Patents Issued in January 4, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180001901
    Abstract: A plug-compatible interface between a car and its human and/or computer driver makes both car and driver a “black box”, or abstraction, to the other. The two black boxes can then be developed and built independently before being integrated together only at the final stage. Designers on both the car and driver sides of the interface need design only to the interface and need not worry about how things are done on the other side of it. When cars and computer drivers are built to interact over a plug-compatible interface, any computer driver works with any car. If a computer driver becomes outdated, it can be updated or replaced much more quickly and cheaply than replacing the entire car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Edward Gordon Durney, Benjamin L. Ipson
  • Publication number: 20180001902
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a detection system configured to acquire data regarding operation of the vehicle, and a robotic driving device configured to provide robotic control of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a control system configured to determine whether the robotic driving device is activated, such that the vehicle is in robotic driving mode; receive a request by a prospective operator of the vehicle to deactivate the robotic driving device to initiate a manual driving mode; determine whether the prospective operator is impaired based on the data; and selectively grant or refuse the request based on the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: William D. Duncan, Roderick A. Hyde
  • Publication number: 20180001903
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for an adaptive user interface system for a vehicle with an automatic vehicle system. The adaptive user interface system includes a display and an electronic controller. The controller is configured to generate a graphical user interface indicative of operation of the automatic vehicle system, output the graphical user interface on the display, monitor an indicia of a driver's comfort level, and determine, based on the monitored indicia, when the driver is not comfortable with the operation of the automatic vehicle system. In response to determining that the driver is not comfortable with the operation of the automatic vehicle system, the electronic controller modifies the graphical user interface to provide an increased level of detail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Akos Nagy, Jan Becker, Moritz Achim Florian Dechant
  • Publication number: 20180001904
    Abstract: A wagon and a car body assembly thereof are provided. The car body assembly includes at least two bogies, an underframe and a car body both supported on the two bogies, the car body includes a middle car body, and a discharge opening of the middle car body is arranged between the two bogies, and at least one end of the middle car body is further provided with an end car body, and a predetermined space is defined above the respective bogie by adjacent end walls of the middle car body and the end car body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Baichuan HE, Tianjun ZHAO, Zhenguo WU, Lei YU
  • Publication number: 20180001905
    Abstract: A open top railcar comprises a pair of spaced trucks, a railcar body supported on the trucks, the body comprising a pair of side structures on opposed sides of the railcar and a pair of end structures on opposed ends of the railcar, and a top chord extending the length of the side structures and the width of the end structures, wherein the top chord includes an inwardly sloped top surface configured to discharge lading toward the interior of the railcar through gravity. The railcar may further include corner cap, or end cap members, with each corner cap, or end cap including inwardly sloped top surface configured to discharge lading toward the interior of the railcar through gravity. The railcar may be a hopper railcar having a plurality of discharge chutes forming pockets for the body which open to the interior with a plurality of door operated through a pneumatic door operating system and further including a manual door operating override for each door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher S. Wissinger, Brandon R. Plummer, Todd L. Lydic, Michael A. Selapack, Douglas M. Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20180001906
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of flashing a jacketed rail car comprises covering an opening in a tank jacket of a rail car with a first flashing piece. The opening permits a fitting to protrude through the jacket. The fitting comprises a base portion of a first perimeter and a top flanged portion of a second perimeter. The first flashing piece comprises a slot. The method further comprises bonding the first flashing piece to the jacket and to the base portion of the fitting, and bonding a vertical support piece to the tank shell. The vertical support piece extends through the slot in the first flashing piece. The method further comprises bonding the vertical support piece to the top flanged portion of the fitting; covering the slot with a second flashing piece; and bonding the second flashing piece to the first flashing piece and the vertical support piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Adrián Cruz-Saldívar, Jose Garcia Rodríguez, Ronald Porter Lawler
  • Publication number: 20180001907
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a tank car comprises a tank shell with reinforcing bars extending longitudinally along a bottom of the tank shell. The tank car also comprises clips coupled to the reinforcing bars. A jacket standoff wraps around at least part of a lateral circumference of the tank shell. Each end of the jacket standoff is coupled to one of the clips. According to some embodiments, a clip for attaching a jacket standoff to a tank car comprises a first portion for coupling to a mounting surface of a tank shell; a middle portion shaped to generally conform to a contour of a side of the mounting surface; and a second portion, opposite the first portion, comprising a recessed portion to accept an end of the jacket standoff and positioned such that the second portion is located proximate to the tank shell but not attached to the tank shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew Philip Mozingo, Ronald Porter Lawler
  • Publication number: 20180001908
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a railcar comprises a well component disposed between a pair of trucks. A pair of end sections are disposed at each end of the railcar. An end section comprises a well platform disposed near an end of the well component; an end platform disposed near an end of the railcar; and a connecting platform extending between the end platform and the well platform. A pair of ladders may be coupled to each end of the end platform. A first handrail may extend between the ladders and along an outside edge of the end platform. A second handrail may extend from a ladder, along an inside edge of the end platform, along an edge of the connecting platform, and along an inside edge of the well platform. A third handrail may extend along an edge of the well platform adjacent to the well component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Ross E. Hill
  • Publication number: 20180001909
    Abstract: A full side openable boxcar is provided according to the present application, which includes multiple doors movable in a direction of a body of the boxcar, and opening and closing devices each being configured to activate the opening and closing of the respective doors; in a closing state, the doors are arranged sequentially to form one side wall of the full side openable boxcar, and opening is required, the opening and closing devices activate the doors to translate in an inner-outer direction, to allow the doors to he staggered and moved in a longitudinal direction of the car body to open the corresponding position of the full side openable boxcar. The design of a door assembly is optimized so as to improve the simplicity and flexibility of door opening and closing, thereby ensuring the improvement in cargo loading and unloading efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Lianhua LOU, Haishuang SUN, Fenghui YU, Haizeg TIAN, Qian LV, Wei CHENG, Jian ZHAO, Shengkun WANG, Hua LI
  • Publication number: 20180001910
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a railcar comprises a railcar body comprising at least one end or side arranged in a generally vertical plane. The railcar comprises a staggered ladder coupled to the railcar body and extending in a generally vertical direction. The staggered ladder comprises a plurality of steps that are staggered such that at least one step proximate a bottom of the ladder is offset from the generally vertical plane of the railcar body by a greater distance than at least one step proximate a top of the ladder. The railcar further comprises a staggered handrail coupled to the rail car body and proximate the staggered ladder, wherein a bottom portion of the staggered handrail is offset from the vertical plane of the railcar body by a greater distance than a top portion of the staggered handrail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher C. Harkey, Donald W. Goodrich, Ross E. Hill
  • Publication number: 20180001911
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a railcar comprises a pair of trucks disposed near each end of the railcar. A well component supported by the pair of trucks is disposed between the pair of trucks. A pair of end sections are disposed at each end of the railcar. At least one end section of the pair of end sections comprises a well platform disposed near an end of the well. A step is coupled to the well platform and extends into the well component to facilitate operator egress from the well component to the well platform. A handrail is proximate the step, the handrail is sized to accommodate a hand of the operator. The handrail may be positioned above the step and below the well platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Konstantin I. Khenokh, Ross E. Hill
  • Publication number: 20180001912
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a tank car comprises a tank; a top platform coupled to a top of the tank comprising a walking surface; a walkway platform extending longitudinally between an end of the tank and the top platform comprising a walking surface disposed above a line tangent to the top of the tank; and a closure plate coupled to an end of the walkway platform proximate to the top platform. The closure plate extends below the walkway platform to cover access to a space between the walking surface of the walkway platform and the top of the tank. In particular embodiments, the top platform comprises a first and second handrail assembly and a space between the handrail assemblies for accessing the walkway platform. The closure plate covers access to the space between the handrail assemblies and below the walkway platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Lee Andrew Verhey, Ronald Porter Lawler, Matthew Philip Mozingo, Kevin Richard Kobylka
  • Publication number: 20180001913
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of assembling a tank car comprises assembling a top platform. Assembling the top platform comprises coupling a first running board to a first handrail assembly such that it at least partially encloses the first running board; coupling a second running board to a second handrail assembly such that it at least partially encloses the second running board; and coupling the first handrail assembly to the second handrail assembly via at least one closure plate to form a passageway for a rail operator to pass between the first handrail assembly and the second handrail assembly. The method further comprises coupling the top platform to the tank. Particular embodiments include leveling the top platform on the top of the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Phillip Lorenzo Pinsonneault, Shannon Dale Cartee, Matthew Floyd, Ronald Porter Lawler
  • Publication number: 20180001914
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling the position relatively to a platform of a floor of a carriage including a bogie including a chassis, a primary suspension, and a secondary suspension, the method including the steps: measuring the height of the secondary suspension; and adjusting the height of the secondary suspension, according to the height of the platform for positioning the floor at the height of the platform. This method includes a step for estimating the height of the top of the chassis, the adjustment of the height of the secondary suspension being achieved according to the estimated height of the top of the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Sacheen DAUSOA
  • Publication number: 20180001915
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of improving weld fatigue performance in a railcar weld comprises identifying a railcar weld subject to dynamic loads; determining the railcar weld is prone to fatigue; applying an impact treatment to the railcar weld using transducer coupled to one or more pins, wherein the one or more pins are configured to contact the railcar weld without interference from other portions of the railcar. According to some embodiments, an impact treatment device for a railcar comprises a transducer coupled to one or more pins for imparting an impact to a railcar weld. The transducer and the one or more pins are configured to put the one or more pins in contact with the railcar weld without interference from other portions of the railcar. The transducer comprises one of an ultrasonic transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, or a pneumatic transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Shaun Richmond, Rajesh K. Gupta, Konstantin I. Khenokh, Ross E. Hill
  • Publication number: 20180001916
    Abstract: A train control system enabling a train to smoothly travel while performing handover. The system includes an on-vehicle wireless station mounted on a train following a preceding train and connected to an on-vehicle control device of the train, ground wireless base stations capable of wirelessly communicating with the on-vehicle wireless station, and a base station control device to control the base stations. The ground wireless base station is located between the ground wireless base station with which the on-vehicle wireless station is communicating and the ground wireless base station forming a communication area including a travelling permission point determined by a position of the train. The base station control device reserves radio resources of the ground wireless base stations while communicating with the ground wireless base station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsuya AOYAMA, Seiya NAGASHIMA
  • Publication number: 20180001917
    Abstract: A train-information management device mounted on a train, includes: an intra-block position calculator to convert information on a kilometrage that indicates a position of the train into information on a block number and an intra-block position of a plurality of blocks into which a route of the train is divided and that are used when a train position is specified by a train radio system; and an on-board router to communicate the information on the block number and the intra-block position to a ground side by using a system that is different from a system that is used for communication between the ground side and a train side via a radio base station in the train radio system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi KAEDE, Takashi MIYAUCHI, Masahiro CHIKAMORI, Shingo HAMADA
  • Publication number: 20180001918
    Abstract: Truck-type handling truck with a chassis and a back (40), and a low section, a nose plate attachment (41) and two wheels (71). The truck has a motor unit (60) mounted to the chassis (10) and an electric motor (61) connected to a differential transmission (62) with two lateral output shafts (621) and two track modules (50) each connected to a shaft (531) of the motor unit and mounted to swivel about this shaft independently between a position aligned with the chassis and a deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph COLLIBAULT, Gérard LECOMTE
  • Publication number: 20180001919
    Abstract: A system is provided for transporting a movable rack assembly and transferring the movable rack assembly between a transfer cart assembly and a station. The system includes a rack support assembly, a rack locking assembly, a docking enabling assembly, and an anti-return mechanism. The rack support assembly is configured to securely and movably support the movable rack assembly thereon. The rack locking assembly is configured to lock the movable rack assembly to the rack support assembly. The docking enabling assembly is configured to enable temporary docking of the transfer cart assembly with the station for the transfer of the movable rack assembly to the station or the receipt of the movable rack assembly from the station. The anti-return mechanism is configured to actively inhibit removal of the movable rack assembly from the station when the transfer cart assembly is not secured to the station by a cart locking assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: STERIS Inc.
    Inventor: Francis Grou
  • Publication number: 20180001920
    Abstract: An infant stroller apparatus includes a front leg frame, a rear leg frame and a handle frame. The front leg frame has a first side portion fixedly connected with a first stop abutment. The rear leg frame has a second side portion having a protrusion. The handle frame has a side segment fixedly connected with a second stop abutment, the first and second side portions and the side segment being pivotally connected with one another about a common first pivot axis. The protrusion is restrictedly positioned between the first and second stop abutments when the infant stroller apparatus is in a deployed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventors: Jian Qun LI, Zheng Wen GUO, Er Xue WANG
  • Publication number: 20180001921
    Abstract: A column jacket includes an inner jacket and an outer jacket formed with a slit and elastically reducible in diameter. A clamp mechanism causes the outer jacket to clamp the inner jacket so that the inner jacket is unable to move in an axial direction X by clamping a pair of clamp target portions of the outer jacket. The slit extends from an open end formed at a jacket end of the outer jacket to a closed end located at a predetermined position of the outer jacket in the axial direction. The slit includes a meandering portion that meanders in a wave-like manner in a circumferential direction between the open end and the closed end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masayoshi SAKUDA, Kazuyuki KUWAHARA
  • Publication number: 20180001922
    Abstract: A steering column may comprise a casing tube and a steering spindle that is mounted in the casing tube so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the casing tube. Because the casing tube may be an outer casing tube that has a non-circular inner cross section and because an adaptor may be manufactured from metal as an extruded part and may comprise an outer circumferential configuration that is compatible with an inner cross section of the casing tube and an interior annular bearing seat, the adaptor can be inserted into the outer casing tube and can be fastened there.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicants: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Eric GSTÖHL, Sven HAUSKNECHT, Stefan-Hermann LOOS, Frank PASCH, Christian GEISSLER
  • Publication number: 20180001923
    Abstract: A drive device of an electric power steering apparatus includes a motor housing fixed to a gear housing, a stator, which is received in an inside of the motor housing, a rotor, which is rotatably placed on an inner side of the stator, and a shaft, which is rotated integrally with the rotor. The motor housing includes an engaging portion. The engaging portion has a thread, which is coaxial with a rotational axis of the shaft and is threadably engaged with the gear housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Masashi YAMASAKI
  • Publication number: 20180001924
    Abstract: A shortening of an initial diagnosis time is achieved, even after an elapse of a predetermined delay time from an ignition switch being switched to an off-state. After the ignition switch is switched to an off-state after an operation of a control device, which drives an electric motor that applies steering assistance force to a steering system, diagnosis of a power supply circuit that supplies power to the control device is carried out, and a diagnosis item to be implemented in a succeeding initial diagnosis is determined based on a result of the diagnosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Seiichi IMAIZUMI, Susumu ZENIYA, Yuji TAKATSUKA, Yasushi TAKEMOTO
  • Publication number: 20180001925
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling the position of a vehicle to ensure stable position of a vehicle against tilting due to a rapid change in vehicle speed. The method includes: determining whether a vehicle speed is rapidly changing in a straight direction on the basis of an extent of depression of a pedal that changes a position of a steering wheel and a change in vehicle speed; determining whether the vehicle is tilting on the basis of a change in a yaw-rate by means of the controller when the vehicle speed is rapidly changing in the straight direction; and providing compensation torque in the direction opposite the direction in which the vehicle is tilted by operating a steering motor when the controller determines that the vehicle is tilting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Kyung Bok Lee, Suk Jin Ko, O Sung Kwon, Nam Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20180001926
    Abstract: A steering system for an automated driving process of a motor vehicle having at least one steering controller, a power electronics unit, apparatus for adjusting a steering angle, and an electric motor. The steering system includes a steering controller which generates steering control commands dependent on the data of a surroundings sensor system. The steering control commands are converted into actuation signals for the electric motor by the power electronics unit, and the electric motor then actuates the apparatus for adjusting the steering angle. The steering controller generates a current steering control command and at least one future steering control command dependent on the data of the surroundings sensor system and transmits the steering control commands to the power electronics unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ingo SWIETER
  • Publication number: 20180001927
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and arrangement for safe limiting of torque overlay intervention in a power assisted steering system of a road vehicle having an autonomous steering function arranged to selectively apply a steering wheel overlay torque to a normal steering assistance torque. A wheel self-aligning torque (ƒR) of the road vehicle is modelled for a current vehicle velocity (?) and pinion angle (?w). A steering wheel overlay torque request (?R) is received. Based on the received steering wheel overlay torque request (?R) is provided a steering wheel overlay torque (?A) in hands-off applications limited to a safe set interval that is symmetrical around the modeled wheel self-aligning torque (ƒR).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mats HOWING, Lars Johannesson MARDH, Malin HAGLUND, Jonatan SILVLIN
  • Publication number: 20180001928
    Abstract: A trailer backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer includes a sensor module adapted to attach to the trailer and generate a trailer yaw rate or a trailer speed. The trailer backup assist system also includes a vehicle sensor system that generates a vehicle yaw rate and a vehicle speed. Further, the trailer backup assist system includes a controller that estimates a hitch angle based on the trailer yaw rate or the trailer speed and the vehicle yaw rate and the vehicle speed in view of a kinematic relationship between the trailer and the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Donald Jacob Mattern
  • Publication number: 20180001929
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a control device, a first sensor and a global positioning device. The control device has a control unit and a data memory. At least one item of information about an arrangement of an overhead line is stored on the data memory. The control unit is connected to the first sensor and to the global positioning device. The first sensor determines a position of the overhead line relative to the motor vehicle and provides the control unit with the relative position. The global positioning device determines a global position of the motor vehicle and provides the control unit with it. The control unit, on the basis of the established relative position, the established global position and the information about the arrangement of the overhead line, calculates a position of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: FLORIAN BUEHS, OLIVER GRAEBNER
  • Publication number: 20180001930
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically parking and wirelessly charging a vehicle are described. A database including parking and charging availability information can be searched based at least in part on the request, location information and model information of the vehicle. An available parking space is determined based on the results of the search, and information. The parking space may be equipped with a pad configured to wireless charge a vehicle parked in the parking space. When information indicating that the vehicle has been parked in the parking space, a parking status indicating such can be transmitted to a control device associated with the parking space. The vehicle can then be automatically and wirelessly charged by the control device through the parking space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Wellen Sham
  • Publication number: 20180001931
    Abstract: A cross member including a base including a first side wall inclined at a first angle with the base and a second side wall inclined at a second angle with the base creating a hollow portion between the first side wall and a second side wall, a first outer flange and a second outer flange projecting from the first side wall and the second side wall, respectively, in a direction away from the hollow portion, and a first inner flange projecting from a top side of the first side wall into the hollow portion, wherein the base, the first side wall and the second side wall, the first outer flange and the second outer flange, and the first inner flange form an open cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher M. HIGGINS, Brian T. THURGATE
  • Publication number: 20180001932
    Abstract: A chassis, particularly for self-propelled operating machines, has a frame adapted to support a motorized movement means and a control means of an operating machine. The particularity of the present invention resides in that it comprises at least one ballast member adapted to support mechanical parts of the operating machine, which is an integral part of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Stefano Zanini
  • Publication number: 20180001933
    Abstract: Unit with longitudinal beam and front plate for a motor-vehicle front structure, comprising a longitudinal beam in the form of a hollow profile and a front plate rigidly connected to a front end of said longitudinal beam. The longitudinal beam comprises a first beam element defining an upper wall, a lower wall and a first side wall of the longitudinal beam and a second beam element having a wall defining a second side wall of the longitudinal beam. The front plate has a rear face facing towards the longitudinal beam to which there are welded a first flange and a second flange which are separate from each other, for connecting the front end of the longitudinal beam. The first flange is a C-shaped bracket with an upper wall, a lower wall and a side wall respectively welded to the upper wall, the lower wall and the first side wall defined by said first beam element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Giorgio PIERMARIOLI, Paolo BARUTELLO, Luigi LAERA
  • Publication number: 20180001934
    Abstract: A frame assembly of a vehicle front portion includes a windshield lower beam. A damper mount is disposed on the front portion and deforms when subjected to an impact energy. An A-pillar includes upper and lower pillar portions, the upper pillar portion having a lower end disposed adjacent the windshield lower beam, and the lower pillar portion having an upper end disposed adjacent to the windshield lower beam. A joint includes first and second joint members, the first joint member connecting the windshield lower beam to the lower and upper pillar portions and being connected to the damper mount, the second joint member contained within the first joint member and connected to the windshield lower beam, and upper and lower pillar portions. The joint is configured to resist deformation due to the impact energy such that the damper mount deforms and dissipates the impact energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Fabian J. VIGIL, Hirotomo YAMADA, Hirokazu MATSUURA, Brian E. DRESSEL, Jason T. HARDESTY
  • Publication number: 20180001935
    Abstract: A module carrier assembly for positioning between the A-pillars of a motor vehicle body comprising a transverse carrier configured as a hollow body profile and at least one steering column holder connected to the transverse carrier and supported at the outer side of the transverse carrier in the x-direction. The at least one steering column holder is configured as an angle piece and is supported by a support surface provided by a first limb at a first outer wall of the transverse carrier. The steering column holder has a further limb extending below the transverse carrier. The steering column holder carries a support projection which extends through the outer wall of the transverse carrier adjoining the support surface of the steering column holder and up to at least the opposite wall of the transverse carrier. The support projection is connected in a vibration-coupled manner to this opposite wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Stefan Michler, Lukasz Duszlak, Albert Matwich, Josef Bartzik, Christoph Meisterjahn
  • Publication number: 20180001936
    Abstract: A flooring product has multiple planar single piece substrate components, each with opposing straight longitudinal and lateral edges. A first lateral edge of a second of the substrate components abuts a first lateral edge of a first of the substrate components to form a common seam. The first and second of the substrate components are adjacent relative to a sequential array of multiple substrate components running parallel to the pair of longitudinal edges. The product has a pair of laminate component affixed to each side of each of the substrate components continuously over the sequential array thereof. The laminate components strengthen the product in relation to bearing a load applied to the second surface thereof and each of the common seams. The flooring product may be cut to lengths for accommodating overall lengths of recreational vehicles, trailers or manufactured housing units and thus reduces manufacturing costs associated therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: John PETERSON, James LAMBERT
  • Publication number: 20180001937
    Abstract: A method of making a polymeric engine hood assembly for use in a vehicle can include applying heat to a first polymeric sheet, applying heat to a second polymeric sheet, stacking the first polymeric sheet and the second polymeric sheet, placing the stacked sheets between a first mold half and a second mold half, closing the first mold half and second mold half, applying vacuum to the space between the first polymeric sheet and the first mold half and between the second polymeric sheet and the second mold half, wherein the first polymeric sheet forms an exterior panel and wherein the second polymeric sheet forms a reinforcing structure; and attaching an exterior panel to a fender skin at a junction surface, wherein the reinforcing structure includes a connecting ridge extending transversely across the reinforcing structure, wherein the connecting ridge is configured to accept the junction surface of the exterior panel and the feeder skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Jeroen Krijnen, Geert Jan Schellekens, Claire Marie-Annick Martin
  • Publication number: 20180001938
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for designing a reinforcement structure. The reinforcement structure includes a deck sill with a connecting end, having substantially uniform area moment of inertia throughout a length of the deck sill. Also, the reinforcement structure includes a rear post with a connecting end and a free end, having a varying area moment of inertia, and where the rear post is attached to the deck sill in a substantially perpendicular manner by attaching the connecting end of the deck sill to the connecting end of the rear post forming the reinforcement structure that limits deflection of the free end of the rear post to a target value upon application of a cantilever force at the free end of the rear post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher M. HIGGINS, James J. Chung
  • Publication number: 20180001939
    Abstract: Two-piece rail assemblies for truck trailers are provided. The two piece rail assemblies may include: a first rail configured with a first straight edge, and a second rail configured with a second straight edge coupled to the first straight edge of the first rail and configured with a curved edge to receive a cambered roof panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Leszek Jaworski, Alvaro Frausto, Humberto Benitez
  • Publication number: 20180001940
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of assembling a roof of a cargo body. A plurality of sidewalls are provided, each comprising a side panel and an upper rail coupled to the side panel. A roof panel is located above the plurality of sidewalls adjacent the upper rails. A roof bow extends between the upper rails below the roof panel. The roof bow is fixed to a track of one of the upper rails with a fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Riley Zehner, Todd Randall Eicher
  • Publication number: 20180001941
    Abstract: This invention provides aerodynamic structures for the rear of a cargo body that move between a deployed position and a retracted position. The aerodynamic structures are typically three-sided, with a top panel and opposing side panels that form a partial cavity at the rear of the body. The panels employ tensioned flexible (e.g. fabric) panels or rigid/semi-rigid panels that are stowed, rolled, or folded in a retracted position against the rear of the door frame (for flexible panels) of the cargo body, or along the sides of the cargo body (for rigid/semi-rigid panels). The rigid/semi-rigid panels can be stored within nacelles that protect the panels and improve aerodynamic performance. Various linkages, including rotating rigid members attached to the rear of the body can coordinate movement between a top panel and side panels between deployed and retracted positions and a variety of powered and non-powered actuators can facilitate panel movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Michael W. Polidori, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Jared A. Niemiec, Court S. Hinricher, Austin A. Duncanson
  • Publication number: 20180001942
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for a vehicle windshield are disclosed herein. A vehicle includes a vehicle body comprising a front, a first side, and a second side, wherein the first side and the second side are opposite one another on the vehicle body. The vehicle comprises a cabin located within the body of the vehicle, wherein the cabin comprises an interior that is configured to accommodate at least one person. The vehicle comprises at least one door that provides ingress and egress to the interior of the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle comprises a windshield that provides a visual line of sight out of the cabin for a user located within the interior of the cabin, and wherein the windshield extends across the front and at least partially on to at least one of the first side or the second side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Bluegentech LLC
    Inventors: Trevor R. Milton, Steve Jennes
  • Publication number: 20180001943
    Abstract: A process of making a drag-reducing aerodynamic vehicle system includes injection molding a body configured for attachment to a roof of a vehicle with a sliding core, wherein the body comprises an air inlet extending through a surface of the body, wherein the air inlet includes an air guide boss extending from an interior surface of the body, wherein the air guide boss adjusts an air stagnation point away from the windshield to reduce air pressure and drag on the vehicle; and ejecting the drag-reducing aerodynamic vehicle system from the injection mold using the sliding core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Geert Jan Schellekens, Claire Marie-Annick Martin, Carlos Pereira
  • Publication number: 20180001944
    Abstract: A spoiler mechanism (13) for a vehicle (10) includes a spoiler (16) that has a stowed position and first and second deployed positions. An actuator (22) is configured to move the spoiler (16) though the stowed and first and second deployed positions in response to a command. A multi-link assembly (20) is interconnected by pivot points. The multi-link assembly (20) is operatively connected to the spoiler (16). In the first deployed position at least three pivot points are aligned with one another in a plane and provide a first geometrically locked position. In the second deployed position a second geometrically locked position is provided in which a link of the multi-link assembly (20) abuts another structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Joel David Causley
  • Publication number: 20180001945
    Abstract: A vehicles configured for navigating surface transitions. Navigation of surface transitions is controlled by information obtained by sensors carried by the vehicle. The vehicle may be propelled forward using force generated by tiltable propellers carried by the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Arigoni, Robert Simpson, Silvan Fuhrer, Paul Beardsley, Dario Mammolo, Michael Burri, Michael Bischoff, Thomas Stastny, Lennon Rodgers, David Krummenacher, Roland Siegwart
  • Publication number: 20180001946
    Abstract: A robot includes a main body, a handlebar disposed on the main body and grippable by a user, a detection unit that detects a load applied to the handlebar, a moving device including a rotating body and moving the robot by controlling the rotation of the rotating body, and a switching unit that switches a support mode for supporting the user with walking. The support mode includes a first mode in which the robot autonomously moves to guide the user who is walking and a second mode in which the robot moves in accordance with a first load detected by the detection unit. When the robot moves in the first mode, the switching unit switches the support mode from the first mode to the second mode on the basis of the second load detected by the detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: MAYU YOKOYA, KAZUNORI YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20180001947
    Abstract: A railless tugger train (100) includes a train module (10), at least one transportation module and at least two axis modules, wherein each axis module has a stiffly configured axis beam, at which a first mounting device is configured in the form of a stiff mounting of the train module or a transportation module and at which a second mounting device is configured for an articulated connection of a transportation module. At least two wheels (19) are mounted at the axis beam in such a way that the wheels are each rotatable around a rotation axis (D) which is configured vertical to the longitudinal axis (L) of the axis beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Helmut-Schmidt-Universität
    Inventors: Rainer Bruns, Stephan Ulrich, Konstantin Krivenkov
  • Publication number: 20180001948
    Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a change in speed of the vehicle and a control device for sending a signal to a headlight activation circuit to modulate the vehicle's headlights based upon the change in speed. In particular, a headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated as the vehicle reduces speed and/or is decelerating as it approaches an intersection. Additionally, the headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated as the vehicle accelerates from a stopped position or reaches a certain traveling speed. The headlight activation circuit is able to modulate the headlight between an on position and an off position or modulate the headlight between a high beam position and a low beam position. Consequently, the vehicle is better seen as it approaches likely congestion areas such as intersections and slowing or stopped traffic and attempts to enter traffic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Fritz Braunberger, Beau M. Braunberger
  • Publication number: 20180001949
    Abstract: The present invention provides means of connecting a single or multiple bicycle panniers to a supporting surface. By providing a means of connecting to a support surface such as wall or office cubicle, embodiments of this invention increase accessibility to an otherwise stored pannier. Use of embodiments of this invention have the new and unexpected result of reducing damage to panniers caused by routine contact with surfaces such as the ground or floor. This reduction of damage results in longer weatherproof and high visibility characteristics of panniers. Some embodiments of this invention contain partial replications of a standard bicycle rack, thus providing a connection method equal in connection/disconnection ease as between the pannier and said bicycle rack. Some embodiments of this invention provide a barrier between the pannier and the supporting surface, preventing wear to the supporting surface from repeated connection and removal of the panniers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Benjamin Nicholas Varvil
  • Publication number: 20180001950
    Abstract: A cam lever operated accessory gripping mechanism the gripping mechanism includes a cam lever, a threaded stud, a dowel fixed to a first end of the threaded stud, first and second relatively movable main body sections, the first of the main body sections including a handlebar bracket extension, a first clamping jaw for engaging a first side of the accessory, and an opening shaped to slidably receive the second main body section, and the second main body section including a bore and a slot for receiving a fastening member into which the threaded stud is threaded, and a second clamping jaw for engaging a second side of the accessory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Allen