Patents Issued in January 2, 2018
  • Patent number: 9855867
    Abstract: A vehicular seat slide device includes a lower rail, an upper rail supporting a seat above, a lock lever supported by the upper rail and configured to restrict the relative movement of the upper rail by engaging with the lower rail, a spring attached to the upper rail and biasing in such a manner that the lock lever engages with the lower rail. The spring includes a locking portion inserted in a locking hole provided at an upper edge of the upper rail and opening to a side surface of the upper rail, the locking portion is insertable into the locking hole by elastically deforming the spring body towards an inner side relative to the locking hole, the locking portion is restricted from being detached from the locking hole by being locked at a peripheral edge of the locking hole due to recovery of the elastic deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takanori Satoh, Yasuhiro Kojima
  • Patent number: 9855868
    Abstract: A seat adjuster assembly including a handle, a first track assembly and a second track assembly. The first track assembly includes a first track defining an interior and a second track moveably mounted relative to the first track. A first trigger is pivotally mounted on a first trigger housing and connects to the handle. The first trigger is movable between an unlocked position permitting movement between the first and second tracks, and a locked position. The second track assembly includes a third track defining an interior and a fourth track moveably mounted relative to the third track. A second trigger is pivotally mounted on a second trigger housing and connects to the handle. The second trigger is movable between an unlocked position permitting movement between the third and fourth tracks, and a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Harvey, Thomas Lee Rorabacher
  • Patent number: 9855869
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control valve (16) for an air spring, comprising a housing (41), an exhaust duct that has an exhaust tappet (26) for opening of closing the exhaust duct, which exhaust tappet interacts with a first control means (19), a ventilation duct that has a ventilation tappet (27) for opening or closing the ventilation duct, which ventilation tappet interacts with a second control means (20), and a supplemental duct having a supplemental tappet (28) for opening or closing the supplemental duct, which supplemental tappet interacts with a third control means (21), wherein a first air connection A connects to the exhaust duct and a second air connection P connects to the exhaust duct together with the supplemental duct, wherein a first control means (19) and a second control means (20) are arranged to one another in such a manner that said control means cannot be actuated at the same time by an control element (18), and wherein the second control means (20) and the third control means (21) are a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: ISRINGHAUSEN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Reiner Lieker
  • Patent number: 9855870
    Abstract: A vehicle seat lifter device includes: a pinion gear which meshes with an input gear of a link mechanism which causes a seat to undergo lifting and lowering operations; and a rotational control device which controls rotation of the pinion gear. The rotational control device includes a rotating shaft which rotates in synchronization with the pinion gear, a rotation restriction mechanism including a first meshing member which rotates with the rotating shaft and a second meshing member which restricts rotation of the rotating shaft by meshing with the first meshing member, an input member which is linked to an operation handle to rotate around the rotating shaft, a release mechanism which releases the meshing of the first and second meshing members through rotation of the input member from a neutral position, and a braking mechanism which applies a braking force to the rotating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasuaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9855871
    Abstract: A vehicle seat having a seat cushion and ottoman pillars attached to the seat cushion, the seat cushion can be formed in a compact manner. The vehicle seat (S) comprises a cushion frame (F1) including a pair of cushion side frames (85), a cushion front member (86) connecting front ends of the cushion side frames with each other and a cushion rear member (87). The cushion front member is provided with a pair of recesses (143) extending in a fore and aft direction, and a pair of pillar support portions (141) extending in the fore and aft direction are received in and bonded to the respective recesses, the ottoman including a pair of ottoman pillars (135) inserted into the respective pillar support portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinya Aita, Hirotaka Takei, Masahiko Yamamoto, Shingo Kimata, Shigekazu Otake, Takahiro Mitsui, Masashi Yamashita
  • Patent number: 9855872
    Abstract: A seat for a motor vehicle includes a seatbelt integrated into a seat back of the seat and a seatbelt mechanism for providing access to the seatbelt. The seat further includes an extended base attached to the seat, a raised and curved section of the extended base for transitioning the seatbelt from a vertical orientation inside the seatback to a horizontal orientation for use, an arcuate slot atop the extended base, the seatbelt being threaded through the arcuate slot, the arcuate slot preventing the seatbelt from becoming tangled and misaligned, a garnish for covering the seatbelt mechanism, a fastener, and a cap for covering the fastener. The fastener fastens the garnish and the cap to the extended base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter A Supernavage, Jesus A Diaz Gonzalez, Jeffrey H Scheurer, II, Tetsuya Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9855873
    Abstract: A headrest with a lock urging member in which unintentional change in an urging direction will hardly occur is provided. The headrest includes a first member, a second member, a backward urging member, a lock plate, a lock urging member, a lock switching member, and a resistance member. The lock switching member is provided with a switching pin abutment portion A, a switching pin abutment portion B, and a switching cam abutment portion. The lock plate includes a switching cam abutted portion. In a lock adjustment range, the lock switching member is moved together with the second member by the resistance member configured to apply resistance to movement of the lock switching member with respect to the second member. In addition, in rotation further forward beyond a forward adjustment limit position, the switching abutment portion B abuts against the switching pin fixed to the first member, so that the lock switching member does not follow the second member, whereby the headrest is unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: BIZEN HATSUJO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Yamane, Tokuzo Kobayashi, Yasushi Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 9855874
    Abstract: A device to support a passenger in a vehicle, where that device includes a U-shaped frame having a member extending outwardly from a first end of said frame, a securing mechanism extending outwardly from the frame to engage a portion of a passenger seat in the vehicle, and a cushion attached to the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Carlos Sanchez
  • Patent number: 9855875
    Abstract: A roll off trailer is provided with a bumper assembly which may move between a deployed position and a collapsed position. The roll off trailer may include a trailer frame with a table top pivotally connected to the trailer such that the deployed position may be associated with a home position of the table top and the collapsed position may be associated with a tilted roll off position of the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: MAC TRAILER MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: Scott A. Kibler
  • Patent number: 9855876
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for loading a railcar with crop material. A grain cart has a frame, ground wheels, a hitch assembly, a storage container and an auger assembly having a discharge end for removing particulate material from the storage container discharging it out the discharge end. A spout can be moveably connected to the discharge end of the auger. The method can include loading the storage container of the grain cart with crop material, maneuvering the grain cart adjacent to a railcar using a tow vehicle and discharging crop material from the storage container of the grain cart into the railcar using the auger assembly. A mobile computer or other processing device can be used to determine how much crop material is being loaded into the railcar during the loading by the grain cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Sheldon Affleck
  • Patent number: 9855877
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system readily configurable for use as either a step rail along a side of a motor vehicle, or also as a loading ramp for use in loading and unloading cargo to and from a cargo bed of the motor vehicle. The system makes use of a ramp assembly and a plurality of hangers. The hangers each have a first end which is affixed to a portion of the vehicle, and a second end on which the ramp assembly may releasably be supported from and secured to, and thus used as a step rail. The ramp assembly has at least one latching mechanism that can be secured to a striker post on one of the hangers, and a release element. The release element allows the ramp assembly to be detached from the striker post and used as a loading ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Gerard J. Kmita
  • Patent number: 9855878
    Abstract: A load-supporting chock for use with a trailer bed and designed to permit a vehicle to drive over the chock is provided. The load-supporting chock includes an elongated member mechanically coupled to the bed of the trailer, the elongated member having a top face, a bottom face opposite the top face, a first slanted face coupled to the top and bottom faces, and a second slanted face coupled to the top and bottom faces, each of the first and second faces having a plurality of generally triangular ridges, the top face and first slanted face connecting at a first junction with a first rounded corner, the top face and second slanted face connecting at a second junction with a second rounded corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Cody L Maxwell
  • Patent number: 9855879
    Abstract: A single operator is able to couple and decouple a work accessory from a UTV by employing a mounting mechanism comprising a channel assembly coupled to the UTV having channels adapted to receive rails of a rail assembly mounted to the work accessory. Wedges associated with the rails and wedge plates associated with the channels at the distal ends of the rails and channels and rail locks at the proximal ends of the rails and channels are employed to secure the rails in the channels to couple the work accessory to the UTV. Adjustable legs coupled to the rail assembly are used to support the work accessory when not coupled to the UTV, to level and stabilize the work accessory, and to adjust the height of the rails relative to the bottom of the channels when coupling and decoupling the UTV and work accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Extendquip, LLC
    Inventors: Marcus F. Dack, Matt Bach, Walter A. Osswald, Nick Long, Chris Osswald, Marc Bogue
  • Patent number: 9855880
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle having a fixed room and a slide-out room which extends and retracts relative to the fixed room. The slide-out room having a floor with multiple levels which wraps around the wheel well of the vehicle. The slide-out room is able to locate over the vehicle wheel wells with the slide-out floor lower than the top of the wheel well allowing for a much lower vehicle profile. The fixed room includes a floor section, a floor flap section which will drop down at the edge to flush with the slide-out floor at the edge forming a contiguous floor throughout the vehicle when the slide-out is fully extended, sidewall sections, a step-down entrance door well section, and a roof section. The slide-out room includes a floor section which has more than one level of flooring to cover the wheel wells and the step-down entrance door well section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Tuan Anh Pham
  • Patent number: 9855881
    Abstract: A vehicle gutter spout cover comprising: a receptacle with a generally smooth outside surface; an orifice located on the receptacle and configured to allow the receptacle to slide over and enclose at least a portion of a gutter spout; and an adjustable length connecting means attached to the receptacle. A vehicle gutter spout cover system comprising: a vehicle; at least one gutter located on the vehicle; at least one gutter spout in fluid communication with the gutter; a receptacle with a generally smooth outside surface; an orifice located on the receptacle and configured to allow the receptacle to slide over and enclose at least a portion of the gutter spout; an adjustable length connecting means attached to the receptacle; and a vehicle cover configured to cover a vehicle and the gutter spout, with the receptacle generally enclosing at least a portion of the gutter spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Michael P. Hagen
  • Patent number: 9855882
    Abstract: A product may include a base that may have a first face and an opposite second face. An anchor may be connected to the first face. A pivot may be provided for the base so that the base may be turned on the pivot. The base may be moveable to a first position where the first face may face in a first direction where the first face may be revealed and the second face may be concealed. The base may be moveable to a second position where the second face may face in the first direction where the first face may be concealed and the second face may be revealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David T. Renke, Michael A. Faucett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9855883
    Abstract: A pneumatic locking system configured to secure a container to a vehicle chassis. The locking system can include a hook pivotable between an unlocked orientation and a locked orientation relative to the chassis and an inflatable bellows intermediate the hook and the chassis, wherein inflation of the inflatable bellows is configured to pivot the hook from the unlocked orientation to the locked orientation. The locking system can further include an air line system fluidically coupled to the inflatable bellows and an air supply system. The air line system can include a valve controllable by a switch, wherein actuation of the valve is configured to supply air from the air supply system to the inflatable bellows and pivot the hook to the locked orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Wastequip, LLC
    Inventor: Nathan L. Martindale
  • Patent number: 9855884
    Abstract: A load retaining gate assembly is provided to restrain the movement of items stored in the bed of a vehicle. The load retaining gate assembly is made of two gate members arranged in sliding relationship and has at least one compression spring-loaded assembly. One gate member slides into another gate member. A compression spring is held in place within the gate members for biasing the length of the gate assembly against side walls of a vehicle bed. The gate assembly is held in place by the pressure put by the spring against the side walls of the vehicle bed. The gate assembly can be positioned anywhere across the width of the vehicle bed and can be easily removed from its position when not needed and locked in a compressed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Sharon Camp
  • Patent number: 9855885
    Abstract: A method for operating a lighting device comprising n>1 light generating units configured to generate a respective primary light beam and comprising a phosphor surface spaced apart from the light generating units is provided. The method may include illuminating an i-th partial surface of the phosphor surface by i light generating units if a desired positive brightness value on this illuminated partial surface falls below or reaches a next higher i-th brightness threshold value from a group of n?1 positive, progressively increasing brightness threshold values; otherwise illuminating by n light generating units; wherein i and n are whole natural numbers and i=[1, . . . , n] holds true.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: OSRAM GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Schwaiger, Oliver Hering, Juergen Hager
  • Patent number: 9855886
    Abstract: A tire track indicator system is provided that couples physical tire tracks to headlights of a vehicle. The tire track indicator system of the vehicle includes an angle monitor that determines a steering direction of the vehicle. The tire track indicator system also includes an illumination source and a lens that directs at least a portion of light in the steering direction and provides an indication of a travel path of the vehicle. A direction of at least the portion of light is altered based on a corresponding change to the steering direction. Further, the indication includes at least one lens that outputs respective colors based on a set of contexts of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hajime Yamada
  • Patent number: 9855887
    Abstract: A system for optically stabilizing the projection light from a vehicle. The system includes a light source for generating and emitting light, an aperture, and a spatial light modulator for altering an illumination pattern of the light. The spatial light modulator disposed along an optical path extending from the light source to the aperture, wherein the light projects from the aperture. The system also includes an inertial-sensing. The inertial-sensing unit generates signals representing a position of the vehicle, an orientation of the vehicle, or both. The system further includes a control unit. The control unit receives signals from the inertial-sensing unit to determine changes in position and/or orientation of the vehicle relative to the road and sends signals to the spatial light modulator adjust an illumination pattern of the light to steer the light to a nominal value, defined by a vehicle in a level plane relative to a road system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Potter, Matthew E. Last, Randol W. Aikin, Christy F. Cull, Malcolm J. Northcott
  • Patent number: 9855888
    Abstract: A vehicle applique is provided that includes a decorative layer and an over-mold positioned over the decorative layer. The over-mold is substantially transparent. A semiconductor layer is positioned on an opposite side of the decorative layer from the over-mold. The semiconductor layer is configured to emit light through the decorative layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, Aaron Bradley Johnson, Talat Karmo, Michael Musleh
  • Patent number: 9855889
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for operating brake lights on moving vehicles. A sensor transduces level or state of current braking of the vehicle. The transduced level or state of braking is converted into an instruction to produce a display of luminance at the brake lights which is proportional to the level or state of current braking to allow viewers to react accordingly. In one example, brake fluid pressure in the braking system is measured to transduce level or state of braking. Preset thresholds of brake fluid pressure are correlated to plural braking levels or states. Luminance at the brake light is expanded or contracted in real time with the changing of braking levels or states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: B&M, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Benjamin Mullis, Naren Bhojwani, Joshua Renner, Damon Schmidt, Adam Kohl, Curtis Thompson, Nageswara Naveen Kadimcherla, Aleksander Poniatowski, Eric Campbell, Shu-an Lin
  • Patent number: 9855890
    Abstract: Arrangements relate to the interaction between an autonomous vehicle and an external environment of the autonomous vehicle. Such interaction can occur in various ways. For example, a non-verbal human gesture in the external environment can be detected. The non-verbal human gesture can be identified. A future driving maneuver can be determined based on the identified non-verbal human gesture. The autonomous vehicle can be caused to implement the determined future driving maneuver. As another example, the external environment of the autonomous vehicle can be detected to identify a person (e.g. a human pedestrian, a human bicyclist, a human driver or occupant of another vehicle, etc.) therein. The identified person can be located. It can be determined whether the person is potentially related to a future driving maneuver of the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle can be caused to send a directional message to the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. James, Danil V. Prokhorov
  • Patent number: 9855891
    Abstract: A removable electrical device for a motor vehicle, which is insertable into a recess in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, where its battery is rechargeable, the removable electrical device comprising an indicator light which constitutes a charge indicator of the battery in the daytime and an ambient lighting element for the passenger compartment of the vehicle at nighttime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: VALEO VISION
    Inventors: Pierre Louis Tassy, Christophe Dubosc, Nirina Rasoldier, Maxime Briand
  • Patent number: 9855892
    Abstract: When finding the driver distracted from driving (such as looking aside), this system provides driving assistance that enhances his or her motivation to drive by encouraging him or her to drive actively and thereby increase his or her internal focus on driving. Examples of specific driving assistance include giving exemplary driving instructions to the driver, providing him or her with navigation to a road with features that would entertain him or her through driving, and improving sensitivity to any change in the vehicle's state responsive to driving operations. If dangerous driving is sensed while the driving assistance is being provided, driving control may be performed to increase the driver's tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junichiro Kuwahara, Hitomi Nakazato
  • Patent number: 9855893
    Abstract: Generating an audio signal with a configurable distance cue includes the following: receiving an input audio signal that has at least one signal characteristic that contributes to a listener's auditory distance perception; receiving a distance control signal; and changing at least one characteristic in accordance with a distance control signal that is representative of the perceived distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Christoph
  • Patent number: 9855894
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for processing sensor data in a vehicle, where one or more sensors are configured to provide sensor data relating to at least one of a vehicle operating characteristic and/or a driving environment. A processing apparatus is configured to receive data from the one or more sensors. A display is configured to display a scene comprising one or more images associated with the sensor data, wherein the processing apparatus includes a probability processing module configured to process the sensor data to calculate a sensor confidence value representing an estimated accuracy for at least one of the one or more sensors, and wherein the processing apparatus includes a graphics processing module configured to process the sensor confidence value to modify the scene on the display to represent the estimated accuracy for the at least one or more of the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignees: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, Audi AG, Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Allen Khorasani
  • Patent number: 9855895
    Abstract: A mirror reflective element suitable for use in an exterior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a glass substrate having a first side and an opposing second side. The mirror reflective element has a principal reflector portion and an auxiliary reflector portion. The auxiliary reflector portion includes a curved recess established at the second side of the glass substrate. An auxiliary mirror metallic reflector is coated at the curved recess at the second side of the glass substrate and a principal mirror metallic reflector is coated at the principal reflector portion. The mirror reflective element is configured so that, when an exterior rearview mirror assembly equipped with the mirror reflective element is normally mounted at a side of a vehicle, the curved recess is disposed at an outboard upper region of the mirror reflective element relative to the side of the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: DONNELLY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mingtang Zhao
  • Patent number: 9855896
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier apparatus for a vehicle may include a slide carrier configured to slide in a front-rear direction of a rear bumper beam to be drawn out and stowed, extension supports laterally extending on the slide carrier to load a bicycle, a retainer rotatably disposed on the slide carrier and configured to be coupled to a bicycle loaded on the extension supports by a clamping device to retain the bicycle, and locking devices fixed to the slide carrier, holding the retainer to be rotatable, and fixing a rotational position of the retainer when a push lever is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dong Eun Cha, Jin Young Yoon, Seung Mok Lee, Hyun Gyung Kim
  • Patent number: 9855897
    Abstract: In one series of embodiments, a carrier system includes a rack mountable on a vehicle to transport material. The rack includes a frame having one or more suction cups attached to the rear side of the frame, e.g., for attachment to a surface such as the side of the vehicle. A support bar mates with the frame. The support bar and the frame may include attachment configurations which mate with one another to selectively and securely attach the bar to the front side of the frame with the bar extending in a direction away from the one or more cups. With the rack comprising a plurality of suction cups, the frame may be configured as a plate or may comprise a series of arms or connected braces which extend away from a center position to the suction cups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: Ken Kniepmann, Brian Will
  • Patent number: 9855898
    Abstract: A plug-in system for holding at least one object in place in the interior of a motor vehicle includes a holding element for holding the object in place and a receiving element for mounting the holding element. The holding element can be connected with the receiving element by way of a releasable connection. In order to make available such a plug-in system, which is not susceptible to damage caused by overload or careless handling, an overload protection system is provided having a spherical element provided on the receiving element, a plate element that interacts with the spherical element, and a receiver for the spherical element of the deflectable receiving element, which receiver is configured on the plate element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ralf Kuhn, Eva-Maria Schemm, Carlos Chibante
  • Patent number: 9855899
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a free-standing display element is disclosed herein. The apparatus is u-shaped, and provides a joint that allows movement in a rotational manner to and from the viewer of the display. The mounting may occur in a motor vehicle. In response to force being applied to the display, the apparatus is configured to either maintain (or lock into a position), or allow movement along the rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Rode, Dirk Nolten, Andres Gottschalk, Michael Grebenstein, Teodoro Deus
  • Patent number: 9855900
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has at least one side door that is usable for different body variants. At least one passage opening is provided on an underside of a lower longitudinal section of a door body, which underside faces the vehicle interior, in which passage opening either a closure component is arranged or an additional trim component is fastened by way of a fastening device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Plaum
  • Patent number: 9855901
    Abstract: A fuel filler housing opening includes a segmented flange for attachment of a fuel filler housing. A fuel filler housing opening insert is provided, configured for attaching to the segmented flange. The fuel filler housing opening insert includes a body surrounding a central opening dimensioned to receive a fuel filler housing therethrough. The body may be dimensioned to fully overlay the fuel filler housing opening segmented flange. The fuel filler housing opening insert body includes one or more retainers configured for capturing the segmented flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Robert Reiners, Thomas F. Boettger, David Mahlmeister, Michael Rosebrook
  • Patent number: 9855902
    Abstract: A multi-layered noise absorbing and insulating material includes a noise insulation material having opposing first and second major surfaces. The noise insulation material includes an adhesive resin including an air permeability-forming material. A first noise absorption material is adhered to the first major surface of the noise insulation material. A second noise absorption material is adhered to the second major surface of the noise insulation material. The multi-layered noise insulation absorbing and insulating material has air-permeability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, IKSUNG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Min Su Kim, Jae Chan Lim, Ki Wook Yang, Kue Seok Kang, Bong Jik Lee
  • Patent number: 9855903
    Abstract: An electrical contactor assembly includes an electrical contactor, a post in electrical communication with the electrical contactor, an insulator body, and a heat sink. The insulator body is in intimate mechanical contact with the post. The heat sink is in intimate mechanical contact with the insulator body and is in thermal communication with the electrical contactor through the post and the insulator body such that heat flowing between contactor and the heat sink flows through the post and the insulator body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Debabrata Pal
  • Patent number: 9855904
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a generator, electric consuming devices, a first electric energy storage device and a second energy storage device connected in parallel with the first energy storage device. The two electric energy storage devices, in a storage range, have at least partially overlapping characteristic open-circuit voltage curves. The first energy storage device has a first state-of-charge-dependent characteristic charging internal-resistance curve. The second energy storage device has a second state-of-charge-dependent characteristic charging internal-resistance curve. The first energy storage device has a first state-of-charge-dependent characteristic discharging internal-resistance curve and the second energy storage device has a second state-of-charge-dependent characteristic discharging internal-resistance curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Moritz Schindler, Stefan Schaeck
  • Patent number: 9855905
    Abstract: A first power storage portion stores power generated by a generator in a vehicle, and supplies power to a motor for starting an engine and an electric device in the vehicle. A second power storage portion is connected to the first power storage portion in parallel, and stores power generated by the generator, and supplies power to the electric device in the vehicle. The first power storage portion and the second power storage portion are connected each other in parallel. A first switch is inserted in a path between the first power storage portion and the second power storage portion. A diode is connected in parallel with the first switch such that a cathode side thereof is connected to the second power storage portion side. A second switch is provided between the path and the second power storage portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kaoru Nakajima, Akinobu Tsunesada, Hideki Sakata, Nobuyuki Ohsumi
  • Patent number: 9855906
    Abstract: An arrangement is proposed of a receptacle consisting of multiple components for a towing means, especially a towing lug, on a support piece (1) attachable to the body of a motor vehicle, wherein the support piece is insertable into a receptacle on a cross member of the vehicle, and the support piece is to be joined with the cross member via friction-stir welds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Garnweidner
  • Patent number: 9855907
    Abstract: A sensor retaining assembly is provided to prevent changes in orientations of the sensors. The sensor retainer assembly comprises: a bumper reinforcement extending laterally in the vehicle; a frame member of a chassis; a rigid member integrated with the frame member; and a connection member on which sensors are installed while being adjacent to each other. One end of the connection member is fixed to the bumper reinforcement, and the other end of the connection member is fixed to the frame member or the rigid member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuichi Kumai, Jun Sato, Tomoyuki Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 9855908
    Abstract: A method includes: determining first and second row seat values using seat sensors; generating relative position data for the seats using the values; selecting a load limiter setting value using the relative position data and a multidimensional load limiter model including at least i) body impact values as a function of at least load limiter setting values and as a function of relative position values, and ii) restraint interaction values as a function of at least the load limiter setting values and as a function of the relative position values, the load limiter setting value selected so that the load limiter setting value is outside a first value avoidance zone defined for the body impact values, and outside a second value avoidance zone for the restraint interaction values; and configuring a second row restraint system in the vehicle with the selected load limiter setting value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: TESLA, INC.
    Inventors: John Cooper, Madan Gopal, Bruno A Luz, Honglu Zhang
  • Patent number: 9855909
    Abstract: An airbag apparatus includes a connection clip disposed between a steering wheel and a mounting plate of an airbag; an airbag fastening part formed on the mounting plate, and having the connection clip mounted thereon; and a steering wheel fastening part formed on the steering wheel, and snap-fit fastened to the connection clip mounted on the airbag fastening part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seok Hoon Ko, Do Hyoung Kim, Hae Kwon Park
  • Patent number: 9855910
    Abstract: A mounting device (10) for a folded airbag, especially for a folded side airbag, is provided comprising a base plate (12), a clamping portion (14) encompassing the airbag in ring shape and a fixing plate (16) adjacent to the clamping portion (14). The fixing plate (16) and the base plate (12) exhibit a first and, resp., a second contact surface (32, 34) which are directly superimposed in the mounted condition. Furthermore an airbag module comprising a mounting device (10) is suggested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Anton Fischer
  • Patent number: 9855911
    Abstract: A head-protecting airbag device includes an airbag and a plurality of casings, each of which stores a folding completion body of the airbag, wherein: each of the casings has an opening for protruding the airbag; the casings are connected to each other by bendable coupling pieces; the folding completion body is configured to be carried in a state of being stored in one casing of the casings by bending of the coupling pieces; the coupling piece has a curved portion that is disposed in a curved manner by reversing between a base portion and a tip portion; and the curved portion is formed such that a protruding direction from a reference line connecting the base portion and the tip portion of the coupling piece is set in a direction intersecting with a surface along an overlapping direction of a longitudinal direction of the one casing with openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hirotake Konaka, Ryosuke Jinnai
  • Patent number: 9855912
    Abstract: The present invention provides an airbag module (1) in particular for a front passenger (21, 23) of a vehicle, comprising an inflatable bag (3) having at least a first outer panel (33) and a second outer panel (35) arranged substantially symmetrically to each other with regard to a vertical middle plane (M) of the inflated bag. The airbag is characterised in that the inflatable bag (3) comprises a strap structure (5) substantially located between the first and second outer panels (33, 35), wherein the strap structure (5) is designed such that the bag is extendable from a first state having a first size to a second state having a second size depending on the size of the respective passenger and/or the kind of impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Dalphi Metal Espana S.A.
    Inventors: Francisco Miron, Alfonso Bustos Garcia
  • Patent number: 9855913
    Abstract: An airbag apparatus includes airbag having a vent hole formed therein, an inflator configured to emit gas for inflating the airbag, and a chamber configured to accommodate the inflator therein inside the airbag, the chamber having at least one discharge aperture for discharging gas emitted from the inflator to an inside of the airbag, and having a wall part configured to guide the emitted gas to the discharge aperture, wherein an external surface of the wall part is configured to partially cover the vent hole upon collapse of the chamber toward the vent hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignees: TAKATA CORPORATION, HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Maruoka, Masaru Iwazato, Munetoshi Nakashima, Kazuaki Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 9855914
    Abstract: A front hood assembly for a vehicle including a front grille may include a sensory assembly, a bumper assembly positioned adjacent to the front grille, and an energy absorber structure. The bumper assembly may include a bumper reinforcement having a front face and a top face, which front face is disposed below and extends away from the top face. The energy absorber structure may be positioned adjacent to the top face of the bumper reinforcement. The energy absorber structure may be rearwardly compliant in an impact direction and disposed below and rearwardly of the sensory assembly such that an impact of the sensory assembly with the energy absorber structure in the impact direction collapses the energy absorber structure rearwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremiah T. Hammer, Aaron R. Steinhilb, Avinash S. Phadatare, Rahul B. Gururaj
  • Patent number: 9855915
    Abstract: An apparatus detects a vehicle/pedestrian impact event by sensing impact events near a forward location of a vehicle using both acceleration sensors and pressure sensors and providing associated signals indicative thereof, determining metric values for each of the sensor signals, and determining if a vehicle/pedestrian impact has occurred in response to the determined metric values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: TRW AUTOMOTIVE U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Chek-Peng Foo, Huahn-fern Yeh, Ying-chang Lee
  • Patent number: 9855916
    Abstract: Disclosed is an active hood hinge device for vehicles. The active hood hinge device includes an actuator bracket rotatably coupled to a mounting bracket of a vehicle body at one side, a locking lever rotatably coupled to the actuator bracket and driven by an operating force of an actuator, a long link rotatably coupled to the actuator bracket, and unfolded and rotated from the actuator bracket by a rotating force of the locking lever, and a hood bracket rotatably coupled with the long link and fixedly coupled to a hood panel at opposite sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventor: In Hwang