Patents Issued in January 9, 2018
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Patent number: 9862271Abstract: The present invention discloses a mm-wave radar sensor to be deployed in the vehicles for sensing driver fatigue. The key system relevant components are utilization of mm-wave integrated radar, with specific planar high gain antenna radiation pattern, by analyzing at least two major biometric parameters of the drives simultaneously: heartbeat and respiratory dynamics. The method of operation calculates probability of the fatigue event. In case that probability is above a predefined threshold, the interaction with vehicle control system is initiated, using typical arbitrary automotive interfaces. Corresponding predefined actions are taken in that case. The predefined actions could be one or combination of the following: driver safety belt pulling, audio signal alerts to driver, vibration alert to driver, inside cabin light condition changes, engine operation condition change, corresponding communication using arbitrary wireless means to outside vehicle environment.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: NOVELIC D.O.O.Inventors: Veselin Branković, Du{hacek over (s)}an Grujić, Pavle Jovanović, Veljko Mihajlović, Milan Savić, Darko Tasovac
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Patent number: 9862272Abstract: Method for operating a longitudinal driver assistance system (2) of a motor vehicle (1), which controls, in a pure follow mode, the speed of the motor vehicle (1) such that a distance to a vehicle in front as the control object remains constant, and which, in a free travel mode, controls the speed to a desired speed, a likelihood of the vehicle (14) in front of pulling out being determined depending on sensor data of at least one ambient sensor. The control with respect to the vehicle (14) in front and/or the control in the free travel mode is modified or ended directly after termination of the follow mode depending on the pulling-out likelihood.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2012Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Stefan Schuberth, Ralf Held
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Patent number: 9862273Abstract: A work vehicle including an internal combustion engine that generates power and an exhaust gas treatment device that treats exhaust gas emitted from the internal combustion engine, the work vehicle includes: a detection unit that detects an abnormality of the exhaust gas treatment device; an output restriction unit that restricts output of an output generation device included in the work vehicle when the detection unit detects the abnormality of the exhaust gas treatment device; a display control unit that causes a display unit to display information that the restriction on the output is allowed to be temporarily released; and a releasing unit that releases the restriction on the output in response to an instruction to temporarily release the restriction on the output.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuhiro Shimazu, Hayato Matsumoto
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Patent number: 9862274Abstract: A vehicle display device 10 includes a combiner 4, provided between a windshield 1 and a driver's seat, and including a transparent region portion 4a and a display styling portion 40 having a light diffusion function, and an illuminating unit 3, which is capable of selectively illuminating the display styling portion 40 and the transparent region portion 4a at the periphery of the display styling portion 40.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2013Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: CALSONIC KANSEI CORPORATIONInventor: Kazuo Arai
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Patent number: 9862275Abstract: The fail safe apparatus for an eco-friendly vehicle includes: a main battery to supply driving power of a vehicle; a battery controller to manage a state of charge of the main battery; a power converter to convert power supplied from the main battery into power for charging an auxiliary battery; a motor controller to drive a motor with the power supplied from the main battery; a hybrid starter generator to start an engine and charge the main battery; and a vehicle controller to monitor a capacity voltage of any one of the power converter and the motor controller when there is an error in data communication of the battery controller and control charging and discharging of the main battery based on the monitored results.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Jung Min Cha, Dae Ro Park
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Patent number: 9862276Abstract: A vehicle power system includes a controller configured to issue commands to open a selected set of switches of an inverter and then to operate the selected set of switches according to a pulse width modulation signal having an increasing duty cycle such that input current to a battery is driven towards zero and a magnitude of d-axis current of the drive system is reduced in response to a fault with an electric drive system.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Lihua Chen, Yan Zhou, Shuitao Yang
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Patent number: 9862277Abstract: An inductive power transfer system (10) for roadways includes at least one drive unit arrangement (50) coupled to at least one drive coil arrangement (40) disposed along a roadway (20) for generating a magnetic field extending upwardly from the roadway (20), and at least one vehicle (30) including a corresponding pickup coil arrangement (60) coupled to a power conditioning circuit arrangement (80, 200) for receiving the extending magnetic field for providing power to operate the at least one vehicle (30). The at least one drive unit arrangement (50) is operable to excite, for example at resonance, the at least one drive coil arrangement (40) at a fundamental frequency (f0) of at least 30 kHz, preferably at least 50 kHz, more preferably at least 100 kHz, and most preferably at least 140 kHz. The at least one drive coil arrangement (40) is implemented to be substantially devoid of ferromagnetic components for providing a path for the extending magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Inventors: Andrew Nicholas Dames, Andrew Howe, Timothy Sweyn Norris
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Patent number: 9862278Abstract: A method and device for controlling a hybrid starter generator (HSG) of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) can distinguish a section in which tension influencing durability of a belt connected between an internal combustion engine and the HSG increases, and another section in which the tension decreases, in order to restrict a change in torque of the HSG connected to the belt.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Sang Joon Kim, Joon Young Park
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Patent number: 9862279Abstract: A vehicle consumes electric power of a battery when traveling in a first mode and sustains a storage power amount of the battery when traveling in a second mode. The travel planning unit forms a travel plan that assigns one of the first mode and the second mode to each zone included in a route. A control unit sets a travel mode of the vehicle to the first mode when the vehicle deviates from the route that is in accordance with the formed travel plan.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Keisuke Morisaki
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Patent number: 9862280Abstract: A guidance system for a motor vehicle comprising: a controller, the controller being operable to determine whether a first length of cable is sufficiently long to allow a charging connection to be established between a motor vehicle and a charging station in dependence on data corresponding to a relative position and orientation of the vehicle with respect to the charging station; and output means for providing an output to a user indicating whether the cable is sufficiently long.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2013Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover LimitedInventor: Mark McNally
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Patent number: 9862281Abstract: An electrical connection line for charging an energy store of a motor vehicle has an electrical input connection (20) to connect the connection line (10) to an external energy source (24) and an electrical output connection (18) to connect the connection line (10) to the energy store (14) of the motor vehicle (12) that is to be charged. The electrical output connection (18) has a plug-in connector (18) for electrically connecting to the energy store (14) of the motor vehicle (12), and a line section (22) with at least two electrical lines for transferring electrical energy. The electrical input connection (20) has connection terminals (26, 28) to connect the connection line (10) to electrical contacts (30, 32) of the external energy source (24).Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Sven Toepler
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Patent number: 9862282Abstract: A device having a winding configuration, especially a layer-type device having a winding configuration, the winding configuration being accommodated in a winding carrier, the winding carrier being situated between a cover part, particularly by which the winding carrier is covered, and a ferrite layer that has openings, especially gaps, the ferrite layer being mounted on a support that is situated on a base part, support domes being provided, especially being integrally molded and/or shaped, on the base part, which protrude through the openings in the ferrite layer and contact and/or support the winding carrier and/or the cover part.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Andreas Böser, Thomas Krempel, Josef Schmidt, Detlev Schroeder
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Patent number: 9862283Abstract: The present disclosure provides a non-contact charging apparatus including a power transmitting coil and a power receiving coil which face each other. At least one of the power transmitting coil or the power receiving coil includes a magnetic body and a coil wound around the magnetic body. The magnetic body has, on both end portions, exposed regions in which the wound coil is absent. One of the exposed regions that is on a face facing the power transmitting coil or the power receiving coil is larger than another one of the exposed regions that is on a face not facing the power transmitting coil or the power receiving coil.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Hideki Sadakata, Atsushi Fujita, Yoshiharu Omori, Daisuke Bessyo
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Patent number: 9862284Abstract: An electrical supply apparatus including a containment unit with a bottom, at least one side wall forming an enclosure with an open top; a tower extendable and retractable from the containment unit and a charging unit attached to the tower which, in preferred embodiments, is a wireless charging component provided in a cover, for charging electric vehicles, and particularly to induce optimal current transfer to a receiving component without requiring a corresponding extension of the receiving component out of an electric vehicle and featuring a flexible bellows having an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein said upper edge is continuously affixed about said cover and a lower edge is continuously attached to a flange forming the bottom of the crown ring such that said bellows provides a watertight barrier preventing contaminants from entering an area under said cover.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Inventor: Alan Kauffmann
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Patent number: 9862285Abstract: An apparatus and method for containing and charging an unmanned VTOL aircraft are disclosed. The apparatus for containing and charging an unmanned VTOL aircraft includes a post, an extended member, a cover, a fastening unit, and a charging unit. The post is placed on a ground. The extended member is connected to the post. The cover is provided on the extended member, and is configured to be opened or closed in order to contain and protect the unmanned VTOL aircraft. The fastening unit is provided in the cover, and is configured to fasten the unmanned VTOL aircraft. The charging unit is provided in the fastening unit, and is configured to charge the unmanned VTOL aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: KOREA AEROSPACE RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Sang-Cherl Lee, Hae-Dong Kim, Hyeon-Cheol Gong, Gi-Hyuk Choi, In-Hee Hwang, Byong-Suk Suk
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Patent number: 9862286Abstract: A power supply system supplies power from a plurality of vehicles to an external electrical apparatus. When power is supplied, the plurality of vehicles can select one of a generated-power supply mode, in which an engine is driven and a charged-power supply mode in which the engine is not driven. The power supply system includes a control unit that controls power to be supplied from the plurality of vehicles and, when power is supplied to the electrical apparatus, performs control so that the charged-power supply mode is selected for at least one of the plurality of vehicles that are power supply sources.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2013Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Tomoyuki Mizuno
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Patent number: 9862287Abstract: A power system for an electric vehicle, an electric vehicle and a motor controller for an electric vehicle are provided. The power system includes: a power battery (10); a charge-discharge socket (20); a three-level bidirectional DC-AC module (30); a motor control switch (40); a charge-discharge control module (50) having a first terminal connected with an AC terminal of the three-level bidirectional DC-AC module (30) and a second terminal connected with the charge-discharge socket (20); and a control module (60) connected with a third terminal of the charge-discharge control module (50) and a third terminal of the motor control switch (40), and configured to control the charge-discharge control module (50) and the motor control switch (40) according to a current working mode of the power system.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: BYD COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Xiaohua Tang, Guangming Yang, Xinxin Zhang, Zhiyong Du, Min Hu, Yilong Yu, Jian Liu, Zheqing Tang, Fu Tang
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Patent number: 9862288Abstract: Electromechanical systems using magnetic fields to induce eddy currents and generate lift are described. Magnet configurations which can be employed in the systems are illustrated. The magnet configuration can be used to generate lift and/or thrust. Arrangements of hover engines, which can employ the magnet configurations, are described. Further, vehicles, which employ the hover engines and associated hover engines are described.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2017Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Arx Pax Labs, Inc.Inventors: Robert William Melvin, D. Gregory Henderson, Shauna Moran, Victor Espinoza, Kyle O'Neil, Garrett Foshay
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Patent number: 9862289Abstract: A limited slip electric drive system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The system uses an induction motor having a stator, and first and second rotors disposed for independent rotation within the stator. The rotors are each independently associated with one wheel of the vehicle and are able to slip when the vehicle goes around a turn. A traction inverter and control system monitors angular speeds of the rotors and determines which of the rotors is turning slower than the other, and controls the induction motor in accordance with the rotor having a lower speed so that a torque signal is generated in accordance with the rotor having the lower speed.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2017Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: David Crecelius
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Patent number: 9862290Abstract: A vehicle seat control system includes: a driving control unit that switches a vehicle between an autonomous driving mode and a manual driving mode; a changing unit that changes positions and facing directions of plural vehicle seats; and a control unit that controls the changing unit such that, in a case in which the driving control unit switches from the autonomous driving mode to the manual driving mode, a first seat in which a first occupant who is a driver sits faces in the vehicle traveling direction and is located in a predetermined driving position, and in a case in which the driving control unit switches from the manual driving mode to the autonomous driving mode, the first seat faces the in vehicle traveling direction and one or both of the position and the facing direction of another seat is changed without the other seat interfering with the first seat.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yoshinori Yamada
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Patent number: 9862291Abstract: A seat slide device includes lower rails and upper rails both formed substantially symmetrical bilaterally across a center in a width direction, and lock mechanisms on both sides of the upper rails to be engaged with the lower rails to lock them. An entire structure combining the lower rails, the upper rails and the lock mechanisms is substantially symmetrical forward, backward, and bilaterally, and a force applied to the lower rails and the upper rails can be absorbed substantially evenly forward, backward, and left and right. Since the lock mechanisms have an elastic lock member in a substantially center part in a longitudinal direction, the lower rails and the upper rails are elastically deformable for reduction of a biased load at a time of locking, improvement in vibration absorption characteristic, and the like, and a plate thickness of each material can be made thinner than conventional for weight reduction.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2013Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Delta Tooling Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsuhiro Inoue, Etsunori Fujita, Yumi Ogura, Seiji Kawasaki, Seiya Yoshida, Toshiya Kushiyama, Masahiro Kuromoto, Eiji Sugimoto, Minoru Nakamura, Ryuji Kuwano
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Patent number: 9862292Abstract: An infant seat support assembly is disclosed for supporting an infant seat relative to a structure, such as a shopping cart.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2017Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Inventor: Rachel Dehmer
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Patent number: 9862293Abstract: A seat for a vehicle, including a seating part pivoting about a pivot connection, a pivot connection allowing the seating part to be lowered into a substantially horizontal position or lifted against a back rest, the lowering of the seating part being limited in the course thereof by at least one first abutment that can release the lowering following an impact, the being characterized in that the seating part includes at least two adjacent panels that can carry out a fold-back movement in relation to each other about an axis parallel to the pivot connection between the seating part and the back rest in such a way as to be able to bring the upper faces of the panels towards each other.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: NEXTER SYSTEMSInventors: David LeBaillif, Sébastien Carrie
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Patent number: 9862294Abstract: A head rest that can secure backward view when it is not used, and enable adjustment of its front-and-rear position in use. The head rest is rotatable from a rearmost position to a stored position in which the head rest is tilted down forward. When the head rest is in a use range from the rearmost position to a forward adjustment limit position located in front, the tilting angle of the head rest is adjustable, and the head rest can be rotated forward to the stored position and rotated backward to the rearmost position. By contrast, when the head rest is in the stored position, forward rotation and backward rotation of the head rest are regulated, and the head rest can be rotated backward to the rearmost position.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: BIZEN HATSUJO CO., LTD.Inventors: Takeshi Yamane, Tokuzo Kobayashi, Yasushi Taniguchi
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Patent number: 9862295Abstract: A seat support suspension improving an absorption characteristic of low-cycle vibrations resulting from rolling. A seat support member supporting a seat is provided via a rolling absorption mechanism for absorbing rolling on brackets as a vehicle body side attachment member attached to the vehicle body side. Thus, rolling, low-cycle vibrations, generated by a phase shift or the like of a hydraulic suspension of the vehicle can be absorbed by the rolling absorption mechanism, a lateral displacement of the body of the seated person can be prevented, stability of a seated posture can be increased, and moreover occurrence of motion sickness can be suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: DELTA TOOLING CO., LTD.Inventors: Etsunori Fujita, Hiroki Oshimo
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Patent number: 9862296Abstract: A cup holder system is provided for a motor vehicle. The cup holder system includes a storage bin having a housing and a cover. Further the cup holder system includes a cup holder, a first mounting feature in the storage bin for receiving and holding the cup holder in a first use position and a second mounting feature at a second location in the motor vehicle outside the storage bin for receiving and holding the cup holder in a second use position.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kathleen M. Parlow, John Louis Miklas, Nicholas Alphonse Billardello, David Frederick Lyons, Jr., Anthony Michael Zingalie
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Patent number: 9862297Abstract: A vehicle trailer system for loading, transporting and unloading a load includes a wheeled trailer structure for attachment to a towing vehicle; a carriage mounted for bidirectional travel on the trailer structure; a carriage hitch carried by the carriage, the carriage hitch configured for coupling to the load; a movable, preferably pivotable arm carried by the trailer structure; and an arm actuating cylinder operably engaging the movable arm to selectively position the movable arm in lowered and raised positions. In a first raised position, the movable arm can suspend a cable attached to the load and lift the load when the cable is pulled by a winch. In a second raised position, the movable arm can arrange the cable so that it presents a strong vertical component for lowering the load onto the carriage hitch. When the movable arm is arranged in the lowered position, the carriage can travel over the movable arm as the cable pulls the load onto the trailer structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: SELECTRAILERS, L.L.CInventors: Frederick W. Anton Engelbrecht, Richard Alan Stahl, Marshall Roy Crosby
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Patent number: 9862298Abstract: A trailer comprising a main portion and a dovetail connected to a rear end of the main portion. The dovetail being configured to actuate between a travel position and a load position. The trailer additionally comprises a sled secured to the main portion and configured to actuate between a retracted position and an extended position. The trailer further comprises an actuator for extending and retracting the sled. With the sled in the extended position, the actuator and the sled is configured to maintain the dovetail in the travel position without the use of secondary locking mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: BIG TEX TRAILER MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventor: Mark Bushek
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Patent number: 9862299Abstract: A vehicle having a deployable workout assembly. The vehicle includes a frame that is slidably attached to the upper surface thereof. The frame includes a pair of support legs for supporting the longitudinal members aloft. The assembly further includes one or more crossbars extending across the members, which can be utilized for pull-ups and other such exercises. The support legs include one or more sets of spotters thereon, which can be utilized to support barbells and other such objects. In combination, the vehicle provides a mobile fitness center that can be deployed, utilized for exercise, and then stowed with minimal time and effort. The vehicle can additionally include various storage containers within the interior of the cargo area for storing weights and other objects.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Inventor: Benjamin Johnson
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Patent number: 9862300Abstract: A ratcheting strap device has an elongate body with a reel axis towards a first end and a ratcheting mechanism towards a second end opposite there-from. The ratcheting mechanism is affixed to the body, and has a spool axis and a ratchet spool rotatable relative to the body there-about. A first strap/hook member has a first length of strap affixed to a first one of the ratcheting mechanism and the body at a first proximal end, and has a first hook affixed to a first distal end there-of. A take-up reel is affixed to the body and rotational relative thereto about the reel axis. A second strap hook member has a second length of strap having a second proximal end connectable to the take-up reel, has a take-up strap portion adjacent to the second proximal end and windable around the take up reel, and has a second hook affixed to a second distal end there-of.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2017Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Inventor: Erik Edward Anderson
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Patent number: 9862301Abstract: A vehicular rear panel with a new configuration is provided. The vehicular rear panel according to an aspect of the present disclosure is made of a resin material and disposed on a rear vehicle body part. The vehicular rear panel includes a light guiding unit configured to guide light from the light source along an extending direction of the vehicular rear panel and a light emitting unit configured to emit light in the light guiding unit to a rear side of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Yamada, Masaaki Nakabayashi, Koji Uchino, Manabu Maeda, Noriaki Ito, Norimasa Yamamoto, Asami Nakada, Yuji Sakurai, Hiroya Koizumi, Tsukasa Tokida, Takao Muramatsu, Tomoaki Otani, Motohiro Komatsu, Akihiro Matsumoto, Takashi Terayama, Hiroki Ishibashi
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Patent number: 9862302Abstract: A color temperature control module of a vehicle headlight, installed to a moving vehicle body, includes a light emitting element, a sensing element and an auto switching element. The light emitting element includes a low-penetration light emitting source and a high-penetration light emitting source adjacent to the low-penetration light emitting source. The sensing element senses an ambient environment of the moving vehicle body and sends a sensing signal. The auto switching element, electrically connected to the light emitting element and the sensing element, receives the sensing signal sent by the sensing element to control switching of the low-penetration light emitting source and the high-penetration light emitting source. With the low-penetration light emitting source and the high-penetration light emitting source disposed, the light emitting element is allowed to switch in coordination with changes in the ambient environment of the moving vehicle body to increase driving safety.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Inventor: Chun-Hsien Kuo
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Patent number: 9862303Abstract: The present invention provides a headlamp capable of producing different light beams and fitted with a dynamic control mechanism for controlling the brightness minimizing light interference in all situations. The lamp comprises a light source with LED-type diodes; means for controlling the brightness and/or the geometry of the light beam; capturing means for generating an electrical signal representative of the reflected light intensity of the area illuminated by said light beam onto an illuminated object; and a control unit for generating control signals from the information generated by said capture system. The lamp has capturing means includes a focal system having a variable field under control of the control unit. Preferably, the capturing means includes at least two sensors with fixed focal length or, alternatively, a single sensor may be combined with a single controllable focal system electrically.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: ZedelInventors: Christophe Nogha Mbai, Philippe Berrel
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Patent number: 9862304Abstract: A vehicle lighting control system for controlling headlights of a vehicle and a display device comprises an illuminance detector for detecting an illuminance outside of the vehicle, and a lighting controller for controlling luminances of the headlights and the display device based on the detected illuminance. The lighting controller includes a headlight controlling module for turning the headlights off when the illuminance is above a first threshold, and turning the headlights on when the illuminance is the first threshold or below, and a display device controlling module for controlling the luminance of the display device to a first set value when the illuminance is above a second threshold, and controlling the luminance of the display device to a second set value when the illuminance is the second threshold or below, the second threshold being lower than the first threshold, the second set value being lower than the first set value.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventor: Hiroyuki Watase
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Patent number: 9862305Abstract: A vehicle headlight device includes a variable light distribution mechanism that is able to change an illuminating area of light emitted ahead of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle headlight device from at least one light source, and is able to illuminate part of the illuminating area at a higher intensity than other parts, a direct field of vision estimator that estimates a direct field of vision on which a vehicle operator is assumed to keep his/her eyes within an area ahead of the vehicle; and a light distribution controller that sets the illuminating area so as to contain the direct field of vision estimated by the direct field of vision estimator, and controls the variable light distribution mechanism to illuminate an area corresponding to the direct field of vision at a higher intensity than a periphery of the area.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATIONInventor: Isamu Nagasawa
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Patent number: 9862306Abstract: A vehicle decorative lighting device and a vehicle lamp including the lighting device can include a light guide lens and a light source that can emit various color lights. The light guide lens can includes a front surface including a plurality of convex surfaces so as to emit the color lights having a substantially uniform light-intensity from the front surface. The vehicle lamp can include a lamp room between an outer lens and a housing, and can incorporate various vehicle lamps such as a headlight along with the lighting device in the lamp room. The lighting device can be located in the lamp room so as to emit the color lights along a periphery of the outer lens. Thus, the disclosed subject matter can include providing vehicle lamps including the decorative lighting device having a harmonious favorable light distribution, for example, such that combine a headlight with a position lamp.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Toshihiko Yajima, Takanori Tsuchiya
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Patent number: 9862307Abstract: A vehicle emergency light beam system for the purpose of coupling to a disabled vehicle in order to warn oncoming motorists with indirect lighting. The rear facing light utilizes a programmable plurality of light fixtures each of which is directed using a light visor extension in a manner that avoids blinding an approaching driver. The device can emit various light colors and modes such as strobe, flashing, or constant light making it versatile in the event of a breakdown no matter what time of day it is. The device may be removably coupleable to a vehicle or alternately integrated into a vehicle's body.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Inventor: Kambiz Parvaresh
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Patent number: 9862308Abstract: A vehicle side mirror is provided and includes a mirror and a mirror housing in which the mirror is installed. Additionally, a blind spot detection (BSD)-integrated mirror holder supports the mirror and includes a mounting groove formed in a front surface thereof that faces the mirror. A BSD module is configured to provide a warning regarding a danger in a blind spot on a rear lateral side of a vehicle and is disposed in the mounting groove.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: SL Mirrortech CorporationInventor: Jeong Hun Oh
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Patent number: 9862309Abstract: A vehicle sill illumination assembly has a main body, an illumination panel and a controller. The main body includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion that together define an inverted U-shaped structure as viewed in cross-section. The first portion has an upright surface. The second portion extends horizontally inboard from an upper edge of the first section. The third portion extends downward from an inboard side of the second portion. The illumination panel is installed to an area of the first portion of the main body such that the illumination panel faces in an outboard direction with the main body installed to a vehicle sill structure. The controller is located within the main body and is configured to control illumination of the illumination panel.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventor: Sean Oliverio
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Patent number: 9862310Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a vehicle lamp includes a turn signal lamp, a turn signal lamp switch configured to operate the turn signal lamp, a lane change detector configured to detect lane change, and a controller configured to release the operation of the turn signal lamp when the lane change detector determines that the lane change has been completed after the operation of the turn signal lamp switch.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventor: Chong Bae Park
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Patent number: 9862311Abstract: A visual communication apparatus affixed to a vehicle. The visual communication apparatus includes a smart key system that detects a key fob of a user within a keyless detection zone, a projector projecting visual indications on a projecting zone lying on a ground surface of the vehicle, a sensor optically capturing gestures of the user of the vehicle, and an electrical control unit capable of actuated key elements of the vehicle. The visual indications include passive visual indications requiring no activation from the user and active visual indications requiring activations from the user. The activations are performed by gestures of the user on the active visual indications.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2017Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Hiroshi Kiriyama, Shogo Kimura, Mineo Kurita
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Patent number: 9862312Abstract: A motion sickness countermeasure system for a user within a vehicle having a light array system configured to output visual stimuli presented in a field of view of the user; and a controller outputting a control signal to the light array system to activate the light array system in such a way as to mimic the visual input one would receive if one were to look outside the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2017Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANInventors: Michael Sivak, Brandon Schoettle
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Patent number: 9862313Abstract: An aero part for vehicles, which is mounted in a vehicle and has a virtual engine sound output function may include a reed vibration sound generator disposed in an inner space of the aero part to generate sound as a reed vibrates by an air stream introduced into the inner space of the aero part through a vent hole during vehicle traveling.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Chan Hee Lee
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Patent number: 9862314Abstract: A warning triangle stand includes a triangular plate provided with a reflector, an LED lamp, a switch, and a power source. The reflector and the LED lamp are disposed on the front of the triangular plate. The power source is disposed inside the triangular plate. The power source is electrically connected with the LED lamp. The triangular plate includes a main plate, a left plate, a right plate, and an upper plate. The left plate and the right plate are hinged to two sides of the main plate. The upper plate is hinged to an upper end of the main plate. The switch is used to control the triangular plate to be in a folded state or an unfolded state. The triangular plate can be unfolded through the switch, which is fast and convenient. The LED lamp is used in cooperation with the reflector to provide a warning effect.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2017Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Shanghai Karstone Energy Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tie Hong Xia
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Patent number: 9862315Abstract: A system for determining driver errors includes an interface and a processor. The interface is configured to receive a safety warning from a safety warning system. The processor is configured to determine an appropriate driver response based at least in part on the safety warning; determine a driver response; determine whether the driver response comprises the appropriate driver response; and in the event the driver response does not comprise the appropriate driver response, indicating a driver error.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Lytx, Inc.Inventor: Brett Hoye
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Patent number: 9862316Abstract: A method for visualizing the surroundings of a vehicle, including the following steps: determining and storing an instantaneous distance between the vehicle and present obstacles in the surroundings of the vehicle with the aid of at least one sensor; determining and storing a present position of the vehicle; calculating an at least two-dimensional model of the surroundings from the stored data; calculating a virtual view of the model of the surroundings from a selected virtual observer position; recording a video depiction of at least a portion of the surroundings with the aid of at least one video camera and integrating the video depiction into the virtual view; and outputting the virtual view together with the integrated video depiction to a driver of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2012Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Joerg Heckel, Claus Marberger, Holger Mielenz
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Patent number: 9862317Abstract: A system for evaluating performance of a vehicle window defrosting/defogging apparatus includes at least one computing device having at least a processor and a memory, and one or more imagers configured for obtaining images of one or more windows of a vehicle. The processor is configured to execute instructions for analyzing the images to determine a defrosted/defogged portion of the one or more windows at predetermined time intervals, including controlling illumination to optimize the system's ability to distinguish cleared window areas. A graphical user interface is configured for displaying and/or manipulating at least one of the one or more images, digital data of the one or more images, and a predetermined template for determining the defrosted/defogged portion of the one or more windows. The system includes instructions for aligning the one or more images with the predetermined template, including processing the images to correct for window taper, curvature, and size.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Marcos Ahuizotl Fragoso Iniguez, Kevin M. Rolinski, Rachid E. El Aile, Oscar Monroy
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Patent number: 9862318Abstract: A method of determining the distance of an object from an automated vehicle based on images taken by a monocular image acquiring device. The object is recognized with an object-class by means of an image processing system. Respective position data are determined from the images using a pinhole camera model based on the object-class. Position data indicating in world coordinates the position of a reference point of the object with respect to the plane of the road is used with a scaling factor of the pinhole camera model estimated by means of a Bayes estimator using the position data as observations and under the assumption that the reference point of the object is located on the plane of the road with a predefined probability. The distance of the object from the automated vehicle is calculated from the estimated scaling factor using the pinhole camera model.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Stephanie Lessmann, Mirko Meuter, Dennis Mueller
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Patent number: 9862319Abstract: Provided is a device whereby the position of an obstacle can be perceived on a monitor without compromising the effectiveness of displaying an overhead image on the monitor. An overhead image generating unit generates an overhead image from images captured using plural cameras, and the overhead image is displayed in an auxiliary display area of a monitor. When an obstacle detection part detects an obstacle in proximity to a vehicle, a specified information output unit emphasizes the display of a frame in the outer side of a divided area of the overhead image that contains the obstacle. Touching the auxiliary display area with a finger or the like during this emphasized display causes the captured image of the obstacle to be enlarged and displayed in the auxiliary display area.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hidehiko Miyoshi, Noboru Nagamine, Kenji Miura, Kinji Yamamoto, Kenjiro Goto
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Patent number: 9862320Abstract: A three-dimensional object detection device has a camera, a three-dimensional object detection unit, a lens cleaning device, a lens state assessment unit and a controller. The camera has a lens for forming an image of an area rearward of a vehicle. The three-dimensional object detection unit detects a three-dimensional object rearward of the vehicle based on the captured images. The lens cleaning device sprays cleaning fluid to clean the lens of the camera. The lens state assessment unit accesses whether the lens is in a predetermined state subject to control based on a timing at which cleaning fluid is sprayed on the lens. The controller suppresses detection of the three-dimensional object by retaining detection or assessment results for a predetermined length of time that were obtained immediately before the lens was assessed to be in the state subject to control, upon assessment that the lens state is subject to control.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2013Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhisa Hayakawa, Osamu Fukata