location is disclosed. The system comprises a GUI and a controller in operable communication with the GUI. The controller is configured to: (a) determine a current location of the implement relative to the target location on the work surface; and (b) display on the GUI a symbol in one of a plurality of states, each state associated with one or more locations of the implement relative to the target location. The state in which the symbol is displayed is indicative of the current location of the implement relative to the target location and each state is identified by at least one illuminated portion of the symbol. The controller is further configured to: (c) repeat (a) and (b) each time the implement is moved to a new current location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Allen Thoreson
  • Publication number: 20170361709
    Abstract: Exception event recorders and analysis systems include: vehicle mounted sensors arranged as a vehicle event recorder to capture both discrete and non-discrete data; a discretization facility; a database; and an analysis server all coupled together as a computer network. Motor vehicles with video cameras and onboard diagnostic systems capture data when the vehicle is involved in a crash or other anomaly (an ‘event’). In station where interpretation of non-discrete data is rendered, i.e. a discretization facility, captured data is used as a basis for production of supplemental discrete data to further characterize the event. Such interpreted data is joined to captured data and inserted into a database in a structure which is searchable and which supports logical or mathematical analysis by automated machines. A coupled analysis server is arranged to test stored data for prescribed conditions and upon finding such, to initiate further actions appropriate for the detected condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: James Plante, Ramesh Kasavaraju, Gregory Mauro, Andrew Nickerson
  • Publication number: 20170361710
    Abstract: A clustered instrument panel on a display of a dashboard in a transportation apparatus is disclosed. The clustered instrument panel may be used to combine multiple individual instrument panels, such as the odometer, tachometer, temperature meter, battery meter, navigation screen and any other instrument panels that are traditionally presented separate and independent from other instrument panels. The individual instrument panels may be layered on top of each other to form the clustered instrument panel, with gradual increase in size from the first instrument panel to the nth instrument panel. Information associated with a given instrument panel in the clustered instrument panel may be presented in the gap area between the given instrument panel and the neighbor instrument panel in the clustered instrument panel. In one embodiment, the clustered instrument panel is a triple-circle meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: Thunder Power New Energy Vehicle Development Company Limited
    Inventor: Jia-Wei Ding
  • Publication number: 20170361711
    Abstract: A power conversion system includes an AC to DC conversion circuit, a voltage detector, a step-down chopper circuit, a power conversion device for auxiliary power sources, and a control unit. The AC to DC conversion circuit converts AC power supplied from overhead wires via a transformer into DC power. The voltage detector detects a voltage of AC power supplied from the transformer. The step-down chopper circuit steps down the voltage of DC power produced through conversion by the AC to DC conversion circuit. The power conversion device for auxiliary power sources converts the DC power stepped down by the step-down chopper circuit into power for driving loads mounted in an electric vehicle and supplies it to the loads. The control unit controls the AC to DC conversion circuit and the step-down chopper circuit such that the voltage of AC power detected by the voltage detector approaches a reference voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicants: CENTRAL JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takafumi FUKUSHIMA, Shigekazu OKADA, Kotaro ODA, Yasuomi MAKI, Tsunehito FUJITA, Hiroaki OTANI, Kenichi KIKKAWA, Manato MORI
  • Publication number: 20170361712
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes: a motor configured to drive a wheel; a smoothing capacitor provided within a power supply circuit that supplies electric power to the motor; a processor configured to perform a discharge process when the electric vehicle crashes, the discharge process discharging the smoothing capacitor by controlling the power supply circuit; a power source connected to each of a plurality of electric loads including the processor via a corresponding fuse; a relay circuit electrically connected between the power source and the processor and configured to be driven to electrically connect between the power source and the processor in response to a relay drive signal outputted from the processor; and a holding circuit configured to temporarily hold the relay circuit in a driven state when the processor quits outputting the relay drive signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuhiro TERAO, Koichi SAKATA
  • Publication number: 20170361713
    Abstract: A power conversion system includes a transformer, a power conversion device for travel, a power conversion device for auxiliary power sources, an electrical storage device, and an auxiliary device. The power conversion device for travel converts AC power into power for travel and supplies it to a travel motor. The power conversion device for auxiliary power sources includes an AC to DC conversion unit which converts AC power into DC power, a power conversion unit for AC loads which converts the DC power into AC power and supplies it to an AC load, and a power conversion unit for DC loads which converts DC power to DC power and supplies it to a DC load. The electrical storage device is connected to power lines connecting DC power output terminals of the AC to DC conversion unit and DC power input terminals of both the power conversion units for AC and DC loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicants: CENTRAL JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takafumi FUKUSHIMA, Noriyuki TANIYAMA, Shigekazu OKADA, Kotaro ODA, Hiroaki OTANI, Yasuomi MAKI, Kenichi KIKKAWA, Tsunehito FUJITA, Manato MORI
  • Publication number: 20170361714
    Abstract: A device for a motor vehicle, includes a housing, in which electrical components are arranged, which are supplied with electrical energy across at least one electrical power supply line, which is arranged inside the housing. The housing has at least one impact switch. In the event that a mechanical force acts on the at least one impact switch in excess of a threshold value, the housing is deformed at a position of the at least one impact switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Martin SCHÜSSLER
  • Publication number: 20170361715
    Abstract: Systems and methods effective to reduce a drag coefficient in a vehicle are described. A system methods may receive first air directed towards an air intake structure at a first speed. The air intake structure may transform the first air into second air of a second speed. The system may direct the second air from the air intake structure to a tunnel structure. The tunnel structure may include an entrance and an exit, where a cross-sectional area of the entrance may be less than a cross-sectional area of the exit. The tunnel structure may expand the second air into expanded air. A third speed of the expanded air may be less than the second speed of the second air. The system may create a second drag coefficient, where the second drag coefficient may be less than the first drag coefficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: SMART AUTO LABS INC.
    Inventors: SHIVAM SIKRORIA, DIVYAM SIKRORIA
  • Publication number: 20170361716
    Abstract: A power conversion system includes a transformer, a power conversion device for travel, a power conversion device for auxiliary power sources, and an electrical storage device. The power conversion device for auxiliary power sources includes a first AC to DC conversion unit, a power conversion unit for AC loads, and a power conversion unit for DC loads. The power conversion unit for AC loads converts DC power into AC power and supplies it to an AC load. The power conversion unit for DC loads converts DC power produced through conversion by the first AC to DC conversion unit into DC power and supplies it to a DC load. The electrical storage device is connected to power lines connecting DC power output terminals of the first AC to DC conversion unit and DC power input terminals of both the power conversion units for AC and DC loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicants: CENTRAL JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kenji SATO, Masayuki UENO, Takafumi FUKUSHIMA, Shigekazu OKADA, Kotaro ODA, Hiroaki OTANI, Yasuomi MAKI, Kenichi KIKKAWA, Tsunehito FUJITA, Manato MORI
  • Publication number: 20170361717
    Abstract: A solar energy based mobile EV fast charger (SE-MEVFC) system comprising a mobile EV fast charger system installed in the service track for providing EV charging service and a stationary solar energy generation system located in the charging station as power source for recharging mobile on-board storage battery, offers EV charging servicers for EVs where they stranded on the road or in remote area. The SE-MEVFC system has following unique features: (1) since it has universal battery interface, it can charge any EV battery; (2) since its energy source comes from solar energy based EV charging station, it provides 100% pollution free EV charging service; (3) since it is high power battery charger system, EV battery can be fully charged in minutes rather than hours, unlike those of prior art that use gasoline based generators to generate AC power and relies on low power EV on-board charger (OBC) to charge EV battery, namely, for over 2 hours charging time getting about 10 miles driving range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Yu Qin, Shanshan Du
  • Publication number: 20170361718
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a motor drive circuit includes a first energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy, a bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter coupled to the first energy storage device, a voltage inverter coupled to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and an input device configured to receive electrical energy from an external energy source. The motor drive circuit further includes a coupling system coupled to the input device, to the first energy storage device, and to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter. The coupling system has a first configuration configured to transfer electrical energy to the first energy storage device via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and has a second configuration configured to transfer electrical energy from the first energy storage device to the voltage inverter via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Dean King, Robert Louis Steigerwald
  • Publication number: 20170361719
    Abstract: An electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) having ability to charge electric vehicle from indoor located 208-240V outlets. The EVSE comprises a flattened armored cable to securely transmit electrical power to outdoor location from indoor located electrical source. In the preferred embodiment, the flattened armored section acts as EVSE anchoring system which providing ease of installation when temporary electric vehicle recharging is required. The EVSE has ability to disconnect electrical power passing through the flat armored cable in case of non proper conditions or if any electrical hazard occurs. A further embodiment comprises a flexible version of flat cable. To enhance its electrical safety, flat wire conductor comprising damage sensor is used to improve the electrical safety. The EVSE may validate flat wire physical integrity before applying electrical power to the flattened flexible cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Serge Doucet, Hans Tremblay
  • Publication number: 20170361720
    Abstract: A charging apparatus with status indication for charging an electric vehicle. The charging apparatus includes a power supply device and a coupler. The power supply device includes a processing module, an indicator control unit and a signal modulation unit. The coupler is electrically connected to the power supply device through a power cable and includes a signal demodulation unit and an indicator unit. The processing module instructs the indicator control unit to output a status control signal to the signal modulation unit according to the connection status of the coupler and the electrical vehicle. The signal modulation unit modulates the status control signal and transmits the modulated status control signal through the power cable to the signal demodulation unit. The signal demodulation unit demodulates the modulated status control signal into the status control signal and outputs the status control signal to the indicator unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: MING-LANG HUANG, YIH-CHUNG HUANG
  • Publication number: 20170361721
    Abstract: A tethered charging and recharging (TCR) drone assembly system is provided. The TCR drone assembly system may be a nurse vehicle-based, a master/slave vehicle-based, a stationary structure and/or free standing TCR drone assembly system. The TCR drone assembly system is especially suitable for use on moving vehicles, for example, a self-propelled conventional type vehicle operated by an operator and/or autonomous or slave autonomous vehicle with no operator on board. The TRC drone assembly system may quickly couple and may deliver energy charges, recharges or other types of power propellants to vehicles while the vehicles are stationary or in motion. The assemblies are especially suitable for providing power to vehicles when only limited downtime of the vehicles is desired. The assemblies are suitable for use in, for example, the agricultural, construction, defense or other industries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Lee Prunty, William M. Hoeg, Peter Zerillo, Stephen M. Faivre, Pinakin Desai
  • Publication number: 20170361722
    Abstract: A charging device for an energy store of an electrically driven vehicle, which includes a charging plug for transmitting an electrical charge to the energy store of the motor vehicle, a charging line for connecting the charging plug to a power grid, and a charging pillar with a docking station for receiving the charging plug when it is not in use and for connecting the charging line to the power grid. A cooling device for cooling the charging plug is arranged in the docking station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: David KÖHLER, Volker REBER
  • Publication number: 20170361723
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a controller configured to, responsive to an alignment mode, disable a power rectifier configured to transfer charge between a secondary coil and battery, and enable a precision rectifier to output a voltage responsive to current induced in the secondary coil resulting from current through a corresponding primary coil, and responsive to the voltage exceeding a threshold, enable the power rectifier and disable the precision rectifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Mohamed ELSHAER, Christopher W. BELL, James A. LATHROP, John Paul GIBEAU
  • Publication number: 20170361724
    Abstract: A coil alignment method performed in a vehicle-side coil alignment apparatus coupled to a vehicle assembly (VA) controller includes: moving a light-blocking unit protruding from a vehicle parked in a wireless charging area in a first direction toward the ground facing one side of a vehicle-side wireless power transfer pad which is mounted on the vehicle and includes a VA coil, where the light-blocking unit protrudes from the one side of the vehicle-side wireless power transfer pad; stopping movement of the light-blocking unit in response to a first stop signal from a ground assembly (GA) controller; moving the light-blocking unit in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and stopping movement of the light-blocking unit in response to a second stop signal from the GA controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Jae Yong Seong, Kong Pengfei, Won Shil Kang, Hyun Chul Ku, Jong Gyun Lim
  • Publication number: 20170361725
    Abstract: A coil alignment method performed in a coil alignment apparatus coupled to a VA controller includes: sensing magnetic field intensities induced from a ground assembly (GA) coil through a first auxiliary coil and a second auxiliary coil which are fixedly coupled to a VA coil; comparing a first magnetic field intensity sensed through the first auxiliary coil with a second magnetic field intensity sensed through the second auxiliary coil; moving the VA coil or the GA coil to a position where there is a predetermined difference or less between the first magnetic field intensity and the second magnetic field intensity; and moving at least one of the VA coil and the GA coil in a direction facing each other, so that a center point of the VA coil and a center point of the GA coil are located within a shortest distance of each other or within a certain error range of the shortest distance, while maintaining the predetermined difference or less between the first magnetic field intensity and the second magnetic field in
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Jae Yong Seong, Won Shil Kang, Hyun Chul Ku, Jong Gyun Lim
  • Publication number: 20170361726
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for positioning a vehicle. An apparatus for determining positioning information for a vehicle may comprise a plurality of receive coil circuits and a hardware processor. The plurality of receive coil circuits is configured to generate voltage signals from a magnetic field. The hardware processor is configured to generate position estimates of a position of the magnetic field generator with respect to a position of the plurality of receive coils. Each of the first sequence of position estimates is determined based upon a corresponding voltage vector derived from the voltage signals and at least one of a plurality of reference vectors. The hardware processor is configured to update the plurality of reference vectors based upon the first sequence of position estimates and a second sequence of position estimates generated based upon a source different from the plurality of receive coil circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Hans Peter Widmer, Andreas Daetwyler
  • Publication number: 20170361727
    Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the embodiments described herein, there are provided systems and methods for integration of electric vehicle charging stations with photovoltaic, wind, hydro, thermal and other alternative energy generation equipment. In various embodiments, the aforesaid integration is used to perform balancing of the electrical power generated by the aforesaid photovoltaic, wind, hydro, thermal and other alternative energy generation equipment and the electrical power consumed by the aforesaid EVSE equipment. In one exemplary embodiment, the aforesaid balancing may be performed on a house (building) level. In another exemplary embodiment, the balancing may be performed on a neighborhood level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: VALERY MIFTAKHOV, Alexander Gurzhi, Alan White
  • Publication number: 20170361728
    Abstract: A multiple EVSE installation employs a power sharing system for EVSE pairs which share a common circuit breaker. When only one EVSE is connected to an electric vehicle for charging, the connected EVSE is allowed to charge at full capacity. When a second EV connects to the second EVSE of the pair, while the first EVSE is charging, a controller senses the latter event and issues commands to both EVSE units to limit their current so that the rated circuit breaker capacity is not exceeded. The controller continuously monitors the charging of each of the EVSE units and sends commands to adjust the supply of current to each EVSE accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: James S. Bianco, John Fahy
  • Publication number: 20170361729
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining a value of the state of energy of a rechargeable battery in a vehicle, the battery being connected to an electric consumer; the method including: determining the state of charge as a measure of the present capacity of the battery; and determining the state of energy as an indication of at least the remaining charge and discharge energy of the battery. The disclosed method further includes: calculating and determining the value of the state of energy based on at least one parameter which is related to the operation of the electric consumer and where the at least one parameter varies depending on a mode for operating the vehicle or electric consumer during charging or discharging of the battery. Also disclosed is an arrangement for determining a value of the state of energy of a rechargeable battery in a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Hanna BRYNGELSSON, Hannes KUUSISTO
  • Publication number: 20170361730
    Abstract: Provided is a power control apparatus for a fuel cell vehicle which includes a fuel cell and which is driven by an electric motor that is supplied with electric power from the fuel cell. The power control apparatus includes an accelerator sensor that detects an operation of an accelerator, and a control unit that controls the fuel cell to increase the output power of the fuel cell so as to correspond to an increase in a requested acceleration output based on the detected accelerator opening degree. When the accelerator opening degree is less than a first accelerator determination value that is set in advance, the control unit controls the fuel cell to suppress an increase in the output power thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yusuke HIRAMITSU, Kazuyoshi NAKANE, Chikara TAKEI, Keisuke TASHIRO
  • Publication number: 20170361731
    Abstract: A linear drive transport system may include a track that includes first, second, third, and fourth track surfaces that define perimeter boundaries of the track and a magnetic drive system. The first, second, third, and fourth track surfaces include first, second, third, and fourth trajectories about the track, respectively, which are each different from one another. A mover may move along the track and include first and second leading bearings that interact with the first and second track surfaces, respectively, and first and second lagging bearings that interact with the third and fourth track surfaces, respectively, and a reaction element that interacts with the magnetic drive system to generate a propulsive force. The first and second leading bearings may be coupled to the mover at a first fixed distance from one another, and the first and second lagging bearings may be coupled to the mover at a similar distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Wayne Cromheecke, Oliver Charles Wexner Haya, Paul Jerome Grosskreuz, Jeffrey William Dujmovic
  • Publication number: 20170361732
    Abstract: Circuits, methods, and systems for driving a load are described. An exemplary driving circuit may include a plurality of switching devices and a controller electrically connected to the switching devices. The controller may be configured to receive a reference voltage signal indicating a target voltage for the driving circuit to generate to drive the load. The reference voltage signal may correspond to a reference space vector in a reference frame. The controller may also be configured to determine that the reference space vector falls within a holding region in which the reference voltage signal is subject to over-modulation. The controller may then generate an adjusted reference voltage signal by adjusting the reference space vector to match a predetermined space vector associated with the holding region. In addition, the controller may be configured to provide the adjusted reference voltage signal to the plurality of switching devices to drive the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Stefan Grubic, Mengwei Campbell
  • Publication number: 20170361733
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle seat comprising a seat base structure and a seat back structure pivotally connected to the seat base structure. The seat back structure includes a central adjustable region, an inboard side adjustable region adjacent the central adjustable region and a outboard side adjustable region located adjacent the central adjustable region. The seat back structure includes a central proximity sensor located at the central adjustable region, an inboard side proximity sensor located at the inboard side adjustable region and an outboard side proximity sensor located at the outboard side adjustable region. A seat back structure adjustment apparatus includes a central region adjustable member that adjusts a configuration of the central adjustable region, an inboard side adjustable member that adjusts a configuration of the inboard side adjustable region and an outboard side adjustable member that adjusts a configuration of the outboard adjustable region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Sergei I. Gage
  • Publication number: 20170361734
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat base and a seat back rotationally connected at a pivot. The seat base is rotatable about the pivot between a plurality of rotational positions relative to the seat base. A recliner disk is positioned at the pivot. The recliner disk includes a guide plate coupled to the seat base and a tooth plate coupled to the seat back. A plurality of bearings is positioned between the guide and tooth plates. The plurality of bearings and the guide and tooth plates are free of an internal braking mechanism. The engagement of the guide and tooth plates with the bearings provide for substantially free rotational movement between the plurality of rotational positions. The bearings also fix the relative axial position of the guide plate relative to the tooth plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Macit Aktas
  • Publication number: 20170361735
    Abstract: A vehicle seat support carrier includes an upper seatback panel having a flexible body portion. A first set of flexible suspension members undulate in a first direction. A second set of flexible suspension members undulate in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction. A lower seatback panel is operably coupled to the upper seatback panel. The lower seatback panel includes a border member defining a central aperture and first and second bolster supports. A central portion of each of the first and second bolster supports includes a plurality of flexible suspension members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marcos Silva Kondrad, S. M. Akbar Berry, Richard Joseph Soyka, JR., Johnathan Andrew Line, Nicholas Alphonse Billardello
  • Publication number: 20170361736
    Abstract: A seat recliner for a vehicle is provided and includes: a first plate; a second plate coupled with the first plate to define an inner space; a locking gear provided in the inner space, and provided with external teeth engaged with the first plate or the second plate; a locking cam configured to move the locking gear; an input member configured such that a first end thereof passes through the first plate and is coupled with a center of a locking cam to transmit torque thereto, and a second end thereof is exposed outside the first plate; and an elastic member wound around an outer circumferential surface of the second end of the input member, and configured such that a first end thereof is stopped by the input member, and a second end is stopped by an outer side of the first plate, thereby providing a restoring force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: HYUNDAI DYMOS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Seung Hun CHANG
  • Publication number: 20170361737
    Abstract: A seat device for a vehicle includes: a seat cushion and a seat base of a rear row seat, the seat base mounted on a floor of a vehicle standing upward from the floor and forming a support structure of the seat cushion; a movable cushion portion forming a sitting surface for a passenger; a seat-cushion-moving mechanism to rotate and translate the movable cushion portion so that the movable cushion portion moves between a seating position, an extended position, and a tray position. In particular, a passenger sits on the movable cushion portion in the seating position, the movable cushion portion rotates away from the seat base in the forward direction to expose a lower side of the movable cushion portion in the extended position, and the tray position is obtained when the movable cushion portion translates rearwardly from the extended position with the lower side remaining exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicants: Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc., HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott Ziolek, Amanda Christiana, Isaac Yeo, Thomas Moco, Lang Sui, Yeonhwa Choi
  • Publication number: 20170361738
    Abstract: An adjustable seat has a seat base having a front end and a rear end, a front leg assembly having a top end engaged with the rear end of the seat base and a bottom end opposite the top end for engaging a supporting surface, and a back leg assembly having a top end engaged with the front end of the seat base and a bottom end opposite the top end for engaging the supporting surface. The back leg assembly is pivotally connected to the front leg assembly between the top end and the bottom end of the front leg assembly and the back leg assembly. The adjustable seat has an adjustment assembly for selectively locking the front leg assembly relative to the back leg assembly at one of a plurality of lockable positions between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Sakun Khieowan, Peter James Murphy
  • Publication number: 20170361739
    Abstract: A changeable cover for a seat headrest comprises: a first locking part for locking a portion of the cover with a stay of the headrest; and a second locking part for locking another portion of the cover with the headrest. The first locking part may be, for example, a through-hole into which the stay is inserted. The second locking part may be, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicants: TACHI-S CO., LTD., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Nishino, Ryo Kurobe, Tomoyuki Uemura, Taku Nagasawa, Tomoyo Futakawame, Shinobu Sasaki