Patents Issued in December 28, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170368948
    Abstract: The power reception apparatus includes a secondary coil which receives power in a non-contact state from a power transmission apparatus having a primary coil, while facing the power transmission apparatus, a housing which houses the secondary coil to form a space between the secondary coil and the housing, a fluid filled in the space, a sensor which is disposed in the space and detects a change in the a liquid level height of the fluid, and a detection unit which detects a breakage of the housing, based on a the change in the liquid level height detected by the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhisa KUME, Tomoaki ONO, Takuya IWAMOTO, Hajime FUJITA
  • Publication number: 20170368949
    Abstract: A battery system includes a housing, a battery array inside the housing, a first wiring path that bypasses the battery array, and a second wiring path electrically connected to the battery array. The battery system is adapted to charge a battery pack of an electrified vehicle using AC power, DC power, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Kevin LAYDEN, John Paul GIBEAU, Kendrick J. TAYLOR, Yuling ZHAO
  • Publication number: 20170368950
    Abstract: An electrical pulse generator for ohmic-inductive loads with a capacitive module in which a primary capacitor is charged by a first generator for generating voltage pulses, with high capacity and high voltage, on an ohmic-inductive load. In the capacitive module there is also a secondary capacitor or supercapacitor with a very high capacity, charged by a second generator designed to continuously supply voltage to the load. An electronic splitter, or Chopper is interposed between the capacitive module and the load which splits the voltage supplied by the capacitive module according to modulated high frequency pulses, in such a way that the value of the voltage supplied to the load is constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Sandro Maria TENCONI, Giuseppe TADDIA
  • Publication number: 20170368951
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a charging device for charging an at least partially electrically operated vehicle. The charging device is formed with at least one electrical component and a switching device. The at least one electrical component and the switching device are arranged in the charging device in such a way that when the charging device is connected to a vehicle a circuit is produced for assisting the discharging of at least one capacitor provided on the vehicle side, the capacitor being openable or closable via the switching device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Manfred ADLHOCH, Florian FESTL, Thomas FUCHS, Alexander MUNDRY
  • Publication number: 20170368952
    Abstract: A charging control method for an electric vehicle is provided. The method uses a vehicle charging device that includes a power factor correction circuit (PFC) and a DC/DC converter. The method includes receiving, by a PFC controller, a control pilot (CP) signal from an external charging device and restricting by the PFC controller an allowable current value derived by analyzing the CP signal to a maximum current value that is to be applied to the PFC. The PFC controller then derives an output current command value of the DC/DC converter by applying an output value of a voltage controller of the PFC to the allowable current value. A DC/DC converter controller then charges a battery using the output current command value of the DC/DC converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Hyun Wook Seong, Hui Sung Jang, Shin Hye Chun, Mu Shin Kwak
  • Publication number: 20170368953
    Abstract: An adapter having a CHAdeMO socket on its input side for receiving a charging station connector of a CHAdeMO charging station, a CCS connector on its output side for connection to an electric vehicle, and an electronic circuit logic which embeds signal states entering via the CHAdeMO socket into a CAN message and to provide them as an output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Ingo ZECH, Andreas WEGENER
  • Publication number: 20170368954
    Abstract: A wireless vehicle charging system is provided herein. The charging system includes a charging station having a power source and a charging station interface operably coupled to a primary coil assembly. The primary coil assembly includes a primary coil therein for generating a magnetic field. An illumination system is disposed within the primary coil assembly and includes a passive illumination system and an active illumination system. A first photoluminescent structure is disposed within the passive illumination system and is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by an incident light. A second photoluminescent structure is disposed within the active illumination system and is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by a light source. A vehicle having a secondary coil assembly thereon is operably coupled with a rectifier and is configured to transmit electrical current from the secondary coil assembly to a battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Harry Lobo, James A. Lathrop, Terry Padgett, Sriram Jala
  • Publication number: 20170368955
    Abstract: A method includes controlling an electrified vehicle by modifying a state of charge (SOC) window associated with an energy storage device of the electrified vehicle in response to a reverse driving event or a trailer towing event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas ZENNER, Daniel Benjamin Kok, Derek Hartl
  • Publication number: 20170368956
    Abstract: A method for controlling the charging of a battery panel of a remote vehicle using regenerative power includes continuously monitoring a state of charge of each of a plurality of smart batteries included in a battery panel and detecting a regenerative current flow from a motor of a vehicle. The method also includes determining if a current charge status of a smart battery in the plurality of smart batteries is at a charge condition which is less than a threshold value associated with the smart battery and determining a plurality of optimal voltage differentials to be applied across each of the plurality of smart batteries. Each of the plurality of optimal voltage differentials is used to control a charging current supplied to a corresponding smart battery. The method further includes applying the determined plurality of optimal voltage differentials across each of the corresponding plurality of smart batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Mark A. Cory, Loran J. Wilkinson, Matthew D. Summer, Paul M. Bosscher
  • Publication number: 20170368957
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus and method for providing electric energy to a target system are provided. The power supply apparatus includes: a capacitor module configured to store electric charge and provide electric energy to a target system based on the stored electric charge; an internal battery module configured to be operably connected with the capacitor module in series; and an output interface configured to couple the internal battery module with the capacitor module. The internal battery module and the capacitor module provide electric energy to the target system in controllable series connection through the output interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Yun Lei
  • Publication number: 20170368958
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy storage module system and, more specifically, to a hybrid energy storage module system selectively using, according to the amount of power required in a load, a lithium battery and a lead storage battery by mutually supplementing the lithium battery and the lead storage battery. According to the present invention, the hybrid energy storage module system is an energy storage module system for supplying power necessary for the driving of a load and comprises an energy storage device, a first sensing unit and a second sensing unit, and a controller. The energy storage device includes at least one lithium battery module and at least one lead storage battery module. In addition, the energy storage device includes a switching network configured so as to connect the lithium battery module and the lead storage battery module in different arrangement modes. The energy storage device is connected to both ends of a load and supplies power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Keun Soo EUN
  • Publication number: 20170368959
    Abstract: An onboard battery includes predetermined members such as battery modules, and a housing case. An internal space of the housing case is partitioned by a partition plate into an upper space and a lower space in which the predetermined members are disposed, and the battery modules are disposed below the partition plate. The housing case has a bottom surface on which the battery modules are disposed, a front surface that has a front-side tightening part, and a rear surface that has a rear-side tightening part. The partition plate has a partition base that partitions the internal space of the housing case into the upper space and the lower space, a front-side fixation target part that is continuous with a front end of the partition base, and a rear-side fixation target part that is continuous with a rear end of the partition base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Toshiyuki HARA, Takayuki TOKUNAGA
  • Publication number: 20170368960
    Abstract: The main cushion (3) of an automobile seat (e.g. the seat pan cushion, or a backrest cushion) is provided with a shield (2). The shield surrounds at least part of the lateral sides of the main cushion and is formed of a less compressible (i.e. harder) foam than the main cushion, such that when the seat is upholstered, creases in the upholstery are reduced/prevented and gapping is avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Paul Whitmore
  • Publication number: 20170368961
    Abstract: A vehicle seat sliding device includes: a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor; an upper rail slidably engaging with the lower rail and supports a vehicle seat upward; a nut member fixed to a first rail which configures one side of the lower rail and the upper rail; a screw rod screwed into the nut member; a drive unit rotating the screw rod; and a support supporting the screw rod on a second rail which configures the other side of the lower rail and the upper rail. The support includes a holding member that is provided with an insertion hole into which the screw rod is inserted and that is fixed to the second rail, and a holding nut that is provided with a through-hole into which the screw rod is inserted and that is screwed to a screwing portion provided on the screw rod or the holding member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuta MURAKAMI, Toshiaki NAGATA
  • Publication number: 20170368962
    Abstract: A seat position detection apparatus for a vehicle seat which is guided using a seat rail in a floor rail of the vehicle. The seat position detection apparatus has a lock for the longitudinal setting of the seat rail and the floor rail in relation to one another, and a mechanical memory device that has a position determination unit and a position detection unit, which may be started symmetrically from both directions of the longitudinal adjustment of the vehicle seat to define a vehicle seat position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Florian AUER, Christoph BREHM, David PREISSER, Andreas WACHTEL, Bernd EFLER
  • Publication number: 20170368963
    Abstract: A seat slide device that can adjust sliding resistance of sliding of an upper rail with respect to a lower rail in an unlock state is provided. The seat slide device is provided in a vehicle and includes a lower rail fixed to a floor of a vehicle, an upper rail fixed to a seat of the vehicle and supported to be capable of sliding with respect to the lower rail, a lock mechanism configured to switch a lock state in which movement of the upper rail is restricted and an unlock state in which the movement of the upper rail is allowed, and an adjusting mechanism configured to adjust sliding resistance of sliding of the upper rail with respect to the lower rail in the unlock state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Toyota Body Seiko Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Hisato Watanabe, Shin Shiraki, Motohisa Nakamura, Takuo Yanagihara
  • Publication number: 20170368964
    Abstract: A vehicle seat device comprises: a seat disposed at a vehicle width direction inner side of a side door of a vehicle; a rotating mechanism that rotates the seat about a vertical axis relative to a vehicle body; a sideways movement mechanism that moves the seat in a vehicle width direction relative to the vehicle body between a normal region and an inner region; and a control device which, when causing the rotating mechanism to rotate the seat, causes the sideways movement mechanism to move the seat from the normal region to the inner region before the rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Donhyon Kim, Daisuke Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20170368965
    Abstract: A vehicle seat, wherein a seat back includes a first member to which an operating lever is attached and a bezel attached to the first member to surround an outer periphery of the operating lever in a frame shape, wherein the first member has an opening hole through which the bezel passes, wherein the bezel is attached to a second member, which has higher strength and higher rigidity than the first member and is attached to the first member so as to close the opening hole, and is disposed in the opening hole, wherein an outer edge portion of the bezel covers the first member at a peripheral edge of the opening hole, and wherein the first member is attached to the seat back frame by locking a locking portion of the second member to a locked portion of the seat back frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Iwao MATSUSHIMA
  • Publication number: 20170368966
    Abstract: A seat is provided in which a seat cushion is pivotally coupled to a seat back by a recliner assembly. The recliner assembly is selectively operable between a locked condition preventing pivotal movement of the seat back and an unlocked condition allowing pivotal movement of the seat back. A riser assembly supports the seat assembly above a floor, such as the floor of a vehicle, and is configured for actuation and movement of the seat assembly between a generally upright seating position, a pitched easy entry position tilted forwardly and downwardly towards the floor to allow easier ingress and egress behind the seat, and a stowed position recessed within a compartment below the floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Nathan A. Jensen, Prasad D. Jagtap, Alan Proulx, Timothy Jon Brush, Senthil Kumar Chinnadurai, Abhishek Kedia, Umesh Prakash Handigol, Jeffrey P. Carroll, Lyle Dadd, Omar D. Tame, Robert Thomas Coffey, Avery Folk, Ravindra Thamake
  • Publication number: 20170368967
    Abstract: An auxiliary tractor seat for providing additional seating in a tractor cabin is provided herein. The auxiliary tractor seat includes a mounting plate defining one or more mounting holes, configured to receive an auxiliary tractor seat bolt, so as to couple the auxiliary tractor seat to tractor seat. A base plate is coupled to the mounting plate so as to provide a substantially flat seating surface. A lower seat back coupled to at least one of the mounting plate and the base plate, an upper seat back at least partially disposed above the lower seat back, and a hinge coupled to the lower seat back and the upper seat back so as to permit the upper seat back to transition from an upright position to a horizontal position. The auxiliary tractor seat is coupled to the tractor seat such that suspension supports the auxiliary seat and provides shock absorption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Chad Vaudt, Aric Lange
  • Publication number: 20170368968
    Abstract: A vehicle seat device includes: a plurality of air bags configured to be provided inside a seat; a flow path having a shared section to communicate with each of the air bags; a plurality of intake valves each of which is arranged at a flow path position at an upstream of each of the air bags when air is pumped into each of the air bags; a plurality of exhaust valves arranged at flow path positions communicating with the shared section; and a control device configured to control operations of the intake valves and the exhaust valves, in which the control device adjusts a discharge speed of internal air by selectively opening the exhaust valves when the internal air of each of the air bags is discharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akiyoshi SHIBATA, Yuki FUJII, Hiroyuki ODA, Shunsuke HAYAKAWA
  • Publication number: 20170368969
    Abstract: An air pressure control device of a vehicle seat includes: a bulging shape forming unit configured to form a bulging shape on a seat surface by expanding air bags configured to be provided inside a seat; a bulging shape moving unit configured to move a position of the bulging shape formed on the seat surface by each corresponding air bag by sequentially expanding and contracting a plurality of air bags aligned in a direction along the seat surface in an arrangement direction of the air bags; and a pumping capacity adjusting unit configured to increase a pumping capacity of an air pump that pumps air into each air bag as a protrusion amount of the corresponding bulging shape increases when a formation position of the bulging shape is moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akiyoshi SHIBATA, Yuki FUJII, Hiroyuki ODA, Shunsuke HAYAKAWA, Shunsuke TANAKA, Shinichiro KOMAKI, Kenji HASHIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20170368970
    Abstract: A headrest for a seat of a vehicle includes a body securable to the seat, a side portion adjacent the body, a receiver pivotally attached to the body, a slide attached to the side portion so as to be movable along the receiver between a first position in which the side portion is in a retracted position and a second position in which the side portion is in an extended position, and a friction member on one of the receiver and the slide. A securing mechanism causes the friction member to hold the slide in a selected position relative to the receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: David LESSARD
  • Publication number: 20170368971
    Abstract: A vehicle seat including a seat back, the seat back including: a back frame serving as a framework; a top plate main seat pad that is a covered cushion member attached to the back frame and serving as a support structure at the center in a seat width direction; a top plate side seat pad that is a covered cushion member attached to the back frame and serving as support structures on both sides in the seat width direction; and a headrest, wherein the top plate main seat pad includes, at its upper portion, an annular portion having an opening portion in which the headrest is inserted and placed, and an open annular base member, which is harder than the top plate main seat pad and whose front surface portion is opened, is disposed on a surface of the annular portion at an inner side of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Iwao MATSUSHIMA
  • Publication number: 20170368972
    Abstract: A seat cushion pad and a seat which enable reduction of a cost and improvement of use feeling are provided. The cushion pad (20) fixed in a seat frame (21) of the seat (1) includes a cushion pad body (31), and an air cell (30) which can be expanded and contracted by supplied/exhausted air. The air cell (30) is provided integrally with the cushion pad body (31) and is held by the cushion pad body (31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Tsutomu FUJIKAKE, Takumi YAMAKAWA, Takayuki NOSAKA
  • Publication number: 20170368973
    Abstract: A seat backrest is provided, comprising a framework (1) including an upper portion (10), a lower portion (20), a central support portion (40) and two side portions (30) formed integrally by injection molding a thermoplastic material; and an elongated reinforcement (60) embedded in the side portion (30) and the central support portion (40) by overmolding and extending along the side portion (30), the reinforcement (60) being configured to bend along a boundary (35) between the side portion (30) and the central support portion (40). A seat including the backrest is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Hee Won SEO, Martin BAUMERT, Tsung-Chieh CHENG, Sangcheol JUN, Daewoo LEE, Sunghyun KANG
  • Publication number: 20170368974
    Abstract: A vehicle seat including a seat cushion, a seat back, a seat belt, and a seat belt retractor is provided. The vehicle seat includes: a seat back frame comprising: right and left side frames disposed at a distance away from each other in a lateral direction; an upper frame connecting upper end portions of the right side frame and the left side frame; a lower frame connecting lower end portions of the right side frame and the left side frame; and a connecting frame made of a pipe member and disposed at distances away from the right and left side frames and connecting the upper frame and the lower frame; and a first bracket by which the seat belt retractor is attached to the seat back frame. The first bracket is provided on the connecting frame at distances away from the upper frame and the lower frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Hidetaka YONEHARA, Kazuya MIYAWAKI, Hiroyuki NOMURA, Atsushi OKIMURA, Hiroki IKEDA, Toshimitsu MIZUKOSHI, Yuma OGA
  • Publication number: 20170368975
    Abstract: Vehicle seat with seat cushion and seat back includes a seat frame, which comprises: first and second frames disposed at a distance away from each other in a predetermined direction; third frame connecting end portions of the first and second frames; fourth frame connecting another end portions of the first and second frames; and a connecting frame disposed at distances away from the first frame and second frame and connecting the third frame and fourth frame. The seat frame comprises: first pipe member having a U-shaped configuration and configured to form the first frame, the connecting frame, and part of the third frame by which the first frame and the connecting frame are connected; and second pipe member having a U-shaped configuration and configured to form the second frame, a remaining part of the third frame and the fourth frame, and connected to the first pipe member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Kazuya MIYAWAKI, Atsushi OKIMURA, Takahide AOKI, Hiroki IKEDA, Toshimitsu MIZUKOSHI
  • Publication number: 20170368976
    Abstract: A vehicle interior structure including: a first structure; a second structure disposed adjacent to the first structure; and another member disposed on a design surface side of at least one of the first structure and the second structure, wherein a falling restriction part configured to restrict the other member from falling into a gap between the first structure and the second structure is provided to at least one of the first structure and the second structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Iwao MATSUSHIMA
  • Publication number: 20170368977
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cup holder releasably mountable to an armrest of a vehicle. The cup holder comprises an end portion having a shape for holding a cup or bottle or beverage container, and an elongated tubular portion having a first end connected to the end portion and a second end, comprising an opening for receiving at least part of the armrest, and a clamping assembly for releasably clamping the armrest when inserted in the opening, without damaging the armrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Arda Arpinar, Semih Kasab, Murat Kaynar
  • Publication number: 20170368978
    Abstract: A lifting device for lifting the bed of a truck comprises a bracket configured to be coupled to an undercarriage of the truck and a lifting mechanism coupled to the bracket. The lifting mechanism extends from the bracket to the underside of the bed and moves between a retracted position where the bed is supported by the undercarriage and an extended position where at least a portion of the bed is raised relative to the undercarriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: TEC DESIGN, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Taylor
  • Publication number: 20170368979
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp (10) with a progressive direction indicator function comprises a direction indicator zone divided into a series of illuminable portions. The direction indicator zone is generally C-shaped, comprising a head 68) and a pair of tails (64, 66), joined by the head (68), that extend in an inboard direction from the head. The tails (64, 66) extend beside each other in the inboard direction and are spaced apart along their length. The head (68) extends between the tails (64, 66) in a direction transverse to the inboard direction, the height of the head (68) in that transverse direction being greater than combined thicknesses of the tails (64, 66) in that transverse direction. To draw an observer's eye in an outboard direction, the illuminable portions are controllable in use to illuminate the direction indicator zone progressively in an outboard direction along the tails (64, 66) to the head (68), and then to illuminate the head convergently in a direction transverse to the outboard direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Richards, Jamie Carr, Daniel Lenart
  • Publication number: 20170368980
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor vehicle light device that includes an optical deflector, at least one bearing element, and a pinning element. The pinning element has a bracing element bearing a contact portion, the bracing element at least partially surrounding the optical deflector, the contact portion bearing against the optical deflector. The optical deflector, the bearing element and the pinning element are arranged so that the optical deflector is at least partially gripped between the bearing piece and the contact portion, so that, in a direction running from the bearing piece to the contact portion, the contact portion is rigid and the bracing element is elastically deformable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: VALEO VISION BELGIQUE
    Inventors: Florestan Debert, Dirkie Sacchet, Franck Dinant
  • Publication number: 20170368981
    Abstract: An imaging system is provided herein. An image sensor is configured to acquire one or more images of a scene external and forward of a controlled vehicle and to generate image data corresponding to the acquired images. A controller is communicatively connected to the image sensor and is configured to receive and analyze the image data. The controller detects an object of interest in the image data and generates an ON signal or an OFF signal based on the detection of the object of interest in the image data, or lack thereof. A high beam control of the vehicle is turned ON based on the ON signal or turned OFF based on the OFF signal. The controller modifies a future response time at which the OFF signal is generated based on an external overriding of the ON signal or the OFF signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Peter A. Liken, Marc A. Smeyers
  • Publication number: 20170368982
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a police vehicle exterior light control. An example disclosed police vehicle includes first beacons positioned on a chassis of the police vehicle, second beacons positioned on a lightbar of the police vehicle, and a plurality of spotlights on the lightbar. The example police vehicle also includes a light control unit that tracks a location of wearable nodes associated with a police officer. Additionally, the light control unit illuminates the area around the police officer using selected ones of the plurality of spotlights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Paul Kenneth Dellock, Pietro Buttolo, Stuart C. Salter, Doug H. Randlett, Christopher Charles Hunt, Matthew C. Mullen
  • Publication number: 20170368983
    Abstract: A lighting system of a vehicle is provided herein. The lighting system includes a structure of the vehicle and a spotlight having a body coupled to the structure. A light assembly is disposed inside the body and is configured to project a light beam outwardly from the body. The operation of the light assembly and the directionality of the light beam is based on input from a remote device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Aaron Bradley Johnson, James J. Surman, Pietro Buttolo, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Publication number: 20170368984
    Abstract: A lighting system is provided herein. The lighting system includes a spotlight is mounted to a vehicle, a controller for operating the spotlight, and a pointer device for specifying an intended target. The controller aims the spotlight in the direction of the intended target based on input provided by the pointer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Pietro Buttolo, Christopher Anthony Danowski, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Publication number: 20170368985
    Abstract: A vehicle projection device projects a graphic of a film body housed in a housing toward an outer side of the housing. It is possible to detach the film body toward an exterior of the housing via a communication hole in the housing by gripping a grip portion of the film body. This thereby enables the film body to be detached toward the exterior of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Kazuyuki YOKOYAMA, Masatsugu OHASHI, Masahiro ARAI
  • Publication number: 20170368986
    Abstract: Vehicle body element including: a translucent body (20), a holder body (22) intended to sustain the translucent body (20) to the vehicle, forming an enclosure (32), and a light system (24) extending in the enclosure (32), adapted to diffuse light through the translucent body (20). The translucent body (20) has a constant thickness and is made of a partially opaque material being arranged to let the light emitted by the light system (24) pass through the translucent body (20) when the light system (24) is turned on, the partially opaque material having a light transmittance chosen so that the quantity of natural light passing through the translucent body (20), reflecting on the light system (24) and passing back through the translucent body (20) is sufficiently low to blank the light system (24) when the light system (24) is switched off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Chawki BENBOUJEMA, Frederick BOIS, Thorsten LEUDTS
  • Publication number: 20170368987
    Abstract: An ECU controls light emission drivers so as to respectively cause a direction indication lamp corresponding to a turning direction and an infrared LED at the opposite side from the turning direction illuminate. Specifically, the ECU controls the light emission drivers so as to flash the direction indication lamp toward the turning direction and cause the infrared LED at the opposite side from the turning direction illuminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Susumu MEGA
  • Publication number: 20170368988
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods include automatically activating and/or deactivating a vehicle's standard brake lights in response to signals indicative of the vehicle's speed. The signals indicative of a vehicle's speed are received from a vehicle communications bus. In some embodiments, a deceleration value is calculated based on a series of signals indicative of a vehicle's speed received from the vehicle communications bus. The calculated deceleration value is compared with a first predetermined deceleration threshold. If the calculated deceleration value is greater than the first predetermined deceleration threshold, a brake light activation signal is generated. When the vehicle no longer is decelerating or the computed deceleration value falls below a second predetermined deceleration threshold, a brake light deactivation signal is generated. The automatic activation/deactivation of a vehicle's standard brake light may advantageously provide improved safety to following vehicles and drivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Scott Thomas Ault, Darren Roger Olafson, Brad Driscoll
  • Publication number: 20170368989
    Abstract: A surface lighting module may include: a light source configured to emit light; a main reflection part configured to reflect light emitted from the light source; a light guiding part that is provided at an upper portion of the main reflection part and spreads light reflected from the main reflection part to have a surface shape; and a lateral reflection part that is attached to a lateral surface of the light guiding part and reflects light leaking to the lateral surface of the light guiding part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Chan Hee KANG
  • Publication number: 20170368990
    Abstract: An accent lighting system is configured to provide accented light onto a desired location. The accent lighting system includes an accent adapter assembly that is configured to securely couple to a light source. The accent adapter assembly includes an accenting plate that is configured to accent light that is emitted from the light source. A method of securing an accent lighting system within an internal cabin of a vehicle includes removing an existing light source from an aperture of a composite panel, securing an accent adapter assembly to the existing light source to form the accent lighting system, and securing the accent lighting system in the aperture of the composite panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Lars Eric Blacken, Jing Ma, William H. Valentine, Jr., Paul Joseph Wilcynski
  • Publication number: 20170368991
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for alerting drivers of hazardous driving conditions using the sensing capabilities of wearable mobile technology. In one aspect, a method for alerting drivers of hazardous driving conditions includes the steps of: collecting real-time data from a driver of a vehicle, wherein the data is collected via a mobile device worn by the driver; determining whether the real-time data indicates that a hazardous driving condition exists; providing feedback to the driver if the real-time data indicates that a hazardous driving condition exists, and continuing to collect data from the driver in real-time if the real-time data indicates that a hazardous driving condition does not exist. The real-time data may also be collected and used to learn characteristics of the driver. These characteristics can be compared with the data being collected to help determine, in real-time, whether the driving behavior is normal and whether a hazardous driving condition exists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Briggs, Lawrence A. Clevenger, Leigh Anne H. Clevenger, Jonathan H. Connell, II, Nalini K. Ratha, Michael Rizzolo
  • Publication number: 20170368992
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for alerting drivers of hazardous driving conditions using the sensing capabilities of wearable mobile technology. In one aspect, a method for alerting drivers of hazardous driving conditions includes the steps of: collecting real-time data from a driver of a vehicle, wherein the data is collected via a mobile device worn by the driver; determining whether the real-time data indicates that a hazardous driving condition exists; providing feedback to the driver if the real-time data indicates that a hazardous driving condition exists, and continuing to collect data from the driver in real-time if the real-time data indicates that a hazardous driving condition does not exist. The real-time data may also be collected and used to learn characteristics of the driver. These characteristics can be compared with the data being collected to help determine, in real-time, whether the driving behavior is normal and whether a hazardous driving condition exists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Briggs, Lawrence A. Clevenger, Leigh Anne H. Clevenger, Jonathan H. Connell, II, Nalini K. Ratha, Michael Rizzolo
  • Publication number: 20170368993
    Abstract: An ECU captures an image of an imaging region around an own vehicle, and acquires image data, the imaging region being configured by a plurality of imaging areas. The ECU determines whether the object is present in the imaging areas, on the basis of detection results of an object present around the own vehicle. The ECU selects a target area to be displayed in an easy-to-see state from among the plurality of imaging areas, on the basis of determination results. The ECU reduces and corrects the image data of each imaging area such that an image of the target area is displayed in the easy-to-see state compared to an image of each imaging area to generate display image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Shingo IMURA, Hirohiko YANAGAWA
  • Publication number: 20170368994
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a monitoring system operable to determine a gaze direction of a driver of the vehicle. At least one vision sensor is disposed at the vehicle and has a field of view exterior of the equipped vehicle, and at least one non-vision sensor is disposed at the vehicle and has a field of sensing exterior of the vehicle. Image data captured by the interior viewing camera, image data captured by the exterior viewing camera and sensor data sensed by the non-vision sensor are provided to a control of the vehicle. A display system includes a video screen operable to display video images for viewing by the driver of the vehicle. The video screen also displays an augmented reality overlay. Responsive at least in part to processing of captured image data and/or sensed sensor data, the vision system determines the augmented reality overlay displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Achim Gieseke, Michael Biemer
  • Publication number: 20170368995
    Abstract: An aerofoil device is provided to aid clearing of a surface, the device comprising a primary arcuate member having an outer curved face and an inner face and a secondary arcuate member, wherein the inner face has a seat portion to receive a clearable surface and the secondary arcuate member is spaced apart from the primary arcuate member and proximal the inner face. The secondary arcuate member comprises at least two spaced apart arcuate elements in a fixed relationship to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Tim Seeley, Steven Abbs, Simon Croft, Hassan Shirvani, Jean-luc Mauricette, Ehsan Koupaei
  • Publication number: 20170368996
    Abstract: A vehicle door mirror is provided in which a base member is mounted on a side door while having a plurality of mounting holes and a plurality of insertion holes coaxially communicating with the mounting holes, a mirror housing is pivotably supported on a support shaft which has a plurality of bosses having a tubular portion and a rib extending along an axis of the tubular portion and being plurally projectingly provided on the tubular portion, and a screw member inserted through the insertion hole is screwed into the tubular portion of the boss inserted into the mounting hole so that the rib abuts against the mounting hole, wherein the rib is projectingly provided on the outer peripheral face, at least on a base part side, of the tubular portion. Such arrangement suppresses vibration of the mirror even when the support shaft is made of a synthetic resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventors: Yasuyuki ETO, Satoshi JIN
  • Publication number: 20170368997
    Abstract: A storage compartment including a roll top, which is trapezoidal from the front, and pivotable panels disposed next to the roll top. The panels are driven mechanically by way of radial cams, which are rotationally fixed to drive wheels around which the roll top runs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Jörg FLOTHMANN, Gunter LEOPOLD