Patents Issued in December 26, 2017
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Patent number: 9849745Abstract: A suspension system can include an air spring, an air reservoir external to the air spring, and a flow control device which variably restricts flow of air between the air spring and the air reservoir. Flow between the air spring and the air reservoir may be permitted in response to compliance of the suspension system, and the air spring can have an internal air volume at least 2½ times as great may permit flow between the air spring and the air reservoir in response to a predetermined pressure differential level across the flow control device. Multiple air reservoirs can be internal to an axle, or other suspension system or vehicle component, and can be isolated from each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: HENDRICKSON USA, L.L.C.Inventors: R. Scott Fulton, John E. Ramsey, Kimm L. Carr, Brett L. Muckelrath, Thomas J. Long, William W. Brewer, Damon Delorenzis, Andrew J. Westnedge
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Patent number: 9849746Abstract: A strut assembly including a spring to help absorb impacts and a shock absorber to help control motion of the spring is disclosed. The shock absorber includes a base assembly and is mounted between a top mount assembly and a knuckle. The top mount assembly mounts to the body of the vehicle and helps support the spring. An upper spring seat is adjacent the top mount assembly and receives one end of the spring. A lower spring seat formed of a composite material is supported by the base assembly and is adapted to support another end of the spring. The lower spring seat includes at least one reinforcing element having a plurality of reinforcing cords disposed between an upper surface and a lower surface for improving impact resistance thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE OPERATING COMPANY INC.Inventor: Julien Wilkin
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Patent number: 9849747Abstract: A method for reducing the rollover risk of an automotive vehicle includes: a first step of calculating, on the basis of a plurality of signals delivered by sensors (28, 29) of the controllable suspension system, a measured quantity (TCm) as an active value (TC) of a load transfer; a second step of calculating an estimated quantity (TCe), on the basis of signals delivered by kinematic sensors (50-58) placed onboard the vehicle and a dynamic model of the vehicle, the estimated quantity being taken as an active value of the load transfer when the measured quantity is not available; a step of evaluating the rollover risk on the basis of the active value (TC) of the load transfer; and, in the event of increased rollover risk; and a step of the emission of a safety signal (S).Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignees: UNIVERSITE BLAISE PASCAL—CLERMONT II, INSTITUT NATIONAL DE RECHERCHE EN SCIENCES ET TECHNOLOGIES POUR L'ENVIRONNEMENT ET L'AGRICULTUREInventors: Roland Lenain, Nicolas Bouton, Mathieu Richier, Dieumet Denis, Benoit Thuilot
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Patent number: 9849748Abstract: A sprung vibration suppression device for a vehicle includes a motor for generating torque to generate driving/braking force at the vehicle wheels and shock absorbers. The device calculates a target driving/braking force including a base requested driving/braking force requested for driving the vehicle and a damping driving/braking force necessary for sprung damping control and controls the driving/braking force output from the motor in accordance with the target driving/braking force. The device sets the damping driving/braking force to zero and increases the damping force generated by the shock absorbers when the base requested driving/braking force is within a rattling noise generation range set for determining whether there is a possibility that rattling noise is generated in the gear device.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Mitsuhiko Morita
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Patent number: 9849749Abstract: A method and a device for operating a heat accumulator in a motor vehicle are provided. When the driver switches off the ignition, it is determined on the basis of the current coolant temperature whether there is a need for heat accumulation at this time and whether the benefit thereof depends on when the internal combustion engine is activated again. If the response to both of these is positive the driver is requested to state whether heat accumulation is to be carried out now. Heat accumulation is carried out or is not carried out depending on the driver's response.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Hans Guenter Quix
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Patent number: 9849750Abstract: A mounting structure of two resin components includes a primary component including an insertion piece extendedly provided from a base portion, and an engagement recessed portion formed in the insertion piece; and a secondary component formed capable of being mounted to the primary component and including an insertion portion configured to guide the insertion piece formed at the base portion, an engagement protruding portion formed in the insertion portion and configured to fit into the engagement recessed portion of the insertion piece, and a restriction wall configured to cover a root side of the insertion piece inserted into the insertion portion, and in a top plan view, a width of the restriction wall being gradually decreased toward a direction separating from a side where the primary component is mounted.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: NIHON PLAST CO., LTD.Inventor: Takashi Suzuki
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Patent number: 9849751Abstract: A motor vehicle comprises an HVAC system including a climate control circuit coupled to onboard sensors, a human-machine interface, and climate actuators. The actuators are responsive to respective command parameters generated by the control circuit in response to the sensors and the human-machine interface. A wireless communication system transmits vehicle HVAC data to and receives crowd data from a remote server. The control circuit initiates a request for crowd data via the communication system to the remote server, wherein the request includes peer parameters for identifying a vehicle environment. The control circuit receives a response via the communication system from the remote server. The response comprises crowd data and at least one weight indicating a confidence level associated with the crowd data. The control circuit generates at least one command parameter using a set of fuzzy rules responsive to the crowd data and the weight from the response.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Joseph Stanek, John A. Lockwood, Mark Davison, Jeffrey A. Palic, Lisa Scott
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Patent number: 9849752Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning apparatus is provided that can prevent temperature variations of the air after the heat exchange in a radiator to reliably control the temperature of the air supplied to the vehicle interior. During the heating operation and the heating and dehumidifying operation, target degree of supercooling SCt when target air-blowing temperature TAO is a predetermined temperature or higher is set to SCt1 that is greater than SCt2 when the target air-blowing temperature TAO is lower than the predetermined temperature. When amount of air Ga supplied from indoor fan 12 is lower than a predetermined value, the target degree of supercooling SCt is corrected, which is set such that the degree of supercooling is lower than target degree of supercooling corrected when the amount of air Ga supplied from the indoor fan 12 is a predetermined value or higher.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: SANDEN HOLDINGS CORPORATIONInventors: Kenichi Suzuki, Atsuo Inoue, Hidenori Takei
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Patent number: 9849753Abstract: A heating system for a vehicle having a power plant with a power plant coolant loop, and a method of operation, is disclosed. The heating system may include a HVAC module and a heater core coolant loop. The HVAC module includes a heater core. The heater core coolant loop includes a three-way valve having an inlet engaging the heater core for receiving a coolant, a first outlet that directs the coolant back into the heater core coolant loop, and a second outlet that directs the coolant into the power plant; a coolant pump for pumping the coolant through the heater core coolant loop; and a coolant heater located upstream of the heater core that selectively heats coolant flowing therethrough. Also, a coolant line receives the coolant from a heater core outlet of the power plant and directs the coolant into the heater core coolant loop.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2008Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Matthew J. Martinchick, Mark D. Nemesh, Sowmyalatha Jayaraman
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Patent number: 9849754Abstract: An air extractor grill for a vehicle may include a housing fixedly mounted at a portion on the vehicle separating inside and outside spaces of the vehicle and provided with through holes having a plurality of grills, an outer cover coupled with one surface of an outside of the housing and having an opened inner space provided with a plurality of outer barrier ribs, and a plurality of valves including upper portions fitted between the housing and the outer cover to be closely disposed to the housing to seal the through holes when the outer cover is connected with the housing, the plurality of valves being operated to open the through holes while lower portions of the plurality of valves rotate toward the outer cover based on the fixed upper portions when air inside the vehicle needs to be discharged to the outside of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, KIA MOTORS CORP.Inventors: Eung Young Kim, Byeong Moo Jang, Jun Mo Ku
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Patent number: 9849755Abstract: An air flow direction adjusting device is provided with a first rear fin and a second rear fin which are adjacent to each other. At a rear fin main body of the first rear fin of these two rear fins that are adjacent to each other, a protrusion portion is provided in a thickness direction. At a rear fin main body of the second rear fin of the above two rear fins that are adjacent to each other, a recessed portion configured to close a gap between the first rear fin and the second rear fin that are adjacent to each other by the recessed portion coming into contact with the protrusion portion is provided in proximity to a rear turning shaft portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: NIHON PLAST CO., LTD.Inventors: Sadao Ishikawa, Takashi Suzuki
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Patent number: 9849756Abstract: A sun visor assembly may include a visor having a first attachment including a first magnet, and a second attachment arranged on a vehicle headliner and including a pair of spaced supports and a pin maintained therein, wherein the pin includes a second magnet and is rotatable with respect to the supports, wherein the first attachment is configured to selectively attach to the second attachment via the first and second magnets, and further wherein the pin is rotatable in an attached state to adjust an angle of the visor.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Alejandro Juarez Corona
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Patent number: 9849757Abstract: A connecting device for coupling first and second members includes a body having a first leg and a second leg integrally connected to the first leg. The first leg and the second leg are oriented at an angle with respect to each other. A rigid material core extends through both the first leg and the second leg, the core including a first core member integrally connected to a second core member. The first core member is angularly oriented with respect to the second core member such that the core defines a geometric shape. A resilient material sleeve commonly covers the core of both the first leg and the second leg. The first leg is frictionally received in a first member and the second leg is frictionally received in a second member to couple the first member to the second member.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: DURA Operating LLCInventors: Aaron Brion Stachewicz, Alex Mark Langreet
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Patent number: 9849758Abstract: A component arrangement includes a first sheet metal profile part and a second sheet metal profile, each first and second profile parts having respective flanges and being arranged relative to each other so that the respective flanges overlap, wherein the first and second profile parts are connected to each at the respective flanges via a laser welding connection, which extends over a welding seam length, wherein the laser welding connection is formed by at least two welding seams which extend parallel and at a distance to each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Gerhard Gaull, Gundolf Kreis
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Patent number: 9849759Abstract: A door system is provided for a motor vehicle. That door system includes (a) a first independently operable first, door, (b) an independently operable second door, (c) an articulating door interface carried on the first door and (d) a guide on the motor vehicle body. The guide displaces the articulating door interface between a door sealing position when the first door is closed and a door opening position when the first door is opened. A related method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Lorne Joseph Lovelace, Henry W. Hausler
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Patent number: 9849760Abstract: A vehicle has a resin back door including a skeleton portion that is closed in cross-section and a glass plate supported by the skeleton portion. A skeleton side portion includes an inner wall portion defining an innermost peripheral surface of the skeleton portion, an outer wall portion disposed between the inner wall portion and the glass plate, and an intermediate wall portion with one end connected to a vehicle outer side end portion of the inner wall portion and another end connected to a vehicle transverse direction inner side end portion of the outer wall portion. The intermediate wall portion is curved to have a convex shape at an intermediate location thereof, and the convex shape protrudes toward an exterior of the closed cross-sectional skeleton portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yoshiyuki Adachi
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Patent number: 9849761Abstract: A sunroof panel for a vehicle includes a panel, a reinforcement member including a pair of side frames, a front frame, and a rear frame, and a joint portion joining first distal ends of the side frames to distal ends of the front frame, respectively, the joint portion joining second distal ends of the side frames to distal ends of the rear frame, respectively. At least one of the pair of the side frames, the front frame and the rear frame is made from a material that includes a specific gravity less than a specific gravity of the others of the pair of the side frames, the front frame and the rear frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shinichi Hiramatsu, Akinao Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 9849762Abstract: A golf cart enclosure includes a roof panel, a rear panel, two side panels and a front panel to enclose an interior space of the golf cart. The front panel includes an opening adapted to surround a windshield of the golf cart. The front panel further includes a channel provided around a perimeter of the front panel opening for receiving at least one drawstring. Upon pulling the drawstring tight and locking in position, the edges of the front panel around the opening are drawn in toward a center of the opening to neatly and snuggly fit the enclosure to golf carts of varying dimensions.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Inventor: Stephen Tyrer
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Patent number: 9849763Abstract: Systems for a truck box cover and more particularly to a truck box cover system configured to transform to suit multiple load types and still protect the load from outside elements. The truck box cover system has a plurality of electrically controlled telescoping columns and sides made of compliant material for raising and lowering the cover and maintaining a closed configuration.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2017Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Inventor: Michael J. Sullivan
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Patent number: 9849764Abstract: The invention relates to a convertible top cloth, including an outer top cloth, an inner roof lining, an insulating layer which is arranged between the outer top cloth and the inner roof lining, and at least one absorbent film which is accommodated between the outer top cloth and the inner roof lining, is a plastic film produced at least from polyester and is provided on the insulating layer adjacent to the inner roof lining.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2007Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: WEBASTO-EDSCHA CABRIO GMBHInventors: Xaver Wittenzellner, Alexander Reichelt, Hans-Joachim Bammann, Erwin Blessberger
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Patent number: 9849765Abstract: A side rail can define an exterior channel. A coupling strip can be slidably retained within the exterior channel of the side rail and can be positioned to selectively engage with a coupling strip of a tonneau cover. An end cap can be positioned on an end of the side rail. The end cap can include an exterior tab extension received within the exterior channel, and the exterior tab extension can have an end face positioned within the exterior channel and spaced from a corresponding end of the exterior channel. The end face of the exterior tab extension can be positioned to engage an opposing end face of the coupling strip within the exterior channel to positively limit longitudinal sliding movement of the coupling strip within the exterior channel.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2017Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Truxedo, Inc.Inventor: Joel L. Carlson
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Patent number: 9849766Abstract: An air deflector system for a sunroof of a vehicle including an air deflector with holes along the length of the air deflector and having an input port, an air pump connected to the input port, an airspeed sensor, and an air controller configured to control a speed of the air pump based on the airspeed sensor to enable discharge of an air stream through the holes of the air deflector.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Eric J. MacLean, Shintaro Katsura
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Patent number: 9849767Abstract: The invention relates to a seal including a body having a built-in chamber in which a switching element is arranged, and a lever for actuating the switching element. The lever can tilt relative to the body in two different directions. The range of movement and shape of the lever and/or the arrangement thereof relative to a wall of the chamber are such that the tilting of the lever, in a first of the different directions, does not deform the chamber, or does not deform same enough for the switching element to switch, and such that the tilting of the lever in the second direction deforms the chamber so that the switching element switches.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Faiveley Transport ToursInventors: Olivier Salles, Damien Morand, Thierry Montanie
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Patent number: 9849768Abstract: A vehicle body structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first cross member 1, a second cross member 2, and a third cross member 3 forming part of a framework of a vehicle and extending in a vehicle width direction. Further, the vehicle body structure 100 accommodates at least part of a battery portion 10a of a power storage device 10 in a space SP1R between a floor in a passenger compartment and a floor panel 4 and between the first cross member 1 and the second cross member 2. Further, the vehicle body structure 100 accommodates at least part of a controlling portion 10c of the power storage device 10 in a space SP2R between the first cross member 1 and the third cross member 3.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2013Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tsuyoshi Hayashi, Atsushi Yamanaka
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Patent number: 9849769Abstract: A structure for mounting a battery and a spare tire may include a battery bracket fixing the battery to an accommodating compartment recessed in a rear floor of a vehicle, and a tire mounting bracket fastened to the spare tire, disposed at an upper side of the battery, through a tire bolt, and fixing the spare tire to the rear floor, in which the battery bracket and the tire mounting bracket are separated so that a load applied to the spare tire is not transmitted to the battery.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Joo-Nam Kim, Ji-Ho Choi, Dong-Wook Kim
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Patent number: 9849770Abstract: An engine placement configuration for a heavy-duty truck includes a chassis having two spaced-apart frame rails running in a longitudinal direction of the chassis, between front and rear ends, and a front wheel assembly with an axle attached to the frame rails. An opposed-piston engine is supported on the frame rails and positioned between the front end and the axle. The opposed-piston engine includes a cylinder assembly with a longitudinal axis disposed between the frame rails and oriented vertically with respect to the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the opposed-piston engine includes a row of cylinders disposed between the rails and running in the longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: ACHATES POWER, INC.Inventor: Kevin B. Fuqua
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Patent number: 9849771Abstract: A transmission unit includes: input shafts; output shafts configured to transmit with a corresponding input shaft via gears; a reverse output gear fitted over one output shaft; a reverse synchronizer; a reverse shaft configured to rotate together with a input shaft and a reverse output gear; a motor power shaft; a first and a second motor gears fitted over the motor power shaft; the second motor gear configured to rotate together with a shift driven gear; and a motor synchronizer. A power transmission system including the transmission unit and a vehicle including the power transmission system are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: BYD Company LimitedInventors: Jintao Zhang, Yu Hua, Lingdao Chai, Jinhui Mu, Jing Liu
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Patent number: 9849772Abstract: A vehicular drive device where the damper, the differential gear device, and the first rotary electric machine are disposed side by side on a first axis that is common thereto, the second rotary electric machine is disposed on a second axis that is parallel to the first axis and is different from the first axis, the output device is disposed on a third axis that is parallel to the first axis and is different from the first axis and the second axis, and the first gear mechanism is disposed on a fourth axis that is positioned on a side opposite to the second axis side with respect to a first reference plane that is a plane including both the first axis and the third axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.Inventors: Shigeki Takami, Takahisa Hirano
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Patent number: 9849773Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a battery, a generating unit having an internal combustion engine and a generator which generates electric power by operating the internal combustion engine to supply the generated electric power to a motor or the battery, and the motor which is driven by the electric power supplied from at least one of the battery and the generating unit. A generation control apparatus for the hybrid vehicle evaluates the driving condition of the vehicle from viewpoints of the energy consumption at the motor, the NV performance of the vehicle and the generation efficiency of the generating unit and determines whether or not the operation of the generating unit is necessary based on an evaluation parameter of any one or more viewpoints.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Tagami, Toru Nakasako
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Patent number: 9849774Abstract: A mount for supporting a motor vehicle radiator in a substantially upright, transverse orientation. The mount includes a resiliently flexible pair of opposed grip members that grip a support portion of the radiator. The mount is configured such that, when the support portion of the radiator is placed between the grip members and the support portion is urged against the mount, the grip members exert a gripping force on the support portion to retain the support portion therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2013Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover LimitedInventor: William Hutchins
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Patent number: 9849775Abstract: The invention relates to a filler neck (1) for an auxiliary liquid reservoir for a motor vehicle, in particular for a urea reservoir, having a neck housing (9), which defines a mouth hole stub (10) for a filler nozzle (7) and a filling channel (11) leading into the reservoir, wherein a receiving structure for a filler nozzle (7) is provided within the neck housing (9). At least one venting path, which is of enlarged cross section, at least in a section or sections, and of chamber-like or labyrinth-like design, is formed within the neck housing (9), allowing a venting flow parallel and counter to the refilling volume to flow through the neck housing (9) during refilling.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2012Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Volkswagen AktiengesellschaftInventors: Agnes Eberhardt, Ralf Kolberg, Stefan Lenz, Jaroslav Maglovski
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Patent number: 9849776Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a suspension system coupled to a main frame of ride-on equipment including at least one subframe coupled to the main frame with a pivot including pivot axis. Some embodiments include at least one transaxle assembly supported on the at least one subframe coupled to a drive wheel, and a power source supported on the main frame coupled to the at least one transaxle assembly. Some embodiments include driven pulleys, idler pulleys and backside idler pulleys supported by the at least one subframe coupled to a power source not supported by the at least one subframe. Some embodiments include two independently suspended subframes, each independently pivotable on the pivot axis with respect to each other and the main frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATIONInventors: Mark J. Melone, James F. Marshall, Richard Smith, Mark Lynch, Travis Rasch, Erik Slegelis, Steven J. Weber, Denis Oswald
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Patent number: 9849777Abstract: By driving a first electromagnetic solenoid and a second electromagnetic solenoid, if first cams of a first thrust force amplification mechanism and a second thrust force amplification mechanism are connected to non-rotary members, since second cams are rotated at rotating speeds that are proportional to a vehicle speed V, the relative rotations between the first cam and the second cam increase. Therefore, the first thrust force amplification mechanism and the second thrust force amplification mechanism can be actuated quickly, to thereby switch connection/disconnection states of the first connection/disconnection mechanism and the second connection/disconnection mechanism quickly.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takahiro Yoshimura, Ryota Horie
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Patent number: 9849778Abstract: A transfer case of a motor vehicle drivetrain includes a planetary gear set including a ring gear to receive input torque, and a pinion assembly having pinion gears in mesh with the ring gear and a carrier to carry the pinion gears and transmit output torque. A sun gear is in mesh with the pinion gears, is selectively connectable to the carrier and rotatable therewith in a two-wheel drive mode and in a four-wheel-drive high range mode, and is selectively fixable against rotational motion in a four-wheel drive low range mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Mallikarjun Rudagi, William C. Dodge, Sathya Vaidyanathan
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Patent number: 9849779Abstract: Disclosed is a utility work vehicle having an engine section at a rear portion of a vehicle body. The engine section includes an engine having an output shaft oriented laterally along a right/left direction of the vehicle body, a speed changer device having an input shaft oriented laterally along the right/left direction of the vehicle body, the speed changer device being disposed rearwardly of the engine, a belt type stepless speed changer device disposed on one right/left side of the engine and the speed changer device and configured to transmit power from the engine to the speed changer device. A clutch is disposed between the engine and the belt type stepless speed changer device. A space is formed downwardly of the clutch between the engine and the belt type stepless speed changer device. At a portion downwardly of the speed changer device and facing the space, a front wheel driving output shaft extends forwardly from the speed changer device.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventor: Hiroki Bessho
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Patent number: 9849780Abstract: A safety apparatus of an accelerator pedal for a vehicle may include a lever actuating hole formed through a pad of the accelerator pedal that is configured to be operated by a driver's foot, and a rotary lever passing through the lever actuating hole, and rotatably provided on the pad such that a first end of the rotary lever protrudes upwards from the pad and a second end of the rotary lever comes into contact with a pedal housing under the pad, the rotary lever preventing the pad from being rotated towards the pedal housing when the second end of the rotary lever comes into contact with the pedal housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Eun Sik Kim
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Patent number: 9849781Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a diesel engine, a two-four wheel drive switcher provided on a driving power transmission path from the diesel engine and configured to switch transmission of driving power to driving wheels between a two-wheel drive mode and a four-wheel drive mode, and a vehicle control unit configured to control the two-four wheel drive switcher. The utility vehicle further includes a rollover sensor configured to detect rollover of the utility vehicle, and a fuel cutoff valve configured to cut off fuel supply to the diesel engine. The vehicle control unit determines whether or not the utility vehicle is being rolled over in accordance with detection by the rollover sensor and controls the fuel cutoff valve to cut off the fuel supply when the vehicle control unit determines that the utility vehicle is being rolled over.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Seiji Itoo, Shinichi Tanaka
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Patent number: 9849782Abstract: A method of managing operation of a machine is described herein. The machine includes drive components that supply a propulsive force exerted by the machine on a traveled surface. The machine includes a programmed controller that controls power output by a motor to the drive components of the machine, in accordance with a slippage model, to actively manage excessive slippage at a physical interface between the machine and the traveled surface. The programmed controller determines a track force indicative of the propulsive force exerted by the machine on the traveled surface. The programmed controller further determines a modeled slippage based, at least in part, upon the track force and the slippage model. The machine conditionally causes a reduction of the power output by the motor based upon a comparison, by the programmed controller, between the modeled slippage and a slippage limit.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2012Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Christopher Elliott
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Patent number: 9849783Abstract: There is provided a renderer 5 that renders a graphics indicator 7b (or 7f) which is displayed on a display screen 7a of a display 7 and which indicates an indication value in synchronization with a short hand 8a.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2013Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Yasuaki Takimoto, Masami Aikawa, Takehisa Mizuguchi, Yoshihiko Mori, Takeshi Mitsui, Masakazu Okuda, Mitsuru Sakai, Masahiro Kosakada, Satoshi Okamoto
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Patent number: 9849784Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle for maneuvering an occupant of the vehicle to a destination autonomously as well as providing information about the vehicle and the vehicle's environment for display to the occupant.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Min Li Chan, Philip Nemec, Brian Douglas Cullinane, Julien Charles Mercay, Peter Crandall
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Patent number: 9849785Abstract: Methods, systems and computer readable media are presented for computing a guidance control policy to transition an uncertain dynamical system from an initial state to a final state, in which a set of points are computed to provide discreet and accurate representation of uncertainty, and in which a guidance control policy is computed based on a set of equations involving the initial state, the final state, state variables, control variables, and parameters, as well as designated parameters of interest, a set of constraints corresponding to state and control variables, a performance metric, statistical distribution types corresponding to the parameters of interest, statistical moments individually corresponding to the parameters of interest, and weighting values corresponding to the parameters of interest.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Isaac Michael Ross, Mark Karpenko, Ronald Joseph Proulx
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Patent number: 9849786Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, controlling an electrified vehicle by adjusting a deceleration rate based on a closing rate of the electrified vehicle to an oncoming object.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Kenneth James Miller, Douglas Raymond Martin, William Paul Perkins, Derek Hartl
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Patent number: 9849787Abstract: A system includes a converter for powering a synchronous electric machine to which it is connected by cables, an insulating device and a mechanism for short-circuiting phases of the machine. The system includes primary detectors for detecting an overcurrent in the converter and a securing device able to open the insulating device when receiving a primary detection signal emitted by the primary detector. The system also includes secondary detectors able to detect a short-circuit downstream from the insulating device and to emit a secondary detection signal toward the securing device, the latter actuating the closing of the mechanism for short-circuiting as long as they have already received a primary detection signal having led to the opening of the insulating device.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIESInventors: David Cypers, Guillaume Desportes
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Patent number: 9849788Abstract: Reactive replenishable device management comprises receiving device measurement data from at least one device, updating one or more device usage profiles associated with the at least one device, and if an analysis of the one or more device usage profiles indicates usage of the at least one device is sub-optimal, performing one or more of: controlling at least one of an attribute or an operation of the at least one device, issuing one or more device management recommendations to a user of the at least one device, and issuing one or more user alerts to the user. The at least one device comprises at least one of one or more replenishable devices, one or more replenishers associated with the one or more replenishable devices, and one or more other devices associated with the one or more replenishable devices.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: AEROVIRONMENT, INC.Inventors: Blake Dickinson, Lisa Lei Horiuchi, Nathaniel Jordan Ramer
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Patent number: 9849789Abstract: An operation mode selection unit selects an efficiency priority mode for minimizing the overall loss in a power supply system based on a load request voltage obtained in accordance with the condition of a load and on the conditions of DC power supplies, and generates a mode selection signal in accordance with the selection result. When SOC and/or output power have/has reached power supply restriction values in any DC power supply, an operation mode modification unit generates a final mode selection instructing signal so as to modify selection of the efficiency priority mode by the mode selection signal to select an operation mode in which power distribution between the DC power supplies can be controlled.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA CHUO KENKYUSHO, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shuji Tomura, Masanori Ishigaki, Naoki Yanagizawa, Masaki Okamura
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Patent number: 9849790Abstract: A utility vehicle includes an electric motor for driving a propelling device, a battery for supplying electric power to the electric motor, a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the battery, a discharge current setting unit for setting an upper limit discharge current value based on the detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor, and a control unit for regulating discharge current of the battery within the upper limit discharge current value determined by the discharge current setting unit and for controlling driving of the electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Shunsuke Miyashita, Yukifumi Yamanaka
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Patent number: 9849791Abstract: A vehicle drive device that includes a rotary electric machine that serves as a drive force source for wheels; a speed change mechanism; a pump motor that serves as a drive force source for an electric pump that generates a hydraulic pressure to be supplied to a servo mechanism for the speed change mechanism; a case that accommodates the speed change mechanism; and a first inverter that controls the rotary electric machine and a second inverter that controls the pump motor, the first inverter and the second inverter being connected to a common DC power source, wherein: the first inverter and the second inverter are disposed in the case; and a first wiring member that extends from the DC power source is branched in the case to be connected to each of the first inverter and the second inverter.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomoyuki Suzuki, Tatsuyuki Uechi, Tatsuya Kondo, Yoshinobu Ito
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Patent number: 9849792Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor serving as a driving source configured to run the vehicle, and a high-power and high-capacity assembled batteries, each of the assembled batteries being formed to include secondary batteries configured to supply an electric power to the motor, the secondary batteries of the assembled batteries being housed in different cases. The high-power and high-capacity assembled batteries are arranged around a luggage space located in a rearward portion of the vehicle. The high-power assembled battery is chargeable and dischargeable with a current larger than a current in the high-capacity assembled battery. The high-capacity assembled battery has an energy capacity larger than an energy capacity of the high-power assembled battery. The high-capacity assembled battery is arranged above or below the high-power assembled battery in the vehicle, and at least a portion of the high-capacity assembled battery protrudes from the high-power assembled battery rearward in the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2012Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kenji Kimura, Akihiro Sato
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Patent number: 9849793Abstract: An electrical storage system includes a main battery, an auxiliary battery, a bidirectional DC-DC converter and a controller. The bidirectional DC-DC converter is provided between the auxiliary battery and a power supply path from the main battery to a driving motor. The bidirectional DC-DC converter steps down an output voltage from the power supply path to the auxiliary battery, and steps up an output voltage from the auxiliary battery to the power supply path. The controller controls charging and discharging of the auxiliary battery. The controller, when an allowable output power of the main battery decreases and an electric power becomes insufficient for a required vehicle output, supplies an electric power to the power supply path by discharging the auxiliary battery by using the bidirectional DC-DC converter.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroki Tashiro, Hiromasa Tanaka, Yuji Nishi, Yukinari Tanabe, Hiroyuki Kaiya
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Patent number: 9849794Abstract: An evaluation value is calculated based on a history of currents in order to quantitatively evaluate unevenness of an ion concentration in a non-aqueous electrolyte of a secondary battery. An integrated evaluation value for each of the discharging side and the charging side are calculated. When the integrated evaluation value exceeds a positive threshold value, discharging of the secondary battery is restricted, and when the integrated evaluation value exceeds a negative threshold value, charging of the secondary battery is restricted.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Makoto Nakashima, Toshihiko Mitsuhashi, Hironobu Hashimoto